Our Project Timeline:
A Transparent Planning Process
How the Quarry Innovation Center has evolved through environmental review, community input, and stakeholder collaboration
The Quarry Innovation Center has been shaped by more than a decade of planning, environmental study, and community engagement. The following milestones illustrate the key steps that have guided the project from early site planning through environmental review and into the public approval process.
Entity Formation
Planning
Environmental Scoping
Refinement
Step One
Site Ownership & Entity Formation (2015–2018)
Before planning could begin, ownership interests in the quarry property were consolidated from dozens of partial owners to create a single entity responsible for exploring the site’s long-term future. This step established the organizational foundation needed to begin evaluating potential reuse of the property.
Key Activities and Outcomes
- Consolidation of site ownership interests
- Formation of a new Quarry ownership entity, including Orchard Partners as a minority owner
- Initial exploration of long-term opportunities for the quarry property
- Establishment of development team and planning framework
- Improved record keeping and reporting for Quarry compliance with state and county
Step Two
Early Planning (2018–2020)
With an ownership interest established, the project team began evaluating how the former quarry site could be reclaimed and repurposed. Early planning focused on feasibility, land use considerations, and coordination with City staff.
Key Activities and Outcomes
- Preliminary planning and feasibility studies for the quarry site
- Completed environmental analysis
- Initial coordination with City of Brisbane planning staff
- Evaluation of potential land uses and site constraints
- Approval of an Interim Management Plan by the County (September 2020)
Step Three
Initial Project Application and Environmental Scoping (2021–2024)
The project entered the formal planning process by submitting a design permit application for a three-level warehouse project and started the environmental review process required under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). This process identifies potential environmental impacts and determines how they can be avoided or mitigated.
Key Activities and Outcomes
- Issuance of Notice of Preparation for the Environmental Impact Report (EIR)
- Public CEQA scoping meeting before the Brisbane Planning Commission
- Identification of environmental issues to be studied
- Launch of technical studies
Step Four
Draft Environmental Study & Public Comment (2024–2025)
After extensive technical study, the Draft Environmental Impact Report was published for public review. Community members, agencies, and organizations were invited to evaluate the analysis and provide feedback.
Key Activities and Outcomes
- Publication of the Draft Environmental Impact Report (October 2024)
- Public comment period open through January 6, 2025
- Review of environmental analysis by agencies and stakeholders
- Collection of written comments and feedback on the Draft EIR
Step Five
Community Engagement (2025 – Ongoing)
In addition to the formal environmental review process, our team has planned multiple opportunities for community members to learn about the proposal, ask questions, and share feedback.
Key Activities and Outcomes
- City Council Quarry Subcommittee presentations
- Two community open houses (April and June 2025)
- Biweekly virtual office hours launched in August 2025
- Public webinars on advanced manufacturing, geological hazard abatement districts, etc.
Step Six
Project Refinement (2025)
Feedback from the community and City leaders helped shape revisions to the project proposal. These updates refined the project’s scale and focus while maintaining the goal of reusing the quarry site productively.
Key Activities and Outcomes
- Review of feedback from community members and City officials
- Reduction in overall project size
- Shift toward advanced manufacturing uses rather that warehousing
- Submission of a revised project description and design permit application to the City
- Introduction of the updated project name: Quarry Innovation Center
Step Seven
Final Environmental Review & Approvals (Upcoming)
The project will conducted updated environmental review and will continue through the public approval process. Multiple public hearings and agency reviews will determine the final outcome.
Key Activities and Outcomes
- Recirculation of the Draft Environmental Impact Report reflecting the modified project description
- Planning Commission hearings
- City Council consideration of project approvals and development agreement
- County review of reclamation plan amendments
- LAFCO review of annexation and Sphere of Influence changes
- Additional state and federal agency approvals as required