Item 18 - Appeal Application of Conditional Use Permit to Allow the Expansion of a Private School

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Appeal Application No. 2025-02 – Forty Martyrs Armenian Church Middle School (5311 W. McFadden Avenue) Exhibit 6 – Response to Appeal Comments Page 4 of 19 misrepresented, as it was noted to be adjacent to the project site. In addition, conditions of approval were incorporated in the resolution to mitigate potential traffic, parking, and noise concerns. Omission of Multi-Institutional Corridor Context – As stated on pages four and five of the Planning Commission staff report (Exhibit 3 to February 3, 2026 City Council staff report), the proposed project is located within an existing church and school campus surrounded by a commercial center and a cultural center to the east and two churches and a Catholic Grade School to the southwest. Additionally, the focus parking study included a parking and access agreement between 5311 W. McFadden Avenue and 5305 W. McFadden Avenue. The shared access between these properties further relieves any potential parking and traffic impacts imposed by the proposed project. Lack of Existing Classroom and Enrollment Baseline Data – As stated on page five of the Planning Commission staff report (Exhibit 3 to the February 3, 2026 City Council staff report), the current student enrollment is 180 students and the proposed addition is expected to increase enrollment to 195 students, representing an eight-percent increase in enrollment. Additionally, as part of the recommended approval, staff included a condition of approval capping the student enrollment at 195, requiring a submittal of an application to the Planning Division for review should the applicant wish to amend the CUP, and a potential revocation of the CUP if the applicant fails to comply with all the conditions of approval listed in Exhibit 1 – Resolution for CUP No. 1982-18-MOD-1. Inadequate Consideration of Land Use Changes – The proposed project does not involve a change in land use. The proposed project site is currently developed and occupied by a school and a church. The project proposes the construction of a new two-story building on a portion of the site that is presently paved with no specific use nor purpose. Potential traffic and parking impacts associated with the project were evaluated as part of the development project review conducted prior to the project’s consideration by the Planning Commission for review and approval. Omission of Dual Use Impact on Adjacent Residential Property – As stated on pages five and six of the Planning Commission staff report (Exhibit 3 to the February 3, 2026 City Council staff report), the proposed project is not intended to change operational standards. The school is currently using the playground as a