Laguna Hills City Council
April 9, 2024

Responsible Agency: Community Development
Funding Source: CDBG
Time Frame: Annually by September of each year or as
otherwise required by the County CDBG schedule.

Laguna Hills is a non-entitlement city and therefore
relies on the County of Orange to receive and
administer CDBG funding on the City’s behalf. The
City relied on the County of Orange to coordinate a
comprehensive regional CoC strategy that includes
the participation of all 34 cities in Orange County,
County agencies, the County’s homeless housing
and services providers, and other community
groups (including non-profit, local governmental
agencies, faith-based organizations, the homeless
and formerly homeless, interested business
leaders, schools, and many other stakeholders) to
identify the gaps and unmet needs of the County’s
homeless. Through cooperative agreement
between the City and the County, the County has
pursued funding for housing and related social
services for the City’s special-needs population.

Continue
H-12. Section 8 Rental Assistance
The Orange County Housing Authority currently administers the Section 8 Rental Assistance program on behalf of the City.

Currently the program assists renter households in the City of Laguna Hills. Based on future congressional appropriations, the County Housing Authority will apply for additional funding which will enable the Housing Authority to administer additional vouchers for families, seniors, and disabled persons over the Housing Element planning period. The City of Laguna Hills will continue to provide referral services and information to the City’s residents.

Responsible Agency: Community Development
Funding Source: HUD
Time Frame: Ongoing
The City continued to refer interested residents to
the Orange County Housing Authority.

Continue

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 374 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 407 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second H-237
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING
Table H-50
Review of Previous Housing Element
Implementation Programs Progress Continue / Amend / Delete H-13. Affordable Housing Developer Partnerships
The City will continue to develop partnerships with mainstream and/or special needs affordable housing developers that could result in set-asides in existing and planned low income housing projects. These partnerships may include incentives (such as expedited processing, fee waivers, and density bonuses) provided by the City to facilitate the set-asides for planned low income units and actively cooperating with the owners of existing units to secure appropriate federal funding necessary to maintain existing affordability. The City will promote lower income housing development incentives on the City’s website, consistent with Chapter 9-72 of the Zoning Ordinance. The City will use HCD’s housing resources website to locate available sites and potential funding sources as needed for the
development of affordable housing.

Responsible Agency: Community Development
Funding Source: General Fund
Time Frame: Ongoing; The information will be posted on the website by December 2013 and updated annually.

The City met with multiple developers interested in
development within the City that might incorporate
affordable housing into their projects. Staff referred
the developers to a variety of development
regulations and density bonus provisions.

The City is working currently with the applicant,
Merlone Geier Partners, on redevelopment of the
mall site in the UVSP area. The City met with the
owner of the mall site dozens of times since
purchase in 2013. The site was entitled in 2016 for
988 market-rate units. As of April 2021, a new
project for the mall site, the Village at Laguna Hills, is before the Planning Agency to include 1500
units, inclusive of 100-Low and 100-Mod units. The
Public Hearing process is ongoing.

Continue

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 375 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 408 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second H-238
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING
Table H-50
Review of Previous Housing Element
Implementation Programs Progress Continue / Amend / Delete Specific Implementation Programs: EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY H-14. Fair Housing Program
The City will continue to maintain services and personnel to receive housing complaints and continue to address or resolve complaints. The City will also continue to refer fair housing complaints to the Fair Housing Council if they cannot be resolved at the City level. The City will also continue to disseminate written literature about fair housing laws, resident rights, and remedies for fair housing complaints The City will ensure that fair housing literature is available in the Community Development Department, on the City’s website, and at the Laguna Hills Technology Library. The City will monitor these sites to ensure timely, accurate information is available.

Responsible Agency: Community Development
Funding Source: General Fund
Time Frame: Ongoing; The information will be posted on the website by December 2013 and updated annually.

City staff continued to monitor and respond to
housing complaints and referred residents to
various agencies that provide fair housing services
in Orange County.

The City continued to refer tenants to the Fair
Housing Council as needed. Issues were mostly
related to the condition of dwellings, which the City
investigated through its code enforcement powers.

Where the issues fell outside of the City’s ability to
resolve, residents were referred to fair housing for
further assistance. The City disseminated written
literature, as described in the program.

Continue and expand to
comply with Assembly Bill
686.

H-15. Universal Design Features in Housing
The City recognizes that all people have varying abilities and that many people will encounter temporary or permanent
changes in ability to conduct the tasks necessary for daily living throughout their lives. Universal design features create housing suited for people of all abilities and can allow residents to stay in their homes over their lifetime. The City will explore programs, an ordinance, and incentives to encourage provision of universal design features in housing. The City will refer to the HCD website for guidelines and a model ordinance consistent with the principles of universal design. The universal design ordinance will address such topics as findings, definitions, scope and application, standards, and enforcement. City staff will encourage prospective developers to provide universal design features at the time of project application meeting(s).

Responsible Agency: Community Development
Funding Source: General Fund
Time Frame: October 2014
Staff continued to explore programs and incentives
related to universal design in housing.

Continue and update.

City will continue to
implement Municipal Code
Chapter 9-93,
Reasonable Accommodations
for Persons with Disabilities.

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 376 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 409 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second H-239
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING
Table H-50
Review of Previous Housing Element
Implementation Programs Progress Continue / Amend / Delete Specific Implementation Program: IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING H-16. Annual Progress Reports
The City will report annually on progress toward implementation of the Housing Element and residential development activities citywide.

State law requires that each local jurisdiction submit an annual progress report on the implementation of its General Plan. For the Housing Element, the reporting must include the following:

1. Annual building activity by unit type, tenure, affordability level, deed restriction, and financial assistance;

2. Progress in achieving its RHNA;

3. Program-by-program account of implementation status; and

4. Outcome/disposition of development applications identifying location, size, type, and status of residential development proposals for citywide use and for submittal to Center for Demographic Research at California State University and to the California Department of Finance.

Responsible Agency: Community Development
Funding Source: General Fund
Time Frame: Prepare an annual report for submittal to HCD by April 1 of each year in the planning period
The City reported annually on the progress toward
the implementation of the Housing Element
through the preparation of Annual Progress
Reports (APRs), which included progress on
Housing Element programs and residential
development activities. Each year, the APRs were
reviewed and approved by the City Council and
transmitted to the California Department of
Housing and Community Development (HCD), as
directed by California Government Code Section
65400.

Continue

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 377 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 410 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second H-240
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING
Table H-50
Review of Previous Housing Element
Implementation Programs Progress Continue / Amend / Delete H-17. Housing Issues Monitoring
The City will monitor existing and proposed affordable housing developments in the City. The City will also monitor legislation, trends, and policy issues related to the development and maintenance of affordable housing in Laguna Hills. Ongoing efforts throughout the planning period include but are not limited to:

1. Monitoring development proposals in the City that could be used to maintain, increase, or enhance affordable housing opportunities;

2. Monitoring and market housing opportunities in the UVSP area, including affordable housing opportunities, through Planning Agency public hearings and project preapplication meetings;

3. Monitoring existing programs designed to preserve assisted housing developments for low income households to
determine whether additional actions are needed to protect these developments;

4. Monitoring of mobile home park for conversion to
nonresidential use;

5. Attending housing and legislative review conferences;

6. Attending training workshops;

7. Participating in regional planning efforts coordinated by the SCAG; and

8. Interfacing with City agencies and the public.

Responsible Agency: Community Development Funding
Source: General Fund
Time Frame: Ongoing
City staff continued to monitor existing and
proposed affordable housing developments in the
City, as well as legislation, trends, and policy
issues related to the development and
maintenance of affordable housing.

The City entitled 1,277 units – 289 moderateincome units built. The City is working currently with the applicant, Merlone Geier Partners, on
redevelopment of the mall site in the UVSP area.

The City met with the owner of the mall site dozens
of times since purchase in 2013. The site was
entitled in 2016 for 988 market-rate units. As of
April 2021, a revised mall development proposal,
Village at Laguna Hills, is pending before the
Planning Agency to include 1500 units, inclusive of
100-Low and 100-Moderate. The City retained
several consultants to advise on the
redevelopment of the mall site from 2019 to 2021.

City staff attended Orange County Housing
Summits, California American Planning Association
(APA) conferences, League of California Cities
Leg. Review Sessions, County of Orange
Homeless SPA meetings, OCP-2018, Connect
SoCal, SCAG RHNA meetings, South County
Working Group (OCTA), local grass roots housing
groups (Kennedy Commission & Welcoming
Neighbors), Urban Land Institute (ULI), Building
Industry Association of Southern California,
Orange County Chapter (BIA/OC), and Orange
County Housing Finance Trust.

Continue

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 378 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 411 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second H-241
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING
Table H-50
Review of Previous Housing Element
Implementation Programs Progress Continue / Amend / Delete H-20. Local Housing Efforts Coordination
The City shall coordinate local housing efforts with appropriate federal, state, regional, and local government and/or agencies and cooperate in implementation of intergovernmental housing programs to ensure maximum effectiveness in solving local and regional housing problems. The City will submit CDBG
applications to assist in preserving existing affordable housing stock.

Responsible Agency: Community Development
Funding Source: CDBG and General Fund
Time Frame: December 2009
The City coordinated local housing efforts with
federal, state, regional, and local government
agencies and cooperated in implementation of
intergovernmental housing programs to ensure
maximum effectiveness in solving local and
regional housing problems. The City coordinated
with Orange County, and other cities in the South
Special Planning Area to coordinate response to
homelessness in south Orange County. The City
applied to HCD and was approved for Senate Bill 2
and LEAP grants for Housing Element preparation
and ADU objective standards.

Continue

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 379 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 412 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second H-242
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING
Goals and Policies of 2021-2029
Housing Element
The goals and policies described in this section will formulate the City’s housing strategy and guide the implementation of the Housing Element programs. The policies are intended to guide the City in making decisions related to housing issues, the City staff in the daily administration of the General Plan, and the public in understanding the general direction of the City’s housing policies.

NEIGHBORHOOD AND HOUSING PRESERVATION
Preserving the City’s residential neighborhoods and maintaining the City’s housing stock are essential steps to retaining the City’s livability and character. Preserving and or replacing units affordable to low income households and those with special needs is also important.

Preservation efforts must carefully consider environmental, physical, and economic constraints. To this end, the following policies seek to facilitate neighborhood and housing preservation in Laguna Hills.

GOAL H-1: Maintain and preserve existing housing and residential neighborhoods in Laguna Hills.

Policy H-1.1: Invest public and private resources in the maintenance and rehabilitation of existing housing to prevent or reverse neighborhood deterioration.

Policy H-1.2: Allocate federal and state resources toward the preservation of residential units, particularly those that are affordable to extremely low, very low, and lower income households.

Policy H-1.3: Maintain and improve community facilities, public housing services, and infrastructure, where necessary, to enhance the livability and vitality of neighborhoods.

Policy H-1.4: Support neighborhood preservation programs, such as graffiti abatement, code enforcement, abandoned or inoperative automobile removal, tree planting, and trash and debris removal.

Policy H-1.5: Preserve the City’s affordable housing stock for low- and moderate-income households and special needs households.

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 380 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 413 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed H-243
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING

HOUSING AVAILABILITY
Residents of Laguna Hills recognize the need to provide housing opportunities for all segments of the community. Providing a greater diversity of housing types, such as multifamily apartments, condominiums, townhomes, and senior housing facilities, will allow both younger and older generations of Laguna Hills’s residents to remain in the community. Housing variety will also enable citizens from a wide range of economic levels to live within the City. Accordingly, the following policies are designed to facilitate a diverse housing supply. The amount, type, and design of new development should be compatible with existing neighborhoods.

GOAL H-2: Facilitate the development of a range of housing types, densities, and affordability levels to meet the diverse needs of the community for all economic levels and age groups and special needs groups, such as large families, female-headed households, the disabled, seniors, and the homeless.

Policy H-2.1: Provide opportunities for higher density residential development, mixed use residential/commercial development, and transitoriented development in appropriate areas of the City.

Policy H-2.2: Promote zoning designations and commensurate development standards for residential development that encourage flexibility in permitted land use types, which also respond to changing market forces and/or urban planning trends.

Policy H-2.3: Consider standards and incentives that encourage higher density and mixed use development in appropriate areas such as the Urban Village Specific Plan area, Via Lomas housing area, and Alicia Gateway.

Policy H-2.4: Support the development of more sustainable projects that reduce demand for water and energy resources, reduce commute times, and incorporate alternative modes of travel.

Policy H-2.5: Revise governmental regulations and policies that constrain the provision of housing production, including affordable housing and housing for persons with special needs.

Policy H-2.6: Coordinate with the private sector in the development of affordable and special needs, rental, and ownership housing.

Policy H-2.7: Continue to support public and private sector organizations in their efforts to construct, acquire, and improve housing to provide access to housing affordable to lower and moderate-income households.

Policy H-2.8: Expand and extend affordability of Rancho Niguel and Rancho Moulton apartments.

Policy H-2.9: Work with nonprofit agencies and private sector developers to encourage development of housing and services that meet the needs of the disabled and elderly, such as assisted living facilities (single-story houses and apartments), and the use of universal design features.

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 381 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 414 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed H-244
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
Obtaining adequate housing without discrimination is an important component of a diverse housing supply. Laguna Hills will support the provision of fair housing opportunities through the following goal and policies.

GOAL H-3: Ensure that adequate housing opportunities are available to all persons in Laguna Hills without discrimination in accordance with federal and state fair housing laws.

Policy H-3.1: Support the enforcement of laws against illegal acts of housing discrimination based on race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, age, disability, source of income, or any arbitrary reason excluding persons from housing choice.

Policy H-3.2: Promote equal opportunity in housing and community development programs citywide.

Policy H-3.3: Encourage housing design to accommodate the special needs of the disabled, seniors, large families, single-parent households, and lowincome households. Designs may include single-story units, units with three, four, or five bedrooms; on-site childcare facilities; or on-site job training facilities.

IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING
Monitoring, enforcement, and preservation in housing should be established and maintained as an ongoing function of the City. An effective monitoring program provides the City with an important tool to gauge the success of the City’s housing programs and to address emerging housing needs as appropriate.

GOAL H-4: Plan for and monitor the long-term affordability of sound, quality housing.

Policy H-4.1: Enforce and enhance the housing monitoring system to ensure compliance with funding program regulations and compliance with local, state, and federal laws.

Policy H-4.2: Ensure collaboration among various City departments in the delivery of housing and related services.

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 382 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 415 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed A-1
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING
Appendix A:

Implementation Program
This Chapter contains the Programs that the City will implement during the 2021-2029 planning period. As described in Table H-50, many programs from the 2013-2021 Housing Element are continued. Modifications to some continuing programs and new programs were prompted based upon new state legislation and the housing needs that were identified during the drafting of this Housing Element. In compliance with AB 686, the City has included several meaningful actions to Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) in Program 16. Fair Housing Program and in various other programs. These actions support the four categories of AFFH actions as specified by HCD:

1. Enhancing mobility strategies and promoting inclusion for protected classes:
a. Program H-6: Urban Village Specific Plan Area promotes continued relationships with developers to inform existing property owners that housing development potential is an allowed land use in the Urban Village Specific Plan (UVSP) area to encourage mixed-income housing, with potential for
amendment to UVSP to incorporate inclusionary housing
requirements.
b. Program H-7: Update Zoning Ordinance commits the City to update the City’s Zoning Ordinance to increase the ability to develop multifamily and higher density housing in the City, particularly in higher resource areas, and remove regulatory barriers to development of affordable housing and housing to accommodate special needs populations in the City, including studying opportunities related to inclusionary housing
requirements, adaptive reuse, and a congregational housing overlay.
c. Program H-8: Accessory Dwelling Units to amend the
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance to comply with
recent changes to state law regarding ADUs and create
reference information available to property owners listing benefits and opportunities for constructing ADUs as part of the City’s SB2 program and to encourage production in the City’s higher resource areas.
d. Program H-9: SB2 Grant Implementation establishes
objective design standards for residential development in the MXU zone to encourage infill residential development. As well, directs City to analyze opportunities for multifamily residential in a CC zone, which removes barriers to housing in areas of opportunity and strategically enhance access to resources and

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 383 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 416 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed A-2
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING
more integrated neighborhoods
e. Program H-12: CDBG Funding for Shelter for the
Homeless commits the City to apply for HUD- CDBG funds
and allocate a portion of such funds to subrecipients, including an existing contract with Mercy House, who provide shelter for the homeless.
f. Program H-13: Continuum of Care commits the City to
continue to participate in the Orange County Consolidated Plan Programs and in the Orange County Continuum of Care local housing planning process to facilitate obtaining funds for affordable housing and related social services for special-needs populations.
g. Program H-14: Displacement Prevention and Mitigation directs the City to take measures to alleviate overpayment and overcrowding, and assist residents in the prevention of potential displacement, as well as increase housing mobility opportunities through assistance with HCVs.
h. Program H-15: Affordable Housing Developer
Partnerships will develop partnerships with mainstream and special-needs affordable housing developers, including the provision of financial, regulatory and processing incentives that could result in housing set-asides in existing and planned lowincome housing projects to facilitate housing mobility, and increase lower-income and special needs housing resources. i. Program H-16: Fair Housing commits the City to maintain services and personnel to receive and refer housing complaints to the Fair Housing Council, as well as disseminate information in both written and community outreach sessions about fair housing laws, resident rights, and remedies for fair housing complaints, HCV acceptance and rental assistance marketing programs, promotion of housing opportunities outside lowresource neighborhoods, and actions supporting housing, Community investment and quality of life for special needs populations.
j. Program H-17: Accessibility in Housing stipulates the City will continue to implement its existing Reasonable
Accommodation Ordinance, and identify and work with local organizations that provide assistance to persons with disabilities, including developmental disabilities, to implement an outreach program that informs persons with disabilities and their families about housing and available services.
k. Program H-19: Housing Issues Monitoring of existing and proposed affordable housing developments in the City, as well as legislation, trends, and policy issues related to the development and maintenance of affordable housing.

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 384 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 417 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed A-3
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING

2. Encouraging development of new affordable housing in highresource areas:
a. Program H-6: Urban Village Specific Plan Area promotes continued relationships with developers to inform existing property owners that housing development potential is an allowed land use in the Urban Village Specific Plan (UVSP) area to encourage mixed-income housing, with potential for
amendment to UVSP to incorporate inclusionary housing
requirements.
b. Program H-7: Update Zoning Ordinance commits City to update the City’s Zoning Ordinance to increase the ability to develop multifamily and higher density housing in the City, particularly in higher resource areas, and remove regulatory barriers to development of affordable housing and housing to accommodate special needs populations in the City, including studying opportunities related to inclusionary housing
requirements, adaptive reuse, and a congregational housing overlay.
c. Program H-8: Accessory Dwelling Units to amend the
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance to comply with
recent changes to state law regarding ADUs and create
reference information available to property owners listing benefits and opportunities for constructing ADUs as part of the City’s SB2 program and to encourage production in the City’s higher resource areas.
d. Program H-9: SB2 Grant Implementation establishes
objective design standards for residential development in the MXU zone to encourage infill residential development. As well as analyzing opportunities for multifamily residential in a CC zone, which removes barriers to housing in areas of opportunity and strategically enhance access to resources and more
integrated neighborhoods.
e. Program H-10: Permit Streamlining to establish a written policy or procedure and other guidance as appropriate to specify the Senate Bill (SB) 35 (2017) streamlining approval process and standards for eligible projects, as well as consideration of expedited processing or other prioritizing strategies for projects with 100 percent affordable units. f. Program 11: 2021-2029 Regional Housing Need to address the 2021-2029 RHNA and to ensure a sufficient selection of sites are available for higher-density development, the City shall amend the General Plan and the Zoning Codes, as needed, to provide adequate sites for 413 lower-income units on identified sites within targeted development areas.
g. Program H-15: Affordable Housing Developer

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 385 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 418 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed A-4
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING
Partnerships will develop partnerships with mainstream and special-needs affordable housing developers, including the provision of financial, regulatory and processing incentives that could result in housing set-asides in existing and planned lowincome housing projects to facilitate housing mobility, and increase lower-income and special needs housing resources. h. Program H-18: Annual Progress Reports requires annual reporting on progress toward implementation of the Housing Element and residential development activities citywide and commits the City to review the success of its programs and make modifications if necessary in order to affirmatively further fair housing.
i. Program H-21: Facilitating Housing on Identified Sites ensures that housing quantified by income is developed on identified sites by evaluating feasibility of implementing actions including: identifying measures that would raise local funding for providing assistance for the construction of affordable and special needs housing; community land trusts, agreements with other public entities, and strategies to encourage and facilitate lot consolidation and phasing of residential and mixed-use developments on large sites to make sites more developable for housing.

3. Implementing place-based strategies to encourage community revitalization, including preservation of existing affordable housing:
a. Program H-1 targets areas of concentrated rehabilitation needs, results in repairs and mitigates potential cost, displacement and relocation impacts on residents with a quantified objective of rehabilitating 30 housing units.
b. Program H-2 promotes maintenance of existing rental
properties through a working relationship between the City and the California State Franchise Tax Board.
c. Program H-3 will reduce potential for displacement due to housing conditions by continuing the relationship of the City and the Orange County Housing and Community Services
Department to receive rehabilitation loans and grants for lowand moderate-income homeowners and rental property owners, including senior/disabled households, to maintain housing stock.
d. Program H-4 will take measures to preserve existing affordable housing stock by working with property owners to extend affordability covenants on units at risk of conversion to market rate.
e. Program H-5 will provide foreclosure information on the City’s website and provide resources at the City to refer

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 386 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 419 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed A-5
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING
residents to external agencies to assist in reducing incidents of foreclosures in Laguna Hills in order to deter displacement. f. Program H-16: Fair Housing commits the City to maintain services and personnel to receive and refer housing complaints to the Fair Housing Council, as well as disseminate information in both written and community outreach sessions about fair housing laws, resident rights, and remedies for fair housing complaints, HCV acceptance and rental assistance marketing programs, promotion of housing opportunities outside lowresource neighborhoods, and actions supporting housing, Community investment and quality of life for special needs populations.
g. Program H-20: Local Housing Efforts Coordination shall coordinate local housing efforts with appropriate agencies and cooperate in implementation of intergovernmental housing programs, as well as submit CDBG applications to assist in preserving existing affordable housing stock, and proactively address local opposition to higher density and lower-income housing.

4. Protecting existing residents from displacement:
a. Program H-3: Rehabilitation Program will reduce potential for displacement due to housing conditions by continuing the relationship of the City and the Orange County Housing and Community Services Department to receive rehabilitation loans and grants for low- and moderate-income homeowners and
rental property owners, including senior/disabled households, to maintain housing stock.
b. Program H-4: At Risk Units will continue to pursue the extension of affordability controls for 51 units that are set to expire in 2032, and provide technical assistance to preserve the units in the existing Rancho Moulton housing development, or as part of new or redevelopment activities in the Via Lomas area or other areas of the City (particularly in moderate- and high-resource areas of the City), as deemed feasible
c. Program H-5: Foreclosure Referral Program will provide foreclosure information on its website and provide resources at the City to refer residents to external agencies to assist in reducing incidents of foreclosures in Laguna Hills.
d. Program H-12: CDBG Funding for Shelter for the
Homeless commits the City to apply for HUD- CDBG funds
and allocate a portion of such funds to subrecipients, including an existing contract with Mercy House, who provide shelter for the homeless.
e. Program H-14: Displacement Prevention and Mitigation

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 387 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 420 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed A-6
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING
directs the City to take measures to alleviate overpayment and overcrowding, and assist residents in the prevention of potential displacement, as well as increase housing mobility opportunities through assistance with HCVs, piloting a multi-lingual Right to Counsel program to ensure legal representation for tenants in landlord-tenant proceedings, including those involving the application of new laws like A.B. 1482, providing replacement housing, landlord and public education on fair housing laws to reduce income discrimination and barriers to accessing rental housing, and consider adoption of Local Just Cause and Rent Stability ordinances.

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 388 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 421 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed A-7
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING

SPECIFIC IMPLEMENTATION

PROGRAMS
Neighborhood and Housing
Preservation
H-1. CODE ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM
The City of Laguna Hills (City) will enforce building code regulations and abate code violations, nuisances, and existing uses, activities, buildings, or structures that pose a threat to public health, safety, or welfare. Enforcement activities will focus on property maintenance, such as eliminating derelict or abandoned vehicles, outdoor storage, or other situations that may constitute health, safety, or fire hazards. The City’s Code Enforcement staff monitor and address complaints related to property maintenance. This City’s program is highly effective and results in a 95-percent compliance rate within 30 days of the City receiving a violation. To minimize the risk of temporary displacement resulting from addressing code enforcement violations, the City will update regulations for code enforcement procedures to require property owners to proactively plan for tenant relocation during renovations. Additionally, to reduce the risk of displacement due to housing condition, the City will develop informational materials to include with violation notices that will educate property owners on available funding programs to assist with rehabilitations (see also Housing Element Implementation Program H-3). The information materials will be provided in multiple languages. The City will target neighborhoods with the greatest concentrations of low-income households.

Responsible Agency: Community Development
Funding Source: General Fund
Time Frame: Ongoing code enforcement; update regulations for code enforcement procedures by June 2023;
develop informational materials by December 2023
Quantified Objective/
AFFH Metric: 30 units rehabilitated

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 389 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 422 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed A-8
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING
H-2. STATE FRANCHISE TAX BOARD CODE

ENFORCEMENT
To promote maintenance of existing rental properties, the City shall work with the California State Franchise Tax Board to enforce provisions of California Revenue and Taxation code Sections 17274 and 24436.5, which prohibit owners of substandard rental housing from claiming depreciation, amortization, mortgage interest, and property tax deductions of state income tax. The City will notify the State Franchise Tax Board if substandard rental housing is identified and aim for full compliance following any Notice of Property Noncompliance letter issued by the Franchise Tax Board.

Responsible Agency: Community Development
Funding Source: General Fund
Time Frame: Ongoing
Quantified Objective/
AFFH Metric: 100% compliance following any Notice of Property Noncompliance letter
H-3. HOUSING REHABILITATION
The City will continue to work with the Orange County Housing and Community Services Department to receive rehabilitation loans and grants for low- and moderate-income homeowners and rental property owners, including senior/disabled households, to maintain housing stock. The City’s rehabilitation program will be available to lower- and moderate-income households but have citywide applicability. The program will pay particular attention to the Via Lomas neighborhood. The rehabilitation loan and grant program will use Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds distributed by the County as funding becomes available.

The City will continue to work with the private sector and nonprofit agencies and to secure funds and be supportive of developers or sponsors pursuing funds through state and federal programs for rehabilitation of existing lower-income housing units (including mobile homes). The City continues to monitor opportunities and will pursue funds as appropriate to further the housing goals of this Housing Element.

The City will publicize the availability of rehabilitation programs in local newspapers, on the City’s website, at the Community Development Department, in materials accompanying Code Enforcement notice of violations (see Housing Element Implementation Program H-1), and in information items at Planning Agency public hearings. The City will provide information (for examples, flyers and brochures) to businesses (for example, laundromats) and organizations (for example, churches) and encourage businesses and organizations to post information where it can be easily seen and to distribute it to the public. Informational materials will be offered in multiple languages to ensure there are no language barriers to participation.

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 390 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 423 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed A-9
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING
Responsible Agency: Community Development
Funding Source: CDBG, HOME, and others as they come available Time Frame: Annually by September of each year or as otherwise required by the County CDBG schedule. Apply for
additional funding resources annually. Post
information on City website and distribute hard
copies to local businesses and organizations by June
2024 and update and redistribute annually.

Quantified Objective/
AFFH Metric: 30 units rehabilitated
H-4. AT-RISK UNITS
The City will continue to pursue the extension of affordability controls for 51 units that are set to expire in 2032, and provide technical assistance to preserve the units in the existing Rancho Moulton housing development, or as part of new or redevelopment activities in the Via Lomas area or other areas of the City (particularly in moderate- and high-resource areas of the City), as deemed feasible. The Rancho Moulton Apartments continued to participate in the County’s Section 8 rental assistance program, which requires the owner to renew their project-based vouchers annually. The City will work with potential purchasers to preserve 51 units in the existing development or in new development by finding an interested non-profit entity and securing funding to acquire and preserve the property. The City will not take part directly in negotiations regarding the property but will apply for state or federal funding on behalf of an interested non-profit entity, if necessary, to protect the affordability of the rental units. The City will request that the property owners provide evidence that they have complied with state and federal regulations regarding notice to tenants and other procedural matters related to conversion, and the City will contact the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), if necessary, to verify compliance with notice requirements. The City will use California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) resources listed on the HCD website, as well as other resources, to locate potential funding sources as needed for the preservation of affordable housing. Should the units convert to market rate, the City will work with the Orange County Housing Authority to ensure that low-income tenants displaced as a result of a conversion receive priority for federal housing vouchers.

The City will annually prepare a “Risk Assessment” report provided by the California Housing Partnership Corporation (CHPC). Projects determined high risk are those most likely to decline continued federal assistance because they currently have rents below market rate(s) and are owned by profitmotivated entities.

As needed, the City will ensure tenants are adequately notified throughout the preservation/acquisition process as to the status of their housing units, impacts of the ownership change or preservation process on occupancy and

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 391 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 424 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed A-10
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING
rents, their rights and responsibilities as tenants, and who to contact with questions or concerns. The City will work with the responsible entity (whether the existing property owner, the Housing Authority, a nonprofit entity, or a new for-profit entity) to distribute information and conduct tenant meetings, as needed, to keep residents informed of the preservation process, tenant options, rental voucher assistance, and what to expect once the process has been completed.

Responsible Agency: Community Development
Funding Source: General Fund
Time Frame: 2022; the City will provide Technical Assistance to preserve 51 at-risk units in 2022.

Annually; the City will prepare “Risk Assessment”
reports by January of each year.

Ongoing; Work with responsible entities to ensure
tenants receive education of housing rights and
preservation/acquisition status.

Quantified Objective/
AFFH Metric: Preserve 51 units in the Rancho Moulton housing development.

H-5. FORECLOSURE REFERRAL PROGRAM
Based on current dynamics, the City seeks to address the increased incidence of residents facing foreclosure and potential displacement when they can no longer afford housing. Often, low- and moderate-income homeowners with protected characteristics, including communities of color, seniors, people with disabilities and other special needs populations do not understand their rights and/or their obligations. Assisting these homeowners to procure legal counsel is a less costly option than serving homeless households. The City will provide foreclosure information on its website, and provide resources at the City to refer residents to external agencies to assist in reducing incidents of foreclosures in Laguna Hills. The City will provide information in multiple languages. The City will provide information (for example, flyers and brochures) to businesses (for example, laundromats) and organizations (for example, churches) and encourage businesses and organizations to post information where it can be easily seen and to distribute it to the public. The City will target census tracts identified as having a high risk of displacement, e.g., cost-burdened owners.

Responsible Agency: Community Development
Funding Source: General Fund
Time Frame: Ongoing. Post information on City website and distribute hard copies to local businesses and
organizations by June 2023 and update and
redistribute annually.

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 392 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 425 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed A-11
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING
Quantified Objective/
AFFH Metric: Directly assist five residents annually through the provision of information and resources to reduce
incidents of foreclosures.

Housing Availability
H-6. URBAN VILLAGE SPECIFIC PLAN AREA FOR

HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES
The City shall inform existing property owners that housing development opportunities are available in the Urban Village Specific Plan (UVSP) area and will continue to meet with prospective developers to encourage incorporating housing for multiple income levels to promote housing mobility opportunities for all income levels within higher resource areas of the City. Housing opportunities include market-rate housing units and could also include housing for low- and moderate-income households, families, seniors, and special-needs households. City staff will inform prospective developers at the time of project application meeting(s). Consider amendment to UVSP to incorporate inclusionary housing requirements in accord with Program H-7. to expand housing resources and housing mobility opportunities in higher resource areas and foster mixed-income housing creation. Additionally, the City will promote the UVSP area on the City’s website and will also promote housing development incentives consistent with Chapter 9-72 of the Zoning Ordinance. The UVSP area will also be promoted through the City’s Economic Development Strategy (see the Land Use Element Implementation Program LU-14).

Responsible Agency: Community Development
Funding Source: CDBG
Time Frame: Ongoing; the City will post information on its website by June 2023 and it will be updated
annually; development of sites 114, 115, and 116 of
the sites inventory during the planning period.

H-7. ZONING ORDINANCE UPDATE
The implementation of housing goals, policies, and programs will require updating the City’s Zoning Ordinance. In addition, certain City rules and regulations may constrain the development of housing affordable to lowand moderate-income households with special needs. To mitigate potential constraints; bring the Zoning Ordinance into compliance with State law; and implement housing goals, policies, and programs, the City will update the following regulations in the Zoning Ordinance:

1. Density Bonuses. Pursuant to California Government Code Section 65915 et seq., amend the Zoning Ordinance to update the density bonus ordinance to address recent updates to state

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 393 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 426 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed A-12
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING
law. If additional changes to state law occur during the planning period, the density bonus ordinance will be updated to comply with those changes.

2. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). In 2018, the City adopted an ordinance that amended the Laguna Hills Zoning Ordinance to permit ADUs in accordance with state law. The City will amend its adopted ADU ordinance to comply with update to state ADU law with Senate Bill (SB) 2 grant funding (see Housing Element Implementation Program H-9), including
parking requirements. Per Government Code Section 65852.150, the City will allow ADUs in all zones where single-family and multifamily housing are allowed. The City will amend all standards in its Municipal Code that are not compliant with Government Code Section 65852.2. During the planning period, the City will implement the ADU ordinance (see Housing
Element Implementation Program H-8) and update it to comply with any new state requirements.

3. Transitional and Supportive Housing. Allow transitional and supportive housing (including transitional and supportive housing with seven or more residents) as a residential use in all zones allowing residential uses, subject only to those restrictions that apply to other residential uses of the same type in the same zone and without any discretionary action. Additionally, permit supportive housing by-right in any non-residential or mixed-use zone that permits multifamily (Assembly Bill 2162, California Government Code Section 65583(c)(3)).

4. Employee Housing. To encourage employee housing, as
needed, the City will establish a use category for employee housing as a residential use in the use tables. The Zoning Ordinance will be amended to ensure that permit processing procedures for employee housing do not conflict with Health and Safety Code, Section 17021.5, which states that employee housing for six or fewer employees should be “deemed a singlefamily structure with a residential land use designation,” Section 17021.6, which states that for ”employee housing consisting of no more than 36 beds in a group quarters or 12 units or spaces designed for use by a single family or household … [n]o CUP, zoning variance, or other discretionary zoning clearance shall be required of this employee housing that is not required of any other agricultural activity in the same zone,” and Section 17021.8, which requires ministerial approval of certain farmworker housing projects that meet the criteria in that section.

5. Emergency Shelters. Continue to allow emergency shelters byright within the Mixed-Use (MXU) district subject to objective development standards without a conditional use permit or other discretionary approval. Amend the regulations for emergency shelters to ensure compliance with Government Code Section 65583(a)(4)), including siting requirements in relationship to

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 394 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 427 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed A-13
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING
schools and other emergency shelters and revise parking requirements for emergency shelters to ensure that parking standards are sufficient to accommodate all staff, provided standards do not require more parking for emergency shelters than other residential or commercial uses within the MXU district. The City will additionally update standards for emergency shelters to allow a greater number of beds. Review the City’s Zoning Ordinance and make revisions, if necessary, to allow low-barrier navigation centers for the homeless per Government Code Sections 65660-65668.

6. Residential Care Facilities. Amend the Development Code to permit residential care facilities regardless of size, in all zones that permit residential uses of the same type, in accordance with state law and the City’s definition of family.

7. Adaptive Reuse Ordinance. The City shall study the
appropriateness of an adaptive reuse ordinance to facilitate the conversion of underutilized commercial properties for diverse housing opportunities, including interim and permanent
affordable housing. An Adaptive Reuse Ordinance could be developed in line with existing anti-displacement efforts, and may include incentives to encourage adaptive reuse for special needs populations, including persons with disabilities, large households, or female headed households. If incentives are adopted, this program will include a proactive outreach effort to property owners via fact sheets, letters, and social media to publicize the incentives.

8. Inclusionary Housing Requirements: The City will study other inclusionary housing ordinances in southern California to learn about effective practices being used to provide affordable housing, especially housing for extremely low, very low, and lowincome households. As part of this study, the City will review how other cities have prepared, adopted, and implemented their inclusionary programs in response to recent court rulings, affordable housing nexus studies, affordable housing impact fees, and commercial linkage fees. City staff will report the study’s findings and input from the community and residential
developers to the City Council and seek direction on methods that should be pursued to provide affordable housing such as (a) construction of housing on-site, (b) construction of housing offsite, (c) dedication of land for housing, and (d) possible other similar measures; methods shall not constrain the overall production of housing in the City.

9. Manufactured Homes Manufactured housing and mobile
homes are treated as different land uses in Municipal Code Section 9-10.050, Uses within Zones. However, they have the same definition in the code. The City will correct this and ensure compliance with Government Code Section 65852.3 by allowing both manufactured housing and mobile homes in all zones where single-family homes are allowed with the same approval

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 395 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 428 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed A-14
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING
process that is used with single-family homes.

10. Development Standards and Permitting Requirements The City will evaluate development standards including open space requirements, lot coverage, and heights, as well as permit requirements for multifamily developments. The City is
committed to amending development standards to ensure these requirements are not so restrictive that they constrain residential development. The City will continue to update the Municipal Code as needed to implement this program. The City will consider allowing developers the opportunity to provide creative parking solutions, where feasible, that could result in reductions in parking requirements. Creative solutions may include supplemental transit passes, increased bicycle parking, a shared vehicles program, or other solutions agreed on by the City and the developer.

11. Definition of Family. To ensure that the City does not unduly restrict or constrain the development of housing for persons with disabilities, it will update its definition of family to “One or more individuals, living together as a single-family housekeeping unit. Members of the family do not need to be related by blood, marriage or in any other legal capacity.”

12. Congregational Overlay. The City will study the impacts of establishing a zoning overlay or other mechanism to allow affordable housing developments at a maximum density of 50 units per acre on properties occupied by a religious institution.

City staff will report the study’s findings and input from the community, religious institutions, and affordable housing developers to the City Council and seek direction on next steps regarding how residential development could be allowed on property occupied by a religious institution.

Responsible Agency: Community Development
Funding Source: General Fund
Time Frame: Consider an adaptive reuse ordinance by June 2024 and implement, if appropriate, by June 2025.

Consider an inclusionary housing ordinance and
present findings to the City Council by June 2024
and implement, if appropriate, by June 2025.

Consider a congregational overlay by June 2024 and
implement, if appropriate, by June 2025
Conduct initial review of development standards
and permitting requirements by June 2025 and
update the Zoning Ordinance as needed.

Complete State-required mandatory Zoning
Ordinance amendments by June 2025.

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 396 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 429 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed A-15
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING
H-8. ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS
As a part of the City’s SB2 program, the City will amend its Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance to comply with recent changes to state law regarding ADUs and create reference information available to property owners listing benefits and opportunities for constructing ADUs (see Housing Element Implementation Program H-9). The City shall continue to implement the ADU provisions of the Zoning Ordinance consistent with state law (see Housing Element Implementation Program H-7). The City will continue to permit ADUs by-right in all residential zones of the City, requiring only ministerial approval. Per Government Code Section 65852.150, the City will allow ADUs in all zones where single-family and multifamily housing are allowed. The City will amend all standards in its Municipal Code that are not compliant with Government Code Section 65852.2 (see also Program H-7).

1. The City will promote ADUs to property owners (particularly in high and moderate resource areas) as a viable option for providing additional housing opportunities that could include affordable housing for lower-income seniors, single persons, persons with disabilities, or small households within existing neighborhoods. The City will encourage and promote ADUs by providing information on the City’s website about ADU standards and options and informing people at the public counter of ADUs as an option, as well as informing property owners with an existing unpermitted ADU of the option to bring the unit up to code as a legal ADU. The City will monitor ADU production. Halfway through the planning cycle, if the production numbers are not on par with the midpoint of the number of ADUs estimated in Table H-46, the City will adjust its approach to meeting the RHNA.

The City will also make the following efforts to promote ADU development:
1 Research and coordinate with non-profit organizations, builders, and banks regarding funding/assisting with construction costs and connect ADU owners and renters with that information. This will include encouraging financial institutions to appoint an “ADU Ambassador” who will be the local representative within the financial institution. The City would provide training and educational materials to the ambassadors. The City will maintain a list of ADU Ambassadors and distribute the list to interested homeowners (particularly in high and moderate resource areas) seeking information about finding loans for ADU development.
2 Expand educational efforts to include active property owner outreach. Marketing and promotional materials will be prepared to inform eligible homeowners (particularly in high and moderate resource areas) of new ADU programs as they are adopted and launched. The City will work to identify the types of homeowners most likely to be interested in building an ADU and reach out to

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 397 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 430 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed A-16
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING
them directly.
3 Reach out to local homeowners that have added an ADU to involve them in supporting other homeowners who are considering adding an ADU to their property. Hold a community “ADU Open House” to share ideas and inspire homeowners to build ADUs.
4 Create short flyers and brochures (digital and print). Distribute though social media promotions, direct mailings to property owners, water bill inserts, and the dedicated City webpage.
5 Establish an ADU point person at the City to serve as a central point of information and a resource for enhancing awareness.
6 The City will explore funding options to create an ADU Forgivable Loan Program and promote the use of the loan program citywide, but particularly in high and moderate resource areas.
7 The City will target 20% of ADU production to be within higher opportunity areas.

Responsible Agency: Community Development
Funding Source: SB2
Time Frame: Add promotional/educational materials on the City’s website on ADU information by June 2023,
including examples of ADUs on webpage. Develop
list of resources, and coordinate with ADU
development and financing community and directly
reach out to potential owners by June 2024.

H-9. SB2 GRANT PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION
As a part of the City’s SB2 program, the City plans to establish objective design standards for residential development in the MXU zoning district in north Laguna Hills to encourage infill residential development. The City will additionally analyze opportunities to permit multifamily residential in an existing commercial center in north Laguna Hills zoned Community Commercial (CC), which currently does not permit residential uses. The City will hold one or more community workshops to gather community input, including from the developer community. Through establishing objective design standards, the City anticipates reducing the entitlement process by up to six months. The City also plans to use its awarded SB2 grant funding to update its ADU ordinance to comply with state law, as well as create reference information for homeowners about the benefits and opportunities for constructing ADUs.

Responsible Agency: Community Development
Funding Source: SB2
Time Frame: All tasks completed by August 2024
H-10. PERMIT STREAMLINING
The City will establish a written policy or procedure and other guidance as

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 398 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 431 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed A-17
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING
appropriate to specify the Senate Bill (SB) 35 (2017) streamlining approval process and standards for eligible projects, as set forth under California Government Code Section 65913.4 to increase housing choices and affordability in higher opportunity areas. Consider expedited processing or other prioritizing strategies for projects with 100 percent affordable units. See also Program H-15.

Responsible Agency: Community Development
Funding Source: General Fund
Time Frame: June 2024
H-11. 2021–2029 REGIONAL HOUSING NEED
To meet state law requirements (California Government Code Sections 65583(c)(1)(A) and 65583(c)(1)(B)) to address the 2021-2029 Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) and to ensure a sufficient selection of sites are available for higher-density development, the City shall amend the General Plan and the Zoning Codes, as needed, to provide adequate sites for 413 lower-income units on certain sites or in certain zones. The City will increase allowable density on certain sites in the MXU and/or MDR zones and/or allow multifamily uses on certain sites in zones where they are not currently allowed. Sites for lower-income units must allow at least 30 dwelling units per acre. To accommodate the remaining unaccommodated 413 units in the lower-income category by rezoning sites to allow up to 30 units per acre, a minimum of 13.76 acres would need to be rezoned. To accommodate the remaining unaccommodated 413 units in the lower-income category by rezoning sites to allow up to 50 units per acre, a minimum of

8.26 acres would need to be rezoned.

Sites rezoned under this housing element program are subject to the requirements of Section 65583.2(h), including allowing owner-occupied and rental multifamily housing “by right” without discretionary review if 20 percent or more of the units in a project proposed on the site are affordable to those with lower incomes. The sites rezoned to accommodate lowerincome RHNA must be able to accommodate a minimum of 16 units per site. At least 50 percent of the very low and low-income housing need shall be accommodated on sites designated/zoned for residential uses only, except that all of the very low- and low-income housing need may be accommodated on sites designated for mixed uses if those sites allow 100- percent residential use and require that residential uses occupy 50 percent of the total floor area of a mixed-use project. The applications can be subject to design review as long as the project does not trigger the California Environmental Quality Act review process. Water, sewer, and dry utilities are either already available at sites that will be rezoned or the City will plan for extensions so that services will be available as needed. The City will avoid sites with unmitigable environmental hazards when selecting sites to rezone including, steep slopes (over 30 percent), high liquefaction risk, moderate and severe wildfire risk, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) 100- year and 500-year flood zones. As a part of this program, the City will

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 399 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 432 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed A-18
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING
evaluate development standards for the rezone sites, including open space requirements, lot coverage, and heights, as well as permit requirements for multifamily developments. The City is committed to amending development standards to ensure these requirements are not so restrictive that they constrain residential development.

The sites rezoned under this program will be a geographic focus for the City to target efforts included in other programs that promote new housing opportunities in higher opportunity areas and implement place-based strategies to improve community revitalization.

See also Program H-21.

Responsible Agency: Community Development
Funding Source: General Fund
Time Frame: Specific sites will be rezoned by January 31, 2024 H-12. CDBG FUNDING FOR SHELTER FOR THE

HOMELESS
The City shall apply for United States Department of Housing and Urban Development CDBG funds and allocate a portion of such funds to subrecipients who provide shelter for the homeless. The City will continue to contract with Mercy House, or equivalent, a non-profit service provider, to help residents experiencing homelessness obtain services. The program will aim to reduce the City’s unsheltered homeless population by 10% over the planning period.

Responsible Agency: Community Development
Funding Source: CDBG
Time Frame: Annually by September of each year or as otherwise required by the County CDBG schedule
H-13. CONTINUUM OF CARE FUNDING AND

CONSOLIDATED PLAN PARTICIPATION
The City shall continue to participate in the Orange County Consolidated Plan Programs and in the Orange County Continuum of Care local housing planning process to facilitate obtaining funds for affordable housing and related social services for special-needs populations. The Continuum of Care local housing and service delivery system focuses on homeless prevention, outreach, and assessment, emergency shelters, transitional housing, supportive services, and permanent supportive housing for homeless individuals and families. The City shall pursue homeless assistance grants through the Continuum and endeavor to secure at least two grants during the planning period. The City will assist public and private nonprofit housing developers in preparation of funding applications for special-needs populations. The City will conduct outreach to service providers annually to

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 400 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 433 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed A-19
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING
discuss ways the City can assist in the development for lower-income households.

Responsible Agency: Community Development
Funding Source: CDBG
Time Frame: Annually by September of each year or as otherwise required by the County CDBG schedule
H-14. DISPLACEMENT PREVENTION AND MITIGATION
a. Section 8 Rental Assistance (Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV)) The Orange County Housing Authority currently administers the Section 8 Rental Assistance program on behalf of the City. Currently, the program assists renter households in the City of Laguna Hills. Based on future congressional appropriations, the County Housing Authority will apply for additional funding that will enable the Housing Authority to administer additional vouchers for families, seniors, and disabled persons over the Housing Element planning period.

To promote housing mobility in high-resource neighborhoods to increase diversity, promote a more mixed-income community, alleviate overpayment and overcrowding, and assist residents in the prevention of potential displacement the City will:

1. Provide referral services and information to the City’s residents on housing choice voucher programs, ensuring that all
information offered digitally and physically is provided in multiple languages.

2. Coordinate with community-based organizations that serve Laguna Hills’ special-needs populations to reach households that would qualify for equal access to housing choice voucher programs.

3. Work with the Housing Authority to conduct affirmative marketing to increase voucher acceptance in areas of higher income to increase opportunities for housing mobility, as identified in the Assessment of Fair Housing.

4. Partner with the Housing Authority to provide biannual training to landlords regarding fair-housing requirements, including the requirement that they accept vouchers. To reduce income discrimination, develop a campaign to combat local opposition - conduct outreach to educate property owners in Moderate Resource Areas, as defined by TCAC higher-income
neighborhoods, to increase awareness about the benefits of housing mobility for voucher holding-tenants, and providing clarification defining lower-income workforce individuals, encouraging landlords and property owners to market available units at their properties to voucher holders.

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 401 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 434 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed A-20
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING

5. Reduce barriers to accessing rental housing by encouraging landlords to follow HUD’s guidance on the use of criminal backgrounds in screening tenants and encouraging them to eliminate application fees for voucher holders.

6. Consider the feasibility of a landlord incentive program for landlords that choose to accept voucher holding tenants. The landlord incentive program could be focused on Low Resource Areas, as defined by TCAC, or neighborhoods that experience higher rates of rental increases. Consider providing assistance with security deposits or moving expenses for voucher
recipients.
b. Replacement Housing
The City will require replacement housing units subject to the requirements of SB 330 and Government Code, section 65915, subdivision (c)(3) on sites identified in the site inventory when any new development (residential, mixed-use or non-residential) occurs on a site that has been occupied by or restricted for the use of lower-income households at any time during the previous five years. This requirement applies to non-vacant sites and vacant sites with previous residential uses that have been vacated or demolished. Prioritize siting of replacement units in targeted growth areas in the vicinity of available public transit routes, job and housing rich areas, the village center, and revitalization areas and on sites identified to accommodate the housing needs of lower income households. When existing residents are displaced, include a first right of return to existing residents policy that includes moving expenses.
c. Local Just Cause Eviction Ordinance
The City shall consider adopting a local Just Cause Eviction Ordinance which strengthens the requirements of AB 1482 to further protect renters from unreasonable evictions, foreclosure-related evictions, or other arbitrary and discriminatory actions which lead to displacement. d. Local Rent Stabilization Ordinance
The City shall explore the feasibility of adopting a rent stabilization ordinance strengthening the requirements established by AB 1482 to further protect renters against displacement from arbitrary or significant rent hikes. Local rent stabilization ordinances must adhere to the framework established in state law by the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act. This law establishes certain parameters for the policy features of local ordinances, such as prohibiting rent stabilization on single-family homes, preventing rent stabilization’s application to buildings constructed after 1995, and allowing landlords to reset rents to market rate after a tenant leaves their unit (known as “vacancy decontrol”).
e. Multi-Lingual Right to Counsel Program

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 402 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 435 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed A-21
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING
Explore the feasibility of piloting a multi-lingual Right to Counsel program to ensure legal representation for tenants in landlord-tenant proceedings, including those involving the application of new laws like A.B. 1482. According to legal services and fair housing organizations, many evictions occur because tenants do not understand their rights and/or their obligations. It is estimated that only a small percentage of tenants facing eviction have legal representation, and those without representation almost always are evicted, regardless of a viable defense.

There are several legal providers in the county such as Community Legal Aid SoCal and Public Law Center that are well-positioned to serve low-income tenants with financial support
See also Housing Element Implementation Program H-16, Fair Housing Program.

Responsible Agency: Community Development
Funding Source: United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Time Frame: Ongoing. By June 2023 and twice a year after that:
communicate with community-based organizations
that serve Laguna Hills’ special-needs populations,
conduct affirmative marketing to increase voucher
acceptance, and partner with the Housing Authority
to provide training to landlords. By June 2024
consider the feasibility of a landlord incentive
program, a local Just Cause Eviction Ordinance, a
Local Rent Stabilization Ordinance and a MultiLingual Right to Counsel Program and implement selected approaches within the following year.

Enforce replacement housing requirements as
projects arise.

Quantified Objective/
AFFH Metric: Preserve the 17 Section 8 vouchers used by Laguna Hills households. Prevent the displacement of 10
lower income households.

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 403 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 436 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed A-22
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING
H-15. AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPER

PARTNERSHIPS
The City will continue to develop partnerships with mainstream and specialneeds affordable housing developers that could result in set-asides in existing and planned low-income housing projects for extremely low-, very low-, and low-income households to facilitate housing mobility, increase housing resources and assist in alleviating overpayment and overcrowding which may result from a lack of affordable housing opportunities. These partnerships may include incentives (such as expedited processing, fee waivers, and density bonuses) provided by the City to facilitate the set-asides for planned low-income units and actively cooperating with the owners of existing units to secure appropriate federal funding necessary to maintain existing affordability. The City will take subsequent action, as appropriate, to make the development of such units more financially feasible including providing financial incentives, such as reducing, waiving, and/or deferring fees, where feasible, offering fast track/priority processing and permit streamlining with expedited processing for 100 percent affordable projects, density bonuses, and flexibility in development standards. The City will promote lower-income housing development incentives on the City’s website, consistent with Chapter 9-72 of the Zoning Ordinance. The City will use HCD’s housing resources website to locate available sites and potential funding sources as needed for the development of affordable housing. The City will conduct outreach to developers annually to discuss ways the City can assist in the development for lower-income households and strive to collaborate on two affordable housing developments during the planning period.

Additionally, the City will amend the Zoning Code to comply with State Density Bonus Law (Program H-7).

Responsible Agency: Community Development
Funding Source: General Fund
Time Frame: Ongoing; the information will be posted on the website by June 2023 and updated annually.

Annually outreach to developers, review and
prioritize local funding at least twice in the planning period, and support expediting applications on an
ongoing basis.

Equal Housing Opportunity
H-16. FAIR HOUSING PROGRAM
The City will continue to maintain services and personnel to receive housing complaints and continue to address or resolve complaints. The City will also continue to refer fair housing complaints to the Fair Housing Council if they cannot be resolved at the City level.

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 404 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 437 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed A-23
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING
The City will also continue to disseminate written literature about fair housing laws, resident rights, and remedies for fair housing complaints. The City will ensure that fair housing literature is provided in multiple languages and available in the Community Development Department, on the City’s website, and at the Laguna Hills Technology Library. The City will monitor these sites to ensure timely, accurate information is available.

To further comply with AB 686, the City will implement meaningful actions to Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH). The ongoing and additional actions the City will take to address AFFH shall address significant disparities in housing needs and in access to opportunity for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, familial status, source of income, or disability, and other characteristic protected by the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (Part 2.8, commencing with Section 12900, of Division 3 of Title 2), Section 65008, and any other state and federal fair housing and planning law. In this effort to address fair housing issues identified in the Assessment of Fair Housing of this Housing Element, the City commits to the following.
1 Develop affirmative marketing targeted at property owners to encourage acceptance of vouchers and/or other rental assistance programs, promoting equal access to government-assisted housing and to promote housing opportunities outside low-resource neighborhoods and neighborhoods along Via Lomas. Additionally, develop affirmative marketing strategies to promote services for persons at-risk of homelessness or experiencing homelessness through partnership with Mercy House, aimed at protecting residents from risk of displacement.
2 Promote accessibility programs focused on improving access to housing, transit, public buildings and facilities, sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, and businesses. Partner with local organizations serving persons with disabilities to implement outreach programs (see Housing Element Implementation Program H-17).
3 Explore policies to protect mobile home parks in low-resource areas in north Laguna Hills, minimizing displacement risk of existing residents.
4 Explore programs and/or partnerships to ensure that a share of the jurisdiction’s purchases of goods and services come from local businesses.
5 Engage with the local school district to explore a program to address school boundaries and access to proficient education, specifically for the Via Lomas neighborhood.
6 Partner with Orange County Housing and Community Services Department and/or local non-profits to consider expanding programs offering first-time homebuyer assistance and prepare educational materials in multiple languages on mortgage lending discrimination.
7 Encourage development of affordable housing that meets the needs of diverse households and family structures, including affordable

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 405 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 438 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed A-24
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING
units with three or more bedrooms, during meetings with prospective developers.

Table H-A1below, in addition to the introduction to Appendix A:

Implementation Programs, provides a summary that links program actions across all programs with the four categories of AFFH actions as specified by HCD: enhancing mobility strategies and promoting inclusion for protected classes; encouraging development of new affordable housing in high-resource areas; implementing place-based strategies to encourage community revitalization, including preservation of existing affordable housing; and protecting existing residents from displacement.The actions listed in Table H-A1were developed to cumulatively address the AFFH goals to counteract the disparities and issues that were identified in the AFFH analysis. The timeframes and priority levels are added to ensure the implementation of these actions in a timely manner. The priority levels for these actions are defined as follows:
• High Priority contributing factors are those that have a direct and substantial impact on fair housing, and are core municipal functions that the City can control;
• Medium Priority factors are those that have a direct and substantial impact on fair housing, but the City has limited capacity to control their implementation;
• Low Priority factors may have a direct and substantial impact on fair housing choice, but the City lacks capacity to address it, or the factor may have only a slight or indirect impact on fair housing choice.

As shown in Table H-A1, the City intends to complete the necessary actions to meet the State AFFH requirements. These actions are integrated into the Housing Plan for the overall 6th Cycle Housing Element with the specialized timeframes for expedited implementation. The rationale for identifying these actions is to ensure they are implemented in a timely manner to better serve the Laguna Hills community. These actions are intended to alleviate the main issues identified in the AFFH analysis and the City intends to implement these and all the programs outlined in the Implementation Program during the 2021-2029 planning period. In addition, the City intends to monitor the AFFH actions on an annual basis in conjunction with the preparation of the Annual Progress Report (APR) to ensure the goals are being met. If any action items are not being achieved, the City will adjust its metrics, timeframes, and commitments as necessary to ensure it meets its AFFH goals.

Responsible Agency: Community Development
Funding Source: General Fund
Time Frame: Ongoing for the 2021-2029 planning period, and as

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 406 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 439 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed A-25
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING
further outlined in Table H-A1; the information
will be posted on the website by June 2023 and
updated annually. The City will meet with nonprofit organizations, governmental agencies, property owners and other parties named in this
program at least annually to implement this
program.

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 407 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 440 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed A-0
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING
Table H-A1
Fair Housing Program Action Items
Action Area Programs Specific Commitment Timeframe Geographic Targeting Metrics
Fair Housing Education and Outreach
Intergovernmental
Cooperation on Local and
Regional Housing
Program H-20: Local Housing Efforts
Coordination
Coordinate local housing efforts with
federal, state, regional, and local
government and/or agencies and
cooperate in implementation of
intergovernmental housing programs.
• Coordinate with
appropriate federal, state,
regional, and local
government and/or
agencies to ensure
maximum effectiveness in
solving local and regional
housing problems;
• Submit CDBG applications
to assist in preserving
existing affordable
housing stock;
• Continue to publicize
programs, such as
energy-efficiency
programs and state and
federal funding programs;
• Encourage local housing
advocates to make
presentations to local
builders and developers,
Chamber of Commerce,
civic groups, and the local
community re: affordable
and multifamily/higher
density development.
• High priority/
within 18
months of
Housing
Element
adoption;
• Post info by
June 2023
• Citywide • Submit CDBG
applications
annually;
• Post information
on the City’s
website (June
2023) and review
annually to
ensure that any
materials, links,
and info provided
are current;
• Facilitate
discussions
between local
housing
advocates,
developers, and
community
stakeholders on a
biannual basis.

Housing Mobility Enhancement
Accessory Dwelling Units
(ADUs)
Program H-8: Accessory Dwelling Units
Encourage the development of ADUs
throughout the City to expand housing
opportunities for all income levels within
existing neighborhoods, particularly for
lower-income seniors, single persons,
persons with disabilities, and small
households.
• Update the City’s current
ADU Ordinance;
• Promote development of
ADUs through City website
and informational
material;Identify and
implement potential
incentives to encourage
production of affordable
• High priority/
within 18
months of
Housing
Element
adoption
• Citywide;
target
marketing in
higher
opportunity
areas
• Update ADU
Ordinance (June
2023);
• Add promotional/
educational
materials on the
City’s website
(June 2023);
• Identify additional

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 408 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 441 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second A-1
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING
Table H-A1
Fair Housing Program Action Items
Action Area Programs Specific Commitment Timeframe Geographic Targeting Metrics
ADUs;
• Monitor the production and
affordability of ADUs
annually to ensure the City
will meet the assumption
of 18 ADUs during the
planning period;
• Explore funding options to
create an ADU Forgivable
Loan Program.
incentives to
encourage ADU
production
(ongoing);
• Monitor
production of
ADUs by income
level at the time
of the Annual
Progress Report
(APR);Explore
funding options
for an ADU
Forgivable Loan
Program (June
2024);
• Target 20% of
ADUs in higher
opportunity areas.

Objective Design
Standards
Program H-9: SB2 Grant Program
Implementation
Establish objective design standards for
residential development and analyze
opportunities to permit multifamily
residential in an existing commercial
center.
• Adopt objective design
standards for residential
development in the MXU
zone to encourage infill
residential development;
• Analyze opportunities to
permit multifamily
residential in an existing
commercial center in north
Laguna Hills in the CC
zone.
• Medium
priority/
within 24
months of
Housing
Element
adoption;
• All tasks
completed
by August
2024
• Target MXU
zone and VC
zone which are
in moderate
and high
resource
areas.
• Adopt objective
design standards
by August 2024;
• Analyze allowing
multifamily
residential in an
existing
commercial
center and amend
the Zoning Ord.
accordingly by
August 2024;
• Reduce
processing times
by up to 6 mons.

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 409 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 442 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second A-2
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING
Table H-A1
Fair Housing Program Action Items
Action Area Programs Specific Commitment Timeframe Geographic Targeting Metrics
Homeless Assistance Program H-13: Continuum of Care
Funding and Consolidated Plan
Participation
• Pursue homeless
assistance grants through
the Continuum;
• Assist public and private
nonprofit housing
developers in preparation
of funding applications for
special-needs populations;
• Conduct outreach to
service providers to
discuss ways the City can
assist in the development
of housing for lowerincome households.
• Medium
priority/
within 24
months of
Housing
Element
adoption;
• Annually by
September
of each year
• Citywide with
focus on
census tracts
with highest
concentrations
of LMI
households,
seniors, and/or
persons with
disabilities.
• Apply for
homeless
assistance grants
annually;
• Conduct annual
outreach to
service providers;
• Secure two
homeless
assistance grants
during the
planning period.

Reasonable
Accommodations
Program H-17: Accessibility in Housing
Continue to implement Reasonable
Accommodation ordinance.
• Work with local
organizations that provide
assistance to persons with
disabilities to implement an
outreach program that
informs persons with
disabilities and their
families about housing and
available services;
• Prepare and distribute
Informational material that
will direct people to service
information on the City
website;
• Encourage developers to
provide universal design
features in housing
developments;
• Provide fair housing
education and information
to apartment managers
and homeowners
associations on why denial
of reasonable
modifications/
• High priority/
within 18
months of
Housing
Element
adoption
• Citywide with
focus on
census tracts
with higher
populations of
persons with a
disability.
• Identify local
organizations for
ongoing
collaboration to
educate residents
with disabilities
about available
services (June
2024);
• Prepare and
distribute
informational
material (June
2024);
• Ongoing
implementation of
reasonable
accommodations.

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 410 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 443 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second A-3
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING
Table H-A1
Fair Housing Program Action Items
Action Area Programs Specific Commitment Timeframe Geographic Targeting Metrics
accommodations is
unlawful.

New Housing Choices and Affordability in Higher Opportunity Areas Provide Additional Housing
Opportunities for all
Members of the
Community
Program H-6: Urban Village Specific Plan
Area
• Promote the Urban Village
Specific Plan (UVSP) area
as a location for residential
development;
• Meet with prospective
developers to encourage
incorporating housing for
multiple income levels;
• Consider amending UVSP
to incorporate inclusionary
housing requirements;
• Provide regulatory
incentives on a case-bycase basis consistent with
Chapter 9-72 of the Zoning
Ordinance.
• High priority/
within 18
months of
Housing
Element
adoption
• Urban Village
Specific Plan
area
• Add promotional
material re: UVSP
housing
opportunities on
the City’s website
(June 2023);
• Annual outreach
to the
development
community;
• Identify methods
to provide
affordable
housing through
inclusionary
housing
requirements
(June 2024);
• Provide ongoing
assistance and
incentives to
interested
affordable and
special needs
housing
developers;
• Development of
sites 114, 115,
and 116 of the
sites inventory
during the
planning period.

Provide Housing Program H-7: Zoning Ordinance Update • Amend the Zoning • Medium • Citywide with • Complete amendments to

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 411 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 444 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second A-4
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING
Table H-A1
Fair Housing Program Action Items
Action Area Programs Specific Commitment Timeframe Geographic Targeting Metrics
Opportunities in Higher
Opportunity Areas for all
Members of the
Community
Ordinance to implement
the goals, policies, and
programs of the Housing
Element;
• Mitigate regulatory
constraints on the
production of housing.
priority/
within 24
months of
Housing
Element
adoption
the intent to
facilitate
housing
development in
higher
opportunity
areas.
the Zoning
Ordinance by
2025;
• Consider adaptive
reuse ordinance
by June 2024 and
implement, if
appropriate, by
June 2025;
• Consider
inclusionary
housing
ordinance and
present findings
to City Council by
June 2024 and
implement, if
appropriate, by
June 2025;
• Consider
congregational
overlay by June
2024 and
implement, if
appropriate, by
June 2025;
• Conduct initial
review of
development
standards and
permitting
requirements by
June 2025 and
update Zoning
Ordinance as
needed.

Provide Housing
Opportunities in Higher
Opportunity Areas for all
Program H-11: 2021-2029 Regional
Housing Need
• Amend the General Plan
and Zoning Code, as
needed, to provide
• High priority/
within 18
months of
• Rezone
specific sites
as identified in
• Rezone by
January 31, 2024.

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 412 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 445 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second A-5
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING
Table H-A1
Fair Housing Program Action Items
Action Area Programs Specific Commitment Timeframe Geographic Targeting Metrics
Members of the
Community
Address the 2021-2029 Regional Housing
Needs Allocation (RHNA) and ensure a
sufficient selection of sites are available for
higher-density development.
adequate sites for 413
lower-income units.

Housing
Element
adoption
the sites
inventory.

Collaborate with Affordable
Housing Developers
Program H-15: Affordable Housing
Developer Partnerships
Develop partnerships with mainstream and
special needs affordable housing
developers.
• Provide incentives (e.g.,
expedited processing, fee
waivers, and density
bonuses) to facilitate setasides for planned lowincome units; • Cooperate with owners of
existing affordable units to
secure appropriate federal
funding necessary to
maintain existing
affordability;
• Promote lower-income
housing development
incentives on the City
website;
• Conduct annual outreach
to developers.
• High priority/
within 18
months of
Housing
Element
adoption
• Citywide with
focus on sites
identified for
lower income
units.
• Ongoing provision
of incentives;
• Promote
incentives on City
website (June
2023) and update
annually;
• Annual outreach
to developers;
• Review and
prioritize local
funding at least
twice in the
planning period;
• Collaborate on
two affordable
housing
developments
during the
planning period.

Provide Housing
Opportunities in Higher
Opportunity Areas for all
Members of the
Community
Program H-21: Facilitating Housing on
Identified Sites
Ensure housing is developed that is
appropriate for identified income
categories on identified sites.
• Enact new measures that
will raise local funding for
construction of affordable
and other needed housing
types;
• Develop and implement
strategies to encourage
and facilitate lot
consolidation and phasing
of residential and mixeduse developments on
• Medium
priority/
within 24
months of
Housing
Element
adoption
• Citywide with
focus on sites
identified for
lower income
units.
• Implement new
measures to raise
local funding for
construction of
affordable
housing (June
2025);
• Annually meet
with local
developers and
property owners
to discuss
development

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 413 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 446 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second A-6
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING
Table H-A1
Fair Housing Program Action Items
Action Area Programs Specific Commitment Timeframe Geographic Targeting Metrics
large sites;
• Provide incentives for
residential and mixed-use
development;
• Conduct regular outreach
to owners of properties in
the land inventory to
inform them of regulatory
incentives and available
funding programs for
housing development;
• Explore the potential to
partner with a nonprofit
organization to offer a
program based on the
Community Land Trust
model;
• Work with stakeholders to
identify nongovernmental
constraints that may
impede the construction of
housing;
• Incorporate feedback from
developers on how to
better encourage
residential development.
opportunities;
• Conduct regular
outreach to
owners of
properties in the
land inventory,
twice a year;
• Explore potential
to partner with a
nonprofit
organization to
offer a program
based on the
Community Land
Trust model (June
2025);
• New construction
of 1,985 units
across all income
categories.

Place-Based Strategies for Community Preservation and Revitalization Property Maintenance Program H-1: Code Enforcement Program Target areas of concentrated rehabilitation
needs to result in repairs and mitigation of
potential cost, displacement, and
relocation impacts on residents.
• Enforce the Municipal
Code and address matters
related to property
maintenance that pose a
threat to public health,
safety, or welfare;
• Develop informational
• High priority/
within 18
months of
Housing
Element
adoption
• Target
neighborhoods
with the
greatest
concentrations
of low-income
• Ongoing code
enforcement;
• Develop
informational
materials by
December 2023;

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 414 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 447 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second A-7
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING
Table H-A1
Fair Housing Program Action Items
Action Area Programs Specific Commitment Timeframe Geographic Targeting Metrics
materials to help educate
property owners on
available funding
programs to assist with
rehabilitation (also see
Program H-3).
households. • 30 units
rehabilitated.

Property Maintenance Program H-2: State Franchise Tax Board Code Enforcement • Promote maintenance of
existing rental properties;
• Notify the State Franchise
Tax Board if substandard
rental housing is identified.
• High priority/
within 18
months of
Housing
Element
adoption
• Citywide with
focus on
census tracts
with highest
concentrations
of LMI
households.
• Ongoing
implementation
• Target 100%
compliance
following any
Notice of Property
Noncompliance
letter issued by
the State
Franchise Tax
Board.

Public Investment in
Specific Neighborhoods,
Including Services and
Amenities
Program H-3: Housing Rehabilitation
Mitigate blight, preserve housing stock,
and reduce potential for displacement due
to housing conditions.
• Work with Orange County
Housing and Community
Services Dept. to receive
rehabilitation loans and
grants for low and
moderate-income
homeowners and rental
property owners;
• Use CDBG funds as
funding becomes available
and pursue other funding
sources;
• Prepare and distribute
informational material
advertising the
rehabilitation program.
• Medium
priority/
within 24
months of
Housing
Element
adoption
• Citywide with
focus on Via
Lomas
neighborhood
and census
tracts with
highest
concentrations
of LMI
households.
• Apply for CDBG
and other funding
sources annually;
• Advertise
program on City
website and with
brochures (June
2024);
• 30 units
rehabilitated.

Public Investment in
Specific Neighborhoods,
Program H-4: At-Risk Units • Continue to pursue the
extension of affordability
controls for 51 units that
• High priority/
within 18
• Rancho
Moulton
• Annually prepare
a “Risk

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 415 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 448 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second A-8
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING
Table H-A1
Fair Housing Program Action Items
Action Area Programs Specific Commitment Timeframe Geographic Targeting Metrics
Including Services and
Amenities
Work with property owners to extend
affordability covenants on units at risk of
conversion to market rate.
are set to expire in 2032;
• Provide technical
assistance to preserve atrisk units;
• Apply for state or federal
funding on behalf of
interested non-profit
entities, if necessary, to
protect the affordability of
rental units.
months of
Housing
Element
adoption;
• Annually
housing
development;
• Via Lomas
neighborhood.

Assessment”
report provided by
the California
Housing
Partnership
Corporation;
• Preserve 51 units
in the Rancho
Moulton housing
development.

Displacement Protection
Displacement Risk of
Lower Income Residents
Due to Economic
Pressures
Program H-5: Foreclosure Referral
Program
• Provide foreclosure
information on City
website;
• Refer residents to external
agencies to assist in
reducing incidents of
foreclosures.
• High priority/
within 18
months of
Housing
Element
adoption
• Target census
tracts identified
as having a
high risk of
displacement,
e.g., costburdened
owners.
• Post information
on City website
(June 2023) and
update annually;
• Ongoing referral
to appropriate
agencies;
• Directly assist five
residents annually
through the
provision of
information and
resources to
reduce incidents
of foreclosures.

Homeless Assistance Program H-12: CDBG Funding for Shelter for the Homeless
• Allocate CDBG funds to
nonprofits providing
shelter for the homeless;
• Contract with Mercy
House or other housing
services providers to help
residents experiencing
homelessness obtain
services.
• High priority/
within 18
months of
Housing
Element
adoption;
• Annually by
September
of each year
• Citywide • Annually allocate
CDBG funding;
• Reduce
unsheltered
homeless
population by
10% during
planning period.

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 416 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 449 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second A-9
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING
Table H-A1
Fair Housing Program Action Items
Action Area Programs Specific Commitment Timeframe Geographic Targeting Metrics
Displacement Risk of
Lower Income Residents
Due to Economic
Pressures
Program H-14: Displacement Prevention
and Mitigation
• Provide referral services
and information to City
residents on housing
choice voucher programs;
• Study the feasibility of a
landlord incentive program
for landlords that choose
to accept voucher holding
tenants;
• Require replacement
housing units subject to
the requirements of SB
330 on sites identified in
the sites inventory when
any new development
occurs on a site that has
been occupied by or
restricted for the use of
lower-income households
at any time during the
previous five years;
• Consider adopting a local
Just Cause Eviction
ordinance;
• Study the feasibility of
adopting a Rent
Stabilization ordinance;
• Study the feasibility of
piloting a multi-lingual
Right to Counsel program.
• High priority/
within 18
months of
Housing
Element
adoption
• Citywide with
focus on
census tracts
with highest
concentrations
of LMI
households,
seniors, and/or
persons with
disabilities.
• Ongoing referral
on housing choice
voucher
programs;
• Within two years
of Housing
Element adoption
(June 2024),
consider the
feasibility of a
landlord incentive
program, a local
Just Cause
Eviction
ordinance, a
Local Rent
Stabilization
ordinance, and a
multi-lingual Right
to Counsel
program;
• Preserve the 17
housing choice
vouchers used by
Laguna Hills
households;
prevent the
displacement of
ten lower income
households.

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 417 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 450 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second A-10
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING
H-17. ACCESSIBILITY IN HOUSING
The City recognizes that all people have varying abilities and that many people will encounter temporary or permanent changes in ability to conduct the tasks necessary for daily living throughout their lives. The City will continue to implement its existing Reasonable Accommodation ordinance (Zoning Ordinance Chapter 9-93). The City will identify and work with local organizations that provide assistance to persons with disabilities, including developmental disabilities, to implement an outreach program that informs persons with disabilities and their families about housing and available services. Informational materials can include a brochure that will be offered in multiple languages and direct people to service information on the City’s website, which will be reviewed annually to make updates as necessary. The City will provide information (for examples, flyers and brochures) to businesses (for example, laundromats) and organizations (for example, churches) and encourage businesses and organizations to post information where it can be easily seen and to distribute it to the public. City staff will encourage prospective developers to provide universal design features in housing developments at the time of project application meeting(s). The City will provide fair housing education and information to apartment managers and homeowner associations on why denial of reasonable modifications/accommodations is unlawful.

Responsible Agency: Community Development
Funding Source: General Fund
Time Frame: By June 2024, review City website and make
updates to reflect available programs as necessary
and identify local organizations for ongoing
collaboration to educate residents with disabilities
about available services. Ongoing; implement
Reasonable Accommodation ordinance
Implementation and Monitoring
H-18. ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORTS
The City will report annually on progress toward implementation of the Housing Element and residential development activities citywide.

State law requires that each local jurisdiction submit an annual progress report on the implementation of its General Plan. For the Housing Element, the reporting must include the following:
1 Annual building activity by unit type, tenure, affordability level, deed restriction, and financial assistance;
2 Progress in achieving its RHNA;
3 Program-by-program account of implementation status; and

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 418 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 451 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed A-11
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING
4 Outcome/disposition of development applications identifying location, size, type, and status of residential development proposals for citywide use and for submittal to Center for Demographic Research at California State University and to the California Department of Finance.

The City will use the Annual Progress Report (APR) to ensure the Housing Element goals are being met and to monitor progress with Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing. If any implementation or action items are not being achieved, the City will adjust its metrics, timeframes, and commitments as necessary and within six months of submittal of the APR to meet its Housing Element and AFFH goals.

Responsible Agency: Community Development
Funding Source: General Fund
Time Frame: Prepare an annual report for submittal to HCD by April 1 of each year in the planning period; adjust
metrics, timeframes, and commitments as needed
within six months of submittal of the APR to
continue meeting Housing Element and AFFH
goals
H-19. HOUSING ISSUES MONITORING
The City will monitor existing and proposed affordable housing developments in the City. The City will also monitor legislation, trends, and policy issues related to the development and maintenance of affordable housing in Laguna Hills. Ongoing efforts throughout the planning period include, but are not limited to:
1 Monitoring development proposals in the City that could be used to maintain, increase, or enhance affordable housing opportunities; 2 Monitoring and market housing opportunities in the UVSP area, including affordable housing opportunities, through Planning Agency public hearings and project preapplication meetings; 3 Monitoring existing programs designed to preserve assisted housing developments for low-income households to determine whether additional actions are needed to protect these developments; 4 Monitoring of mobile home park for conversion to nonresidential use;
5 Attending housing and legislative review conferences; 6 Attending training workshops;
7 Participating in regional planning efforts coordinated by the SCAG; and
8 Interfacing with City agencies and the public.

Responsible Agency: Community Development
Funding Source: General Fund
Time Frame: Ongoing

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 419 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 452 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed A-12
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING
H-20. LOCAL HOUSING EFFORTS COORDINATION
The City shall coordinate local housing efforts with appropriate federal, state, regional, and local government and/or agencies and cooperate in implementation of intergovernmental housing programs to ensure maximum effectiveness in solving local and regional housing problems. The City will submit CDBG applications to assist in preserving existing affordable housing stock. The City will provide the adopted Housing Element to the South Orange County Wastewater Authority (SOCWA). The City will assist SOCWA in adopting written procedures to provide priority service to lower-income residential projects.

The City shall provide information to address public opposition to affordable and multifamily/higher density development that describes the myths and realities of multifamily and affordable housing development. This will include promoting ADUs as a housing option in the City. The City will also continue to publicize programs, such as energy-efficiency programs and state and federal funding programs currently available to Laguna Hills residents. Information is available on the City’s website and, when needed, the City makes the presentation/slide show on myths and realities of multifamily and affordable housing development available to housing advocates and to developers involved in local affordable housing projects.

The City shall continue to encourage local housing advocates to make presentations to local builders and developers, Chamber of Commerce, civic groups, and the local community. Additionally, the City shall publicize the City’s website as a source of information on housing programs.

Responsible Agency: Community Development
Funding Source: CDBG and General Fund
Time Frame: Ongoing. Post information on City website within by June 2023 and update annually.

H-21. FACILITATING HOUSING ON IDENTIFIED SITES
To ensure that housing is developed that is appropriate for identified income categories on identified sites, the City will take the following steps:

1. The City will evaluate the feasibility of enacting new measures that would raise local funding for the construction of affordable and other needed housing types. Funding sources to evaluate could include a housing trust fund, an affordable housing linkage fee, an increase in the City’s sales tax or transient occupancy tax rate, a General Obligation bond, or other dedicated funding source.

2. The City will develop and implement strategies to encourage and facilitate lot consolidation and phasing of residential and mixeduse developments on large sites to make sites more developable for housing. The City will meet with local developers and property owners to discuss development opportunities and

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 420 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 453 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed A-13
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING
incentives for lot consolidation on smaller sites and/or phasing of development on larger sites to accommodate affordable housing units and consider additional incentives brought forth by developers. As developers/owners approach the City with interest in lot consolidation or phased development on larger sites for the development of affordable housing, the City could defer certain fees, allow more height or additional stories, waive lot merger fees for certain small contiguous lots, and provide concurrent/fast tracking of project application reviews to developers who provide affordable housing. The City will also pursue grant funding for parcel assemblage land banking when it is available. Specifically, for site 113, the City will facilitate parceling the site at appropriate sizes to facilitate the development of affordable housing.

3. The City shall provide incentives for residential and mixed-use development on the sites in the land inventory, including reductions of development standards where feasible, particularly for projects that include deed-restricted affordable housing.

4. The City will conduct regular outreach to owners of properties in the land inventory to inform them of regulatory incentives and available funding programs for housing development, particularly for projects that include deed-restricted affordable housing.

5. The City will conduct outreach to attract and support affordable housing developers in the City, including developers of senior housing, extremely low-income units, and permanent supportive housing for persons with disabilities and developmental disabilities.

6. The City will explore the potential to partner with a nonprofit organization to offer a program based on the Community Land Trust model, where a community-controlled organization retains ownership of the land and sells or rents the housing on that land to lower-income household development projects aimed at providing homeownership opportunities for lower income
families and individuals. The City shall create information online and in brochure formats explaining the City’s residential and mixed-use property development standards and make it available on the City’s website and at the City’s permit counter.

7. As residential developments are approved by the City and building permits or final maps have not been obtained, the City will make diligent efforts to contact applicants to learn why units have not been constructed within two years after approval. If these impediments are due to nongovernmental constraints, such as accelerating construction costs, shortages of labor or materials, or rising interest rates, to the extent appropriate and legally possible, the City will seek to identify actions that may help to remove these constraints. In addition, the City will aim to work with stakeholders to identify nongovernmental constraints or other circumstances that may impede the construction of housing in Laguna Hills and work collaboratively to find

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 421 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 454 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed A-14
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING
strategies and actions that can eliminate or reduce identified constraints.

8. If this program is not effective, the City will immediately implement alternative strategies such as incorporating feedback from developers on how to better encourage residential
development, as well as, considering additional actions the City can take to encourage residential development.

Responsible Agency: Community Development
Funding Source: General Fund
Time Frame: Ongoing. Evaluate the feasibility of enacting new measures that would raise local funding for the
construction of affordable and other needed
housing types by June 2025 and implement selected
measure(s) within the year after that. Post
information on City website by June 2023 and
update annually. Meet with local developers and
property owners to discuss development
opportunities and incentives upon request. Conduct
regular outreach to owners of properties in the land
inventory, twice a year. Explore the potential to
partner with a nonprofit organization to offer a
program based on the Community Land Trust
model by June 2025 and implement selected
measure(s) within the year after that.

Quantified Objective/
AFFH Metric: New construction of 1,985 units, including very low, 568; low, 353; moderate, 354; above moderate,
710.

Quantified Objectives
Identifying quantified objectives refers to the number of new units that may potentially be constructed over the planning period, the number of existing units that can be expected to be rehabilitated, and the conservation of existing affordable housing stock. This information is presented in Table H-A2.

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 422 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 455 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed A-15
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING
Table H-A2
Quantified Objectives
Housing Program
Quantified Objectives per Income Group
Totals
Extremely
Low
Very
Low Low Moderate Above Moderate
New Construction 284 284 353 354 710 1,985
Rehabilitation1 10 10 10 0 0 30
Housing
Conservation/
Preservation2
18 19 31 0 0 51
Source: City of Laguna Hills
1 Based on Housing Element Implementation Programs H-1 and H-3. 2 Based on Housing Element Implementation Program H-4 to preserve 51 units and Program H-14 to encourage OCHA to continue to offer the 17 rental assistance vouchers currently in use.

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 423 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 456 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 424 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 457 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed B-1
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING
Appendix B:

Summary of Online Survey and
Public Workshop
Public Outreach
As noted in the Introduction to this Housing Element, as part of this update, the City conducted outreach activities including several public meetings with the City Council, stakeholder consultations, one virtual and one in-person community workshop and an online survey. The City also hosted a dedicated Housing Element webpage throughout the process and received several letters from advocates and residents. The Introduction to this Housing Element summarizes the input received through those activities and links the input with specific program actions the City will implement during the Housing Element planning period. The purpose of Appendix B is to provide additional details about the online survey and public workshop.

Online Survey
The City hosted a survey online from mid-June 2021 to mid-August 2021, with a link available on the City’s website. 287 respondents answered one or more questions. General trends that were apparent from the answers to the multiple-choice questions include:
• Thirty-six percent of respondents indicated that they or someone they know have experienced difficulty finding housing that is affordable in Laguna Hills. However, overall the community generally opposes the creation of additional housing, particularly multifamily, affordable and workforce housing.
• Approximately half of respondents are opposed to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) being added to existing properties in the City.

Approximately 18 percent of homeowners responded that they might be interested in building an ADU on their property.
• The community strongly opposes reducing the number of required onsite parking space for new townhouses and multi‐family development throughout Laguna Hills.
• The community is generally opposed to the City adjusting zoning requirements to increase the number of units per acre in the MXU (The MXU Zone currently allows 20 units per acre). The community also expressed opposition to the City requiring that a certain portion of the sites in the Mixed Use (MXU) Zone be redeveloped with projects that are at least 50 percent residential.
• While the community is generally opposed to allowing multi‐family

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 425 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 458 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed B-2
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING
development on commercial properties in the Office Professional (OP), Community Commercial (CC) and Freeway Commercial (FC) Zones there is more support for relying on enhancements to the Village Commercial zone to allow more residential development in that area. • The community generally opposes adjusting zoning requirements to allow new multi‐family buildings and mixed‐use buildings to be up to 70’ in height.
• There is strong opposition to reducing development fees for affordable housing and workforce housing developments by allocating additional funds from the General Fund, and most of the community also opposes revising the development fee structure to reduce fees for affordable housing developments while increasing them for market rate projects. • The community is strongly opposed to a bond measure to fund affordable housing.

The final question asked respondents to write in any additional thoughts that they wanted to share. Common themes included:
• Most respondents expressed opposition to building housing, particularly housing affordable to households with lower incomes and ADUs; however, several respondents submitted opposite sentiments. • Those who were opposed to more housing expressed concerns about the impact new multifamily housing would have on property values, the need for parking and infrastructure upgrades, as well as an increases in traffic, crime and overcrowding.
• Those who were in favor of more housing expressed the importance of considering the needs of senior citizens, people with disabilities, veterans, young people (particularly those who grew up in Laguna Hills and who cannot afford to raise their children near family members) and those earning “working class” salaries.
• The community generally favors redeveloping the Laguna Malls site.

However, many expressed frustrations that commercial businesses have already been destroyed there, while plans for redevelopment appear to be stalled out for an extended period of time. Suggestions for this site included mixed-uses with restaurants and entertainment-oriented businesses, a nursing school, outdoor space for events, parking and condominiums to provide opportunities for home ownership.

In-Person Public Workshop
An interactive workshop about the Housing Element Update was held on August 5, 2021, at the Laguna Hills Community Center. Based on the signin sheet, at least fifty-five members of the public were in attendance. City staff planned the event with multiple booths to encourage information sharing between the City and attendees on a selection of topics. A large TV played short videos on a loop. The videos were produced by the Orange County Council of Governments and the Association of California Cities - Orange County to explain the basics of the Regional Housing Needs

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 426 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 459 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed B-3
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING
Allocation (RHNA) and Housing Element process. The first interactive booth showed photos and diagrams of examples of multifamily residential and mixed-use developments at a range of densities throughout California.

The second booth showed a sample of the maps included in the Housing Element, in the Assessment of Fair Housing section and included a fact sheet about Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing. At the third booth, a map of the City’s zoning districts was displayed and information was shared about the allowable uses and residential densities in each zone. At the final booth, attendees were asked to apply stickers to maps of the City to identify the locations that are most suitable for new housing developments. At each booth, attendees provided insight and perspectives about the City’s approach to planning for future of housing in their community. Attendees also provided input via comment cards and post-it notes at the event, as well as emails sent to City staff afterwards.

Overall, there are concerns over where future housing will go, the type of housing that could potentially be built, limited resources for new developments, and the need to preserve Laguna Hills’ culture and suburban aesthetic. Many residents shared their disapproval of the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) allocation and suggested challenging it, such as with legal action. On the contrary, several attendees expressed support for housing development, especially affordable housing and mixed-use, as long as its responsibly planned and provides appropriate resources and infrastructure to ensure the continued quality of life that Laguna Hills residents enjoy. Attendees demonstrated interest in continuing to be included in the housing element process and are interest in learning more about the future of housing in their community.

The most frequently stated comments include:
• Disapproval of the RHNA allocation and State mandates. • Some attendees thought Laguna Hills has enough housing while others think it does not.
• The City should take actions that reflect the community’s needs and represent its constituents
o For some this meant the City should consider the housing needs of residents in extremely low-, very low-, and low- income brackets, including senior citizens, veterans, and essential workers.
o For others this meant the City should consider the desires of existing residents that do not want more housing built. • There is a lack of resources and infrastructure for additional housing. • There is a need to responsibly develop new housing while keeping in mind other urban factors (i.e., crime, traffic, pedestrian safety, providing adequate parking, water availability, maintaining and updating infrastructure to accommodate new developments).
• Concerns that more housing will negatively change the City’s culture, safety, and suburban aesthetic.

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 427 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 460 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed B-4
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING
• Concerns that property values and school quality will decrease. • Questions related to the housing element included who pays for new housing, whether eminent domain would be used, and
options/willingness to contest RHNA allocation.
• More parks, green spaces and beautification of the City would be good. • Mixed-use development is appropriate for Laguna Hills. • Some homeowners are interested in building accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on their properties.

Other comments include:
• Require solar or wind electricity generation with new development. • New developments should favor homeownership opportunities over rentals.
• Residents should get to vote on zoning changes.
• Look to European design to make denser developments more aesthetically appealing and include high-quality landscaping.

POTENTIAL FUTURE HOUSING LOCATIONS
Attendees were asked to apply stickers to maps of the City to identify the locations that are most suitable for new housing developments. Some attendees followed up after the workshop by emailing City staff with additional input on these locations. The maps that attendees were asked to use blocked out existing residential neighborhoods that are fully built out.

Staff guided attendees towards existing commercial and mixed-use districts where there is opportunity for redevelopment.

The two most popular areas for future housing are Areas #1 and #5, with 10 “yes” votes for each area. Area #1 is in north Laguna Hills, bounded by Lake Forest Drive to the north and Ridge Route Drive to the south. This area is near the cities of Irvine, Laguna Woods and Lake Forest. One attendee said they “could see housing components going into the areas along Lake Forest Drive, Mill Creek Drive, and Ridge Route Drive.” The current zoning is Mixed Use (MXU). The other most popular area is #5, which includes the Laguna Hills Mall redevelopment site and the surrounding area. This area is in the Urban Village Specific Plan (UVSP). One attendee gave this area a “no” vote.

The two areas with the next highest amounts of “yes” votes are both zoned Freeway Commercial (FC) but are not adjacent to each other. Area #2 received 4 “yes” votes. It is in north Laguna Hills, bounded by Ridge Route Drive and Interstate 5. Area #3 received 3 “yes” votes. It is on the eastern edge of Laguna Hills, This area borders Interstate 5 with through routes on La Paz and Cabot.

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 428 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 461 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed B-5
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING
This page intentionally left blank.

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 429 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 462 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 430 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 463 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed C-1
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING
Appendix C:

Owner Interest Letters

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 431 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 464 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed C-2
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING 6.1.c
Packet Pg. 432 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 465 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed C-3
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING 6.1.c
Packet Pg. 433 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 466 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed C-4
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING 6.1.c
Packet Pg. 434 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 467 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed C-5
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING 6.1.c
Packet Pg. 435 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 468 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed C-6
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING 6.1.c
Packet Pg. 436 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 469 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed C-7
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING 6.1.c
Packet Pg. 437 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 470 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed C-8
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING 6.1.c
Packet Pg. 438 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 471 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed C-9
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS GENERAL PLAN | HOUSING 6.1.c
Packet Pg. 439 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 472 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 440 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 473 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 441 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 474 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

6.1.c
Packet Pg. 442 Attachment: Attachment B, Exhibit 1 - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program /

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 475 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed 1820492.1
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-X

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS,

CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT
AND ZONING MAP AMENDMENT NO. RZNE-0011-2024,
(1) A TEXT AMENDMENT TO TITLE 9 (ZONING AND

SUBDIVISIONS) OF THE LAGUNA HILLS MUNICIPAL

CODE TO IMPLEMENT THE GENERAL PLAN HOUSING
ELEMENT BY AMENDING CHAPTER 9-30 (MXU MIXED

USE DISTRICT) TO MODIFY DEVELOPMENT

STANDARDS RELATED TO HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL
LAND USES AND CHAPTER 9-11 (OVERLAY DISTRICTS)

TO ESTABLISH A NEW HOUSING (H) OVERLAY ZONE

AND RELATED PROVISIONS AND DEVELOPMENT
STANDARDS; AND (2) AN AMENDMENT TO THE CITY’S

OFFICIAL ZONING MAP TO DESIGNATE SPECIFIC SITES

WITHIN THE HOUSING OVERLAY ZONE

THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS, CALIFORNIA, HEREBY FINDS AND DETERMINES AS FOLLOWS:

WHEREAS, Title 9 (Zoning and Subdivisions) of the Laguna Hills Municipal Code (LHMC) establishes allowable uses of property and related development standards within all zoning districts in the City; and WHEREAS, Title 9 (Zoning and Subdivisions) of the Laguna Hills Municipal Code (LHMC) establishes an official Zoning Map portraying the location and extent of the various zoning districts within the City; and WHEREAS, Government Code Section 65584 requires local jurisdictions to encourage, promote, and facilitate the development of housing to accommodate its regional housing need; and
WHEREAS, the City of Laguna Hills has been assigned an allocation of 1,985 new housing units as its share of the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (“RHNA”) in Southern California for the 6th Housing Element cycle covering the 2021-2029 Planning Period; and
WHEREAS, on June 28, 2022, the City Council adopted General Plan Amendment No. RZNE-0003-2020 approving the 2021-2029 Housing Element Update and an update to the General Plan Safety Element, as required in accordance with, and substantially compliant with, State Law; and

6.1.d
Packet Pg. 443 Attachment: Attachment C - Proposed Ordinance for Zoning Text Amendment and Zoning Map Amendment No. RZNE-0011-2024 (3470 :

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 476 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed Ordinance No. 2024-X

1820492.1
WHEREAS, the City of Laguna Hills has concurrently initiated the following actions (collectively, the “Project”): (A) General Plan Amendment No.

RZNE-0010-2024 to (1) amend the General Plan Housing Element to incorporate technical changes and clarifications reflected in the Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update and (2) amend the General Plan Land Use Element to implement Implementation Program H-11 of the Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update by specifying that designated sites may be developed at residential densities between 20 and 50 dwelling units per acre; (B) Zoning Text Amendment and Zoning Map Amendment No. RZNE-0011-2024 to implement Implementation Programs H-7 and H-11 of the Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update by (1) modifying the development standards applicable to high density residential uses in the City’s Mixed Use (MXU) Zoning District, (2) establishing a Housing (H) Overlay Zone and related provisions and development standards, and (3) modifying the City’s official Zoning Map to apply the Housing (H) Overlay Zone to specified properties; and (C) Zoning Text Amendment No. RZNE-0012-2024 to implement Implementation Programs H-7 and H-9 of the Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update by establishing citywide objective design standards for multi-family residential and mixed-use projects; and WHEREAS, this Zoning Text Amendment and Zoning Map Amendment No. RZNE-0011-2024 is a City-initiated zoning text amendment and zoning map amendment subject to Chapter 9-90 of the LHMC. Adoption of an amendment to the LHMC or to the official zoning map is a legislative act of the City Council subject to consideration and approval of an ordinance after a public hearing (LHMC §§ 9-90.050 and 9-90.060); and
WHEREAS, on March 26, 2024, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2024-03-26-X adopting the 7th Addendum to the General Plan Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) for the Project; and WHEREAS, on March 26, 2024, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2024-03-26-X approving General Plan Amendment General Plan Amendment No.

RZNE-0010-2024; and
WHEREAS, Implementation Program H-7 (Zoning Ordinance Update) of the Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update commits the City to evaluating and updating development standards, including open space, lot coverage, and height standards, and permit requirements for multifamily development; and WHEREAS, to meet state law requirements to address the City’s RHNA and to ensure a sufficient selection of sites in the City are available for higher density development, Implementation Program H-11 (2021-2029 Regional Housing Need) of the Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update commits the City to amending its Zoning and Development Code to “rezone” certain underutilized candidate sites identified in the Housing Element to modify the development standards applicable to

6.1.d
Packet Pg. 444 Attachment: Attachment C - Proposed Ordinance for Zoning Text Amendment and Zoning Map Amendment No. RZNE-0011-2024 (3470 :

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 477 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed Ordinance No. 2024-X

1820492.1
such sites in order to allow multifamily residential uses at an increased allowable density subject to the requirements of Government Code Section 65583.2(h); and WHEREAS, a notice of the public hearing, describing the project, date, time, and location of hearing was published on March 14, 2024, in the Saddleback Valley News, posted to the City’s website, emailed to a distribution list of interested parties, mailed via the United States Postal Service to property owners within the Mixed Use (MXU) zoning district, property owners of any Housing (H) Overlay site and property owners within a 300-foot radius of any Housing (H) Overlay Zone site, and was physically posted on March 15, 2024, at Laguna Hills City Hall, Laguna Hills Community Center, and Courtyard at La Paz shopping center; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Laguna Hills held a duly noticed public hearing and considered public comments and written and oral information and testimony presented by City staff, community residents, and other interested parties regarding the Project at a public hearing held on March 26, 2024; and WHEREAS, on March 26, 2024, at a duly noticed public hearing, the City Council approved General Plan Amendment No. RZNE-0010-2024 (Resolution No. 2024-03-26-X), adopting the 2021-2029 Housing Element Update and related Land Use Element Amendment.

THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS, CALIFORNIA, DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. The foregoing recitals set forth above are true and correct and are incorporated herein by reference.

SECTION 2. In accordance with Section 9-92.080 of the City of Laguna Hills Development Code, the following findings for approving Zoning Text Amendment and Zoning Map Amendment No. RZNE-0011-2024 are made:

1. That the amendment or plan is consistent with the intent of the goals and policies of the General Plan as a whole, and is not inconsistent with any element thereof:

The proposed zoning text and map amendments implement Programs H-7 (Zoning Ordinance Update) and H-11 (2021-2029 Regional Housing Need) of the Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update by up-zoning candidate housing sites identified in the housing element and by modifying the residential development standards in the MXU zoning district pertaining to maximum lot coverage, minimum private open space, and minimum landscape coverage, in order to help accommodate the City’s Regional Housing Need Allocation (RHNA) of 1,985 new dwelling units during the 6 th Cycle Planning Period. The proposed amendments will establish a new Housing (H) Overlay Zone covering the Housing Element candidate sites. As

6.1.d
Packet Pg. 445 Attachment: Attachment C - Proposed Ordinance for Zoning Text Amendment and Zoning Map Amendment No. RZNE-0011-2024 (3470 :

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 478 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed Ordinance No. 2024-X

1820492.1
amended pursuant to General Plan Amendment No. RZNE-0010-2024, the General Plan Land Use Element expressly permits a lot designated with the Housing (H) Overlay Zone in the Laguna Hills Municipal Code to be developed at residential densities between 20 and 50 dwelling units per acre, with no FAR restrictions for residential development, regardless of the underlying land use designation. The proposed zoning text and map amendments are consistent with the goals and objectives, and policies of the General Plan, including the 2021-2029 Housing Element and Land Use Element.

2. That the amendment or plan is necessary to prescribe reasonable controls and standards for affected land uses to ensure compatibility and integrity of those uses with other established uses:

The proposed zoning text and map amendments modify residential densities and development standards to facilitate residential development on sites grouped in specific areas of the City, as identified in the Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update, serving to protect and enhance established neighborhoods while helping the City evolve into a more integrated, walkable, and cohesive community, and to help meet the City’s RHNA of 1,985 new dwelling units during the 6th Cycle Planning Period (2021-2029).

3. That the amendment or plan is necessary to provide reasonable property development rights while protecting environmentally sensitive land uses and species:

The proposed zoning text and map amendments implement the Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update, which provides an eight-year housing plan for the City, as required by state law. Pursuant to the proposed amendments, Housing Overlay Zone designated sites may be developed at residential densities up to 50 dwelling units per acre, thus providing for increased property development rights for the identified sites. The amendments will facilitate densities to be balanced by architectural context, with objective design standards, and transit and pedestrian mobility, facilitating residential design that fosters livable and sustainable communities within the framework of the City’s existing built environment, while preserving natural open space areas. As analyzed in the 7th Addendum adopted by the City Council pursuant to Resolution No. 2024-03-26-X, the proposed zoning text and map amendments would not result in new significant environmental impacts that were not analyzed in the 2009 General Plan FEIR or cause a substantial increase in the severity of any previously identified significant impacts on the environment, and therefore are not anticipated to adversely affect sensitive land uses or species.

6.1.d
Packet Pg. 446 Attachment: Attachment C - Proposed Ordinance for Zoning Text Amendment and Zoning Map Amendment No. RZNE-0011-2024 (3470 :

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 479 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed Ordinance No. 2024-X

1820492.1

4. That the plan or amendment is necessary to correct discrepancies in standards or policies within the plan area or land use category:

The proposed zoning text and map amendments are necessary to implement Programs H-7 (Zoning Ordinance Update) and H-11 (2021-2029 Regional Housing Need) of the Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update and to be consistent with the amendments made to the General Plan Land Use Element pursuant to General Plan Amendment No. RZNE-0010-2024.

5. That the plan or amendment is necessary to protect the general health, safety, or general welfare of the community as a whole:

The proposed zoning text and map amendments are necessary to implement Programs H-7 (Zoning Ordinance Update) and H-11 (2021-2029 Regional Housing Need) of the Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update and to help the City accommodate its Regional Housing Need Allocation (RHNA) of 1,985 new dwelling units during the 6th Cycle Planning Period. Appropriate regulations, including provisions for parking, height, setbacks, lot coverage, open space, and landscaping, will help to ensure that the general health, safety, or general welfare of the City will be preserved. The proposed zoning text and map amendments, in conjunction with objective design standards adopted pursuant to Zoning Text Amendment No. RZNE-0012-2024 will implement the General Plan’s goals to create distinctive vibrant spaces that allow for a variety of housing types and a balance of residential, mixed-use, and commercial land uses.

SECTION 3. Resolution No. 2024-03-26-X adopting a 7th Addendum to the General Plan Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) for the Project is hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth fully herein.

SECTION 4. Title 9 of the Laguna Hills Municipal Code (Zoning and Subdivisions), Chapter 9-30 (MXU Mixed Use District), Section 9-30.40 (Development Standards), is hereby amended and restated to read in its entirety as follows:

6.1.d
Packet Pg. 447 Attachment: Attachment C - Proposed Ordinance for Zoning Text Amendment and Zoning Map Amendment No. RZNE-0011-2024 (3470 :

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 480 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed Ordinance No. 2024-X

1820492.1
“Table 9-30.040 provides standards that apply to developments within the mixed use district regardless of the specific use.

Table 9-30.040

MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
Item Commercial Residential (HDR only)
Minimum lot size 10,000 sq. ft. 7200 sq. ft.

Minimum lot width 50 ft. 60 ft.

Minimum lot depth 100 ft. 100 ft.

Maximum lot coverage 50% 70%
Maximum density .38 FAR 20 DUs/AC
Maximum building height 40 ft. 35 ft.

Minimum setback—front:

Parking lot
Parking structure
Building
10 ft.
20 ft.
20 ft.
20 ft.
20 ft.
20 ft.

Minimum setback—side (interior) 10 ft. 5 ft.

Minimum setback—street side 15 ft. (parking lot 10 ft.) 15 ft.

Minimum setback—rear 15 ft. 20 ft.

Minimum open space:

Public
Private
N/A
N/A
N/A
10%
Minimum landscape coverage 15% 20%
Minimum building separation:

Main → Main
Main → Accessory
Accessory → Accessory
10 ft.

2.5 ft.

2.5 ft.
10 ft.

2.5 ft.

2.5 ft.

Parking See Chapter 9-44
Signage See Chapter 9-42”

6.1.d
Packet Pg. 448 Attachment: Attachment C - Proposed Ordinance for Zoning Text Amendment and Zoning Map Amendment No. RZNE-0011-2024 (3470 :

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 481 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed Ordinance No. 2024-X

1820492.1
SECTION 5. Title 9 of the Laguna Hills Municipal Code (Zoning and Subdivisions), Chapter 9-11 (Overlay Districts), Section 9-11.030 (Denotation/location of overly districts), is hereby amended and restated to read in its entirety as follows:
“Overlay districts shall be denoted on the zoning map by the base district symbol followed by, as part of the symbol, parenthetically enclosed letters indicating the overlay district. The following overlay districts have been created:

District Symbol Location/Description
Vehicle Repair and
Vehicle Body
Repair/Paint
Restoration
VR
23501, 23502, 23512, 23522, 23532,
and 23551 Commerce Center Drive,
in the North Laguna Hills Business
Park
Hospitality Overlay
Zone HOZ
23002 Lake Forest Drive; 23052,
23041, 23046, 23061, and 23175
Avenida de la Carlota; 23421,
23441, and 23461 South Pointe
Drive.

Housing Overlay Zone H
23201, 23212, 23272, 23282, 23330,
23332, 23382, 23422, 24411, and
24461 Mill Creek Drive; 23172 Plaza
Pointe Drive; 23441, 23342, and
23421 South Pointe Drive”
SECTION 6. Title 9 of the Laguna Hills Municipal Code (Zoning and Subdivisions), Chapter 9-11 (Overlay Districts), is hereby amended to add Section 9-11.060 (Housing overlay zone) to read in its entirety as follows:
“9.11.060 Housing overlay zone.

A. Purpose and Intent. The housing (H) overlay zone is established to provide development and land use regulations for the development of housing on specified sites identified in the City of Laguna Hills 2021-2029 Housing Element to accommodate the City’s unmet Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA).

B. Development Standards. The development standards applicable to residential uses within the housing overlay zone are shown within Table 9-11.060. All other applicable development standards in the underlying zoning district and not in conflict with this section shall apply.

6.1.d
Packet Pg. 449 Attachment: Attachment C - Proposed Ordinance for Zoning Text Amendment and Zoning Map Amendment No. RZNE-0011-2024 (3470 :

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 482 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed Ordinance No. 2024-X

1820492.1
Table 9-11.060
Item Standard
Minimum density 20 du/ac
Maximum density 50 du/ac
Maximum building height 65 ft
C. Special Provisions. The following regulations shall apply to the use of a lot designated with the housing overlay zone, in addition to all applicable provisions of this title. Where there is a conflict, the provisions of this section shall apply.

1. Residential uses shall occupy at least 50 percent of the total gross floor area of a mixed-use development.

2. For developments in which 20 percent or more of the units are affordable to lower income households (income and affordability levels set forth in Sections 50079.5, 50093, and 50105 of the Health and Safety Code shall apply), owner-occupied and rental multifamily uses are considered a use by right pursuant to subdivisions (h) and (i) of Government Code Section 65583.2 and shall be reviewed ministerially by the Director.

3. An applicant for a project pursuant to this Section may apply for a density bonus, incentives or concessions, waivers or reductions in development standards, and reduced parking ratios in accordance with Government Code Section 65915 and Section 9-72.030.”
SECTION 7. The official Zoning Map is hereby amended as shown in Exhibit 1 to this Ordinance to denote the Housing (H) Overlay Zone for the applicable properties as referenced in LHMC Section 9-11.030 (Denotation/location of overly districts).

SECTION 8. This Ordinance shall take effect on _____, 2024, the 31st day following the adoption of this Ordinance by the City Council.

SECTION 9. Upon the effective date of this Ordinance, the provisions hereof shall supersede any inconsistent or conflicting provisions of the Laguna Hills Municipal Code.

SECTION 10. If any section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this Ordinance is, for any reason, held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. The City Council hereby declares that it would have adopted this Ordinance and each section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion thereof be declared invalid or unconstitutional.

6.1.d
Packet Pg. 450 Attachment: Attachment C - Proposed Ordinance for Zoning Text Amendment and Zoning Map Amendment No. RZNE-0011-2024 (3470 :

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 483 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed Ordinance No. 2024-X

1820492.1
SECTION 11. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Ordinance and cause the same to be posted at the duly designated posting places within the City and published once within fifteen days after passage and adoption as may be required by law; or, in the alternative, the City Clerk may cause to be published a summary of this Ordinance and a certified copy of the text of this Ordinance shall be posted in the Office of the City Clerk five days prior to the date of adoption of this Ordinance; and, within fifteen days after adoption, the City Clerk shall cause to be published, the aforementioned summary and shall post a certified copy of this Ordinance, together with the vote for and against the same, in the Office of the City Clerk.

PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this X day of X 2024.
____________________________________

DAVE WHEELER, MAYOR
ATTEST:
______________________________________

JENNIFER LEE, CITY CLERK

6.1.d
Packet Pg. 451 Attachment: Attachment C - Proposed Ordinance for Zoning Text Amendment and Zoning Map Amendment No. RZNE-0011-2024 (3470 :

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 484 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed Ordinance No. 2024-X

1820492.1

STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF ORANGE ) ss

CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS )
I, Jennifer Lee, City Clerk of the City of Laguna Hills, California, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Ordinance No. 2024-X was duly introduced and placed upon its first reading at a Regular Meeting of the City Council on the X day of X 2024, and that thereafter, said Ordinance was duly adopted and passed at a Regular Meeting of the City Council held on the X day of X 2024, by the following vote, to wit:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
(SEAL)
_____________________________________

JENNIFER LEE, CITY CLERK

6.1.d
Packet Pg. 452 Attachment: Attachment C - Proposed Ordinance for Zoning Text Amendment and Zoning Map Amendment No. RZNE-0011-2024 (3470 :

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 485 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed Ordinance No. 2024-X

1820492.1

STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF ORANGE ) ss AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING

CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS ) AND PUBLICATION
JENNIFER LEE, being first duly sworn, deposes and says:

That she is the duly appointed and qualified City Clerk of the City of Laguna Hills;
That in compliance with State Laws of the State of California, ORDINANCE NO. 2024-X, being:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS,

CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT
AND ZONING MAP AMENDMENT NO. RZNE-0011-2024,
(1) A TEXT AMENDMENT TO TITLE 9 (ZONING AND

SUBDIVISIONS) OF THE LAGUNA HILLS MUNICIPAL

CODE TO IMPLEMENT THE GENERAL PLAN HOUSING
ELEMENT BY AMENDING CHAPTER 9-30 (MXU MIXED

USE DISTRICT) TO MODIFY DEVELOPMENT

STANDARDS RELATED TO HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL
LAND USES AND CHAPTER 9-11 (OVERLAY DISTRICTS)

TO ESTABLISH A NEW HOUSING (H) OVERLAY ZONE

AND RELATED PROVISIONS AND DEVELOPMENT
STANDARDS; AND (2) AN AMENDMENT TO THE CITY’S

OFFICIAL ZONING MAP TO DESIGNATE SPECIFIC SITES
WITHIN THE HOUSING OVERLAY ZONE.
on the X day of X 2024, and on the X day of X 2024, was published in summary in the Saddleback Valley News; and was, in compliance with City Resolution No. 2004-05-25-2, by the X day of X 2024, and the X day of X 2024, caused to be posted in three places in the City of Laguna Hills, to wit:

Laguna Hills City Hall
Laguna Hills Community Center
La Paz Center
_________________________________

JENNIFER LEE, CITY CLERK
Laguna Hills, California

6.1.d
Packet Pg. 453 Attachment: Attachment C - Proposed Ordinance for Zoning Text Amendment and Zoning Map Amendment No. RZNE-0011-2024 (3470 :

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 486 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed Ordinance No. 2024-X

1820492.1
EXHIBIT 1

OFFICIAL ZONING MAP, AS AMENDED

6.1.d
Packet Pg. 454 Attachment: Attachment C - Proposed Ordinance for Zoning Text Amendment and Zoning Map Amendment No. RZNE-0011-2024 (3470 :

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 487 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed Ordinance No. 20
24-X

1820492.1

6.1.d
Packet Pg. 455 Attachment: Attachment C - Proposed Ordinance for Zoning Text Amendment and Zoning Map Amendment No. RZNE-0011-2024 (3470 :

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 488 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed 1822845.1
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-X

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS,

CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT
NO. RZNE-0012-2024, AN AMENDMENT TO TITLE 9
(ZONING AND SUBDIVISIONS) OF THE LAGUNA HILLS
MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADD CHAPTER 9-41 (OBJECTIVE

DESIGN STANDARDS) ESTABLISHING CITYWIDE
OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIPLEFAMILY AND MIXED-USE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

AND TO ADOPT THE LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE

DESIGN STANDARDS MANUAL

THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS, CALIFORNIA, HEREBY FINDS AND DETERMINES AS FOLLOWS:

WHEREAS, Title 9 (Zoning and Subdivisions) of the Laguna Hills Municipal Code (LHMC) establishes allowable uses of property and related development standards within all zoning districts in the City; and WHEREAS, several provisions of state law, including, but not limited to, Government Code Sections 65583.2, 65589.5, 65852.28, 65912.110-65912.114, 65912.120-65912.124, and 65913.4, limit the authority of cities and counties to apply discretionary review and/or design and development standards that are not objective to certain housing development projects, including certain multiple-family and mixed-use residential projects; and
WHEREAS, Implementation Program H-7 (Zoning Ordinance Update) of the City’s General Plan Housing Element commits the City to bringing its Zoning Ordinance into compliance with state law and evaluating and updating development standards and permit requirements for multiple-family development; and WHEREAS, Implementation Program H-9 (SB 2 Grant Program Implementation) of the City’s General Plan Housing Element commits the City to establishing objective design standards for residential development in the MXU (MixedUse) zoning district; and WHEREAS, the City of Laguna Hills desires to establish objective design standards applicable to multiple-family and mixed-use residential development projects in the City in order to implement the Housing Element and to appropriately regulate development in a manner that is consistent with state law and which facilitates a fair and efficient review process that results in high quality development and buildings that are appropriate for their context and environment; and

6.1.e
Packet Pg. 456 Attachment: Attachment D - Proposed Ordinance for Objective Design Standards, Zoning Text Amendment No. RZNE-0012-2024 (3470 :

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 489 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed Ordinance No. 2024-X

1822845.1
WHEREAS, this Zoning Text Amendment No. RZNE-0012-2024 is a Cityinitiated zoning text amendment subject to Chapter 9-90 of the LHMC. Adoption of an amendment to the LHMC is a legislative act of the City Council subject to consideration and approval of an ordinance after a public hearing (LHMC §§ 9-90.050 and 9-90.060); and
WHEREAS, the City of Laguna Hills has concurrently initiated the following actions (collectively, the “Project”): (A) General Plan Amendment No.

RZNE-0010-2024 to (1) amend the General Plan Housing Element to incorporate technical changes and clarifications reflected in the Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update and (2) amend the General Plan Land Use Element to implement Implementation Program H-11 of the Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update by specifying that designated sites may be developed at residential densities between 20 and 50 dwelling units per acre; (B) Zoning Text Amendment and Zoning Map Amendment No. RZNE-0011-2024 to implement Implementation Programs H-7 and H-11 of the Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update by (1) modifying the development standards applicable to high density residential uses in the City’s Mixed Use (MXU) Zoning District, (2) establishing a Housing (H) Overlay Zone and related provisions and development standards, and (3) modifying the City’s official Zoning Map to apply the Housing (H) Overlay Zone to specified properties; and (C) Zoning Text Amendment No. RZNE-0012-2024 to implement Implementation Programs H-7 and H-9 of the Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update by establishing citywide objective design standards for multi-family residential and mixed-use projects; and WHEREAS, on March 26, 2024, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2024-03-26-X adopting the 7
th Addendum to the General Plan Program
Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) for the Project; and WHEREAS, a notice of the public hearing, describing the project, date, time, and location of hearing was published on March 14, 2024, in the Saddleback Valley News, posted to the City’s website, emailed to a distribution list of interested parties, and was physically posted on March 15, 2024, at Laguna Hills City Hall, Laguna Hills Community Center, and Courtyard at La Paz shopping center; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Laguna Hills held a duly noticed public hearing and considered public comments and written and oral information and testimony presented by City staff, community residents, and other interested parties regarding the Project at a public hearing held on March 26, 2024; and

THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS, CALIFORNIA, DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. The foregoing recitals set forth above are true and correct and are incorporated herein by reference.

6.1.e
Packet Pg. 457 Attachment: Attachment D - Proposed Ordinance for Objective Design Standards, Zoning Text Amendment No. RZNE-0012-2024 (3470 :

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 490 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed Ordinance No. 2024-X

1822845.1
SECTION 2. In accordance with Section 9-92.080 of the City of Laguna Hills Development Code, the following findings for approving Zoning Text Amendment No.

RZNE-0012-2024 are made:

1. That the amendment or plan is consistent with the intent of the goals and policies of the General Plan as a whole, and is not inconsistent with any element thereof:

The Development Code is the primary tool for implementing the General Plan, providing regulating standards, identification of permitted uses, and other regulations that support the proper implementation of the General Plan Land Use Element. This zoning text amendment adds Chapter 9.41 (Objective Design Standards) to the Development Code to establish Objective Design Standards for multi-family residential and mixed-use residential development citywide. These Objective design Standards are intended to facilitate high quality multi-family residential development with a clear set of rules that are understandable by the public, City staff and development community in order to facilitate an efficient review process that results in buildings that are appropriate for their context and environment, thus enhancing the community’s identity and furthering several goals and policies of the Land Use Element. The adoption of Objective Design Standards also implements Programs H-7 and H-9 of the City’s Housing Element.

2. That the amendment or plan is necessary to prescribe reasonable controls and standards for affected land uses to ensure compatibility and integrity of those uses with other established uses:

The Objective Design Standards manual includes Site Design, Building Design, and Architectural Style standards that are measurable, verifiable, and knowable to all parties prior to project submittal. The Objective Design Standards do not modify existing development standards as provided in the Development Code for each zoning district within the City. Rather, the Objective Design Standards supplement the existing Development Code standards and provide a set of clear criteria to guide development that aligns with the City’s expectations and vision to maintain and support the character of the City, and serve to protect and enhance established neighborhoods and vicinity uses.

3. That the amendment or plan is necessary to provide reasonable property development rights while protecting environmentally sensitive land uses and species:

The Objective Design Standards manual preserves property development rights while providing a clear set of site design, building design, and architectural style requirements for new multi-family residential and mixed-use

6.1.e
Packet Pg. 458 Attachment: Attachment D - Proposed Ordinance for Objective Design Standards, Zoning Text Amendment No. RZNE-0012-2024 (3470 :

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 491 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed Ordinance No. 2024-X

1822845.1
development, that are measurable, verifiable, and knowable to all parties prior to project submittal, and that are consistent with the General Plan and Development Code, including all existing Development Code development standards as provided in the each zoning district within the City. As analyzed in the 7th Addendum adopted by the City Council pursuant to Resolution No. 2024-03-26-X, the proposed text amendment and adoption of Objective Design Standards would not result in new significant environmental impacts that were not analyzed in the 2009 General Plan PEIR or cause a substantial increase in the severity of any previously identified significant impacts on the environment, and therefore are not anticipated to adversely impact environmentally sensitive land uses or species.

4. That the plan or amendment is necessary to correct discrepancies in standards or policies within the plan area or land use category:

The Objective Design Standards do not modify existing development standards as provided in the Development Code for each Zoning District within the City. Rather, the Objective Design Standards supplement the existing Development Code standards and provide a set of clear criteria to guide development that aligns with the City’s expectations and vision to maintain and support the character of the City, and serve to protect and enhance established neighborhoods and vicinity uses. The Objective Design Standards manual includes Site Design, Building Design, and Architectural Style requirements that are measurable, verifiable, and knowable to all parties prior to project submittal, allowing the City to appropriately regulate projects under State law.

5. That the plan or amendment is necessary to protect the general health, safety, or general welfare of the community as a whole:

The Objective Design Standards manual will establish appropriate design and development standards that are consistent with the General Plan and other provisions of the Development Code, including all existing development standards. The manual provides a clear set of site design, building design, and architectural style requirements for new multi-family residential and mixed-use development. The Objective Design Standards are measurable, verifiable, and knowable to all parties prior to project submittal. The Objective Design Standards will ensure residential development maintains the established character and quality of design within the City and support new housing production by streamlining the approval process for qualifying projects. Therefore, the Objective Design Standards will not adversely affect public health, safety, or general welfare.

6.1.e
Packet Pg. 459 Attachment: Attachment D - Proposed Ordinance for Objective Design Standards, Zoning Text Amendment No. RZNE-0012-2024 (3470 :

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 492 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed Ordinance No. 2024-X

1822845.1
SECTION 3. Resolution No. 2024-03-26-X adopting a 7th Addendum to the General Plan Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) for the Project is hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth fully herein.

SECTION 4. Title 9 of the Laguna Hills Municipal Code (Zoning and Subdivisions), Chapter 9-41 (Objective Design Standards), is hereby added to read in its entirety as follows:
“Chapter 9-41

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
9-41.010 Purpose and intent.

The purpose and intent of this chapter is to establish citywide objective design standards for multiple-family residential and mixed-use residential development projects, which are based on the City’s established character, aesthetics, and high quality of the built environment, and that are measurable, verifiable, and knowable to all parties prior to project submittal.

9.41.020 Applicability.

The objective design standards established herein apply to the development or substantial improvement of any duplex, multiple-family dwelling, residential condominium, or mixed-use development project featuring a combination of residential and other uses. All such development shall be subject to the Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards manual (the “Manual”), which is on file with the City Clerk, and which is incorporated by reference into this Section 9-41.020 as if fully set forth herein.” SECTION 5. The City Council hereby adopts the Objective Design Standards manual, incorporated by reference in LHMC Chapter 9-41 (Objective Design Standards) and attached to this Ordinance as Exhibit 1. The City Council further directs the City Clerk to maintain a copy of said manual on file in Office of the City Clerk, make it freely accessible to the public, and to cause a copy of the manual to be posted on the official City of Laguna Hills website.

SECTION 6. This Ordinance shall take effect on , 2024, the 31st day following the adoption of this Ordinance by the City Council.

SECTION 7. Upon the effective date of this Ordinance, the provisions hereof shall supersede any inconsistent or conflicting provisions of the Laguna Hills Municipal Code.

SECTION 8. If any section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this Ordinance is, for any reason, held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. The City Council hereby declares that it would have adopted this Ordinance and each section, subsection, subdivision,

6.1.e
Packet Pg. 460 Attachment: Attachment D - Proposed Ordinance for Objective Design Standards, Zoning Text Amendment No. RZNE-0012-2024 (3470 :

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 493 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed Ordinance No. 2024-X

1822845.1
sentence, clause, phrase, or portion thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion thereof be declared invalid or unconstitutional.

SECTION 9. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Ordinance and cause the same to be posted at the duly designated posting places within the City and published once within fifteen days after passage and adoption as may be required by law; or, in the alternative, the City Clerk may cause to be published a summary of this Ordinance and a certified copy of the text of this Ordinance shall be posted in the Office of the City Clerk five days prior to the date of adoption of this Ordinance; and, within fifteen days after adoption, the City Clerk shall cause to be published, the aforementioned summary and shall post a certified copy of this Ordinance, together with the vote for and against the same, in the Office of the City Clerk.

PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this X day of X 2024.
________________________________

DAVE WHEELER, MAYOR
ATTEST:
______________________________________

JENNIFER LEE, CITY CLERK

6.1.e
Packet Pg. 461 Attachment: Attachment D - Proposed Ordinance for Objective Design Standards, Zoning Text Amendment No. RZNE-0012-2024 (3470 :

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 494 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed Ordinance No. 2024-X

1822845.1

STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF ORANGE ) ss

CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS )
I, Jennifer Lee, City Clerk of the City of Laguna Hills, California, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Ordinance No. 2024-X was duly introduced and placed upon its first reading at a Regular Meeting of the City Council on the X day of X 2024, and that thereafter, said Ordinance was duly adopted and passed at a Regular Meeting of the City Council held on the X day of X 2024, by the following vote, to wit:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
(SEAL)
_____________________________________

JENNIFER LEE, CITY CLERK

6.1.e
Packet Pg. 462 Attachment: Attachment D - Proposed Ordinance for Objective Design Standards, Zoning Text Amendment No. RZNE-0012-2024 (3470 :

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 495 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed Ordinance No. 2024-X

1822845.1

STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF ORANGE ) ss AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING

CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS ) AND PUBLICATION
JENNIFER LEE, being first duly sworn, deposes and says:

That she is the duly appointed and qualified City Clerk of the City of Laguna Hills;
That in compliance with State Laws of the State of California, ORDINANCE NO. 2024-X, being:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS,

CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT
NO. RZNE-0012-2024, AN AMENDMENT TO TITLE 9
(ZONING AND SUBDIVISIONS) OF THE LAGUNA HILLS
MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADD CHAPTER 9-41 (OBJECTIVE

DESIGN STANDARDS) ESTABLISHING CITYWIDE
OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIPLEFAMILY AND MIXED-USE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

AND TO ADOPT THE LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE

DESIGN STANDARDS MANUAL
on the X day of X 2024, and on the X day of X 2024, was published in summary in the Saddleback Valley News; and was, in compliance with City Resolution No. 2004-05-25-2, by the X day of X 2024, and the X day of X 2024, caused to be posted in three places in the City of Laguna Hills, to wit:

Laguna Hills City Hall
Laguna Hills Community Center
La Paz Center
_________________________________

JENNIFER LEE, CITY CLERK
Laguna Hills, California

6.1.e
Packet Pg. 463 Attachment: Attachment D - Proposed Ordinance for Objective Design Standards, Zoning Text Amendment No. RZNE-0012-2024 (3470 :

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 496 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed Ordinance No. 2024-X

1822845.1
EXHIBIT 1

LAGUNA HILLS

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS MANUAL

6.1.e
Packet Pg. 464 Attachment: Attachment D - Proposed Ordinance for Objective Design Standards, Zoning Text Amendment No. RZNE-0012-2024 (3470 :

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 497 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

LAGUNA HILLS
California

F O R M U LT I FA M I LY &

MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT

CITY OF LAGUNA

HILLS OBJECTIVE

DESIGN STANDARDS

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 465 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 498 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed i CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

CITY COUNCIL PREPARED FOR

PREPARED BY

ADOPTED BY

CITY STAFF
City of Laguna Hills
24035 El Toro Road
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Dave Wheeler Mayor
Joshua Sweeney Mayor Pro Tempore
Don Caskey Council Member
Janine Heft Council Member
Erica Pezold Council Member
Jarad Hildenbrand City Manager
Gregory E.Simonian City Attorney
Larry Longenecker Community Development Director
Jay Wuu Senior Planner
Jennifer Ash Assistant Planner
Ordinance XX - X
JZMK Partners
3080 Bristol Ave, Suite 350
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 466 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 499 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT ii

CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

1.1 PURPOSE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

1.2 ORGANIZATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

1.3 APPLICABILITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

1.4 USER GUIDE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

1.5 RELATiONSHiP WiTH GENERAL PLAN & DEVELOPMENT CODE ......................... . 4

1.6 TERMINOLOGY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 2 SITE DESIGN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

2.1 BLOCK SIZE & STRUCTURE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

2.2 BUILDING ORIENTATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

2.3 GROUND FLOOR USES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

2.4 UTILITIES, SERVICE AREAS & BUILDING EQUIPMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

2.5 OPEN SPACE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

2.6 VEHICULAR ACCESS & PARKING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

2.7 BICYCLE PARKING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

2.8 PEDESTRIAN ACCESS & CIRCULATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

2.9 SITE LIGHTING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 467 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 500 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed iii CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT 3 BUILDING DESIGN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

3.1 MASSING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

3.2 STEPBACKS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

3.3 ALLOWABLE PROJECTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

3.4 NEIGHBORHOOD TRANSITION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

3.5 WINDOW ALIGNMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

3.6 NOISE & ODOR ATTENUATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

3.7 ARTICULATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

3.8 FAÇADE DESIGN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

3.9 BUILDING ENTRANCE TYPOLOGIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 4 ARCHITECTURAL STYLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

4.1 OVERVIEW AND APPLICATIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

4.2 SPANISH. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

4.3 MEDITERRANEAN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

4.4 RANCH. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 5 LANDSCAPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

5.1 LANDSCAPE MATERIALS & VEGETATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

5.2 HARDSCAPE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

5.3 WALLS & FENCING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

5.4 SITE FURNISHINGS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 468 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 501 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT 1 1

INTRODUCTION

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 469 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 502 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed 2 CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT a. Preserve the character of Laguna Hills neighborhoods by balancing the form and design of existing
development with new construction techniques
and typologies.
b. Encourage human-scaled buildings that adhere
to zoning regulations and promote high quality
site and building design.
c. Emphasize a pedestrian-oriented environment
where buildings and public realm design are
cohesive and complementary of a diverse
range of uses.

1.2 ORGANIZATION
The Objective Design Standards are organized into an
introduction and five sections: Site Planning, Site Design, Building Design, Architectural Styles and Landscape.

The Purpose subsection outlines the high-level goals
of the section and draws from Goals and Policies of
the Laguna Hills General Plan. Within each section,
subsections organize one or more design standards
that will regulate specific design guidance. The design guidance is provided for each subsection with an intent statement that outlines General Plan and other planning policies and specific intent of the standards that follow.

1.3 APPLICABILITY

1.3.1 APPLICABLE PROJECT
TYPES
These Objective Design Standards apply to all
new construction projects that meet any of meet the
following criteria:

1. Residential projects including duplexes,
multiple-family dwelling, or residential
condominium.

2. Mixed-use projects featuring a combination of
residential and other uses.

Objective Design Standards also apply to any
substantial improvement of existing multiple-family
or mixed-use development where any
extension, repair, reconstruction or other
improvement of a property, the cost of which equals or
exceeds fifty (50) percent of the fair market value or
assessed value of a property either before the
improvement started or, if the property has been
damaged, before the damage occurred.

Single-family homes and projects with no residential
component are not subject to these objective design
standards.
1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 PURPOSE
The purpose of these Objective Design Standards (ODS)
is to provide city-wide regulations that require high
quality multiple-family residential
development with a clear set of rules that are
understandable by the public, City staff
and development community in order to
facilitate an efficient review process that results in
buildings that are appropriate for their context and
environment.

Objective Design Standards are measurable, verifiable,
and knowable to all parties prior to project submittal.

A planning review process based on objective design
standards involves no personal or subjective judgment
by a public official.
in application, these Objective Design Standards are
intended to accomplish three goals:

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 470 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 503 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

INTRODUCTION
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT 3

1.4 USER GUIDE
The Objective Design Standards are for residents,
property and business owners, developers and builders,
architects and designers, and City staff involved in
the review and approval process of multiple-family
and/or mixed-use development in the City of Laguna
Hills. The following steps are a quick way to
understand the different sections of the document
and how to use it.

Step 1: Review the Site Planning & Site
Design Standards .

Site Planning involves a careful analysis of the
opportunities and constraints of the site, including
existing features such as mature trees, topography, and drainage patterns. The components of site development
extend beyond building placement and configuration,
including surrounding uses, retaining walls, landscape
design, hardscape considerations, and parking. The
Site Design Standards outline several requirements
on these topics.

Step 2: Review the Building Design Standards .

While new projects need not copy existing development,
their mass and scale shall respect adjacent building
context and uses. The Building Design standards
establish requirements on these issues. These standards apply no matter which style is being utilized for the
project design.

Step 3: Review the Architectural Style
Standards .

The design and detailing of buildings are paramount
to a quality environment, and the City of Laguna Hills
is committed to authentic expressions of architectural
style. Architectural design elements and materials shall be consistent throughout the project, recognizing that
a building is 3-dimensional and must be well designed
on all sides. Detailing, choice of materials, and window and door choices shall reinforce the overall project
design. To provide guidance on architectural styles,
the Standards offer a menu of architectural traditions
individual buildings may be designed in.

These styles are as follows:
• Spanish
• Mediterranean
• Ranch
Within each style description, various elements related to roof forms, windows, decorative details, and other
topics are enumerated. The Architectural Style standards require certain elements, while other elements may be
selected from a menu of options.

Step 4: Review the Mixed-Use Development
Standards, if applicable.

For developments that incorporate a commercial
component in addition to residential housing, MixedUse Development Standards, located at the end of each chapter of Architectural Style, provide direction
on design of storefronts, type of decorative accents,
and other relevant topics. Mixed-use proposals shall
be consistent with these standards.

Step 5: Review the City of Laguna Hills
Municipal Code and consult with Community
Development Staff.

All developments must comply with the standards of
the Laguna Hills Municipal Code Title 9 (Land Use/
Zoning/Subdivision Regulations), and any applicable
Specific Plan.

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 471 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 504 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed 4 CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT Step 6: Consult with the Community
Development Department
It is highly recommended for prospective applicants
to obtain and become familiar with the application and
submittal requirements for a project prior to a formal
submittal. Additionally, the Community Development
Department offers a Pre-Application Service that is
available to the public. A pre-application allows applicants to receive staff review from various departments prior
to a formal application submittal.

Applicants shall follow application procedures as
directed by staff. The City of Laguna Hills Municipal
Code establishes required procedures for submitting
and reviewing development applications. Applicants
shall follow these procedures and requirements.

1.5 RELATIONSHIP WITH

GENERAL PLAN &

DEVELOPMENT CODE
The Objective Design Standards in this document work
as a baseline, creating citywide standards that apply to all new multiple-family and mixed-use residential
projects. This document shall work in tandem with
the City of Laguna Hills Municipal Code or guideline
documents, including but not limited to the City’s
General Plan, Development Code, Urban Village
Specific Plan (UVSP), Building Code, and other
Municipal Code sections. if any standards, terms
or other provisions from these ODS are found
to be in conflict with the previously mentioned
documents, the standards from the
General Plan, Development Code, UVSP, and
other Municipal Code sections shall supercede
these ODS.
• General Plan. The General Plan contains objective
standards related to development density for all land
uses in the City. The Objective Design Standards in
this document are consistent with the General Plan
and dictate the bulk, mass, and design of buildings
in a more fine-grained way than the General Plan.
• Zoning. The Land Use/Zoning/Subdivision
Regulations located in Title 9 within the City of
Laguna Hills Municipal Code contain objective
standards that define the building envelope such
as setbacks, lot coverage, height, parking, density,
and open space requirements. Other development
standards include minimum lot size, width, and
depth, and minimum distance between buildings.

These district-by-district standards will continue to
dictate basic development standards, and these
ODS will apply in addition to the Municipal Code
requirements, providing refinement in terms of site
and building design.

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 472 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 505 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

INTRODUCTION
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT 5 • Urban Village Specific Plan. The UVSP is
adopted by reference as Chapter 9-24 of the
Development Code, and includes objective
standards to regulate development within the
City's Village Commercial zoning district.
• Other Municipal Code Sections . The City also
maintains and enforces standards related to stormwater
drainage, roadway and traffic requirements, and
standards for working within the public right-ofway to install sidewalks, street trees, and lighting.

Thesestandards will continue to apply.
• Building Standards Codes . All construction in
the State of California is subject to the California
Building Standards Codes which dictate health,
safety, and energy and water efficiency standards
for new and remodeled structures.

1.6 TERMINOLOGY
The following terminology is applicable to the Objective Design Standards and can be found within the ODS
document, to provide context to the standards.

Additional definitions that may be applicable to the ODS document may be found within the Laguna Hills
Municipal Code.

Active Frontage: Active frontages are building
frontages with active uses where there is visual
engagement between those in the street and those
on the ground floor. Active uses are uses that
generate many visits, in particular pedestrian visits,
over an extended period of the day. Active uses may
be shops, cafes, other social uses, and shared
assessor spaces. Higher density residential and
office uses also can be active uses for particular
periods of the day by providing additional entries to
individual units or ground floor office spaces.

Back-of-walk: The edge of a sidewalk that is
furthest away from an adjacent road, or closest to
the extent of the right-of-way (r.o.w.).

Barn Light: A downward facing light fixture with a wide, round simple shade and an arm or pendant. They may
be wall, ceiling or pendant mounted. The most common
barn light is known also as a gooseneck light, because
of the shape of the mounting arm.

Block Length: The length of a parcel or series of parcels measuring from the edge of one public r.o.w. to
another or from the edge of one public r.o.w. to the
opposite end of the parcel should it adjoin a
private parcel edge.

Building envelope: the physical separator between
the conditioned and unconditioned environment of
a building including the resistance to air, water, heat, light, and noise transfer.

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 473 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 506 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed 6 CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT Building Façade Length: The overall length of a façade
without a full break in the building.

Build-To-Zone: The area between the minimum and
maximum setback lines within which a building’s front
façade is to be located.

Clear Zone: An area within the public realm of a rightof-way where movement of people is the priority. it may contain seating, public art, trees, outdoor displays or accommodate outdoor dining.

Common Open Space: Outdoor open spaces that are
shared and accessible only to building residents and
their visitors which may include courtyards, gardens,
play areas, outdoor dining areas, recreational amenities, and rooftop open spaces.

Connection: A space that links one physical space to
another. it may be traversable by pedestrian, bicycle
or automobile traffic.

Cottage Cluster: Cottage Clusters are composed of
several attached or detached buildings configured
around a central common open space. The common
open space serves as a circulation space that opens
onto a public r.o.w.. Cottage clusters feature 3 or more units, with individual entryways opening directly onto
the central open space or directly onto the abutting r.o.w.

Dark Sky Lighting: The use of approved [by
the international Dark-Sky Association (iDA)] light
fixtures designed to reduce light pollution, thus
working in agreement with iDA’s mission to minimize
glare, reduce light trespass and eliminate night sky
pollution.

End Unit: A residential dwelling or leasable space of
a building which is connected to another unit on only
one side.

Façade Plane: Any stretch of a building façade
existing along the same axis line, regardless of pattern differentiation or change in rhythm.

Façade Composition: The expression of a façade through
a variety of techniques such as patterns, fenestration, materials, texture, or finishes. Façade Composition is
used to create the architectural character and design
theme of a building.

Façade Modulation: Used to shape a building’s exterior
massing, façade modulation is a change in building
plane through the recess or projection of sections of
a façade.

Foot-candle: A foot-candle is a non-Si (Système
international) unit of illuminance or light intensity. The foot-candle is defined as one lumen per square foot.

Footprint: Footprint or building footprint provides the outline of a building drawn along the exterior walls, with a description of the exact size, shape, and location of its foundation.

Internal Street: a private road that provides access to a building or set of buildings within a site that is under the care, custody, and control of the community.

Landscaped Area: Surface area dedicated for
planting of trees, shrubs, flowers, ornamental grass,
turf (natural or artificial), ground cover, or other
horticultural elements.

Mid-Block Connection: A public r.o.w. or
private land area that allows public access
connecting one public r.o.w. to another public rightof-way.

Neutral Color Scheme: Any group of colors that have
been muted or desaturated, and are neutral because
they don’t have an intense hue, characteristic of primary colors.

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 474 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 507 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

INTRODUCTION
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT 7 Outdoor Rooms: Outdoor rooms are an extension of
a living space, an outside space that promotes greater
connection to the outdoor. It can include anything from an attached, screened-in porch to a detached gazebo
or a landscaped area with a bench.

Paseo / Pedestrian Path: A public place or path
designed for walking; promenade that connects into
or through a development.

Pedestrian-Scaled Architecture: Building and urban
design elements designed to meet the proportional,
physical, and psychological needs of the human body.

This could include creating a walkable block structure, architectural elements and details that are visible and perceivable to pedestrians, and building massing that
reflects the rhythm, pattern, and size of interior spaces.

Pedestrian-Scaled Block: A development block that
is dimensionally sized to suit pedestrian flow rather
than fit the needs of automobile traffic and circulation.

Landscape and architectural elements are sized and
spaced to be perceived from a short distance.

Pedestrian-Scaled Street Lighting: Lighting fixtures
lower in height that accommodate both pedestrian
and automobile traffic. This type of lighting scheme
helps pedestrians experience spaces around them and
promotes safe nighttime environments.

Perimeter Length: The lineal distance as measured
along the perimeter of a building, parcel, lot, etc.

Planter: An above grade container for planting.

Podium: The lower floors of a building that form the
“base” of a building typically including a courtyard level above. Podiums typically include structured parking, a
courtyard level above, a different and larger floorplate than floors above, and may be a different construction
type than the rest of the building.

Podium Level: The level directly above the Podium. The
Podium Level typically includes a courtyard, a smaller
building area than the levels below, and a change in
construction type.

Primary Building Frontage: The building frontage that
abuts the most primary of streets, Pedestrian Pathway,
or Mid-Block Connection surrounding the building. in
the case of a through-lot, the primary building frontage could be on either public r.o.w.

Primary Building Entry: The entrance to a building
typically leading to a lobby, courtyard or other large, shared space that is accessed from the primary building frontage.

Primary Façade Plane: Majority area of the façade
that is in the same plane.

Private Street: Any street in which the City does not
own a fee or exclusive easement for public r.o.w.
purposes. Private streets often have public access
easements to allow passage into or through a private
development.

Private Open Space: Outdoor open space areas that
are intended for private use for each dwelling unit and may include balconies (covered or uncovered), private
gardens, private yards, terraces, decks and porches, etc.

Projection: Projections (or building projection) is the part or feature of a building which extends outside of
the enclosing walls. it can be a building feature that is mounted on, and/or extends from the surface of the
building wall or façade, typically above ground level.

Public Open Space: A publicly accessible open space
area on a privately developed parcel that may include
plazas, courtyards, seating areas, parklets, play areas, recreational facilities or equipment, dog parks, etc.

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 475 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 508 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed 8 CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT Public Service Utilities Easement (PSUE): A portion of
property that cannot be built on, planted on, otherwise covered or obstructed so that underground or overhead
public utilities can be accessed for maintenance and
repair.

Rowhouse: Rowhouses are attached single-family units
that share a common wall. Rowhouses consist of 1 to
2 units per building and are typically configured into
clusters of 2 to 10 individual units.

Step-back: A step-back (or building step-back) is an
architectural design element that is typically applied to the upper-story of a building or development.

Typically, a step back requires that any portion of a
building above a certain height is further pushed-in
towards the center of the property.

Structural Bay: Any division of a building between
vertical lines or planes, especially the entire space
included between two adjacent supports
Triplex/Fourplex: Triplexes and fourplexes are walk-up
buildings featuring 3 to 4 dwelling units that typically share a single entry or feature individual unit entries along the front façade. Dwelling units may be oriented
side-by-side and/or stacked atop one another.

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 476 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 509 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

SITE DESIGN

CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT 2 9

SITE DESIGN

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 477 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 510 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

PURPOSE
• To ensure walkability, connectivity, and appropriately scaled buildings by creating pedestrian-scaled blocks with paths and open spaces for people to gather and connect throughout the City.
• To set site standards and define building envelope.
• To set standards for building orientation, site access and utilities. • To define location and uses for active frontages.
10 CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT 2 SITE DESIGN

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 478 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 511 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

2.1 BLOCK SIZE &

STRUCTURE
INTENT
• integrate new large-scale development projects
into the fabric of the existing community.
• Limit block size in new developments to create
pedestrian-scale blocks.
• Require multiple-use paths within large
private developments to provide direct
pedestrian and bicycle linkages between streets
and beyond the project.

2.1.1 MAXIMUM BLOCK SIZE

1. All projects shall meet a maximum Block Length
and a maximum Perimeter Length per the
following table:

2. Existing, new, or assembled parcels or blocks
with a block length greater than 800’ shall
provide at least one Mid-Block Connection
of either a publicly accessible r.o.w. or a
Paseo/Pedestrian Path that connects from
one publicly accessible r.o.w. to another
publicly accessible r.o.w.

BLOCK SIZE
MAX. (FT.)
LENGTH 800
PERIMETER 2800
A
D
Maximum block length.

Block length greater than maximum.

Mid-block connection between
public rights-of-way
Maximum block perimeter length.

Adjacent Curb Edge
Public Right-of-Way
Developable
Area
Developable
Area
A
B
C
C
B
A
D
D
FIGURE: MID-BLOCK CONNECTION

SITE DESIGN
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT 11

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 479 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 512 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

2.1.2 PASEO/PEDESTRIAN PATH

MID-BLOCK CONNECTION
The following table illustrates the minimum standards
to be met for the Paseo/Pedestrian Path Mid-block
Connection.

PASEO/PEDESTRIAN PATH
MIN. WIDTH (FT.)

BLDG TO BLDG
WIDTH 20’ (ALL CONDITIONS)

BLDG TO BLDG
WIDTH1
IF ADJACENT BUILDINGS ≥
35’ IN HEIGHT, THE BUILDINGTO-BUILDING DIMENSION

SHALL EXCEED AN AVERAGE

BUILDING HEIGHT TO WIDTH
RATIO OF 1.5 TO 1

PUBLIC ACCESS
WIDTH
8’ OR 1/3RD BUILDING TO

BUILDING WIDTH, WHICHEVER

IS GREATER

PEDESTRIAN
PATH 8’
1 Minimum required building-to-building width shall not exceed 50’ regardless of adjacent building heights.

B
A
A
a
Minimum Building to Building Width
Public Access
Height = average (C1, C2)
Minimum Pedestrian Path
12' 8' 24' 12'
C1 C2
A
B
C
B
A
FIGURE: PASEO/PEDESTRIAN PATH SECTION
a
a
IMAGE: PASEO/PEDESTRIAN PATH
A
a
12 CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 480 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 513 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

2.2 BUILDING

ORIENTATION
INTENT
• Promote consistent development patterns along
streets, particularly by how buildings relate to the
street, to promote a sense of visual order, and
provide attractive streetscapes.
• Configure buildings to provide “outdoor rooms,”
including, but not limited to courtyards, paseos,
and promenades.
• Locate building access points along sidewalks,
pedestrian areas, and bicycle routes, and include
amenities that encourage pedestrian activity.

BUILD-TO ZONE

BUILD-TO ZONE DEPTH
(FT.)* 10
BUILDING FRONTAGE %
MIN. WITHIN BUILD-TO
ZONE
50 *
Measured from the front property line.

2.2.1 BUILD-TO ZONE
Mixed-use Development with a density greater than
20 dwelling units per acre (DU/AC) shall
occupy a minimum percentage of the Build-toZone.

Build-to zone
Front setback
Minimum % of building frontage within the
build-to zone
Building frontage outside of the build-to
zone
FIGURE: BUILD-TO ZONE DIAGRAM

RIGHT-OF-WAY PUBLIC REALM

SETBACK

SITE DESIGN
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT 13

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 481 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 514 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

2.2.2 PEDESTRIAN

CONNECTIONS

1. Primary entries to buildings or units shall be
connected to a public sidewalk or publicly
accessible pathway with a pedestrian pathway
with the following minimum width dimensions:

2.3 GROUND FLOOR USES
INTENT
• To create a coherent and active interface between
private development and the public realm that
contributes to the sense of place and structure
of the neighborhood and enhances the public’s
experience.
• Promote consistent development patterns along
streets, particularly by how buildings relate to the
street, to promote a sense of visual order, and
provide attractive streetscapes.
• Locate building access points along sidewalks,
pedestrian areas, and bicycle routes, and include
amenities that encourage pedestrian activity.

PEDESTRIAN CONNECTIONS
MIN.

WIDTH (FT.)
ENTRANCES SERVING 1-2 UNITS 4’
ENTRANCES SERVING 3-8 UNITS 5’
ENTRANCES SERVING 9-20 UNITS 6’
ENTRANCES SERVING >20 UNITS 8’

2. Every multiple-family dwelling’s main building
entry and common exterior spaces shall
provide a pedestrian pathway/connection to
the followingareas:
a. To the public sidewalk in the r.o.w. oneach
street frontage.
b. Between a building entry and the parking
area for the units served by it.
c. To any common open space area or
recreational facilities on site or to any public
park facilities located on an adjacent lot.
d. To a public multiple-use pathway or trail
abuttingthe project.
e. Betweenadjoiningresidential andcommercial
buildings within the same project.
14 CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 482 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 515 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

ACTIVE FRONTAGES
MIN. % MAX. %

ACTIVE FRONTAGE OF
BUILDING FACADE 70 --

NON-ACTIVE FRONTAGE
OF BUILDING FACADE -- 30

2.3.1 ACTIVE FRONTAGES

1. Active frontage types shall consist of one or
more of the following ground-floor uses:
a. Storefront Commercial
b. Ground Floor Office
c. Live/Work
d. Ground Floor Residential Units with individual
unit entries
e. Ground Floor Residential Accessory Spaces
(e.g., indoor community spaces)

2. Active Frontages are required for a minimum
of 70% of each building or parking structure
facade facing a local or collector public street
or publicly accessible pathway with adjacent
Primary Building Frontages.

Building facade length facing public street
or primary connection
Active frontage along building facade
Non-active frontage of building facade
FIGURE: ACTIVE FRONTAGE DIAGRAM
A
A A

SITE DESIGN
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT 15

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 483 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 516 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

3. Active Frontage uses shall have a Minimum
Use Depth of gross building area by use type
(lesser dimensions are allowed but may not be
counted as Active Frontage):

Active Minimum Use Depth
Minimum 40’ depth for minimum 50% of
frontage
Corner space minimum 40’ depth on all
frontage
Storefront commercial or office
Ground-floor residential
Non-active area
FIGURE: ACTIVE FRONTAGE MIN. DEPTH DIAGRAM
A
B
C
B
C
A
A
C
A
ACTIVE FRONTAGES MIN. USE DEPTH
MIN.

DEPTH
(FT)
STOREFRONT COMMERCIAL1,3 20/40
GROUND FLOOR OFFICE3 30
LIVE/WORK2,3 15
GROUND FLOOR RESIDENTIAL3 16

GROUND FLOOR RESIDENTIAL
ACCESSORY SPACES3 20
1 A minimum of 50% of frontage shall have a minimum depth greater than 40’. The remaining frontage shall have a depth between 20’ and 40’.
2 “Work” space shall have minimum 15’ depth or 50% of unit frontage, whichever is greater
3 Corner Space shall have a minimum depth of 40’ on all sides 16 CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 484 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 517 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

2.3.1.1 FINISHED FLOOR HEIGHTS

OF ACTIVE USES
Active Frontage uses shall have a finished floor height above grade at back of sidewalk within the following
ranges by use type:

ACTIVE USES FINISHED

FLOOR HEIGHT
MIN. HEIGHT
(FT.)
MAX. HEIGHT
(FT.)

PRIMARY

BUILDING

ENTRIES
0’ 3’

STOREFRONT
COMMERCIAL +

LIVE/WORK
0’ 1’

BUILDINGS WITH

CROSS SLOPE
At no point shall the finished
floor height be greater than 2’
above or below grade

ACTIVE USES FLOOR TO FLOOR HEIGHT
MIN. HEIGHT
(FT.)
STOREFRONT COMMERCIAL 15’

GROUND FLOOR OFFICE
12’

LIVE/WORK

GROUND FLOOR RESIDENTIAL
UNITS

GROUND FLOOR RESIDENTIAL

ACCESSORY SPACE

2.3.1.2 FLOOR TO FLOOR HEIGHTS

OF ACTIVE USES
Active Frontage uses shall have a minimum floor-tofloor height by use type as follows:

SITE DESIGN
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT 17

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 485 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 518 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed b. Utilities and equipment, service, storage,
and non-passenger loading areas shall
be consolidated in a single area unless
prohibited. They shall not be located within
minimum setback areas, along mid-block
pedestrian connections, within 25’ of open
space areas, within the public r.o.w., and/or
within 25’ of a street corner.
c. Utilities and ground transformers/meters,
mechanical equipment, service, storage,
and non-passenger loading areas shall be
screened from Public R.O.W

2. All above-ground utilities and equipment (e.g.,
electric and gas meters, fire sprinkler valves,
irrigation backflow prevention devices, etc.),
service areas and storage areas shall be plotted
and identified on project plans submitted for
conceptual review..

2.4.1.3 SERVICE, STORAGE,

UTILITY, AND EQUIPMENT
SCREENING.

1. All service and storage areas, utilities, and
equipment not housed inside buildings shall
meet the following screening standards:
a. Screening shall be a minimum 3” higher than
the height of the equipment to be screened.
b. Screening shall be made of a primary exterior
finish material used on other portions of
the building such as architectural grade
masonry, metal, or other facade surface
finish that complies with the architectural
styles identified in Chapter 4: Architecture
Styles of this document.
c. Landscape screening shall be used to mitigate
the enclosed structure. Plantable space shall
be a minimum of 36” wide around the solid
wall portions of the enclosure.

2.4 UTILITIES, SERVICE

AREAS & BUILDING

EQUIPMENT
INTENT
• To locate and integrate utilities and service areas into building and landscape design in order to minimize
impact on the pedestrian experience.

2.4.1 SERVICE AREAS,

STORAGE, UTILITIES, AND

EQUIPMENT

2.4.1.1 UTILITIES
Utilities shall be placed in underground or subsurface
conduits unless otherwise prohibited by the City of
Laguna Hills or utility company.

2.4.1.2 LOCATION OF SERVICE

AREAS, STORAGE, UTILITIES,
AND EQUIPMENT.

1. All above-ground utilities and equipment (e.g.,
electric and gas meters, fire sprinkler valves,
irrigation backflow prevention devices, etc.), service
areas, and storage areas shall be integrated into
building and landscape design and located to
minimize impact on the pedestrian experience
and neighboring properties by following the
standards below:
a. Utilities and equipment, service, storage,
and non-passenger loading areas shall be
located inside buildings or on facades other
than the Primary Building Frontage, along
alleys, parking areas, and/or at the rear or
side of building.
18 CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 486 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 519 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

2.4.1.4 LOCATION AND SCREENING
OF ROOFTOP EQUIPMENT.

1. Roof-mounted equipment and screening of roofmounted equipment greater than 2’ in height shall be stepped back from top of parapet a
minimum of 10‘ from the parapet or roof edge,
not including solar panels, wind generators, or
green roof features.

2. Roof-mounted equipment greater in height than
2’ or the parapet wall shall be screened to a
height equal to the height of the equipment,
not including solar panels, wind generators, or
green roof features.

2.4.1.5 HEATING, VENTILATION, AIR

CONDITIONING (HVAC)
Wall vents shall be of equal width or centered on window, or wall vents shall be of same material as surrounding
façade. Exhaust vents shall not be located adjacent to
pedestrian paths or in proximity to intake vents.

2.4.2 WASTE REMOVAL

1. This section applies to solid waste removal, which
includes refuse, organic waste and recycling
areas not accessible to the public, and which
are used exclusively by the tenants/owners
of the development site. in addition to these
standards, all development shall meet Laguna
Hills trash & recycling services standards.

For multiple-familyresidentialdevelopment projects
where no trash structure is necessary, all
trash and/or recycling shall be stored out of
view in such a manner that containers are
not visible or screenedfrom public view behind
an owners wall or within a garage. Containers
may be placedin public view forpurposes of
collection only.

2.4.2.1 LOCATION

1. Refuse, organic waste and recycling collection
areas shall be located inside of buildings or inside
of enclosures located along alleys or in parking
areas at the rear or side of buildings. Collection
areas are prohibited within any required front yard
or street side yard, any required parking spaces,
and required landscape and open space areas.

Refuse, organic waste, and recycling containers
shall not be visible from a public street, private
street, or pedestrian pathway that has Primary
Building Frontages.

2. The location of enclosures shall not conflict with
circulation or parking conditions on site. A clear
pathway with a minimum width of 3’ shall be
provided for tenant access to enclosure.

2.4.2.2 EXTERIOR TRASH AND

RECYCLING ENCLOSURES

1. Exterior collection areas must be within an
enclosure that meets the following standards:
a. When trash enclosures, loading docks, utility
equipment and similar uses are visible from a
side street, adjacent commercial development
or a neighboring property, they shall be
screened using matching materials and/or
landscaping with the primary building and
surrounding landscaping.
b. A pedestrian access and separate access
for primary collection shall be provided.
c. Enclosures shall be constructed of a primary
exterior finish material used on other
portions of the building or masonry, metal,
or decorative block.
d. Gates shall be solid metal painted to match
the enclosure. Any openings should be no
more than 4” apart.

SITE DESIGN
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT 19

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 487 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 520 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed e. Concrete curbs, bollards or wheel stops
shall be installed or constructed inside the
enclosure to prevent bins from damaging
the enclosure.
f. All enclosures shall be mitigated with a 36”
minimum landscape zone around the solid
wall portions of the enclosure with a 60” high
hedge to screen the enclosure.

2.4.3 MAIL DELIVERY

1. All projects shall meet current U.S.P.S. mailbox
and delivery standards.

2. Mailbox(es) within a single multifamily or mixeduse building shall be located within shared lobbies. If a shared lobby is not provided,
mailboxes shall be located adjacent to a primary
pedestrian pathway.
i. Mailbox(es) shall not be located such
that access is situated from a public
street or public sidewalk adjoining a
public street.

2.5 OPEN SPACE
INTENT
• To create appropriately scaled and well designed
open spaces that serve multiple purposes, encourage
gathering, improve the health and wellness of residents and embrace nature in the built environment.
• Configure buildings to provide “outdoor rooms,”
including, but not limited to courtyards, paseos,
and promenades.
• Maximize public exposure and view of park lands
for scenic and security purposes.

2.5.1 PUBLIC OPEN SPACE

2.5.1.1 APPLICABILITY
Public Open Space shall be required for all projects
greater than or equal to 2 acres.

2.5.1.2 REQUIRED QUANTITY
The minimum on-site Public Open Space requirement
for any qualifying project shall be: ¼ of the minimum
Open Space required for the project (as provided in
Title 9 of the LHMC or the UVSP).

2.5.1.3 MINIMUM DESIGN

STANDARDS

1. Public Open Space shall include one contiguous
area of open space that is equal to or greater
than 1/3 of the minimum required total Public
Open Space area for a project.

2. Public Open Space shall have a minimum length
and width of 30’.

3. Public Open Spaces shall be located adjacent
to a public r.o.w.
20 CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 488 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 521 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

2.5.1.4 ADDITIONAL PUBLIC OPEN

SPACE STANDARDS
Spaces may be provided that do not meet the standards
below, but they may not be counted toward the required
Usable Open Space. Off-street parking and loading
areas, driveways, and service areas shall not be counted as Usable Open Space. Off-street parking and loading
areas, driveways, service areas, utility equipment, air conditioner pads, and storage structures shall not be
counted as Usable Open Space.

4. The following standards shall be met for all
Public Open Space:
a. Shall be publicly accessible for a minimum
12 consecutive hours per day.
b. Shall be accessible from a public r.o.w. or
from a publicly accessible lobby with
signage including open space type, hours of
access, and amenities visible from a public
r.o.w.
c. Shall have permanent seating (e.g., seat
walls, planter ledges, benches, picnic tables,
and seating steps). Within any open space
there shall be at least two permanent seats
and an additional seat per 400 sf.
d. A minimum of 60% of the area shall be open
to the sky and free of permanent weather
protection or encroachments. Trellises and
similar open-air features are permitted.
e. Shall have a minimum 30% landscaping.
f. A minimum of 20% of the open space area
shall be planted with ground cover and/or
shrubs.
g. A minimum of one tree shall be planted per
900 SF of the Public Open Space area.
h. Hardscape surfaces shall not exceed a
gradient of 1:12.

2.5.2 COMMON OPEN SPACE

1. For any project with more than five
dwelling units, a minimum 50% of the
required open space shall be required as
Common Open Space.

2. Public Open Space shall count toward required
common open space.

3. Common Open Space shall meet the following
standards:
a. Common Open space areas shall not be
located directly next to arterial streets,
service areas, or adjacent commercial
development to ensure they are sheltered
from the noise and traffic of adjacent streets
or other incompatible uses.
b. Shall be immediately adjacent to common
spaces, hallways, or residential units.
c. Shall be accessible to all residents.
d. Shall have a minimum width andlengthof 20’.
e. Courtyards enclosed by three sides of a
building shall have a minimum width that is
equal to or greater than 80% of the highest
height of the adjoining faces.
f. A minimum 20% of the open space area
shall be planted with trees, ground cover,
and/or shrubs.

SITE DESIGN
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT 21

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 489 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 522 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed g. Fully enclosed courtyards shall have one
minimum dimension that is equal to or greater
than the highest height (up to 80’) of the
adjoining facades. The second dimension
shall be equal to or greater than 80% of the
highest height of the adjoining facades.
h. A minimum of 60% of the area shall be open
to the sky and free of permanent weather
protection or encroachments. Trellises and
similar open-air features that enhance the
usability of the space are permitted.
i. Site furniture shall use graffiti-resistant material and/or coating and skateboard deterrents
to retain the site furniture’s attractiveness.
j. No more than 20% of the total area counted
as Common Open Space may be provided
on a roof.
k. Buildings and roofed structures with
recreational functions (e.g., pool houses,
recreation centers, gazebos) may occupy
up to 20% of the area counted as common
open space.
l. All development consisting of six units or
more shall provide signage directories placed
at the development entry.

4. Developers shall provide on-site recreational
facilities in conjunction with common open space
as a minimum requirement for all multiplefamily projects with 50 or more dwelling units. The following table below illustrates
required amenity uses to be located on
site based on development unit count.

Highest height of adjoining faces
Minimum width ≥ 80% of
Minimum width ≥ 80% of
Min. 20’ width
Completely enclosed courtyard
FIGURE: COMMON ENCLOSED COURTYARD DIAGRAM
A
C
A
B
B
C
D
A
B
D
Highest height of adjoining faces
Minimum width ≥ 80% of
Courtyard Common Open Space
FIGURE: COMMON OPEN SPACE DIAGRAM
A
B A
B
A
22 CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 490 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 523 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

COMMON OPEN SPACE AMENITY TABLE
MINIMUM 3 OF 4 REQUIRED
MINIMUM 1 OF 7 REQUIRED

REQUIRED

DEVELOPMENT SIZE (UNITS)
50 - 79 80-200 201+
INDOOR GYM/FITNESS FACILITY (MINIMUM 500 S.F)
PLAYGROUND WITH MULTIPLE PLAY STRUCTURES1
SPA AND POOL INCL. DECK AREA (MIN. 75’ X 45’)
BARBECUE/GRILL AREA EQUIPPED WITH GRILL, ONE (1)
PICNIC BENCH OR FOUR-SEAT TABLE, ETC (MIN. TWO (2)
AREAS)
LARGE OPEN LAWN AREA, MIN. DIMENSIONS SHALL BE
100’ x 50’
MULTIPLE PLAYGROUNDS WITH PLAY EQUIPMENT1
LAP POOL AND SPA (MIN. 75’ X 25’)
.

BARBECUE FACILITIES EQUIPPED WITH MULTIPLE

GRILLS, PICNIC BENCHES AND SHADE STRUCTURES
COURT FACILITIES (E.G. TENNIS, VOLLEYBALL,
BASKETBALL, ETC.)
1 Playgrounds shall be sized to accommodate adequate equipment to meet all Consumer Products Safety Commission guidelines and ADA Standards. One large playground is preferred over smaller, less equipped functioning play areas.

SITE DESIGN
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT 23

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 491 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 524 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

2.5.3 PRIVATE OPEN SPACE

1. A minimum of 100 sf of private open space shall
be provided for each ground floor unit.

2. A minimum of 40% of the residential units above
the ground floor shall include a minimum of 50
sf of private open space (balcony, terrace, or
rooftop).
e. Ground-level rear-oriented private open space
shall be screened from abutting lots, streets,
alleys and paths, from abutting private ways,
and from other areas on the same lot by a
building wall, by landscaping not less than

5.5’ high and not less than 3’ wide or by a
solid or grille (50% max. opening), masonry
fence or wall not less than 5.5’ high.

PRIVATE OPEN SPACE

MINIMUM DIMENSIONS
LINEAR

DIMENSION

GROUND FLOOR UNIT PATIO
WIDTH OR DEPTH 8’

ABOVE GROUND FLOOR OPEN
SPACE WIDTH OR DEPTH 6’
FLOOR TO CEILING HEIGHT 8.5’

3. Private Open Spaces shall meet the following
standards:
a. Shall be accessible to only one dwelling unit
by a doorway or doorways to a habitable
room or hallway of the unit.
b. May be covered but not fully enclosed.
c. Ground level private open space shall be
screened from adjacent private or common
open space and dwellings by fencing and
walls.
d. Above ground-level space shall have at least
one exterior side open and unobstructed
for at least 8.5’ above floor level, except for
incidental railings and balustrades.
24 CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 492 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 525 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

2.6 VEHICULAR ACCESS
& PARKING
INTENT
• Locate site entries, parking areas, storage bays,
and service areas of buildings to minimize conflicts
with adjacent properties, especially residential
neighborhoods. Also, parking, storage and service
areas should be sited to minimize their appearance
from public rights-of-way.
• To minimize the visual impact of parking, loading
and service areas, support pedestrian interest along
public rights of way and other pedestrian ways,
and minimize conflicts between pedestrians and
vehicles along key streets.

Refer to City of Laguna Hills Municipal Code, Chapter
9-44 Access and Parking for applicable multiplefamily residential and mixed-use residential/ commercial on site parking standards.

2.6.1 VEHICULAR ACCESS

HIERARCHY

1. Parking and service area access shall be provided
from the following:
a. From an alley.
b. In the absence of an existing or proposed
alley, access shall be from a driveway shared
with a property abutting the development site.
c. In the absence of an alley or shared driveway,
access shall be from the side/lesser street
abutting the development site.
d. In the absence of a side street, from a curb
cut/driveway along the primary street frontage.

2.6.2 DRIVEWAYS AND CURB
CUTS
These standards shall apply to driveways and associated curb cuts providing vehicular access to parcels
improved with mixed-use and/or multiple-family
residential development projects. Alley frontages are
exempt from these standards.

1. Driveways shall be the minimum distance
specified in the City of Laguna Hills
Development Code from any street
intersection. For parcels less than 75’ wide,
driveways shall be located along the lot line
farthest from the intersection.

2. Each development project site shall be limited to
one curb cut, including driveways and private/
service streets, per 250’ of public street frontage,
or two curb cuts per street frontage, whichever
is less (unless otherwise required for emergency
vehicle access). Mid-block connections are
excluded from this requirement.

3. Driveways shall be a minimum of 3’ from a
property line or include a shared driveway
access with adjoining parcel.

2.6.3 LIMITATION ON PARKING

AND LOADING FRONTAGE
Refer to City of Laguna Hills Municipal Code Chapter 9-26 Off-Street Loading/Unloading Standards for
applicable multiple-family residential and mixeduse residential/commercial on-plot parking standards.

1. Off-street parking, off-street vehicle loading,
and vehicular circulation areas other than direct
driveway access perpendicular to the street
are prohibited between the building and street.

SITE DESIGN
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT 25

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 493 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 526 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

2.6.5.3 PODIUM PROJECT PARKING
ACCESS
Visibility or other safety features (e.g., mirrors, cameras, or audible signals) shall be implemented at each podium access point where parking is underneath residential
development.

2.6.5.4 PARKING STRUCTURE
ACCESS

1. Any vehicular entry gate to a parking structure
shall be located to allow a minimum of 18’
between the gate and the back of the sidewalk
to minimize conflicts between sidewalks and
vehicle queuing.

2. Parking structure ingress/egress shall not occupy
more than 20% of the building facade width of
any street-facing façade, and it shall be recessed
a minimum of 5’ from the street-facing façade
of the building.

3. For projects with five or more residential units and that have a vehicle access gate to the parking
structure, a separate pedestrian entrance shall
also be provided.

2. No more than 30% of the primary street frontage
of the development parcel shall be devoted to
garage openings, carports, surface parking, or
service/loading entries). This limitation does not
apply to frontages along alleys.

3. Entries to structure parking when combined
with loading, and utility/service areas shall not
exceed 30’in width. Vehicle entries shall not
exceed 22’ in width. This limitation does not
apply to frontages along alleys.

2.6.4 SCREENING FOR

STRUCTURED PARKING
All portions of partially subgrade parking visible above grade shall not exceed 5’ in height, shall be architecturally treated no differently than that primary structure and
shall utilize the same level of detail, articulation, and materials as the primary façade, and shall be screened
with landscape screening (e.g., shrubs) a minimum of
3’ in height and/or crafted ornamental metal screens.

2.6.5 2.6.5.1

INTERNAL ACCESS

MULTIPLE-FAMILY COMPLEX

INTERNAL CIRCULATION
In residential rental apartment and condominium
developments with multiple buildings, parking areas
shall be accessed through a network of internal streets.

2.6.5.2 TOWNHOUSE INTERNAL

CIRCULATION
In townhouse developments, internal circulation shall
be via one or more internal streets connecting to alleys where garages are located.
26 CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 494 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 527 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

2.7 BICYCLE PARKING

2.7.1 BICYCLE PARKING

2.7.1.1 SHORT-TERM BICYCLE

PARKING

1. Short-term bicycle parking (Class II bicycle
parking facility) consists of racks that support
the bicycle frame at two points and allow for
the bicycle frame and one wheel to be locked
to the rack with a U-lock.

2. Bike racks shall meet current APBP ( Association
of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals)
recommended bicycle rack style.

3. Short-term bicycle parking space shall be
located within 50’ of the primary pedestrian
building entrance.

4. Short-term bicycle parking shall be provided at a
rate of one space per 10 dwelling units and one
space per 2,000 sf of non-residential floor area.

5. Each short-term bicycle parking space shall be
a minimum of 6’ in length and 2’ in width.

6. If more than 20 short-term bicycle spaces are
provided, at least 50 percent of the spaces
shall be covered by a permanent solid-roofed
weather protection structure.

2.7.1.2 LONG-TERM BICYCLE

PARKING
Long-term bicycle parking facilities (Class I bicycle
parking facility) consists of bicycle lockers or bicycle rooms with key access for use by residents.

1. At least one long-term bicycle storage space
is required for each unit and may be located
within a designated space within the unit,
within individual lockable containers outside of
the unit, or within a secure, long-term bicycle
parking area.

2. Long-term bicycle parking facilities shall be
located on the ground floor and shall not be
located between the building and the street.

3. Long-term bicycle parking areas shall be enclosed
and designed within a parking structure or
building, or within a lockable storage enclosure.
a. Lockable storage enclosures shall not be
visible from the r.o.w.
b. Enclosures must be designed with materials
and colors used in the primary building or
shall be screened with dense evergreen
shrubs and trees.

4. Developments that include individual garages
for each unit shall not be required to provide
long-term bicycle parking.

5. Bicycle locker minimum requirements:
a. Dimensions of 42” wide, 75” deep, and 54”
high.
b. Must withstand a load of 200 pounds per
square foot.
c. Opened door must withstand 500-pound
vertical load.

6. Bicycle rooms with key access minimum
requirements:
a. Bicycle rooms shall have a minimum ceiling
height of 7’.
b. Bicycle rooms shall contain racks that support
the bicycle frame at two points and allow
for the bicycle frame and one wheel to be
locked to the rack with a U-lock.
c. Long-term bicycle parking spaces shall be
served by an aisle with a minimum width of 6’.

SITE DESIGN
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT 27

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 495 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 528 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed d. All bike racks shall be large enough to
accommodate a 4” “fat tire” width.
e. Maneuverability space of at least 2’ shall be
provided between the aisle and long-term
bicycle parking spaces
f. Each horizontal long-term bicycle parking
space shall be a minimum of 7’ in length, 2’ in
width, 4.5’ in height. Each vertical long-term
bicycle parking space shall be a minimum
of 3.5’ depth, 2’ in width and 7’ in height.

2.8 PEDESTRIAN ACCESS
& CIRCULATION
INTENT
• Create safe paths of travel for pedestrians to/from
access buildings’ ingress/egress points.
• Minimize pedestrian interaction with vehicular paths
of travel.

2.8.1 PEDESTRIAN PATHWAYS

1. All on-site buildings, entries, facilities, amenities, and vehicular and bicycle parking areas shall
be internally connected with a minimum 4’ wide
pedestrian pathway or pathway network that
may include use of the public sidewalk. The
pedestrian pathway network shall connect to
the public sidewalk along each street.

2. Pedestrian pathways within internal parking areas
shall be separated from vehicular circulation by
a physical barrier, such as a grade separation
or a raised planting strip, of at least 6” in height
and at least 6’ in width. A pedestrian pathway
is exempt from this standard where it crosses
a parking lot vehicular drive aisle.

3. Pedestrian pathways shall be adjacent to 4’
minimum width of planted area.

4. At least two amenities that include trellises and/
or benches shall be provided on any pedestrian
path longer than 200’.

5. Pedestrian pathways shall be clearly marked
with signage, painted such that its intended use
for pedestrians is identifiable or be of a different
material than that of the adjacent surface where
vehicular traffic occurs.
28 CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 496 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 529 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

2.9 SITE LIGHTING
INTENT
• To create safe, welcoming, well-lighted areas,
including building entries, pedestrian pathways
and plazas, parking lots and vehicle maneuvering
areas; and to minimize excessive illumination on
adjoining properties.

2.9.1 NUISANCE PREVENTION
All lights shall be directed, oriented, and shielded to prevent light trespass or glare onto adjacent properties.

The light level at property lines shall not exceed 0.3
foot-candles.

2.9.2 PEDESTRIAN SAFETY

1. Areas used by pedestrians shall be illuminated
at night to ensure safety. Such areas include:
a. Surface parking lots and parking structures
(entrances, elevators, and stairwells)
b. Sidewalks, walkways, and plazas
c. Building entrances (including rear and
service entrances)
d. Garbage disposal areas
e. Alleys
f. Automated Teller Machines (ATMs)
g. Along property lines where there is an
abutting public sidewalk

2.9.3 MAXIMUM HEIGHT
Freestanding outdoor light fixtures shall not exceed
16’ in height.

2.9.4 FIXTURE TYPES
All luminaries shall meet the most recently adopted
criteria of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) for “Cut Off” or “Full Cut Off” luminaries.

2.9.5 MINIMUM LIGHTING

REQUIREMENTS

2.9.5.1 PEDESTRIAN PATHS

1. Pedestrian walkways shall have a light level
of not less than one (1) foot-candle average
with minimum levels at 0.6 foot candles. Light
coverage shall extend beyond the immediate
path to eliminate any potential “risk areas.”

2.9.5.2 PARKING AREAS

1. All lighting shall be on a timeclock or photosensor system.

2. Illumination shall not include low pressure
sodium lamps.

2.9.5.3 MULTIPLE-UNIT RESIDENTIAL

DEVELOPMENTS
Aisles, passageways, and entryways/recesses related
to and within the building complex shall be illuminated with an intensity of at least 0.25 foot-candles at the
ground level during the hours of darkness.

2.9.5.4 NON-RESIDENTIAL

DEVELOPMENTS
(OR PORTIONS OF A

DEVELOPMENT)
All exterior doors, during the hours of darkness, shall be illuminated with a minimum of 0.25 foot-candles of light.

SITE DESIGN
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT 29

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 497 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 530 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

2.9.6 DESIGN OF FIXTURES

2.9.6.1 BUILDING FIXTURES
Fixtures on buildings shall be attached only to walls or eaves, and the top of the fixture shall not exceed the
height of the parapet, roof, or eave of the roof.

2.9.6.2 ACCENT LIGHTING
Architectural features may be illuminated by up-lighting, provided that the lamps are fully shielded such that no glare or light trespass is produced.

2.9.7 ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Outdoor lighting shall utilize energy-efficient fixtures and lamps such as metal halide, hard-wired compact
fluorescent, LED, or other lighting technology that is
of equal or greater efficiency. All new outdoor lighting fixtures shall be energy efficient with a rated average bulb life of not less than 10,000 hours.
30 CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 498 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 531 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

BUILDING DESIGN

CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT 3 31

BUILDING DESIGN

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 499 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 532 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

PURPOSE
• To mediate the scale, massing, and bulk of buildings to reflect a human scale, enhance the pedestrian experience and respond to a building’s context through refined building massing and façade articulation.
• To set standards for transitions to lower scale development • To create cohesive and well-crafted building façades with human-scaled details that provide visual interest to pedestrians, incorporate passive green design elements, and promote unique placemaking.
32 CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT 3 BUILDING DESIGN

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 500 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 533 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

3.1 MASSING
INTENT
• Utilization of building modulation, roof forms typical of a buildings architectural style and projections
will help to create attractive 4-sided architecture.
• Ensure that the tops of buildings are designed
with architectural interest, and to reduce the bulk
of buildings as they meet the sky.

3.1.1 MASSING STRATEGIES
Buildings shall employ the following massing strategies of modulation, roof form or projections per the table
below:

MASSING STRATEGIES

BUILDING
LENGTH

MINIMUM REQUIRED

STRATEGIES
<150’ 2
≥ 150’ 3

3.1.1.1 BUILDING MODULATION

1. Building elevations that are longer than 30’ wide
shall be articulated in one of the following three
ways which may consist of larger elevation plane
changes, insets, bays, notches or projections.
a. Plane Change Option 1 Provide a minimum
one (1) horizontal change in plane for every
30’ of building elevation. The change in plane
must be minimum 4’ deep and 6’ wide, and
must be open to the sky.

Option 1:
= min. 4’
= min. 6’
FIGURE: BUILDING MODULATION OPTION 1 DIAGRAM
A
A
B
B
B
B
PLANE 1
PLANE 2
PLANE 3

BUILDING DESIGN
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT 33

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 501 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 534 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed c. Plane Change Option 3 Provide a minimum
one (1) horizontal change in plane at an
interval of 50’ or less. The change in plane
must be min. 8’ deep and 12’ wide, and be
combined with a change in material. Change
in plane may act as balconies, as long as
the railing is at least 70% transparent.
b. Plane Change Option 2 Provide a minimum
one (1) horizontal change in plane for every
30’ of building elevation. The change in
plane must be min. 2’deep and 6’ wide,
and be combined with a change in material.

Material change shall be a minimum of 3/4
of the building’s height.

Option 2:
=min. 2’
= min. 6’
Material A
Material B
Option 3:
=min. 8’
= min. 12’
Material A
Material B

2. Building elevations that are less than 30’ wide
are not required to have a change in plane
incorporated into their design.

3. Projections from the building face including
balconies, awnings, signs, and decorative
elements are not considered to be changes
in plane.

FIGURE: BUILDING MODULATION OPTION 2 DIAGRAM FIGURE: BUILDING MODULATION OPTION 3 DIAGRAM

BALCONY
A
A
A
B
B
B
B
A
B
B
B
B
PLANE 1
PLANE 2
PLANE 3
PLANE 1 PLANE 2
PLANE 3
34 CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 502 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 535 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

3.1.1.2 ROOF FORM

1. Buildings shall be designed with variation in roof
form. The number of required roof forms shall
be calculated at a ratio of at least one roof form
for every 30’ of frontage and shall be located
within 15’ of the predominant building face on
all building frontages. Standards for variation in
roof form will apply to all frontages.
=max. 15’
a. Roof form is defined as a geometric plane or
set of planes which form the top enclosure
of a volumetric area below it/them. Common
types of roof forms are gabled, hipped,
sloped, flat, and flat with a decorative parapet.

JERKINHEAD

GAMBREL
GABLE
FLAT

BOX GABLE

MANSARD
HIPPED

BUTTERFLY

DUTCH GABLE

SALTBOX
SHED
GAZEBO
FIGURE: BUILDING ROOF FORM DIAGRAM

PREDOMINANT

BUILDING FACE

AREA SUBJECT TO

ROOF STANDARDS
A
A

BUILDING DESIGN
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT 35

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 503 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 536 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed b. A change in roof form must be combined with
a change in height of at least 3’, a horizontal
change in plane of at least 4’, or a change
in roof pitch. Changes in roof form shall not
exceed allowed building heights.
c. Smaller roof forms that cover enclosed
space (such as dormers and bay windows)
count as individual roof forms if they are at
least 36 sf in horizontal surface area. Bay
windows located on a wall below another
roof form will not count as individual roof
forms regardless of size.
d. Unenclosed space (such balconies, terraces,
porticos, and belfries) count as individual roof
forms if they are at least 48 sf in horizontal
area.
e. For the purposes of calculating the number
of required roof forms on a building, each
increment of 30’ of building frontage requires
an additional roof form, counted by rounding
up to the next whole number. For example,
a frontage of 31’ would be required to
provide two roof forms. However, there is
no maximum dimension for any one roof
form, nor are roofs required to be designed
in 30’ increments.

2. Combining Roof Forms
a. The required number of roof forms may
intersect to create more complex roof forms
or may be organized in a hierarchy.
b. Roof forms may be repeated, as with a flat
roof that steps up or down, or a sawtooth.
c. Where two or more forms intersect or
combine to create more complex forms,
each is counted as an individual roof form.

For example, two hipped forms may intersect
to create a hip and valley form, which would
count as two roof forms.

THREE INTERSECTING

ROOF FORMS
d. Where two or more roof forms are organized
in a hierarchy, each is counted as an individual
roof form. For example, the dominant roof
form may be a hipped roof, which has two
dormers with open gable roofs, which would
count as three roof forms. Another example
is a flat roof on a building that has two bay
windows with flat roofs, each at least 36 sf
in area.
e. For flat roofs and flat roofs with decorative
parapets, changes in roofline must be
accompanied by a minimum 2’ change in
height relative to the adjacent roof form. For
buildings that are three stories or taller, the
minimum change in height shall be 3’. This
change in height shall be measured to the
top of the parapet, where present. Changes
in roof form shall not exceed allowed building
heights, as defined by the underlying zone
district.
1 2
3 FIGURE: ROOF FORMS COMBINATIONS & QUANTITIES DIAGRAM 1 36 CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 504 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 537 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

3.1.1.3 BUILDING PROJECTIONS
Buildings shall use one (1) or more of the following
projections:

1. Porches (See Building Entrance Typologies)

2. Balconies
a. Balconies and decks shall not project more
than 6’ from the façade.
b. The distance between supporting columns,
piers, or posts on trellises or balconies shall
not exceed their height.

3. Awnings or Canopies
a. For buildings with ground floor commercial
uses, awnings shall be provided over each
storefront, located within the individual
structural bays, unless the storefronts are
already recessed min 18” or more.
b. Awnings and canopies shall not project
more than 6’ from the façade.
c. The height of all awnings above the sidewalk
shall be consistent, with a minimum clearance
of 8’ provided between the bottom of the
valance and the sidewalk. Valances shall
not exceed 18” in height.
d. If used, lighting for awnings shall be
from fixtures located above the awnings.

Backlighting of transparent or translucent
awnings is not allowed.

FOUR REPEATED

ROOF FORMS

THREE HIERARCHICAL

ROOF FORMS

FOUR HIERARCHICAL

ROOF FORMS
1 1
1 3
3 4
2 4
FIGURE: ROOF FORMS COMBINATIONS & QUANTITIES DIAGRAM 4
FIGURE: ROOF FORMS COMBINATIONS & QUANTITIES DIAGRAM 2
FIGURE: ROOF FORMS COMBINATIONS & QUANTITIES DIAGRAM 3
AT LEAST 36 SF FOR

ROOF FORMS OVER

ENCLOSED SPACE
AT LEAST 36 SF FOR

ROOF FORMS OVER

ENCLOSED SPACE
AT LEAST 48 SF

FOR ROOF FORMS

OVER UNENCLOSED
SPACE 3’ MIN.
2 2
3 BUILDING DESIGN
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT 37

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 505 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 538 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

3.2 STEPBACKS

3.2.1 STEPBACKS
Stepbacks shall be incorporated to reduce the scale
of the building while exposing and emphasizing the
ground-level elements of the structure.

STEPBACKS
PROJECT DENSITY <30 DU/AC >30 DU/AC

HEIGHT ABOVE

WHICH REQUIRES

FIRST STEPBACK
ABOVE 2 STORIES OR
35’, WHICHEVER IS LESS

REQUIRED DEPTH
(MIN.)1 10 ft
MIN. FRONTAGE
% TO BE STEPPED
BACK2
30 50
1 Measured from the minimum setback line.
2 Building frontages of developments along property lines abutting residential zones with densities <18 DU/AC shall be stepped back 100%
Required stepback depth min.

Height above which requires stepback
Property line
FIGURE: STEPBACKS SECTION
A
B
B
A
PL

SETBACK
LINE

ADJACENT
PARCEL
A
38 CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 506 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 539 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

3.3 ALLOWABLE

PROJECTIONS

3.3.1 HEIGHT PROJECTIONS
Specified building elements may project beyond the
maximum building height in accordance with the
following table.

ALLOWABLE HEIGHT PROJECTIONS

PROJECTION
TYPE

PROJECTION
(MAX. FT)
SIZE
(MAX. SQ FT)
TOWER/
ROOF ACCESS 15 400
MINOR ARCH.

FEATURES 5 20

MECHANICAL
ENCLOSURE 6 N/A

ROOF DECK
STRUCTURE 12 400

3.4 NEIGHBORHOOD

TRANSITION
INTENT
• To create a transition between new development
and existing neighborhoods, provide privacy for
current and future residents, and minimize potential
shading on neighboring residents.

For all project property lines that abut a single family residential neighborhood, the following shall apply.

3.4.1 TRANSITION PLANE

1. Buildings shall not intercept a 45-degree
neighborhood transition plane inclined inward
from the underlying setback, starting at a height
of 35’ above grade.
= 35’
= 45°

SETBACK
A
A
B
B

BUILDING DESIGN
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT 39

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 507 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 540 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

2. Private or shared balconies and decks shall not
extend into an underlying setback.

3. The occupied area of roof decks, including any
deck on a roof area falling under the neighborhood
transition plane, shall be set back at least 3’
from the building edge and any railings, shade
structures, or accessory structures shall not
intersect the required neighborhood transition
plane.

3.4.2 END UNITS
Any building with the Primary Façade and building entry facing a street or pathway perpendicular to a public
street r.o.w., private street, or publicly accessible
pathway shall meet the following standards:

1. The end unit of a building façade shall have
a fenestration area greater than 10% of the
façade area.

2. The end unit facing a street shall have at least one architectural projection that projects a minimum
of eighteen 18” from the street facing façade.

3. Ground floor parking may not exceed 25 linear
feet of an end unit’s ground floor façade.

3.5 WINDOW ALIGNMENT

3.5.1 WINDOW ALIGNMENT
Operable windows, and fixed windows with <
30% opacity, located within 40 ft., and facing
each other, shall be offset, unless a
physical barrier is constructed/installed blocking
visibility from one window to the other. Minimum
offset shall be:
• Located >30, up to 40 ft. apart, 20 ft. offset
• Located >20, up to 30 ft. apart, 15 ft. offset
• Located up to 20 ft. apart, 10 ft. offset

3.6 NOISE & ODOR

ATTENUATION

3.6.1 NOISE ATTENUATION
Walls, partitions, and floor-ceiling assemblies separating dwelling units from each other and from public or
service areas shall have a Sound Transmission Class
(STC) of not less than 50, tested in accordance with
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) E90
test method, in accordance with CA Building Code of
Regulations (Title 24, Part 2, Volume 1, Section 1206), or similar noise attenuation classification as approved by the Building Official.

To achieve the ASTM E90 tested minimum rating of 50
STC, any combination of the following methods and
materials may be used:
• Fiberglass insulation
• Mineral wool insulation
• Acoustic panels/tiles
• Concrete floor-ceiling assemblies
• Metal floor-ceiling assemblies
40 CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 508 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 541 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

3.7 ARTICULATION
INTENT
• Provide articulation features on elevations facing a
street or a pedestrian oriented space (e.g., a park,
common open space, or pedestrian pathway)
Facades shall incorporate at least three (3) of the
following features, consistent in design style, which
provide articulation and design interest:

3.7.1 TEXTURE OR MATERIAL
All exterior walls shall have a minimum of two (2) unique wall finish materials or textures.

3.7.2 BUILDING BASE
Material change shall extend from building base to a
minimum 3/4 of overall building height.

3.7.3 RAILINGS
Railings shall consist of a uniform design pattern and
be constructed from wood, metal, or stone.

3.7.4 TRIM
Acceptable decorative trim elements adding depth detail and articulation include door surrounds with at least a two-inch depth, decorative eave detailing, belt courses.

3.7.5 DECORATIVE WINDOWS
Acceptable decorative window elements include lintels,
shutters, window boxes.

3.7.6 ROOF OVERHANGS
Roof overhangs that are at least 18” deep.

3.6.2 ODOR ATTENUATION
New residential construction shall mitigate air leakage between dwelling units, in accordance with the California Energy Code of Regulations (Title 24, Part 6, Section
110.7) by sealing all joints, penetrations and other
openings (that are potential sources of air leakage) in walls, ceilings, and floors, using any combination of
the following methods:
• Caulking
• Gaskets
• Weather-stripping
• Foam
• Similar methods as approved by the Building Official

BUILDING DESIGN
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT 41

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 509 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 542 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

2. Each distinct façade composition shall have a
total combined façade area greater than 10%
of the overall façade area.

3.8.2 BASE/MIDDLE/TOP

1. Buildings three stories or taller with a building
length greater than 50’ shall be designed as
specified in this subsection to differentiate a
defined base or ground floor, a middle or body,
and a top, cornice, or parapet cap. This standard
applies to all exterior facing facades.

2. Base. A building’s base shall be defined or
differentiated from the middle/body by using
one (1) of the following techniques:
a. Have a distinct façade composition between
the base floor(s) and middle/body floors

3.8 FAÇADE DESIGN
INTENT
• To create cohesive and well-crafted building façades
with human-scaled details that provide visual interest
to pedestrians, incorporate passive green design
elements, and promote high-quality design.
• Encourage architectural elements that contribute
to a building’s character, aid in climate control, and
enhance pedestrian scale.
• Where a vertical mix of uses occurs, retail, restaurants, and other active uses should be located on the
ground floor, with residential and/or office uses above. • Encourage complementary architectural detailing
that differentiates uses within a mixed-use building.

3.8.1 FAÇADE COMPOSITION

1. Each building façade greater than 100’ in length
shall include a minimum of two (2) distinct
façade compositions. For every additional 100’
of building façade, an additional 1 distinct façade
composition is required.

FIGURE: FACADE COMPOSITION DIAGRAM 2
200’< <300’ B
B
= >200’
FIGURE: FACADE COMPOSITION DIAGRAM 1
A
A
42 CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 510 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 543 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed b. Have a datum line or cornice between the
base floor(s) and middle/body floors that:
• Is a different material from the middle/
body floors
• Has a minimum height of 4” and a
minimum depth of 4”
c. Distinct roof form or roof line. (Apply one)
• Cornice or parapet cap that includes a
change in material from the façade and
a minimum height of 8” and a minimum
depth of four 4”
• Eave/roof overhang with a minimum
depth of 6”
• A variation in roof/building height through
building modulation: (examples: Bays
that extend above Primary Façade height)
c. Floor-to-floor ground floor height that is a
minimum two 2’ greater than middle/body
floor-to-floor heights.

3. A building’s top floor(s) shall be defined or
differentiated from the middle/body by using
two (2) or more of the following techniques:
a. Have a distinct façade composition from the
middle/body floors to the top floor(s)
b. Datum line or cornice between the middle
and top floor(s) that include:
• A change in material from the façade
• A minimum height of 4” and a minimum
depth of four 4”
f Base/Middle/Top Standards
Datum Lines
Upper Floor Step Backs
nct Roof Form

DATUM LINES ALONG THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF

A BUILDING WITH CHANGE IN MATERIAL
FIGURE: FACADE COMPOSITION DIAGRAM 2

BUILDING DESIGN
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT 43

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 511 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 544 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

3.9 BUILDING ENTRANCE

TYPOLOGIES
INTENT • To set standards to create visual interest and placemaking through a building’s relationship to
the public realm.

3.9.1 ENTRANCE TYPES

1. Primary building entrances for all residential
buildings or mixed-use buildings shall face a
public sidewalk or publicly accessible pathway.

2. The following list identifies the types of pedestrian entrance frontages that shall be applied to
buildings (note: all Building Code accessibility
requirements must be met)
:
• Porch
• Dooryard
• Stoop
• Forecourt
• Shopfront
• Residential ground floor patio
• Residential accessory use
44 CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 512 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 545 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

3.9.1.1 PORCH
In the Porch entrance type, the main façade of the building has a small-to-medium setback from the frontage line.

The resulting front yard is typically small and can be
defined by a wall or fence to spatially maintain the edge of the street. The engaged porch, where two adjacent
sides of the porch are attached to the building, has only two sides open. The typical porch design standard,
where it projects from a building face, shall be open
on three sides and have a roof. Porches shall meet the
following minimum dimensions:

ENTRANCES: PORCH SIZE
MIN. (FT)
WIDTH 8
DEPTH 6
HEIGHT 8

FINISH LEVEL
ABOVE SIDEWALK 18”
PATH OF TRAVEL 3’ WIDE
A
A
B
B
C
D
C
D

ADJACENT
PARCEL
R.O.W. PUBLIC FRONTAGELOT

PRIVATE FRONTAGE
FIGURE: PORCH FRONTAGE SECTION FIGURE: DOORYARD FRONTAGE PLAN VIEW DIAGRAM

BUILDING DESIGN
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT 45

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 513 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 546 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed ENTRANCES: DOORYARD SIZE
(FT)
WIDTH 8 MIN.

LENGTH 50 MIN.

FINISH LEVEL
ABOVE SIDEWALK 3.5 MAX

FINISH LEVEL
BELOW SIDEWALK 6 MAX
PATH OF TRAVEL 4 WIDE MIN.

3.9.1.2 DOORYARD
In the Dooryard entrance type, the main facade of the
building is set back a small distance and the frontage
line is defined by a low wall or hedge, creating a small dooryard. The dooryard shall not provide public circulation along a ROW. The dooryard may be raised, sunken, or
at grade and is intended for ground-floor residential.

For live/work, retail and service uses, these standards are to be used in conjunction with those for the Shopfront
Frontage Type. In case of conflict between them, the
Dooryard Frontage Type standards shall prevail. Shall
not be used for circulation for more than one ground
floor entry. Dooryards shall meet the following minimum dimensions:

A
B
B
A
C
C
R.O.W. PUBLIC FRONTAGELOT

PRIVATE FRONTAGE
FIGURE: DOORYARD FRONTAGE SECTION FIGURE: DOORYARD FRONTAGE PLAN VIEW DIAGRAM 46 CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 514 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 547 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed ENTRANCES: STOOP SIZE
(FT)
WIDTH 5 MIN. / 8 MAX.

DEPTH 5 MIN. / 8 MAX.

FINISH LEVEL
ABOVE SIDEWALK 1.5 MIN.

3.9.1.3 STOOP
In the Stoop entrance type, the main facade of the
building is near the frontage line and the elevated
stoop engages the sidewalk. The stoop shall be
elevated above the sidewalk to ensure privacy within
the building. Stairs or ramps from the stoop may lead
directly to the sidewalk or may be side-loaded. This Type is appropriate for residential uses with small setbacks.

Stairs may be perpendicular or parallel to the building façade. Ramps shall be parallel to façade or along the
side of the building. The entry doors are encouraged
to be covered or recessed to provide shelter from the
elements. Stoops shall meet the following minimum
dimensions:

FIGURE: STOOP FRONTAGE SECTION FIGURE: STOOP FRONTAGE PLAN VIEW DIAGRAM A
A
B
B
C
C
R.O.W.

PUBLIC FRONTAGE
LOT

PRIVATE FRONTAGE

BUILDING DESIGN
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT 47

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 515 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 548 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

3.9.1.4 FORECOURT
In the Forecourt entrance type, the main facade of
the building is at or near the frontage line and a small percentage is set back, creating a small court space.

The space could be used as an entry court or shared
garden space for apartment buildings, or as an additional shopping or restaurant seating area within retail and
service areas. The proportions and orientation of
these spaces should be carefully considered for solar
orientation and user comfort. Forecourts shall meet the following minimum dimensions:

FIGURE: FORECOURT FRONTAGE SECTION FIGURE: FORECOURT FRONTAGE PLAN VIEW DIAGRAM ENTRANCES: FORECOURT SIZE
(FT)
WIDTH 12 MIN.

DEPTH 12 MIN.

RATIO, DEPTH TO
WIDTH 2:1 MAX.

A
A
B
B B
R.O.W.

PUBLIC FRONTAGE
LOT

PRIVATE FRONTAGE
48 CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 516 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 549 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed FIGURE: SHOPFRONT FRONTAGE SECTION FIGURE: SHOPCOURT FRONTAGE PLAN VIEW DIAGRAM ENTRANCES: SHOPFRONT AWNING
(FT)
DEPTH 4 MIN.

SETBACK FROM CURB 2 MIN.

HEIGHT, CLEAR 8 MIN.

ENTRANCES: SHOPFRONT SIZE
MIN. (FT)

GLASS FLOOR
TRANSPARENCY 80%

SHOP FRONT
RECESSED FROM PL 10
A
B
A
A
B
R.O.W.

PUBLIC FRONTAGE
LOT

PRIVATE FRONTAGE

3.9.1.5 SHOPFRONT
In the Shopfront entrance type, the main facade of the
building is at or near the frontage line with an at-grade entrance along the public way. This Type is intended
for retail and other commercial uses. It has substantial glazing at the sidewalk level and may include an
awning that may overlap the sidewalk. It may be used
in conjunction with other Entrance types.

Shopfronts shall meet the following minimum dimensions:

Shopfront glass shall be clear without reflective glass frosting or dark tinting. Shopfront windows may be
clerestory windows (horizontal panels) between the
shopfront and second floor/top of single-story parapet.

Glass clerestory may be of a character to allow light,
while moderating it such as stained glass, glass block, painted glass, or frosted glass. Shopfronts with accordionstyle doors/windows or other operable windows that allow the space to open to the street are encouraged.

Operable awnings are encouraged.

BUILDING DESIGN
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT 49

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 517 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 550 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed FIGURE: RESIDENTIAL GROUND FLOOR PATIO FRONTAGE SECTION FIGURE: RESIDENTIAL GROUND FLOOR PATIO PLAN VIEW DIAGRAM ENTRANCES: RES. GROUND FLOOR
PATIO
MIN. (FT)
DEPTH
8 OR

GREATER

SETBACK
HEIGHT, CLEAR 8.5
A
B
A
A
B
R.O.W.

PUBLIC FRONTAGE
LOT

PRIVATE FRONTAGE

3.9.1.6 RESIDENTIAL GROUND

FLOOR PATIO
In the Residential Ground Floor Patio entrance type, a
residential private patio extends from the ground floor residential unit. This type will be found only adjacent to a ground floor residential unit. A door to access the patio will be found linking the patio to the interior space of the unit and it may include an awning to provide
shade or be covered from a second floor unit’s balcony/ deck. There may be access into the patio via gate from
adjacent sidewalk or garden space.

Ground floor patio shall adhere to private open space
standards found in Section 2.5.4. Walls or fencing
separating the ground floor patio private open space from adjacent public open space shall adhere to standards
found in Section 5.4 Walls & Fencing.
50 CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 518 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 551 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

3.9.1.7 RESIDENTIAL ACCESSORY
USE
Uses at the ground floor adjacent to this entrance
type will vary per development but may include a
common use gym, meeting space/conference room,
administrative office, leasing center, indoor playroom, or other community related use. This Type is intended
for residential use only. The amount of glazing at the
sidewalk level will be dependent on the use within. It
may include an awning to provide shade or be covered
from a second floor unit’s balcony/deck.

Residential accessory use shall allow reflective glass
frosting or dark tinting due to the private nature of the residential use. Glass clerestory may be of a character to allow light, while moderating it such as stained glass, glass block, painted glass, or frosted glass. Accordionstyle doors/windows or other operable windows that allow the space to open to the setback street are allowed for uses such as a gym where maximum airflow is
preferred. Operable awnings are encouraged.

FIGURE: RESIDENTIAL ACCESSORY USE FRONTAGE SECTION FIGURE: RESIDENTIAL ACCESSORY USE FRONTAGE PLAN VIEW DIAGRAM A
A
B
R.O.W.

PUBLIC FRONTAGE
LOT

PRIVATE FRONTAGE
ENTRANCES: RES. ACCESSORY UNIT
MIN. (FT)

DEPTH PER

SETBACK
HEIGHT, CLEAR 8
A
B

BUILDING DESIGN
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT 51

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 519 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 552 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

3.9.2 ENTRIES
For multifamily residential buildings with up to 8 units and not exceeding 40’ in width, the Primary Building
Entry may be located on the side of the building
not facing the public r.o.w. if a publicly accessible
pedestrian pathway connects directly to a forecourt or
front porch with a minimum dimension of 6’.

3.9.3 PARKING & ACCESS
Front-loaded parking for duplex, triplex/fourplex, cottage cluster and rowhouse Building Types:

1. Garage door shall be located a minimum 1’
behind Primary Façade

2. Shall have a unit entry that fronts a publicly
accessible sidewalk or pedestrian pathway
52 CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 520 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 553 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

ARCHITECTURAL STYLES

CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT 4 53

ARCHITECTURAL STYLES

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 521 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 554 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

PURPOSE
• To respond to local design precedents, regional climate conditions, and local building practices and materials. • To draw from regional vernacular and contemporary styles, the “Spanish”, “Mediterranean” and “Ranch” descriptions included herein are intended to establish a strong, consistent design image and direction that reflects the desires, aspirations, and vision of the City of Laguna Hills. • To communicate the essential features of each style. Within each style, required design elements relating to form and massing, roofs, walls and windows, materials and colors and architectural features are outlined.

Note: Architectural descriptions and photos within this chapter provide context and are not standards in and of themselves. 54 CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT 4 ARCHITECTURAL STYLES

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 522 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 555 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed LEGEND

SPANISH
SPANISH | MEDITERRANEAN
RANCH
SPANISH | MEDITERRANEAN | RANCH

ARCHITECTURAL STYLES MAP

4.1 OVERVIEW AND

APPLICATIONS
The following map illustrates where each of the three
architectural styles may be applied within the City
of Laguna Hills. In areas where multiple styles are
listed, a developer shall choose and apply only one
throughout an entire project site.

ALICIA
PKWY
LAGUNA

HILLS DR

MOULTON
PKWY
PASEO
VALENC
DE LA
IA

GLENWOOD DRIIVE

EL TORO RD

LAKE FOREST DRIIVE

OSO PARKWAY

CABOT RD
LA PAZ
5 73

ARCHITECTURAL STYLES
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT 55

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 523 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 556 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

4.2 SPANISH

STYLE DESCRIPTION
The Spanish architectural style that is prominent
in Laguna Hills is typified by the City Hall Building,
Spanish revival (also referred to as Spanish eclectic)
was inspired by the architecture of Spain and Latin
America, emphasizing their rich stylistic details. Due
to the early influence of New Spain in the Southwest
and Southeast, the style is rare outside the Southwest, Texas and Florida.

It is a simple yet delicately ornate architectural style that features decorative elements like hand painted tiles,
wrought iron railings and window treatments and clay
tile vents. Recognizable massing characteristics for
this style includes multi-leveled low-pitched roofs (with little or no eave overhang) whichs create a beautiful
overall building asymmetry, the incorporation of open
air internal courtyards which act as outdoor living space and building face modulation with tower elements.

Two notable exterior elements of Spanish style architecture are colored clay tile roofs and clean white stucco. The clay roofing tiles give the house a rustic feeling and
a bit of warmth. The stucco exterior surface, usually
monotone in white, ivory or beige is a hand-applied
mix of cement, water and sand that is later covered
with paint. It results in a beautiful, aged-looking OldWorld surface.

4.2.1 ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES

RED CLAY TILE ROOFS TOWER MASSING

ELEMENT

WROUGHT IRON RAILING

CLAY TILE VENTS

LOW PITCHED GABLE ROOF

FABRIC AWNING

STUCCO CHIMNEY

RECESSED ENTRANCES ARCHED ENTRIES

LITTLE OR NO

OVERHANGING
EAVES
56 CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 524 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 557 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

ADDITIONAL EXAMPLES OF THE STYLE ARCHITECTURAL STYLES
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT 57

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 525 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 558 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

4.2.2 ROOFS
REQUIRED ELEMENTS • Low pitched roof at 4:12 to 5:12 slope • Red, fired, clay tile roofs. Common shapes include both Spanish (S-shaped) and Mission (half cylinder)
types
• Overhanging eaves (minimum 24” on elevation
that face a public street) with exposed rafter tails
or beams
• Small 1’-0” or less decorative exposed rafter tails • Clay or terracotta tile roofing as dominant roofing material
• Simple hip or gable roof with one intersecting
gable roof
OPTIONAL ELEMENTS (CHOOSE AT LEAST 2) • Shed roof over porch • Gabled and shed roofs, gabled roofs are on the side and front facing
• Multi-stepped or arced shaped parapet with coping • Brackets or knee braces at gabled ends • Hipped-roof towers or belvederes (square, rectangle or circular in plan)
58 CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 526 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 559 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

4.2.3 WALLS & WINDOWS
REQUIRED ELEMENTS • Smooth stucco walls or plaster siding • Arched openings at windows, entries and arcades • Multi-paned windows • Simple divisions of window mullions • Deep recessed windows, min. 3” depth

ARCHITECTURAL STYLES
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT 59

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 527 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 560 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

4.2.4 MATERIALS & COLORS
REQUIRED ELEMENTS • Light, natural, neutral color for the exterior stucco, such as white, ivory, cream, or beige
• Wood elements shall be painted dark brown, brown,
or a natural dark stain with protective finish
60 CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 528 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 561 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

THIS PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK

ARCHITECTURAL STYLES
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT 61

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 529 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 562 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

4.2.5 DECORATIVE ACCENTS
& DETAILS (CHOOSE AT
LEAST 6)

RECESSED NICHES

CLAY TILE VENTS

WINDOW GRILLES

COURTYARD

DECORATIVE TILES

WROUGHT IRON LIGHT FIXTURES
62 CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT Wrought iron light fixtures shall occur at a building entrances and a minimum or 1 per 200 linear feet of building perimeter.

Courtyards shall occur at building entrances.

Decorative tiles shall occur at building entries.

Ornamental iron window grilles shall be placed on clerestory windows.

Recessed niches shall occur at a frequency of 1 per 200 linear feet of building perimeter.

Clay tile vents shall occur at gable ends.

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 530 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 563 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

WOOD FINISH DOORS STUCCO FINISH CHIMNEY

AWNING STACKED BRICKS WALL ACCENTS

WROUGHT IRON RAILING SMALL PORCH
Small porches shall occur at building entries or outside ground level units.

ARCHITECTURAL STYLES
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT 63 Wrought iron railings shall occur at balconies.

Wood finish doors shall occur at pedestrian and vehicular entry doors.

Stucco finish chimneys shall occur at a frequency of 1 per 200’ linear feet of building perimeter.

Awnings shall occur at ground floor openings. Stacked brick wall accents shall occur at balconies.

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 531 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 564 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

4.3 MEDITERRANEAN

STYLE DESCRIPTION
Largely drawing inspiration from a number of countries
and cultures along the Mediterranean Sea, four distinct architectural styles are most prominent in the features that make up this blend of form and eclectic decoration, Italian Renaissance, Spanish Revival, Tuscan and
Modern Mediterranean.

This architectural Style is prominent in Laguna Hills
and can be found throughout mild climate areas of
America’s Southwest.

Arches and columns draw extensive inspiration from
the Italian Renaissance of the 16th century. Rustic stone facades and earth-toned exterior surface materials
evoke a Tuscan look and feel. Brighter, multi-colored
stucco is also common as seen in the French Riviera
and Coastal Italy.

Design features most commonly present are symmetrical
facades, clay tiles, ornate archways, intricate cornices, decorative window frames and wrought iron balconies,
window grilles, and decorations.

4.3.1 ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES

DECORATIVE WINDOW FRAMES

MULTI-COLORED

STUCCO EXTERIOR

RECESSED OPENING

WROUGHT IRON RAILING/

FRENCH BALCONY

ARCHED ENTRYWAYS

OR ARCADE TOWER MASSING ELEMENTS

STONE FACADE

LOW PITCHED RED TILE ROOF

FABRIC AWNINGS EXPOSED RAFTER TAILS

FLAT ROOF

VERTICALLY ORIENTED

WINDOWS

INTRICATE CORNICES
64 CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 532 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 565 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

ADDITIONAL EXAMPLES OF THE STYLE ARCHITECTURAL STYLES
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT 65

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 533 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 566 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

4.3.2 ROOFS
REQUIRED ELEMENTS • F l a t o r l o w t o m o d e r a t e - p i t c h e d r o o f (maximum 6:12 slope)
• Red, fired, clay tile roofs. Common shapes include
Spanish (S-shaped), Straight Barrel Mission, Tapered
Mission, or American Spanish.
• Overhanging eaves (minimum 24” on elevation
that face a public street) with exposed rafter tails
or beams
• Small 1’-0” or less decorative exposed rafter tails • Clay or terracotta tile roofing as dominant roofing material
• Simple hip or gable roof with one intersecting gable
roof or projected wing(s)
OPTIONAL ELEMENTS (CHOOSE AT LEAST 2) • Shed roof over porch • Gabled and shed roofs, gabled roofs are on the side and front facing
• Corniced parapet (flat roof behind) • Brackets or knee braces at gabled ends • Square Tower Hip Roof or Octagonal Turret 66 CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 534 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 567 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

4.3.3 WALLS & WINDOWS
REQUIRED ELEMENTS • Vertically oriented rectangular or arched windows • Casement or double-hung sash with flat or arched lintels
• Windows shall be recessed 2 to 12 inches from
outer wall
• Divided lite windows with associated mullions
OPTIONAL ELEMENTS (CHOOSE AT LEAST 1) • Pedimented or framed windows • Paired decorative wood shutters • Stepped windows at internal staircases • Balconettes

ARCHITECTURAL STYLES
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT 67

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 535 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 568 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

4.3.4 MATERIALS & COLORS
REQUIRED ELEMENTS • Earth tone colors: warm and muted shades of brown, green, gray, red, orange, ivory and beige
• Rustic materials: wood, tile or stone • Neutral color scheme • Stucco as dominant surface OPTIONAL ELEMENTS (CHOOSE AT LEAST 1) • Stone/faux-stone • Brick • Tile 68 CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 536 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 569 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

THIS PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK

ARCHITECTURAL STYLES
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT 69

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 537 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 570 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

4.3.5 DECORATIVE ACCENTS
& DETAILS (CHOOSE AT
LEAST 6)

RECESSED DOORWAYS

BALCONIES

WINDOW GRILLES

COURTYARD

RAFTER EXTENSIONS

WROUGHT IRON LIGHT FIXTURES
70 CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT Wrought iron light fixtures shall occur at a building entrances and a minimum or 1 per 200 linear feet of building perimeter.

Courtyards shall occur at building entrances.

Rafter extensions shall occur at a minimum 30% of second floor and above window openings.

Window grilles shall be placed on clerestory windows. Recessed doorways shall occur at building entrances:
12” min. depth from adjacent surface.

Balconies shall occur at a minimum of 30% unit living space openings of second floor and above.

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 538 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 571 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

WOOD FINISH DOORS STUCCO/STONE FINISH CHIMNEY

AWNINGS OVERHANGS

WROUGHT IRON RAILING ARCADE AT ENTRY
Arcades at entries shall occur at building entrances.

ARCHITECTURAL STYLES
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT 71 Wrought iron railings shall occur at balconies.

Wood finish doors shall occur at pedestrian and vehicular entry doors.

Stucco finish chimneys shall occur at a frequency of 1 per 200’ linear feet of building perimeter.

Min. 18” overhangs shall occur along linear frontage of building roof.

Awnings shall occur at ground floor openings.

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 539 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 572 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

4.4 RANCH

STYLE DESCRIPTION
The Ranch architectural style is a interpretation of
traditional rural residential forms and materials. This style reflects the ranch context that exists in the southern half of Laguna Hills where low density residential is
prominent, especially Nellie Gail Ranch. As indicated
in the accompanying precedent images and illustrative
diagram, the style utilizes elements such as vertical
or horizontal wood siding, monochrome colors with
contrasting accents and sparse or simple ornamentation.

Roofs are typically medium to high-pitched. Minimal
detailing often includes awnings, porches and wallmounted gooseneck lights. Facades shall emphasize verticality and architectural forms like barns, silos, sheds, tank houses and granary towers shall inform form and
massing of the building’s structure.

4.4.1 ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES

CASEMENT WINDOWS WITH

MUNTINS

WOOD FINISHES MONOCHROME COLOR WITH CONTRASTING

ACCENTS

IRON INSPIRED BARN LIGHTING

COVERED PORCHES HIGH PITCHED

ROOF MULTIPLE ROOF
PLANES

SINGLE PITCH ROOF

FIXED AWNING

WITHOUT SIDES
72 CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 540 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 573 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

ADDITIONAL EXAMPLES OF THE STYLE ARCHITECTURAL STYLES
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT 73

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 541 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 574 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

4.4.2 ROOFS
REQUIRED ELEMENTS • Medium to high-pitched (minimum 6:12 slope) • Front and/or side facing gables • Asphalt shingle, metal roofs or synthetic slate shingles OPTIONAL ELEMENTS (CHOOSE AT LEAST 1) • Inset gable roof: to occur at min. 25% of gable ends larger than 25’ in width
• Min. 8’ shed dormer to occur min. 1 per 100’ of
building length
74 CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 542 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 575 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

4.4.3 WALLS & WINDOWS
REQUIRED ELEMENTS • Utilize board and batten siding, corrugated panels to give texture and variation to exterior
walls
• Permitted materials include wood, engineer
wood, vinyl, steel, fiber cement
• Molding around window and door openings no
greater than 4” in width
• Double hung or casement windows with muntins
OPTIONAL ELEMENTS (CHOOSE AT LEAST 1) • Horizontal or vertical siding, min. 50% of building face
• Contrast color of window sash with color of the
body of the building

ARCHITECTURAL STYLES
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT 75

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 543 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 576 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

4.4.4 MATERIALS & COLORS
REQUIRED ELEMENTS • Unadorned materials: metal, wood, masonry • Neutral or muted colors shall be predominant • Monochrome accents of doors,windows or architectural features
• Stucco prohibited
76 CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 544 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 577 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

4.4.5 DECORATIVE ACCENTS
& DETAILS (CHOOSE AT
LEAST 4)

METAL AWNING WITHOUT SIDES PORCH WITH POSTS

DARK SHUTTERS AND WINDOW SASHES BARN LIGHTS

CARRIAGE-STYLE GARAGE DOORS SHED DORMERS
Shed dormers shall occur at a minimum of 50% of upper
story openings.

ARCHITECTURAL STYLES
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT 77 Carriage-style garage doors with angled cross-bracing shall occur at vehicular entry doors.

Metal awning without sides shall occur at groundfloor openings. Porch(es) with posts shall occur at building entrances.

Barn lights shall occur at building entrances and a minimum of 1 per 200 linear feet of building perimeter.

Dark shutters and window sashes shall occur at min. 75% of window openings.

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 545 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 578 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed TH

IS PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK
78 CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 546 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 579 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

LANDSCAPE

CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT 5 79

LANDSCAPE

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 547 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 580 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

PURPOSE
• Emphasize landscaping as a fundamental design component, retaining mature landscaping when appropriate, to reinforce a sense of the natural environment and to maintain an established appearance.
• Establish setbacks and other design elements to buffer residential units to the extent possible from the impacts of abutting roadway or dissimilar land uses. • Utilize landscape design to create character and identity, enhance the appearance and function of outdoor spaces, encourage pedestrian activity, promote social interaction, enhance or integrate new natural systems, add shade to the urban environment and provide stormwater management.
• Promote sustainability goals and incorporate solutions appropriate to the climate, region and local conditions.
• Foster City-wide goals for development.
80 CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT 5 LANDSCAPE

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 548 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 581 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

5.1 LANDSCAPE

MATERIALS &

VEGETATION
INTENT
• Provide aesthetically pleasing, well-maintained
landscape and plantings that enhance residential
buildings and outdoor private and public spaces.
• Use landscaping to frame and/or enhance public
spaces and create unique areas positioned for
active or passive activities.
• Bring interest and beauty to the landscape, support
biodiversity, and reduce the need for pesticides and
excessive irrigation.

Refer to City of Laguna Hills Municipal Code Chapter
9-46, Landscaping Standards and Guidelines for planting standards for, but not limited to multiple-family
residential and mixed-use residential/commercial
development.

5.1.1 LANDSCAPED AREA

1. Refer to Laguna Hills Development Code for
minimumlandscape requirements per zoining
district.

2. All portions of required front yards, except those
areas occupied by pedestrian or vehicular access
ways, shall be landscaped.

5.1.2 SOIL DEPTH
Planting in above grade courtyards shall have a minimum soil depth of 12” for ground cover, 20” for shrubs, and 36” for trees.

5.1.3 GROUNDCOVER

5.1.3.1 TURF AND ARTIFICIAL TURF

1. Natural turf areas shall be limited to activity or
recreation areas.

2. Natural turf areas shall be a minimum 10’
diameter, or 10’ width.

3. Natural turf is prohibited in parking lots.

4. Artificial turf may be used as a substitute for
natural turf for the purposes of water conservation,
or in high-activity or foot-traffic areas such as
sports fields.

5. Artificial turf is prohibited in the front and side
setback(s) of the development areas facing
arterial and collector roads.

5.1.3.2 NON-PLANT MATERIALS,

SOIL, AND MULCH

1. Crushed rock, mulch, pebbles, stones, and similar
non-plant materials, where no plant material is
present, shall be allowed up to 8% of the total
required landscaping area.

2. Landscaped areas where plant material is present
shall be top-dressed with 3” shredded mulch
or crushed rock, mulch, pebbles or stones to
avoid exposed bare soil.

3. 3” minimum depth bark mulch must be confined
to areas underneath shrubs and trees and is not
a substitute for groundcover plants.

5.1.3.3 GROUNDCOVER PLANTING
One-gallon (1-gal.) containerized plant material size
shall be the minimum groundcover size at installation.

LANDSCAPE
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT 81

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 549 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 582 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

5.1.4 TREES

5.1.4.1 GENERAL SITE TREE

PLANTING

1. All tree planting shall be installed at a minimum
of 24” box size.

2. Minimum planter area for trees shall be 5’ by 5’.

3. Trees where excessive flower and fruit drop are
considered nuisance and damage/harm both
the surface they fall upon or walkway users must
be avoided within 6’ of pedestrian walkways.

4. Evergreen trees must be used to soften the
appearance and provide visual screening of
walls when little or no ornamentation is present
but shall not be a replacement for enhanced
architecture.

5. Street trees shall be required and follow City
required variety.

6. Street Trees shall be planted at 25’ on-center
(O.C.) maximum, or for larger trees, whose
mature growth longest spread diameter exceeds
25’, shall be planted at a distance on-center
appropriate for healthy growth based on it’s
expected mature width.

7. Street trees shall be installed using root barriers
per City tree planting details.

8. Trees shall be planted between r.o.w. street trees
and the facade of the building to compliment or
soften the impact of the architecture. They
shall be planted at 30’ O.C. maximum.

5.1.4.2 SURFACE PARKING TREE

PLANTING

1. A minimum 5’ planting width is required where
tree wells or planter islands occur between
parking spaces.

2. For residential parking, a row of side-by-side
(contiguous) parking spaces shall not exceed
6 spaces without a tree well.

3. For commercial parking, a row of side-by-side
(contiguous) parking spaces shall not exceed
7 spaces without a tree well.

5.1.4.3 TREE PROTECTION

1. Newly planted trees shall be supported with
double stakes and/or guy wires per City standard.

2. Root barriers shall be required for any tree placed
within 10’ of pavement, or above-grade utilities.

3. Based on the recommendations of a qualified
arborist’s report, existing trees to be preserved
on site shall be appropriately protected during
construction and incorporated into the overall
landscape design of the development.
82 CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 550 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 583 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

5.1.6 RESIDENTIAL BUFFERING

1. Buildings with residential ground-floor uses
shall have a minimum of one (1) tree for every
20’ of building frontage. Trees located in the
adjacent r.o.w. may count toward this
minimum. Private entrance drive/street frontages
are excluded. Trees may be staggered or in an
allée configuration to comply with standard.

2. A minimum 10’ wide landscape buffer shall be
provided along the entire length of the shared
property line between multiple-family or
residentialmixed-use development and abutting
residential properties. The buffer shall
include a solid masonry wall with a 6’
height, except within a street-facing setback
where maximum 42” wallsare permitted.

3. Trees shall be planted at a rate of at least one tree per 30 linear feet along the share property line.

SCREENING LANDSCAPE

PLANT SIZES
SIZE
(MIN.)
TREES 24” box.

SHRUBS 5 gal.

VINES 5 gal.

5.1.5 PRIVACY
Landscape screening shall obscure direct sight lines
into dwelling units and restricted open space areas
from communal areas such as parking areas, common
mailboxes, and pedestrian walkways. Landscape
screening may combined with walls, fencing, and/or
trellises to screen views.

1. Landscape screening shall fit within associated
planting areas and canopy sizes must not overlap
with a building, walls, foundations or eaves.

2. Landscape screening shall use non-invasive
evergreen trees, shrubs, and/or vines located
and sized to buffer views. Deciduous species,
perennials and grasses or grass-like plants are
not permitted for privacy screening.

3. Landscape screening and vegetation shall use
the following minimum container sizes at the
time of planting:

Min. 10’ wide landscape buffer
Tree planting along the shared property line
Solid masonry 6’ privacy wall except in front
setback, where 42” walls are permitted.

Street-facing setback
FIGURE: RESIDENTIAL BUFFERING DIAGRAM
STREET

RIGHT-OF-WAY

MULTI-FAMILY/MIXED USE

RESIDENTIAL BUILDING
A
B
C
A
B
C

LANDSCAPE
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT 83

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 551 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 584 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

5.1.10 SAFETY
Landscape planting shall include, but not be limited
to the following strategies that contribute to crime
prevention.

1. Limitation of dense plant material that aides
in creating hiding places. Shrubs taller than
6’ with a denisty such that it cannot be seen
through shall not be placed in areas of common
pedestrian movement and building entrances.

2. Implementation of the 2ft/6ft rule.
a. Trim low shrubs between areas of travel to
a height of 2ft or less to allow clear visibility
over them
b. Trim canopies of trees that exist between
areas of travel at 6ft or higher to allow for
clear visibility under them

3. Incorporation of “hostile” plant material under
and along walls and accessible windows.
“Hostile” plant material includes shrubs and
groundcovers, trees and vines that feature
thorns or other prickly surfaces.

4. Rip-rap or river rock (which can be used as a
tool of opportunity to cause vandalism) shall
not be used as a groundcover or ornamental
groundplane element within 20’ of a building face.

5.1.7 DROUGHT TOLERANT

PLANT SPECIES
A minimum of 50% of non-turf landscaped areas shall
be planted with low and very low water usage plant
material as identified by Water Use Classification of
Landscape Species (WUCOLS) for Region 3.

5.1.8 PROTECTION FROM

ENCROACHMENT
Landscaping shall be protected from vehicular and
pedestrian encroachment by raised planting surfaces,
providing appropriately planned walkways, the use
of curbs and installing hedges to direct the flow of
pedestrian traffic.

5.1.9 INTERFERENCE WITH

UTILITIES

1. All service areas, storage areas and utility and
equipment locations shall be coordinated
between landscape architect and civil engineer.

Utility locations shall not interfere with required
landscape.

2. Plant materials shall be placed so that they do
not interfere with the lighting of the premises or
restrict access to emergency apparatus such
as fire hydrants or fire alarm boxes.

3. Trees or large shrubs shall not be planted under
overhead lines or over underground utilities if
their growth might interfere with such public
utilities.

4. Plant material setbacks from utilities shall conform to utility company requirements.
84 CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 552 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 585 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

5.2 HARDSCAPE
INTENT
• Provide for the proper use of materials on the ground plane to manage the flow of people, vehicles, things,
information, or water and create usable outdoor
spaces.

5.2.1 LOCATION

1. Primary entries to buildings shall provide
decorative paving that contrasts in color and
texture with the adjacent walkway paving to
accentuate the entrances.

2. Asphalt and standard concrete should be used
only in areas of high traffic volume and service
areas unseen by the average resident or visitor.

3. All pedestrian-use pavement shall be ADA
compliant.

5.2.2 APPEARANCE &

MATERIALS

1. Hardscape materials shall be constructed of firm
and slip-resistant materials such as concrete,
asphalt, or clay or concrete pavers.

2. Pervious surfaces shall be a minimum of 30%
of the total hardscape area. Where hardscape
is necessary, permeable pavers should be
considered whenever possible.

3. No stained or stamped concrete shall be used
in any area as non-integral colored concrete
quickly fades and stamped patterns become
unsightly and unrecognizable over time.

ORDER OF PREFERRED PAVING

OPTIONS

VEHICULAR PEDESTRIAN

1. CONCRETE PAVERS1 1. CLAY OR CONCRETE
PAVERS1

2. INTEGRAL COLORED
CONCRETE2

2. CONCRETE WITH

AGGREGATE

3. ASPHALT 3. INTEGRAL COLORED
CONCRETE2

4. STANDARD

CONCRETE (NATURAL
GRAY)
1 Permeable is preferred where applicable.
2 Using Scofield or Davis Color.

LANDSCAPE
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT 85

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 553 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 586 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

5.3 WALLS & FENCING
INTENT
• Design walls and fences to include durable materials, be aesthetically appealing, and not create a monolithic barrier along street frontages. The design of walls
and fences, and the materials used should be
consistent with the overall development’s design.

Refer to City of Laguna Hills Municipal Code Section
9-40.100, Fences, Walls and Hedges for walls and fence
standards for, but not limited to, multiple-family
residential and mixed-use residential/commercial
development.

5.3.1 APPEARANCE AND

INTEGRATION
Walls and fences style shall be integrated with adjacent structures and terrain and utilize landscaping and
vegetation materials to soften their appearance.

5.3.1.1 MATERIALS & COLOR
Walls and fencing shall include finish materials and
colors that complement the architecture in the plot/
development area.

5.3.1.2 MATERIAL DURABILITY

1. Wall design and selection of materials shall
consider maintenance feasibility, especially
graffiti removal and long-term maintenance.

2. Decorative capstones on stucco walls shall be
implemented to prevent water damage from
rainfall and moisture.

5.3.1.3 VISUAL INTERESTS

1. Perimeter walls shall incorporate multiple textures, staggered setbacks, and variations in height.

2. Perimeter walls shall incorporate columns or
pilasters to provide relief. The maximum unbroken
length of a perimeter wall shall be 50’.

5.3.1.4 VIEW FENCING
View fencing, where the surface area is above a maximum of 36 inches, shall be a transparent or semi-transparent material such as glass or ornamental iron.

1. Patio Walls: View fencing shall be used along
the patio frontage of any ground floor residential
building where an unobstructed distant view is
seen from ≥ 50% of the length of building face.

2. Perimeter Wall: View fencing shall be used along
any perimeter wall to allow an unobstructed
significant distant view to be seen from nearby
residential units and/or from adjacent walkways.

5.3.2 RETAINING WALLS

5.3.2.1 DESIGN FEATURES

1. Terracing of retaining walls with a length exceeding 25’ shall provide a min. 4’ width planter between
the terraces for shrub planting and min. 6’ width
planter for tree planting.

2. When individual walls of varying height are used
in a terraced configuration, the wall nearest a
sidewalk, street or other useable space shall
be the shortest height.

3. No wall higher than 18” shall be installed directly
adjacent to the sidewalk.

4. All retaining walls above 36” shall include a min.
30” planting bed above the top of the wall and
at base of the wall.

5. Design features such as pilasters, decorative
caps, plane changes of 18” min., and color or
material changes shall be added to generate
visual interest. No wall length shall be longer
than 20’ without incorporating one of these
three features.
86 CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 554 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 587 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

6. Walls with exposed faces visible from sidewalks,
streets, parking lots and other public spaces
shall consist of split-face concrete block, natural
stone or decorative veneer.

7. The minimum amount of space required to
accommodate drainage improvements shall be
provided at the top and base of retaining walls.

8. The selection and placement of plant material
and landscape elements adjacent to walls shall
deter climbing.

9. Retaining wall footings shall be shaped to allow
for tree planting to occur within min. 3’ to wall.

5.3.3 WALL CAPS
Wall caps shall be incorporated as a horizontal design
element at the top of walls and shall not exceed 4”
vertical thickness.

5.4 SITE FURNISHINGS
INTENT
• To ensure site furnishings adequately serve the
population of guests and residents of any multifamily
and mixed-use commercial/residential development.
• Proper selection of furnishings will help to integrate the development and further advance the sense
of place.

5.4.1 LOCATION

1. Site furnishings shall be strategically placed to
offer pedestrians the amenity that would best suit
the location, i.e., benches under shade trees,
tables, chairs and umbrellas in plazas and waste
receptacles in plazas and at intersections.

2. When placed in a recreation-centric setting,
site furnishings shall be clustered to maximize
effective use and minimize the negative visual
impact within landscape.

5.4.2 APPEARANCE &

MATERIALS

1. These elements shall be of a consistent ‘family’
that incorporates the same forms and materials
in its design.

2. When wood is used as a furnishing material,
the wood products must comply with the Forest
Stewardship Council’s (FSC’s) approved list of
products and manufacturers, which regulates
environmentally responsible forest management.

LANDSCAPE
CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT 87

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 555 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 588 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT

6.1.f
Packet Pg. 556 Attachment: Attachment D, Exhibit 1 - Laguna Hills Objective Design Standards Manual [Revision 1] (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 589 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed

ATTACHMENT E

REDLINE VERSION- AMENDED
2021-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Due to file size limita�ons, the Redline Version of the Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update can be viewed and downloaded from the City’s online document center at the following link:

Redline Version- Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update htps://www.lagunahillsca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8354

6.1.g
Packet Pg. 557 Attachment: Attachment E - Redline Version - Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (3470 : Housing Element Update / Rezone Program

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 590 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed Attachment XX
Code Amendment RZNE-0011-2024 Redline Version
Development Code Text Amendments Proposed with RZNE-0011-2024 are shown below in redline version, with additions shown in bold/underline and deletions shown in strikethrough font.

1. Title 9 of the Laguna Hills Municipal Code (Zoning and Subdivisions), Chapter 9- 30 (MXU Mixed Use District), Section 9-30.40 (Development Standards), is hereby amended and restated to read in its entirety as follows:
“Table 9-30.040 provides standards that apply to developments within the mixed use district regardless of the specific use.

Table 9-30.040

MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
Item Commercial Residential (HDR only)
Minimum lot size 10,000 sq. ft. 7200 sq. ft.

Minimum lot width 50 ft. 60 ft.

Minimum lot depth 100 ft. 100 ft.

Maximum lot coverage 50% 40% 70%
Maximum density .38 FAR 20 DUs/AC
Maximum building height 40 ft. 35 ft.

Minimum setback—front:

Parking lot
Parking structure
Building
10 ft.
20 ft.
20 ft.
20 ft.
20 ft.
20 ft.

Minimum setback—side (interior) 10 ft. 5 ft.

Minimum setback—street side 15 ft. (parking lot 10 ft.) 15 ft.

Minimum setback—rear 15 ft. 20 ft.

Minimum open space:

Public
Private
N/A
N/A
N/A
35% 10%
Minimum landscape coverage 15% 30% 20%
Minimum building separation:

Main → Main
Main → Accessory
Accessory → Accessory
10 ft.

2.5 ft.

2.5 ft.
10 ft.

2.5 ft.

2.5 ft.

Parking See Chapter 9-44
Signage See Chapter 9-42”

6.1.h
Packet Pg. 558 Attachment: Attachment F - Redline Exhibit- Zoning Text Amendment and Zoning Map Amendment No. RZNE-0011-2024 (3470 : Housing

4.4.c
Packet Pg. 591 Attachment: March 26, 2024, Ordinance Introductions Staff Report Including Attachments (3477 : Second Reading & Adoption of Proposed Attachment XX – Code Text Amendments, Redline Version