GENERAL PLAN
ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT
City of Garden Grove
REPORTING YEAR 2024
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................. 3 COMPLIANCE WITH OPR GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES ........................................ 4
COMPLIANCE WITH STATE LAW REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE GENERAL PLAN........................................................................................ 7 Military Lands and Facilities .......................................................................... 7 Consultation with Native American Tribes ....................................................... 7 GENERAL PLAN PROGRESS .............................................................................. 8 ADDITIONAL CITY REPORTS: ......................................................................... 21 CONCLUSION .............................................................................................. 21
ATTACHMENTS
Hearing Body Agendas……………………………………………………..………………….….Attachment 1 Housing Element APR……………………………………………………………………………...Attachment 2
INTRODUCTION
Government Code Sections 65400 and 65700 require the City to submit an annual report on the status of the General Plan and progress in its implementation to the City Council, the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR), and the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) by April 1 of each year.
Every year, the City of Garden Grove reviews the previous year’s actions, residential and non-residential development activity, and programs that work toward providing housing throughout the City, and prepares this report as a review of the activities undertaken to implement the General Plan. The report focuses on the calendar year of 2024. Projects approved, ordinances adopted, and programs implemented during this time are included in the report.
The City continues its process of updating the General Plan, which was last updated in 202 3. More information about the General Plan is available at https://ggcity.org/planning/general-plan or by contacting the Planning Division at 714-741-5312.
The City is required by the State to prepare an Annual Progress Report that describes its status in implementing the Housing Element. The Annual Progress Report on the Housing Element includes: an annual residential development activity summary and the City’s progress in meeting its share of regional housing needs (i.e., applications, entitlements, permits, and certificates of occupancy); affordable housing activity related to rehabilitation, preservation, and acquisition; and actions take n towards furthering the implementation of Housing Element programs. Using the Planning Commission and City Council as an avenue, the City must provide opportunities for public discussion and input on housing issues and Housing Element implementation.
The programs and objectives of the Housing Element identify actions the City will take during the 2021 -2029 planning period to advance the City ’s progress in accommodating its share of regional housing need for each income level, address housing issues, and identify approaches to meet State law housing requirements. The programs outlined in the plan have been implemented in an effort to conserve and improve the conditions of the existing affordable housing stock, assist in the development of housing for low- and moderate-income households, identify adequate sites to encourage the development of a variety of types of housing for all income levels, address and, where appropriate and legally feasible, remove governmental constraints to the maintenance, improvement, and development of housing, and promote equal opportunities for all persons.
In addition, the City maintains a Development Project Update List, which is available on the Planning Division ’s webpage at https://ggcity.org/planning/development - projects-update-list. The report is updated every quarter and includes all residential, commercial, and industrial projects that advance through the Community Development Department.
COMPLIANCE WITH OPR GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES
In 2008, the City of Garden Grove comprehen sively updated the Garden Grove General Plan that included the following elements: Land Use, Circulation, Housing, Conservation, Parks, Recreation and Open Space, Air Quality, Noise, Safety, Community Design, and Infrastructure. In 2021, the City updated t he Land Use Element, Housing Element, and Safety Element, and adopted a new Environmental Justice Element. The table below provides a summary of the City ’s compliance with OPR’s General Plan Annual Progress Report Guidelines.
Elements
Mandated
by the State
Last
Updated Notes
Land Use Yes 2023
In 2023, the Land Use Element and
Zoning Code/Map were updated to
ensure consistency with the goals,
policies, and programs in the 2021-
2029 Housing Element.
Circulation Yes 2008 In compliance with the State’s
requirements
Housing Yes 2023
In 2023, the City Council adopted
updates to the 2021-2029 Housing
Element, which eventually was
certified by HCD in December 2023.
Conservation Yes 2008 In compliance with the State ’s
requirements.
Parks,
Recreation, and
Open Space
Yes 2008 In compliance with the State ’s
requirements.
Air Quality Yes 2008 In compliance with the State ’s
requirements.
Noise Yes 2008 In compliance with the State ’s
requirements.
Safety Yes 2021
In November 2021, the City adopted
updates to the Safety Element to
minimize further the risk of personal
injury, loss of life, property damage,
and environmental damage
associated with natural and man -
made hazards. The updates became
effective in December 2021. The City
began to implement the updates in
2022.
In 2024, the City was in the process
of evaluating the Goal SAF -10AB,
which was aimed at reducing
greenhouse gas emissions citywide,
and being consistent with other City
policy objectives.
Environmental
Justice Yes 2021
The City of Garden Grove
incorporated an Environmental
Justice Element to the City’s General
Plan in December 2021 in
conjunction with updates of the Land
Use, Housing and Safety Element.
Economic
Development No 2008
The Economic Development Element
is not a mandatory element required
by State Planning Law. The City has
added this Element to its General
Plan because the economic health of
the City is important in order to
maintain and improve the quality of
life in the community. In 2021, the
City updated The Economic
Development Strategic Plan (EDSP)
prioritizes six (6) Economic
Development goals to be undertaken
over the next three years.
Community
Design No 2008
The Community Design Element is
not a State-mandated element of the
General P lan. This element aims to
recognize and enhance design
opportunities throughout Garden
Grove that will improve the livability
of the community through physical
design considerations in public areas
and encourage quality new
development through appropriate
development policies.
Infrastructure No 2008
Although it is not a State mandated
element, the Infrastructure Element
addresses the following support
infrastructure systems: Water,
Sewer, and Storm Drain throughout
the City.
COMPLIANCE WITH STATE LAW REQUIREMENTS FOR THE
ADMINISTRATION OF THE GENERAL PLAN
Environmental Justice
In 2016, Senate Bill 1000 amended California Government Code Section 63502 to require cities and counties with disadvantaged communities (DACs) to incorporate environmental justice (EJ) policies into their general plans. If a city, county, or city and county has a disadvantaged community, such as Garden Grove, then the environmental justice element, or related environmental justice goals, policies, and objectives integrated into other elements, are required. The City of Garden Grove incorporated an Environmental Justice Element into the City ’s General Plan in December 2021, to identify objectives and policies to reduce the unique or compounded health risks in disadvantaged communities by means that include, but are not limited to, the reduction of pollution exposure including the improvement of air quality —and the promotion of public facilities, healthy food access, safe and sanitary homes, and physical activity. The Environmental Justice Element also identifies objectives and policies to promote civil engagement in the public decision-making process that prioritizes improvements and programs that address the needs of disadvantaged communities.
Environmental justice seeks to correct long-standing and existing inequalities regarding pollution and health burdens that certain neighborhoods experience.
Environmental justice is grounded in principles of justice and fairness and focused on creating a society in which everyone can participa te, prosper, and reach their full potential. Equitable outcomes come about when smart, intentional strategies are put in place to ensure that everyone can participate in and benefit from decisions that shape their neighborhoods and communities.
Military Lands and Facilities
There are no Military Lands or Facilities within Garden Grove city limits.
Consultation with Native American Tribes
The City of Garden Grove completes a full tribal consultation process consistent with State Law, pursuant to Senate Bill 18 (SB 18) and Assembly Bill 52 (AB 52).
GENERAL PLAN PROGRESS
In 202 4, the City continue d to implement the Garden Grove General Plan. The following sections demonstrate projects that implemented goals and policies of each element of the General Plan. The lists of project s included in each section are not meant to be exhaustive or all-inclusive.
MAJOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
NEWHOPE AND GARDEN GROVE RESIDENTIAL PROJECT (A -040-2024, PUD-019- 2024, SP -136-2024, V -042-2024): On April 18, 2024, the City Council approved a request to re-zone a 0.88-acre site from R-1 (Single-Family Residential) to a Planned Unit Deveplopment zoning, and a request to construct 15 residential units on the subject site.
Status: Under construction.
BUARO STREET RESIDENTIAL PROJECT ( SP-138-2024, TT -19314): On July 18, 2024, the Planning Commission approved a request to construct a 35 -unit condominium subdivision that includes two (2) affordable housing units for "very-low income" households, and associated site improvements on an approximately 1.4-acre lot.
Status: Construction drawings under review.
JEFFERSON APARTMENTS ( SP-142-2024): On September 5, 2024 , the Planning Commission approved a request to construct an 8 -unit apartment complex that includes one (1) affordable housing unit, along with associated site improvements, on an approximately 0.23 acre site.
Status: Construction drawings under review.
HASTER APARTMENTS (SP-146-2024): On October 17, 2024, the Planning Commission approved a request to develop a 76 -unit apartment complex that include eight (8) affordable housing units , and associated site improvements on an approximately 1.6-acre lot.
Status: Entitled.
ORCHARD GROVE APARTMENTS (LLA-030-2024)
On January 24, 2024, the Planning Commission approved a request for improvements at 15 existing apartment building sites developed wit h 78 affordable dwelling units (formerly Tamerlane Apartments) to satisfy TCAC requirements. The improvements include mobility and communications upgrades, the removal of ten (10) garage structures, replacement of six (6) stairways, replacement of guardrai ls and handrails at the remaining stairways, removal of laundry facilities at each building, conversion of a three -car garage to a
communal laundry facility, a new 511 square foot communal laundry facility, a new 650 square foot clubhouse, four (4) new trash enclosures, a new second story bridge connecting two existing apartment buildings, and reconfiguration of parking and landscaping improvements throughout the sites.
Status: Construction drawings under review.
Related Goals and Policies for Housing
1. Land Use Element:
Goal LU-3: Higher-density residential development along major thoroughfares and in areas well served by public transit, retail and service businesses, public services, and public gathering places.
Policy LU -3.2: Support development of mul ti-family housing that provides a diversity of densities, types, and prices that meet the needs of all household income levels.
Policy LU-2.2: Strive to provide a diverse mix of housing types, along with uniformly high standards of residential property maintenance to preserve residents' real estate values and their high quality of life.
Policy LU-2.4: Assure that the type and intensity of land use shall be consistent with that of the immediate neighborhood.
Policy LU-IMP-2B: New development shall be similar in scale to the adjoining residential neighborhood to preserve its character.
Policy LU-4: The City seeks to develop uses that are compatible with one another.
2. Housing Element:
Goal H-1: Preserve, maintain, and enhance housing and neighborhoods Citywide. Policy H-1.3: Housing Rehabilitation. Promote the rehabilitation of substandard and deteriorating housing, with a particular focus on improvement programs in neighborhoods with the greatest need.
Policy H-1.6: Neighborhood Investments. Invest in neighborhoods that have aging and deteriorating housing and infrastructure, and support efforts to eliminate crime, graffiti, and deferred maintenance practices.
GOAL H-2: Housing supply to accommodate housing needs at all affordability levels Policy H-3.7: Encourage in-fill housing development that is compatible in character with established residential neighborhoods.
Policy H.7: Encourage in-fill housing development that is compatible in character with established residential neighborhoods.
3. Economic Development Element:
ED-IMP-1A: Use City resources and assist the development community with available financial and economic incentives, where feasible.
MAJOR MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
THREEK PROJECT (SP-144-2024, CUP -267-2024, IOU -006-2024, and PM-2023- 156): On October 3, 2024, the Planning Commission approved a request to develop a six-
story mixed-use development on a 0.94 acre lot consisting of an 80 -unit senior apartment complex, with affordable housing, and an 82 -bed Residential Care Fac ility for the Elderly (RCFE).
Status: Entitled.
Related Goals and Policies:
1. Land Use Element:
Goal LU—1: The City of Garden Grove is a well -planned community with sufficient land uses and intensities to meet the needs of anticipated growth and achieve the community’s vision.
Policy LU -4.1: Locate higher -density residential uses within proximity of commercial uses to encourage pedestrian traffic, and to provide a consumer base for commercial uses.
Goal LU-4: Uses compatible with one another.
Policy LU-2.4: Assure that the type and intensity of land use are consistent with those of the immediate neighborhood.
2. Economic Development Element:
Goal ED -2: Encourages establishment of new businesses, while supporting and assisting those already located within Garden Grove.
12801 BROOKHURST STREET - BROOKHURST PLACE
On June 2, 2024, Brookhurst Place Phase II development broke ground. Grading of the site is currently underway. Phase II development will include up to 462 apartment homes and 58 for -sale condominiums; commercial and retail space; and option for a hotel. Upon completion, the 14-acre community project will include 700 new residential units and a one- acre park.
Status: Construction drawings for phase II under review; commenced site grading.
Related Goals and Policies:
1. Land Use Element:
Policy LU-1.6:Mixed Use should be designed to:
o Create a pleasant walking environment to encourage pedestrian activity. o Create lively streetscapes, interesting urban spaces, and attractive landscaping.
o Provide convenient shopping opportunities for residents close to their residence.
o Integrate with surrounding uses to become a part of the neighborhood rather than an isolated project.
o Use architectural elements or themes from the surrounding area, as appropriate.
o Provide appropriate transition between land use designations to minimize neighbor compatibility conflicts.
Policy LU-1.7: Encourage workplace development in close proximity to residences in areas designated as Mixed Use.
Goal LU-3: Higher-density residential development along major thoroughfares and in areas well served by public transit, retail and service businesses, public services, and public gathering places.
Goal LU-5: Economically viable, vital, and attractive commercial centers throughout the City that serve the needs of the community.
Policy LU-5.1: Work with property owners of vacant commercially -zoned property to develop their sites into appropriate, economically viable projects. Policy LU -4.3: Allow for mixed -use development at varying intensiti es in Focus Areas as a means of revitalizing underutilized parcels. Policy LU-4.6: Where residential/commercial, or residential/industrial mixed use is permitted, ensure compatible integration of adjacent uses to minimize conflicts. Policy LU-IMP-1B: Evaluate mixed -use projects to ensure that there is an adequate mix of uses on the site and in the area.
2. Housing Element:
Policy H -3.7: In-fill Housing. Encourage in -fill housing development that is compatible in character with established residential neighborhoods.
3. Economic Development Element:
Policy ED-IMP-1A: Use City resources and assist the development community with available financial and economic incentives, where feasible.
NON-HOUSING MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
SP-137-2024, and CUP-261-2024: The City approved a request for Site Plan and Conditional Use Permit approval to allow the construction and operation of a new fueling station, including a new 11,800 square foot fueling canopy with fifteen dispensing units, each with two pumps, and related site improvements.
Status: Construction drawings under review.
Related Goals and Policies:
1. Land Use Element:
• Goal LU-1: The City of Garden Grove is a well -planned community with sufficient land uses and intensities to meet the needs of anticipated growth and achieve the community’s vision.
• Policy LU-2.1: Protect residential areas from the effects of potentially incompatible uses. Where new commercial or industrial development is allowed adjacent to residentially zoned districts, maintain standards for circulation, noise, setbacks, buffer areas, landscaping, and architecture which ensure compatibility between the uses.
• Goal LU-4: Use compatible with one another.
• Policy LU -5.32: Encourage consolidation of parking and reciprocal access agreements between adjacent business and commercial center property owners.
SP-133-2024, and V-041-2024: The City approved a request to construct a 1,977 square foot restaurant pad building with a drive -thru lane, along with associated site improvements.
Status: Construction drawings under review.
Related Goals and Policies:
1. Land Use Element:
Goal LU-9: Creation of a tourism- and entertainment-related destination area in the City that will benefit all of the City of Garden Grove. Policy LU-2.3: Prohibit uses that lead to deterioration of residential neighborhoods, or adversely impact the safety or the residential character of a re sidential neighborhood.
Policy LU-2.4: Assure that the type and intensity of land use shall be consistent with that of the immediate neighborhood.
Policy LU-1.3: Encourage a wide variety of retail and commercial services, such as restaurants and cultural arts/entertainment, in appropriate locations.
2. Economic Development Element:
Goal ED-2: The City must attract new businesses, while supporting and assisting those already located within Garden Grove.
SP-141-2024, LLA-031-2024, CUP-493-00 (REV. 2024): The City approved a request to expand an existing religious facility by incorporating an approximately 0.42 -acre adjoining parcel into the development's site area, and constructing a new ancillary building.
Status: Construction drawings under review.
Related Goals and Policies:
1. Land Use Element:
Goal LU-1: The City of Garden Grove is a well -planned community with sufficient land uses and intensities to meet the needs of anticipated growth and achieve the community’s vision.
Policy LU-2.4: Assure that the type and intensity of land use shall be consistent with that of the immediate neighborhood
Policy LU-4.5: Require that the commercial and industrial developments adjoining residential uses be adequately screened and buffered from residential.
2. Economic Development Element:
Goal ED-2: The City must attract new businesses, while supporting and assisting those already located within Garden Grove.
OTHER MAJOR PROJECTS
CIVIC CENTER REVITALIZATION PROJECT (11261-11301 ACACIA PARKWAY)
In 2024, the City continued to work on the execution of the Civic Center Revitalization Project. Ground breaking took place in May 2024 and Phase I of the project is now under construction. Phase I consists of the public safety building and parking structure, and is scheduled for completion in Fall 2026.
Status: Project under construction
Related Goals and Policies:
1. Land Use Element:
• Goal LU—1: The City of Garden Grove is a well -planned community with sufficient land uses and intensities to meet the needs of anticipated growth and achieve the community’s vision.
• Policy LU-2.1: Protect residential areas from the effects of potentially incompatible uses.
• Policy LU-2.4: Assure that the type and intensity of land use are consistent with those of the immediate neighborhood.
• Policy LU-2.6: Ensure that every neighborhood has a unique community image that is incorporated and reflected in public facilities, streetscapes, signage, and entryways proposed for each neighborhood.
• Goal LU -4: Uses compatible with one another. The Garden Grove Civic Center currently features a mixture of primarily residential and civic/institutional uses, including the existing GGPD police station.
• Goal LU-11: Restoration of the Civic Center as the heart of the City. • Policy LU-11.1: Maintain and enhance the centralized public function of the Civic Center.
2. Safety Element:
• SAF-IMP-1E: The Police Department will continue to conduct annual needs assessments of police facilities, equipment and personnel to plan and ensure that future.
• Goal SAF -2: Crime reduction can be achieved through public facility and infrastructure improvements and the use of crime reducing design techniques.
3. Community Design Element:
• Policy CD-4.5: Encourage new public and private parking facilities to meet aesthetic and functional standards beneficial to the urban environment. • Goal CD-5: Landmarks contribute to the character and image of Garden Grove. • Policy CD -5.1: Preserve existing landmarks and encourage the creation of new buildings and monuments that will function as neighborhood and district landmarks. • CD-IMP-5B: Encourage new development to create new landmarks for the community.
3. Circulation Element:
• Goal CIR-7: Adequate access to appropriate parking areas within the City.
Site C
On November 12, 2024, the City approved the Site C Final Map, marking a critical milestone in the creation of a premier resort destination. Originally approved in 2017, the Site C project will include a 400-room Le Meridien Hotel and a 369-room Kimpton Hotel, offering a total of 769 rooms with upscale amenities such as 104,000 square feet of conference and banquet space, pools, spas, fitness centers, and a multi -level parking garage with 1,297 spaces.
Status: Construction drawings under review.
Related Goals and Policies:
1. Land Use Element:
• Goal LU—1: The City of Garden Grove is a well -planned community with sufficient land uses and intensities to meet the needs of anticipated growth and achieve the community’s vision.
• Policy LU-2.1: Protect residential areas from the effects of potentially incompatible uses.
• Policy LU-2.4: Assure that the type and intensity of land use are consistent with those of the immediate neighborhood.
• Policy LU-2.6: Ensure that every neighborhood has a unique community image that is incorporated and reflected in public facilities, streetscapes, signage, and entryways proposed for each neighborhood.
2. Community Design Element:
• Goal ED-1: Opportunities for development of tourism -related businesses shall be enhanced.
• Policy ED -1.1: Continue to encourage the development and expansion of hotel facilities in key corridors of the City (i.e., Harbor Boulevard). • Policy ED -1.2: Investigate potential nighttime entertainment activities, which would encourage tourists and business oriented tra velers to remain in the City of Garden Grove for the duration of their visit (i.e., theater events, restaurants, movie theaters, commercial recreation opportunities, etc.).
• Policy ED-1.3: Continue to explore traditional, non -traditional, and international marketing approaches to attract local, regional, and foreign tourism.
3. Community Design Element:
• Policy CD-4.5: Encourage new public and private parking facilities to meet aesthetic and functional standards beneficial to the urban environment. • Goal CD-5: Landmarks contribute to the character and image of Garden Grove. • Policy CD -5.1: Preserve existing landmarks and encourage the creation of new buildings and monuments that will function as neighborhood and district landmarks.
STREET REHABILITATION PROJECTS: In 2024, the City rehabilitated various streets throughout the City including the following:
Garden Grove Boulevard, from Brookhurst Street to Gilbert Street Trask Avenue, from Euclid Street to Benton Street
Haster Street, from Lampson Avenue to Chapman Avenue
Springdale Street, from Lampson Avenue to Chapman Avenue West Street, from Lampson Avenue to Chapman Avenue
Lampson Avenue, from Euclid Street to West Street
Buaro Street, from Harbor Boulevard to Lampson Avenue Harbor Boulevard, from Westminster Avenue To Trask Avenue Clinton Street, from Westminster Avenue To Trask Avenue Chapman Avenue, from 9th Street To West Street
Brookhurst Street, from Trask Avenue To Garden Grove Boulevard Brookhurst Street, from Chapman Avenue To Katella Avenue Westminster Avenue, from Brookhurst Street To Bowen Street Lampson Avenue, from Valley View Street To Springdale Street West Street, from Garden Grove Boulevard To Lampson Ave Nutwood Street, from Garden Grove Boulevard To Chapman Avenue Nelson Street, from Garden Grove Boulevard To Chapman Avenue Westminster Avenue, from Newhope Street to Harbor Boulevard (Cooperative Project with City of Santa Ana)
Each project had varying issues surrounding rehabilitation needs and these were addressed with different measures to properly manage the unique circumstances of each street, which involved some of the following elements: street section removal and replacement (dig outs), cold milling, asphalt paving, asphalt rubber and aggregate membrane (ARAM) and slurry seal. Concrete rehabilitation included repair of damaged sidewalk, curb and gutter, cross gutter, catch basin, median curb and handicap access ramps. Other improvements included restoration of traffic signing, striping, pavement markers and reestablishment of centerline ties and monuments.
In addition to major streets, approximately 29 residential streets were also rehabbed with new asphalt treatment.
Status: Completed
Related Goals and Policies:
1. Circulation Element:
Goal CIR-2: Improved traffic flows along the Garden Grove Freeway, as well as improved access along the Freeway, within the City of Garden Grove. Goal CIR-9: Improved aesthetic quality and maintenance of arterial highways and local roadways.
2. Environmental Justice Element:
Policy EJ-2.5: Neighborhood Cleanup. Support programs and organizations that assist in cleaning up residential neighborhoods, including litter, trash, and graffiti removal.
SIDEWALK FOOD VENDOR PROGRAM
The Public Works Streets Section is working in tandem with Code Enforcement and the County of Orange Health Department to clean and clear sidewalks throughout the city from unpermitted food sales.
Status: Completed
Related Goals and Policies:
1. Circulation Element:
Goal CIR-2: Improved traffic flows along the Garden Grove Freeway, as well as improved access along the Freeway, within the City of Garden Grove. Goal CIR-9: Improved aesthetic quality and maintenance of arterial highways and local roadways.
2. Environmental Justice Element:
Policy EJ-2.5: Neighborhood Cleanup. Support programs and organizations that assist in cleaning up residential neighborhoods, including litter, trash, and graffiti removal.
STREETS FLOOD CONTROL MAINTENANCE
The Streets Section completed repairs to the Valley View Flood Control Channel, the Belgrave Flood Control Channel and the Emerald Channel. A total of 35,522 square feet of vertical wall was removed and replaced , along with 1,900 square feet of flood control channel floors.
Status: Completed
Related Goals and Policies:
1. Infrastructure Element:
Policy INFR 3.3: Minimize the adverse effects of urbanization upon drainage and flood control facilities.
Policy INFR-4.1: Provide sufficient levels of storm drainage service to protect the community from flood hazards and minimize the discharge of materials into the storm drain system that are toxic or which would obstruct flows.
TREES/STORM DRAIN MAINTENANCE
For Fiscal Year 2023-24, City Staff completed 1,665 total work orders for tree maintenance and flood control services, responding to five (5) emergency after -hour calls during the busy winter storm season and 132 weather-related work orders.
A total of 2,741 trees were trimmed and 142 dead, diseased, dying or problematic trees were removed. Planting efforts were significantly increased. Nearly 500 trees were planted and replaced in open tree wells and through the City ’s Adopt-a-Tree and Memorial Tree Programs. New procedures to help grow and care for young trees has been established.
The City’s total tree inventory now exceeds 16,000 trees due to these efforts. The City Celebrated Arbor Day and once again became recognized with Tree City USA Certificatio n after a 12-year pause.
Status: Completed
Related Goals and Policies:
1. Infrastructure Element:
Goal INFR -3: Storm drain service levels shall be maintained and/or improved throughout the City.
Goal INFR-4: The City is committed to improved water quality resulting from storm and urban water runoff from existing and future development.
WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAM
In 2024, t he City continued its partnership with the Municipal Water District of Orange County to participate in various water loss programs offered through cost sharing between agencies that lowers costs through economies of scale.
On an annual basis, the City participates in leak detection and meter testing to ensure accuracy. The leak detection program involves segments of the City surveyed for leaks on both the city owned and privately owned sides of the water meter. This allows all city owned side leaks detected to be addressed in a timely manner. Residents or businesses are notified of privately owned side leaks to allow them the opportunity to fix the leak and prevent future water waste.
Status: Implemented
Related Goals and Policies:
1. Conservation Element:
Goal CON -1: Garden Grove ’s water resources shall be conserved to ensure equitable amounts of clean water for all users.
Policy CON-1.4: Continue to implement a Water Conservation Program. Policy CON-3.5: Continue to maintain and enhance the public education program developed by Garden Grove Sanitation District that addresses waste management and proper household waste sorting and handling.
SEWER SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
In 2024, the City continued significant efforts to maintain its sewer system. Key accomplishments included:
• Removal and replacement of 25 manhole rings and covers • Inspection of approximately 2,900 out of 9,700 manholes • Completion of closed circuit television (CCTV) work f or 47,068 linear feet of sewer line and approximately 1,209,900 linear feet of cleaning • Completion of the Root Control Program covering 13,106 linear feet of sewer lines
• Diverted 22 possible sewer system overflows
• Continuation of Roach Spraying Program addressing 1,237 manholes • Completion of the cleaning of 620 hot spots
Status: Completed
Related Goals and Policies:
1. Infrastructure Element:
Goal INFR-2: Adequate wastewater facilities shall be provided to serve new and existing development within the City.
Policy INFR -2.1: Continue to maintain, improve and replace aging wastewater systems to ensure the provision of these services to all areas of the community.
SEWER MONITORING DEVICES
In 2024, several sewer monitoring systems were installed throughout the City at locations with a history of sanitary sewer overflows. This remote monitoring technology allows District staff to respond quickly and potentially prevent sanitary sewer overflows before they occur.
In addition to these d evices, staff also identifie d a total of 263 sewer blockages through CCTV inspections and sewer line cleaning.
Status: Completed
Related Goals and Policies:
1. Infrastructure Element:
Goal INFR-2: Adequate wastewater facilities shall be provided to serve new and existing development within the City.
Policy INFR -2.1: Continue to maintain, improve and replace aging wastewater systems to ensure the provision of these services to all areas of the community. Policy INFR-2.2: Continue to coordinate with the Garden Grove Sanitary District (GGSD) and Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD) to ensure existing wastewater systems are maintained and upgraded and new wastewater facilities are constructed, as needed.
WATER AND SEWER CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
The water main improvements project along Woodbury Road and Anabel Avenue was completed and addressed the fire flow capacity deficiency in this area. The project involved replacing approximately 820 feet of 12-inch diameter pipe and 2,915 feet of 8-inch diameter pipe. Additionally, it included the installation of 82 water servi ces, 10 hydrants, various fittings and appurtenances, as well as trenching, backfilling, compaction, and pipe disinfection and testing.
Status: Completed
Related Goals and Policies:
1. Safety Element:
Policy SAF-5.2: Ensure that the City has adequate resources to respond to health and fire emergencies, such as Fire Stations, personnel, and equipment. Policy SAF -IMP-5G: Continue the Water Services Department ’s maintenance program dedicated to maintaining the quality of the City ’s water storage and distribution system, as well as to increase the water supply capacity.
SOLID WASTE
During Fiscal Year 2023-2024, the Garden Grove Sanitary District focused on several areas relating to solid waste.
Staff continued and concluded its implementation of Senate Bill (SB) 1383, Assembly Bill (AB) 341 and 1826, which requires the diversion of organic waste (yard waste and foo d waste) and traditional recyclables for all residences and commercial properties within the District.
Additionally, a household battery collection began. This program allows residents and employees to dispose of batteries at City Hall, the Public Works Maintenance Yard, and the Police Department.
From January to Novemer 2024, a series of six Community Clean Up events were held every other month. At the events, District residents dispose d of unwanted items such as mattresses, furniture, and non -refrigerant appliances. Electronic waste items were also collected to ensure proper diversion and disposal away from the landfill. In partnership with Orange County Waste and Recycling, approximately 5 tons of bagged compost is given away at each event.
Status: Implemented
Related Goals and Policies:
1. Conservation Element:
Goal CON-3: Reduce total waste diverted to treatment or disposal at the waste source and through re-use and recycling.
CON-IMP-3D: Encourage the use of recycled or rapidly renewable materials, and building reuse and renovation over new construction, where feasible.
2. Infrastructure Element:
ENV-IMP 1B: Consult with the California Department of Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to implement State and federal laws on clean air, clean water, hazardous waste and materials, solid waste, and toxic and hazardous substances.
MAGNOLIA PARK
The Magnolia Park improvement project was completed in early April 2024. The project included the following new park amenities:
A 25’x25’ picnic shelter
Perimeter wrought iron fencing around the park pool
Citrus-farm themed playground areas for pre-school and school-aged children Custom rubberized play surface throughout the play area New fitness equipment around the perimeter of the playground to allow caregivers to exercise while keeping an eye on their children
Additional hardscape work to allow better ADA access to all areas listed above Status: Completed
Related Goals and Policies:
1. Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Element:
PRK-IMP-1C: When and where possible, consider the potential for additional parks or recreation facilities on public or private sites that can support a recreational activity such as vacant large buildings, undeveloped industrial properties, and/or existing underutilized parcels.
Goal PRK-3: Well-maintained and improved recreational parkland and facilities, both indoor and outdoor, provide the community with increased facility usage, along with encouraging healthy lifestyles and a sense of community pride in citywide facilities.
Policy PRK -3.1: Inventory existing parks and recreation facilities to determine rehabilitation needs through a periodic monitoring program, and establish the priority list for facility maintenance and/or rehabilitation.
2. Environment Justice Element:
Policy EJ-2.7: Park Improvements. Purse park improvements at established park and recreational facilities with new and improved amenities that meet the needs of the community.
ADDITIONAL CITY REPORTS:
Budget and Financial Reports: https://ggcity.org/finance/budget-and-financial- reports
Performance Report: https://ggcity.org/docs/performance-report/2023-2024- performance-report
Active Streets Master Plan: https://ggcity.org/sites/default/files/active-streets- master-plan-web.pdf
Parks, Recreation & Facilities Master Plan: https://ggcity.org/sites/default/files/PRF- Master-Plan.pdf
CONCLUSION
The General Plan continues to direct all land use decisions for the City and is a good guide for direction in Garden Grove’s future development. The City continues to follow opportunities that meet Garden Grove’s Community vision, which is to be a safe, attractive, and economically vibrant city with an informed and involved public.
Garden Grove is a diverse community that promotes unique attributes and strives to preserve our residential character.
Planning Commission Date: February 20, 2025
City Council Date: March XX, 2025