News Summary
The Hills Preserve housing project in Anaheim Hills has been revitalized as Deer Canyon Preserve, proposing a 302-unit single-family home development and a 46-unit affordable apartment complex. Resubmitted under California’s builder’s remedy law, the project aims to enhance housing availability while addressing community concerns, particularly regarding fire evacuation safety. The Anaheim City Council recently approved a $16 million housing trust fund, further emphasizing the focus on affordable housing initiatives in the area.
Anaheim
The previously rejected Hills Preserve housing project in Anaheim Hills has been revived under a new name, Deer Canyon Preserve, and a revised proposal. The initial plan, which included a 498-unit high-end apartment complex, faced rejection from the City Council in October 2024 due to concerns regarding fire evacuation safety. In its place, the new proposal outlines plans for a 302-unit single-family home development and a 46-unit affordable apartment complex.
This development is still set to be located near the 91 Freeway off Santa Ana Canyon Road, targeting the same geographical area as the canceled project. The plans have now been resubmitted by SALT Development LLC under California’s builder’s remedy law, which allows developers to circumvent local zoning regulations if affordable housing is included in their projects. The law aims to facilitate the rapid increase of housing availability throughout California.
The California Attorney General’s office has made it clear that local governments cannot deny housing projects that fall under this provision, regardless of inconsistencies with local zoning laws or land-use regulations. According to a recent legal alert, the Attorney General’s office has also taken action against municipalities that failed to process builder’s remedy applications in a timely manner.
Development Details
Visuals of the proposed plots are accessible at City Hall, showcasing modern-style single-family homes within a gated community. The lots for these homes will range from approximately 2,300 to 5,000 square feet. Additionally, the development plan incorporates 14 pocket parks as well as one larger community park, aiming to create a family-friendly environment.
Despite the renewed efforts towards housing development, major deliberations surrounding the project are not expected to take place until at least 2026, due to ongoing reviews and environmental assessments. The environmental reviews, which will scrutinize aspects such as evacuation procedures and fire safety measures, are anticipated to take between 8 to 12 months. The builder’s remedy application was submitted in May, coinciding with the city’s housing plan that received state approval in July 2024. The approval of the housing plan was delayed previously due to legal complications with a local nonprofit.
Community Concerns
Locals have previously voiced their opposition to the original Hills Preserve project, fearing wildfires could create evacuation challenges. As these concerns persist with the new proposal, District 6 Councilmember Natalie Meeks has stated that scrutiny on environmental, traffic, and evacuation findings is critical. Community member Dan Scanlon expressed worries about potential evacuation gridlock due to the anticipated population increase resulting from the new residential development.
The area where the Deer Canyon Preserve project is slated to be built is classified as a very high fire hazard severity zone, which underscores the urgency for thorough safety assessments. SALT Development has not provided any comments in response to inquiries regarding the updated project proposal.
Additional Local Initiatives
In related news, the Anaheim City Council has recently approved a $16 million housing trust fund. This fund is primarily financed by The Walt Disney Co., contributing $15 million with an additional $1 million from federal funds. The aim is to support the development of affordable housing units and provide assistance for tenant eviction issues. Disney’s fiscal commitment to affordable housing as part of the DisneylandForward development agreement has now reached a total of $30 million.
Furthermore, a recently sold 392-unit affordable housing complex called Park Vista in North Anaheim fetched $108 million, indicative of a robust market demand for affordable housing solutions in the region.
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Additional Resources
- OC Register: Anaheim Deer Canyon Housing Project
- OC Business Journal: 392-Unit Anaheim Affordable Housing Complex Sells
- Commercial Observer: Anaheim Housing and Disneyland
- Disney Dining: Disney California Housing Expansion
- Hey SoCal: Anaheim Approves Affordable Housing Trust
- Wikipedia: Anaheim
- Google Search: Anaheim housing development
- Google Scholar: Anaheim housing development
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Anaheim
- Google News: Anaheim housing project
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.
