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 18 of 19 Goal LU-2 seeks to provide a balance of land uses that meet Santa Ana’s diverse needs. Moreover, Policy LU-2.3 seeks to provide a diversity of land uses that support residents, visitors, and businesses, such as areas for community gatherings. The proposed Project will continue to provide a school use where the community can gather during hours of operation and/or during special events. Goal LU-3 seeks to preserve and improve the character of existing neighborhoods and districts. Moreover, Policy LU-3.1 supports new development which provides a net community benefit and contributes to neighborhood character and identity. The proposed Project will provide additional square footage to the existing school use and church campus. As mentioned above, the new school building will not disrupt the existing neighborhood. Additionally, the proposed architecture is meant to improve the site’s character and the surrounding community. Goal LU-4 supports a sustainable City through improvements to the built environment and a culture of collaboration. Policy LU-4.1, promotes complete neighborhoods by encouraging a mix of complementary uses, community services, and people places within a walkable area. As proposed, the Project will promote a complete neighborhood by providing school uses to the surrounding residential community within the vicinity. The school will act as an added service for the neighboring properties and nearby neighborhoods. 12. Appellant Request: Conclusion & Requested Actions a. Vacate the Approval of CUP No. 1982-18-MOD-1 b. Remand for Proper and Lawful Reconsideration c. Require Appropriate Environmental Review Prior to Any Reconsideration d. Applicant and City Must Bear the Burden of Demonstrating Compatibility e. If Compatibility Cannot be Demonstrated, the Appropriate Outcome is Denial of Expansion at this Location Analysis of Issue: As noted on the thorough responses previously provided, City staff conducted the review of the proposed school expansion in accordance with all applicable Federal (public notices and public comment), State (Government, Civil, and Environmental Codes and Guidelines), and City (Buildings/Structures, Health/Sanitation, and Zoning) codes. Staff recommended approval of the request because it deemed that the project met and satisfied all five of the specified findings of fact required