Glendale hearing officer takes under submission school conversion after neighbors press parking and noise concerns

Hearing Officer Cassandra Pruitt took under submission on July 30 a conditional use permit and a parking reduction permit application to convert the former First Church of Christ Scientist at 1316–1328 North Brand Boulevard into Scholars Preparatory School, a private school proposing 150 students in grades 4–12 and 15 teachers and staff.

The Planning Division case planner, Shohgi of Premian, told the hearing that staff recommended approval with 37 conditions after environmental review found the project categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as Class 1 (existing facilities) and Class 3 (small new construction). Shohgi said the proposal includes converting two existing buildings totaling 8,765 square feet and constructing three detached classroom buildings (750 square feet each) at the rear of the roughly 33,840‑square‑foot site.

The project seeks a parking reduction to operate with 41 on‑site parking spaces rather than the 142 spaces required by code. Shohgi said a parking analysis and vehicle‑trip technical report prepared by licensed consultants concluded 41 spaces would be sufficient for staff and visitors and that all student drop‑off and pick‑up…