RESOLUTION NO. PC-2026-06
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
FULLERTON, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL
APPROVE A GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT TO ADOPT THE UPDATED OPEN
SPACE AND CONSERVATION ELEMENT OF THE FULLERTON PLAN, AS APPENDIX M, AND REPLACE CHAPTER 19 IN ITS ENTIRETY
LRP-2026-0004
APPLICANT: CITY OF FULLERTON
RECITALS:
WHEREAS, pursuant to FMC Section 15.72.020.B, the Planning Commission of the City of Fullerton is authorized to review and make recommendations to the City Council regarding amendments to the General Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Fullerton has held a duly noticed public hearing on April 22, 2026, as required by law, for LRP-2026-0004, to consider amendments to the General Plan pursuant to Fullerton Municipal Code Section
15.24.130 and Government Code Section 65353; and
WHEREAS, notice of the public hearing was published in the Fullerton News Tribune on March 30, 2026, in accordance with all applicable legal requirements; and WHEREAS, the City of Fullerton ('City") is a municipal corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of California; and WHEREAS, California Government Code Section 65302(e) requires that each city adopt a comprehensive, long-term general plan that includes an open space element for the preservation of open space land; and
WHEREAS, the City of Fullerton adopted The Fullerton Plan on May 1, 2012, which serves as the City's General Plan pursuant to state law, including an Open Space and Conservation Element; and
WHEREAS, the Open Space and Conservation Element has not been comprehensively updated since its adoption in 2012, and updates are necessary to reflect changes in community demographics, land use conditions, state law requirements, and best practices in open space planning and conservation; and WHEREAS, the updated Open Space and Conservation Element was developed through a comprehensive planning process that included review of existing conditions, analysis of natural resources, trails, habitat conservation, wildlife connectivity, and the Resolution No. PC-2026-06
urban tree canopy, as well as extensive community engagement conducted through surveys, in-person outreach, and stakeholder input; and WHEREAS, the Draft Open Space and Conservation Element was released for a public review period beginning in February 2026, providing the community with an opportunity to review and submit comments on the proposed update; and WHEREAS, the Draft Open Space and Conservation Element reflects coordination across City departments, alignment with applicable state requirements including Senate Bill 1425 and Assembly Bill 1889, and consideration of best practices in open space and conservation planning; and
WHEREAS, the updated Open Space and Conservation Element is internally consistent with all other elements of The Fullerton Plan, including the Land Use, Conservation, Safety, and Environmental Justice Elements; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has reviewed the environmental documentation prepared | in connection with this action pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission finds that the updated Open Space and Conservation Element is consistent with the goals, policies, and objectives of The Fullerton Plan and applicable state law; and
WHEREAS, the current Open Space and Conservation Element requires updating to comply with recent State legislation, including Senate Bill 1425 (equitable access, climate resilience, and rewilding opportunities) and Assembly Bill 1889 (wildlife connectivity analysis); and
WHEREAS, the Draft Element has been prepared in coordination with the City's first Environmental Justice Element, as required by Senate Bill 1000; and WHEREAS, the Draft Element is based on extensive technical analysis, including inventory, mapping, and habitat connectivity analysis; and WHEREAS, the update process included robust community engagement including an online survey conducted from October 27 to November 30, 2025, which garnered 642 responses, and in-person outreach at the OktoBOOfest event on October 30, 2025, engaging over 100 residents directly; and
WHEREAS, the proposed Goals and Policies are organized under seven key goals that address connectivity, equitable access, diverse recreational opportunities, maintenance and safety, conservation and biodiversity, climate resilience, and collaborative stewardship and funding; and
Resolution No. PC-2026-06
WHEREAS, the proposed updates satisfy the requirements of Senate Bill 1425 by addressing equitable access (Goals 1, 2, and 4), climate resilience (Goals 5 and 6), and rewilding opportunities (Goal 5); and
WHEREAS, the proposed updates satisfy the requirements of Assembly Bill 1889 through the "Essential Habitat Connectivity" map and analysis in Section 2.5 and Policies P5.1 through P5.7; and
WHEREAS, the proposed policies directly respond to community-identified needs, including amenities and maintenance, safety and enforcement, open space equity, and conservation priorities; and
WHEREAS, the adoption of a General Plan Element is a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The Open Space and Conservation Element was determined to be exempt under Categorical Exemption Section 15061(b)(3), Common Sense Exemption. The Open Space Element is a policy document that does not authorize direct physical changes to the environment. Future projects implemented under its framework will undergo their own project-level CEQA review. Based on the policy-level nature of the update, significant environmental impacts are not anticipated, and any potential concerns can be addressed through policy refinements prior to adoption; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has reviewed and considered the staff report, the Draft Open Space and Conservation Element dated April 6, 2026, and all other materials and testimony presented at the public hearing.
THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FULLERTON HEREBY FINDS AND RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
Finding 1: The Draft Open Space and Conservation Element has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of California Government Code Section 65302(e) and all other applicable provisions of state law.
Fact 1: The Draft Open Space and Conservation Element constitutes a permissible amendment to The Fullerton Plan pursuant to Government Code Section 65353 and FMC Section 15.24.130.
Fact 2: SB 1425 (Open Space & Equity): The Element addresses equitable access through policies under Goals 1, 2, and 4 that target community-identified park and open space gaps, particularly in Districts 3, 4, and 5, aligning with the new Environmental Justice Element. For climate resilience, Goals 5 and 6 integrate climate vulnerability assessments (fire, flood, urban heat) with conservation policies, creating a comprehensive framework coordinated with the Safety Element. Regarding rewilding opportunities, Goal 5, supported by the Existing Conditions analysis (Section 2.5), identifies specific opportunities for habitat restoration and connectivity, aligning with the Land Use Element.
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Fact 3: AB 1889 (Wildlife Connectivity): The "Essential Habitat Connectivity" map and analysis (Section 2.5) directly address this mandate. Policies P5.1 through P5.7 provide a clear framework to avoid, minimize, and mitigate impacts on wildlife movement.
Finding 2: The Draft Open Space and Conservation Element is internally consistent with all other elements of The Fullerton Plan.
Fact: Staff and the Planning Commission have reviewed the Draft Open Space and Conservation Element alongside the Land Use, Circulation, Housing, Safety, Noise, and Environmental Justice Elements of The Fullerton Plan. The updated Element contains no conflicts with existing goals, policies, or implementation measures and has been revised where necessary to ensure internal consistency as required by Government Code Section 65300.5.
Finding 3: The Draft Open Space and Conservation Element reflects the community's vision for open space management, habitat conservation, climate resilience, accessibility, and equitable access to open space resources.
Fact: The update process included an online survey conducted from October 27 to November 30, 2025, which garnered 642 responses, as well as in-person outreach at the OktoBOOfest event on October 30, 2025, engaging over 100 residents directly. Community feedback directly informed the seven goal areas and specific policies addressing equitable access, maintenance, safety, and conservation priorities.
Finding 4: The public engagement process conducted in connection with the preparation of the Draft Open Space and Conservation Element was thorough, inclusive, and consistent with the City's community engagement standards.
Fact: In addition to the survey and in-person outreach described above, the Draft Element was released for a public review period beginning in February 2026. A duly noticed public hearing was held on April 22, 2026, at which time the Planning Commission considered the staff report, the Draft Element, and all public testimony and written comments submitted in connection therewith.
THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FULLERTON HEREBY FINDS AND RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
1. The previous recitals are true and correct and are incorporated as if fully set forth herein.
2. The Planning Commission recommends to the City Council that the Fullerton Plan be amended by adopting Appendix M (Attachment 1).
Resolution No. PC-2026-06
3. The Planning Commission recommends that the current Chapter 19 (Open Space and Conservation Element) of The Fullerton Plan, adopted on May 1, 2012, is hereby amended to read as set forth in the Draft Open Space and Conservation Element dated April 6, 2026.
4. The Planning Commission directs staff to refine the Draft Open Space and Conservation Element based on the feedback and direction provided by the Planning Commission during the April 22, 2026, public hearing without the requirement to return to the Planning Commission for approval of any changes or modifications.
ADOPTED BY THE FULLERTON PLANNING COMMISSION ON APRIL 22, 2026.
Oscar Valadez,
Attachments
1. Appendix M: Open Space and Conservation Element
The Fullerton Plan
Appendix M
Open Space and Conservation Element
Planning Commission Review Draft: April 2026
OF FUL
CITY ERTON
CALIFORNIA
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Open Space and Conservation
Element
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Purpose and Background
The City of Fullerton community values open space as a vital resource that shapes the city's character and enhances quality of life. In Fullerton, open space includes parks, trails, and recreational areas, as well as lands preserved in their natural state for conservation. Thoughtful stewardship of these spaces ensures the long-term health of the environment and protection of natural resources.
The Open Space and Conservation Element combines two related components into one unified framework dedicated to safeguarding, maintaining, and enhancing these resources. Integrating open space and conservation creates a comprehensive approach to land management and sustainability. Both components share the goal of protecting natural resources, improving ecological health, and providing community benefits, ensuring that open spaces support both public access and conservation objectives. Together, open space and conservation advance a holistic vision for the City of Fullerton. This commitment places conservation at the heart of the City's vision, preserving the integrity of its landscapes while promoting sustainability for current and future generations. • Open Space
Open space refers to land that remains largely undeveloped and is often preserved for its scenic, ecological, or buffering functions. It supports park and recreational uses such as trails and viewpoints, and contributes to habitat value, stormwater management, and climate resilience. While not always actively used, open spaces help define the character and environmental function of the City of Fullerton. The purpose of open space in Fullerton is to enhance the overall quality of life and guide the conservation and utilization of natural resources. This includes the management and protection of open space lands throughout the city.
• Conservation
Conservation involves the active management and protection of natural resources including vegetation, habitat, wildlife, water, air, and soil throughout the entire city and across all land types. It is not limited to specific areas; rather, it is a citywide approach applied to parks, open spaces, developed areas, waterways, and infrastructure. Conservation efforts include habitat restoration, biodiversity enhancement, ecosystem health improvement, and the sustainable use of environmental resources to benefit future generations.
• Additional Consideration within the Element- Parks and Recreation Parks and recreation typically include landscaped areas and amenities such as playgrounds, sports courts, athletic fields, picnic facilities, and community centers. These spaces provide opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, and access to nature within the urban environment. While parks and recreation is referenced in the Open Space and Conservation Element, it is addressed in greater detail in The Fullerton Community' section of the City's General Plan ('The Fullerton Plan). Because public open spaces often serve both recreational and community purposes, it is important to clarify this connection.
The purpose of the Parks and Recreation section within 'The Fullerton Community" is to guide the acquisition, maintenance, and development of parks, trails, recreational facilities, and programs throughout Fullerton.
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Open Space at Mountain View Park in Fullerton
Conservation Space at Robert E. Ward Nature Preserve in Fullerton Appendix M: Open Space and Conservation Element Page 2
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1.2 Statutory Requirements
The Open Space and Conservation Element of the General Plan is shaped by state mandates, regional frameworks, and local priorities that work together to protect natural resources, enhance ecological health, and ensure the sustainable management of environmental systems. This Element aligns with key statutes and policies, including the following:
California Government Code 565302(e): This code requires all general plans to include an Open Space Element that addresses the long-term preservation of open space lands. This includes open space for natural resource protection, outdoor recreation, hazard mitigation (such as flood and fire zones), and the production of resources like agriculture. Additional considerations include open space that supports military readiness or protects tribal resources.
Quimby Act Government Code 566477: Known as the Quimby Act, this code allows cities and counties to require residential subdivisions to dedicate land or pay in-lieu fees for park and recreational purposes. These dedications or fees are then used to fund new park and open space development in consideration of population growth necessitating additional public open spaces.
The Public Park Preservation Act (§5400-§5409): The Public Park Preservation Act restricts the sale, lease, or disposal of public parkland unless a replacement of equivalent size and function is provided. This protects publicly accessible parks from being converted to non-recreational uses without due process and community benefit.
California Government Code §65302(d) - Conservation Element Requirement: The primary legal foundation for the Conservation Element is Government Code §65302(d), which requires all general plans to include policies addressing the conservation, development, and use of natural resources. These include watersheds, forests, soils, rivers and other waters, harbors, fisheries, wildlife, minerals, and other natural systems. The statute emphasizes that policies must reflect local conditions, support long-term resource management, and be coordinated with efforts to protect air and water quality.
Senate Bill (SB) 1425(2022): SB 1425, signed into law in September 2022, amended California Government Code Section 65560-65564. This bill requires every California city and county to update its General Plan's Open Space Element by January 1, 2026. SB 1425 elevates open space planning to a statewide priority by ensuring conservation, equity, and climate adaptation are core components of local policy. The update must include an action program that addresses three key areas:
• Equitable Access: Ensure all residents have access to open space, considering social, economic, and racial equity, aligned with the Environmental Justice Element. • Climate Resilience and Co-benefit: Integrate strategies that improve open space's resilience to climate impacts, such as wildfire, flooding, and urban heat, coordinated with the Safety Element. • Rewilding Opportunities: Identify potential areas for ecological restoration and habitat expansion, aligned with the Land Use Element.
Assembly Bill (AB) 1889(2024): Wildlife and Habitat Connectivity AB 1889 amended Government Code 565302(d), requiring jurisdictions to identify and analyze wildlife connectivity and movement corridors, and consider the impact of development on species movement and ecological resilience. Any impacts and barriers to wildlife movement are then required to be avoided, minimized, or mitigated to the extent feasible. It encourages alignment with State and regional agencies, conservation goals, and efforts in developing wildlife and habitat connectivity strategies.
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1.3 Planning Process
1.3.1 Coordinated Planning Process
The update to the City of Fullerton's Open Space and Conservation Element was undertaken as part of a coordinated planning process that also included the development of the City's first Environmental Justice Element.
While two separate Elements, this effort reflects a coordinated and integrated approach within 'The Fullerton Plan! This effort, led by the Community and Economic Development Department, brought together multiple planning disciplines to address open space, parks, conservation, and environmental justice in a unified process.
This coordinated approach fulfills state requirements under Senate Bill 1425 and Senate Bill 1000, which guide updates to open space and environmental justice planning. By advancing both the Open Space and Conservation Element update and the new Environmental Justice Element together, the City ensures compliance with these mandates while promoting best practices in comprehensive planning.
The two Elements were designed to complement one another: open space strategies focus on park access, shared technical analyses, including demographic mapping, equity indicators, open space inventories, conservation priorities, and community health data, providing a consistent foundation for policy development and interdepartmental coordination.
Although structured as separate components of The Fullerton Plan, the Open Space and Conservation and Environmental Justice Elements were developed in tandem, with public outreach materials and engagement activities emphasizing their connection. This approach helped residents understand the shared objectives and strengthened confidence in the City's commitment to equity and sustainability.
1.3.2 Community Engagement
Community engagement was a vital component of the planning process for updating the Open Space and Conservation Element. Recognizing that both the Open Space and Conservation Element and Environmental Justice Element shape how residents experience parks, open space, and environmental health, the City implemented a comprehensive outreach strategy to ensure broad participation and meaningful input. The primary engagement activities included a public online survey and an in-person outreach pop-up event. To build awareness of these opportunities, the City launched a dedicated project webpage featuring summaries of engagement activities, major milestones and deliverables, and status updates on both elements. In addition, the City utilized multiple media channels, including a website banner, an email e-blast to residents, Instagram posts, and digital display boards at the transit center. By combining digital tools with in-person engagement, the City successfully reached a broad audience and kept the community informed as planning progressed.
Public Online Survey Overview
A citywide survey was available from October 27, 2025 to November 30, 2025, gathering input on topics such as environmental justice, open space and conservation, equitable access, rewilding, and climate resilience. The survey received 642 responses, demonstrating strong community interest. To maximize participation, the City promoted the survey through multiple channels, including the City's website and website banner, Instagram posts, email e-blasts, and digital display boards. This multi-platform strategy ensured residents from diverse backgrounds had opportunities to engage.
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In-Person Pop-up Outreach Event Overview
To complement online engagement, the City hosted a pop-up booth during OktoBOOfest on October 30, 2025, at The Downtown Fullerton Plaza. The four-hour event provided a direct opportunity for residents to learn about the planning process, ask questions, and share ideas. Activities included two interactive boards and two educational boards. Over 85 responses were collected through two interactive activity boards and over 100 flyers were distributed to promote awareness of the planning process and online survey.
Community Engagement Overview Summary
ONLINE SURVEY
642 5 35 5
Total Survey Survey Categories Days Live for Media Channels Participants Environmentaljustice, Responses City's website page, City's open space and October 27- website banner, City's
conservation, access, November 30, 2025 Instagram, email E-Blast, and re-wilding, and climate digital display boards
resilience
OUTREACH EVENS
150+ 100+
In Person Visitors Hours Connecting Activity Boards Flyers Provided OktoBOOfest in In person time Receiving 85+ To build awareness on the Fullerton on October connecting with the responses process 30, 2025 community
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open space ank Lenaton
berner
1.3.3 Summary of Community Input
Feedback was collected from the Public Online Survey and In-Person Pop-up Outreach Event, providing both quantitative data and qualitative insights. The key themes and observations from these engagement activities are highlighted below in more detail.
Online Community Survey
The survey collected demographic information such as zip code, age, and race/ethnicity, and explored residents' experiences with open spaces, barriers to access, and ideas for making parks more welcoming and inclusive. It also addressed conservation topics like wildlife habitats, climate adaptation strategies, and areas for preservation or enhancement. Additionally, the survey introduced the concept of environmental justice, asking about awareness, health and environmental concerns, and resources needed to protect vulnerable groups. Participants were also invited to share preferences for future engagement and provide general feedback on the Open Space and Conservation and Environmental Justice Elements. The following summaries are focused on the Open Space and Conservation Element. The responses to the individual questions are summarized in 'Appendix M Supplement:
Online Public Survey Responses!
Online Survey Responses
• Open Space Responses
The survey responses revealed strong engagement with Fullerton's open spaces, with over 85% of participants reporting that they regularly visit parks and trails. Popular destinations include Hillcrest Park, Laguna Lake, Craig Regional Park, and Coyote Hills.
Access Responses
While most residents enjoy these spaces, common barriers to access were identified, such as time constraints, lack of amenities like restrooms, shade, and seating, and safety concerns. Cost and transportation were rarely cited as obstacles. Desired improvements focused on cleaner and more accessible restrooms, better parking, shaded seating and picnic areas, improved maintenance, restrictions on e-bikes, and enhanced safety measures.
Re-wilding Responses
Rewilding and conservation emerged as important themes, with over 78% of respondents aware of wildlife areas in Fullerton, particularly in Coyote Hills, Laguna Lake, and local parks and trails.
Suggested adaptation strategies included planting native trees and vegetation, expanding tree canopy for shade, and restoring native habitats. Preservation priorities were noted, with more than 77% identifying areas to protect or enhance, most notably Coyote Hills and other open space corridors.
Engagement Responses
Respondents also expressed preferences for future outreach, favoring partnerships with local nonprofits and schools, community workshops, online surveys, and programs for youth and seniors.
About 58% provided an email address to stay informed about long-range planning updates, indicating a strong interest in continued engagement.
In-Person Pop-up Outreach Event
• Activity Board 1: Open Space Mapping
Participants were asked to identify parks they visit most often and those where they experience access challenges by placing colored dots on a city map. The responses showed that Rolling Hills School Park, Fullerton Sports Complex, Fullerton Arboretum, Hillcrest Park, and Acacia Park were Appendix M: Open Space and Conservation Element Page 6
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among the most frequently visited parks, followed by Adlena Park, Hiltscher Park, Lions Field, and Orangethorpe Park.
• Activity Board 2: Open-Ended Feedback
Participants provided input on open spaces and environmental justice. For making open spaces more welcoming and inclusive, suggestions included increasing patrols and park rangers, improving security, adding bathrooms, maintaining public access at school parks, addressing homelessness, installing 'giving boxes' and free libraries, and improving mulch management. To protect vulnerable groups from environmental risks, participants recommended planting more trees, adding water stations, creating community garden pop-ups in disadvantaged neighborhoods, and addressing concerns near railways and industrial corridors
Community Input Key Themes- Open Space and Conservation • Access and Trails Improvements
• Maintain and improve existing trails and neighborhood walking paths and explore stronger connections between park and trail systems. Provide clearer rules and signage for bicycles and motorized vehicles to better protect pedestrians and hikers. • Safety and Enforcement
• Continue providing coordinated resources to address issues related to unhoused individuals, substance use, off-leash dogs, and aggressive biking in open spaces. Consider enhanced lighting, visible patrols, and consistent rule enforcement to improve safety and the overall park experience.
• Amenities and Maintenance
• Expand and improve open space amenities by providing more restrooms, ADA-compliant parking, paved and level walking paths, benches, shaded seating, multiple access points, and accommodations for seniors, particularly at neighborhood parks and along trails. Emphasize cleanliness, safety, lighting, and regular maintenance, including trash removal, graffiti cleanup, restroom upkeep, landscaping, trail grooming, sidewalk repairs, and overall park appearance.
Prioritize repairs near the most frequently visited open spaces and invest in shade and water amenities at high-use parks and trailheads to address heat exposure and infrastructure needs. • Open Space Equity
• Increase green space and park investment through pocket parks, green corridors, and expanded tree canopy. Prioritize equitable distribution of open space in underserved areas of Fullerton, with strong support for walkable neighborhood. Consider balance of improved upkeep of existing spaces and the creation of new open spaces and opportunities for converting vacant or underutilized land into public open space.
• Flexible Programming and Community Use
• Support flexible park programming and adaptable spaces for community activities such as live music, farmers markets, and seasonal events. Expand programming to including updated playgrounds, sports courts, dog-friendly areas, community gardens, downtown green spaces, and low-cost or free community events.
• Community Pride and Stewardship
• Build on positive feedback regarding park staff and appreciation for existing amenities by expanding opportunities for environmental education and stewardship. This includes native planting days, habitat restoration projects, and partnerships with local organizations to strengthen community connection to parks and natural areas.
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Element
ELOHOME DEVELOPHENT
COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
In-Person OktoBOOfest Pop-up Outreach Event in October 2025 Appendix M: Open Space and Conservation Element Page 8
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e and Conservation
1.4 Relationship to Other Documents
1.4.1 The Fullerton Plan
The Open Space and Conservation Element is one of the foundational and integrative components of The Fullerton Plan, the City of Fullerton's General Plan adopted in 2012. As a long-range policy framework, 'The Fullerton Plan' guides land use, infrastructure, housing, mobility, and community development through a community-driven vision rooted in sustainability, livability, and equity. These values are deeply embedded in the Open Space and Conservation Element, which seeks to protect, maintain, and enhance Fullerton's natural While 'The Fullerton Plan' predates recent legislative mandates such as SB 1425, which requires cities to update their open space elements by January 1, 2026, the Open Space and Conservation Element already reflects many of the bill's priorities. These include ensuring equitable access to open space, enhancing climate resilience, and identifying rewilding opportunities.
The Element complements and reinforces the goals outlined in Part Il of The Fullerton Plan' and integrates with the theme areas: Built Environment, Economy, Community, and Natural Environment. This ensures that environmental stewardship and public health are central to Fullerton's development strategy. It also aligns with the Environmental Justice Element, which is being developed concurrently, by promoting access to green spaces and natural resources for disadvantaged communities.
The Fullerton Built Environment
• Community Development and Design: The Open Space and Conservation Element supports inclusive and equitable land use patterns by integrating green infrastructure and preserving natural landscapes near sensitive receptors such as schools, homes, and parks. Green infrastructure refers to the use of natural or landscaped features, like trees, plants, and soils, to manage stormwater, reduce flooding, and improve environmental health. Natural landscapes refers to open spaces, hills, waterways, and native vegetation that provide habitat, scenic value, and environmental benefits within and around Fullerton.
Housing: This Element complements housing goals by ensuring that residential areas, especially those historically underserved, have access to nearby parks, trails, and natural amenities. By preserving open space within and adjacent to housing developments, the Element contributes to healthier living environments and supports long-term housing stability.
• Mobility and Bicycle: The Open Space and Conservation Element promotes active transportation, or travel modes that rely on physical activity rather than motorized vehicles, including walking and bicycling. • Growth Management and Noise: Growth policies within the Element emphasize sustainable development that protects natural resources and minimizes environmental impacts.
The Fullerton Economy
• Economic Development and Revitalization: The Open Space and Conservation Element supports economic development by enhancing the quality of life and attractiveness of Fullerton's neighborhoods.
Investments in parks, green infrastructure, and natural resource conservation contribute to revitalization efforts that improve infrastructure, attract businesses, and foster community resilience. These improvements are especially impactful in underserved areas, where access to open space can catalyze equitable growth and long-term sustainability.
The Fullerton Community
• Public Health and Public Safety: Open space planning directly contributes to public health by promoting access to clean air, shaded environments, and recreational opportunities. It also supports public safety by Appendix M: Open Space and Conservation Element Page 9
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integrating climate resilience strategies, such as flood mitigation and heat reduction, into Fullerton's landscape. These efforts align with the Safety Element and help prepare Fullerton for natural hazards.
Parks and Recreation, Arts and Culture, and Education: The Element promotes equitable access to parks, trails, and recreational amenities, recognizing their role in fostering physical activity, mental well-being, and social cohesion. It also supports cultural and educational programming in open spaces, reinforcing their value as community hubs.
• Community Involvement: The Open Space and Conservation Element strengthens civic engagement by ensuring that residents of disadvantaged communities have meaningful opportunities to participate in public decision-making processes that affect their environment and health.
The Fullerton Natural Environment
• Air Quality and Climate Change: The Element advances strategies that improve air quality and reduce urban heat through tree planting, habitat restoration, and green infrastructure. These efforts contribute to climate adaptation and align with broader sustainability goals. • Water and Integrated Waste Management: Open space planning supports water management in all open • Natural Hazards: The Element coincides with the Safety Element that identifies vulnerabilities to flooding, extreme heat, and seismic risks by integrating hazard mitigation into open space planning.
1.4.2 Community Forest Management Plan 2023
The City of Fullerton's 'Community Forest Management Plan 2023' focuses on maintaining and expanding Fullerton's urban forest to maximize environmental, economic, and public health benefits while reducing risks and costs. Key goals include increasing tree canopy coverage, ensuring tree health and safety through best practices, promoting species and age diversity, and enhancing climate resilience with drought and wildfire mitigation strategies. The 'Community Forest Management Plan' connects directly to the Open Space and Conservation Element of a city's General Plan as urban forestry is a critical component of preserving and enhancing open space resources. Trees and green corridors contribute to ecological health, biodiversity, and scenic quality, which are core objectives of conservation planning. Additionally, it aligns with policies that protect natural resources and promote sustainable land use, ensuring that public spaces remain accessible, resilient, and environmentally beneficial.
1.4.3 Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)
The City of Fullerton's 'Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) is closely integrated with the Open Space and Conservation Element to ensure that the City's open space network supports public safety, emergency preparedness, and post-disaster recovery. Open spaces play a critical role in hazard mitigation, emergency response operations, and the enhancement of community resilience during both natural and human-caused emergencies.
Within the City, certain open spaces serve multiple functions related to emergency management. In particular, the Fullerton Recreational Arena functions as a designated staging area for large animals during evacuation events and as a deployment location for mounted police units during both planned and unplanned operations.
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2. EXISTING CONDITIONS
The update process for the Open Space and Conservation Element included a comprehensive assessment of existing conditions, teaturing a citywide analysis of open space inventory, access and recreational trails, habitat conservation, vegetation profiles, wildlife connectivity and rewilding opportunities, urban canopy coverage, and climate resilience. This assessment provides the foundation for shaping the goals and policies of the Open Space and Conservation Element.
2.1 Open Space Inventory
The City of Fullerton contains 55 public parks and natural open spaces, in addition to 7 joint-use public school arks, which together provide a diverse range of open spaces that enhance environmental quality while offerin ecreational and ecological value. Collectively, these public open spaces account for 1,383 acres or 10% of the City's total acreage, as shown in Exhibit 2-1: Open Space Inventory. Fullerton's open space and habitat network consists of parks, greenbelts, and nature preserves designed to protect biodiversity while providing recreational opportunities. Public open space in Fullerton can be categorized into the following types:
• Public Parks
Fullerton offers a wide variety of public parks with amenities such as playgrounds, sports fields, picnic areas, walking trails, and passive open space. These parks serve as community gathering spaces and promote active lifestyles. These parks are managed by the City. Regional parks maintained by Orange County, such as Craig Regional Park and Ralph B. Clark Park, are also considered public parks. • Joint-Use School Parks
Several parks are developed in partnership with local schools, allowing shared use of athletic fields and playgrounds. These joint-use facilities maximize land resources and provide recreational access for students and the broader community.
• Habitat Conservation Areas
Protected natural areas like Robert E. Ward Nature Preserve conserve native plant communities and wildlife habitats. These spaces are managed to preserve biodiversity and offer passive recreation opportunities such as hiking and nature observation.
• Other Open Spaces
This category includes golf courses, arboretums, and specialized parks that strengthen Fullerton's green infrastructure.
While recreation is often included within public parks, detailed discussion of recreation areas is provided in Parks and Recreation in the 'Fullerton Community' section of the 'Fullerton Plan! TABLE 2-1: FULLERTON OPEN SPACE INVENTORY SUMMARY
OPEN SPACE TYPE COUNT OF OPEN TOTAL
SPACES ACRES
Public Parks 50 ~665
Joint-Use School Parks 7 ~18
Habitat Conservation Areas 5 ~700
Robert E Ward Preserve 1 ~72
All Other Habitat Conservation Areas 4 ~628
Other Open Spaces 3 n/a
Appendix M: Open Space and Conservation Element Page 11 Exhibit 2-1:
Open Space Inventory
* Indicates individual public parks operated
by Orange County; all other public parks are
owned-or, if not owned, managed-by the
City of Fullerton. This category also includes
parks owned and maintained by other entities
where a public access easement has been
City of granted.
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20 Bastanchury Rd
42 Rosecrans Ave 48
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City of
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City of Fullerton Raymond Ave State
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WMalvern Ave Fullerton
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Fullerton E Chapman Ave
W Commonwealth Ave E Commonwealth Ave
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46 State College Bivd
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City of Anaheim
Open Space Inventory Public Parks 21 Hilcrest Park 42 Trail Rest Park Habitat Conservation 1 Acacia Park 22 Hitscher Park 43 Truskow Park Areas
City of Fullerton 2 Adena Park 23 Holcomb Park 44 Tri City Park* 8 Coyote Hills East Preserv 3 Amerige Park 24 Independence Park 45 Union Pacific Park 9 Oak Grove Vist 4 Bastanchury Greenbett 25 Juanila Cooke Greenbelt 46 Valencia Park 60 Panorama Nature Preserve Public Parks 5 Bastanchury Park 26 Laguna Lake Park "Gus" Grissom Part 61 Robert E. Ward Nature Preserve 5 Brea Dam Recreatonal Park 27 Lions Field 48 Visia Park 62 West Coyole Hels 7 Byerim Park 28 McDermont Park
Joint-Use School Parks 29 Mountain View Park so Wes Cope is lie Park 8 Chaoman Park
9 Craid Regional Park* 30 Muckenthaler Cultural Ctr
10 Downtown Plaza 31 Nicholas Park Joint-Use School Park: 64 Fullerton Golf Course Habitat Conservation Areas 1 Edward H. White 11 Park 32 Olive Park 51 Fem School Park 65 Fullerton Arboretum 2 Emery Park 33 Pacific Drive Park 52 Hermosa School Park Other Open Spaces 13 Fem Drive Park 34 Pearl Park 34 Orangeliare Park 14 Ford Park 35 Plaza Park
15 Fullerton Creek Greenbelt 36 Pooch Park 55 Rolling Hils School Park I City of Fullerton Boundary 16 Fullerton Sports Complex 37 Ralph B. Clark Park* 56 Valencia School Park 17 Filleron Tennis Center 38 Richman Park 57 Woodcrest Park 18 Gardner Park 39 Roger B. Chaffee Park
19 Chert Park 40 Roling Hills Park
20 Gilman Park 41 San Juan Park
1 mile 2 miles Source: City of Fullerton, CA Open Data Portal, Esri; Projection: California State Plane Coordinate System Zone 6, NAD 83 Planning Commission
Review Draft: April 2026
Open Space and Conservation
Element
Open Space Types
Public Parks Joint-Use School Parks
Habitat Conservation Areas Other Open Spaces (Arboretums, Golf Courses, etc.)
2.2 West Coyote Hills
West Coyote Hills is a 510-acre natural open space in northwest Fullerton, featuring coastal sage scrub habitats that support threatened species such as the California gnatcatcher and cactus wren. For decades, the site has been at the center of debate between development proposals, planning up to 760 homes on 179 acres, and conservation efforts focused on preserving continuous habitat. In 2012, Fullerton voters approved Measure W, rejecting earlier development plans. Despite this, Chevron-Pacific Coast Homes secured a tract map that dedicated over 220 acres to open space and allowed the City to purchase additional parcels, with Fullerton prevailing in litigation in 2018. By December 2021, the City finalized the acquisition of approximately 26.5 acres across two parcels. This acquisition built upon the existing 72.3-acre Robert E. Ward Nature Preserve, acquired by the City in the 1970s, and, together with adjacent privately held land subject to density-shift restrictions established through the "Path Forward" process following the 2012 Measure W referendum (sponsored by the Friends of Coyote Hills), created a contiguous expanse of protected habitat totaling approximately 218 acres.
Efforts continue to secure and conserve the remaining western portion (approximately 292 acres). In March 2024, collaborative grant funding from state agencies, including the Coastal Conservancy, Wildlife Conservation Board, San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, supported "Phase I/" acquisitions to expand preserved habitat, with goals of climate resilience, flood protection, and wildfire buffering. Pending future federal funding, development on the remaining land may still occur.
Preserving this land offers significant regional benefits, including the rare opportunity to protect open space in one of California's most urbanized regions. It provides much-needed parkland, creates new recreational opportunities, serves as an educational resource for nearby schools and universities, and expands critical habitat for the federally protected California gnatcatcher, advancing biodiversity and conservation goals. The Open Space and Conservation Element reflects West Coyote Hills in its current state as a habitat conservation area while acknowledging the potential for future development.
Appendix M: Open Space and Conservation Element Page 13 Planning Commission
Review Draft: April 2026
e and Conservation
2.3 Access To Open Space
2.3.1 Primary Recreational Trails
Recreational trails in Fullerton are integrated with the city's open space network, creating connections between parks, neighborhoods, and natural areas. The City of Fullerton's trail system accommodates a variety of users, including walkers, hikers, bicyclists, and equestrian users, serving both recreational and active transportation purposes. Walkers and hikers primarily use trails for exercise, leisure, and access to natural areas, while bicyclists use designated routes for recreation and connectivity between neighborhoods and destinations. Equestrian users access trails where permitted and where trail design and surface conditions support shared use. The City of Fullerton offers multi-use trails. The only trail which does not allow dogs or horses is the West Coyote Hills Trail.
Popular multi-use trails, like the East Coyote Hills Trail and the Juanita Cooke Greenbelt, link parks such as Laguna Lake and Craig Regional Park. These trails often serve as green corridors for both passive and active recreation as shown in Exhibit 2-2: Primary Recreational Trails Overlay. By linking urban parks with regional open spaces, Fullerton's recreational trails promote outdoor recreation, sustainability, and wildlife movement, making it a vital component of Fullerton's open space and climate resilience strategy.
Recreational Trail Types
Hiking Walking
Bicycling Equestrian
Appendix M: Open Space and Conservation Element Page 14 Exhibit 2-2:
Primary Recreational Trails Overlay
Fullerton's trail system is predominantly.
multi-use, providing varied access for hikers,
equestrians, cyclists, and others. The only trail
which does not allow dogs or horses is Trail #24,
West Coyote Hills Trail.
City of
La Habra
City of La Mirada City of
Brea
--
25 Rolling Hills Dr
Bastanchury Rd.
•Rosecrans Ave 20
57 16
City of 23
Buena
Park
California
City of Fullerton Raymond Ave State
University,
W. Malvern Ave Fullerton
Downtown
Fullerton E Chapman Ave
W. Commonwealth Ave E Commonwealth Ave
W. Valencia Dr City of
State College Bivd Placentia
Orangethorpe Ave S Harbor Blvd
L
@
City of Anaheim
Primary Recreational Trails Overlay 03 Lucy Van Der Hoff Tra Recreational Trails
City of Fullerton 2 Bed Tume Tra 14 Malvem Trai
Bud Tumer Trai
Public Parks Regional Trail
18 Pioneer Trail
Joint-Use School Parks Backbone Trail Hermosa Street Trai 19 Roling Hits "Street Trail" Hilcrest Park Trail 20 Rosecrans Trai
8 Hiltscher Park Trail 21 Sally Pekarek Trail
Habitat Conservation Areas Connector Trail 9 Horse Alley 22. Union Pacific Right of Way Trail 10 Juanita Cooke Greenbelt and Trail 23 Valencia Mesa Street Tra Other Open Spaces Trail Not Yet Constructed/ 11 Las Palmas Street Trail" 24 West Coyote Hills Trail (Officia 12 Lost Trail 25 West Coyote Hits Trail
or Not Yet Developed
i City of Fullerton Boundary
1 mile 2 miles Source: City of Fullerton, CA Open Data Portal, Esri; Projection: California State Plane Coordinate System Zone 6, NAD 83 Planning Commission
Review Draft: April 2026
Open) Conservation
2.3.2 Open Space Access by Census Tracts
Open spaces play a vital role in promoting public health by encouraging physical activity, reducing chronic disease, improving mental well-being, fostering community connections, and supporting resilience to climate change and pollution. One way to measure park access is by the proximity of a resident's home to a park. The California Healthy Places Index (HPI) Park Access indicator, provided by the California Department of Public Health, compares park access conditions in Fullerton to other cities across the state. This indicator measures the percentage of the population living within a half-mile of a park, beach, or open space larger than one acre, as shown in Exhibit 2-3: Open Space Access by Census Tract. This is measured at the Census Tract level. The half- mile distance represents about a 10-minute walk for most people.
As a city, Fullerton ranks healthier than 82.4% of other California cities and towns in terms of park access. This ranking reflects the current accessible open space, including all of West Coyote Hills. However, several census tracts have below average access ratings. These below average ratings include areas with higher concentrations of industrial uses and the California State University Fullerton campus, where open space is not counted as public parkland, skewing results. Conversely, tracts with established trail networks show higher levels of access, demonstrating the importance of connectivity in improving park availability. Given the importance of public transit in Fullerton, opportunities for transit enhancements related to open space access improvements are encouraged and should be further studied.
Appendix M: Open Space and Conservation Element Page 16 Exhibit 2-3:
Open Space Access by Census Tract
City of
La Habra 58%!
Imperial Hwy. -
City of La Mirada City of
Brea
83%
100% 100%
-- Rolling Hills Dr
100%
90%
87% 86% Bastanchury Rd
Rosecrans Ave 100%
100% 98% 80% 100%
City of
Buena 47% 72%
Park
City of Fullerton California
Raymond Ave State
University,
W Malvern Ave 100% 100% 99% Fullerton
96%
100% 97%
E Chapman Ave
Downtown 94%
58% Fullerton
W Commonwealth Ave E Commonwealth Ave
79%
W Valencia Dr City of
State College Bla Placentia
100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
99%
Orangethorpe Ave 100%
SHarbor Bivd
100%
L ---.
-
Senses tonica to prove
City of Anaheim
Open Space Access by Census Tract
California Healthy Places Index: Park Access Indicator 2017 City of Fullerton 89-100% of residents live within half a mile of a park or open space I City of Fullerton Boundary 78-88% of residents live within half a mile of a park or open space Primary Recreational Trails 46-77% of residents live within half a mile of a park or open space Trail Not Yet Constructed/ or Not Yet Developed
0-45% of residents live within half a mile of a park or open space Within the City of Fullerton, 93% percent of people live within within Orange County is 83% and 7% within the cet of calfonia. 1 mile 2 miles Source: Public Health Alliance of Southern Califomia, California Department of Public Health, City of Fullerton, CA Open Data Portal, Estri;
Projection: California State Plane Coordinate System Zone 6, NAD 83 Planning Commission
Review Draft: April 2026
Open space and Co nservaton
Element
2.3.3 Open Space Visitation
While Fullerton has strong overall open space coverage, several factors influence visitation to parks and trails.
During the community engagement process, the most commonly visited open spaces noted were larger park networks, including Hillcrest Park, Laguna Lake, Craig Regional Park, Coyote Hills East Preserve, and Acacia Park.
The most frequently referenced trails were the Hiltscher Trail and Juanita Cooke Trail. Responses were received from residents across all districts, indicating that community members from Districts 4 and 5 regularly travel to the larger park networks located in north Fullerton. Many respondents also referenced regional preserves, arboretums, and smaller neighborhood parks, demonstrating a strong preference for both large open spaces and local walking trails.
2.3.4 Open Space Access by a Half Mile Buffer
The California Department of Parks and Recreation recommends using a half mile buffer from parks and open spaces as an access metric. A half mile is widely recognized as an approximate 10-minute walk for most people, making it a realistic measure of whether a park is close enough for regular use. This distance assesses whether residents can reasonably access parks without relying on a vehicle, particularly for daily recreation and physical activity. The greatest gaps or areas not covered by the half mile buffer include the east portion of District 5, the west portion of District 4, and the northernmost portion of District 2 as shown in Exhibit 2-4: Open Space Access by a Half Mile Buffer.
2.3.5 Access and Community Gaps
Based on the community engagement, residents reported broad use of open spaces but also identified several barriers that limit visitation. The most commonly cited challenges were time constraints and a lack of basic amenities, such as restrooms, seating, and lighting. Safety concerns were also consistently raised across all districts.
Among respondents who identified access issues, the most common themes included homelessness and related safety concerns, parking difficulties, and poor restroom conditions or the absence of restrooms altogether.
Additional concerns were raised regarding insufficient green and centrally located open spaces, including the overall number of parks, uneven distribution by neighborhood, and the lack of a central community gathering space. These concerns were most pronounced in Districts 3, 4, and 5.
2.3.6 Opportunities
Community engagement revealed a broad range of opportunities to improve the inclusivity and functionality of open spaces. The most commonly identified improvements citywide included adding clean, accessible restrooms, particularly at parks where facilities are currently lacking, along with shaded seating areas, benches, and drinking water fountains. Respondents also emphasized the importance of safety and security enhancements, including improved lighting, increased patrol presence, addressing homelessness, and restricting e-bikes and motorized vehicles on trails. Community voices from Districts 4 and 5 highlighted the need for increased neighborhood-level open space, particularly walkable parks within 15 minutes of homes and a more equitable distribution of parks in underserved areas. There was significant interest in converting vacant or underutilized land into walkable neighborhood parks. Additional priorities included improved maintenance, graffiti removal, and enhanced landscaping, with an emphasis on adding more trees and greenery. Respondents frequently noted the need for accessibility upgrades for people with disabilities, updated playgrounds, and stronger connectivity between parks, including rail-to-trail conversions. Parking-related priorities included requests for accessible parking, time-limited parking enforcement near campuses, free or reduced parking at select parks, and safer walking and biking routes to open spaces. Overall, community feedback reflects a strong desire to improve existing open spaces and supporting infrastructure, while expanding opportunities for additional open space to serve growing community Appendix M: Open Space and Conservation Element Page 18 Exhibit 2-4:
Open Space Access by a Half Mile Buffer
City of
La Habra
Imperial Hwy -
City of La Mirada City of
Brea
Rolling Hills Dr
Bastanchury Rd
Rosecrans Ave
57 City of
Buena
Park
City of Fullerton California
Raymond Ave State
University,
WiMaivern Ave Fullerton
E Chapman Ave
Downtown
Fullerton
W Commonwealth Ave E Commonwealth Ave
W Valencia Dr City of
State College Bivd Placentia
Brookhurst Rd Euclid St
-----
City of Anaheim
Open Space Access by a Half Mile Buffer
City of Fullerton City of Fullerton
Half mile buffer from a public park or open space in Fullerton C* City of Fullerton Boundary Primary Recreational Trails
a pain or open of california, 21% of people live over a half mile from Trail Not Yet Constructed/ or Not Yet Developed
1 mile 2 miles Source: City of Fullerton, CA Open Data Portal, Esri; Proiection: California State Plane Coordinate Syster Zone 6, NAD 83 Planning Commission
Review Draft: April 2026
Open Space and servation
2.4 Habitat Conservation
2.4.1 Existing Vegetation Types
Fullerton's natural open spaces are concentrated in its hillsides, parks, and ecological reserves, offering a mix of native habitats that collectively support biodiversity, provide scenic landscapes, and serve as vital resources for outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship. At a high level, vegetation within Fullerton can be summarized using the California Multi-Source Vegetation Layer, a statewide dataset that identifies concentrations of vegetation types. While not exhaustive, this information helps highlight existing vegetation and riparian zones that can guide efforts to improve, enhance, or expand habitat connectivity within Fullerton.
The California Multi-Source Vegetation Layer integrates data from CAL FIRE's Fire and Resource Assessment Program (FRAP), the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's VegCAMP program, and the USDA Forest Service Remote Sensing Lab. Published on the CAL FIRE Portal, the dataset supports fire risk modeling, wildlife habitat analysis, land-use planning, and other resource management functions. It includes two main views: detailed habitat classes and an aggregated set of 13 major land cover types for statewide consistency. Within Fullerton, the primary vegetation types from these categories include the following as shown in Exhibit 2-5: Vegetation Types:
• Shrub
Represented by Coastal Sage Scrub and Chaparral communities, these habitats feature drought-tolerant plants such as California sagebrush, buckwheat, and laurel sumac. Found on hillsides and open slopes, they provide critical habitat for species like the California gnatcatcher and other birds adapted to dry, scrubby environments, including areas like West Coyote Hills, Panorama Nature Preserve, and south of Coyote Hills Golf Course.
• Barren
This vegetation type includes exposed rock outcrops, sandy patches, and disturbed soils with little or no vegetation. In Fullerton, these areas occur on rocky ridges and support specialized plants and reptiles adapted to sun-exposed conditions.
• Hardwood Woodland
Hardwood woodland is dominated by oak species such as coast live oak, often mixed with understory shrubs and grasses. These woodlands occur in riparian corridors and foothill zones, such as Brea Dam Park, providing shade, soil stability, and habitat for mammals, birds, and pollinators. • Herbaceous
Open grasslands dominated by annual grasses and wildflowers are the main vegetation type in herbaceous communities in Fullerton. These are common in parks, open spaces, and transitional zones between urban development and natural habitats, such as Brea Dam Park and Craig Regional Park.
These areas support ground-nesting birds, small mammals, and seasonal pollinators.
In addition to the vegetation types, riparian zones, or areas adjacent to rivers, streams, and other surface waters as designated by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), were overlayed on Exhibit 2-5: Vegetation Types. These zones are critical for biodiversity, water quality, and ecosystem services, and they play a key role in habitat connectivity.
In Fullerton, watershed health is closely connected to habitat quality, wildlife corridors, groundwater recharge, water quality, and climate resilience, serving as a critical foundation for sustaining ecological systems, protecting water resources, and helping the city adapt to climate-related challenges. Chapter 16: Water of 'The Fullerton Plan' addresses watershed health in greater detail.
Appendix M: Open Space and Conservation Element Page 20 Exhibit 2-5:
Vegetation Types
City of
La Habra
Imperial Hwy
City of La Mirada Gity of
Brea
Rolling Hills Dr
BastanchuryRd
Rosecrans Ave
57 City of
Buena
Park California
City of Fullerton Raymond Ave
State
• University
WMalvern Ave Fullerton
Downtowi
Ellertor EChapman Ave
W Commonwealth Ave ECommonwealth Ave
WValencia Dr City of
State College Blvd Placentia
Brookhurst Rd Orangethorpe Ave Euelid St S Harbor Blvd
City of Anaheim
Vegetation Types
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection 2025 City of Fullerton Shrub Barren/Other i City of Fullerton Boundary
Herbaceous Urban - Riparian Zones
Hardwood Woodland
1 mile 2 miles ource California Department of Forestry and Fire Protectior ality of Fullerton, CA Open Data Portal Es
Projection: California State Plane Coordinate System Zone 6, NAD 83 Planning Commission
Review Draft: April 2026
Open Space and Conservation
Element
2.5 Wildlife Connectivity and Re-wilding Opportunities
The City of Fullerton supports a mix of urban-adapted wildlife and remnants of native ecosystems, creating unique biodiversity within a highly developed area. Historically, Fullerton was part of coastal sage scrub and oak woodland ecosystems, featuring plants such as California sagebrush, buckwheat, and coast live oak, while riparian zones along creeks supported willows and sycamores. Today, much of the vegetation consists of ornamental or drought- tolerant landscaping, but restoration efforts showcase native flora like manzanita, toyon, and native grasses.
Fullerton's uniqueness lies in its urban biodiversity hotspots, which preserve native species and attract migratory birds, creating refuges amid dense development. Its green corridors and creek systems act as lifelines for wildlife movement in an otherwise fragmented environment, and the blend of historic native vegetation with modern conservation landscaping offers opportunities for re-wilding and ecological education. Native species documented in or near Fullerton such as the Intermediate Mariposa Lily, Burrowing Owl, California Gnatcatcher, Coastal Cactus Wren, and other birds of special concern should be considered in future open space planning and management decisions.
The California Essential Habitat Connectivity Project, commissioned by Caltrans and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, emphasizes that a functional network of connected wildlands is essential to sustaining California's diverse natural communities in the face of development and climate change. The Terrestrial Connectivity dataset, part of California's Areas of Conservation Emphasis (ACE), provides a statewide assessment of how well areas support wildlife movement and ecological linkages. It integrates multiple sources, including statewide connectivity models, regional studies, and GPS-collar data to identify priority areas for maintaining or improving connectivity. High-ranking connectivity areas often contain documented wildlife corridors or habitat According to the ACE data, Fullerton is classified as having Limited Connectivity Opportunity for larger terrestrial connectivity. This is primarily due to:
1. Extensive urban development that limits wildlife corridors and habitat linkages.
2. Fragmented landscapes where roads and residential neighborhoods create significant barriers to species
3. Recreational or park-like environments that provide open space but do not function as continuous wildlife habitat.
4. Major highways surrounding Fullerton that further disrupt ecological connectivity.
However, with strategic design and targeted improvements, these spaces can support re-wilding efforts that meet both human and ecological needs at a more localized scale. Exhibit 2-6: Essential Habitat Connectivity identifies smaller, relatively natural habitat blocks that support biodiversity and areas essential for ecological connectivity between them. These natural landscape blocks, extend into existing open spaces within Fullerton and represent opportunities for further study and refinement through detailed linkage designs tailored to species and ecological processes. Re-wilding at a smaller scale, such as enhancing habitats, planting suitable vegetation, and implementing wildlife-friendly infrastructure like culverts or buffer zones, can create pathways for wildlife movement and contribute to a more resilient and biodiverse city.
Appendix M: Open Space and Conservation Element Page 22 Exhibit 2-6:
Essential Habitat Connectivity
City of
La Habra
Imperial Hwy
City of La Mirada City of
Brea
Rolling Hills Dr
7772
Bastanchury Rd
- Rosecrans Ave
City of
Buena
Park
City of Fullerton Raymond Ave California
State
W Malvern Ave University
Fullerion
Downtown
Fullerton E Chapman Ave
W. Commonwealth Ave E Commonwealth Ave
W Valencia Dr City of
State College Bid Placentia
Brookhurst Rd Orangethorpe Ave S. Harbor Bivd
Euclid
City of Anaheim
Essential Habitat Connectivity
California Department of Fish and Wildlife 2024 City of Fullerton Essential Habitat Connectivity- Natural Small Areas* Public Parks Joint-Use School Parks
* The dataset is built from several sources, including land cover data, information on roads and urban development, as well as topography and hydrology. Habitat Conservation Areas Other Open Spaces
ED City of Fullerton Boundary
1 mile 2 miles Source: Califomla Department of Fish and Widlife, City of Fullerton, CA Open Data Portal, Esri;
Projection: California State Plane Coordinate System Zone 6, NAD 83 Planning Commission
Review Draft: April 2026
Open Space and
elemel
2.6 Climate Vulnerability and Resilience
2.6.1 Overview
Both open space and conservation in Fullerton face increasing climate vulnerabilities, particularly in wildfire-prone and flood-sensitive areas, while resilience efforts aim to integrate ecological preservation with hazard mitigation and equitable access. These open spaces present a strong opportunity to build climate resilience while supporting conservation and community well-being.
Updates to the General Plan emphasize climate adaptation and environmental justice, ensuring that parks and natural areas remain safe, accessible, and sustainable for all residents. By incorporating native vegetation, shade trees, and strategic maintenance into open space planning, Fullerton is creating climate-ready landscapes that preserve biodiversity, improve public safety, and foster a healthier, more resilient community.
The City of Fullerton's 'Climate Action Plan' connects to open space in several meaningful ways. By prioritizing the preservation and enhancement of open spaces including parks, protected lands, and tree canopy, the plan supports carbon sequestration, flood mitigation, and overall ecosystem health.
Park Vulnerability
Park resilience in Fullerton depends on how well infrastructure can withstand extreme heat, drought, and intense storms. Parks in Fullerton have various levels of shade structures. Lack of shade can leave playgrounds and seating areas exposed to heat, while asphalt and concrete surfaces amplify temperatures. Aging irrigation systems and water-intensive turf make parks vulnerable during drought, highlighting the need for efficient watering and drought-tolerant landscaping. Improving resilience involves expanding tree canopy and shade structures, upgrading to smart irrigation systems, incorporating permeable surfaces and green infrastructure for stormwater management, and using durable, climate-ready materials for park amenities.
Trails and Access Vulnerability
Resilient access in Fullerton requires evaluating how trails may be impacted by climate hazards such as flooding, erosion, and extreme heat. Many multi-use trails are vulnerable to storm-related flooding and erosion, especially where paths cross low-lying areas or lack proper drainage. Trails with steep grades or unpaved surfaces can experience washouts during intense rain events, reducing accessibility and increasing maintenance needs.
Extreme heat poses another challenge, as exposed trails without adequate shade structures or tree canopy can create unsafe conditions for users, particularly during prolonged heat waves. Improving resilience can involve permeable paving, bioswales (shallow, landscaped channel that captures rainwater and lets it slowly soak into the ground while filtering out pollutants), and stormwater diversion features to reduce flood risk, while expanding tree canopy and shade structures along trails to mitigate heat exposure. These measures ensure that recreational and commuter routes remain safe, functional, and climate ready.
Community engagement responses strongly supported the planting of native trees and vegetation, the expansion of tree canopy for shade, and the protection and restoration of native habitats as top priorities for addressing climate vulnerability and building resilience. Respondents emphasized the importance of creating wildlife corridors and promoting wildlife-friendly development. The feedback reflects strong community interest in habitat restoration, tree canopy expansion, and wildlife connectivity, combined with sustainable development practices and active community involvement.
Appendix M: Open Space and Conservation Element Page 24 Planning Commission
Review Draft: April 2026
Open Space and Conservation
Element
2.7 Supporting Open Space and Conservation Data
2.7.1 Special Management of Open Space
Open space in Fullerton is closely tied to hazard planning due to risks from extreme weather and wildfires. For this reason, the Open Space Element must align with the City's Safety Element to ensure that open spaces incorporate wildfire buffers, flood mitigation, and emergency access improvements while balancing ecological preservation and public safety.
• Wildfires
are located near open space areas and hillsides containing dense vegetation. • Drought
Prolonged drought and heat stress increase fire risk and impact native vegetation, making the use of drought-tolerant species and efficient irrigation strategies essential for resilience. • Flooding
Flood-prone zones along the Coyote Creek floodplain require stormwater controls, bioswales, and limits on impervious surfaces to mitigate flooding during heavy rains. Hillsides and slopes in open space areas are also vulnerable to landslides when soils become saturated, necessitating erosion control and slope stabilization measures.
2.7.2 Urban Heat Islands
As cities grow and paved surfaces increase, the urban heat island effect raises air temperatures, especially in areas with little tree canopy. Trees help cool cities by shading hard surfaces and releasing moisture through evapotranspiration. Increasing canopy cover over time reduces heat by shading streets, sidewalks, and commercial areas, lowering pavement and air temperatures. This cooling effect is well documented and also creates microclimates that support more diverse landscaping. Expanding tree canopy provides multiple benefits, including reducing summer heat and air pollution, improving property values, and enhancing wildlife habitat.
According to Fullerton's 'Community Forest Management Plan', Fullerton's urban tree canopy is 27.28%, which is relatively high for Southern California compared to the Orange County average of 19.54%. This means Fullerton has a denser tree cover per square mile than most other cities in the region.
The California Urban Tree Canopy Viewer, developed by CAL FIRE and the USDA Forest Service, provides high- resolution canopy data from 2022 and helps visualize tree distribution across urban areas. In Fullerton, the relationship between canopy cover and land use reveals where improvements can be made as shown in Exhibit 2-7: Percent Urban Canopy Cover by Census Tract. Business facilities, such as industrial parks, have the least canopy, while residential neighborhoods show the highest coverage, reflecting residents' appreciation for trees and the City's strong right-of-way management. Schools and religious sites offer moderate greenspace.
Downtown mixed-use areas are well planned but limited in planting space. 1 CAL FIRE. "Fire Hazard Severity Zones | OSFM." Osfm.fire.ca.gov, 2025, osfm.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/community-wildfire- preparedness-and-mitigation/fire-hazard-severity-zones.
Appendix M: Open Space and Conservation Element Page 25 Exhibit 2-7:
Percent Urban Canopy Cover
by Census Tract
City of 5%
La Habra
City of
City of i Imperial.Hwy 20 Brea
La Mirada
24%
19%
LT
9%
Rolling Hills Dr 18%
17% 14%
16%
Bastanchury Rd
Rosecrans Ave 20%
34% 57
22% 12%
-
City of 17% 21%
Buena 12% 10%
Park
California
City of Fullerton
State
University
W Malvern Ave 16% Fullerton
21% 14%
Downtown 18%
16% Fullerton E Chapman Ave
6%
Commonwealth Ave 16% E Commonwealth Ave 11%
12% City of
W Valencia Dr
State College Bivd Placentia
14% 12% 14% 13%
4%
Orangethorpe Ave 16% 12%
12% Brooki
City of Anaheim
Percent Urban Canopy Cover by Census Tract
USFS/CAL FIRE Percent Urban Canopy Cover 2022 City of Fullerton Very High Just Below or Near Statewide EE! City of Fullerton Boundary High Low
Just Above State Very Low
California's urban tree canopy covers 145% of the state's urban areas. 1 mile 2 miles Source: USDA Forest Service and California Department of Forestry (USFS), Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) City of Fullerton, CA Open Data Portal, Esri;
Projection: California State Plane Coordinate System Zone 6, NAD 83 Planning Commission
Review Draft: April 2026
Open space and servation
Elemer
2.7.3 Military Support
Military activity in Fullerton is connected to the City's Open Space and Conservation Element through the use of open space for military purposes, either as a protected buffer zone or by co-locating facilities adjacent to park spaces, depending on the intended use. The City of Fullerton has some military presence, through military-owned properties within city limits.
The California National Guard Armory is located at 400S. Brookhurst Road in Fullerton. It serves as the base for Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 160th Infantry Regiment and is used for military activities such as training, equipment storage, and housing National Guard units. The facility has also supported county organizations and community groups, including providing overnight shelter for the homeless through the Orange County Armory Emergency Shelter Program. This site does not currently include open space as buffer areas.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) owns and manages both Brea Dam and Fullerton Dam, located in Fullerton. These dams are part of the USACE Los Angeles District's flood control projects for the Los Angeles County Drainage Area. They are single-purpose flood control projects designed to manage flooding, ensure public safety, and provide recreational opportunities adjacent to the reservoir basins. • The Brea Dam is located near the fork of Brea Boulevard and Harbor Boulevard within Brea Dam Park; it was authorized in 1936 and completed in 1942. The dam controls the drainage area of Brea Creek and its tributaries. The surrounding park offers recreation trails, open space, and picnic areas. • The Fullerton Dam construction began in June 1940 and was completed in May 1941. The dam is located just west of the 57 Freeway at Bastanchury Road and controls the drainage area of Fullerton Creek and its tributaries. It is situated at the southern end of Craig Regional Park, which spans 124 acres and includes walkways, ball fields, hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, open space, a small lake, playgrounds, and sports courts.
The Fullerton Municipal Airport, adjacent to Interstate 5 and Highway 91, is owned and operated by the City of Fullerton and is the only general aviation airport in Orange County. Historically, military aircraft have used the airport for training, though details are not publicly available. There is no open space associated with the airport.
2.7.4 Tribal Resources
No existing tribal areas or reservations exist within city limits that are recognized by the federal government; however, the land is within ancestral territory of the Tongva/Kizh and Acjachemen people Human habitation in the region now known as Fullerton dates back thousands of years, with archaeological evidence suggesting settlement as early as 5,000 BCE. Over time, more complex Indigenous cultures emerged, notably the Tongva (Gabrielino) and Acjachemen (Juaneño) peoples. These tribes established permanent villages throughout what is now Greater Los Angeles and northern Orange County, including the Fullerton area. The Tongva and Acjachemen developed sophisticated social structures, spiritual traditions, and trade networks that extended across Southern California. Their stewardship of the land shaped the ecological balance of the region and remains important to acknowledge within the context of open space.
Appendix M: Open Space and Conservation Element Page 27 Planning Commission
Review Draft: April 2026
Open Space and Conservation
Elemer
3. GOALS AND POLICIES
The following pages present the goals and policies that guide the Open Space and Conservation Element. These goals and policies were developed based on a comprehensive review of existing conditions, including open space and natural resources, trails and open space access, habitat conservation, wildlife connectivity, the urban canopy, as well as extensive community engagement conducted through surveys, in-person outreach, and stakeholder input. Goals and policies also reflect coordination across City departments, alignment with applicable state requirements including Senate Bill 1425, Assembly Bill 1889, and consideration of best practices in open space and conservation to ensure responsive and actionable guidance. Policies are identified by geography:
Region/Subregion Level, City Level, District Level, or Project Level. In the event of any inconsistency between the Open Space and Conservation Element and other adopted City documents, the matter shall be reviewed and addressed in consultation with the City. Goals and policies related to parks and recreation are addressed in Chapter 12: Parks and Recreation of the 'Fullerton Community' section of the 'The Fullerton Plan.
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GOAL 1: Promote the responsible management of existing open spaces through strategies that balance public use with
the preservation and enhancement of ecological health.
Policies
Specific statements that provide a directive or framework for City decision-making that directly contribute to the attainment of the goal.
Region/Subregion Level P1.5 High Quality Maintenance
P1.1 Open Space Management Continue to support high-quality park and facility maintenance by focusing on key maintenance
Support projects, programs, and policies to priorities, investing in maintenance staff, tools, and coordinate with Orange County, existing regional equipment, and adopting a design principle of low- park districts, private sector, and nonprofit maintenance and durable amenities to reduce long- institutions to manage or maintain regional open term operational costs. spaces.
P1.2 Land Trusts P1.6 Maintenance of Sensitive Areas
Support projects, programs, and policies to Support programs, policies, and regulations to encourage the establishment of land trusts to help require maintenance of environmentally-sensitive preserve significant open space within the region. areas by qualified personnel and/or contractors.
City Level P1.7 Environmentally Sensitive Areas
Support projects, programs, policies, and
P1.3 Long-Range Needs
regulations to preserve the environmentally
Preserve areas of open space that are identified to sensitive areas of public open spaces. be sufficient to meet the long-range needs of the
P1.8 Passive Open Space
City of Fullerton.
Support projects, programs, policies, and
P1.4 Watershed Management regulations to encourage diverse, environmentally- Continue management of open space watersheds sensitive, passive open spaces. to limit potential fire and erosion hazards.
Coordinate with the Orange County Water District,
Orange County Flood Control District, and
neighboring jurisdictions to manage shared
watershed resources in an ecologically consistent
manner.
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Project Level P1.10 Open Space Amenities
Support additional park studies to evaluate existing
P1.9 Environmental Impact of Support
amenities, such as restrooms, ADA accessibility,
Facilities
shaded seating, drinking fountains, and lighting, at
Design necessary improvements and support Fullerton's open spaces. Continue to improve open facilities, such as fire roads, access roads, and space safety through measures such as improved parking areas, to minimize environmental impacts lighting and enhanced security. Open spaces with and preserve the visual character of open spaces. sensitive habitats intended for passive recreation may not warrant the same level of amenities as
urban parks, and amenity decisions should be
guided by habitat sensitivity assessments.
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GOAL 2: Provide comprehensive and forward-thinking planning to guide the development, preservation, and
stewardship of future open spaces.
Policies
Specific statements that provide a directive or framework for City decision-making that directly contribute to the attainment of the goal.
Region/Subregion Level City Level
P2.1 Funding Strategy P2.3 New Open Space
Support development and implementation of a Support projects, programs, policies, and funding strategy to realize the City's vision for its regulations to create open space as funding and open spaces. other opportunities become available.
P2.2 Priority Acquisition and Preservation District Level Pursue conservation and public access P2.4 Neighborhood Greening opportunities in Coyote Hills and other high-value
ecological areas; work with landowners and land Engage with the community on neighborhood trusts to secure protection. pocket parks, plazas, and community gardens; support increased green space in areas with minimal
open space, in particular, within Districts 4 and 5.
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GOAL 3: Protect and enhance Fullerton's natural systems by conserving sensitive habitats and waterways, restoring
native vegetation and biodiversity, and preserving
conservation areas.
Policies
Specific statements that provide a directive or framework for City decision-making that directly contribute to the attainment of the goal.
Region/Subregion Level
P3.1 Conservation of Sensitive Natural P3.5 Wildlife Management Resources Support projects, programs, policies, and
regulations to promote and encourage residents
Support regional and subregional efforts to and visitors to respect the natural environment of conserve habitat for sensitive species and plant wildlife inhabiting and/or migrating to Fullerton's communities. open spaces.
City Level P3.6 Wildlife Habitat
P3.2 Waterways Preservation Protect and enhance Fullerton's existing habitats, including coastal sage scrub, chaparral
Support projects, programs, policies, and communities, oak species, riparian corridors, and regulations to preserve the City's public creeks, annual grasses and wildflowers, to support native lakes, and waterways, including Fullerton Creek, biodiversity and ecological health.
Brea Creek, Coyote Creek and Carbon Creek,
P3.7 Habitat Protection
Bastanchury Greenbelt Creek, Laguna Lake, and the
San Gabriel River Watershed. (See Chapter 16: Promote the restoration and naturalization of Water of the 'Fullerton Community' section of 'The degraded or underutilized areas through native Fullerton Plan' for related policies and actions.) vegetation planting and habitat enhancement, in partnership with organizations such as the
Fullerton Arboretum and Botanical Garden,
P3.3 Watershed Management California State University Fullerton, and other Support projects, programs, policies, and volunteer groups. regulations to manage open space watersheds to P3.8 Support Biodiversity limit potential fire and erosion hazards.
Implement maintenance strategies that prioritize
P3.4 Comprehensive Tree Management native vegetation and manage detrimental invasive upport projects, programs, policies and regulation plant and animal species in natural habitat areas. o comprehensively plan for, manage, and promote Promote vegetation that attracts desirable species trees throughout the City, particularly native trees. and discourages those that pose nuisance or ecological risks.
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P3.9 Low-Impact Access Project Level
Provide defined trails, interpretive signage, and
seasonal closures to protect sensitive habitats when P3.12 Mitigation of Impacts on Sensitive allowable. Areas
P3.10 Invasive Control and Fire-Smart Support projects, programs, policies, and regulations to consider and mitigate project level
Stewardship impacts to sensitive habitat areas at the site and Implement ongoing invasive species removal and building design stages. fuel-smart vegetation management to reduce P3.13 Mitigation of Impacts on wildfire risk while protecting habitat quality.
Waterways
P3.11 Enhancement of Conservation
Support projects, programs, policies, and
Areas
regulations to consider and mitigate project level
Support projects, programs, policies, and impacts to public waterways at the site and regulations to preserve and enhance established building design stages. (See Chapter 16: Water of conservation areas. the 'Fullerton Community' section of 'The Fullerton Plan' for related policies and actions.)
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GOAL 4: Increase accessibility and inclusivity of open space resources and enhance a connected trail system that
links the community to these open spaces.
Policies
Specific statements that provide a directive or framework for City decision-making that directly contribute to the attainment of the goal.
Region/Subregion Level P4.5 Navigating Open Spaces
P4.1 Access and Use of Open Space Support projects, programs, policies, and regulations that promote easy access to and
Support projects, programs, and regulations to navigation within the City's open spaces and trails increase access to and use of open space resources by installing wayfinding signage and creating plans while respecting the natural environment within for multi-modal access when allowable. Explore Fullerton and to its neighboring cities. digital wayfinding opportunities to help increase access to and awareness of open space in the City.
City Level
P4.6 Accessible and Inclusive
P4.2 Accessibility for All
Promote accessibility and inclusivity in park
Support projects, programs, policies, and facilities and programs through universal design regulations to ensure that, when natural and diverse, community-responsive activities. topography allows, public open spaces are
accessible to people of all abilities. P4.7 Programming P4.3 Trail Linkages to Open Space Support programs and services that bring residents together, serve all age groups, and are responsive
Support projects, programs, policies, and to community needs and desires. regulations to promote recreational trails and the
bikeway system to link open spaces to public areas P4.8 Trail Studies and neighborhoods.
Support additional trail studies to assess existing
P4.4 Connected Trail System amenities, including trailhead retrofits, ADA- compliant parking, accessible restrooms, shade
Continually evaluate and maintain the City's opportunities, trail improvements, wayfinding, and network of paths and trails for hikers, walkers, benches. runners, cyclists, mountain bikers, and equestrians.
P4.9 Safe Shared Use
Promote context-specific e-bike speed limits and
etiquette guidelines on multi-use paths to reduce
conflicts and ensure safe shared use.
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P4.10 Safety Improvements Project Level
Continue enhancing sidewalks, crossings, and bike P4.12 Rail-to-Trail Strategy:
lanes that lead to parks and trails to ensure safer
access to open spaces. Transform abandoned or underutilized rail corridors into linear parks and trail spurs to close gaps in the
network, as allowable and where permitted by land
District Level use regulations.
P4.11 Extended Network
Support research and development of an improved
trail network in Districts 4 and 5 to enhance
connectivity with existing open spaces.
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GOAL 5: Strengthen Fullerton's open spaces to support native biodiversity, enhance climate resilience, and maintain
ecological function through initiatives such as rewilding, habitat restoration, and nature-based solutions.
Policies
Specific statements that provide a directive or framework for City decision-making that directly contribute to the attainment of the goal.
Region/Subregion Level
P5.1 Connectivity Partnerships
P5.5 Movement Mitigation
Coordinate with Orange County and other regional
partners to support connectivity and wildlife access Assess and mitigate barriers to wildlife movement improvements region-wide. Explore partnership caused by roads, levees, and urban development opportunities for business sponsorship and when allowable and where permitted by land use collaboration with nonprofits such as the California regulations.
Native Plant Society and local educational
institutions. P5.6 Wildlife Corridors
P5.2 Rewilding Identify, protect, and enhance wildlife and recreational corridors connecting Coyote Hills,
Implement urban rewilding projects to reintroduce Laguna Lake, Brea Dam, Craig Regional Park, and natural processes, restore natural ecosystems, and Fullerton Arboretum and Botanical Garden. promote biodiversity.
P5.7 Community Stewardship
City Level
Support volunteer days in collaboration with
P5.3 Habitat Linkages community members, nonprofits, and schools.
Promote inclusive participation in habitat
Prioritize rewilding in areas that enhance or restoration through stewardship programs, youth establish habitat linkages and wildlife corridors, as engagement initiatives, and interpretive signage ir identified in Essential Habitat Connectivity and rewilded open spaces. Distribute how-to collateral Natural Areas designated by the California and promote demonstration sites to help Department of Fish and Wildlife. community members implement native landscaping on their own properties.
P5.4 Wildlife Movement Design
Incorporate wildlife-friendly infrastructure such as
vegetated buffers, restored corridors, green
infrastructure, and suitable vegetation along with
features like culverts and buffer zones to create
pathways for wildlife movement and foster a more
resilient, biodiverse city.
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P5.8 Resilient Landscaping District Level
Prioritize the use of native, drought-tolerant, and P5.10 Urban Canopy climate-resilient plants in Fullerton's parks and
landscaped open spaces and private properties, to Enhance canopy and shade tree coverage along enhance habitat value, conserve water, and support walking routes, school frontages, bus stops, and pollinator species. park perimeters to reduce heat exposure and strengthen wildlife connectivity. Prioritize planting
P5.9 Ecologically Beneficial Features. in areas with low canopy coverage, particularly in Districts 4 and 5, to deliver co-benefits for both the
Incorporate ecologically beneficial elements such as
community and local wildlife. Additionally, consider
pollinator gardens, wildflower meadows, bioswales,
other urban heat island mitigation strategies such
and native plant corridors, into public parks, street
medians, and along trail networks. Encourage these as green roofs, light-colored building and pavement surfaces, and permeable pavement.
ecologically beneficial elements for private
properties as well.
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GOAL 6: Ensure Fullerton's infrastructure network is adaptively managed to strengthen resilience against climate
change impacts, including extreme heat, increased
flood risk, and other hazards.
Policies
Specific statements that provide a directive or framework for City decision-making that directly contribute to the attainment of the goal.
Region/Subregion Level P6.4 Green Infrastructure
Promote the integration of rooftop gardens,
P6.1 Tree City Designation
rooftop and elevated parks, vertical greenery, and
Maintain Fullerton's Tree City USA designation by other green infrastructure solutions to enhance implementing urban forest management practices urban biodiversity, improve air quality, manage that promote tree health, increase canopy stormwater, and reduce energy consumption, while coverage, enhance climate resilience, and engage ensuring compliance with the City's landscaping the community in stewardship efforts. and irrigation standards. Additionally, promote education, awareness, and recognition programs to
City Level encourage distributed green infrastructure
participation by residents and businesses.
P6.2 Resilient Design
P6.5 Cooling Corridors
Prioritize the preservation and restoration of open
spaces and natural areas in Fullerton that provide Prioritize the use of shade trees, reflective or multi-benefit climate services such as carbon sustainable materials, and shade structures along sequestration, heat reduction, and habitat pedestrian priority corridors, trails, schools, bus connectivity while also reducing wildfire risk stops, senior centers, and pathways to open spaces. through vegetation best practices. Focus efforts Continue providing accessible information on heat- particularly in underserved areas to enhance
related concerns and the locations of cooling
community resilience and protect critical centers throughout the city. ecosystems.
P6.6 Natural Water Management
P6.3 Green Streets
Infrastructure
Promote the development of green streets that Promote bioswales, rain gardens (planted areas that integrate native vegetation, permeable surfaces,
and stormwater management features to enhance collect rainwater runoff), permeable pavements, urban habitat, improve water quality, and reduce and detention features in parks, streets, and parking runoff. lots per the Fullerton's Water Utility's Water
Conservation Ordinance. Incorporate green
infrastructure and low-impact development that
mimic natural hydrology, reduce impervious
surface runoff, and support groundwater recharge
as explicit watershed policy tools.
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P6.7 Landscaping and Irrigation P6.10 Complete Streets
Enhance Fullerton's landscaping and irrigation Encourage smart growth and complete streets requirements to incorporate drought-tolerant design principles, when allowable and where native plants, promoting water conservation, permitted by land use regulations, which integrate climate resilience, and habitat restoration. air quality protection measures, such as shade trees and green infrastructure.
P6.8 Air Quality Mitigation
P6.11 VMT Reduction
Enhance air quality mitigation strategies by
recommending vegetative buffers, advanced Prioritize transportation and mobility filtration systems, and site design measures to mprovements in Fullerton that reduce vehicl reduce exposure near major transportation niles traveled (VMT) and greenhouse gas emission corridors, the 'Fullerton Transportation Center, and by expanding pedestrian-friendly corridors, bicycle industrial facilities throughout the city. networks, and electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure.
Emphasize connectivity near public transit, schools
P6.9 Greening Air Improvements and industrial facilities, and underserved neighborhoods to promote equitable and
Support and implement 'Fullerton's Community
sustainable mobility options.
Forestry Ordinance' and 'Community Forest
Management Plan' to improve air quality and
reduce urban heat through targeted tree canopy
expansion and the installation of vegetated buffers
in high-exposure areas.
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GOAL 7: Strengthen community participation in open space and conservation decisions by actively engaging residents,
regional partners, and organizations in the protection
and enhancement of local natural resources.
Policies
Specific statements that provide a directive or framework for City decision-making that directly contribute to the attainment of the goal.
Region/Subregion Level P7.4 Community Stewardship
Encourage community participation in habitat
P7.1 Conservation Partnerships
restoration, monitoring, and stewardship activities.
Collaborate with regional agencies, nonprofit
organizations, and academic institutions to advance P7.5 Partnership Model conservation and resilience goals. Support collaboration among local nonprofits, City Level community groups, California State University, Fullerton, public schools in Fullerton, etc. to
P7.2 Plan and Engage Proactively advance open space and engagement initiatives.
Promote long-term open space and conservation P7.6 Transparent Dashboards success through regular planning, transparent Continue to ensure transparency by regularly reporting, and ongoing community engagement.
sharing updates with the community on open
P7.3 Public Awareness space maintenance, safety, and environmental health data as available. Provide visible results from
Enhance public awareness of urban wildlife, habitat community engagement efforts. conservation, and sustainable coexistence through
P7.7 Community-Led Monitoring
targeted education and outreach initiatives.
Provide multilingual materials and community
engagement in underserved areas; develop
engagement programs for youth and seniors; and
host workshops across Fullerton and park-adjacent
venues for future open space programming
initiatives.
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CALIFORNIR
City of Fullerton
RESOLUTION CERTIFICATION
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF ORANGE ) SS
CITY OF FULLERTON )
RESOLUTION NO. PC-2026-06
1, Janet Ragland, Recording Clerk of the Planning Commission of the City of Fullerton, California, hereby certify that the whole number of the members of the Planning Commission of the City of Fullerton is five and that the above and foregoing Resolution No. PC-2026-06 was adopted at the April 22, 2026, Planning Commission meeting by the following vote:
PLANNING COMMISSIONER AYES: Fleenor, Tutor, Wehn, Dino, Valadez PLANNING COMMISSIONER NOES: None
PLANNING COMMISSIONER ABSTAINED: None
PLANNING COMMISSIONER ABSENT: None
lant Radand
Janet Ragland, Recording Clerk