31B - CUP - 1901 NORTH FAIRVIEW ST

Home Browse Search

CUP No. 2012 -17 & VA No. 2012 -06 August 13, 2012 Page 3 Project Backaround The project site was originally developed in 1964 with a one -story, 54,000 square foot hospital and a three -story, 13,000 square foot medical office building. In 2011, after a period of vacancy, the buildings were demolished to make way for the future high school use. Orangewood Children's Foundation was founded over 30 years ago for the purpose of developing a facility to shelter Orange County children who are victims of abuse, neglect and abandonment. In 1985, the Foundation completed the development of the Orangewood Children's Home in the city of Orange, which provides housing for minors, a preschool and K -12 school, medical and recreational facilities, and other related services. Through operation of these and other programs, the Foundation realized that only half of all teens in the foster care system are graduating from high school. Therefore, the Foundation is attempting to meet the educational needs of foster youth by constructing a new high school that will provide them with a high - quality education and a firm base of support. Through attendance at the school and in conjunction with the other programs run by Orangewood, the Foundation will provide foster teens and at -risk youth with solid foundation for life, instilling in them the skills and confidence needed to live healthy and productive lives. General Plan and Zoning Analysis The General Plan land use designation for the site is Professional and Administrative Office (PAO), which allows for a variety of office and office - related uses. Additionally, service activities and educational facilities that support office development are also consistent with the PAO designation. The proposed project is consistent with the General Plan designation. The subject site is located in the Professional (P) zoning district. The Professional district is a zoning designation that allows professional, administrative and medical office uses, commercial uses that support office activities, hospitals and schools. The project is consistent with this zoning designation. Project Analysis The Orangewood Children's Foundation is proposing to open The Academy Charter High School on a vacant parcel of land. The subject site will be in compliance with the zoning regulations of the P district, with the exception of parking, building height and fence height (for which variances are proposed) and will be compatible with the general plan land use designation. Additionally, appropriate conditions of approval have been included for this project that will ensure it remains in compliance with various provisions of the Municipal Code and does not become an attractive nuisance or disrupt the surrounding residents. The Academy will provide a much needed educational facility to at -risk youths in the community. Further, The Academy will provide a safe and supportive environment, prepare students for productive lives motivating them to become engaged and 31 B -5