Live Local in Orange County: eligibility matters before a project moves forward

The County’s current guidance explains how qualifying affordable rental projects are reviewed. This guide covers an existing law, rather than a newly approved development.

Published October 16, 2026 · Sion editorial

Orange County’s planning guidance describes the Live Local Act and its 2024 and 2025 amendments. The framework applies to qualifying multifamily and mixed-use residential projects in eligible commercial, industrial and mixed-use zoning areas.

The County states that at least 40% of units must be qualifying affordable rental housing for at least 30 years. Projects still must meet eligibility criteria, applicable development standards and submission requirements.

This is an explainer about an existing framework, checked October 16, 2026. It does not announce a new law this week or approval of any particular site.

Before drawing conclusions about a property, confirm the parcel’s jurisdiction and zoning. A county planning page should not be treated as a blanket approval for a parcel inside an incorporated city.