Are businesses required to obtain a permit to display banners and other temporary signs? Yes, a temporary banner permit is required. Banners are permitted twice yearly for 30 consecutive days each time. Banners may be up to 50 square feet and must be affixed to the lineal frontage of the building. Permits are $25 and are available here.
Does the City have copies of my home or business blueprints? The City does not store blueprints of homes or businesses. However, through a review of building permits, staff may be able to identify the architect of your home or business, who may have copies of blueprints. To research this, please contact Development Services Records Specialist at 461-3444.
How are commissioners selected?
When a vacancy occurs for either commission, the City Clerk publishes a notice to alert Lake Forest residents about an opportunity(s) to serve on either commission. Interested parties are asked to fill out an application detailing their qualifications and interest in serving on either commission. Applications received prior to the application deadline are forwarded to the City Council for their consideration. After interviewing applicants, the City Council votes to select an applicant to serve on a commission.
How can I find out what is planned for a given piece of property in the City? Contact the Development Services Department at (949) 461-3491.
How do I determine if my home is located in a flood zone? A city planner will assist in determining flood zone information, including map or panel number, date of map and flood zone area. Call the Planning Division at 461-3491 to speak to a city planner.
How do I obtain a Massage Permit/License? Applicants for City-issued massage permits - Massage Technician, and Massage Practitioner - must complete a City Massage Permit Application, the National Certification Examination (NCE), Fingerprinting and Background Check as well as additional materials. Please contact Jim Wren at (949) 282-5215 for more information, and to obtain a Massage Permit Application.
If you want to open a new Massage Establishment, please contact the Planning Department at (949) 461-3491.
I want signage for my business. What do I need to do? To change the number or type of signs for your business, you must obtain approval from the Development Services Department. Before you order new signs, we recommend you speak to your property manager and a City planner to review all of the related sign regulations. Sign permit applications are available at City Hall or online here. For more information, please contact the Development Services Department at (949) 461-3491.
STEERING COMMITTEE - How will the developer's "Steering Committee" be formed?
The City has no role or involvement in the formation of the developer's "Steering Committee." However, it is the City's understanding that the "Steering Committee" formed by the developer is composed of residents of the surrounding neighborhoods including representatives from HOA Boards and several at-large members who reside within the community. The purpose of the steering committee is to assist the developer with setting the agenda for future community meetings. For more information, please contact the developer's representative Stephen Haase at (619) 234-4050.
What are my setbacks? Setbacks are different in each zoning district. In order to find out what the setbacks are for a particular property a city planner will help determine the zoning and setbacks for that property. A specific address, Assessor Parcel Number (APN) and/or tract and lot number are required for obtaining this information. Contact the Planning Division at 461-3491 for setback information.
What is a setback?
A setback is the area or distance between a building or other structure and the property line or if the property abuts a street, the ultimate right-of-way line.
What is a zoning ordinance?
A zoning ordinance is the local law adopted by the governing body to assure orderly development according to specific standards established for the general public welfare and to implement the comprehensive plan. A zoning ordinance may govern the types of permitted land uses, the maximum density or minimum lot size, building heights, setbacks, and so on.
What permits are issued by the City? The City requires permits for a variety of activities, including plan changes, construction, signs, special outdoor gatherings, heavy vehicle transportation, temporary banner, building, encroachment, and activity on the public right-of-way.
What special planning projects are currently in the works? The Opportunities Study is a three-phased project to evaluate land use designations on the vacant land currently encumbered by the restriction of the 65 CNEL (Community Noise Equivalent Level) noise contour. For more information regarding the Opportunities Study, please contact Cheryl Kuta, Planning Manager, at 461-3479.
What zoning district is my property located in? The Zoning Ordinance consists of the City's Zoning Code, Planned Community Text and Zoning District Map. A City Planner can assist in determining what zone a particular property is located. The Zoning Map is available on the City website here. The Planned Community Text and Zoning District Map are available at the public counter or contact the Planning Division at 461-3491.
When does the Planning Commission meet and how can I obtain an Agenda? The Planning Commission meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. The City Council Chambers are located at City Hall, 25550 Commercentre Drive. You may stop by the Development Services Department to pick up a copy of the Planning Commission Agenda. Or, Planning Commission Agendas can be downloaded from the City's website here. Planning Commission Agendas can be accessed on the Friday before the Planning Commission meeting on Thursday.
When is a permit needed?
Most major projects require a permit of some kind to ensure all buildings meet minimum standards that protect its occupants and neighbors, not only in everyday living, but also in case of emergencies and natural disasters. Permits are required for all buildings or structures erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted or demolished unless a separate permit for each building or structure has first been obtained from the building official. All walls higher than 6 feet require a building permit.
WHY DID THE CITY INITIATE THE OPPORTUNITIES STUDY? The City Council initiated the Study in 2003, after a countywide election ensured that future aviation uses on the defunct El Toro Marine Corps Air Station were no longer a possibility and that current land use restrictions could be lifted. When individual landowners began approaching the City about land use changes, the City took the initiative to ensure that the residents of Lake Forest would get the most beneficial plan overall rather than using a piecemeal approach.
