The primary purpose of a Coastal Development Permit is to ensure that development within the Coastal Zone is consistent with all Local Coastal Program policies and the public access and public recreation policies of the Coastal Act.  The Coastal Zone is established under the California Coastal Act, and is considered to have many special natural and scenic qualities that require protection.   This zone encompasses all of Laguna Beach except for the Sycamore Hills area.  Coastal Development Permits are issued by the City because Laguna Beach has a certified Local Coastal Program.  However, a few areas in the City have deferred certification and remain under the Coastal Commission’s jurisdiction.

Process

In accordance with the Coastal Act, many different types of projects including subdivisions, road extensions, grading, design review, conditional use permits, etc. may require a Coastal Development Permit.  However, the Coastal Development Permit review process is conducted concurrently with the primary permit review required for each project itself.  In general, the process for Coastal Development Permits can be summarized as follows:

Step 1 – Applicant Consideration of Project:  Early in the consideration of a potential project, the applicant should carefully review the Coastal Land Use Plan (Land Use and Open Space Elements of the General Plan) and the Coastal Development Permit Ordinance.  Planning staff should be consulted on whether the project will require a Coastal Development Permit and for opinions on consistency of the project with the Local Coastal Program.

Step 2 – Pre-Application Conference:  Depending of the scope of the project, the applicant may wish to make an appointment to meet with a member of the Planning or Zoning staff to discuss project feasibility or process procedure prior to submitting a formal application.

Step 3 – Determination of Coastal Development Category:  All development proposals must be reviewed by the Planning or Zoning staff to determine the applicable coastal regulations.  A determination must be made:  1) as to whether the project requires a Coastal Development Permit; 2) whether the permit is issued by the City or the Coastal Commission; and 3) if the permit is issued by the City, whether it can be appealed to the Coastal Commission.

Step 4 – Filing of Application:  The applicant will need to submit the Coastal Development Permit application, including a location map, site plan with all required information, filing fee and noticing materials in conjunction with the primary project application.  A staff planner will be assigned to review the material to make sure all the required information is provided.  The applicant will be notified within 30 days after filing as to whether the application is complete or what addition information is required.

Step 5 – Public Hearing:   At least one public hearing is required for Coastal Development Permit projects that are appealable to the Coastal Commission.  Other projects will require public hearings as specified in the Municipal Code.

During the public hearing, staff will make a report and recommendation.  This presentation will be followed by testimony from the applicant and any other interested persons who may wish to comment on the application.  Following the close of the public hearing, the decision-making body will take action to approve, conditionally approve or deny the request.

Appeals of any Planning Commission or Design Review Board decision can be made to the City Council by filing an appeal notice with the City Clerk within fourteen calendar days of the date of the decision.  Any development that is appealable to the Coastal Commission must first be appealed to the City Council.

Step 6 – Notice of Final Action:   Within seven days of the date of final action on a Coastal Development Permit, notice of the action (including findings and conditions) will be mailed to the applicant and representative, all interested persons and the Coastal Commission.  Any appeal to the Coastal Commission must be made by a qualified appellant within fourteen calendar days from the date of Coastal Commission receipt of the notice of final action.

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To report any fire hazards, please call our Administrative offices at (949) 497-0700.

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The California Energy Commission (CEC) has adopted new requirements for re-roofing projects (Title 24).  Reroofs shall comply with cool roofs requirements when one of the following conditions exist: 1). more than 50% of the exterior surface of the roof is replaced; or 2). more than 1,000 sq ft of roof is replaced.  If your roof’s slope is less than or equal to 2:12, then compliance is NOT required in climate zone 6 (entire City of Laguna Beach).  White roofs are not allowed in Laguna Beach.

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Light trespass that results in glare is prohibited. All outdoor lighting must be hooded, fully shielded, and aimed downward. Mercury vapor and low pressure sodium lighting are not permitted for street lighting and commercial applications. If you have a conflict with your neighbor regarding lighting, first contact your neighbor using the sample letter in the "Good Neighbor Lighting Ordinance" to mediate the problem amicably before filing a complaint with the City.

More information can be found on the City's website "Good Neighbor Lighting".

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To report any graffiti, please submit your request HERE.

To report graffiti on public property you can call the Public Works Department at (949) 497-0711.

To report graffiti on private property call the Code Enforcement main line at (949) 497-0301. 

You will need an address of the location when reporting all graffiti.

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You may contact the Building Division at 949-497-0715 to find out if work being done is permitted.

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Any business serving food requires an Orange County health permit and inspection. Contact the Orange County Environmental Health Care Agency at (714) 667-3600 for related information. A liquor license and Conditional Use Permit is required if you intend to sell/serve alcoholic beverages. You will need to confirm that the proposed location has adequate parking that meets the Zoning Code.

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Through a California County Clerk-Recorder's Office; here is the link to the Orange County Clerk Recorders Office. 

In California, City Clerks are authorized to perform civil marriage ceremonies throughout the State of California. In Laguna Beach, you must make an appointment in advance to be married by the City Clerk.

Complete this form to schedule your ceremony to be performed at the Laguna Beach City Hall, officiated by the City Clerk's Office.

For more information, click HERE.

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A building permit is valid for 180 days from the date of issuance.  It may continue to be renewed every 180 days thereafter by obtaining a required City inspection, which will demonstrate progress is being made in completing the work.  If work authorized under a permit is suspended for 180 days or more, the building permit will automatically lapse.  A new building permit may be obtained by paying a renewal fee, provided not more than one year has lapsed since the last required inspection.  If more than one year has lapsed since the last inspection, full fees will be required to reissue or renew the building permit.

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Building permit applications must be submitted on forms provided by the Department of Community Development, Building Division.  An application for a building permit may be obtained at the Building Division counter or online (application).

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For questions on our Weed Abatement/Goat Program, please contact Mr. Ray Lardie, Fire Prevention Officer at (949) 497-0756 or rlardie@lagunabeachcity.net

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The Public Works Department is responsible for maintaining the beaches, parks and sports fields within the City limits.

To report a problem, please click HERE to submit a request. You can also call us at (949) 497-0711 during normal business hours. 

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To report a pothole please click HERE.

For street light outages or repairs contact Southern California Edison at (800) 611-1911 or https://www.sce.com. Most poles have a plaque on them that lists the pole number.  This information will be helpful if you can obtain it before placing the call.

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The City's Zoning Ordinance permits certain types of businesses in specific areas of the City. Planning staff will assist you at the Planning Counter in determining an appropriate location for your business. For example, some businesses (uses) in various zoning districts require a Conditional Use Permit. Information Guides that describe the various City land use review and approval processes, including the Conditional Use Permit process, are available at the Planning Counter or online. Planning staff is available at the Planning Counter Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.  You may also contact a planner by telephone at (949) 497-0713, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Conditional Use Permit Info Guide

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