Item 26 - Public Hearing Vista Heritage Charter School (601 North Fairview Street)

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Vista Heritage Charter School (601 North Fairview Street) January 16, 2024 Page 8 oriented and traditional industrial uses to clean manufacturing and research and development uses, and live -work maker spaces that are compatible and can coexist with residential and other sensitive land uses such as schools, churches, and recreation facilities. In addition, the approval of the subject project will be consistent with the General Plan land use designation and the designated focus area. The Flex-1.5 land use designation encourages a myriad of industrial uses that do not produce significant air pollutants including office -industrial flex spaces, small-scale clean manufacturing, research and development, among other uses. Furthermore, the West Santa Ana Boulevard Focus Area is intended to transition a group of auto -oriented neighborhoods and institutions into a series of transit -oriented neighborhoods that support and benefit from future streetcar stops. In order to accomplish the goals of the General Plan, the focus area promotes infill development while respecting established neighborhoods and providing buffers from industrial to residential neighborhoods. The proposed project will create a buffer from industrial uses to residential by changing the use of an auto -repair building into an office space. Additionally, the proposed project proposes landscape improvements and a community garden that will further act as buffers and accomplish the goals of the General Plan. Moreover, the approval of the proposed applications will be consistent with the goals and policies of the General Plan, specifically Goals 1, 2, and 3 of the Land Use Element (LU). Goal 1 of the LU provides a land use plan that improves the quality of life and respects the existing community. Policy 1-8 encourages new development to provide a new community benefit. The change of use from auto -repair to office will provide a benefit to the community by reducing the noise, fumes, and waste that stem from auto - repair -like businesses. Additionally, the outdoor play area for the school will allow the school to offer their students a space for recreational purposed within their business hours. Goal 2 of the LU seeks a balance of land uses to meet Santa Ana's diverse needs. Policy 2-6 promotes rehabilitation of properties and encourages increased levels of capital investment to create a safe and attractive environment. Approval of the amendment application and the zoning ordinance amendment will promote the rehabilitation of the existing building with a new fagade and site improvements. Goal 3 of the LU seeks to preserve and improve the character and integrity of existing neighborhoods and districts. Policy 3-7 promotes a clean, safe, and creative environment for Santa Ana's residential, workers, and visitors. Approval of the project will promote a clean, safe, and creative environment for Santa Ana's residents by reducing hazardous waste produced by auto repair businesses, enhancing the architecture of the existing building, and enhancing the site by introducing new landscape. City Council 26 — 8 1/16/2024