Orange City Council Weighs Outdoor Watering Ban, Hotel Tax Hike as Summer Heats Up
The Orange City Council this week gave initial consideration to a water conservation ordinance that would ban the use of potable water for irrigating non-functional turf, while also advancing a ballot measure that could raise taxes on hotel guests. The actions were on the June 23 agenda, but official vote tallies were not available as of press time because meeting minutes have not yet been published.
Council advances drought rules, November ballot question
At its June 23 meeting, the council held a second reading and potential adoption of Ordinance No. 10-26, which would prohibit using drinking water to irrigate decorative grass areas that serve no recreational purpose. The agenda also called for a vote on a resolution to place a measure before voters in November 2026 that would expand and increase the city’s transient occupancy tax, a charge added to hotel bills.
Separately, the council was scheduled to award a $597,816 contract to CJ Concrete Construction for annual concrete replacement work at various locations around Orange, and to appropriate $118,334.68 in Public Safety Realignment funding from Orange County. That money is slated for overtime and supplies. The council also planned to approve towing and storage service agreements with Archie’s Towing and Southside Towing under a new fee schedule.
Massage moratorium extension considered
On June 29, the council took up a different regulatory matter: extending an urgency ordinance that temporarily bans the opening or expansion of massage establishments. The proposed extension would push the moratorium beyond 22 months. The same meeting included a proclamation recognizing the United States Semiquincentennial and a closed session to discuss existing litigation in the case of Cole McDonough v. City of Orange, et al. No action was reported from the closed session.
Design Review Committee cancels July meeting
The Design Review Committee’s regular meeting scheduled for July 1 was canceled. The committee is next slated to meet July 15.
Coming up
On July 6, the Planning Commission will consider a request for a Type 47 alcohol license at a new restaurant at 237 W. Chapman Avenue. The license would permit the sale of beer, wine, and distilled spirits. Commissioners will also review a proposal to operate a charter elementary school for up to 864 students at two existing buildings at 1937 and 2011 W. Chapman Ave. Plans for the site include construction of two new play areas within an existing parking lot.
Generated from official meeting agendas and minutes — every underlying document is linked from the city page. Read the primary source before you rely on a detail.