Santa Ana has a long, dynamic history of growth and development, starting from its establishment in 1869 (and later incorporation in 1886) on just over 74 acres of land. The city has grown to encompass over 27 square miles, with a population of more than 330,000 residents and businesses and institutions employing over 160,000 workers (as of 2020).
By the 1990s, very little vacant land remained in the city; new growth since then has largely involved the recycling and intensification of already developed properties. In the past 15 years, dozens of unique and creative projects have infused new life and investment into the city. The city has also expanded beyond its historic role as the civic center and County Seat of Orange County and is emerging as the county’s cultural and economic hub.
The Land Use Element provides general guidance to ensure that future growth in Santa Ana expands opportunities, protects community values, and enhances our existing communities and overall quality of life.
The key components of this element are the policy framework, which includes the goals and policies that guide land-use decisions and help shape future development and public investment; the land use plan, including the land use map and designations; and the focus area discussion, including detailed descriptions and specialized standards for each focus area.
The policy framework, the land use map, and the enhanced guidance for focus areas are implemented by local ordinances, including the Santa Ana Municipal Code, specifically Chapter 41 (zoning code), which defines the specific allowable uses and sets precise development standards for each piece of property. Several specific plans and special zoning tools also implement this element and provide more detailed land use and design direction for parts of the city.