Chapter 9-02 — GENERAL PROVISIONS

This title shall be known as the zoning and development code of the city of Laguna Hills, California. In short form it may be referred to as the Laguna Hills development code. (Prior code § 9-01.010; Ord. 98-8 § 2 (part))

The provisions of this code shall apply to each and every property, person, agency, association, business, government, and district, whether private, public or quasipublic, within the jurisdictional boundaries of the city of Laguna Hills, California.

(Prior code § 9-01.030; Ord. 98-8 § 2 (part))

The standards, criteria, policies and requirements contained within this code shall be considered the minimum necessary to promote the health, safety and welfare of the city. (Prior code § 9-01.040; Ord. 98-8 § 2 (part))

This title serves as one of the tools to implement the goals, policies and strategies contained in the city’s general plan. Consistency is provided through the adoption of zoning districts that are consistent with general plan land use designations. Table 9-02.A, set out at the end of this chapter, addresses zoning consistency for the city. Consistency is also provided through adoption of special standards and guidelines, explanatory and directive, that relate to general plan programs such as community identity and aesthetics. (Prior code § 9-01.050; Ord. 98-8 § 2 (part))

Previous planned community regulations, adopted by the county of Orange as development regulation for those planned communities, are superseded by the regulations and standards contained within this title. (Prior code § 9-01.060; Ord. 98-8 § 2 (part))

The Community Development Director shall interpret the provisions of the development code when questions related to meaning arise. Interpretations shall be issued in written form and maintained for reference. Interpretations will serve as a measurement of the need to perform a development code amendment when a significant number of interpretations in a specific area occur. Decisions of the Director may be appealed to the City Council. (Prior code § 9-01.070; Ord. 98-8 § 2 (part))

The Community Development Director shall have the authority to grant minor deviations to this code related to any development standard referenced by this code except density, floor area ratios or parking. The authority granted by this section shall be limited to a reduction or an increase of any standard by ten percent or less. Greater deviations shall require approval of an appropriate zoning variance or use permit. (Prior code § 9-01.080; Ord. 98-8 § 2 (part))

A Community Development Director appointed by the City Manager shall administer the development code, consistent with federal, state and local law, and shall in addition carry out the designated duties and responsibilities prescribed by this title.

(Prior code § 9-01.090; Ord. 98-8 § 2 (part))

Notwithstanding any provision of this code to the contrary, any use, entitlement, authorization, license, or permit allowed or issued under this title, including without limitation any accessory or ancillary use, shall be consistent with applicable state and federal law. Any permit, license, entitlement, or authorization issued in conflict with the provisions of controlling state or federal law, or the provisions of this title, shall be null and void.

(Ord. 07-1 § 1, 2007; Ord. 2009-3 § 1 (Exh A (part)))