Affordable Housing

In support of the goals set forth in the County of Orange 2021-2029 Housing Element, the County has implemented various programs to encourage and assist in the development of affordable housing.

Affordable Housing Permit

The purpose of the Affordable Housing Permit is to ensure a streamlined, by-right approval of eligible affordable housing projects of five (5) or more units that are at least twenty percent (20%) affordable. Please see the Affordable Housing Permit Handout for more information.

Flexible Development Standards

A Flexible Development Standards Permit (FDSP) allows deviations from the minimum development standards for setbacks and height where such requirements would preclude a property’s ability to meet the minimum density standards established by the base zoning district. Please see the Flexible Development Standards Permit Handout for more information.

Housing Opportunities Overlay

The Housing Opportunities Overlay Regulations permit the development of 100 percent (100%) affordable housing, emergency shelters, multi-service centers, and low-barrier navigation centers for persons experiencing homelessness in mixed-use, multifamily residential, and industrial zoning areas within unincorporated Orange County.

Benefits of the Housing Opportunities Overlay:

• Increased base density for 100% affordable housing projects.
• Reduced off-street parking requirements for 100% affordable housing projects.
• By-right approval for eligible affordable housing projects, subject to an Affordable Housing Permit per Section 7-9-124.3 of the Orange County Zoning Code.

Housing Opportunities Overlay Manual:

The Housing Opportunities Overlay Manual provides implementation guidelines for the Housing Opportunities Overlay Regulations and the issuance of Affordable Housing Permits. For more information on Housing Opportunities Overlay, including minimum criteria for affordable housing projects, site development standards, and processing guidelines, please see the Orange County Housing Opportunities Overlay Manual.

Lot Consolidation Incentive:

Lot consolidation is the process of combining up to four (4) adjacent parcels (properties that share a boundary) into a single, larger parcel. Projects proposed under the Housing Opportunities Overlay that consolidate smaller parcels may qualify for a density bonus. Please see the Lot Consolidation Incentive Handout for more information.

How to determine whether a parcel is within the Housing Opportunities Overlay:

1. Go to OC Land Insights: https://webapps.ocgis.com/oclandinsights/home/

2. On the “Layers” tab, click the drop-down arrow next to “Development Services.” Turn on the “Zoning” layer by checking the box next to “Zoning.”

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3. Type the parcel address or APN in the search box. Select the address or APN when it appears under the search box. This will zoom in to the parcel on the map.
4. Click on the parcel on the map.

5. View the “Zoning Detail” field under the “Identify” tab. If the Zoning Detail includes (H), then the parcel is within the Housing Opportunities Overlay. (See example below).

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For additional information on other Housing Action Programs, please see the County of Orange 2021-2029 Housing Element. To submit an application, please visit: https://myoceservices.ocgov.com/.