News Summary
The Irvine City Council has postponed any decisions regarding the future of the Oak Creek Golf Course until 2026, citing high election costs and logistics. The golf course, currently under consideration for residential development, has implications on city planning and community sentiment, especially in light of its protected status since 1988. Ongoing discussions and community feedback play a crucial role as proposals for its development continue to emerge.
Irvine — The Irvine City Council has announced a delay on the ballot measure concerning the future of the Oak Creek Golf Course, postponing any decision until 2026. The council had considered holding a special election on November 18, 2025, but ultimately decided against it due to logistical issues and the anticipated high costs associated with conducting the election, projected to be around $2 million.
The timing of the potential election also raised concerns, as it would fall just days after a likely statewide redistricting measure on November 4. In light of these factors, the Mayor expressed that it would be impractical for residents to vote on two significant issues in such close succession.
Currently, there are plans to replace the 193-acre Oak Creek Golf Course with a residential development that could include up to 3,100 housing units, schools, parks, and public spaces. This proposal comes from the Irvine Company, which has offered to give the city 315 acres of open space in exchange for the rights to develop the golf course, alongside plans to relinquish control of 565 acres of city-owned orchards.
Legal and Procedural Framework
The golf course’s future is also legally complicated. It has been protected since a 1988 voter-approved initiative that designates specific areas as open space. This regulation allows for certain developments in exchange for public ownership in different regions. The City Attorney has indicated that if the question regarding the golf course’s future aligns with the primary election in June 2026, the final wording for the ballot must be established by early March, adhering to an 88-day statutory deadline.
Future Discussions
The city council plans to revisit the topic in early 2026 for in-depth analysis and environmental review, exploring options for both a standalone special election and aligning the ballot initiative with the upcoming statewide primary. During discussions, various proposals for ballot measures have emerged. Options include requiring voter approval for any changes to designated parks or open spaces, creating exceptions specifically for Oak Creek, or altering the golf course’s preservation status to allow for medium-high-density residential development.
A local advocacy group has also proposed a measure to directly ask voters if they want to maintain the current preservation status of Oak Creek.
Community Engagement
The council acknowledges the importance of consulting the community regarding the future of the Oak Creek Golf Course, especially to honor the intentions of the original 1988 initiative. Ongoing discussions have attracted substantial input from residents, with hundreds of written comments submitted for both sides of the development debate.
Proposed Development Details
If approved, the Irvine Company’s project to transform the golf course into a residential neighborhood would mark the city’s first new development since 2016. This initiative aims to address the burgeoning housing demands in Orange County, providing a mix of single-family homes and multifamily housing units. Additionally, the development is expected to include infrastructure improvements like new schools, parks, and enhanced traffic solutions.
Financially, the conversion could significantly benefit the city, projected to yield up to $96 million in fees and offering discounted rent vouchers to support affordable housing efforts. The trend of converting golf courses into residential developments is becoming increasingly common across the nation as municipalities struggle with housing shortages.
As the city council reviews these complex proposals and the public continues to voice its opinions, the future of the Oak Creek Golf Course remains a contentious issue that will shape Irvine’s landscape for years to come.
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Additional Resources
- Orange County Register: Irvine City Council Delays Vote
- Orange County Register: Oak Creek Golf Course Vote Delay
- OC Business Journal: Irvine Co. Proposes New Housing
- KFI AM 640: Irvine Co. Plans 3100 Home Village
- Bisnow: Irvine Co. Plans New Homes on Golf Course
- Wikipedia: Irvine, California
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
