Orange County Maintenance Facility

The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) has filed a Conditional Use Permit for the development of an approximate 90,000 square foot commuter rail maintenance facility (Orange County Maintenance Facility (OCMF)).  

The OCMF is proposed off of Ridge Valley near Marine Way on a 21.3 acre parcel. 

The proposed facility is where passenger trains will be serviced, cleaned, stored overnight and where train crews will use as a base for shift changes. The proposed project includes a 48-foot tall one-story building that includes locomotive and car service platforms for inspection. Additional on-site services include sanding of train wheels, fueling of the locomotives and sanitation dump stations.  

The proposed site plan also includes a train washing facility. Additional proposed facility components include office space for crews and maintenance staff, parts storage and management, on-site water treatment, parking, access roads, and security. 
 

Background 

March 23, 2010:  The City Council acts on Sand Canyon Grade Separation Project to: 

  • Approve a Funding Term Sheet agreement between City and OCTA in response to the following set of conditions. 
    • The grade separation project will displace an existing Metrolink Maintenance-of-Way facility. 
    • Metrolink expressed interest in locating new Rail Maintenance Facility in the vicinity of future Marine Way south of the Great Park adjacent to railroad tracks. 
    • The City and OCTA identified a suitable 21.3-acre parcel for this purpose. 
  • Jointly submit the Sand Canyon Grade Separation project with OCTA to the California Transportation Commission for approval and allocation. 
  • Execute a Cooperative Agreement between the City and OCTA to implement the Funding Term Sheet agreement. 

March 23, 2019 City Council Meeting Minutes - Item 2.9
March 23, 2019 City Council Meeting Staff Report - Item 2.9

January 13, 2015:  The City Council acts on a Purchase and Sale Agreement between City and OCTA to: 

  • Approve the purchase and sale of 21.3 acres by OCTA for $14,150,500, which include the following key terms and conditions. 
    • The Cooperative Agreement committed the City to reserve the City-owned 21.3-acre parcel for purchase by OCTA for future development of a Metrolink Commuter Rail Maintenance Facility. 
    • In June 2014, OCTA notified the City of its intent to purchase the identified property.  Terms of the purchase and sale agreement include: 
      • Basis for sale by City and purchase by OCTA is OCTA’s future use of property for a commuter rail maintenance facility or other transportation-related use. 
      • OCTA waives any claim they are exempt from Irvine’s Zoning Code requirements and agree to abide by City’s land use authority. 
      • Interim use(s) of property subject to City’s approval. 
      • OCTA will not lease or transfer any portion of its ownership interest in property without City approval. 
      • City has right of first refusal to purchase any portion OCTA considers selling. 
      • City and OCTA will discuss potential future sale of nearby parcel to OCTA for access to property. 
      • OCTA will be responsible for fair share roadway capacity improvements. 

January 13, 2015 City Council Meeting Minutes - Item 5.2
January 13, 2015 City Council Meeting Staff Report - Item 5.2 

March 9, 2015:  The Purchase and Sale Agreement was executed by all parties. 

Purchase and Sale Agreement 

June 30, 2015:  A Grant Deed transferring title of the 21.3 acre parcel is recorded by OCTA with the County of Orange subject to covenants listed therein. 

Grant Deed for SCRRA Rail Maintenance Facility 

October 19, 2016:  In response to their receipt of the City’s Public Notice concerning the Travata residential development, OCTA submits letter informing City of existing and possible future OCTA facilities in the area. 

Letter from OCTA

October 26, 2016:  The City’s Subdivision Committee recommends Planning Commission approval of subdivision map for Travata. 

October 26, 2016 Subdivision Committee Recommendation 

November 17, 2016:  The Planning Commission approves Subdivision Map, Conditional Use Permit, and Park Plan for Travata. 

  • Condition of Approval 3.3(J) required disclosure notice be provided for three existing or possible future land uses:  i) existing bus base near Sand Canyon & Marine Way; ii) existing Metrolink Maintenance of Way facility in the area; and iii) future Metrolink Maintenance facility being contemplated as a future addition to the area. 

November 17, 2016 Planning Commission Staff Report 
Planning Commission Resolution 16-3551 Approving Vesting Tentative Tract Map
Planning Commission Resolution 16-3552 Approving Conditional Use Permit
Planning Commission Resolution 16-3553 Approving Park Plan

2017 - 2019:  Travata constructed – initial home sales began near the end of 2017; substantial construction and home sales occurs between 2018-2019. Per Condition of Approval 3.3(J), as part of the home purchase, builder was to provide residents with a disclosure about nearby existing and planned OCTA facilities.

Occupancy Disclosure for Travata Sales  

2018 – 2020: Occasional correspondence between city and OCTA staff regarding process, environmental, and project. 

July 8, 2021:  OCTA files Conditional Use Permit with City of Irvine for rail maintenance facility. 

Application Documents
Orange County Maintenance Facility Letter of Justification 
Project Plans

February 28, 2022:  OCTA releases Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) for public review and comment until March 29, 2022. 

OCTA Outreach 

  • Monday, September 11, 2023, 5 p.m.
    • OCTA will host an open house to learn about the Orange County Maintenance Facility. The open house will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Irvine City Hall Conference and Training Center. The open house will offer a chance to talk to project staff about:

      • The background and overview of the project.

      • Results of environmental studies.

      • Planned next steps.

More Information 

  • OCMF Virtual Public Meeting , Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2021, 5:30 p.m.  
  • Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021, 10:30 a.m.  
    • A member of OCTA Outreach went to Travata to provide residents with ways to access project information if they missed the virtual meeting.  
    • Residents were notified via email through Travata property manager. 
  • Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2022, 5 p.m.  
    • OCTA Outreach and Project Manager went to Travata to provide residents a project overview, answer questions and clarify the environmental process.  
    • Residents were notified via email through Travata property manager. 
  • Monday, March 14, 2022, 5 p.m. 
    • OCTA presented PowerPoint presentation to provide residents a project overview, answer questions and clarify the environmental process at Travata community  

City Outreach 

  • Tuesday, March 15, 2022, 5 p.m. 
    • City staff discussed the project’s discretionary and environmental process and listened to residents’ concerns at Travata Community 
  • Monday, April 25, 2022, 5 p.m.  
    • City staff, Mayor Khan, and Vice Mayor Kuo hosted meeting with Travata Community at the Great Park Gallery to answer questions regarding the project and clarify the environmental and discretionary process 
  • Monday, June 13, 2022 

Images