Advance Planning staff are responsible for the development of policies and plans intended to guide the City’s growth and development in the future, managing information about the City’s population and housing growth, and representing the City in regional planning activities undertaken by the Orange County Council of Governments and Southern California Association of Governments. Advance Planning efforts involve implementing and maintaining the General Plan, drafting new or revised standards to address changes in State planning laws, new types of land uses that are not already addressed by the Municipal Code, or problematic land uses and development conditions in the community.
In addition to its policy and statistical work, Advance Planning is also responsible for preparing environmental analysis and documents for the City’s Capital Improvement Projects such as the Main Library expansion, road widening projects, park renovations, new bike trails, and new water pumping stations. In some instances, staff coordinates the preparation of technical reports (traffic, noise, biological resources, etc.) or more complex environmental documents by consultant.
City of Orange Homeless Shelters Ordinance The City of Orange Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on February 6, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. to consider approval of an Ordinance allowing homeless shelters to locate in the City’s Light Manufacturing (M-1) and Industrial (M-2) zoning districts “by right” subject to certain development standards and requirements. The Planning Commission meeting will be held in the Council Chambers at Orange City Hall at 300 East Chapman Avenue. Senate Bill 2 (passed by the California Legislature effective January 1, 2008) requires all cities in California to allow for homeless shelters “by right” (i.e. without a Conditional Use Permit or other discretionary City approval) in at least one zoning district. In order to comply with State law, the City is considering approval of an Ordinance allowing homeless shelters to locate in the City’s Light Manufacturing (M-1) and Industrial (M-2) zoning districts subject to certain development standards and requirements. The Ordinance establishes standards and requirements for homeless shelter location, overnight occupancy, required services and facilities, lighting, parking, length of stay, hours of operation, required staffing, client intake procedures, and safety and security. Click here to view the Draft Ordinance. Click here for a map showing areas where homeless shelters would be allowed under the proposed Ordinance. The City of Orange Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on February 6, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. to consider approval of the Ordinance in the Council Chambers at Orange City Hall, addressed 300 East Chapman Avenue. Following the Planning Commission hearing, the item will be scheduled for a City Council public hearing (date to be determined). For additional information, please contact Jennifer (McDonald) Le, Senior Planner with the City of Orange Planning Division, at (714) 744-7238 or at jle@cityoforange.org.
The Santa Fe Depot Specific Plan update and associated environmental impact report (EIR) are now available for public review. The review period runs from December 12, 2011 - February 1, 2012.
The Santa Fe Depot Specific Plan was originally adopted in December 1993 with policies and standards for new development in the area immediately surrounding the Santa Fe Depot/Metrolink station and OCTA bus transfer station. The ultimate goal for the Specific Plan update is to transform the Depot area into a vibrant transit-oriented district while strengthening its connections to adjacent residential neighborhoods and Old Towne Historic District. Click here to access the public review documents, as well as for a summary of public workshops and more information about the project.
