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Appeal Application No. 2025-02 — Forty Martyrs Armenian Church Middle School (5311 <br /> W. McFadden Avenue) <br /> February 3, 2026 <br /> Page 5 <br /> The Forty Martyrs Armenian Church Middle School requested a modification to its existing <br /> CUP to expand its elementary program (pre-kindergarten through sixth grade) by adding <br /> seventh and eighth grades. While the original CUP No. 1982-18 approved educational <br /> use up to ninth grade, the existing 17,500-square-foot school building was designed for, <br /> and has historically served, only elementary grades. The new building is necessary to <br /> accommodate the middle school curriculum. <br /> The Project is not intended to substantially increase enrollment. The new facility is <br /> designed for a maximum of 32 additional students, with total enrollment expected to grow <br /> gradually from approximately 180 to 195 students, primarily by retaining students who <br /> would otherwise leave after sixth grade. This modest growth aligns with the existing <br /> campus's capacity and is not anticipated to result in new significant impacts related to <br /> noise, traffic, or parking. <br /> The Project complies with applicable development standards, including building height <br /> and setbacks. Although the SAMC typically requires 110 parking spaces for the combined <br /> school and church uses, the site provides 88 spaces. This is permissible pursuant to AB <br /> 2097, a state law which prohibits local government agencies from requiring parking <br /> minimums for qualifying sites within one-half mile of major transit stops. Nevertheless, a <br /> parking demand analysis that was completed for the project confirmed that the 88 on-site <br /> spaces adequately meet operational needs, and the site's access configuration limits <br /> spillover parking into adjacent residential areas. <br /> Student Enrollment and Operations <br /> The expansion supports continuity for families by allowing students to remain at the <br /> school through eighth grade. The school's staggered recess schedule, with breaks at <br /> 10:00-10:20 a.m., 12:00-12:45 p.m., and 12:45-1:30 p.m., will remain in place to limit <br /> the number of students outdoors at one time and minimize potential noise impacts. <br /> Students in grades five through eight will continue to attend weekly religion classes in the <br /> on-site church during regular school hours. These classes will not conflict with church <br /> services or create additional operational impacts. Moreover, the school year will continue <br /> to operate on the current academic calendar (August through June) with limited summer <br /> programming. No new evening or weekend activities are proposed beyond those already <br /> in place, ensuring that the expanded program remains consistent with existing operations. <br /> Noise and Lighting <br /> The Project will not create significant noise or lighting impacts. Outdoor play areas will <br /> remain as they are, and no new outdoor facilities are proposed. Staggered recess periods <br /> will continue to minimize outdoor activity at any one time. No amplified outdoor sound <br /> City Council 18 — 5 2/3/2026 <br />