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Committee reviews possible uses for city lot at Hosi and West and explains Surplus Land Act limits
Summary
Staff told the Roads Advisory Committee the city is re-examining revenue-generating options for the city-owned lot at Hosi and West (farmers market, food-truck events, RV or container storage, riding arena, or minor beautification). Staff noted a 2024 change to California's surplus land rules means leases of 15 years or longer may trigger the surplus land process and an obligation to offer the site first to affordable housing developers.
On May 27, La Habra Heights staff and committee members discussed possible uses and legal limits for the city-owned lot at Hosi and West.
Staff recalled prior outreach to market the parcel for retail and said council asked the planning commission to explore potential uses. Ideas ranged from a limited farmers market or food‑truck event space to revenue-generating options such as RV storage, container mini‑storage, or rented stable/riding arena space. Staff emphasized that no decision has been made and that proposals would require planning review.
Staff also explained a 2024 change in state surplus-land rules discussed in the meeting: leases including extensions that total 15 years or more may be treated as a disposal, which would trigger the surplus land process. Under that process, the city would have to offer the site first to affordable housing developers for acquisition and development before other uses could proceed. "So it kind of limits us to no more than 15 years worth of a lease on that particular property," the staff member said.
The planning commission has reviewed ideas and returned recommendations to council for further consideration. Staff said options under discussion include low-cost developer opportunities (container storage) or city-run uses and noted that any sale or long-term lease would require following state procedures.
