ORANGE HEIGHTS
Master Plan
Completing a Vision of Balanced Master Planning in East Orange
The story of Orange Heights stretches back several decades, with a steadily improving vision for the future. In its 1989 General Plan, the city of Orange approved up to 12,350 homes across an approximately 7,100-acre site. But in 2016, the city approved Irvine Company’s proposal to reduce that number to just 1,180 homes — while permanently preserving over 90% (6,600 acres) of the property as public open space. Now, the plan is being refined even further with more landscaping, parks and trails.
Community Planning and Public Benefits
Open Space Planning and Benefits
- Nature Preserve: Over 90% of Orange Heights was dedicated as open space to the County of Orange to create a vast, connected preserve stretching from the SR-241/261 toll road east to Irvine Lake – now enjoyed by hikers, equestrians and cyclists.
- Trail Connections: A new public trail will link Irvine Regional Park and Peters Canyon Regional Park, improving a key stretch of the 22-mile Mountains to Sea Trail connecting Orange to Upper Newport Bay.
- Puma Ridge Trail: The popular Puma Ridge Trail will be improved and turned over to OC Parks for public enjoyment.
- Parks: The community will feature four community parks, including two bluff-top lookouts offering sweeping views.
Read more about opportunities to explore Orange Heights Open Space.
Transportation Planning and Improvements
- Less Development: The major reduction in the number of homes – from 12,350 to about 1,180 – will create fewer car trips on local roads.
- Roadway Improvements: Santiago Canyon Road will be widened, with new bike lanes, landscaped medians, and walkways.
- Roadway Improvements: Jamboree Road will expand to six lanes with a new tree-lined median.
- Signal Synchronization: Nearby traffic signals will be synchronized for smoother commutes.
Wildfire Planning and Protection
- Community Design: Existing non-native vegetation will be removed and replaced with fire-resistant vegetation and fuel modification zones, creating a significant safety buffer.
- Home Design: Homes will feature fire-resistant roofs, windows and exteriors.
- Water Pressure: A new underground reservoir will bolster local fire-fighting systems and reliability.
- Response Services: The new community is adjacent to Orange City Fire Station #7. Also, the Fire Department will receive funding for a new Wildland Fire Engine with four-wheel drive and a 500-gallon tank capacity.
Economic Benefits of Orange Heights
- Economic Activity: $45 million in new annual consumer spending for local businesses.
- City Revenue: $5.1 million in annual, recurring revenue to support city finances and city programs.
- Additional Funding: $27 million in funding for local schools, parks, transportation improvements, libraries and fire protection.
- Major Improvements: Over $10 million to fully fund the undergrounding of existing overhead power lines on Santiago Canyon Road.
Orange Heights by the Numbers
Total property size
6,600 acres of property preserved
Single-family homes
Two community parks, two vista parks