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CUP 2014 -49, VA No. 2014 -07 & VA No. 2014 -08 <br />December 8, 2014 <br />Page 7 <br />The granting of the variance is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of substantial <br />property rights. Allowing a reduction in the front and rear yard setbacks as well as the building <br />separation standard will accommodate the placement of the existing buildings and will allow the <br />owner the ability to develop the property with a care home facility that is compatible with the <br />Two - Family Residence (R2) zoning district. Compliance with the setback standards would result <br />in portions of the existing structures to be demolished, which would reduce the feasibility of the <br />proposed expanded care home and impact the property rights of the owner. <br />The granting of the variance will not be materially detrimental to the public or surrounding <br />properties as the buildings and site have been designed to comply with all applicable <br />development standards except for the front and rear yard setbacks and building separation <br />standard. The expanded office building, to be built in the center of the campus, along with the <br />related site improvements and landscaping, will enhance this property as well as the surrounding <br />properties. The rehabilitation of the two residential structures at 325 Susan Street, by <br />reintroducing Craftsman architectural features such as decorative porch piers, wood window trim <br />and wood siding accents at the eaves, will enrich the street elevation and ensure the project is <br />architecturally compatible with the adjacent neighborhood. <br />Finally, the project will not adversely affect the general plan as care facilities are a compatible <br />use In the Low Density Residential General Plan land use designation, In addition, the project is <br />consistent with several goals and policies of the General Plan. Specifically, Land Use Element <br />Policy 2.10 supports new development which is harmonious in scale and character with the <br />existing development and Policy 3.5 encourages new development that is compatible in scale, <br />and consistent with the architectural style and character of the neighborhood. The existing care <br />facility, in conjunction with the improvements to be made to the site, will be in scale and <br />compatible with the development pattern of the neighborhood. Housing Element Goal 2 seeks to <br />provide a diversity of quality housing, affordability levels, and living experiences that <br />accommodate Santa Ana's residents and workforce of all household types, income levels, and <br />age groups to foster an inclusive community. The John Henry Foundation currently provides <br />housing and support services for special needs and the developmental disabled population. The <br />proposed project will allow the Foundation to expand upon the services they provide. <br />Variance from Front Yard Fence Standards (Variance No. 2014 -08 <br />The applicant is requesting a variance from SAMC Section 41- 610 to allow a six foot high decorative <br />wrought iron fence and entry gates along Susan Street. Currently, three feet is the maximum fence <br />height allowed within the front yard setback. The applicant contends that the increased fence height <br />will allow the John Henry Foundation to provide a more secure environment for their special needs and <br />developmentally disabled residents. <br />31A-9 <br />