Chapter 13.08 — RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS

Sec. 13.08.010. - Intent and permitted uses.

(a)

Residential multifamily (RMF). To provide for the development and preservation of high-density multifamily residential neighborhoods with a moderate amount of open spaces. Only those uses are permitted that are complementary to and are compatible with such a residential neighborhood.

(b)

Residential community (RC). To provide for the development and preservation of planned unit developments with a mixture of single-family attached and detached homes, multiple-family homes. Said neighborhoods will be characterized by controlled physical access and specialized recreation facilities. Setbacks and other development standards are to be tailored specifically to each project by means of a precise development plan that is approved with the project.

(c)

Residential towers (RT). To provide for the development and preservation of a special type of multiplefamily structure, high-rise, designed to house and provide other special needs for residents only.

_____

PERMITTED RESIDENTIAL USES LEGEND:

(Ord. No. 03-03, § 5, 4-16-2003; Ord. No. 11-01, § 4(Exh. 3), 1-19-2011; Ord. No. 11-02, § 4, 1-19-2011; Ord. No. 14-01, § 3, 4-16-2014; Ord. No. 17-03, § 3(Exh. A), 4-19-2017; Ord. No. 17-05, § 5(Exh. A), 5-172017; Ord. No. 17-06, § 5(Exh. A), 7-19-2017; Ord. No. 17-10, § 3(Exh. A), 11-15-2017; Ord. No. 18-05, § 3(Exh. A), 3-21-2018; Ord. No. 19-02, § 3(Exh. A), 4-17-2019; Ord. No. 2020-01, § 3, 8-19-2020; Ord. No. 23-01, § 3(Exh. A), 8-16-2023; Ord. No. 23-02, § 3(Exh. A), 8-16-2023; Ord. No. 23-03, § 3(Exh. A), 11-152023)

Sec. 13.08.020. - Development standards.

The Residential Development Standards Table, which follows, specifies standards for the development of property within residential districts.

Residential Development Standards

Notes:

1 Minimum per dwelling unit is based upon net land area.

2 In computing the depth of a rear setback from any building where such setback opens on an alley, private street, or public park, one-half of the width of such alley, street, or park may be deemed to be a portion of the rear setback, except that under this provision, no rear setback shall be less than 15 feet.

3 There shall be no minimum lot size. The total number of residential units permitted within the planning unit shall not be exceeded as was shown on the statistical analysis for the original planned community, as amended. The dwelling densities as categorized in the City's General Plan as low-density, medium-density and high-density shall not be exceeded. The limitations contained within the General Plan shall take precedence over any discrepancies that may exist as compared to the statistical analysis for the planning units.

4 Required yards and distances between building structures are waived.

5 The building site coverage shall not exceed 50 percent of the land area contained within each recorded tract, exclusive of dedicated right-of-way. Swimming pool coverage shall not be considered as building site coverage.

(Ord. No. 03-03, § 5, 4-16-2003; Ord. No. 11-01, § 4(Exh. 3), 1-19-2011)

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Sec. 13.08.030. - Supplemental residential district regulations.

(a)

Type of development for RC District. Standard development shall be predominantly of multiunit, multistoried structures and single family, one-story structures in an arrangement of attached or detached dwellings and their accessory structures. Such structures will be on contiguous or related building sites where the yards and open spaces may be combined into desirable arrangements of common open space.

(b)

Frontage for RC District. Building sites may not necessarily have street frontage, either public or private, provided:

(1)

Adequate and permanent access from a street to each family dwelling unit is provided for pedestrians and emergency vehicles;

(2)

Adequate and permanent provisions for one accessible, roofed automobile storage place is provided for each dwelling unit;

(3)

At least one parking space for every four dwelling units within each recorded tract is provided for visitors and guests. Such parking spaces may be uncovered and shall be so located as to be accessible to such visitors and guests.

(c)

Open space and landscaping for RC District. All open space shall be landscaped and may include noncommercial recreational facilities incidental to the residential development such as outdoor recreation areas, walkways, covered and uncovered patios, fences and necessary firefighting equipment and installations. Further, the required open space shall be arranged and provided in such a manner that it is accessible and usable for the purpose intended herein. Said open space shall not be devoted to commercial pursuits or any other activity in conflict with the purpose intended herein.

(d)

Lighting. All lights shall be designed and located so that direct light rays shall be confined to the premises.

(e)

Recreational facilities for RC and RT Districts. The replacement, redevelopment and/or relocation of any existing recreational facilities shall not result in a net loss of land area as originally developed and maintained for any type of recreational use, including clubhouse structures. Such change to existing recreational facilities requires the submittal of an analysis showing existing recreational facilities, service areas of such facilities, land area of such facilities and any other information as may be required by the Director to demonstrate that no such loss of land area will result, subject to the City Council's review and approval.

(Ord. No. 03-03, § 5(18.20.120), 4-16-2003; Ord. No. 11-01, § 4(Exh. 3), 1-19-2011)

Sec. 13.08.040. - Residential community-maintenance overlay.

(a)

Purpose, generally. The purpose of overlay zoning districts is to allow the City to establish special land use regulations, standards, or procedures in areas with unique land use, site planning, building design, or environmental resource issues. Overlay zoning districts are also an appropriate mechanism to implement long-term goals and land use requirements of the City for a specific property or location, or to coordinate land use and design requirements unique to a large tract of land. Overlay zoning districts are intended to be applied only where special circumstances justify the modification of base zoning district regulations to

achieve specific land use and design objectives. Overlay zoning districts are established through rezoning and only in conjunction with base zoning districts.

(b)

Purpose, specifically. The purpose of the Residential Community-Maintenance Overlay Zoning District (RCMT) is to provide for the continued development and preservation of specialized maintenance and operational support facilities that provide services to the base Residential Community (RC) zoning district, and to prohibit incompatible uses. Specialized maintenance and operational support facilities were developed with the initial development of the planned unit development located within the RC zoning district (formerly Rossmoor Leisure World Planned Community, now Laguna Woods Village), and have continued to be maintained and developed since then. Such facilities, and the direct services that they allow for, further the RC zoning district's purpose and intent of providing for the "development and preservation of planned unit developments."

planned unit development located within the RC zoning district (formerly Rossmoor Leisure World Planned Community, now Laguna Woods Village), and have continued to be maintained and developed since then. Such facilities, and the direct services that they allow for, further the RC zoning district's purpose and intent of providing for the "development and preservation of planned unit developments."

(c)

Establishment and designation, generally. Except as modified by an overlay zoning district, the provisions of the applicable base zoning district shall apply to all development within the boundary of a designated area. If regulations conflict, the applicable overlay zoning district regulations shall prevail. Whenever an overlay zoning district is established, any subsequent application to change the base zoning district shall not be construed to be an application to eliminate the overlay zoning district for the property covered by the application. An intent to eliminate the overlay zoning district on a given property shall be expressly stated to be part of the application.

(d)

Establishment and designation, specifically. The designated area to which the RC-MT overlay zoning district is applied shall be all parcels located within the RC zoning district that are located south of El Toro Road, west of Moulton Parkway, and east of Calle Sonora.

(e)

Principally permitted land uses. Land uses permitted as a principal use within the RC-MT overlay zoning district, subject to all applicable laws and regulations, and only when operated to primarily provide services to the base RC zoning district, include the following:

Administrative/Professional Offices

Automobile Parking Structures, Multi-Level

Automobile/Truck Maintenance and Repair

Garages and Carports

Gate Houses

Maintenance Equipment/Supply Storage

Maintenance Office/Building

Public/Private Utility Buildings/Structures

(f)

Accessory land uses. Land uses that are permitted only as an accessory to a principal use within the RCMT overlay zoning district include the following:

Accessory Building/Use

Exercise Facilities for Employee Use Only (indoor only; no fields/courts)

Churches, Temples, and Places of Worship

Fences and Walls

(g)

Conditionally permitted land uses. Land uses permitted subject to approval of a use permit within the RCMT overlay zoning district, subject to all applicable laws and regulations, and only when operated to primarily provide services to the base RC zoning district, include the following:

Automobile Service Stations

Bus and Taxi Terminal Buildings

Impound/Storage Yards

Ministorage Facilities

Police and Fire Stations

Recreational Vehicle/Vessel Storage

Recycling Collection Sites

Vehicle Washing Facilities

(h)

Prohibited land uses. Land uses that are prohibited within the RC-MT overlay zoning district include the following:

Agricultural and Produce Stands

Alcoholic Beverage Sales

Athletic Fields/Courts

Automobile Wrecking, Junk/Salvage Yards

Bottling Plants

Commercial Medical Marijuana Cultivation

Commercial Uses

Congregate Care Facilities

Day Care Nurseries

Educational Institutions

Emergency and Transitional Housing Shelters

Helistops

Hospitals

Hotels and Motels

Housing

Kennels

Medical Uses

Recreation Centers

Restaurants

Retail/Service Businesses

Riding and Hiking Trails

Swimming Pools

Theatres

Tobacco and Cigarette Sales

Transfer/Materials Recovery Facilities

(i)

Wireless facilities. Wireless facilities within the RC-MT overlay zoning district are subject to the provisions of Section 13.26.210 of this Code.

(j)

Development standards. Development standards for the RC-MT overlay zoning district shall include Section 13.08.020 as it relates to the RC zoning district, but not Section 13.08.030, of this Code.

(k)

Supplemental development standards.

(1)

Lighting. All lighting, exterior and interior, shall be designed and located so as to confine direct rays to the premises.

(2)

Trash enclosures. All trash container storage areas shall, at a minimum, be covered by a solid roof equipped with downspouts to direct water away, paved with an impervious surface, and graded to prevent ponding.

(3)

Fueling areas. All fuel dispensing areas shall, at a minimum, be covered by a solid roof equipped with downspouts to direct water away, paved with an impervious surface, and graded to prevent ponding.

(4)

Screening. Landscaping shall be installed and maintained in a manner that substantially screens the RC-MT overlay zoning district, including any fences and walls, from the portion of El Toro Road extending west of the intersection of El Toro Road and Moulton Parkway to the first signalized intersection.

(Ord. No. 17-07, § 3(Exh. A), 9-20-2017)

(a)

Purpose, generally. The purpose of overlay zoning districts is to allow the City to establish special land use regulations, standards, or procedures in areas with unique land use, site planning, building design, or environmental resource issues. Overlay zoning districts are also an appropriate mechanism to implement long-term goals and land use requirements of the City for a specific property or location, or to coordinate land use and design requirements unique to a large tract of land. Overlay zoning districts are intended to be applied only where special circumstances justify the modification of base zoning district regulations to achieve specific land use and design objectives. Overlay zoning districts are established through rezoning and only in conjunction with base zoning districts.

(b)

Establishment and designation, generally. Except as modified by an overlay zoning district, the provisions of the applicable base zoning district shall apply to all development within the boundary of a designated area. If regulations conflict, the applicable overlay zoning district regulations shall prevail to the extent such overlay zoning district authorizes the principally permitted land use or land uses contemplated. Whenever an overlay zoning district is established, any subsequent application to change the base zoning district of a property or properties shall not be construed to be an application to eliminate the overlay zoning district for

those properties. An intent to eliminate the overlay zoning district on a property or properties shall be expressly stated in the application.

(c)

Residential High Density Overlay Zoning District.

(1)

Purpose, specifically. The purpose of the Residential High Density (R-HD) overlay zoning district is to provide for the development of housing units of a type and number necessary to support compliance with the General Plan Housing Element. Accordingly, certain housing-related land uses are principally permitted as part of the R-HD overlay zoning district, in addition to the land uses principally permitted in the applicable base zoning district.

(2)

Establishment and designation, specifically. The designated area to which the R-HD overlay zoning district is applied shall be the properties located within the R-HD overlay zoning district boundary shown on the map exhibit in subsection (h) of this section.

(3)

Principally permitted land uses. Land uses permitted as a principal use within the R-HD overlay zoning district, subject to all applicable laws and regulations, include the land uses identified in the applicable base zoning district and the following, which shall be permitted as a "use by right" as that term is defined in California Government Code Section 65583.2(i) as amended from time to time or replaced with a successor statute, and subject to the City's design review:

a.

Housing with a density of 30 to 50 dwelling units per acre (du/ac), subject to the following:

1.

Housing shall be constructed as 100 percent residential projects or as mixed-use projects with other land uses identified in the applicable base zoning district provided that, for mixed-use projects, residential use shall occupy at least 50 percent of the total floor area of the project; and

2.

Housing shall be owner-occupied and/or rental multifamily in nature; and

3.

Twenty percent or more of the dwelling units constructed in each project shall be affordable for lower income households, with the determination of affordability based on applicable state law.

(d)

Residential Medium Density Overlay Zoning District.

(1)

Purpose, specifically. The purpose of the Residential Medium Density (R-MD) overlay zoning district is to provide for the development of housing units of a type and number necessary to support compliance with the General Plan Housing Element. Accordingly, certain housing-related land uses are principally permitted as part of the R-MD overlay zoning district, in addition to the land uses principally permitted in the applicable base zoning district.

(2)

Establishment and designation, specifically. The designated area to which the R-MD overlay zoning district is applied shall be the properties located within the R-MD overlay zoning district boundary shown on the map exhibit in subsection (h) of this section.

(3)

Principally permitted land uses. Land uses permitted as a principal use within the R-MD overlay zoning district, subject to all applicable laws and regulations, include the land uses identified in the applicable base zoning district and the following, which shall be permitted as a "use by right" as that term is defined in California Government Code Section 65583.2(i), as amended from time to time or replaced with a successor statute, and subject to the City's design review:

a.

Housing with a density of 20 to 30 dwelling units per acre (du/ac), subject to the following:

1.

Housing shall be constructed as 100 percent residential projects or as mixed-use projects with other land uses identified in the applicable base zoning district.

(e)

Residential Medium-Low Density Overlay Zoning District.

(1)

Purpose, specifically. The purpose of the Residential Medium-Low Density (R-MLD) overlay zoning district is to provide for the development of housing units of a type and number necessary to support compliance with the General Plan Housing Element. Accordingly, certain housing-related land uses are principally permitted as part of the R-MLD overlay zoning district, in addition to the land uses principally permitted in the applicable base zoning district.

(2)

Establishment and designation, specifically. The designated area to which the R-MLD overlay zoning district is applied shall be the properties located within the R-MLD overlay zoning district boundary shown on the map exhibit in subsection (h) of this section.

(3)

Principally permitted land uses. Land uses permitted as a principal use within the R-MLD overlay zoning district, subject to all applicable laws and regulations, include the land uses identified in the applicable base zoning district and the following, which shall be permitted as a "use by right" as that term is defined in California Government Code Section 65583.2(i), as amended from time to time or replaced with a successor statute, and subject to the City's design review:

a.

Housing with a density of 15 to 20 dwelling units per acre (du/ac), subject to the following:

1.

Housing shall be constructed as 100 percent residential projects or as mixed-use projects with other land uses identified in the applicable base zoning district.

(f)

Residential Low Density Overlay Zoning District.

(1)

Purpose, specifically. The purpose of the Residential Low Density (R-LD) overlay zoning district is to provide for the development of housing units of a type and number necessary to support compliance with the General Plan Housing Element. Accordingly, certain housing-related land uses are principally permitted as part of the R-LD overlay zoning district, in addition to the land uses principally permitted in the applicable base zoning district.

(2)

Establishment and designation, specifically. The designated area to which the R-LD overlay zoning district is applied shall be the properties located within the R-LD overlay zoning district boundary shown on the map exhibit in subsection (h) of this section.

(3)

Principally permitted land uses. Land uses permitted as a principal use within the R-LD overlay zoning district, subject to all applicable laws and regulations, include the land uses identified in the applicable base zoning district and the following, which shall be permitted as a "use by right" as that term is defined in California Government Code Section 65583.2(i), as amended from time to time or replaced with a successor statute, and subject to the City's design review:

a.

Housing with a density of eight to 10 dwelling units per acre (du/ac), subject to the following:

1.

Housing shall be constructed as 100 percent residential projects or as mixed-use projects with other land uses identified in the applicable base zoning district.

(g)

Housing optional. Nothing in this section shall be construed as requiring property owners to construct housing or discontinue any existing non-housing use. If a property owner does not wish to construct housing, zoning that allows such construction only presents an option for the future.

(h)

Map exhibit. The following map exhibit designates areas to which each of the overlay zoning districts established by this section are applied:

==> picture [384 x 498] intentionally omitted <==

(Ord. No. 24-06, § 3, 9-18-2024)

CHAPTER 13.10. - COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS

Sec. 13.10.010. - Purpose and intent of districts.

(a)

Neighborhood Commercial (NC). To provide for the development and preservation of low intensity commercial uses which serve the immediate needs of the surrounding neighborhood. Such uses are to be grouped in small areas of three to eight acres and designed so that adverse impacts on residential properties are minimized.

(b)

Community Commercial (CC). To provide for the development and preservation of high intensity commercial uses which serve the local community and regional area and are compatible with surrounding residential uses.

(c)

Professional and Administrative Office (PA). To provide for the development and preservation of an optimal environment for low to moderate intensity professional and administrative office uses and related uses on sites with large pervious open spaces and off-street parking facilities. This district is intended to be located on heavily traveled streets or adjacent to commercial or industrial districts, and may be used to buffer residential areas.

(Ord. No. 03-03, § 5(18.20.205), 4-16-2003; Ord. No. 11-01, § 4(Exh. 4), 1-19-2011; Ord. No. 16-05, § 8, 12-21-2016)

Sec. 13.10.020. - Table of permitted uses.

The Permitted Commercial Uses Table, which follows, specifies whether a use or structure is permitted within the respective district and denotes the type of application process required to establish said use or structure. See Section 13.24.020 for those principally permitted uses that may be exempt from the site development permit process.

PERMITTED COMMERCIAL USES LEGEND:

Notes:

1 Administrative/Professional offices with a gross floor area of up to 3,000 square feet are permitted as a principal use in the CC district. Administrative/Professional offices with a gross floor area of more 3,000 square feet require a conditional use permit in the CC district. Administrative/Professional offices are prohibited in buildings newly constructed or gross floor area added to existing buildings in the CC district.

2 New construction of drug stores greater than 10,000 square feet in the PA district is only permitted with an approved use permit. All other drug store uses are principally permitted in the PA district.

(Ord. No. 03-03, § 5(18.20.210), 4-16-2003; Ord. No. 08-01, § 5, 9-17-2008; Ord. No. 11-01, § 4(Exh. 4), 1- 19-2011; Ord. No. 11-02, § 5, 1-19-2011; Ord. No. 14-01, § 4, 4-16-2014; Ord. No. 16-05, § 9, 12-21-2016; Ord. No. 17-03, § 3(Exh. A), 4-19-2017; Ord. No. 17-05, § 5(Exh. A), 5-17-2017; Ord. No. 17-06, § 5(Exh. A), 7-19-2017; Ord. No. 17-10, § 3(Exh. A), 11-15-2017; Ord. No. 18-05, § 3(Exh. A), 3-21-2018; Ord. No. 2301, § 3(Exh. A), 8-16-2023; Ord. No. 23-03, § 3(Exh. A), 11-15-2023; Ord. No. 25-01, § 3(Exh. A), 3-192025)

Sec. 13.10.030. - Development standards.

The Commercial Development Standards Table, which follows, specifies standards for the development of property within commercial districts.

Commercial Development Standards

Notes:

1 Maximum FAR does not apply to housing developed as a principal use in the Residential High Density, Residential Medium Density, Residential Medium-Low Density, or Residential Low Density overlay zoning districts.

2 Maximum Building Site Coverage does not apply to housing developed as a principal use in the Residential High Density, Residential Medium Density, Residential Medium-Low Density, or Residential Low Density overlay zoning districts.

(Ord. No. 03-03, § 5(18.20.215), 4-16-2003; Ord. No. 11-01, § 4(Exh. 4), 1-19-2011; Ord. No. 25-01, § 3(Exh. A), 3-19-2025)

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Sec. 13.10.040. - Supplemental commercial district regulations.

(a)

Lighting. All lighting, exterior and interior, shall be designed and located so as to confine direct rays to the premises.

(b)

Loading. All loading operations shall be performed on the site, and loading areas shall be screened by a landscape or architectural feature.

(c)

Trash and storage area. All storage of cartons, containers and trash shall be enclosed by a roofed structure.

(d)

Enclosed uses. All commercial uses and their related products shall be contained entirely within a completely enclosed structure, except for parking and loading areas, and except for outdoor uses expressly permitted by an approved site development plan or use permit.

(e)

Business hours in the Neighborhood Commercial District. Business hours shall be limited to the hours between 6:00 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. unless otherwise provided for by an approved use permit.

(f)

Parking provided in the Professional and Administrative Office District. Parking on the front half of the lot shall have no direct access to the street and shall be roofed unless adequate screening of open parking can be provided by berming, fencing, or landscaping as shown on an approved site development plan or use permit.

(g)

Sidewalks. New development shall provide sidewalks along side vehicular entrance points with a grade not to exceed plus eight percent from the public right-of-way, and/or demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Director the site accessibility to persons with disabilities.

(Ord. No. 03-03, § 5(18.20.220), 4-16-2003; Ord. No. 11-01, § 4(Exh. 4), 1-19-2011)

CHAPTER 13.12. - OPEN SPACE DISTRICTS

Sec. 13.12.010. - Purpose and intent of districts.

(a)

Open space-passive (OS-P). To provide for the protection and preservation of open space areas for the purposes of passive recreation, visual enhancement, and resource conservation.

(b)

Open space-recreation (OS-R). To provide for the development and preservation of public and private parks and associated recreation facilities within open space areas.

(Ord. No. 03-03, § 5(18.20.305), 4-16-2003; Ord. No. 11-01, § 4(Exh. 5), 1-19-2011)

State Law reference— Open space zoning, Government Code § 65913 et seq.

Sec. 13.12.020. - Table of permitted uses.

The Permitted Open Space Uses Table, which follows, specifies whether a use or structure is permitted within the respective district and denotes the type of application process required to establish said use or structure See Section 13.18.020 for those principally permitted uses that may be exempt from the site development permit process. _____

PERMITTED OPEN SPACE USES LEGEND:

1 An approved use permit is not required if the land use type is located on property owned by the City and the design thereof is subject to an approval process set forth in a lease agreement or other agreement approved by the City Council. In such cases, the land use type shall be considered permitted as the principal use within the district.

(Ord. No. 03-03, § 5(18.20.310), 4-16-2003; Ord. No. 11-01, § 4(Exh. 5), 1-19-2011; Ord. No. 11-02, § 6, 1- 19-2011; Ord. No. 14-01, § 5, 4-16-2014; Ord. No. 15-02, § 2, 8-19-2015; Ord. No. 17-03, § 3(Exh. A), 4- 19-2017; Ord. No. 17-05, § 5(Exh. A), 5-17-2017; Ord. No. 17-06, § 5(Exh. A), 7-19-2017; Ord. No. 17-10, § 3(Exh. A), 11-15-2017; Ord. No. 23-01, § 3(Exh. A), 8-16-2023; Ord. No. 23-03, § 3(Exh. A), 11-15-2023; Ord. No. 25-01, § 3(Exh. A), 3-19-2025)

Sec. 13.12.030. - Development standards.

The Open Space Development Standards Table, which follows, specifies standards for the development of property within open space districts.

Open Space Development Standards

Notes:

1 Except as otherwise provided for by an approved use permit, up to a maximum of 35 feet.

(Ord. No. 03-03, § 5(18.20.315), 4-16-2003; Ord. No. 11-01, § 4(Exh. 5), 1-19-2011; Ord. No. 25-01, § 3(Exh. A), 3-19-2025)

Sec. 13.12.040. - Supplemental open space district regulations.

(a)

Screening. Walls and fences over three feet in height shall be installed in accordance with the following limitations

(1)

Nonopaque fences shall be a minimum of zero feet from the ultimate right-of-way line of any street or highway.

(2)

Masonry or solid wood fences shall be shielded from view from any street or highway by landscaping, berm, or other topographic feature, and they shall be set back a minimum distance of five feet from the ultimate right-of-way line of any street or highway.

(3)

Exceptions to Subsections (a)(1) and (a)(2) above may be considered through the approval of a site development permit when it can be determined that such an exception will not result in or create a traffic hazard or conditions that may be considered objectionable, detrimental or incompatible with other uses in the vicinity.

(b)

Lighting. All lights shall be designed and located so that direct light rays shall be confined to the premises.

(Ord. No. 03-03, § 5(18.20.320), 4-16-2003; Ord. No. 11-01, § 4(Exh. 5), 1-19-2011)

CHAPTER 13.13. - COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICTS

Sec. 13.13.010. - Purpose and intent of districts.

(a)

Community Facilities—Private (CF-P). The purpose and intent of this district is to allow for the development of public and private community uses that serve residents, visitors, property owners, and workers in the City. Examples of permitted land uses include schools, hospitals, cultural venues, churches, temples and places of worship.

(b)

Community Facilities—Public/Institutional (CF-P/I). The purpose and intent of this district is to allow a wide range of public and institutional uses that will facilitate the provision a variety of government and social services to the community.

(Ord. No. 11-01, § 4(Exh. 6), 1-19-2011)

Sec. 13.13.020. - Table of permitted uses.

The Permitted Community Facility Uses Table, which follows, specifies whether a use or structure is permitted within the respective district and denotes the type of application process required to establish said use or structure. _____

PERMITTED COMMUNITY FACILITIES USES LEGEND:

(Ord. No. 11-01, § 4(Exh. 6), 1-19-2011; Ord. No. 11-02, § 7, 1-19-2011; Ord. No. 17-03, § 3(Exh. A), 4-192017; Ord. No. 17-05, § 5(Exh. A), 5-17-2017; Ord. No. 17-06, § 5(Exh. A), 7-19-2017; Ord. No. 17-10, § 3(Exh. A), 11-15-2017; Ord. No. 18-05, § 3(Exh. A), 3-21-2018; Ord. No. 23-01, § 3(Exh. A), 8-16-2023; Ord. No. 23-03, § 3(Exh. A), 11-15-2023; Ord. No. 25-01, § 3(Exh. A), 3-19-2025)

Sec. 13.13.030. - Development standards.

The Community Facilities Development Standards Table, which follows, specifies standards for the development of property within the community facilities district.

(Ord. No. 11-01, § 4(Exh. 6), 1-19-2011)

Sec. 13.13.040. - Supplemental community facility district regulations.

(a)

Churches, temples and places of worship: Through an approved conditional use permit, churches, temples and places of worship may exceed the standards set forth in this section, provided that the health, safety and welfare of the community are preserved.

(b)

One single-family residence in conjunction with a church, temple or other place of worship may be allowed as an accessory use, subject to section 13.16.200.

(Ord. No. 11-01, § 4(Exh. 6), 1-19-2011)

CHAPTER 13.15 - REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

Sec. 13.15.010. - Purpose and intent.

It is the policy of the City of Laguna Woods to comply with the federal Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (collectively referred to hereafter as "fair housing laws") to provide reasonable accommodation to disabled persons in the application of its zoning and land use regulations, policies, and practices for persons with disabilities seeking fair access to housing. The purpose of this chapter is to establish procedures for the receipt and evaluation of requests for reasonable accommodation.

A request for reasonable accommodation may include a modification or exception to the rules, standards, and practices for the siting, development and use of housing or housing-related facilities that would eliminate regulatory barriers and provide a person with a disability equal opportunity to the housing of their choice. Requests for reasonable accommodation shall be made in the manner prescribed by Section 13.15.014 (Application for reasonable accommodation).

(Ord. No. 13-02, § 1, 3-20-2013)

Sec. 13.15.011. - Definitions.

The following words and phrases shall have the meanings set forth below when used in this chapter:

(a)

Director shall mean the City Manager or his/her/their designee.

(b)

Disabled or disability shall have the same meaning as the terms are defined in fair housing laws.

(c)

Fair housing laws shall mean the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act and their implementing regulations and published caselaw.

(d)

Fundamental alteration shall have the same meaning as the term is defined in fair housing laws.

(e)

Major life activity shall have the same meaning as the term is defined in fair housing laws.

(f)

Physical or mental impairment shall have the same meaning as the term is defined in fair housing laws.

(g)

Reasonable accommodation shall have the same meaning as the term is defined in fair housing laws.

(h)

Reviewing authority shall mean the City Manager or his/her/their designee.

(Ord. No. 13-02, § 1, 3-20-2013; Ord. No. 23-02, § 3(Exh. A), 8-16-2023)

Sec. 13.15.012. - Applicability.

(a)

A request for reasonable accommodation may be made by any individual with a disability, his or her representative, or a developer or provider of housing for individuals with disabilities, when the application of zoning and land use regulations, policies, and practices acts as a barrier to fair housing opportunities.

(b)

Providing reasonable accommodation in the land use and zoning context may include a modification or exemption from zoning and land use regulations, policies, and practices when it is necessary to eliminate barriers to housing opportunities.

(Ord. No. 13-02, § 1, 3-20-2013)

Sec. 13.15.013. - Reviewing authority.

(a)

The Director shall review each application for reasonable accommodation within 30 days of deeming the application as complete. Pursuant to the findings set forth in Section 13.15.016, the Director may approve, approve subject to conditions, or deny the request.

(b)

In the event that the applicant also seeks a concurrent approval, permit, or entitlement that will be reviewed by the Community Development Department, then that Department will also act as the reviewing authority for the application for reasonable accommodation.

(c)

If necessary to reach a determination on the request for reasonable accommodation, the reviewing authority may request further information from the applicant consistent with the fair housing laws, specifying in detail the information that is required. In the event that a request for additional information is made, the 30-day period to issue a decision is stayed until the applicant responds to the request.

(Ord. No. 13-02, § 1, 3-20-2013)

Sec. 13.15.014. - Application for reasonable accommodation.

(a)

An application for reasonable accommodation shall be submitted in writing on a form prescribed by the Director.

(b)

A fee shall not be required for a reasonable accommodation, but if the project requires another discretionary permit, then the prescribed fee shall be paid for the other discretionary permit(s) in compliance with the city's adopted fee schedule.

(c)

If the project for which the application for reasonable accommodation is being made also requires some other approval, permit or entitlement, the applicant shall file the request together with the application for such approval, permit or entitlement.

(d)

An application for reasonable accommodation shall include all of the following:

(1)

The applicant's name, address, and telephone number;

(2)

Documentation that the applicant is:

a.

An individual with a disability;

b.

Applying on behalf of one or more individuals with a disability; or

c.

A developer or provider of housing for one or more individuals with a disability.

(3)

Address of the property for which accommodation is requested;

(4)

The name, address, and telephone number of the property owner(s), if different from the applicant;

(5)

The current use of the subject property;

(6)

The specific basis for the claim that the applicant is considered disabled under the fair housing laws;

(7)

A description of the accommodation requested including reference to the zoning and development code provision, policy or procedure from which accommodation is sought;

(8)

A detailed written explanation of why the requested accommodation is necessary for the individual(s) with a disability to use and enjoy the dwelling; and

(9)

Any other information that the Director reasonably concludes is necessary to determine whether the findings required by Section 13.15.016 can be made, so long as any request for information regarding the disability of the individuals benefited complies with fair housing law protections and the privacy rights of the individuals affected.

(Ord. No. 13-02, § 1, 3-20-2013)

Sec. 13.15.015. - Reserved.[[3]]

Footnotes:

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Editor's note— Ord. No. 23-02, § 3 (Exh. A), adopted Aug. 16, 2023, repealed § 13.15.015, which pertained to public notice and derived from Ord. No. 13-02, § 1, adopted Mar. 20, 2013.