The City of Orange is currently revising its housing plan after the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) rejected the initial proposal. The state agency raised concerns that the plan included sites unlikely to be developed, such as properties occupied by a charter school, a hotel, and a sheriff’s training facility.
Local developers and housing advocates had previously highlighted these issues, suggesting that the city was attempting to meet housing requirements without identifying viable development sites. In response, the city is working to address these concerns and submit a revised plan that aligns with state guidelines.
Interim City Manager Tom Kisela emphasized that the city aims to identify sites with genuine development potential to fulfill housing obligations. The revised plan is expected to be submitted in the coming months, with the goal of securing state approval and advancing housing development in Orange.