Show Us How You Love Brea 

April is National Volunteer Month and the City of Brea honors this by hosting the annual Love Brea event. This year, Love Brea will take place on Saturday, April 27, from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Available service projects range from mulching The Tracks at Brea, cleaning the Brea Museum, painting, and setting the event up. The day begins with an 8:00 a.m. Kick-Off Rally, where Love Brea t-shirts will be distributed and light refreshments will be available, before heading off to service projects. At 12:00 p.m., everyone will gather back at the Civic Center for a free lunch. Sign up now to volunteer for a service project this year!

Another way to participate in Love Brea is to make a monetary donation that will help with purchasing materials for the projects. Love Brea spreads kindness and impacts lives! Be the next one to make an impact in our community.

Submit a project, donate, volunteer!

Save the Date for The Fire Department & Public Works Open House

Join us for a day of fun activities at the Fire Department & Public Works Open House on Saturday, May 11 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 pm. The event will take place at Fire Station 1 and the adjacent City Service Center. Both are located on Berry Street, between Lambert Rd. and Central Ave. This family-friendly event features equipment and vehicle displays, demonstrations, refreshments, and giveaways. There will also be opportunities to learn about water and energy conservation, recycling, composting, and the careful disposal of electronic or hazardous waste. 

Mark your calendars!

New Focus General Plan Update Brea Core Specific Plan

The City recently began its Focused General Plan Update. A General Plan is a document that provides a blueprint for meeting the community’s long-term vision for the future. Brea’s current General Plan was adopted in 2003, with a horizon year of 2020, making it no-longer a visioning document for the community and decision-makers. This project also includes preparation of a new Brea Core Specific Plan, which is phase two of the larger Brea Core improvement effort. The new specific plan would further implement the Brea Connecting the Core Active Transportation Plan that was adopted by the City Council in 2020. 

These combined projects are anticipated to take two years to complete. The first step in the process is to conduct robust community outreach activities, such as public workshops, pop-up events, online surveys, announcements, and Community Steering Committee meetings. The community is encouraged to participate in these events to share their thoughts and help guide the City to accurately reflect the vision of the entire community. If you want to be considered for the Community Steering Committee, you must complete and submit an application by Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. 

Click here to apply today!

For additional information, please contact the Planning Division at 714-990-7674 or planner@cityofbrea.net. Also, if you want to be notified when there is an update regarding the Focused General Plan Update and Brea Core Specific Plan, you can subscribe for email/text updates by visiting cityofbrea.net/notifyme.

Historical Preservation

In September 2023, the Brea City Council approved a Historic Preservation Pilot Program (HPPP), that waives staff time processing a Historic Preservation Application. This would allow two project applicants on a first-come, first-served basis per year for the next two fiscal years to apply for current available funds. There are still two open spots for this fiscal year.

For more information on the guidelines and the program, click here.

Fight Back Against Mosquitoes

Dump and drain after the rain! All the rain we have been receiving can bring various breeding areas for mosquitos to grow in population. Mosquitoes are responsible for more human deaths than any other animal in the world. In California, two species of concern are the Culex and Aedes mosquitoes. Both have the potential to transmit diseases to humans and animals. Be proactive and dump out any outdoor water source.

Click here for more information

Business Highlights

The City of Brea would like to highlight recent additions to the business community.

Hapa Bakery, a women-owned small business now located in Downtown Brea. Hapa Bakery takes pride in crafting artisanal cakes, gourmet cookies, and their renowned alcohol-infused cupcakes. Founded by two lifelong friends, their shared entrepreneurial spirit inspired the unique fusion of flavors palpable in their desserts. Hapa’s treats are baked from scratch daily, enticing guests to taste exclusive seasonal cupcakes and a variety of flavors – while supplies last! 

Katsu Bar, located in Brea Gateway Plaza, is a recent addition to the Brea community. Katsu is a Japanese dish consisting of breaded cutlets, and this establishment offers a variety of katsu meals inspired by Japanese and Korean comfort food. Guests can add katsu to curry dishes, Korean rice cakes, udon noodles and more. Their katsu breading is infused with gourmet rosemary salt, making it a healthier alternative to traditional breadcrumbs. Originating in Los Angeles, Katsu Bar has become known for its elegant yet casual atmosphere, where guests can enjoy a delicious meal.

New Online Permit Center

The City of Brea now has a convenient and efficient tool to apply for many city-issued permits. This will provide a higher level of service that makes living and working in Brea a more enjoyable experience.

To start a permit application, simply create a username and password by clicking "Register for an Account." You can also view information, get questions answered, and have limited services as an anonymous user. 

As part of a complete submittal, the building permit application must be completed and uploaded to the Online Permit Center portal. 

Start your online permit process by visiting cityofbrea.net/building and click "Visit Online Permit Center"