31A - CUP - 5321 W MCFADDEN AVE - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Conditional Use Permit No. 2010-24 Variance No. 2010-04 January 24, 2011 Page 4 In addition to this outreach, public notices of tonight's meeting were mailed to all property owners within a 500 foot radius of the project site and notices were published in the newspaper. Staff has received one phone call and no written communications regarding this item. Conditional Use Permit The Santa Ana Municipal Code (SAMC) provides for the regulation of churches and accessory church buildings subject to a conditional use permit in the Single Family Residence (R-1) zoning district. The purpose of regulating church uses is to preserve the quality of the residential character of the existing neighborhood and to minimize impacts to surrounding areas. Section 41-682 of the SAMC states that "nonconforming buildings that are damaged or partially destroyed by fire, flood, wind ...or similar occurrence, may be rebuilt provided the cost of restoration does not exceed the buildings fair market value prior to the date of damage." However, since a new structure will be built on the site, and the new structure will be larger than the previously approved facility, the church is required to obtain a new conditional use permit. As proposed, the project meets the City's parking and landscaping requirements and complies with the provisions of Santa Ana Municipal Code (Zoning Code/Chapter 41) that are applicable to a church. The sanctuary, multi-purpose room and offices result in a total parking requirement of 104 parking spaces while 109 spaces are proposed. Access to the site will be taken primarily from one existing driveway and a new driveway on McFadden Avenue. Although the additional square footage at this location will increase the usage of the site, adequate on-site parking, additional landscaping and conditions of approval have been added to limit any potential impacts to the residential uses nearby. Additionally, the proposed church, multi-purpose room and office uses will allow the church the ability to provide an additional service to its congregation and the surrounding community. The proposed expansion supports several goals and policies of the General Plan including Policy 5.1 of the Land Use Element which encourages development which has a net benefit to the community and Policy 1.8 of the Land Use Element which encourages the development of non-profit recreational facilities and services. Variance The SAMC also regulates the height of buildings in the R-1 zoning district. The purpose of regulating building height is to preserve the quality of the visual environment by ensuring that new development is harmonious in scale and character with existing development in the area. In this case the applicant is requesting to erect a 62-foot tall bell tower and steeple as a defining feature that exceeds the maximum height allowed. The applicant proposes to install the church bell tower and steeple at the front of the structure along its primary entrance on McFadden Avenue. The 31A-6