Orange County — Board of Zoning Adjustment

SE-21-04-006 — Amr Gawad for Crenshaw School

Request: Special Exception in the A-1 zoning district to allow a K-12 private school for 90 children including 40 dorms.

Decision: Denied

Hearing: SYNOPSIS: Staff described the proposal, including the location of the property, the site plan, and photos of the site. Staff provided an analysis of the six (6) criteria and the reasons for a recommendation for denial. Staff noted that 3 comments were received in support, and 11 comments were received in opposition. The applicant stated that they have addressed all issues including drainage. The applicant noted that the area allowed 1 home per acre, and felt that proposing 6 buildings on a 7 acre site would be similar. He also noted that a private school is needed in Orange County, and that the dormitories can host local students, and that the Crenshaw School has been providing service to the community for 10 years with no complaints. He further noted that the school buildings are located behind the 2 industrial buildings to the north, with the exception of the administration building, which will be moved forward along with redesigned parking to reduce the number of spaces to reduce the impervious area. He also stated that transportation planning has reviewed the proposal, including the drop off and pick up areas to confirm that there is no backup onto Hempel Rd. He also stated that they agree to all conditions of approval. The operator of the school stated that they have been in business for 22 years and are fully accredited, and they do serve the residents of the community and they do not want to change the area. 4 people spoke in favor of the request, stating that they think very highly of the school, and that they trust the engineering drainage/design, and that the dorms will decrease traffic. 6 people spoke against the request, stating concerns about stormwater, environmental issues, noise, traffic, the dormitories that will bring outside students, and preservation of the Rural Settlement, noting that the use will not benefit the residents of the area. It was also noted that proposing 1 school building per acre is not equal to 1 home per acre. The appli