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Earlier editions: 2026-07

Title 9 — Zoning and Subdivisions

Laguna Hills Municipal Code Ch. 9-21 Pcr Planned Community Residential District

Laguna Hills Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · Laguna Hills

Cite as: Laguna Hills Municipal Code Chapter 9-21 · Text as of 2026-10-04

§ 9-21.010. Purpose and intent.

The purpose and intent of the planned community residential district is to provide for a wide range of medium-low density to high density multifamily housing types, which include apartments, attached townhomes, condominiums, and clustered multifamily arrangements. Appropriate land uses include residential and recreational land uses such as parks and open space, as set forth in the land use element in the city’s general plan.

(Ord. 2009-3 § 1 (Exh. A (part)))

Exceptions & meaning →

§ 9-21.020. Permitted uses.

Table 9-21.020 identifies the 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 9-21.020 PLANNED COMMUNITY RESIDENTIAL USES

Uses Permitted Accessory Reference
Accessory structure P See Chapter 9-70
Animals/pets ♦ See Chapter 9-56
Athletic fields S
Communication facility ♦ See Chapter 9-58
Community care facility ♦ See Chapter 9-64
Construction office T
Drainage facility P
Dwelling, duplex P
Dwelling, multiple-family P
Dwelling, single-family attached P
Family day care – large ♦ See Chapter 9-64
Family day care – small ♦ See Chapter 9-64
Fire/police station C
Game court ♦ See Chapter 9-70
Garage and/or yard sales ♦ See Chapter 9-62
Greenhouse P
Guest quarters/guest house P
Home occupation ♦ See Chapter 9-60
Library, public C
Manufactured home S
Park, public/private S
Recreation facility, private P See Chapter 9-70
Recreational vehicle storage, private P
Senior center C
Snack bar/market C Considered in conjunction with park/athletic field/clubhouse facility
Supportive housing ♦ See Chapter 9-64
Swim club C
Tennis club C
Transitional housing ♦ See Chapter 9-64
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

(Ord. 2009-3 § 1 (Exh. A (part)); Ord. 2011-4 § 1 (Exh. A (part)); Ord. 2012-5 § 11)

Exceptions & meaning →

§ 9-21.030. Applicable areas.

The regulations and standards contained in this section shall apply to all properties designated as planned community residential use on the city zoning map.

(Ord. 2009-3 § 1 (Exh. A (part)))

Exceptions & meaning →

§ 9-21.040. Animal husbandry.

Large animal husbandry is not permitted by this zone. Chapter 9-56 prescribes standards for the keeping of animals. It is the purpose of this zone to restrict such animals to typical domestic varieties.

(Ord. 2009-3 § 1 (Exh. A (part)))

Exceptions & meaning →

§ 9-21.050. Standards.

The standards applicable to this district are shown within Table 9-21.050. Some planned community residential properties may be further limited as to use or development due to application of hillside design requirements as contained in Chapter 9-50. Deviations from the standards, which further the purpose and intent of this zone, may be granted via a conditional use permit.

Table 9-21.050 PLANNED COMMUNITY RESIDENTIAL ZONING STANDARDS

Item Standard
Minimum lot size No minimum.
Minimum lot width No minimum.
Minimum lot depth No minimum.
Maximum lot coverage 50%
Maximum density 24 units/acre on any individual project (Note: Maximum 600 dwelling units allowed; an average of 15.3 units/acre over the entire PCR zoning district.)
Maximum building height 40 ft.
Minimum setback 10 ft. minimum from any exterior property line. There is no setback requirement from interior property lines.
Minimum open space 30% (including trails and parks)
Minimum landscape coverage (includes open space) 35% (including trails and parks)
Minimum building separation:
Main→Main 10 ft.
Main→Accessory 2.5 ft.
Accessory→Accessory 2.5 ft.
Parking standards See Chapter 9-44
Signage See Chapter 9-42

(Ord. 2009-3 § 1 (Exh. A (part)))

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§ 9-21.060. Compatibility standards.

The following standards are intended to ensure the compatibility of uses between the planned community residential area and adjacent residential neighborhoods.

A. Building Height Limitations. Staggered building heights shall be used to ensure that hillside neighborhoods surrounding the planned community residential area retain view corridors.

B. Buffer Area. Buffer/transitional areas, such as reasonable setbacks and extensive landscaping, shall be established between the planned community residential area and the adjacent residential neighborhoods.

(Ord. 2009-3 § 1 (Exh. A (part)))

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§ 9-21.070. Special standards.

The following special standards shall apply to the planned community residential area to maintain the current number of existing rental opportunities on-site and add park and recreation opportunities.

A. Affordable Housing. The planned community residential area shall provide a minimum of one hundred two (102) affordable housing units to low and moderate income residents, and shall implement the goals of the city’s housing element.

B. Parks and Recreation. The planned community residential area shall provide up to thirteen (13) acres of park and recreation amenities.

(Ord. 2009-3 § 1 (Exh. A (part)))

Exceptions & meaning →

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