Yes for the Fairview site itself, not for the homes around it: the plan sets the rules only for the State-owned Fairview Developmental Center at 2501 Harbor Boulevard. For nearby owners, what the documents point to is building heights, traffic and open space. The council voted September 15 for fewer homes and more open space; the October 6 adoption vote is not confirmed.
What the city is deciding
A specific plan is a rulebook for one site that replaces ordinary zoning rules where they differ. On September 15 the council introduced the ordinance and cut the maximum from 4,000 to 2,300 homes. It raised minimum public open space from 14 to 25 acres and minimum commercial space from 10,000 to 15,000 square feet. October 6 was set for the formal adoption vote; once passed, the ordinance takes effect 30 days later.
Where and who it affects
The State owns the 110-acre site. The plan covers about 95 acres: 15 stay with the State for developmental services housing, leaving about 80 for future development. Commenters cited Harbor Boulevard and College Park traffic.
What it could mean for your property
- Homes: up to 2,300, affordable unit counts unchanged. A footnote says the maximum does not preclude state density bonus law. Staff’s September report said 2,300 homes failed the financial feasibility test and would likely lead a developer to use density bonus law to add homes. The October report does not update that.
- Heights: the October draft lists 100 feet for residential, 135 feet for mixed-use and 35 feet for stand-alone commercial, within emergency center tower limits.
- Traffic: the study assumed 4,000 homes. Without improvements, Placentia Avenue and Victoria Street, and Harbor Boulevard and Fair Drive, would score level of service E, a letter grade for traffic flow. The plan’s improvements bring Harbor and Fair Drive to D or better.
- Second road: the council added a traffic study to decide when a second access road is needed. A conceptual route crosses the Mesa Linda Municipal Golf Course; using city land needs a separate council decision.
- Fees: amounts are not set; a fee study is under way.
Questions to ask before you buy or build
- Does a proposal seek more than 2,300 homes under density bonus law?
- What does the updated traffic study say about a second road?
- Which impact fees apply once the fee study ends?
What happens next
Legistar showed no recorded October 6 action on October 9. A master developer must file detailed plans before building. The report lists Principal Planner Melinda Dacey, (714) 754-5611.