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Planning
The Planning Division is here to help you with information about land use, development standards, historic preservation, the environmental review process, and community demographics. Our job at the City is to guide the physical development of the community in a way that promotes attractive development that is compatible with surrounding uses. Also important is the role we play in managing development in the City’s historic districts.
Our planning and historic preservation staff are available to help you determine whether or not a property is suitable for a particular type of use, and if any special approvals are required to allow that use. We are also here to explain development standards including building setbacks and height, parking requirements, and design standards for new development and building alterations. Planning and historic preservation staff are happy to assist you, and provide guidance to help you achieve your development objectives.
Advanced Planning provides long range land planning and zoning administrator services.
- Managing information about the City's population and housing growth
- Providing inter-agency coordination of major development projects relative to transportation and air quality
- Representing the City in regional planning activities undertaken by the Orange County Council of Governments and Southern California Association of Governments
- 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
- Annexation coordination related to both the unincorporated islands as well as the City's 18,000 acre unincorporated sphere of influence
We also prepare environmental analysis and documents for the City's Capital Improvement Projects.
Current Planning oversees short range developmental planning functions, such as coordinating project review with other departments and public agencies. The Current Planning staff administers the provisions of the City's General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, Old Towne Design Standards, Southwest Redevelopment Design Guidelines, and various planned community texts.
- Providing assistance to the public
- Evaluating Planning applications for land development or changes in land use
- Coordinating internal review of Planning applications with other City departments
- Implementing the Old Towne Design Standards and providing public information about appropriate approaches to making alterations and additions to historic properties
- Implementing the development standards that comprise the City's zoning ordinance
- Conducting site inspections in conjunction with finalizing building permits for development projects involving Planning applications.
We also act as staff to the Planning Commission, Design Review Committee, Zoning Administrator, and Staff Review Committee.
- General Plan
- Land Use Application
- Zoning
- Environmental Planning
- California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
- Local Environmental Review Procedures
- Planning Resources
The award-winning City of Orange 2010 General Plan establishes a long-term vision for growth and change in the community through the year 2030. View the Orange General Plan Vision Statement (PDF)
The Orange City Council adopted the 2010 General Plan on March 9, 2010 and the Housing Element of the General Plan on April 13, 2010.
The General Plan is a forward-looking “blueprint” for our City, and is meant to
protect the quality of life for our citizens. The Plan provides goals, policies, and implementation measures that are meant to help influence physical growth and change in a manner consistent with this vision. Private individuals and businesses seeking to invest in development or redevelopment within the City also use the General Plan.
The 2010 General Plan better defines Orange's image and position within the region, allows our commercial districts to better compete in the local and regional marketplace, maintains existing neighborhood values, and addresses local and regional environmental issues.
Issues Addressed by the General Plan
The General Plan addresses a full spectrum of quality of life issues and City services in Orange, which include:
- Circulation and Mobility
- Cultural Resources and Historic Preservation
- Economic Development
- Growth Management
- Housing
- Infrastructure
- Land Use
- Natural Resources
- Noise
- Public Safety
- Urban Design
City of Orange - 2010 General Plan (GP)
GP Environmental Impact Report
- General Plan Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (PDF)
- Appendix A - Cover, Title, T of C (PDF)
- Appendix B - Air Quality Data (PDF)
- Appendix C - Noise Data (PDF)
- Appendix D - Cultural Resources (PDF)
- Appendix E - Revised Traffic Study (PDF)
- Appendix F - Global Climate Calculations (PDF)
- Appendix G - Draft Orange Municipal Code Amendment (PDF)
- Appendix H - Supplemental Notice of Preparation (PDF)
- Appendix I - Intersection Geometric Diagrams (PDF)
- Appendix J - Master Plan Arterial Highways (MPAH) Amendment Process (PDF)
2014-2021 Housing Element
Pursuing the Vision of Growth
The General Plan establishes a road map for pursuit of the vision through a series of goals and policies that are used by City departments and decision makers in the review of development projects, identification of capital improvement projects, allocation of City resources, and more.
Zoning Code
The City of Orange Zoning Code is contained in Title 17 of the Orange Municipal Code (OMC) and represents the minimum requirement for the promotion of the public safety, health, convenience, comfort, prosperity or general welfare. Title 17 is not intended to interfere with or abrogate or annul any easements, covenants, or other agreements between parties; provided, however, that where Title 17 imposes a greater restriction upon the use of buildings or premises or upon height of buildings or requires larger space than is imposed or required by other ordinances, rules or regulations or by easements, covenants or agreements, the provisions of Title 17 shall govern.
Zoning Map
The incorporated territory of the City of Orange is divided into land use districts, or zones, pursuant to the Planning Act of the State of California. The districts are established to serve the public health, safety, and general welfare; to provide the social and economic advantages which result from an orderly, planned use of land resources; and to guide, control, and regulate the future growth and development of the City. Zoning districts are shown on the City's Zoning Map. Regulations pertaining to each zoning district are contained in Orange Municipal Code Title 17 (Zoning).
View a Citywide Zoning Map (PDF).
To view the City's Zoning Map in an indexed "map book" format, please visit the Orange GIS Mapping website. Please note: The Zoning Map depicted on the internet is for informational purposes only. The official zoning map is on file in the Planning Division, City Hall, City of Orange.
Environmental Planning is one of the functions of the Comprehensive and Advance Planning section of the Community Development Department. Environmental Planning involves establishing programs and policies that encourage environmentally conscious development patterns, as well as encouraging low impact, resource-efficient project design that recognizes and protects the City’s environmental resources.
Environmental Planning also involves oversight of the Environmental Review process. Environmental Review is required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for all projects undertaken or approved by the City. It is the stage of a project where the project’s effect on the environment is analyzed and disclosed to City decision makers and to the public prior to the City rendering a decision on the project.
This web page provides information about local environmental review policies, programs and resources, guidance for navigating the City’s local environmental review process and provides access to environmental documents currently available for public review.
Staff Responsibilities
Full-time planners in the Advance Planning section provide expert environmental review guidance and focus on environmental compliance. The main functions for the staff members are:
- Performing environmental and planning review of City projects
- Providing environmental information and education to Staff and public
- Supporting Planning Division Staff in the environmental review process for private development projects
Advance Planning staff works in coordination with other Planning Division staff and City Departments to ensure compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the City’s Local CEQA Guidelines (PDF) for all City capital improvement projects and private development projects.
Capital Improvement Projects
Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) are projects paid for by your tax dollars for the betterment of infrastructure and facilities in our City. CIP projects include maintenance of our public streets, street widening or intersection improvements to keep traffic moving for our commuters, additional bike trails for our community to enjoy and safely utilize, new fire stations, libraries, and improvements to and/development of our public parks for City of Orange residents.
Environmental Documents and Resources
Staff also develops and maintains City environmental procedures, documents, environmental resource information, and oversees Community Development Department compliance with regional environmental programs such as the Natural Communities Conservation Planning (NCCP) program, Clean Water Act, and Clean Air Act. We also review and comment on environmental documents for projects in surrounding areas that may impact the City of Orange, ensuring environmental protection and safety for our City and residents.
Hazardous Waste Facilities
No off-site Hazardous Waste Facility can be constructed, installed, operated, or maintained in, or within 300 feet of any residential, commercial, or office/professional zone or district. Off-site Hazardous Waste Facilities can be constructed, installed, operated, or maintained only in the M1 and M2 Zones and only after first obtaining a Hazardous Waste Facility Siting Permit (in accordance with Orange Municipal Code Chapter 17.42 and Division 20, Chapter 6.5 of the California Health and Safety Code, as amended from time to time including, without limitation, Sections 25199 through 25199.14) and all other applicable federal, state, county, and city permits, licenses, and approvals. The Hazardous Waste Siting Permit is also a conditional use permit, and is subject to all provisions of the Orange Municipal Code relating to conditional use permits (except as specifically modified in this chapter).
The California Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Toxic Substances Control has a fact sheet outlining the process set forth in State law for approval of an off-site hazardous waste facility.
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) was adopted by the State Legislature in 1970 in response to public demand that the environmental consequences of a project be known prior to project approval. CEQA encourages protection of the environment by requiring state and local agencies to prepare a range of environmental impact analyses and to make decisions on projects only after considering their effect on the environment. Public agencies use CEQA compliance documents (environmental impact reports [EIR], mitigated negative declaration [MND], and negative declarations [ND]) to assess project impacts and recommend measures to protect the community and environmental resources.
Environmental Review
Environmental review includes analysis of a wide spectrum of environmental issue areas including:
- Aesthetics
- Agriculture and Forest Resources
- Air Quality
- Biological Resources
- Cultural Resources
- Energy
- Geology and Soils
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- Hazards and Hazardous Materials
- Hydrology and Water Quality
- Land Use and Planning
- Mineral Resources
- Noise
- Population and Housing
- Public Services
- Recreation
- Transportation
- Tribal Cultural Resources
- Utilities/Service Systems
- Wildfire
CEQA Compliance Documentation
Once these issues are fully analyzed in the CEQA compliance documentation (ND, MND, EIR), CEQA provides for a public review and comment period. A minimum of 20 days is provided for a ND or MND and 45 days is provided for an EIR. During this time, the public is encouraged to review the CEQA compliance document and to comment on the environmental analysis and impacts of the project. For additional information regarding the City’s Local Environmental Review Process, please visit the review process page.
Environmental Documents
CEQA compliance notices and documents available for public review can be found on the Project Notices and Related Environmental Documents tab..
For additional information, please visit these pages:
Local Environmental Review Procedures
The City of Orange has adopted Local CEQA Guidelines (as required by state law) to assist the development community and the public in understanding City procedures for complying with CEQA. These guidelines describe Community Development Department staff responsibilities, procedural steps for completing the CEQA process, public review and noticing requirements, and guidance for evaluating impacts to historical resources.
These Guidelines were updated and approved by the City of Orange City Council on July 14, 2020 to address the use of vehicle miles traveled (VMT) as the metric for evaluation of development project transportation impacts and to make the Guidelines consistent with the current provisions and interpretations of CEQA and the State CEQA Guidelines.
This document, along with the administrative procedures outlined in the City of Orange Zoning Code, define the local environmental review process.
City of Orange Initial Study Template
The City of Orange Initial Study Checklist template is now available online! The Initial Study Checklist is a preliminary analysis tool used by City staff and/or environmental consultants to evaluate the environmental effects of a project. It consists of a series of questions organized by environmental issue area and it is a critical element of the environmental review process.
Please note: The City of Orange Initial Study checklist was last updated in July 2020. The checklist is consistent with the State’s Initial Study Checklist (Appendix G of the State CEQA Guidelines) effective December 28, 2018. It differs from the State’s Checklist only in that it contains additional checklist questions related to water quality (Hydrology section) and energy resources (Utilities section). The water quality questions were added in conformance with the recommendations of the County of Orange Drainage Area Management Plan (DAMP) and the City of Orange Local Implementation Plan (LIP).
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Analysis-Local Guidance
New State CEQA Guidelines addressing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions became effective on March 18, 2010. In summary, CEQA documents are now required to make a good faith effort to describe, calculate, or estimate GHG emissions from projects and also must determine whether that project contribution is "cumulative considerable."
In light of the general analysis framework provided in the State CEQA Guidelines, the City has issued the following Local Guidance Memo. The memo is intended to supplement the State’s Guidance (where needed) and provide a local framework for analyzing GHG emissions in environmental documents for which the City of Orange is the CEQA lead agency. If you have any questions regarding the memo, please contact Ashley Brodkin, Associate Planner.
The following documents were referenced in the memo and may also be helpful in the analysis of GHGs.
Request for Proposals (RFP)
The City of Orange does not have an approved "qualified consultant list." However, we do maintain a contact list for consultants interested in receiving environmental services RFPs. Please note that the City of Orange allows private development applicants to retain their own environmental consultants (at the discretion of the Community Development Director). Therefore, RFPs for environmental services typically relate to City Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) only. Current RFPs for environmental services are listed on the City’s Bids and RFPs page.
If you would like to be added to the Environmental Consultant mailing list to receive notices of RFPs for environmental services, please email Associate Planner, Ashley Brodkin.
Demographic Information for the City of Orange
- Incorporated: April 6, 1888
- Area: 25.0 square miles
- Latitude: 33° 47' 16"
- Longitude: 117° 51' 00"
- Elevation: 195 feet
- Population: 140,094
For complete demographic information about Orange, California, including Population Characteristics, Housing and Household Characteristics, and Economic and Labor Force Characteristics, see Orange at a Glance (PDF).
Documents and Maps for Sale
List of Documents for Sale
- $10 Housing Element
- $10 Santa Fe Depot Specific Plan
- $10 Zoning Ordinance
- $16 City of General Plan Technical Reports
- $16 City of Orange General Plan
List of Maps for Sale
- $10 General Plan Map
- $10 Zoning Map
Plans and Documents for Reference
- Attachment B - Redevelopment (PDF)
- Attachment C - Sample Contract (PDF)
- Building Security Guidelines
- DRC Landscape Design Guidelines (PDF)
- Guidelines for Landform Grading and Planting (PDF)
- Infill Residential Design Guidelines (Amended September 10, 2013) (PDF)
- Initial Study Checklist (PDF)
- Local CEQA Guidelines (PDF)
- Mitigation Monitoring Program (PDF)
Chapman University Specific Plan
- A. Specific Plan Amendment No. 6 (Cover-Section 4) (Pages 1-81) (PDF)
- B. Specific Plan Amendment No. 6 (Sections 5-7) (Pages 82-197) (PDF)
- C. Specific Plan Amendment No. 6 (Appendices A-H) (Pages 198-271) (PDF)
- D. Specific Plan Amendment No. 6 (Appendices I-P) (Pages 272-326 end) (PDF)
Depot-Plaza Pedestrian Connection Study
East Orange 1975 General Plan
Orange Park Acres Plan
Santa Fe Depot Specific Plan Update - Final
Southwest Design Standards
The Riverbend Development Plan
Tustin Street Design Standards
Upper Peters Canyon Specific Plan
Water Efficient Landscape Guidelines
- (1) Water Efficient Landscape - Handout (January 2010 Current) (PDF)
- (2) Water Efficient Landscape - Guidelines (January 2010 Current) (PDF)