Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tustin public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
19 issues in development
Affordable Housing Preservation at Chatham Village Apartments
The council approved tax-exempt bond financing to help fund renovations at Chatham Village Apartments, ensuring the complex remains affordable housing without risking city funds.
Tustin Legacy Senior Living Development Agreement
The city approved an agreement to build a new 172-unit active adult senior housing and congregate care facility at Tustin Legacy. The project includes 15% affordable units and brings much-needed senior housing options to the area, though a five-year non-compete clause drew a dissenting vote from Council Member Fink.
Mariners Church Development at Tustin Legacy
The council finalized the second reading of a development agreement for Mariners Church to build a 33,422-square-foot religious assembly facility at Tustin Legacy. While supporters highlighted community demand, critics questioned the lack of binding guarantees for public use of the facilities.
Capital Improvement Projects and Park Upgrades
The city is moving forward with several key projects, including the completion of the Camino Real Park playground, Old Town Tustin street improvements, value engineering for Legacy Park Phase 2, a new community-designed mural at the Tustin Family Youth Center, and a pilot micro-gallery project.
Old Town Revitalization and Infrastructure Updates
Eighth-grade students from the Orange County School of the Arts will paint a planter box in Old Town Tustin during the October Art Walk event, engaging local youth in civic art.
Residential Parking District Permit Difficulties
Residents in southwest Tustin face extreme parking shortages due to high population density and outdated multi-family parking requirements. The city's study explored solutions like permit programs, enhanced enforcement, and improved walking infrastructure.
Community Development Department 2026 Mid-Year Report
The city reviewed major development projects, code enforcement numbers, and economic programs like CityScope and the Business Concierge. These initiatives help support local small businesses and manage housing growth across Tustin.
Industrial Property Subdivision on Valencia and Bell Avenues
An existing 13.56-acre industrial warehouse property was split into two separate parcels to allow for future leasing or sales flexibility. A minor parking deficiency on one parcel was addressed through conditions requiring either new striping/spaces or a shared parking agreement.
Michelle Drive Industrial Redevelopment
An 8.3-acre industrial site is being redeveloped with two new modern warehouse buildings totaling 177,696 square feet. Commissioners discussed potential traffic impacts and queuing on Walnut Avenue near Tustin Ranch Road, but staff noted the net increase in industrial space is modest and fits the existing zoning.
Tustin Legacy Outreach and Engagement 2026 Update
The city is moving full speed ahead with developing the former Marine Corps Air Station, balancing new housing, retail, and massive open-space parks. Officials gathered resident input at an AMC theater to shape the master plan, discussing everything from the historic hangars to pedestrian bridges.
Enderle Center Mixed-Use Redevelopment
Burnham Ward Properties and Intracorp are transforming the aging 16-acre Enderle Shopping Center into 100 townhomes and modernized retail space, featuring a town green and local favorites like Zov's. While city leaders praised the project for revitalizing a tired corridor and avoiding massive high-density state mandates, several residents voiced worries about increased traffic, loss of cut-through streets, and the displacement of longtime small businesses like Chemers Gallery.
Spirit & Truth Worship Center Conditional Use Permit
Spirit & Truth Church received unanimous approval to establish a religious assembly space and administrative offices in two former TBN office buildings on Chambers Road. Church leaders and members spoke passionately about how their youth and family ministries provide vital community support and keep young adults connected.
South Hangar Competitive Offering
The city is moving forward with a competitive offering process to test the market for potential reuse or development partners for the historic South Hangar. Maintaining the status quo costs over a million dollars annually in security and maintenance, while full rehabilitation would cost hundreds of millions.
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Code Updates
Tustin is forced to update local zoning laws to comply with state ADU rules, despite local concerns over parking and neighborhood compatibility.
Community Development 2025 Year in Review and Project Updates
The city reviewed major development projects, code enforcement numbers, and economic programs like CityScope and the Business Concierge. These initiatives help support local small businesses and manage housing growth across Tustin.
Tustin Legacy 52-Acre Development Partnership
The city is partnering with Almquist Development to plan a vibrant, family-focused commercial and community space on 52 acres at Tustin Legacy, similar to their popular River Street project in San Juan Capistrano.
2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report and Housing Production
The city reviewed housing permit data and progress toward regional housing goals for 2025. Staff noted that while 54 permits were issued last year, major developments are lined up for upcoming permit issuance.
Public Art Artist Evaluation and Selection Process
The commission adopted a new scoring rubric to make choosing muralists and public artists clearer and fairer. This tool will help commissioners handle large numbers of artist applications efficiently during public meetings.
Tustin Legacy Land Development and Cushman & Wakefield Listing
The city is actively marketing approximately 43 acres of city-owned land within the Tustin Legacy Specific Plan to generate future housing and economic development.