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Title 25 — Zoning

Chapter 25.37 — PUBLIC LANDS (PL) ZONE

Laguna Beach Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · updated 2026-07-06 · Laguna Beach

§ 25.37.002. Intent and purpose.

The public lands zone is intended to recognize those lands possessing natural and/or functional governmental and/or recreational uses; to assure permanent open space in and for parks, beaches, recreational and/or wilderness areas; to designate public cultural, educational and governmental facilities; to identify private lands utilized for recreational purposes; and to enhance the community scale and openness expressed in the general plan by preserving, protecting and recognizing open spaces. The public lands -C designation is intended to assure the protection and preservation of natural open space, wilderness areas, and bluff faces. Public and private lands so designated shall remain free of encroachments and improvements, except as specified in this chapter. (Ord. 927 § 1, 1978)

§ 25.37.004. Applicable areas.

The following types of land may be zoned in the public lands classification:

  • (A) All lands under public or quasi-public ownership;

  • (B) Public beaches;

  • (C) Lands utilized for public/private recreational purposes. (Ord. 927 § 1, 1978)

§ 25.37.006. Uses permitted.

The following uses are permitted in the public lands zone:

  • (A) Public lands A (open space/passive):

    • (1) Pathways and trails,

    • (2) Parking required for permitted uses;

  • (B) Public lands B (open space/intensive):

    • (1) All uses permitted in PL-A,

    • (2) Public parks, playgrounds and gardens,

    • (3) Beach areas,

    • (4) Art and handicraft shows (out-of-doors), subject to the issuance of a temporary use permit,

    • (5) Retail sales of food and beverage items, as associated with a permitted use, subject to the issuance of a temporary use permit or conditional use permit if use is to exceed sixty days,

    • (6) Parking required for permitted uses;

  • (C) Public lands C (public facilities):

    • (1) All uses permitted in PL-A and PL-B,

    • (2) Buildings and facilities owned or operated by a governmental agency,

    • (3) Public and/or municipal recreation facilities,

    • (4) Public parking,

    • (5) Museums,

    • (6) Parking required for permanent uses.

(Ord. 927 § 1, 1978)

§ 25.37.008. Development standards.

Any proposed development or use shall be subject to the review and approval of the design review board and process as designated in Section 25.05.040 . Upon completion of environmental documents, design review shall hold a noticed public hearing. The design review process shall determine all applicable setbacks, lot coverage, building height, parking siting, signs and other standards required to assure compatibility with the surrounding lands and uses. (Ord. 927 § 1, 1978)

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Contents — Laguna Beach Zoning Code
Laguna Beach Zoning Code
  1. Title 25 — Zoning
    Overview
    1. Chapter 25.01 — GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADOPTION OF OFFICIAL LAND …
    2. Chapter 25.02 — ESTABLISHING DISTRICTS AND LIMITING THE USES O…
    3. Chapter 25.05 — ADMINISTRATION
    4. Chapter 25.06 — INTERPRETATIONS, PURPOSE, CONFLICT
    5. Chapter 25.07 — COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMITS
    6. Chapter 25.08 — DEFINITIONS AND STANDARDS
    7. Chapter 25.10 — R-1 RESIDENTIAL LOW DENSITY ZONE
    8. Chapter 25.12 — R-2 RESIDENTIAL MEDIUM DENSITY ZONE
    9. Chapter 25.14 — R-3 RESIDENTIAL HIGH DENSITY ZONE
    10. Chapter 25.15 — R/HP RESIDENTIAL/HILLSIDE PROTECTION ZONE
    11. Chapter 25.16 — ARTISTS' WORK/LIVE
    12. Chapter 25.17 — ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY …
    13. Chapter 25.18 — LOCAL BUSINESS—PROFESSIONAL ZONE
    14. Chapter 25.19 — C-N COMMERCIAL-NEIGHBORHOOD ZONE
    15. Chapter 25.20 — C-1 LOCAL BUSINESS DISTRICT
    16. Chapter 25.21 — CH-M COMMERCIAL HOTEL-MOTEL ZONE
    17. Chapter 25.22 — BED AND BREAKFAST INNS
    18. Chapter 25.23 — SHORT-TERM LODGING
    19. Chapter 25.24 — LAGUNITA ZONE
    20. Chapter 25.28 — I INSTITUTIONAL ZONE
    21. Chapter 25.32 — M-1A LIGHT INDUSTRIAL ZONE
    22. Chapter 25.33 — T TIDAL AND SUBMERGED LANDS ZONE
    23. Chapter 25.34 — A-R AGRICULTURE-RECREATION ZONE
    24. Chapter 25.35 — SPECIFIC PLAN (ARCH BEACH HEIGHTS)
    25. Chapter 25.36 — SYCAMORE HILLS ZONING ORDINANCE
    26. Chapter 25.37 — PUBLIC LANDS (PL) ZONE
    27. Chapter 25.38 — FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
    28. Chapter 25.39 — SPECIFIC PLAN (SARAH THURSTON PARK)
    29. Chapter 25.40 — DOWNTOWN SPECIFIC PLAN
    30. Chapter 25.42 — REC RECREATION ZONE
    31. Chapter 25.43 — VILLAGE COMMUNITY ZONE
    32. Chapter 25.44 — THREE ARCH BAY ZONE
    33. Chapter 25.45 — HISTORIC PRESERVATION
    34. Chapter 25.46 — MH MOBILEHOME ZONE
    35. Chapter 25.47 — CONDOMINIUM CONVERSIONS
    36. Chapter 25.48 — LAGUNA CANYON ANNEXATION AREA SPECIFIC PLAN
    37. Chapter 25.49 — DIAMOND/CRESTVIEW SPECIFIC PLAN
    38. Chapter 25.50 — GENERAL YARD AND OPEN SPACE PROVISIONS
    39. Chapter 25.51 — MAXIMUM BUILDING HEIGHT PROVISIONS
    40. Chapter 25.52 — PARKING REQUIREMENTS
    41. Chapter 25.53 — ACCESS AND IMPROVEMENT REQUIREMENTS
    42. Chapter 25.54 — SIGN REGULATIONS
    43. Chapter 25.55 — WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES
    44. Chapter 25.56 — NONCONFORMING BUILDINGS, LOTS AND USES
    45. Chapter 25.62 — CERTIFICATES OF USE AND OCCUPANCY
    46. Chapter 25.80 — ENFORCEMENT, LEGAL PROCEDURE, PENALTIES
    47. Chapter 25.85 — LIBRARY IMPACT FEE
    48. Chapter 25.90 — INDIVIDUAL ENACTMENT OF SECTIONS—CONSTITUTIONA…
    49. Chapter 25.92 — REPEAL
    50. Chapter 25.94 — TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT
    51. Chapter 25.95 — SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL ONEAND TWO-UNIT DEVE…
    52. Chapter 25.96 — HOUSING PROGRAMS AND INCENTIVES

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