News Summary
Anaheim Hills is witnessing a revival of the Hills Preserve housing project, now restructured to include affordable units. Following the signing of Senate Bill 330, which allows developers to bypass local zoning restrictions, the project proposes 302 single-family homes and 46 affordable apartments. Despite improvements, local concerns about fire safety and evacuation routes remain. The project awaits environmental review and community input, reflecting the delicate balance between development needs and safety considerations.
Anaheim Hills is experiencing a revival of a controversial housing project following the signing of Senate Bill 330 by Governor Gavin Newsom. This legislation allows developers to bypass local zoning restrictions if they incorporate affordable housing within their proposals, significantly impacting the development landscape in the area.
The Hills Preserve project, spearheaded by Salt Lake City-based SALT Development LLC, has been restructured to include 302 single-family homes alongside 46 affordable apartment units within a three-story building. This new proposal aims to address concerns that led to the project’s initial rejection by the Anaheim City Council in October 2024, where issues surrounding fire safety and evacuation protocols were primary concerns.
Situated adjacent to Deer Canyon Park Preserve and alongside the Riverside (91) Freeway, the revised Hills Preserve project will feature homes ranging from approximately 2,300 to 5,000 square feet, along with the inclusion of 14 pocket parks and one larger community park. The developer plans to allocate the affordable apartments to meet California’s income guidelines for lower-income residents.
Under the provisions of the builder’s remedy, this initiative applies to local governments without an approved housing plan endorsed by the state. Anaheim is currently approaching the final stages of obtaining state approval for its housing element following previous legal challenges regarding group home regulations.
Although the revised project has made strides forward, it still requires an environmental review—a process that is anticipated to take 8 to 12 months. Following this review, the proposal will be submitted to the Anaheim Planning Commission, where further considerations may prolong the approval process by a year or more.
Concerns persist among local residents about the potential impacts of this widespread residential development on evacuation routes in a region recognized for its high fire hazards. Many fear that additional housing could exacerbate traffic congestion during emergencies, raising alarms about safety and accessibility.
City Councilmember Natalie Meeks expressed that she has yet to take a position on the new proposal but emphasizes the significance of safety and environmental considerations in any future development endeavors. The city of Anaheim appeals for community input on upcoming projects and is currently developing an environmental report for the proposed housing development.
Prior attempts to develop the site had faced significant opposition from local residents, with organized protests and petitions aiming to prevent residential development in the area. The original Hills Preserve proposal included a more extensive plan, featuring a seven-floor apartment building, 50 acres of preserved open space, and an additional 40,000 square feet allocated for commercial use.
As Anaheim Hills moves forward into uncharted territory with revised housing plans, the local community remains watchful. The focus will likely remain on balancing the urgent need for housing with critical safety and environmental protections.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Anaheim Hills Homeowners Approve Permanent Tax Assessment
Revival of Deer Canyon Preserve Housing Project in Anaheim
Christina Hall Renovates Childhood Friend’s Home in Anaheim Hills
MG Properties Acquires Citron Apartments for $144 Million
Anaheim Police Recover Stolen Sculptures Worth $2.1 Million
AO Wins Multiple Awards at PCBC Gold Nugget Awards
California’s Business Landscape: Challenges and Opportunities
Parker Vista Affordable Housing Complex Sold for $108 Million
Southern California Wildfires on Track for Record Destruction
Fullerton Considers Transition to Charter City
Additional Resources
- OC Business Journal
- OC Register
- Los Angeles Times
- Google Search: Anaheim Hills housing development
- Wikipedia: Anaheim
Author: Anaheim Staff Writer
Anaheim Staff Writer The Anaheim Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREAnaheim.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Anaheim, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as major conventions at the Anaheim Convention Center, including NAMM and VidCon, exciting games at Angel Stadium and Honda Center, and developments at Disneyland Resort Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim, plus leading businesses in hospitality, entertainment, and innovation that power the local economy As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECostaMesa.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
