Tustin · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tustin public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Affordable Housing Preservation at Chatham Village Apartments
A developer is buying the 350-unit Chatham apartment complex on McFadden, where 212 affordable units were set to lose their covenants at the end of next year. The new owner plans rehab work and extending the affordability covenants — good news for those residents.
15-unit residential development at 17332 Irvine Boulevard
The Olson Company wants to rezone a piece of Irvine Boulevard property from professional office to residential and build 15 condos. The commission put off the decision to November 10, so the debate — and any public testimony — is still ahead.
Capital Improvement Projects and Park Upgrades
City Council approved the Tustin Family and Youth Center playground renovation the night before; staff will have a construction schedule by the next meeting.
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.
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.
Old Town Revitalization and Infrastructure Updates
Temporary permits are opening the new Old Town parklets for outdoor dining while long-term designs (patio covers and such) go through review — but the draft license agreement is silent on strollers and dogs. Commissioner Gullo has repeatedly pushed for clarity. Separately, broader Old Town parking solutions, including the city's partial ownership of a parking structure, remain an open conversation.
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Residents in southwest Tustin face extreme parking shortages due to high population density and outdated multi-family parking requirements.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
Tustin's development pipeline is packed: Campo on 17th, 1,300 Irvine Company apartments at Tustin Legacy, a Costco expansion, Dick's House of Sport, a law school campus, and dozens more projects in every corner of the city. Commissioners called it a testament to investment spreading beyond one area.
Industrial Property Subdivision on Valencia and Bell Avenues
A 13.56-acre industrial site with two warehouse buildings near the 55 Freeway is now split into two separately ownable lots. No construction is happening — it's about leasing and sales flexibility for the owner. A small parking shortfall on one lot gets resolved through conditions of approval.
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.
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.
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.