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INTRODUCTION <br />Santa Ana has a long, dynamic history of growth <br />and development, starting from its establishment in <br />1869 (and later incorporation in 1886) on just over <br />74 acres of land. The city has grown to encompass <br />over 27 square miles, with a population of more than <br />330,000 residents and businesses and institutions <br />employing over 160,000 workers (as of 2020). <br />By the 1990s, very little vacant land remained in the <br />city; new growth since then has largely involved the <br />recycling and intensification of already developed <br />properties. In the past 15 years, dozens of unique <br />and creative projects have infused new life and <br />investment into the city. The city has also expanded <br />beyond its historic role as the civic center and <br />County Seat of Orange County and is emerging as <br />the county's cultural and economic hub. <br />The Land Use Element provides general guidance <br />to ensure that future growth in Santa Ana expands <br />opportunities, protects community values, and <br />enhances our existing communities and overall <br />quality of life. <br />The key components of this element are the policy' <br />framework, which includes the goals and policies <br />that guide land -use decisions and help shape future <br />development and public investment; the land use <br />plan, including the land use map and designations; <br />and the focus area discussion, including detailed <br />descriptions and specialized standards for each <br />focus area. <br />The policy framework, the land use map, and the <br />enhanced guidance for focus areas are implemented <br />by local ordinances, including the Santa Ana <br />Municipal Code, specifically Chapter 41 (zoning <br />code), which defines the specific allowable uses and <br />sets precise development standards for each piece <br />of property. Several specific plans and special zoning <br />tools also implement this element and provide more <br />detailed land use and design direction for parts of <br />the city. <br />. Downtown Orange County <br />Santa Ana's collection of museums, art galleries, theaters, boutiques, unique sidewalk cafes, and sit-down <br />restaurants make it a destination for visitors and residents. The recent and planned additions of dynamic <br />commercial and Office space promise to breathe even more life into the local and regional economic engine. <br />�� rr .1..•• CITY OF SANTA ANA GENERAL PLAN <br />