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Orange is the New Green - Zoning Code Update

Introduction

The County of Orange has embarked on a comprehensive update to its Zoning Code to incorporate sustainable policies and best management practices. The updated Zoning Code is intended to achieve a new standard of sustainability and flexibility that will accommodate future technological advances. 

As the County moves forward through this process, residents, business owners, community groups, advocacy groups, and stakeholders are welcome to participate in the process. Community workshops will be held over the next several months to provide information regarding the “Orange is the New Green” Zoning Code Update. During these workshops, County staff will be on hand to provide information and answer questions. If you are interested in attending one of these upcoming community workshops, please see the schedule below.

The County welcomes your input and invites comments on the proposed revisions. To view and/or download the draft Zoning Code Update, please use the links below. Please submit your comments to: OCZoningCode@ocpw.ocgov.com. If you prefer, written comments can be submitted to: OC Development Services/Planning, Attn: Joanna Chang, 601 N. Ross St., P.O. Box 4048, Santa Ana, CA  92702.

If you have any questions regarding the “Orange is the New Green” Zoning Code Update, please contact:

Joanna Chang, Land Use Manager

Phone (714) 667-8815 or email at Joanna.Chang@ocpw.ocgov.com

Draft County of Orange Zoning Code Update

On April 26, 2018, the First Draft of the County's proposed update to the Zoning Code was released for a 2-month public review and comment period. Following a comprehensive Outreach Program implemented by the County over several months and consideration of all comments received, the Second Draft of the proposed Zoning Code Update was released for a 30-day review and comment period. Shortly thereafter, a series of Orange County Planning Commission workshops were made available to the public.

Based on comments received at the workshops, a Third Draft is being circulated for another 30-day review and comment period ending on November 19, 2019. The Final Draft of the Zoning Code Update will then be prepared and submitted for consideration by the Orange County Planning Commission and the Orange County Board of Supervisors.

FIRST DRAFT OF PROPOSED ZONING CODE UPDATE (APRIL 2018)

Draft "Tree Preservation Ordinance," Subarticle 4, Section 7-9-69

SECOND DRAFT OF PROPOSED ZONING CODE UPDATE (OCTOBER 2018)

(30 day Public Review and Comment Period ended November 30, 2018)

        Second Draft "Tree Preservation Ordinance," Article 2, Subarticle 4, Section 7-9-69

THIRD DRAFT OF PROPOSED ZONING CODE UPDATE (OCTOBER 2019)

(30 day Public Review and Comment Period ended on November 19, 2019)

Please submit your comments to: OCZoningCode@ocpw.ocgov.com. If you prefer, written comments can be submitted to: OC Development Service/Planning, Attn: Joanna Chang, 601 N. Ross Street, P.O. Box 4048, Santa Ana, CA 92702.

        Third Draft "Tree Preservation Ordinance," Article 2, Subarticle 4, Section 7-9-69

FINAL DRAFT OF PROPOSED ZONING CODE UPDATE (DECEMBER 2019)

Planning Commission Staff Report for December 11, 2019

Attachments:

1.   Planning Commission Resolution No. 19-06
2.   List of Planning Commission Meetings and Workshops/Study Sessions
3.   List of Community Engagement Workshops
4.   Public Comments on the First, Second and Third Drafts of the Zoning Code Update
5.   IP 16-383 CEQA Initial Study/Negative Declaration for "Orange is the New Green" Zoning Code Update 
6.   Final Draft - Article 1 - Decision - Making Bodies
7.   Final Draft - Article 2, Subarticle 1 - Introductory Provisions 
8.   Final Draft - Article 2, Subarticle 2 - Base Districts
9.   Final Draft - Article 2, Subarticle 3 - Overlay, Combining and Other Districts
10. Final Draft - Article 2, Subarticle 4 - Site Development Regulations
11. Final Draft - Article 2, Subarticle 5 - Standards for Specific Uses and Activities
12. Final Draft - Article 2, Subarticle 6 - Administration and Permits
13. Final Draft - Article 2, Subarticle 7 - General Terms
14. Short-Term Rental Options 

Final Draft Crosswalk: Cross Reference From Current Section Numbers to Revised Code Sections

Proposed Zoning Code Update (July 28, 2020)

Board of Supervisors Staff Report for July 28, 2020 


Attachments

COUNTY OF ORANGE ZONING CODE UPDATE INITIAL STUDY/NEGATIVE DECLARATION

Pursuant to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), an Initial Study/Negative Declaration was prepared for the Zoning Code Update.

(20 day Public Review and Comment Period ended December 24, 2018

Community Engagement and Planning Commission Workshops

  • April 13, 2016: Orange County Planning Commission Time: 1:30 p.m.
    •  Location: 333 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, CA 92701
                                   
  • May 25, 2016: OC Public Works - Community Workshop Time: 6:00 p.m.
    • Location: Glassell Campus, 2301 Glassell Street, Bldg. A, Orange, CA 92865
  • December 14, 2016: Orange County Planning Commission Time: 1:30 p.m.
    •  Location: 333 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, CA 92701                 
  • April 4, 2018: Coto de Caza Planning Advisory Committee  Time: 6:00 p.m.
    • Location: Bell Tower Regional Community Center, 22232 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
  • April 25, 2018: Orange County Planning Commission - Workshop. Time: 1:30 p.m.
    •  Location: 333 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, CA 92701
  • May 9, 2018: Orange County Planning Commission - Workshop. Time: 1:30 p.m.
    • Location: 333 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, CA 92701

Topics:

  • Article 1 - Decision-Making Bodies
  • Article 2, Subarticle 1 - Introductory Provisions
  • Article 2, Subarticle 7 - General Terms/Definitions
  • May 9, 2018: Foothill Trabuco Specific Plan Review Board  Time: 7:00 p.m.
    • Location: O'Neill Park Community Center Room, 30892 Trabuco Canyon Road, Trabuco Canyon, CA 92678 
  • May 16, 2018: North Tustin Advisory Committee  Time: 7:00 p.m.
    • Location: Tustin Unified School District, Board Chamber Room, 300 S. "C" Street, Tustin, CA 92780 
  • May 23, 2018: Orange County Planning Commission - Workshop. Time: 1:30 p.m.

Topics:

  • Article 2, Subarticle 4 - Site Development Regulations 
  • Article 2, Subarticle 6 - Administration and Permits 
  • Individual Topic - Tree Preservation Ordinance
  • June 6, 2018: Coto de Caza Planning Advisory Committee  Time: 6:00 p.m.
    • Location: Bell Tower Regional Community Center, 22232 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
  •  June 7, 2018: Orange Park Advisory Committee Time: 7:00 p.m.
    • Location: Salem Lutheran Church/School, 6500 E. Santiago Canyon Rd, Orange, CA 92869
  • June 12, 2018: Inter-Canyon League. Time: 7:00 p.m.
    • Location: Silverado Community Center, 27641 Silverado Canyon Road, CA 92676
  • June 13, 2018: Orange County Planning Commission - Workshop. Time: 1:30 p.m.

Topics:

  • Article 2, Subarticle 5 - Standards for Specific Users and Activities
  • Individual Topic - Tree Preservation Ordinance
  • Individual Topic - Short Term Rentals
  • Individual Topic - Residential Care Facilities/Sober Living Homes
  • June 18, 2018: Community Action Partnership of Orange County. Time: 4:30 p.m.
    • Location: El Modena Family Resource Center, 18672 E. Center Ave, Orange, CA 92869
  • June 19, 2018: Rossmoor Homeowner's Association. Time: 7:00 p.m.
    • Location: Rossmoor Park, 3232 Hedwig Rd, Rossmoor, CA
  • June 20, 2018: Midway City. Time: 6:30p.m.
    • Location: 14900 Park Lane, Midway City, CA A92655
  • June 27, 2018: Orange County Planning Commission - Workshop. Time: 1:30 p.m.

 Topics:

  • Article 2, Subarticle 2 - Base District
  • Article 2, Subarticle 3 - Overlay, Combining and Other Districts
  • Individual Topic - Parking and Loading Regulations
  • Individual Topic - Tree Preservation Ordinance (Follow-up Response from Staff)
  • July 18, 2018: Orange Park Acres Meeting. Time: 7:30 p.m.
    • Location: Moreno's Restaurant, 4328 E. Chapman Ave, Orange, CA 92869
  • August 7, 2018: West Anaheim Island Meeting. Time: 7:00 p.m.
    • Location: 2219 W. Orange Ave, Anaheim, CA 92804 
  • September 12, 2018: Orange County Planning Commission - Workshop. Time: 1:30 p.m.
    • Location: 333 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, CA 92701        
  • January 9, 2019: Orange County Planning Commission - Time: 1:30 p.m. 
    • Location: 333 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, CA 92701
  • December 11, 2019: Orange County Planning Commission - Time: 1:30 p.m.
    • Location: 333 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, CA 92701
  • July 28, 2020: Board of Supervisors - Time: 9:30 a.m.
    • Location: 333 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, CA 92701

County of Orange Board of Supervisors approved the Comprehensive Zoning Code Update on July 28, which will be effective 30 days after the date of approval.

Draft County of Orange Codified Ordinance Update

The County also welcomes input on the Codified Ordinances noted below. If you have any questions regarding the Codified Ordinance Update, please contact:

Terry Cox, Manager of Neighborhood Preservation

Phone (714) 667-8837 or email  Terry.Cox@ocpw.ocgov.com

PROPOSED UPDATE OF COUNTY OF ORANGE CODIFIED ORDINANCE (OCTOBER 2018)

(30 day Public Review and Comment Period ended November 30, 2018)

Public Comments received regarding the Draft Codified Ordinance Update can be viewed by clicking here.

Current Zoning Code and Zoning Map