Chapter 9-62 — TEMPORARY USES

The intent and purpose of this chapter is to establish standards and to regulate temporary uses within Laguna Hills. (Prior code § 9-49.010; Ord. 98-8 § 2 (part))

Each individual, agency, organization, institution, or association wishing to conduct a temporary use shall first obtain a permit from the Planning Department, unless such temporary use is exempt from permit requirements. The Community Development Director shall be the reviewing and approval authority for any temporary use not involving public facilities or rights of ways. The Public Works Director or City Engineer shall approve all temporary use permits involving public facilities or rights of way.

(Prior code § 9-49.020; Ord. 98-8 § 2 (part))

Temporary uses permitted by the individual zoning districts are contained in the list of uses for each district, and are identified by the letter “T” on those lists. Only those listed temporary uses shall be permitted. (Prior code § 9-49.030; Ord. 98-8 § 2 (part))

Temporary uses shall be limited to reduce impacts to adjacent properties. Limitations applicable may include:

• A. Number of consecutive days in event;

• B. Location to which restricted;

• C. Date and time of event;

• D. Hours of operation;

• E. Requirements for additional permits or clearances;

• F. Advertising displays;

• G. Use of sound systems;

• H. Parking and security controls;

• I. Surety or cleaning deposits as necessary to insure proper return to use on site.

(Prior code § 9-49.040; Ord. 98-8 § 2 (part))

Application materials and the process shall be as prescribed by the Planning Department. Application shall be made to the Department not later than thirty (30) days prior to the event in order to insure proper consideration. (Prior code § 9-49.050; Ord. 98-8 § 2 (part))

Fees for temporary use permits shall be those prescribed by resolution of the City Council. (Prior code § 9-49.060; Ord. 98-8 § 2 (part))

Temporary uses shall be restricted as follows:

• A. Outdoor events, outdoor sales and recycling events shall be restricted to a period not to exceed ten consecutive calendar days per event, except as otherwise permitted by this code. An additional forty-eight (48) hours shall be allowed for both the set-up and breakdown of facilities. Seasonal outdoor sales requiring longer selling periods shall be permitted as follows:

  1. Christmas tree lots may not initiate sales until Thanksgiving weekend, and shall end on December 26th each calendar year.

  2. Pumpkin patch sales shall not begin until October 1st each calendar year and shall end on November 1st.

  3. Seasonal strawberry stands shall be subject to the following regulations:

     • a. Permits for strawberry stands are limited to 120 days per calendar year.

     • b. Strawberry stands shall be permitted to sell only items related directly to strawberries.

     • c. All associated signs shall be attached to the strawberry stand structure, and shall not extend above or beyond the strawberry stand structure. Other signs and advertising devices, such as banners, pennants, flags, A-frame signs, and light strings, are prohibited.

     • d. Portable toilets are not permitted at strawberry stands. Such temporary uses must have access to existing permanent restroom facilities for the use of employees.

• B. Garage/yard sales shall be limited to two consecutive calendar days per event. For coordinated garage/yard sales involving five or more households within any given neighborhood, an address list shall be submitted with the temporary use permit application. A map indicating the location of the participating house-holds may also be required if deemed necessary by the Planning Department.

• C. Not more than one event per calendar quarter shall be permitted for any applicant, group or organization.

• D. The event shall not encroach upon the public right-of-way unless the City Engineer has approved an encroachment permit.

• E. The location of the event shall be cleaned and cleared of all materials and signage within forty-eight (48) hours after the close of the event.

• F. Temporary construction offices and facilities may be permitted for the duration of construction for a given development project. The acceptable time period shall be determined by the Community Development Director subject to the review of a construction schedule to be submitted in conjunction with the temporary use permit application.

(Prior code § 9-49.070; Ord. 98-8 § 2 (part); Ord. 2011-4 § 1 (Exh. A (part))

The following activity does not require the issuance of a temporary use permit:

• A. Garage sales involving four or fewer households.

(Prior code § 9-49.080; Ord. 98-8 § 2 (part))

Appeals of decisions of the Community Development Director shall be made in the same manner as any other appeal. (Prior code § 9-49.090; Ord. 98-8 § 2 (part))