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) February 3, 2026 Page 6 5 4 9 2 equipment is proposed, and all activities will continue to comply with the City’s noise ordinance (SAMC Chapter 18). The new building will include standard security lighting for safety. All fixtures will be equipped with dimmer switches. Additionally, the fixtures will be shielded and directed downward to prevent glare or spillover onto adjacent residential properties. The Project will continue to comply with the City’s outdoor lighting standards, ensuring that nighttime illumination is limited to what is necessary for security. Because the expansion involves only a small increase in enrollment and no significant changes to outdoor facilities or lighting, it will not alter the acoustic or visual environment of the surrounding neighborhood. Traffic and Circulation The Project will not result in significant traffic or circulation impacts. A focused traffic study determined that the modest enrollment increase, primarily due to retaining existing students, will not generate substantial additional vehicle trips during peak periods. The school effectively manages circulation through staggered dismissal times, 3:10 p.m. for kindergarten through sixth grade, earlier pick-ups for preschool, and 3:30–5:30 p.m. for after-school programs. Staff-supervised loading zones and on-site security personnel will continue to ensure orderly circulation and pedestrian safety. Compatibility with Surrounding Uses The Project site is surrounded by residential neighborhoods to the north and west, a commercial and cultural center to the east, and other religious and educational facilities to the south. Primary access from McFadden Avenue limits traffic intrusion into nearby residential areas. The proposed two-story building’s contemporary architectural design complements the existing church and school facilities and enhances the overall campus character. Its location at the rear of the property reduces visual impacts on neighboring streets and residences. Overall, the Project is compatible with surrounding institutional and residential uses and will not introduce new adverse impacts related to traffic, noise, or lighting. With compliance with the City’s operational standards and conditions of approval, the Project will continue to support a community-serving use consistent with Santa Ana’s goals for neighborhood cohesion and access to educational resources. General Plan Consistency The new proposed school building will not adversely affect the General Plan, as the granting of the CUP would be consistent with various goals and policies of the General Plan. The approval of the proposed Project will be consistent with the General Plan land