Title 9 — Zoning and Subdivisions

Chapter 9-36 — OS-2 DRAINAGE FACILITIES DISTRICT

Laguna Hills Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · ingested 2026-07-06 · Laguna Hills

§ 9-36.010. Purpose and intent.

The purpose of this zone is to preserve open space areas created by the presence of natural and manmade drainage facilities.

(Prior code § 9-22.010; Ord. 98-8 § 2 (part))

§ 9-36.020. Permitted uses.

Table 9-36.020 contains a listing of permitted uses, and accessory uses within the district. Uses in the table are permitted subject to the permit criteria referenced. Any use not included shall be considered prohibited.

Table 9-36.020
DRAINAGE FACILITY USES
Table 9-36.020
DRAINAGE FACILITY USES
Uses Permitted Accessory Reference
Animals/pets See Chapter9-56
Athletic feld S
Communication facility See Chapter9-58
Construction offce T
Drainage facility P
Maintenance facility P
Park, public/private S
Riding and hiking trails S
Riparian preserve P

Note: Use is permitted subject to issuance of:

C = Conditional Use Permit (CUP)

S = Site development permit (SDP)

T = Temporary use permit (TUP)

  • P = Permitted

  • = Special requirements

(Prior code § 9-22.020; Ord. 98-8 § 2 (part))

§ 9-36.030. Maintenance jurisdiction.

The drainage facilities are components of the county of Orange Master Flood Control Program. The Aliso Creek facility is under county of Orange jurisdiction. The city is responsible for some of the Aliso Creek tributary area, as well as tributary areas which drain to other regional flood control facilities. In addition, the maintenance of both the facilities is subject to environmental requirements of the State of California Fish and Game Department. (Prior code § 9-22.030; Ord. 98-8 § 2 (part))

§ 9-36.040. Flood zone classification and development regulations.

The drainage and support facilities in this zone may be located in the flood plain overlay zone established by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) maps. No permanent building or structure development may occur within a floodplain except those that meet FEMA standards and criteria. Trails may be permitted in the one hundred (100) year floodplain if location outside the floodplain area cannot be found to provide a feasible trail site. (Prior code § 9-22.040; Ord. 98-8 § 2 (part))

§ 9-36.050. Aliso Creek corridor specific plan.

The Aliso Creek specific plan was created by the county of Orange and is applicable to the entire Aliso Creek watershed area. A portion of the specific plan area addresses the OS-2 zone drainage facilities located within the city. Any modifications to the drainage facilities or development adjacent to the corridor must be consistent with the policies and guidelines contained within the Aliso Creek corridor specific plan. Appropriate policies from the specific plan further regulate open space development and management in the city portion and must be used in the evaluation of recreational/open space development plans.

(Prior code § 9-22.050; Ord. 98-8 § 2 (part))

§ 9-36.060. Applicable areas.

The regulations and standards contained in this section shall apply to all areas designated as OS-2 on the city zoning map.

(Prior code § 9-22.060; Ord. 98-8 § 2 (part))

§ 9-36.070. Standards.

The standards in Table 9-36.070 shall apply to all developments within the OS-2 district.

Table 9-36.070
DRAINAGE FACILITIES ZONING STANDARDS
Table 9-36.070
DRAINAGE FACILITIES ZONING STANDARDS
Item Standard
Minimum lot width and lot depth None
Maximum lot coverage
(1)
10%
Maximum density N/A
Maximum height
(2)
25 ft.
Building setback
Right-of-way 15 ft.
Property lines:
Side 10 ft.
Rear 25 ft.
Minimum open space 90%
Minimum landscape coverage
(3)(4)
90%
Building to building separation 10 ft.

Notes:

(1) No portion shall occur in flood plain.

(2) Buildings serving use where permitted.

  • (3) Natural vegetation shall have priority.

  • (4) Fully hardened facilities exempt.

(Prior code § 9-22.070; Ord. 98-8 § 2 (part))