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Council authorizes staff to pursue annexation of Open Space Area R into Irvine city limits
Summary
Council voted 6-0 to authorize staff to begin the multi‑step annexation process for Open Space Area R and adjacent parcels; staff estimated costs and an approximate 14‑month timeline.
The Irvine City Council authorized staff to begin the annexation process for the Open Space Area R (part of the Portola Springs/Preserve area) and adjacent notched parcels, expanding the city boundary by about 1.9 square miles.
Why it matters: Annexation brings property currently in unincorporated Orange County into the city’s jurisdiction, enabling more efficient permitting for planned projects (including a joint public safety training facility), improving trail connectivity and allowing the city to accept an offered open‑space dedication from the landowner.
Staff presentation: Principal civil engineer Andrew Pham described the area as approximately 1,218 acres (about 1.9 square miles). He said Open Space Area R is roughly 584 acres; the annexation package adds adjoining County, Caltrans, reservoir and school parcels so the final contiguous annexation avoids creating an island. The estimated annexation cost is $310,000, with $135,000 proposed from an existing Public Works and Sustainability budget this fiscal year and the remaining $175,000 to be included in next fiscal year’s budget. Pham said the process involves Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) approval and takes about 14 months to complete once submissions begin.
Council discussion and vote: Councilmembers asked about size and future annexations; staff said a larger sphere of influence north of Area R remains with the County and no immediate annexation of that northern area is anticipated. Councilmembers also noted the annexation would help permit the joint Irvine public safety training facility and provide improved trail linkages to the nearby gateway development and preserve. The council voted 6-0 to authorize staff to pursue the annexation, to prepare required submittal materials, and to authorize the city manager to execute agreements and contracts needed for the process.
Implementation and next steps: Staff will prepare environmental documents and the tax agreement for council consideration prior to LAFCO submittal. If approved, the city will accept any irrevocable dedication of open space offered by the landowner and will coordinate trail planning and the public‑safety facility permitting once the property is in the city.
Ending: The council’s authorization begins the formal annexation steps; staff estimated a certificate of completion from LAFCO could be issued by June of the following year.
