Orange County Verges On Complete Build-Out

In 15 years, all of the famously-suburban county's land will either be preserved open space or developed. The Sierra Club has made the defeat of Rancho Mission Viejo, the last remaining piece, a top priority.

1 minute read

June 16, 2004, 1:00 PM PDT

By Jeffrey Goodman


After a dozen years of planning, the developers of Rancho Mission Viejo could begin construction on their 14,000-home project within the next five years, marking the end of privately-held open space in the county. Despite its reputation for casual suburban living, many of the 2.5 million residents are beginning to realize that Orange County is as urban as it is master-planned.

Thanks to Jeffrey Goodman

Monday, June 14, 2004 in The Los Angeles Times

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

Seattle Legalizes Co-Living

A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.

December 1, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

SunRail passenger train at platform in Poinciana, Florida.

Central Florida’s SunRail Plans Major Expansion

The expanded train line will connect more destinations to the international airport and other important destinations.

November 24, 2024 - Hoodline

Times Square in New York City empty during the Covid-19 pandemic.

NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project

Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.

December 1, 2024 - StreetsBlog NYC

Empty street and high-rise buildings in downtown Chicago, Illinois during COvid-19 pandemic.

Major US Cities Still Suffering Downtown Decline

Research shows that the “donut effect” hollowing out central business districts since the pandemic continues to cause economic decline in the 12 largest American cities.

6 seconds ago - Stanford University News

Red City of Terre Haute small transit bus in Terre Haute, Indiana.

Terre Haute Transit Goes Fare-Free

Buses in the Indiana city will be free as of January 2.

1 hour ago - Indiana Public Media

Red Capital Bikeshare bikes at a station in Bethesda, Maryland.

DC Bike Share Growing Fast, But Regional Gaps Remain

The wildly popular system ‘frays at its geographic edges,’ making its use less effective outside the central District.

2 hours ago - Greater Greater Washington

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.