Title 9 — Planning and Zoning

Chapter 9.02 — PLANNING COMMISSION

Lake Forest Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · ingested 2026-07-06 · Lake Forest

§ 9.02.010. Purpose.

The purpose of this chapter is to provide comprehensive, workable guidelines for the transaction of the business of the Planning Commission. These guidelines are not intended to contradict any applicable State or local law or regulation, and to the extent any inconsistency exists, the State or local law shall control. Except as otherwise provided by law, the failure by the Planning Commission or any member thereof to follow the provisions of this chapter shall not invalidate any action or inaction of the Planning Commission.

(Ord. 176 § 1, 2007; Ord. 295 § 4, 2017; Ord. 307 § 4, 2018)

§ 9.02.020. Planning Commissioner—Qualifications, appointment, term and removal.

The qualifications, appointment, term and removal of Planning Commissioners shall be in accordance with Chapter 2.06 , Boards and Commissions—General Provisions of this Code. (Ord. 176 § 1, 2007; Ord. 295 § 4, 2017; Ord. 307 § 4, 2018)

§ 9.02.030. Planning Commission—General duties.

The duties of the Planning Commission shall be those prescribed by Chapters 3 and 4 of Title 7 of the Government Code of the State of California (Section 65100 et seq.) and ordinances adopted by the City. The Planning Commission shall act as custodian of the visual character of the City and shall also have the following general functions:

  • A. Planning for the physical development of the City;

  • B. Carrying out the precepts and intent of the City's Zoning Code;

  • C. Reviewing and approving, conditionally approving, or denying tentative subdivision maps;

  • D. Annually or as necessary, make recommendations to the City Council for the establishment of appropriate zoning boundaries;

  • E. Annually or as necessary, review the General Plan and make a report thereon to the City Council;

  • F. Annually or as necessary, review the zoning map and the text of the Zoning Code and make recommendation to the City Council for change;

  • G. Annually or as necessary, review the Subdivision Code and make recommendations to the City Council for amendments or additions; and

  • H. Rendering disinterested and diligent service to the public in the interpretation of public needs and necessities in the development of the City and its environs.

  • (Ord. 176 § 1, 2007; Ord. 295 § 4, 2017; Ord. 307 § 4, 2018)

§ 9.02.040. Appeals of staff and/or Planning Commission decisions.

Any applicant or interested person may appeal a decision of the Planning Commission, when an appeal is otherwise authorized, by following the procedures outlined in Section 2.04.100 of this Code.

(Ord. 176 § 1, 2007; Ord. 295 § 4, 2017; Ord. 307 § 4, 2018)

§ 9.02.050. Administrative mandamus—Statute of limitations.

The provisions of Chapter 2.50 of this Code are applicable to decisions made under the provisions of this chapter.

(Ord. 176 § 1, 2007; Ord. 295 § 4, 2017; Ord. 307 § 4, 2018)