Incorporated in 1886, Santa Ana has a rich historical and cultural heritage. As the county seat, it boasts an eclectic urban environment, burgeoning employment centers, transit hub, historic neighborhoods, and downtown, and a rich history back to the mid-1800s. These features distinguish Santa Ana as Orange County’s downtown.
The City of Santa Ana has seen significant changes in its housing market and housing conditions during the last decade. Housing and apartment rents have increased steadily during this time. As an urban center, the revitalization of housing and neighborhoods is also a critical concern. At the same time, the City of Santa Ana has one of the most diverse populations of all communities in the County of Orange.
Santa Ana’s 2021-2029 Housing Element is directly related to local-, regional-, and state-mandated planning efforts. The 2021-2029 Housing Element was updated in concert with other elements of the General Plan to ensure consistency.
As required by state law, the Housing Element will periodically be updated over the 2021-2029 planning period to maintain consistency with the Santa Ana General Plan as amendments are proposed.
The City continues to implement adopted plans and initiatives that implement the Housing Element. The update of the zoning code was initiated following the adoption of the General Plan and will implement revisions to development processes and standards, zoning districts, and other associated items discussed in the Housing Plan. The Housing Element is consistent with adopted specific plans and zoning districts and will be amended, as necessary, to maintain consistency with related planning efforts, in accordance with state law.