31B - CUP - 1901 NORTH FAIRVIEW ST

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City of Santa Ana Environmental Checklist and both are approximately 500 feet to the south of the project site. The width of the Santa Ana River and its concrete -lined channel creates separation and more panoramic views than the adjacent street system in the area. The views from Edna Park and the Santa Ana River toward the project site are limited to a single view corridor provided by Huckleberry Road. This view corridor from Edna Park is constrained by existing residential structures and their associated landscaping, which create visual obstructions. Further, the view of the project site is constrained by the existing 6 -foot concrete wall the bounds the project site on three sides. Private Views Given the flat topography and the density of the built environment in the vicinity of the project, the residents directly adjacent to the project site have the most prominent views. The residential uses east and adjacent to the project site have direct views of the project site. Additionally, views from residences within the adjacent condominiums to the south have close views of the project site. However, the vast majority of the condominium residents do not have direct views of the project site because of the orientation of the residential units and the existing visual obstructions, including walls and trees that separate the parcels. Likewise, the recreational areas (i.e., swimming pool and tennis courts) within the condominium development are screened from the project site by the existing built environment. The residential land uses to the west of Fairview Avenue have over 80 feet of separation from the project site and a busy thoroughfare between residences and the project. In addition, these residences are largely faced inward, toward the residential streets, and not oriented toward Fairview Street or the project site. The St. Edna Subacute & Rehabilitation Center adjacent to the north of the project site has an exterior patio area in an enclave on the east side of the building adjacent to the parking lot. This area is screened from the project site by a jog in the building envelope that provides a visual obstruction. In addition, views of the project site, including patient rooms, are obstructed by the existing 6 -foot wall that exists between the rehabilitation center and the project site. Onsite Baseline Visual Conditions As evidenced by the panoramas shown on Figures 3 -1 and 3 -2, the views to and from the site are constrained by the density and intensity of the built environment that surrounds the site on all four sides. The perimeter walls on the north, east, and south of the property further constrain the viewshed. The walls average 6 feet in height and are painted an off -white color. The eastern wall has graffiti adjacent to a painted -over area that was likely covered with graffiti as well. The southern boundary wall adjacent to the multi- family residential development is shorter and topped with a 30- inch wrought -iron metal fence. The western viewshed is more open because it Is adjacent to Fairview Street and lacks a perimeter wall. The western boundary is defined by a temporary chain -link fence supported by round steel posts. Although chain -link fencing is visually unobtrusive from a distance, when viewed closely it is unattractive and industrial- looking. In addition, the Fairview Street road, sidewalks, and right -of- way creates additional openness from southwest to northwest views. However, the traffic along Fairview Street also creates a visual distraction and boundary. The character of the onsite landscape can be described as previously developed vacant land. The immediate foreground is dominated by concrete foundations. Their geometric shape is reinforced by the pollution prevention structures along their perimeters. Further into the foreground asphalt and concrete driveways transition smoothly along the foundations. Mature trees are the site's dominant The Academy Charter High School June 2012 Initial Study /Mitigated Negative Declaration 3 -5 ICF 00914.11 31 B -74