Tustin Legacy development represents a long term transformation of former military land into a connected community in Northern Orange County. This large scale project is reshaping how residents work, learn, and gather near transit.
Planners emphasize walkable streets, preserved open space, and a balanced mix of housing and employment to support a sustainable urban center for decades.
Overview of Tustin Legacy Development
The project aligns rail, roads, and public investments to guide growth toward a central station area.
| Aspect | Description | Status | Target Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Vision | Transit oriented, walkable neighborhood with parks and civic spaces | Approved and advancing | 2035+ |
| Land Area | Approximately 1,300 acres including former Marine Corps Air Station | Phased planning and entitlements | Ongoing through 2040 |
| Housing Mix | Market rate, affordable, and senior housing options | In design and approvals | Staggered delivery through 2030s |
| Mobility | Light rail extensions, streetscape upgrades, and pedestrian pathways | Segment under construction | Service targeted for mid 2030s |
| Economic Anchors | Office, research, retail, and logistics near transit nodes | Early site planning and pre development | Phased activation through 2035 |
Master Planning and Community Engagement
Comprehensive plans guide land use, housing types, and public amenities while meeting regional housing and climate goals.
Workshops, surveys, and public charrettes allow residents to shape design guidelines, park programming, and street patterns.
Environmental review processes address air quality, noise, and habitat protection measures across the project area.
Early project decisions on density and design help create a distinctive streetscape identity for the emerging district.
Housing Strategy and Affordability
The strategy emphasizes a range of unit sizes, tenure types, and locations to connect jobs with home locations near services.
Affordability Measures
Inclusionary policies, linkage fees, and public private partnerships support below market rate units in key neighborhoods.
Design Standards
Architectural review, setbacks, and height limits maintain neighborhood character while allowing thoughtful growth.
Transportation and Infrastructure
Multimodal improvements prioritize walking, cycling, and transit access to reduce car dependency and congestion.
Transit Connections
Light rail extensions and bus rapid transit routes integrate stations with activity centers, schools, and healthcare.
Street Network and Utilities
Complete streets, protected bike lanes, and upgraded utilities support safety, reliability, and climate resilience.
Environmental and Economic Impact
Green infrastructure, tree planting, and stormwater systems improve local air quality and reduce flood risk.
Targeted commercial corridors aim to create local jobs, support small businesses, and attract regional investment.
Monitoring metrics track emissions reductions, housing affordability, and mobility outcomes to guide course corrections.
Long Term Vision for Tustin Legacy Community
Coordinated investments in housing, mobility, and public space can support a dynamic, equitable, and climate aware urban district.
- Follow the master plan and staged infrastructure investments to align growth with community needs
- Prioritize transit oriented development at stations to maximize accessibility and reduce driving
- Maintain strong affordability and design standards to preserve neighborhood character and inclusivity
- Use performance metrics to track environmental, economic, and mobility outcomes over time
FAQ
Reader questions
What types of housing are planned for Tustin Legacy development?
The plan includes a balanced mix of market rate, affordable, and senior housing, with specific targets to meet regional housing needs near transit.
How will transportation be improved in the area?
Light rail extensions, bus rapid transit, street upgrades, and new pedestrian and bicycle pathways will connect residents to jobs, schools, and regional destinations.
What measures ensure affordability in new neighborhoods?
Inclusionary zoning, linkage fees, and public private partnerships create below market rate units while preserving long term diversity.
What is the timeline for major project milestones?
Phased approvals, infrastructure builds, and housing delivery span from the early 2020s through the 2030s and 2040s based on funding and entitlement progress.