zoning map used for Zoning Code Update Page

Comprehensive Zoning Code Update

Contact

Siri Champion
(714) 667-2751
SChampion@santa-ana.org
20 Civic Center Plaza
Santa Ana, CA 92701

Good codes make good communities

The City of Santa Ana has embarked on a comprehensive update to its Zoning Code to realize the community-based vision adopted in the City’s General Plan.  The Zoning Code is a set of regulations that define how land can be developed and used. Such regulations create neighborhoods and districts that meet residents’ needs and provide places for businesses to thrive.

What is a Zoning Code?

Click on the image below to view a zoning primerZoning Code Update Video

Why update the Zoning Code now?

The current Zoning Code was last updated in the 1960s. Now is the time to modernize it, embrace best practices, reflect new State laws, and take the next step to implement the General Plan.

How does the Zoning Code implement the General Plan?

The General Plan established a vision for the City’s future that states:

Santa Ana is a city that promotes the health and wellness of all residents, with a civic culture that actively embraces the power of diversity. Our city invests in resources that create economic opportunities for the next generation, and it is a community that celebrates our past while working together to create a sustainable future.

Through the Comprehensive Zoning Code Update, the City will adopt zoning districts, permitted uses, and standards to create new and maintain existing neighborhoods and areas that realize the vision.

What is the focus of the Comprehensive Zoning Code Update?

The focus of the Comprehensive Zoning Code Update is citywide and the City anticipates various types of changes in different areas. Some areas will remain largely unchanged, such as well-established residential neighborhoods with a high quality of life. In other areas, changes that are more significant are expected. For example, the General Plan envisions high-density residential development in targeted mixed-use high-opportunity areas. Also, the City anticipates changes where industry and sensitive receptors are in close proximity to each other to minimize land use conflicts and promote development of jobs-rich uses.

Upcoming Community Meetings

September 2025 Round 3 Community Workshops

In September 2025, the City will host an Open House Workshop Series to share elements of the draft Zoning Code and to gather input. The events build on feedback received during the first and second round of stakeholder engagement and are intended to help the City adopt a Zoning Code that establishes rules for responsible growth and compatible land uses as envisioned by the General Plan.

Each in-person open house workshop will be the same and stakeholders are invited to join any one during the times indicated. The virtual workshop will cover the same content and will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m.

  • Wednesday, September 24, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
    • The Village, 1505 E. 17th St. Suite 101, Second Floor, Santa Ana, CA 92705
  • Thursday, September 25, 2025| 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
  • Friday, September 26, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Spanish interpreters will be available at all open house workshops and requests for Vietnamese and Khmer interpretation will be accepted up to 72 hours in advance via email to Siri Champion (SChampion@santa-ana.org)

Past Meetings

Planning Commission Work Study Session

  • Monday, March 24, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. City Council Chamber (22 Civic Center Plaza)
  • Presentation
  • Recording

Learn about the Zoning Code Update

Resident attending meeting with whiteboard being written on by staff
Get Involved

See opportunities to participate.

Calendar
Engagement Timeline

View the engagement timeline.

aerial view of downtown with historic orange county courthouse at front
General Plan

Link to the General Plan

screenshot of zoning code on city website
Current Zoning Code

Visit the current Zoning Code

background of zoning code update
Status Updates

Learn about project progress

ceqa
CEQA

Learn about the CEQA process

Events

Zoning Code Update Community Meetings Round 3

Sep 23 2025

You're invited! Help shape new development in the City of Santa Ana. Santa Ana residents, property owners, and business owners, your voice matters! The City of Santa Ana invites you to join an Open House Workshop in September 2025. The Open House Workshop is an opportunity to learn about and provide input on draft rules...

Zoning Code Update Community Meetings Round 3

Sep 23 2025

Roosevelt Walker Community Center

You're invited! Help shape new development in the City of Santa Ana. Santa Ana residents, property owners, and business owners, your voice matters! The City of Santa Ana invites you to join an Open House Workshop in September 2025. The Open House Workshop is an opportunity to learn about and provide input on draft rules...

Zoning Code Update Community Meetings Round 3

Sep 24 2025

The Village

You're invited! Help shape new development in the City of Santa Ana. Santa Ana residents, property owners, and business owners, your voice matters! The City of Santa Ana invites you to join an Open House Workshop in September 2025. The Open House Workshop is an opportunity to learn about and provide input on draft rules...

News

Zoning Code Update Community Meetings Round 3

Posted on September 9, 2025

You're invited! Help shape new development in the City of Santa Ana. Santa Ana residents, property owners, and business owners, your voice matters! The City of Santa Ana invites you to join an Open House Workshop in September 2025. The Open House Workshop is an opportunity to learn about and provide input on draft rules...
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