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Frequently Asked Questions

  • About The Project

A: The Solomon Hills Specific Plan covers approximately 1,616 acres of land currently used for oil and gas operations and cattle grazing. The project will create a new, well-designed community with up to 4,000 homes for families, along with shops, offices, parks, open space and trails.

A: Solomon Hills will offer a full range of housing options to serve different needs, including single-family homes of various lot sizes, along with duplexes and townhomes. The community will include 400 affordable apartments that are deed-restricted for income-qualifying households, ensuring a range of working families can afford to live here.

A: The project proposes approximately 1,020 acres for recreation and open space uses – this includes neighborhood parks, community recreation centers, more than 18 miles of hiking trails and multi-use paths for biking and pedestrian use, and improvements to the historic Newlove Picnic Grounds.

A: Solstra Communities California, LLC owns the entire property. Solstra is a U.S.-based company with experience in building sustainable communities. The company has assembled an experienced and local team to assist with designing a project that aligns with the County’s Comprehensive Plan.

  • Location And Access

A: Solomon Hills is located just west of Highway 101, south of the Orcutt Hills ridgeline, about 1.5 miles from Orcutt and 3.5 miles east of Highway 135.

A: The project includes two major access improvements specifically designed to avoid existing neighborhoods, the closest of which is nearly a mile away:

  • A new Highway 101 interchange will be built approximately 2.3 miles south of the Clark Avenue interchange, providing direct access to the community
  • A secondary access route will connect to Highway 135 via Graciosa Road

These new roadways provide direct access to key arterial roads minimizing impacts to established residential areas in Orcutt and nearby communities.

A: Solomon Hills is designed as a walkable and bikeable community. Circulation within the community provides access for pedestrians, bicycles, automobiles, and transit through a network using “complete street” principles.  This creates a vibrant “live work play” community that features:

  • Separated bike lanes and multi-use paths throughout
  • Sidewalks connecting neighborhoods to schools, parks, and shops
  • Public transit stops at key locations
  • An optional park-and-ride facility
  • Support for electric vehicle charging and future electric shuttle service
  • Water and Utilities

A: The community will receive water through a partnership between Solstra and Cadiz Inc. Under an 80-year water supply agreement, Cadiz will provide 1,275 acre-feet of water per year. This water will be delivered through the State Water Project system to Golden State Water Company, which will serve the community.

A: Solomon Hills will build its own Water Reclamation Facility on-site that will:
  • Treat all wastewater to regulatory standards
  • Increase water sustainability by using recycled water for all landscape irrigation throughout the community
  • Be dedicated to the Laguna County Sanitation District for long-term operation
This sustainable approach means landscaping won’t compete with drinking water needs.

A: Yes! Solomon Hills is sustainable by design:

  • All homes will be all-electric (no natural gas) with solar panels installed
  • Key community facilities will have battery storage systems
  • The community will receive a 100% renewable electricity option through Central Coast Community Energy
  • Extensive electric vehicle charging will be available throughout
  • All underground utilities will improve grid resilience and fire safety
  • Schools and Services​

A: Yes. The project includes a new TK-8 school which will be owned and operated by the Orcutt Union School District. The school will be built in Phase 3 of the development (when there are enough children living in Solomon Hills) and will include play areas that can be used by residents during non-school hours. A pedestrian bridge will provide safe walking access for students.

A: The community will include:

  • Fire station
  • Sheriff substation
  • Commercial retail and office space (650,000 square feet total) such as:
    • Restaurants
    • Specialty retail stores such as clothing or fitness
    • Pharmacy and pet supplies
    • Urgent care facilities
    • Day care center
  • Parks with playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas
  • Community trails connecting to the Orcutt Hills

All infrastructure—roads, water, sewer, and utilities—will be funded by the developer and ongoing HOA maintenance fees, not by existing taxpayers.

  • Fire Safety and Emergency Preparedness

A: Fire safety is a top priority. The project includes multiple protective measures:

  • A new fire station and sheriff substation within the community
  • Building standards that meet or exceed state wildfire requirements
  • Designed to reduce fire zones to “low” for most neighborhoods and the TK-8 school.
  • Homes adjacent to open space built with fire-resistant materials and design features
  • Defensible space zones around all structures
  • HOA-managed Fuel Management Zones throughout the community
  • Underground utilities to prevent fire ignition
  • Multiple emergency evacuation routes

A: The community is designed for resilience:

  • Multiple access routes provide emergency evacuation options
  • Underground utilities improve reliability
  • On-site water storage and emergency supplies
  • Sheriff substation for security and rapid response
  • Fire station for preparedness and rapid response
  • Storm water management systems to prevent flooding

Oil Field Cleanup​​

A: As part of the project, all oil and gas operations within the development area will be permanently ended. This includes:

  • State and County oversight of all remediation work
  • Proper abandonment of 65 oil wells
  • Removal of all pipelines, equipment, and storage tanks
  • Cleanup of historic sumps and contaminated areas

We’ve carefully designed the project so that all 65 properly abandoned well sites in the project area will be in open space or roadways maintained by the community’s HOA, not on any privately owned property.

The cleanup supports California’s policy of transitioning away from fossil fuel extraction while creating beneficial new uses for the land.

A: Some oil and gas operations on surrounding properties outside the development area may continue, but they will be buffered from the community with appropriate setbacks and will comply with all State and County regulations.

  • Planning and Approvals

A: The project requires several major approvals:

  • General Plan Amendment to establish the Solomon Hills Specific Plan land use designation
  • Rezoning from agricultural to mixed-use zone districts
  • Solomon Hills Specific Plan with development standards and design guidelines
  • Vesting Tentative Tract Map dividing the land into development phases
  • Conditional Use Permits for Newlove Park improvements, a wet weather storage basin and a water line connection.
  • Development Agreement for a 25-year build-out period
  • Environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)

A: No. Solomon Hills is geographically separated from Orcutt by the Orcutt Hills ridgeline, which divides the Santa Maria Valley from the Los Alamos Valley. The project will establish its own independent Specific Plan Area with a new Urban/Rural Boundary. This approach allows focused planning for this unique site without affecting Orcutt’s existing plans or boundaries. Trails connecting Orcutt to Solomon Hills will meet Orcutt Community Plan design guidelines.

A: If all approvals are obtained, construction would occur in four phases over approximately 14 years. The phasing plan ensures that infrastructure and services are built before or alongside new homes. Each phase must be approved separately before construction can begin, and individual Planning Areas will be further reviewed by the County for design standards.

  • Community Character and Design​

A: Solomon Hills is designed as a “Smart Growth” community with a central village surrounded by walkable neighborhoods. Key design features include:

  • Tree-lined streets with landscaped medians
  • A mix of architectural styles reviewed for quality and compatibility
  • Parks and open spaces integrated throughout
  • Pedestrian-friendly design with shorter blocks and street connections
  • Commercial areas within walking distance of homes
  • Views of surrounding hills and valleys preserved

A: A Homeowners Association (HOA) will maintain all common areas, including:

  • Parks and recreational facilities
  • Open space and trails
  • Roads and landscaping
  • Storm water facilities

The HOA will be governed by residents and will ensure long-term quality and maintenance.

A: Because Solomon Hills will be pedestrian, bicycle, and family focused, the trail system use is planned for regular pedestrians and bike use only. However, equestrian use of certain trails can be allowed during special events in the community when proper safety notices can be given.

  • Environmental Protection

A: The project includes substantial habitat conservation:

  • 506 acres of conservation easements for California Tiger Salamander and Western Spadefoot Toad
  • 675 acres of oak woodland creation and management
  • Protection of ridgelines and valley areas
  • Restoration of disturbed areas from past oil operations
  • Public trails designed to minimize impacts on wildlife

A: The project includes comprehensive storm water management:

  • Natural drainage patterns will be maintained
  • Best Management Practices will prevent pollution
  • Storm water basins will capture and treat runoff
  • Low Impact Development features will reduce runoff volume
  • All systems meet Regional Water Quality Control Board standards
  • Community Benefits

A: Solomon Hills provides significant public benefits:

  • 4,000 new homes, including 400 affordable units, addressing the regional housing shortage
  • 650,000 square feet of job-creating commercial and office space
  • New public elementary school serving Solomon Hills and potentially neighboring areas
  • Public trails and park access, including Newlove Picnic Grounds
  • Cleanup of oil field contamination at developer expense
  • New fire station improving emergency response for the region
  • Infrastructure improvements funded by development, not existing taxpayers
  • Reduction of fossil fuel operations consistent with state climate goals

A: The project is designed to be an asset to the region. It includes high-quality design standards, extensive landscaping and open space, and professional community management. The new infrastructure, schools, parks, and services will enhance the overall area. Property values typically benefit from well-planned, quality development in nearby areas.

  • For More Information

A: Public participation is an important part of the planning process. You can:

A: The County will prepare an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) that analyzes potential impacts and mitigation measures. The public will have opportunities to comment on the Draft EIR when it is released. Notice of any comment periods will be provided by the County according to state law.

A: For questions about the project:

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