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 16 of 19 students and extending the academic program, the Project will enhance educational continuity for families, reduce the need for additional school commuting outside the neighborhood, and strengthen the long-term stability of the school community. As such, the proposed use will provide a valuable educational service and contribute positively to the general well-being of the surrounding neighborhood and the broader Santa Ana community. 2. That the proposed use under the circumstances of the particular case will not be detrimental to the health, safety, or general welfare of persons residing or working in the vicinity. The proposed middle school building will not be detrimental to the health, safety, or general welfare of persons residing or working in the vicinity. The Project is located within an existing church and school campus that has historically operated as an educational facility. The proposed expansion is modest in scale, limited to four classrooms and one laboratory with a maximum capacity of 32 students, and is intended primarily to retain existing students rather than generate substantial new enrollment. Traffic, parking demand, and noise levels are expected to remain consistent with current operations, as dismissal times are already staggered and closely managed by staff to ensure orderly circulation. In addition, playground and campus activities are existing uses that will continue to comply with the City’s noise ordinance and will be buffered by setbacks, perimeter walls, and landscaping. Accordingly, the Project will operate safely within the site’s capacity and will not create adverse impacts to surrounding residences or businesses. 3. That the proposed use will not adversely affect the present economic stability or future economic development of properties surrounding the area. The proposed use will not adversely affect the present economic stability or future economic development of surrounding properties. The Project is located within an established church and school campus that has operated for decades without creating negative economic impacts on nearby residential or commercial uses. The expansion is limited in scope, designed to accommodate existing students as they progress into the middle school grade levels, and will not substantially increase overall enrollment. As such, no new burdens on parking, traffic circulation, or neighborhood infrastructure are anticipated. The Project is expected to support neighborhood