Unanimously approved!
First approved by the city of Huntington Beach in January 2021 and then the California Coastal Commission in July 2024, the Magnolia Tank Farm reached another milestone with unanimous approval by the Huntington Beach City Council on September 17, 2024.
The reuse plan for the Magnolia Tank Farm property draws its inspiration from the adjacent wetland and ocean environments. A model for sustainable living in coastal Orange County, the land use plan features state-of-the-art housing, ample passive recreation opportunities, affordable overnight lodging, and innovative environmental education programs. Get acquainted with the exciting features the plan offers and join the list of individuals and organizations who are supporting the city of Huntington Beach’s vision for transforming this formerly blighted industrial property into a vibrant mixed-use community.
Highlights of the Magnolia Tank Farm Development
- Reenergizes the local economy by creating jobs and delivering additional lodging, retail, and restaurants to support the local community, public access, and tourism in Orange County.
- Brings close to a half-billion-dollar investment to Huntington Beach and $2.5 million dollars in annual tax revenue to Huntington Beach to support local services like public safety and infrastructure improvements as well as much-loved citywide programs and events.
- Sets aside land for coastal conservation providing a buffer and enabling improved access for study of the local wetlands.
- Fulfills state policies that promote green building, sustainability, and mixed-use communities to contribute to a better environment in the Orange County region.
- Expands opportunities for all Californians to stay on the coast by adding the Lodge, a visitor-serving use including low-cost accommodations.
- Promotes eco-tourism in the area with overnight accommodations directly adjacent to the Magnolia Marsh and new public park areas.
- Adds new housing units to address the state and region’s housing shortage.
- Provides affordable housing to help Orange County serve its residents and fulfill the County’s obligation to provide housing for all residents.
- Implements innovative measures to address sea level rise, adopt Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building standards, and contributes to the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) for Orange County.
Timeline
2017
The demolition of the three storage tanks was completed and AES began using the site as a construction laydown yard.
2019
After review by city staff, the Huntington Beach Planning Commission voted to approve the re-use of the Tank Farm property
2020
2020 Huntington Beach Planning Commission approves use of Magnolia Tank Farm site for car dealership storage
2021
Huntington Beach City Council votes to approve the revitalization of the Magnolia Tank Farm property
July 2024
California Coastal Commission votes to approve plans for the Magnolia Tank Farm with modifications
September 2024
Anticipated date of Huntington Beach City Council review of CA Coastal Commission suggested modifications