Pre-1991: Land in 65 CNEL area (types of development restricted due to noise from aircraft taking off at MCAS) was permitted for development of more than 11 million square feet of industrial and commercial buildings by County of Orange prior to City incorporation.
1991: Lake Forest incorporates.
2002: Measure W passes; Voters approve Great Park at former MCAS. Landowners approach City regarding changing land use.
2003: Opportunities Study Phase 1; With sale of MCAS El Toro imminent, City and property owners took first steps to examine potential land use changes. Landowners agree to reimburse City for all costs related to Opportunities Study.
2004: Opportunities Study Phase 2; Technical studies evaluation benefits and impacts of changing land use and zoning.
2005: Opportunities Study Phase 3: City-wide traffic model and traffic mitigation plan developed, and series of public meetings held related to the preparation of the 800+ page Draft Environmental Impact report.
January 2006: City issues Draft Program Environmental Impact Report which evaluates impacts on schools, traffic, air quality, noise, and other environmental areas. Mitigation measures were proposed to offset significant impacts.
January 2008: City re-circulates portions of Draft Program Environmental Impact Report to include analysis of new alternative based upon review of community input.
March & April 2008: City holds 2 public workshops to outline Opportunities Study to the community and answer questions.
April 2008: Planning Commission passes resolutions to recommend City Council approve Opportunities Study General Plan Amendment, related zone changes, development agreements and certify Final Program EIR.
Summer 2008: City Council approved of General Plan Amendment, Zone Changes and four Development Agreements. City Council certified Final Program Environmental Impact Report and associated Mitigation Monitoring Program.
July 2008: The first application for a development within the OSA was submitted for the Pacific Heritage property (Site 6) on July 17, 2008. The property owner submitted a Site Development Permit (SDP 2008-11) and Tentative Tract Map (TTM 15594) for subdivision of the property and development of 85 single-family homes.
September 2008: The second application for a development within the OSA was submitted for the Portola Center property (Site 2) on September 2, 2008. The property owner submitted a Tentative Tract Map (TTM 15353/17300) and Area Plan (AP 2008-01) for subdivision of the property for development of up to 930 homes.
June 2009: The City launches planning of a proposed sports park, including a Community Workshop held by the Community Services Department and the initiation of environmental review by the Development Services Department. To review the environmental documents, click here.
Late Summer/Fall 2009: Circulation of Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the sports park.
