Costa Mesa City Council Approves 2,300-Unit Housing Project at Former Fairview Developmental Center Site

The Costa Mesa City Council recently approved a large-scale housing development on the former Fairview Developmental Center site, a move that will bring 2,300 new residences to the city. This plan includes 920 units designated as affordable housing for low-income tenants, addressing a critical need in the region where an estimated half of Costa Mesans spend over 30% of their income on housing.

The 80-acre property, which previously housed a state hospital until its closure in 2022, is slated for a mixed-use development. Beyond residential units, the project incorporates 35,000 square feet of commercial space for retail, dining, fitness, and childcare, alongside 25 acres of public open space, parks, and trails. This approval follows a lengthy process to repurpose the sprawling state-owned land.

While the Planning Commission had initially considered a plan for up to 4,000 units, the Council opted for a lower density, which also preserves the Mesa Linda golf course. The city faces state pressure to add 11,760 residential units by the decade's end. Developers may still achieve higher unit counts through state-granted density bonuses for including sufficient affordable housing, offering flexibility for future project planning and financing.