Development Services assigns new addresses for developments and buildings, and process address change requests. House numbering and street naming follow Orange Municipal Code Chapter 12.40. Streets are named Avenues (east-west) or Streets (north-south). House numbers start at The Plaza, with directional prefixes.

• For street name changes, contact the Public Works Traffic Engineer at (714) 744-5536.
• For address verification and changes, call the Public Works Front Counter at (714) 744-5525.

Addressing Form

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

FEMA regulates construction in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs), often called the 100-year floodplain. SFHAs are shown on the National Flood Insurance Program’s Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM).

In Orange, these areas are near Santa Ana River, Santiago Creek, and Handy Creek. Construction in SFHAs requires City Public Works Department approval and a Grading Permit to ensure compliance with City Ordinance and the NFIP. Building permits are required for new construction, remodeling, or additions.

Contact the City Public Works Department to determine if your property is within the SFHA. Additional permits may be required for developments near a Federal or State “blue line” watercourse. Working in the 100-Year Floodplain without a permit is a violation and may result in legal actions. Existing improvements in the SFHA may be cited for a code violation.

Who Needs Flood Insurance

Flood Insurance is mandatory for federally insured mortgages in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). Home Owners insurance doesn’t cover flood damage. Orange residents receive a 5% insurance premium reduction.

Properties outside SFHAs may still be flood-prone. A reduced-rate Flood Insurance Prefer Policy is available for these properties. Contact your homeowner’s insurance provider for details. To check if your property is in a flood hazard area, call (714) 744-5525.

Resources

• National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP
• FEMA Information for Homeowners
• FEMA Map Service Center
• FEMA Forms and Documents
• Real-Time River Gauge Information

Orange City maintains 308 miles of sewer pipeline. Sewer laterals connect private properties to the public sewer main.

• New connections require a Plumbing Permit and an Encroachment Permit. Fees apply.
• Repairing existing sewer laterals requires an Encroachment Permit.
• Property owners outside City of Orange should contact Orange County Sanitation District for sewer connections.
• Septic systems are reviewed by the Building Division and Public Works Department.

Tentative Maps

A Tentative Tract Map is the method used to subdivide property into 5 or more parcels, 5 or more condominiums, or a community apartment project containing five or more parcels. (O.M.C.16.08.020) Whenever a tentative or final tract map is not required by the Subdivision Map Act, a tentative parcel map shall be filed. (O.M.C.16.08.060) Tentative Maps should be submitted to the Planning Division. For information, call the Planning Front Counter (714) 744-7220.

Parcel Map Documents:

• Application Form for Tentative Parcel Map
• Parcel Map Filing Instructions

Lot Line Adjustment

A Lot Line Adjustment is a minor adjustment between four or fewer existing adjoining parcels, where the land taken from one parcel is added to an adjoining parcel. The total number of parcels after adjustment must not be greater than the original number of parcels. (O.M.C.16.32) For information, call the Public Works Front Counter (714) 744-5525.

Lot Line Adjustment Documents:

• Lot Line Adjustment Exhibit A
• Lot Line Adjustment Exhibit B
• Lot Line Adjustment Exhibit C
• Lot Line Adjustment Instructions
• Lot Line Adjustment Application
• Lot Line Adjustment Title Sheet
• Notary Acknowledgment
• Quit Claim Deed

Grading

Grading requirements are described in the City of Orange Grading Manual (O.M.C.16.40) and in the 2016 California Building Code.

Prior to issuance of a Grading Permit, grading plans, and supporting documents must be prepared and submitted for review to Development Services. Please review the Grading Permit – Submittal Packages Checklist which is located in the Grading Documents section in order to prepare a grading plan submittal.

For additional information, call the Public Works Front Counter (714) 744-5525.

Grading Documents:

• 2012 Grading Manual
• Civil Certification Letter - Final Grading
• Civil Certification Letter - Rough Grading
• Drainage Report
• Grading Field Inspection Requirements
• Grading Permit - Submittal Packages Checklist
• Grading Permit Form
• Letter of Drainage Assessment
• Soil Certification Letter - Rough Grading

Street Improvement

A Street Improvement Plan is required for any private development which has public or private street or utility infrastructure improvements. For information, call the Public Works Front Counter at (714) 744-5525.

Plans Preparation Documents:

• City of Orange Template Title Sheet and Border (CAD Files)
• City of Orange Template Title Sheet and Border Sample (PDF Files)
• Plans Preparation Guidelines and Checklists

Digital Submittal Requirements

Digital Submission Requirements is required for all final maps and improvement plan submittals. (O.M.C. 16.08.040, 16.08.070)

Construction Notes

The following list of standard notes are a collection of those commonly used in previous plans. Designers should review each item carefully, include only notes applicable to the specific project, and add other notes specific for the project.

Construction Notes Documents:

• Erosion Control Sediment Control and Water Quality Notes
• General Notes
• Grading Notes
• Sewer Notes
• Storm Drain Notes
• Street Improvements Notes