Agenda packet, regular meeting — Laguna Hills City Council, March 25, 2025 (part 2 of 2)

City of Laguna Hills General Plan Annual Progress Report (2024)

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V. COMPLIANCE WITH LCI'S GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES
The Laguna Hills General Plan is organized into nine sections: an Introduction; seven General Plan elements; and Appendices, which include the Implementation Program, description of related plans and programs, and a glossary of terms used throughout the General Plan.

The seven Laguna Hills General Plan elements encompass all of the elements required by California General Plan law: Land Use, Mobility, Conservation and Open Space, Community Services and Facilities, Safety, Noise, and Housing. The Laguna Hills General Plan combines the mandatory Open Space and Conservation Elements into one element, and includes a separate, optional element: Community Services and Facilities.

VI. PRIORITIES FOR LAND USE DECISION-MAKING
The goals and policies that outline the priorities for land use decision-making are highlighted in Appendix A, Implementation Program, of the Laguna Hills General Plan. Furthermore, with the recent certification of the 2021-2029 Housing Element Update, the City has prioritized the extensive list of Housing Element Implementation items.

VII. AMENDMENTS TO GOALS, POLICIES, OBJECTIVES, AND STANDARDS There were no amendments to goals, policies, objectives, and standards in the reporting year. The most recent activities included the General Plan Housing Element update, including amendments to the Land Use and Safety Elements for internal consistency, and its certification by HCD on May 23, 2024.

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City of Laguna Hills General Plan Annual Progress Report (2024)

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VIII. GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION PROGRESS SUMMARY
A summary of selected General Plan Implementation Measures and major accomplishments during the reporting year is included below. This is not a comprehensive list of all programs, policies, and action items in the General Plan; many are under ongoing implementation or are more routine in nature, and may not be listed.

Land Use Element Implementation
Program
LU-1. Balanced Growth
Review discretionary development proposals to assess the project’s effect on the community’s jobs/housing balance and fiscal stability. Ensure developments provide their fair share of infrastructure such as utilities, roads, parks, and recreational opportunities or pay in lieu fees toward the development/extension of these facilities.

Policies LU-1.1, 1.2, 1.3
Status Ongoing
The planning projects approved in 2024 are subject to a variety of development impact fees and in-lieu fees, and have been designed to meet utility and infrastructure requirements.

Program
LU-2. CEQA Review
Ensure all projects are reviewed and processed per CEQA.

Policies LU-4.6
Status Ongoing
All projects have been reviewed per CEQA requirements. To further support staff on CEQA review, the Community Development Department continued to utilize qualified on-call CEQA consultants throughout the year.

Program
LU-5. Community Participation
Use the City’s website, newsletters, advertisements, and other measures to inform the community of and encourage participation at civic and community events. Continue to coordinate the City’s Traffic and Community Services Commissions, which provide for resident input on these issues.

Policies LU-1.7, 1.8
Status Ongoing
Staff continues to provide meeting agendas and project information on the City’s website. Staff has promoted and advertised community events in creative ways that ensure all segments of the community are encouraged to participate.

Program
LU-6. Compatibility Assessment and Buffering
Review discretionary development proposals to assess the compatibility of proposed development with adjacent/surrounding uses and activities. Require site design, buffers, architectural and buffering techniques, and other measures are incorporated into projects to ensure compatibility between uses and activities.

Policies LU-2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8
Status Ongoing
Planning projects approved in 2024 were assessed for compatibility with the existing built environment. Where required, landscaping buffers, architectural enhancements, additional setbacks, and conditions of approval were required for projects to remain compatible and to minimize impacts to surrounding neighborhoods and land uses.

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City of Laguna Hills General Plan Annual Progress Report (2024)

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Mobility Element Implementation
Program
M-1. Mobility Planning and Traffic Analysis
Review discretionary development proposals for potential impacts to the mobility and infrastructure systems and to ensure the street system meets City standards. The level of service standards established in the Mobility Element will be used to determine the significance of impacts. Intersection level of service will be determined by the volume to capacity ratio and the Highway Capacity Manual calculations. Mitigation in the form of physical improvements and/or impact fees will be required to reduce the significant impacts. As part of this program, the City will coordinate with local jurisdictions to reduce the impacts of development in Laguna Hills on adjacent jurisdictions.

Policies M-1.3
Status Ongoing
When applicable, the Public Works Department reviewed planning projects in 2024, and if necessary, required projects to minimize traffic impacts and to incorporate mitigation or payment of “fair share” of improvements.

Program
M-2. Capital Improvement Plan
Continue to bi-annually update the City of Laguna Hills Six-year Capital Improvement Program, which complies with the requirements of Measure M and the Congestion Management Program (CMP). The Plan identifies and recommends funding for future improvements to the mobility system, as well as other public facilities, including improvements to the existing pedestrian and bicycle network and landscaping right-ofways.

Policies M-1.3
Status Ongoing
The Public Works Department continues to comply with the requirements of the Congestion Management Program as part of the City’s bi-annual budget process.

Conservation and Open Space Element Implementation
Program
COS-2 Adequate Water Supply
Implement applicable provisions in the Moulton Niguel and El Toro water districts’ Urban Water Master Plans and ensure that adequate water supplies are available to meet the needs of current and future growth, as well as during an emergency event or drought.

Support efforts by these agencies to research and employ new technologies that improve water services and/or sustainability of water supplies serving Laguna Hills.

Policies COS-1.2; CSF-5.1, 5.2
Status Ongoing
As part of both planning entitlement and building permit review processes, staff continues to coordinate with regional water service providers to plan for emergency water services and drought.

Program
COS--7. Air Quality Management Plan
Work with the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) and the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) to implement the Air Quality Management Plan and meet all federal and State air quality standards for pollutants. Participate in any future amendments and updates to the Plan. Implement, review, and interpret the General Plan and future discretionary projects in a manner consistent with the Air Quality

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City of Laguna Hills General Plan Annual Progress Report (2024)

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Management Plan to meet standards and reduce overall emissions from mobile and stationary sources.

Policies COS-3.2
Status Ongoing
Through the CEQA review process, planning projects approved in 2024 were consistent with requirements of the AQMD. Staff will continue to monitor AQMD and SCAG initiatives regarding reducing air pollutant emissions from mobile and stationary sources.

Noise Element Implementation
Program
N-4. Commercial Noise
Review the locations of proposed projects with the potential to generate noise in relation to sensitive receptors through the discretionary project review process. Limit delivery or service hours for stores and businesses with loading areas, docks, or trash bins that front, side, or gain access on driveways next to residential and other noise sensitive areas. Only approve exceptions if full compliance with the nighttime limits of the noise regulations is achieved.

Policies N-1.1, N-1.2, N-3.1, N-3.2
Status Ongoing
The City reviewed development proposals to ensure that the noise standards and compatibility criteria set forth in the Noise Element were met. If necessary, conditions of approval were placed on discretionary permits to minimize noise impacts.

Program
N-5. Construction Noise
Require all construction activity to comply with the limits (maximum noise levels, hours, and days of allowed activity) established in City noise regulations to reduce impacts associated with temporary construction noise to the extent feasible. Trucks associated with construction activities shall follow designated truck routes, where appropriate.

Policies N-3.1
Status Ongoing
The Community Development Department and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department continue to monitor violation or complaints of the City’s construction noise requirements. The City reviewed development proposals to ensure that the noise standards and compatibility criteria set forth in the Noise Element were met.

Safety Element Implementation
Program
S-2 Natural Hazards Risk Reduction
Reduce the risk to the community from hazards related to geologic conditions, seismic activity, flooding, and structural and wildfires by requiring feasible mitigation of such impacts on discretionary development projects. Assess development proposals for potential hazards pursuant to CEQA. Require measures to mitigate all identified significant public safety hazards.

Policies S-1.2
Status Ongoing
Through the CEQA review process, planning projects approved in 2024 were evaluated to reduce the risk of impacts from geologic and seismic hazards by

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City of Laguna Hills General Plan Annual Progress Report (2024)

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applying current and proper land use planning, development engineering, building construction, and retrofitting requirements.

Program
S-5. Orange County Fire Authority
Work closely with the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) to implement fire hazard education and fire prevention programs, including fuel modification programs and controlled burns. Coordinate with OCFA to ensure that water pressure is adequate for firefighting purposes in all areas of the City, particularly in redevelopment projects/areas.

Coordinate with OCFA to implement the Hazardous Materials Area Plan within Laguna Hills.

Policies S-5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4
Status Ongoing
Staff continues to coordinate with the Orange County Fire Authority for permit and project review to ensure that OCFA requirements are being met. Staff continues to cooperate with the Orange County Integrated Waste Management Department to address hazardous materials.

Program
S-9. Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) Review all new development and redevelopment proposals for sensitivity to CPTED principles. Encourage incorporation of design features that employ adequate lighting and place increased emphasis on public areas. Coordinate with the OCSD to develop guidelines on CPTED principles.

Policies S-4.1; LU-3.12
Status Ongoing
When feasible, staff has incorporated Crime Prevention through Environmental Design measures and “visible spaces” into new developments as a means of promoting safe environments. Lighting of public areas have been designed to meet the Municipal Code lighting requirements, while providing adequate lighting for the safety of the public.

Program
S-12. Project-Related Flood Control and Stormwater Management and Comprehensive Drainage Studies
As a condition of project approval, require new development and redevelopment to provide adequate on-site and off-site storm water and flood management facilities to control direct and indirect erosion and discharges of pollutants and/or sediments. To determine the facility and Best Management Practices (BMP) needs, the City will require, when necessary, a hydrological/drainage analysis be performed by a state-licensed and City-approved engineer, with the cost of said analysis the responsibility of the project applicant
Policies S-6.2; COS-1.3
Status Ongoing
All projects approved in 2024 were reviewed and accepted by the City Engineer. Conditions of approval were implemented regarding Water Quality Management Plan requirements and plan check review procedures.

Community Services and Facilities Element Implementation Program
CSF-4. Water and Sewer Services for New Development
Review development and redevelopment proposals and require necessary studies, as appropriate, and water conservation and mitigation measures to ensure adequate water and sewer service.

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City of Laguna Hills General Plan Annual Progress Report (2024)

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Policies CSF-5.1, 5.2, 6.1, 6.2
Status Ongoing
All development proposals reviewed and approved in 2024 have obtained or have been required to obtain through conditions of approval all required clearances from local water agencies. Staff will continue to monitor and work closely with local and regional water suppliers and distributors to ensure that high-quality water and sewer services is available for the community.

Program
CSF-5. Solid Waste Services
Continue to contract for solid waste services from a private sector provider. Ensure that community needs for solid waste disposal are being met.

Policies CSF-7.1
Status Ongoing
In 2024, staff made progress in establishing a review process and outreach to the development and business community regarding AB 1826 (Mandatory Commercial Organics Recycling), SB 1383 (Short-Lived Climate Pollutants), and AB 341 (Mandatory Commercial Recycling). Staff will continue to work with local service providers to ensure adequate solid waste collection, disposal, and recycling services.

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Jurisidiction Name
Reporting Calendar YearFirst NameLast NameTitle Click here to download APR InstructionsEmailPhoneStreet AddressCityZipcode v_01_23_25
Please Start Here
General Information
2024
Laguna Hills
Contact Information
Optional: Click here to import last year's data. This is best used when the workbook is new and empty. You will be prompted to pick an old workbook to import from. Project and program data will be copied exactly how it was entered in last year's form and must be updated. If a project is no longer has any reportable activity, you may delete the project by selecting a cell in the row and typing ctrl + d.Click here to add rows to a table. If you add too many rows, you may select a cell in the row you wish to remove and type ctrl + d. 24035 El Toro Road
Laguna Hills
92653
Jay
Wuu
Senior Planner
[email protected]
9497072662
Mailing Address
Annual Progress Report January 2020

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Jurisdiction Laguna Hills
Reporting Year 2024
Housing Element Planning Period 6th Cycle
Current Year
Deed
Restricted 0
Non-Deed
Restricted 0
Deed
Restricted 0
Non-Deed
Restricted 0
Deed
Restricted 0
Non-Deed
Restricted 0
5 5
Units by Structure Type Entitled Permitted Completed
Single-family Attached 0 0 0
Single-family Detached 0 0 0
2 to 4 units per structure 0 0 0
5+ units per structure 0 0 0
Accessory Dwelling Unit 0 5 5
Mobile/Manufactured Home 0 0 0
Total 0 5 5
Infill Housing Developments and Infill Units Permitted # of Projects Units 55 00
2 420
0 0
0 0
Income Rental Ownership Total
Very Low 00 0
Low 00 0
Moderate 00 0
Above Moderate 00 0
Total 0 0 0
Streamlining Provisions Used - Permitted Units # of Projects Units SB 9 (2021) - Duplex in SF Zone 00
SB 9 (2021) - Residential Lot Split 00
AB 2011 (2022) 00
SB 6 (2022) 00
SB 423 (2023) 00
Ministerial and Discretionary Applications # of Units
Ministerial 00
Discretionary 2 420
Density Bonus Applications and Units Permitted
Number of Applications Submitted Requesting a Density Bonus 1 Number of Units in Applications Submitted Requesting a Density Bonus 240 Number of Projects Permitted with a Density Bonus 0
Number of Units in Projects Permitted with a Density Bonus 0 Housing Element Programs Implemented and Sites Rezoned Count 36 0
Total Housing Applications Submitted:

Number of Proposed Units in All Applications Received:

Total Housing Units Approved:

Total Housing Units Disapproved:

Total Units
Housing Applications Summary
Use of SB 423 Streamlining Provisions - Applications
Note: Units serving extremely low-income households are included in the very low-income Number of SB 423 Streamlining Applications
Above Moderate
Indicated as Infill
Not Indicated as Infill
Building Permits Issued by Affordability Summary
Income Level
Programs Implemented
Sites Rezoned to Accommodate the RHNA
(Jan. 1 - Dec. 31)
10/15/2021 - 10/15/2029
Units Constructed - SB 423 Streamlining Permits
Number of SB 423 Streamlining Applications Approved
Very Low
Low
Moderate

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Jurisdiction Laguna Hills ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT Note: "+" indicates an optional field Reporting Year 2024
(Jan. 1 - Dec.
31) Housing Element Implementation
Planning Period 6th Cycle 10/15/2021 - 10/15/2029
Date
Application
Submitted
Total
Approved
Units by
Project
Total
Disapproved
Units by
Project
Streamlining Application Status Project Type Notes
2 34 6 7 8 9 11 12 13
Prior APN+ Current APN Street Address Project Name+
Local
Jurisdiction
Tracking ID
Unit Category
(SFA,SFD,2 to 4,5+,ADU,MH)
Tenure
R=RenterO=Owner
Date
Application
Submitted
(see
instructions)
Very LowIncome
Deed
Restricted
Very LowIncome
Non Deed
Restricted
LowIncome
Deed
Restricted
Low-Income
Non Deed
Restricted
ModerateIncome Deed
Restricted
ModerateIncome
Non Deed
Restricted
Above
ModerateIncome
Total

PROPOSED
Units by
Project
Total

APPROVED
Units by
project
Total

DISAPPROVE
D Units by
Project
Please select
state
streamlining
provision/s the
application was
submitted
pursuant to.

Did the
housing
development
application
seek
incentives or
concessions
pursuant to
Government
Code section
65915?
Were
incentives or
concessions
requested
pursuant to
Government
Code section
65915
approved?
Please
indicate the
status of the
application.

Is the project considered a
ministerial
project or
discretionary
project?
Notes+
Summary Row: Start Data Entry Below 0 0 36 0 0 0 384 420 0 0 62021117 25254 LA PAZ
ROAD LA PAZ VILLAGE USE-0147- 2023 5+ R 4/18/2024 36 144 180 NONE No N/A Pending Discretionary 62049204 24422

AVENIDA DE

LA CARLOTA

OAKBROOK
PLAZA
USE-0166-
2023
5+ R
4/11/2024
240 240 NONE Yes N/A Pending Discretionary
Table A
Cells in grey contain auto-calculation formulas
1 5
Project Identifier Unit Types Proposed Units - Affordability by Household Incomes Density Bonus Law Applications 10 Housing Development Applications Submitted

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Jurisdiction Laguna Hills ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT Reporting Year 2024 (Jan. 1 - Dec. 31) Housing Element Implementation Cells in grey contain auto-calculation formulasPlanning Period 6th Cycle 10/15/2021 - 10/15/2029 Table A2
Streamlining Infill Housing without Financial Assistance or Deed Restrictions Term of Affordability or Deed Restriction Notes 23 56 89 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Prior APN+ Current APN Street Address Project Name+
Local
Jurisdiction
Tracking ID
Unit
Category
(SFA,SFD,2 to
4,5+,ADU,MH)
Tenure
R=RenterO=Owner
Very LowIncome Deed Restricted
Very LowIncome
Non Deed
Restricted
Low- Income
Deed
Restricted
Low- Income
Non Deed
Restricted
ModerateIncome
Deed
Restricted
ModerateIncome Non
Deed
Restricted
Above
ModerateIncome
Entitlement
Date Approved
# of Units
issued
Entitlements
Very LowIncome
Deed
Restricted
Very LowIncome
Non Deed
Restricted
LowIncome
Deed
Restricted
LowIncome
Non Deed
Restricted
ModerateIncome
Deed
Restricted
ModerateIncome Non
Deed
Restricted
Above
ModerateIncome
Building
Permits Date
Issued
# of Units Issued
Building Permits
Very LowIncome
Deed
Restricted
Very LowIncome
Non Deed
Restricted
LowIncome
Deed
Restricted
LowIncome
Non Deed
Restricted
ModerateIncome
Deed
Restricted
ModerateIncome Non
Deed
Restricted
Above
ModerateIncome
Certificates of
Occupancy or other
forms of readiness
(see instructions)
Date Issued
# of Units
issued
Certificates of Occupancy or
other forms
of readiness
How many of
the units
were
Extremely
Low Income?
Please select the
state
streamlining
provision the
project was APPROVED
pursuant to.
(may select
multiple)
Infill Units?
Y/N+
Assistance
Programs for Each
Development
(may select
multiple - see
instructions)
Deed Restriction
Type
(may select
multiple - see
instructions)
For units affordable without financial
assistance or deed restrictions, explain how
the locality determined the units were
affordable
(see instructions)
Term of Affordability
or Deed Restriction
(years) (if affordable
in perpetuity enter
1000)+
Number of
Demolished/Destro
yed Units
Demolished
or Destroyed
Units
Demolished/
Destroyed
Units
Owner or
Renter
Total Density Bonus
Applied to the Project
(Percentage Increase in
Total Allowable Units or
Total Maximum
Allowable Residential
Gross Floor Area)
Number of Other
Incentives,
Concessions,
Waivers, or Other
Modifications
Given to the Project
(Excluding Parking
Waivers or Parking
Reductions)
List the
incentives,
concessions,
waivers, and
modifications
(Excluding
Parking Waivers
or Parking
Modifications)
Did the project
receive a reduction or
waiver of parking
standards? (Y/N)
Notes+
Summary Row: Start Data Entry Below 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 5 0 2000 0 3 5 0 0 61623211 23582 MILANO BLDR-1443-2022 ADU O 0 0 1 4/12/2024 1 NONE Y 62009221 25002 ERICSON BLDR-1139-2022 ADU R 0 01 2/12/2024 1 NONE Y HOMEOWNER SURVEY; $0 RENT 61624106 23665 CREMONA BLDR-1351-2022 ADU R 0 01 5/1/2024 1 NONE Y HOMEOWNER SURVEY; $0 RENT63418243 26291 YOLANDA BLDR-0407-2023 ADU O 0 0 1 8/8/2024 1 NONE Y 62006116 25222 TASMAN BLDR-0420-2023 ADU O 0 0 1 10/4/2024 1 NONE Y 62716308 24952 BUCKBOARD LN BLDR-0362-2023 ADU O 0 1 5/6/2024 1 0 NONE Y62023103 25271 BENTLEY BLDR-0290-2023 ADU O 0 1 6/10/2024 1 0 NONE Y62705114 26871 HIGHWOOD CIR BLDR-0213-2023 ADU O 0 1 12/17/2024 1 0 NONE Y62006220 25094 VELASQUEZ RD BLDR-0298-2023 ADU O 0 1 3/13/2024 1 0 NONE Y63636126 27641 PINESTRAP CIR BLDR-0238-2024 ADU O 0 1 10/22/2024 1 0 NONE Y Note: "+" indicates an optional field
Housing with Financial Assistance
and/or Deed Restrictions Project Identifier Demolished/Destroyed Units Annual Building Activity Report Summary - New Construction, Entitled, Permits and Completed Units Density Bonus
1 Unit Types Affordability by Household Incomes - Completed Entitlement Affordability by Household Incomes - Building Permits Affordability by Household Incomes - Certificates of Occupancy 4 7 10

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Jurisdiction Laguna Hills ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT Reporting Year 2024 (Jan. 1 - Dec. 31) Housing Element ImplementationPlanning Period 6th Cycle 10/15/2021 - 10/15/2029 1 Projection
Period 34
RHNA Allocation
by Income Level
Projection
Period -
06/30/2021-
10/14/2021
2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029
Total Units
to Date (all
years)
Total Remaining
RHNA by
Income Level
Deed Restricted - - - - - - - - - - Non-Deed Restricted - - - - - - - - - - Deed Restricted - - - - - - - - - - Non-Deed Restricted - - - - - - - - - - Deed Restricted - - - - - - - - - - Non-Deed Restricted - - - - - - - - - - Above Moderate 710 1 - - - 5 - - - - - 6 704
1,985
1 - - - 5 - - - - - 6 1,979
5 67
Extremely lowIncome Need 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 Total Units to Date Total Units Remaining 284 - - - - - - - - - - 284
VLI Deed RestrictedVLI Non Deed RestrictedLI Deed RestrictedLI Non Deed RestrictedMI Deed RestrictedMI Non Deed RestrictedAbove Mod Income 353
Please note: For the last year of the 5th cycle, Table B will only include units that were permitted during the portion of the year that was in the 5th cycle. For the first year of the 6th cycle, Table B will only include units that were permitted since the start of the planning period. Projection Period units are in a separate column.Total RHNATotal Units Income Level
Very LowLowExtremely Low-Income Units*
Note: units serving extremely low-income households are included in the very low-income RHNA progress and must be reported as very low-income units in section 7 of Table A2. They must also be reported in the extremely low-income category (section 13) in Table A2 to be counted as progress toward meeting the extremely low-income housing need determined pursuant to Government Code 65583(a)(1).*Extremely low-income housing need determined pursuant to Government Code 65583(a)(1). Value in Section 5 is default value, assumed to be half of the very low-income RHNA. May be overwritten.

Progress toward extremely low-income housing need, as determined pursuant to Government Code 65583(a)(1).

Please Note: Table B does not currently contain data from Table F or Table F2 for prior years. You may login to the APR system to see Table B that contains this data.Please note: The APR form can only display data for one planning period. To view progress for a different planning period, you may login to HCD's online APR system, or contact HCD staff at [email protected]. 354
-
This table is auto-populated once you enter your jurisdiction name and current year data. Past year information comes from previous APRs. - Moderate
568 353 354
Please contact HCD if your data is different than the material supplied here -
2 Table B
Regional Housing Needs Allocation Progress
Permitted Units Issued by Affordability
568

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Jurisdiction Laguna Hills ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT Reporting Year 2024
(Jan. 1 - Dec.
31) Housing Element Implementation
Planning Period 6th Cycle 10/15/2021 - 10/15/2029
Date of
Rezone Rezone Type
2 4 5 6 7 9 10 11
APN Street Address Project Name+
Local
Jurisdiction
Tracking ID+
Date of
Rezone
Very LowIncome Low-Income Moderate- Income Above Moderate- Income Rezone Type Parcel Size (Acres) General Plan Designation Zoning Minimum Density Allowed Maximum Density Allowed Realistic Capacity Vacant/Nonvacant Description of Existing Uses Note: "+" indicates an optional fieldCells in grey contain auto-calculation formulas Summary Row: Start Data Entry Below
3 8
Project Identifier RHNA Shortfall by Household Income Category Sites Description 1 Sites Identified or Rezoned to Accommodate Shortfall Housing Need and No Net-Loss Law Table C

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Jurisdiction Laguna Hills
Reporting Year 2024 (Jan. 1 - Dec. 31)
1 2 34
Name of Program Objective Timeframe in H.E Status of Program Implementation 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.

Ongoing code enforcement; update regulations for code enforcement procedures by June 2023; develop informational materials by December 2023 Ongoing. In 2024, the City of Laguna Hills's Code Enforcement division received and tracked 156 complaints related to property maintenance, building and zoning code violations, and other nuisances. Of the 156 complaints lodged, 84 complaints were determined unfounded, and the remaining 72 complaints were investigated and determined as valid violations. Through voluntary compliance, all 72 founded violations were resolved within 30 days of initial contact/notice. In the event, correction of a violation required involvement of an external agency, the City made reasonable effort to provide referrals. Fortunately, none of the violations in 2024 resulted in any tenant displacement/relocation. The City intends to create bilingual information materials regarding tenant relocation/displacement and rehabilitation resources in 2025.

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.

Ongoing
Ongoing. In 2024, the City of Laguna Hills did not identify any substandard rental housing. The City will continue to monitor and identify substandard rental housing. The City intends to use all means, including working with the California State Franchise Board, to achieve timely and full compliance following identification of substandard rental housing.

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.

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.

Ongoing. The County anticipates commencing the "SAFE Homes for OC Seniors" program in 2025 which will offer housing rehabilitation loans to seniors in Laguna Hills. The City will work with the County to conduct outreach. Additionally, the CalHome Program is a deferred-payment loan program available through a grant to Habitat OC for first-time homebuyer and housing rehabilitation assistance, homebuyer counseling and technical assistance activities to enable low- and very low-income households to become or remain homeowners. The City aims to work with Habitat OC to extend their outreach efforts in the Via Lomas neighborhood as well as Citywide.The City continues to monitor opportunities and will pursue funds as appropriate to further the housing goals of this Housing Element.

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. 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.

Ongoing. The City intends to engage current owner of the Rancho Moulton Housing development and the County of Orange Housing and Community Development to explore extension options concerning the affordability controls for the 51 rental units that are set to expire in 2032. The City will work with responsible entities to ensure tenants receive education of housing rights and preservation process, tenant options, rental voucher assistance, and what to expect once the acquisition process has been completed.The County makes available funds and project-based vouchers through our Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) to promote the acquisition, new construction, and acquisition/rehabilitation of supportive housing units.In 2024, the California Housing Partnership Corporation (CHPC) did not determine any subsidized affordable rental housing in Laguna Hills as "High Risk". The City will continue to monitor CHPC data and reports and act accordingly in the event risk levels change.

H-4. AT-RISK UNITS
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 profit motivated 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 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. 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.

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.

Ongoing. Post information on City website and distribute hard copies to local businesses and organizations by June 2023 and update and redistribute annually.

Ongoing. The City has developed a robust housing information webpage which provides information pertaining to fair housing, housing choice voucher program, housing rehabilitation resources, mortgage assistance, foreclosure prevention and homelessness services. The City also offers referral services to external agencies to assist in reducing incidents of foreclosures in Laguna Hills.

ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Housing Element Implementation
Housing Programs Progress Report
Describe progress of all programs including local efforts to remove governmental constraints to the maintenance, improvement, and development of housing as identified in the housing element.

Table D
Program Implementation Status pursuant to GC Section 65583

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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).

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.

Ongoing. In addition to a webpage dedicated to Site 2 (Laguna Hills Mall), Housing Element Sites in the UVSP (including Sites 114, 115, and 116) have been identified on the City website. The City is currently processing an active senior housing project on Site 116.

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 low and 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 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.

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.

Ongoing. The City is considering an adaptive reuse ordinance, inclusionary housing ordinance, and a congregational overlay.Staff has conducted an initial review of development standards and permitting requirements, and is drafting appropriate Zoning Text Amendments.

H-7. ZONING ORDINANCE UPDATE

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 nonresidential 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 single-family 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.

H-7. ZONING ORDINANCE UPDATE

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 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.

H-7. ZONING ORDINANCE UPDATE

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 low income 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 process that is used with single-family homes.

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H-7. ZONING ORDINANCE UPDATE

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 singlefamily 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.

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:

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.

Ongoing. Staff has created an ADU informational handout that will be available on the website when the dedicated ADU webpage is live. On this webpage we will provide other informative links/information that will assist the community. Staff has assigned the Assistant Planner as an ADU point person to serve as a central point of information and a resource.In compliance with state legislation City staff is working on obtaining preapproved ADU plans to be available on the website once ready.

H-8. ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS
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 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.

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.

All tasks completed by August 2024 All tasks completed by August 2024 H-10. PERMIT STREAMLINING
The City will 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 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.

June 2024 Ongoing. In conjunction with Program H-15, Staff is considering expedited processing for projects with 100 percent affordable units.

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 lower income RHNA must be able to accommodate a minimum of 16 units per site.

Specific sites will be rezoned by January 31, 2024
Complete. Properties identified in Sites Inventory were rezoned and objective design standards established.

H-11. 2021–2029 REGIONAL HOUSING NEED
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 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.

Specific sites will be rezoned by January 31, 2025
Complete. Properties identified in Sites Inventory were rezoned and objective design standards established.

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.

Annually by September of each year or as otherwise required by the County CDBG schedule Ongoing. The City has developed a robust housing information webpage which provides information pertaining to fair housing, housing choice voucher program, housing rehabilitation resources, mortgage assistance, and homelessness services. In 2024, the City approved a contract with the City of Mission Viejo to provide homeless outreach services in Laguna Hills. The goal of outreach is to develop relationships with homeless families and individuals so that they can receive the assistance to navigate community resources. The City continues to seek additional funding and develop partnerships to enhance its homeless services.

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 discuss ways the City can assist in the development for lower-income households.

Annually by September of each year or as otherwise required by the County CDBG schedule Ongoing. The City continues to participate in the Orange County Consolidated Plan development process. In 2024, the City assisted OCHCD in its outreach efforts of the FY 25-29 Consolidated Plan. The City availed and promoted the County's outreach materials for the needs assessment survey and community forums on its website, bulletin boards, social media posts, City's e-Newsletter, and announcements at City Council meetings.

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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.

Ongoing. By June 2023 and twice a year after that: communicate with community-based organizations that serve Laguna Hills’ specialneeds 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 Multi- Lingual Right to Counsel Program and implement selected approaches within the following year. Enforce replacement housing requirements as projects arise.

Ongoing. OCHA applies for funding as it becomes available.

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. 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.

Ongoing. OCHA applies for funding as it becomes available.

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H-14. DISPLACEMENT PREVENTION AND MITIGATION
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.

Ongoing. OCHA applies for funding as it becomes available.

OCHA addresses de-concentration of poverty through the use of our payment standards. OCHA has established higher payment standards for higher cost areas allowing for increased housing mobility.The City provides referral services and information, digitally and physically, to the City’s residents on housing choice voucher programs.In addition to the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, OCHA administers several other Special Purpose Voucher programs targeted to clients who meet specific eligibility criteria and are referred by various partner agencies.The Orange County Housing Authority (OCHA) provides information to new landlords regarding their obligations under the Housing Choice Voucher program. Additionally, OCHA will periodically partner with other agencies to offer fair housing training to existing landlords. OCHA reminds landlords that it is against the law to discriminate against tenants based on source of income. In the event such discrimination is reported, OCHA refers the impacted party to Fair Housing Council of Orange County.OCHA does not dictate how landlords perform their screening when participating in the Housing Choice Voucher program. Landlords are responsible for their own screening policies and ensuring compliance with local housing rules.OCHA has a landlord incentive program offering to pay up to $1,000 for each unit a landlord successfully leases to an OCHA client. Additionally, OCHA assists OCHA tenants with up to double security deposits and may reimburse tenants for the purchase of a refrigerator to comply with Housing Quality Standards requirements
H-14. DISPLACEMENT PREVENTION AND MITIGATION
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 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 H16, Fair Housing Program.

Ongoing. OCHA applies for funding as it becomes available.

OCHA addresses de-concentration of poverty through the use of our payment standards. OCHA has established higher payment standards for higher cost areas allowing for increased housing mobility.The City provides referral services and information, digitally and physically, to the City’s residents on housing choice voucher programs.In addition to the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, OCHA administers several other Special Purpose Voucher programs targeted to clients who meet specific eligibility criteria and are referred by various partner agencies.The Orange County Housing Authority (OCHA) provides information to new landlords regarding their obligations under the Housing Choice Voucher program. Additionally, OCHA will periodically partner with other agencies to offer fair housing training to existing landlords. OCHA reminds landlords that it is against the law to discriminate against tenants based on source of income. In the event such discrimination is reported, OCHA refers the impacted party to Fair Housing Council of Orange County.OCHA does not dictate how landlords perform their screening when participating in the Housing Choice Voucher program. Landlords are responsible for their own screening policies and ensuring compliance with local housing rules.OCHA has a landlord incentive program offering to pay up to $1,000 for each unit a landlord successfully leases to an OCHA client. Additionally, OCHA assists OCHA tenants with up to double security deposits and may reimburse tenants for the purchase of a refrigerator to comply with Housing Quality Standards requirements
H-15. AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPER PARTNERSHIPS
The City will continue to develop partnerships with mainstream and special needs 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.

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.

Ongoing. The City will continue to develop partnerships with affordable housing developers and promote lower-income housing development incentives on the City’s website.The City will investigate HCD’s housing resources website to locate available sites and potential funding sources and will add and maintain relevant information on the City’s Housing webpage.The City will continue to conduct outreach to affordable and special-needs developers to discuss ways the City can assist in the development for lowerincome households.

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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. 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.

Ongoing for the 2021-2029 planning period, and as 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.

Ongoing. The City continues to maintain services and personnel to receive housing complaints and continue to address or resolve complaints. In the event complaints cannot be resolved at City level, City staff refers clients to the Fair Housing Council of Orange County.Fair Housing Services in Laguna Hills are provided by Fair Housing Council of Orange County (FHCOC). Services provided by the Fair Housing Council include fair housing enforcement and education, landlord/tenant counseling, mediation and homebuyer HUD counseling which includes first-time homebuyer education and mortgage default counseling. The City prominently displays FHCOC outreach and marketing materials on its housing webpage, bulletin boards, and various locations including at the Community Center and at the Laguna Hills Technology Library. Ongoing. The City has developed a robust housing information webpage which provides information pertaining to fair housing, housing choice voucher program, housing rehabilitation resources, mortgage assistance, and homelessness services. In 2024, the City approved a contract with the City of Mission Viejo to provide homeless outreach services in Laguna Hills. The goal of outreach is to develop relationships with homeless families and individuals so that they can receive the assistance to navigate community resources. The County offers first-time homebuyer assistance program for residents in participating cities, including Laguna Hills. Interested parties are required to attend a homebuyer education workshop. The City provides this information on its Housing Information webpage to the residents.

H-16. FAIR HOUSING PROGRAM
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.

Ongoing for the 2021-2029 planning period,
and as 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.

H-16. FAIR HOUSING PROGRAM
7 Encourage development of affordable housing that meets the needs of diverse households and family structures, including affordable 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; Ongoing for the 2021-2029 planning period,
and as 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.

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H-16. FAIR HOUSING PROGRAM
• 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.

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.

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 Ongoing. The City offers information regarding available housing resources in the City and throughout Orange County on its housing webpage.

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 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.

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 Ongoing. The City continues to prepare and submit the APR to HCD, as well as LCI (formerly OPR), annually by April 1.

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.

Ongoing
Ongoing. The City continues to monitor existing and proposed affordable housing developments in the City, has attended housing and legislative conferences/workshops, attends monthly planning meetings with SCAG, and communicates and collaborates with local agencies and the public regarding housing issues.

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.

Ongoing. Post information on City website within by June 2023 and update annually.

Ongoing. The City continues to publicize on its website housing information regarding state and federal funding programs currently available to Laguna Hills residents. The City aims to engage local and regional agencies to enhance local housing coordination efforts.The City is also working on developing outreach materials and a dedicated information webpage for ADU’s.

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 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 deedrestricted affordable housing.

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.

Ongoing. The City continues to track and monitor approved residential development projects to ensure construction commences timely and prior to permit expiration. The City proactively sends out letters and emails to notify applicants regarding permit expiration deadlines. The City makes diligent efforts to help applicants execute their projects by collaboratively working with applicants to find strategies and actions that can eliminate or reduce any constraints. The City continues to meet with developers and property owners to discuss development opportunities.

H-21. FACILITATING HOUSING ON IDENTIFIED SITES

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.

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H-21. FACILITATING HOUSING ON IDENTIFIED SITES

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 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.

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Jurisdiction Laguna Hills ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT Reporting Period 2024
(Jan. 1 - Dec.
31) Housing Element Implementation
Period 6th Cycle 10/15/2021 - 10/15/2029
Description of
Commercial
Development Bonus
Commercial Development Bonus
Date Approved
34 APN Street Address Project Name+
Local
Jurisdiction
Tracking ID+
Very Low
Income
Low
Income
Moderate
Income
Above Moderate
Income
Description of
Commercial
Development Bonus
Commercial Development Bonus
Date Approved
Summary Row: Start Data Entry Below
Units Constructed as Part of Agreement
Commercial Development Bonus Approved pursuant to GC Section 65915.7 Table E
Note: "+" indicates an optional field
Project Identifier
1 2
Cells in grey contain auto-calculation formulas
(CCR Title 25 §6202)
Annual Progress Report January 2020

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Jurisdiction Laguna Hills ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT Note: "+" indicates an optional field Reporting Period 2024
(Jan. 1 Dec.
31) Housing Element Implementation Cells in grey contain auto-calculation formulas Planning Period 6th Cycle 10/15/2021 - 10/15/2029
The description should adequately document how each unit complies with subsection (c) of Government Code Section 65583.1+.

For detailed reporting requirements, see the chcklist here:

Extremely LowIncome+ Very Low- Income+ Low-Income+ TOTAL UNITS+ Extremely Low- Income+ Very Low- Income+ Low-Income+ TOTAL UNITS+ https://www.hcd.ca.gov/community- development/docs/adequate-sites-checklist.pdf Rehabilitation ActivityPreservation of Units At-RiskAcquisition of UnitsMobilehome Park PreservationTotal Units by Income Table F
Please note this table is optional: The jurisdiction can use this table to report units that have been substantially rehabilitated, converted from non-affordable to affordable by acquisition, and preserved, including mobilehome park preservation, consistent with the standards set forth in Government Code section 65583.1, subdivision (c). Please note, motel, hotel, hostel rooms or other structures that are converted from non-residential to residential units pursuant to Government Code section 65583.1(c)(1)(D) are considered net-new housing units and must be reported in Table A2 and not reported in Table F.

Activity Type
Units that Do Not Count Towards RHNA+
Listed for Informational Purposes Only
Units that Count Towards RHNA +
Note - Because the statutory requirements severely limit what can be counted, please contact HCD at [email protected] and we will unlock the form which enable you to populate these fields.

Units Rehabilitated, Preserved and Acquired for Alternative Adequate Sites pursuant to Government Code section 65583.1(c) Annual Progress Report January 2020

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Jurisdiction Laguna Hills ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT Note: "+" indicates an optional field
Reporting Period 2024 (Jan. 1 - Dec. 31) Housing Element Implementation Cells in grey contain auto-calculation formulasPlanning Period 6th Cycle 10/15/2021 - 10/15/2029 Notes
23 6
Prior APN+ Current APN Street Address Project Name+
Local
Jurisdiction
Tracking ID
Unit
Category
(2 to 4,5+)
Tenure
R=Renter
Very LowIncome Deed
Restricted
Very LowIncome
Non Deed
Restricted
Low- Income Deed
Restricted
Low- Income
Non Deed
Restricted
ModerateIncome Deed
Restricted
ModerateIncome Non
Deed
Restricted
Above
ModerateIncome
Total Moderate Income
Units Converted from
Above Moderate
Date
Converted Notes
Summary Row: Start Data Entry Below 00 0 0 0 0 0 0
Table F2
Above Moderate Income Units Converted to Moderate Income Pursuant to Government Code section 65400.2 For up to 25 percent of a jurisdiction’s moderate-income regional housing need allocation, the planning agency may include the number of units in an existing multifamily building that were converted to deed-restricted rental housing for moderate-income households by the imposition of affordability covenants and restrictions for the unit. Before adding information to this table, please ensure housing developments meet the requirements described in Government Code 65400.2(b). 5 Project Identifier Unit Types
1 4
Affordability by Household Incomes After Conversion Units credited toward Moderate Income RHNA

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Jurisdiction Laguna Hills
Reporting Period 2024
(Jan. 1 - Dec.
31)
Period 6th Cycle 10/15/2021 - 10/15/2029 ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT Housing Element Implementation
23 4
APN Street Address Project Name+
Local
Jurisdiction
Tracking ID+
Realistic
Capacity
Identified in the
Housing
Element
Entity to whom the site
transferred Intended Use for Site
1 Summary Row: Start Data Entry Below
Note: "+" indicates an optional fieldCells in grey contain auto-calculation formulas Table G
Locally Owned Lands Included in the Housing Element Sites Inventory that have been sold, leased, or otherwise disposed of Project Identifier
element sites inventory contains a site which is or was owned by the reporting jurisdiction, and has been sold, leased, or otherwise disposed of during the reporting year.

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Jurisdiction Laguna Hills Note: "+" indicates an optional field Reporting Period 2024
(Jan. 1 - Dec.
31)
Cells in grey contain auto-calculation formulas
Designation Size Notes
1 2 34 5 6 7
APN Street Address/Intersection Existing Use Number of Units Surplus Designation Parcel Size (in acres) Notes NOTE: This table must contain an invenory of ALL surplus/excess lands the reporting jurisdiction owns Summary Row: Start Data Entry Below
Parcel Identifier

ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Housing Element Implementation
Table H
Locally Owned Surplus Sites
For Orange County jurisdictions, please format the APN's as follows:999-999-99

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Jurisdiction Laguna Hills ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT Reporting Period 2024
(Jan. 1 - Dec.
31) Housing Element Implementation
Planning Period 6th Cycle 10/15/2021 - 10/15/2029
Project Type Date
Units
(Beds/Student
Capacity) Granted
Notes
23 5 6
APN Street Address Project Name+
Local
Jurisdiction
Tracking ID+
Unit Category
(SH - Student
Housing)
Date
Very LowIncome Deed
Restricted
Very LowIncome Non
Deed
Restricted
Low- Income
Deed
Restricted
Low- Income
Non Deed
Restricted
ModerateIncome Deed
Restricted
ModerateIncome Non
Deed
Restricted
Above
ModerateIncome
Total Additional
Beds Created Due
to Density Bonus
Notes
Summary Row: Start Data Entry Below
Note: "+" indicates an optional field
Cells in grey contain auto-calculation formulas
Table J
Student housing development for lower income students for which was granted a density bonus pursuant to subparagraph (F) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 65915 Project Identifier Units (Beds/Student Capacity) Approved 1 4
NOTE: STUDENT HOUSING WITH DENSITY BONUS
ONLY. This table only needs to be completed if there
were student housing projects WITH a density bonus
approved pursuant to Government
Code65915(b)(1)(F)
Annual Progress Report January 2020

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Jurisdiction Laguna Hills ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT Reporting Period 2024 (Jan. 1 - Dec. 31)Planning Period 6th Cycle 10/15/2021 - 10/15/2029 No Does the Jurisdiction have a local tenant preference policy? If the jurisdiction has a local tenant preference policy, provide a link to the jurisdiction's webpage containing authorizing local ordinance and supporting materials.

Notes
Table K
Tenant Preference Policy
Local governments are required to inform HCD about any local tenant preference ordinance the local government maintains when the jurisdiction submits their annual progress report on housing approvals and production, per Government Code 7061 (SB 649, 2022, Cortese). Effective January 1, 2023, local governments adopting a tenant preference are required to create a webpage on their internet website containing authorizing local ordinance and supporting materials, no more than 90 days after the ordinance becomes operational.

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Jurisdiction Laguna Hills
Reporting Year 2024 (Jan. 1 - Dec. 31)
Total Award Amount Total award amount is auto-populated based on amounts entered in rows 15-26.

Task $ Amount Awarded $ Cumulative Reimbursement Requested Other Funding Notes Summary of entitlements, building permits, and certificates of occupancy (auto-populated from Table A2) Current Year
Deed Restricted 0
Non-Deed Restricted 0Deed Restricted 0Non-Deed Restricted 0Deed Restricted 0Non-Deed Restricted 0 00 Current Year
Deed Restricted 0
Non-Deed Restricted 0Deed Restricted 0Non-Deed Restricted 0Deed Restricted 0Non-Deed Restricted 0 55 Current Year
Deed Restricted 0
Non-Deed Restricted 2Deed Restricted 0Non-Deed Restricted 0Deed Restricted 0Non-Deed Restricted 0 35 Moderate
Above Moderate
Total Units
Completed Entitlement Issued by Affordability Summary
Income Level
Very Low
Low
Moderate
Above Moderate
Total Units
Building Permits Issued by Affordability Summary
Income Level
Very Low
Low
Total Units
Certificate of Occupancy Issued by Affordability Summary Income Level
Very Low
Low
Moderate
Above Moderate

ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Local Early Action Planning (LEAP) Reporting
(CCR Title 25 §6202)
Please update the status of the proposed uses listed in the entity’s application for funding and the corresponding impact on housing within the region or jurisdiction, as applicable, categorized based on the eligible uses specified in Section 50515.02 or 50515.03, as applicable.
$ -
Task Status

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Item No. 4.11
City of Laguna Hills
City Council / Planning Agency
Staff Report
Date: March 25, 2025
To: Mayor and Council Members
From: Alyssa Rabas, Sr. Emergency Management Program Coordinator Issue: Countywide Emergency Mass Notification System (AlertOC) Memorandum of Understanding Update with the County of Orange
Recommendation: That the City Council approve and authorize the Emergency Manager to execute and manage the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), between the City of Laguna Hills and the County of Orange, to allow the City to continue to utilize the County's Countywide Mass Notification System, referred to as AlertOC, under the terms and conditions set forth in the County's Countywide Mass Notification System Operating Guidelines and the applicable vendor-provider agreements, commencing on December 30, 2024, and concluding on December 30, 2029.

Background:

The County of Orange has implemented a Public Mass Notification System, otherwise known as Alert OC. AlertOC is Orange County's regional public mass notification system designed to keep those who live or work in Orange County informed of important information during emergency events. The system is sponsored and led by the County of Orange in partnership with many Orange County cities. Under the terms of the agreement, all cities within the County are permitted to use the system in an emergency situation, including instances of fire, flood, storm, earthquake, epidemic, or disease that threatens the safety and welfare of the citizens and property. Examples of use would include disaster notifications, evacuation notices, and any emergency information as defined by each city. AlertOC has significant capacity to send large volumes of messages through phone (home, cell, or work), e-mail, and text communication channels. The legal authority (county or city) responsible for announcing emergency notifications depends on the nature and scale of the incident and each city has local control of the system. When there is an emergency event

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Item No. 4.11
requiring specific City action, authorized City officials will record a voice, e-mail, or text message that is then delivered quickly to registered individuals. Residents and businesses wishing to receive emergency notifications for Laguna Hills simply register via the AlertOC website, select Laguna Hills on the map, choose either resident or business, and enter their contact information.

Analysis:

The City of Laguna Hills' current MOU with the County of Orange for Use of Countywide Mass Notification System (Alert OC) expired on December 30, 2024. The new MOU will authorize use of the Mass Notification System for four more years, for the period December 30, 2024, to December 30, 2029. Public mass notification systems have become a critical component of emergency preparation and response. Residents prepare to be notified of emergencies by providing their landline phones, cell phones, and e-mail addresses. Public safety and City officials respond by using the system to rapidly send out messages when there is a perceived, upcoming, or imminent situation that may require community action. Mass notification systems have been attributed to saving lives during several of the Southern California wildfires that occurred over the past years by quickly notifying residents of evacuation instructions at all hours of the day or night.

Alternatives:

The City Council could decide not to approve the MOU with the County of Orange; however, this alternative is not recommended because it would result in the loss of access to the AlertOC mass notification system, which would be essential in the event of a disaster.

City Council Goal and Priorities:

This item supports the following City Council goal: Strengthen public safety and keep the community safe.

Fiscal Impact:

No fiscal impact. As with past agreements, the County of Orange funds the AlertOC program for all participating municipalities. The County agrees to continue funding the system for emergency notifications through December 30, 2029.

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Item No. 4.11
Attachments:

1. Proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

2. Exhibit A - Subordinate Agreement - Everbridge

3. Exhibit B - AlertOC Standard Operating Procedures

4. Exhibit C - Individual User Agreement

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City of Laguna Hills

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County of Orange and Orange County Operational Area
Countywide Public Mass Notification System
Operating Guidelines

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Effective: June 30, 2008 Revised: October 15, 2024
I. PURPOSE
The purpose of these Operating Guidelines is to describe the use and administration of AlertOC, the Orange County Public Mass Notification System (“System”) by the County of Orange (“County”), County agencies and departments (“Agencies”), and local jurisdictions authorized by the County Board of Supervisors (“Jurisdictions”). This document will provide roles and responsibilities at the regional level. Individual Jurisdictions/Agencies should create and maintain subordinate procedures which incorporate the regional concepts outlined below. The step-by step procedures for activation and use will be maintained in a separate document maintained by each jurisdiction/agency as a part of their emergency response plans for overall planning and response efforts. A copy of these guidelines shall be maintained in PrepareOC.

This document does not supersede any policy and procedures outlined in the Memorandum of Understandings signed by participating agencies, but should be used to support the use of the System.

Authorized users must respect the integrity of the System, understand the regulatory and privacy issues, and fully comply with the guidelines outlined in this document.

II. SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
The primary intent of the System is to disseminate early warning and time sensitive information to County businesses and community members during an emergency event. The System is only one component of the County of Orange public warning system. As deemed fit by local authorities, the System should be used in conjunction with the other public warning mechanisms including, but not limited to: route alerting, the Emergency Alert System, outdoor warning systems, and press releases.

The System is available 24/7 and has been pre-loaded with Orange County landline phone numbers (including unlisted) and countywide geographic maps. Additionally, community members have the option to provide additional contact information via self-registration portal AlertOC.gov with link access from county and all participating entity websites. The System will be used to send messages, describing the situation, impacted area, and recommended action the public should take, to affected businesses and community members via telephone, e-mail, and/or text.

The County is the sponsor of the System and will take appropriate measures to ensure that the System is in a state of operational readiness at all times. It is the responsibility of all participating Agencies to maximize community member benefits from the System.

While the County’s intent for implementing and maintaining the System is for “emergency” use, upon consent from local authorities, cities may optionally use the System to disseminate “government-related” non-emergency notifications to community members and organization resources within its jurisdiction.

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County of Orange and Orange County Operational Area
Countywide Public Mass Notification System
Operating Guidelines

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III. OVERVIEW OF GENERAL SYSTEM FEATURES
At minimum, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Emergency Management Division shall acquire and maintain a System capable of meeting the following requirements:

A. Licensed for use throughout the County’s entire region B. Capable of sending Wireless Emergency Alerts and Emergency Alert System notifications
C. Capacity to send a 45 second message to 10,000 community members and businesses within 10 minutes
D. Capacity to send messages via phone, e-mail and text E. Accessible via the public internet
F. Provides audit trail logging and reporting
G. GIS map interface for geographic call list generation H. Community member self-registration web portal (available in threshold languages) I. Interactive phone survey technology and reporting
J. Interactive Voice Response based notification setup and execution K. Unlimited vendor support, with access to vendor available for Jurisdictions as needed IV. REGULATIONS AND AUTHORITIES
The System is operated in compliance with laws and regulations which are incorporated by reference into these Operating Guidelines.
• 47 C.F.R. Part 11 – Emergency Alert System
• 47 C.F.R. Part 10 – Wireless Emergency Alerts
• American with Disabilities Act
The System uses the E911 database to complete the notifications. The use of the E911 database is regulated by the California Public Utilities Code (CPUC) sections 2872 and 2891 et seq. The information contained in the E911 database is confidential and proprietary and shall not be disclosed or used except by authorized personnel for the purpose of emergency notifications. Any agency in violation of this regulation is subject to criminal charges as described in the CPUC.

V. GOVERNANCE
The County Board of Supervisors has authority over the System governance.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department Emergency Management Division (OCSD-EMD) will manage the System as a countywide asset on a day-to-day basis. The OCSD-EMD will draft, implement and maintain policies, processes, and data related to the System. The OCSD-EMD is responsible for ensuring that the provisions of the Vendor contract are implemented properly.

The Emergency Management Council Subcommittee and the Orange County Emergency Management Organization-Technology Subcommittee are responsible for recommending plans, procedures, and policies related to the System for approval.

The Orange County Emergency Management Council and County of Orange Operational Area Executive Board are responsible for approving plans, procedures, and policies related to the System.

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County of Orange and Orange County Operational Area
Countywide Public Mass Notification System
Operating Guidelines

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VI. AUTHORIZED USERS
Use of the System by each Agency and Jurisdiction is contingent upon that Agency or Jurisdiction abiding by the contract with the mass notification vendor, and the protocols established by the Emergency Management Council and Operational Area Executive Board.

The System is designed to be a countywide asset, available to all Jurisdictions that have a dedicated public safety answering point (PSAP) and/or a residential population for whom they are responsible for making protective action recommendations.

An Agency may participate in the countywide System at no charge when used for emergency purposes until December 30, 2029.

Entities authorized to join the system at no cost are limited to the County, Orange County Cities, the Municipal Water District of Orange County and Orange County Retail Water Agencies, and the University of California, Irvine. Each participating Jurisdiction must sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and will maintain, at minimum, a Local Administrator responsible for implementing and administering use of the System at the local level.

A. County Level

1. County Administrator
The OCSD-EMD will assign and maintain a designated County Administrator responsible for overall acquisition, accessibility, maintenance, compliance and management of all components required to provide an effective countywide mass notification system.

The County Administrator is responsible for:

1. System acquisition and contract management.

2. Policy management and as needed modification (in consultation with public safety, emergency management and emergency response personnel.)

3. Audit compliance: routine monitoring of System use to insure policy and contract compliance.

4. Access management: record management of signed MOU from each participating Agency, distribution of local administrator accounts and updated Local Administrator contact list.

5. Data management: E911 data acquisition, update and compliance monitoring.

Countywide map file acquisition, update and overall geo-coding.

6. Testing: facilitate routine System-wide test exercise, document overall test results and recommend and execute, as needed, corrective action at the County level.

7. User Testing: verify and document County Alert and Warning Users are performing monthly tests.

8. Public education campaign: initiate and facilitate public education campaign aimed at making the public aware of the countywide public mass notification system initiative and individual registration web portal.

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County of Orange and Orange County Operational Area
Countywide Public Mass Notification System
Operating Guidelines

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9. Exclusion List: maintaining exclusion lists, provided by Local Administrators, in the System.

10. System support: provide support to County Users and Local Administrators.

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County of Orange and Orange County Operational Area
Countywide Public Mass Notification System
Operating Guidelines

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2. County User
The County will have two levels of users: Alert & Warning Users and Agency Users.

Both Alert and Warning Users and Agency Users are responsible for obtaining MultiFactor Authentication (MFA) software and will require MFA software to be functional for access to the System.

Alert & Warning Users
Orange County Sheriff’s Department Emergency Communication Bureau (9-1-1 dispatch), Control One and Emergency Management Division personnel will be setup as Alert & Warning Users. Alert & Warning Users will have permission to access and launch emergency notifications to all jurisdictions within Orange County consistent with the County of Orange and Orange County Operational Area Alert and Warning Plan.

Alert and Warning users should perform monthly tests including:

1. Logging into AlertOC

2. Sending a test message to one or more contacts

3. Checking message receipt to ensure message was delivered A Jurisdiction that contracts with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department for police services authorizes the OCSD-Control One, OCSD-Dispatch, or OCSD-EMD personnel to launch on their behalf if requested by contracted field personnel in order to launch messages in a timely manner. These jurisdictions can also launch on their own behalf.

Agency User
Agency Users will have permission to execute inter-department notifications.

Unincorporated areas of Orange County will have emergency messaging to the public launched by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. All other County Agencies may have access to use the System for interdepartmental use. Each participating Agency shall develop and maintain written procedures to identify and address the Agency’s specific use of the System within the scope of this policy guide and provide this guideline to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Emergency Management Division. Each participating County agency shall maintain a level of training for their users consistent with the County of Orange and Orange County Operational Area Alert and Warning Plan.

B. Jurisdictions
Jurisdictions wishing to participate may do so by having an authoritative representative sign the “Orange County Public Mass Notification System” MOU. Upon signing the MOU, the Jurisdiction will identify a Local Administrator. The Local Administrator completed specified training and certifications before being provided with an account. Throughout the term of the MOU, the Jurisdiction may use the System to send an unlimited number of emergency notifications to the public as well as an unlimited number of emergency and non-emergency inter-department messages. Each participating Jurisdiction shall develop and maintain written procedures to identify and address the Jurisdiction’s specific use of the System within the scope of this guideline. Each participating Jurisdiction shall maintain a level of training

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County of Orange and Orange County Operational Area
Countywide Public Mass Notification System
Operating Guidelines

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for their users consistent with the County of Orange and Orange County Operational Area Alert and Warning Plan.

1. Local Administrator
Participating Jurisdictions agree to appoint a designated Local Administrator responsible for leading, coordinating, monitoring and optimizing use of the System at the local level.

Local Administrator shall act as the Jurisdiction’s central point of contact and will work collaboratively with the County Administrator to ensure local use of the system is within MOU and Operating Guidelines.

Local Administrator is responsible for:

1. Contract acquisition if Agency will use the system for non-emergency purposes.

2. Local Agency Mass Notification Operating Procedure development and management.

3. Use compliance: routine monitoring to ensure System is used within the conditions and terms of this document and associated MOU.

4. Access management: Local User account distribution and management, including an annual audit of accounts; annual attestation that all Local Administrators and Local Users are authorized to continue accessing the system.

Record management of MOU(s) and signed Local User certifications.

5. Testing: facilitate routine local System test exercise, document local test results and recommend and execute, as needed, corrective action at the local level.

6. User Testing: verify and document Local Users with Alert and Warning responsibilities are performing monthly tests.

7. Public education campaign: initiate and facilitate public education campaign aimed at making the local community aware of the intended use of the System and individual registration web portal.

8. System support: provide support to Local Users.

9. Providing logins and procedural training to key individuals within their Agency responsible for using the System.

10. Exclusion Lists: provide annually a review of the exclusion list for businesses, phone numbers, and organizations in the Participating Jurisdiction.

11. Training: ensuring Local Users complete security awareness training that covers at a minimum the following areas: proper protection, handling, dissemination, and destruction of confidential information (CI); threats, vulnerabilities, and risks associated with handling of CI; social engineering; system responsibilities and expected behavior; account usage and management – including password creation, protection, and frequency of changes; system usage – allowed vs. prohibited; incident response; physical security; email protection – phishing threats and business account compromise

12. Incident Response: Local Administrator is responsible to immediately notify OCSD of any incidents that could lead to the unauthorized or accidental use, modification, disclosure, or destruction of any information contained within the system.

2. Local User:

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County of Orange and Orange County Operational Area
Countywide Public Mass Notification System
Operating Guidelines

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Participating Jurisdictions may have an unlimited number of Local Users. Local Users will have access to community member contact records within their Jurisdiction or Service District. Local Users will be authorized and managed by the Local Administrator and may have varied system permissions. For Water Retail Water Agencies, Local Users may use the System to send emergency notifications to the public by using preestablished GIS shape files or the system’s interactive map feature to identify their water users.

Local Users are responsible for obtaining Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) software and will require MFA software to be functional for access to the System.

If a local user has access to send Alert and Warning messaging to the public then the local user should perform monthly tests including:

1. Logging into AlertOC

2. Sending a test message to one or more contacts (this can be the Alert and Warning User)

3. Checking message receipt to ensure message was delivered

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County of Orange and Orange County Operational Area
Countywide Public Mass Notification System
Operating Guidelines

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VII. AUTHORIZED USE
A. Emergency Public Notifications
Legal restrictions exist related to issuing different types of messages through the System.

All Users are required to know and understand these restrictions. The Form in Attachment B delineates the requirements for each type of message.

As a general principle, the System is to be used when the public is being asked to take some action (e.g. evacuate, prepare to evacuate, shelter in place, boil tap water before drinking, local assistance centers and other follow up information, re-entry to an area after evacuation orders have been lifted or termination of the emergency because the danger has passed).

Use of the System for emergency activity contains two components: (1) the need to disseminate critical, safety-related information to individuals regarding emergency events occurring now, follow up information regarding the event and termination of the emergency event, and (2) communicating with safety-responder staff, volunteers and involved parties about the emergency event.

Emergency Public Notifications are limited to:

1. Imminent or perceived threat to life or property

2. Disaster notifications

3. Evacuation notices

4. Public health emergencies

5. Public safety emergencies

6. Any notification to provide emergency information to a defined community The following criteria should be used to assist with determining the need to issue an alert:

1. Severity. Is there a significant threat to public life and safety?

2. Public Protection. Is there a need for members of the public to take a protective action in order to reduce loss of life or substantial loss of property?

3. Warning. Will providing warning information assist members of the public in making the decision to take proper and prudent action?

4. Timing. Does the situation require immediate public knowledge in order to avoid adverse impact?

5. Geographical area. Is the situation limited to a defined geographical area? Is that area of a size that will allow for an effective use of the system, given the outgoing call capacity?

6. Are other means of disseminating the information inadequate to ensure proper and time delivery of the information?

7. Is the message being sent follow up information to an emergency event in progress? If the answer to ALL of these questions is “Yes”, then an activation of the System for emergency purposes may be warranted.

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County of Orange and Orange County Operational Area
Countywide Public Mass Notification System
Operating Guidelines

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Illustrations of incidents which may be Emergency Public Notifications are included in Attachment A.

Participating Agencies are authorized to develop pre-established notification lists and messages related to specific types of emergencies. The circumstances for using these lists should be documented within County emergency plans and annexes approved by the Emergency Management Council, and their establishment coordinated with the County Administrator. Such documentation should include which forms of System notification will be used (e.g., opt-in agency data). During emergencies, messages will be coordinated with the Operational Area Emergency Operations Center or OCSD-EMD. These lists may include special populations (e.g. in-home care, schools, etc.) or those susceptible to certain risks (e.g. homes within dam inundation zone). It is the responsibility of the participating Agency to create, maintain and update these lists.

B. Emergency Responder Notifications
Emergency Responder Notifications are limited to:

1. Contacting first responders to advise of an emergency

2. Contacting first responders to report for duty due to an emergency

3. Contacting key staff regarding an emergency or crisis situation

4. Contacting agency employees/DSWs to report at a different time or location (or provide an update) due to an emergency

5. Exercises
Emergency considerations:

1. Notification shall clearly state situation is an emergency

2. Message length shall not exceed 60 seconds

3. Message shall have a call back number specific to the agency issuing the notification.

4. It is highly recommended all messages are recorded using a real voice and not the computer transcriber.

5. It is highly recommended to provide a phone number or website where the public can obtain additional or updated information

6. An all clear notification should be sent when applicable C. Non-Emergency Public Notifications
Non-emergency public notification use is prohibited for any of the following purposes:

1. Any message of commercial nature

2. Any message of a political nature

3. Any non-official business (e.g. articles, retirement announcements, etc.)

4. To send a message to an E911 obtained data source
E911 data is cannot be used for non-emergency use except for testing according to the law California Public Utilities Code (CPUC) sections 2872 and 2891.1 and violators may be subject to criminal enforcement. Any Agency or Jurisdiction in violation of this term may have their use of the System suspended or their individual access revoked.

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County of Orange and Orange County Operational Area
Countywide Public Mass Notification System
Operating Guidelines

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No Jurisdiction shall use the System for non-emergency public announcements unless a separate contract with the Vendor is established. Cost associated with non-emergency public notifications is the responsibility of the local Jurisdiction. Jurisdictions will be limited to using the self-registering portal entry data only when launching non-emergency messages.

Jurisdictions who contract to use the System for non-emergency activity agree to give precedence to emergency notification call-outs by delaying or terminating non-emergency notification sessions if needed to increase emergency message success. The primary concern for point of failure in this situation is not the System, but the telephone port capacity of local phone providers responsible for delivering calls to community members and businesses.

D. Inter-Department Communication
Each participating Agency and Jurisdiction is authorized to create employee/volunteer and department call lists and pre-recorded messages. Agencies and Jurisdictions may use the System for non-emergency inter-departmental business communication as needed, without cost. It is recommended that individual Agencies identify where this would add value to their operations and establish separate written protocols and procedures for this use. Interdepartmental users will have permission to inter-departmental contact information only and are authorized to use the System solely for inter-departmental communication including but limited to first responder or volunteer call-outs.

VIII. ACTIVATION OF THE SYSTEM
Each Jurisdiction is responsible for launching messages to affected community members and businesses within their Jurisdiction or Service District. • For messages launched by Jurisdictions on their own behalf, Jurisdictions are responsible for identifying and documenting who has the authority to launch messages.
• For messages launched by the County on behalf of Jurisdictions, the County requires the message be authorized by either the City Manager, City Police Chief, City Fire Chief, City Emergency Manager, or by public safety personnel on the incident scene with Incident Commander approval. Exigent circumstances will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis if the preceding individuals are not available.

The County of Orange and Orange County Operational Area Alert and Warning Plan is incorporated by reference. This document delineates the processes for coordinating all alert and warning notifications, including those transmitted using this System.

IX. LIMITATIONS OF THE SYSTEM
Every effort will be made by the County to ensure the System operates in the manner described in the SOP. However there are limitations of technology which may cause the system to fail or provide inconsistent message delivery. Some of these limitations include:
• Cell Phone Disruptions
• Cell Phone Reception Coverage
• Public Safety Power Shutoff events

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County of Orange and Orange County Operational Area
Countywide Public Mass Notification System
Operating Guidelines

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X. ROUTINE TESTING
Monthly System tests will be conducted to ensure that use of the System in an emergency is optimized and users are familiar with operation. All users should perform monthly message proficiency tests. Users who do not login and perform a message proficiency test at least yearly are subject to removal as a user from the System.

The System will have an annual regional test. This includes testing operational readiness, activation procedures and system effectiveness as well as validating data and system processes. Through the annual test exercise, System administrators and users will be able to observe the mode of operation to augment and refresh System and process knowledge.

Specific test exercise routines, roles, responsibilities and schedule will be detailed in the County of Orange and Operational Area Alert and Warning Plan.

By signing the Mass Notification System MOU, participating Jurisdictions agree to take part in System drills and exercises.

XI. CONFIDENTIALITY AND SECURITY
Through the “Memorandum of Understanding between the County of Orange and Participants for use of Countywide Mass Notification System,” each agency is bound in writing to the confidentiality obligations sufficient to permit agencies to fully perform its obligations under this policy or the vendor agreement. Jurisdictions and Agencies shall be responsible for:

1. Ensuring users have completed an appropriate background check and undergone annual security awareness training.

2. Protecting Confidential Information (CI) contained within the system against accidental or unauthorized use, modification, dissemination, or destruction.

3. Ensuring that users maintain the confidentiality of all user login and password information;

4. Ensuring that users follow the 90 day password expiration limit;

5. Ensuring that users use the service in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations, including those relating to use of personal information;

6. Immediately notifying the County Administrator of any security incident that could lead to the unauthorized access, use, modification, dissemination, or destruction of CI contained within the system.

7. Any breach of the terms of this policy or the vendor agreement by any user; and

8. All communications by users using the service.

XII. COSTS
The County of Orange agrees to fund the System for notifications classified as “emergency use.” The County of Orange also agrees to continue to obtain updated E911 telephone data and geographic maps.

Costs associated with use of the System for non-emergency activity is the responsibility of the local Jurisdiction through separate contract with the Vendor.

XIII. DEFINITIONS

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County of Orange and Orange County Operational Area
Countywide Public Mass Notification System
Operating Guidelines

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System – All components of the Mass Notification System including hardware, software, access portals, contact data and GIS maps.

Community members – Comprises individuals and businesses.

Emergency - “Emergency” shall include, but not be limited to, instances of fire, flood, storm, epidemic, riots, or disease that threaten the safety and welfare of the individuals and property located within the boundaries of the county and participants’ respective jurisdictions.

XIV. REVISION HISTORY
Revision Date Author Description
April 18, 2008 PMNS Policy
Committee
Document originated
May 19, 2008 PMNS Executive
Review Team
Non-emergency session termination in
Section V., Item C.

June 16, 2008 Teara LeBlanc Exception clause in Section VII, Item A., bullet 2.

May 2010 Vicki Osborn Revision of all sections
June 2012 Raymond Cheung Revision for OCSD transition
May 2013 Raymond Cheung Revision for new vendor contract May 2016 Raymond Cheung Added confidentiality item to Section V., Item C. and allowed non-emergency use in
Section V., Item B. and Section VIII.

June 2021 Harmon “Jay” Ward Revision for new contract
Revision of Sections II, III, IV, V, IX, and XI.

October 2024 Harmon “Jay” Ward Revision for new contract; added User Testing for County and Local Jurisdictions in
Sections VI and X; added City Emergency
Manager as Authorized Requestor in
Section VIII; added Section IX; added
password expiration in Section XI.

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County of Orange and Orange County Operational Area
Countywide Public Mass Notification System
Operating Guidelines

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XV. ATTACHMENT A – INCIDENT ILLUSTRATIONS
This is a non-exhaustive list provided as examples.

Type of Incident Description Meets
Public
Safety
Criteria
Active Shooter A shooting with armed individual or individuals is occurring in a known area.

Yes
Boil Water
Orders
An unsafe water supply issue requiring the public to boil water before use.

Yes
Building Fire A fire occurring in an urban area requiring evacuation or shelter in place for the immediate area.

Yes
Violent Crimes Violent crimes that just occurred such as robbery, assault, murder, etc.

Yes
Felony Suspect
at Large
Law enforcement is currently searching for a felony
suspect that is suspected to be in a certain area.

Yes
HazMat Hazardous Materials incidents that require a fire/hazmat response and may include evacuations or shelter-inplace orders.

Yes
Health Orders Any public health order made pursuant to County Health Officer recommendations.

Yes
Missing Adult
(920A) with
special circs
12- 17 yrs with decreased mental capacity or medical
condition
Yes
Missing Child
(920C)
12 yrs or younger Yes
Missing Juvenile
(920J)with
special circs
18 yrs and older 12- 17 yrs with decreased mental
capacity or medical condition
Yes
Severe Weather
Related
Weather warnings that forecast an occurring or
imminent threat to public safety or coincide with
protective action recommendations such as voluntary or
mandatory evacuation orders.

Yes
Evacuation or
Shelter-in-Place
Voluntary or mandatory evacuation or shelter-in-place
orders.

Yes
Wildland Fire A fire occurring in a wildland urban interface area requiring immediate evacuation or shelter-in-place.

Yes
Road Closures Unplanned road closures due to an emergency situation.

Yes
Planned Events Road closures due to community events planned in advance.

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County of Orange and Orange County Operational Area
Countywide Public Mass Notification System
Operating Guidelines

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XVI. Attachment B – AlertOC/WEA/EAS Activation Form

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Public Mass Notification System
Individual User Agreement

1. __________________________(hereinafter “USER”) is an agent, officer, employee or representative of __________________________, (hereinafter “PARTICIPANT”).

2. PARTICIPANT is a signatory to a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) between with the County of Orange (“COUNTY”) for Use of Countywide Mass Notification System (“SYSTEM”).

3. As an agent, officer, employee or representative of PARTICIPANT, USER has been granted access to the System by PARTICIPANT and is deemed an Individual User under the MOU. USER can have access removed by the Local Administrator for PARTICIPANT at any time.

4. USER understands that as an Individual User, USER may only use the SYSTEM in the manner described in the MOU, the Everbridge GSA Approved End User License Agreement, and in accordance with the requirements of the law.

5. By signing this Individual User Agreement, USER hereby further expressly agrees to the do following things:
a) to maintain the confidentiality of login and password information; b) to use the System in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations, including those relating to use of personal information;
c) to be responsible for any breach of the terms of the Agreement with Everbridge and/or the MOU between PARTICIPANT and COUNTY caused by the USER;
d) to notify the Local Administrator or County Administrator if there is a breach of security caused by the USER e) to maintain the confidentiality of all records and information to which the USER may have access as a result of their access to the System pursuant to all statutory laws relating to privacy and confidentiality that currently exist or exist at any time during the term of this MOU; f) that all information transmitted and the use of the SYSTEM by USER shall be in compliance with California Public Utilities Code section 2872; and
g) to be responsible for notifying the Local Administrator if the USER is no longer an agent, officer, employee, or representative of PARTICIPANT

6. USER also acknowledges having been provided the opportunity to review the GSA Approved End User License Agreement with Everbridge, the Memorandum of Understanding Between the County of Orange and Participants for Use of Countywide Mass Notification System, and California Public Utilities Code section 2872, prior to signing this Individual User Agreement, and hereby agrees to abide by both the letter and intent of those documents.

7. USER may withdraw their consent to terms contained within this Individual User Agreement at any time by notifying PARTICIPANT in writing. USER acknowledges, however, that withdrawing USER’s consent will result in immediate termination of USER’s right and ability to access the SYSTEM.

By signing this Individual User Agreement, USER acknowledges having thoroughly read the foregoing, and hereby consents and agrees to the above terms and conditions.

Dated: __________________ _____________________________________ Signature
_______________________________________
Printed Name
_______________________________________
Email Address

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Item No. 4.12
City of Laguna Hills
City Council / Planning Agency
Staff Report
Date: March 25, 2025
To: Mayor and Council Members
From: Jennifer Lowe, Community Development Director
Issue: Development Application Status Report
Recommendation: That the City Council receive and file the report.

Background:

The purpose of this Status Report is to identify new and pending development applications in process with the City’s Community Development Department which will require a public hearing. Links to project documents are available on the City’s website at: https://lagunahillsca.gov/PlanningProjects.

Case Number USE-0211-2025 (SDP/VTTM)
Project Location 23161 Mill Creek
Project
Description
Request to redevelop a 2.34-acre commercial office property with 36 residential units.

Applicant Aylene Chu, on behalf of Toll West Coast, LLC (Toll Brothers) for Khoshbin Hillside, LLC (Property Owner)
Project Planner David Blumenthal, Contract Planner
Status This project was initially submitted as a preliminary application under SB 330 on December 18, 2024. The formal development application was submitted on January 30, 2025. On February 28, 2025, the Applicant was sent a letter stating the application was deemed incomplete.

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Item No. 4.12
Case Number USE-0209-2025 (SDP/VTTM)
Project Location 23272, 23282, 23422, 23382, 23332 Mill Creek Drive; 24461, 24411 Ridge Route Drive
Project
Description
Request to construct 464 residential units.

Applicant John Stack, on behalf of Ridge Route LLC, KB Mill Creek DST, KB Spectrum Summit Plaza, LLC
Project Planner David See, Contract Planner
Status This project was initially submitted as a preliminary application under SB 330 on October 29, 2024. The formal development application was submitted on January 23, 2025. On February 21, 2025, the Applicant was sent a letter stating the application was deemed incomplete. The applicant was resubmitted on March 19, 2025, and is currently under review by staff.

Case Number USE-0166-2023 (SDP/TPM/PUP/PP)
Project Location 24422 Avenida de la Carlota, Oakbrook Plaza Project
Description
A request to construct a new 240-unit senior living apartment complex in a 7-story, podium-style development with four residential levels located above four parking levels, including one subterranean parking level. The existing office building on site will remain, with parking for the office building provided in the new parking structure.

Applicant Matt Haugen, BSP Oakbrook LLC
Project Planner Adam Pisarkiewicz, Contract Planner
Status On April 11, 2024, a letter was sent to the Applicant deeming the Application complete. On June 10, 2024, a letter was sent to the Applicant identifying reasons the proposed Project is, or potentially is, inconsistent, not in compliance, or not in conformity with City plans, programs, policies, ordinances, standards, and requirements. On July 30, 2024, a letter was sent to the Applicant identifying additional technical review comments. Staff is currently awaiting resubmittal of plans; the item will be scheduled for public hearing when ready.

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Item No. 4.12
Case Number USE-0147-2023 (SDP)
Project Location 25254 La Paz Road
Project
Description
Request to construct 180 age-restricted, multiple-family dwelling units within an approximately 61-foot-tall, six-story building, including two parking levels (one subterranean) with 250 parking spaces.

Applicant Nick Buchanan
Project Planner Jay Wuu, Senior Planner
Status On April 18, 2024, a letter was sent to the Applicant deeming the Application complete. On June 17, 2024, a letter was sent to the Applicant identifying reasons the proposed Project is, or potentially is, inconsistent, not in compliance, or not in conformity with City plans, programs, policies, ordinances, standards, and requirements. Staff is currently conducting CEQA review and additional technical review of the proposed Project. The item will be scheduled for public hearing when ready.

Case Number USE-0165-2023 (ZTA/TTM/SDP)
Project Location 23272 – 23282 Mill Creek Drive
Project
Description
Request to construct 48 detached residential condominium units.

Applicant John Stack, on behalf of KB Spectrum Summit Plaza, LLC Project Planner Jay Wuu, Senior Planner
Status On May 3, 2024, a letter was sent to the Applicant deeming the Application complete. On August 28, 2024, a letter was sent to the Applicant identifying additional technical review comments and informing the Applicant of significant design concerns. Staff is currently awaiting a withdrawal of the Application or resubmittal of plans; the item will be scheduled for public hearing when ready.

Case Number USE-0195-2024 (SDPM)
Project Location 24795 Alicia Parkway

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Item No. 4.12
Project
Description
Converting an existing full service carwash to an express carwash.

Applicant A&S Engineering, on behalf of Southland Property Investments, LLC
Project Planner Jennifer Ash, Assistant Planner
Status Application intake was on November 12, 2024, and is currently under review.

Case Number USE-0172-2024 (CPMA)
Project Location 23521 Paseo de Valencia
Project
Description
Request to construct carports in the Taj Mahal parking lot to accommodate solar panels.

Applicant Alisha Cosio, on behalf of Valta Energy
Project Planner Jennifer Ash, Assistant Planner
Status On March 29, 2024, a letter was sent to the Applicant deeming the Application incomplete. Staff is currently awaiting resubmittal of plans; the item will be scheduled for public hearing when ready.

Fiscal Impact:

None.

Attachments:

None

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Item No. 7.2.1
City of Laguna Hills
City Council / Planning Agency
Staff Report
Date: March 25, 2025
To: Mayor and Council Members
From: Greg Simonian, City Attorney
Issue: Resolution Adopting New City Council Policy No. 115 - Rules of Decorum and Procedure for the Conduct of City Council Meetings
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt a Resolution entitled: "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Laguna Hills, California, Adopting City Council Policy No. 115 Entitled, 'Rules of Decorum and Procedures for the Conduct of City Council Meetings', Which Update, Amend, and Restate the City Council's Established Rules of Decorum for Public Meetings Consistent with The Ralph M. Brown Act." Background:

During the February 11, 2025 City Council meeting, the Council directed City staff and the City Attorney to prepare updated rules of decorum and procedure for the conduct of City Council meetings. The City Council’s rules of decorum were last updated in 1996.

The City Council also directed City staff to bring back for consideration the option of either adopting the more formal and complex Robert’s Rules of Order or the more simplified Rosenberg’s Rules of Order, Simple Rules of Parliamentary Procedure for the 21st Century, as endorsed by the California League of Cities. Attached for City Council review and adoption is a proposed Resolution adopting new City Council Policy No. 115, which enacts updated, amended and restated rules of decorum and procedure for public meetings consistent with The Ralph M. Brown Act.

The City Council previously adopted Resolution No. 96-04-09-01 on April 9, 1996, which was enacted for the purpose of establishing rules of decorum for public meetings and ensuring that the business of the City Council is attended to in a thorough and efficient manner with opportunity for orderly public comment and participation.

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Item No. 7.2.1
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.3, the legislative body of a local agency may adopt reasonable rules and regulations to ensure the orderly conduct of business during public meetings, including, but not limited to, regulations limiting the total amount of time allocated for public testimony on particular issues and for each individual public speaker.

The purpose of the proposed Resolution is for the City Council to adopt a new City Council Policy No.115, entitled “Rules of Decorum and Procedure for the Conduct of City Council Meetings,” which update, amend and restate the City Council’s previously established rules of decorum for public meetings consistent with The Ralph M. Brown Act and which address other recent changes to State law regarding disruptive behavior during public meetings, removal of individuals, disorderly conduct, and enforcement.

SB 1100, effective January 1, 2023, added Government Code Section 54957.95 to the Ralph M. Brown Act. Under SB 1100, the Mayor/Presiding Officer, or his or her designee, is expressly authorized to remove an individual for disrupting a meeting. An individual’s behavior is deemed “disruptive” if it actually disrupts, disturbs, impedes, or otherwise renders infeasible the orderly conduct of the meeting. Before a person can be removed from the meeting, however, the Mayor/Presiding Officer must warn the individual that their behavior is disruptive and that continued disruption may result in the person’s removal. However, no prior warning is required if the person is engaging in behavior that constitutes use of force or a true threat of force. The statute is intended to codify the authority and standards for governing public meetings in accordance with the Ninth Circuit’s opinion in Acosta v. City of Costa Mesa, 718 F.3d 800, 811 (9th Cir. 2013), in which the court held that an ordinance governing the decorum of a city council meeting is not facially overbroad if it only permits a presiding officer to eject an attendee for actually disturbing or impeding a meeting.

The following presents an overview of the updates and changes included in the proposed new City Council Policy No. 115 for consideration:

1. Brown Act Consistency: Language is included throughout to ensure that the City’s rules of decorum, procedures, and practices remain consistent with the Brown Act. In most cases, language taken directly from the Brown Act has been added to the policy to ensure consistency.

2. Disorderly Conduct: The policy has been updated to reflect new state law pertaining to disorderly and disruptive conduct by members of the public during council meetings. Procedures regarding disorderly conduct during public meetings in conformance with current State law have been included.

3. Public Comments: Clarification regarding speaker identification and time limits

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Item No. 7.2.1
for public speakers has been added.

4. E-comments: Clarification about the procedure for acknowledgement of Ecomments has been included. Such clarification distinguishes electronic communication as separate from the Brown Act’s requirements for actual Public Comment received during a Council Meeting.

5. Agenda Management: Language has been added to address procedures for supplemental items or materials provided to the Council after agenda posting, as required by State law; members of the public addressing the City Council; enforcement; the Consent Calendar; the Public Comments Period; and required public hearings.

6. Parliamentary Procedures: Adoption of Rosenberg’s Rules of Order, Simplified Rules of Parliamentary Procedure for the 21st Century, have been included and are attached to the proposed new City Council Policy No. 115. The California League of Cities generally recommends using Rosenberg’s Rules of Order for city councils and other local legislative bodies. Rosenberg’s rules are a simplified version of parliamentary procedures, designed to be more accessible and easier to understand than Robert’s Rules of Order. They are often adopted by public agencies in California for meetings, as they help maintain order and ensure that meetings run efficiently.

Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the proposed Resolution, which enacts new City Council Policy No. 115 updating, amending and restating the City Council’s rules of decorum and procedure for the conduct of public meetings and rescinding Resolution No. 96-04-09-01.

Fiscal Impact:

There is no fiscal impact associated with the adoption of the Resolution.

Attachments:

1. Proposed Resolution

2. Proposed New City Council Policy No. 115

3. Rosenberg’s Rules of Order, Simple Rules of Parliamentary Procedure for the 21st Century, Revised 2011

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4911-6876-5980, v. 1
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-03-25-X

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

LAGUNA HILLS, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING CITY COUNCIL
POLICY NO. 115 ENTITLED, “RULES OF DECORUM AND

PROCEDURE FOR THE CONDUCT OF CITY COUNCIL
MEETINGS,” WHICH UPDATE, AMEND AND RESTATE
THE CITY COUNCIL’S ESTABLISHED RULES OF

DECORUM FOR PUBLIC MEETINGS CONSISTENT WITH
THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT
The City Council of the City of Laguna Hills, California, hereby finds, determines, declares, and resolves as follows:

WHEREAS, the City Council previously adopted Resolution No. 96-04-09-01 on April 9, 1996, which was enacted for the purpose of establishing rules of decorum for public meetings and ensuring that the business of the City Council is attended to in a thorough and efficient manner with opportunity for orderly public comment and participation; and,
WHEREAS, pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.3, the legislative body of a local agency may adopt reasonable rules and regulations to ensure the orderly conduct of business during public meetings, including, but not limited to, regulations limiting the total amount of time allocated for public testimony on particular issues and for each individual public speaker; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of this Resolution is for the City Council to adopt a new City Council Policy No.115, entitled “Rules of Decorum and Procedure for the Conduct of City Council Meetings,” which update, amend and restate the City Council’s previously established rules of decorum for public meetings consistent with The Ralph M. Brown Act and which address other recent changes to State law regarding disruptive behavior during public meetings, removal of individuals, disorderly conduct, and enforcement; and WHEREAS, SB 1100, effective January 1, 2023, added Government Code Section 54957.95 to The Ralph M. Brown Act. Under SB 1100, the Mayor/Presiding Officer, or his or her designee, is expressly authorized to remove an individual for disrupting a meeting.

An individual’s behavior is deemed “disruptive” if it actually disrupts, disturbs, impedes, or otherwise renders infeasible the orderly conduct of the meeting. Before a person can be removed, however, the Mayor/Presiding Officer must warn the individual that their behavior is disruptive and that continued disruption may result in the person’s removal.

However, no prior warning is required if the person is engaging in behavior that constitutes use of force or a true threat of force. The statute is intended to codify the authority and standards for governing public meetings in accordance with the Ninth Circuit’s opinion in Acosta v. City of Costa Mesa, 718 F.3d 800, 811 (9th Cir. 2013), in which the court held that an ordinance governing the decorum of a city council meeting is not facially overbroad if it only permits a presiding officer to eject an attendee for actually disturbing or impeding a meeting.

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Resolution No. 2025-03-25-X

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NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS,

CALIFORNIA, DOES RESOLVE, DECLARE, DETERMINE, AND ORDER AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. Recitals. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

SECTION 2. Adoption of New City Council Policy No. 115. City Council Policy No. 115, entitled “Rules of Decorum and Procedure for the Conduct of City Council Meetings” is hereby adopted as set forth in Exhibit “A,” which is attached hereto and is incorporated herein by reference, updating, amending and restating in its entirety the City Council’s previously established rules of decorum for public meetings.

SECTION 3. Resolution No. 96-04-09-01 is hereby rescinded.

PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 25th day of March 2025. ____________________________________

JOSHUA SWEENEY, MAYOR
ATTEST:
______________________________________

JENNIFER LEE, CITY CLERK

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Resolution No. 2025-03-25-X

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4911-6876-5980, v. 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 is a true and correct copy of Resolution No. 2025-03-25-X adopted by the City Council of the City of Laguna Hills, California, at a Regular Meeting thereof held on the 25th day of March 2025, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
(SEAL)
_____________________________________

JENNIFER LEE, CITY CLERK

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4933-5522-9466, v. 1

CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS
City Council Policy
Subject: Rules of Decorum and Procedure for the
Conduct of City Council Meetings
Policy No. 115
Effective Date: March X, 2025
Last Revision: April 9, 1996 (Resolution No. 96-04-09-1) PURPOSE:

The purpose of this policy is to establish by resolution updated, amended and restated rules of decorum and procedure for City officials, City Staff, and members of the public at all meetings of the City Council to ensure that the business of the City is attended to thoroughly and efficiently with opportunities for orderly public participation.

RULES OF DECORUM AND PROCEDURE:

The following rules of decorum and procedure are hereby adopted.

1. Rules for City Councilmembers.

A. Decorum: Members of the City Council shall conduct themselves in an orderly, professional, and businesslike manner to ensure that the business of the City shall be attended to efficiently and thoroughly and to ensure that the integrity of the deliberative process of the City Council is maintained at all times.

Members of the City Council shall maintain a polite, respectful, and courteous manner when addressing one another, the City Staff, and members of the public during City Council meetings.

B. Role of the Presiding Officer: The Presiding Officer of the City Council, who shall be the Mayor, or in the Mayor's absence the Mayor Pro Tempore, or in their absence any other member designated by the City Council, shall be responsible for maintaining the order and decorum of meetings. It shall be the duty of the Presiding Officer to ensure that the rules of decorum and procedure contained herein are observed. The Presiding Officer shall maintain control of communication between City Councilmembers and between the City Council, City Staff, and members of the public. The Presiding Officer is authorized to enforce these rules of decorum and procedure.

C. Communications Between City Councilmembers:
(1) City Councilmembers wishing to speak should request the floor by being recognized by the Presiding Officer before speaking. The Presiding

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Officer must recognize any Councilmember who seeks the floor when appropriately entitled to address the City Council.
(2) City Councilmembers shall speak in turn and no
Councilmember shall speak again until all Councilmembers have had the opportunity to speak.
(3) City Councilmembers shall remember that the purpose of the City Council meeting is to conduct the business of the City. Councilmembers shall avoid repetition and endeavor to limit their comments to the subject matter at hand. Councilmembers shall endeavor to express their views without engaging in unnecessarily lengthy debates.
(4) When one City Councilmember is speaking, other
Councilmembers shall not interrupt, disrupt, or disturb the speaker. During questions and deliberations, the Presiding Officer shall vary the speaking sequence of Councilmembers from item to item.

D. Communication with Members of the Public Addressing the Council:
(1) City Councilmembers may question any person addressing the City Council at the conclusion of the person's comments; a Councilmember wishing to ask questions of a member of the public must first be recognized by the Presiding Officer.
(2) On specific agenda items, Councilmembers may question any person addressing the City Council at the conclusion of that person’s testimony or all public testimony on that agenda item; a Councilmember wishing to ask questions of a member of the public must first be recognized by the Presiding Officer.
(3) City Councilmembers shall not engage the person addressing the City Council in a dialogue, but shall confine communication to a questionand-answer format conducted through the Presiding Officer. (4) All requests to speak shall be made to the Presiding Officer. (5) If a member of the public addresses the City Council on a matter that is not on the agenda (e.g., during Public Comments), City Councilmembers shall neither engage in extended discussions nor deliberate on the matter. If a Councilmember so wishes, the Councilmember may, during the Councilmember comments portion of the meeting, request that the matter be placed on the next agenda. No action or discussion shall be undertaken on any item not appearing on the posted agenda, except that City Councilmembers or staff may briefly respond to statements made or questions posed by persons making public comments. In addition, on their own initiative or in response to questions posed by the public, a City Councilmember or staff may ask a question for clarification, make a brief announcement, or make a brief report on their own

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activities. Furthermore, a City Councilmember or the City Council itself, subject to rules of procedure, may provide a reference to staff or other resources for factual information, request staff to report back to the City Council at a subsequent meeting concerning any matter, or take action to direct staff to place a matter of business on a future agenda.
(6) The City Council may not prohibit public criticism of the policies, procedures, programs, or services of the City, or of the acts or omissions of the City Council. A speaker may not be stopped from speaking during public comments because either the Presiding Officer or members of the City Council disagree with the personal viewpoint being expressed.

2. Rules for City Staff.

A. Decorum: City Staff shall not engage in dialogue with members of the public during City Council meetings. City Staff shall direct all comments and presentations to the City Council and/or Presiding Officer. When addressed by a City Councilmember, City Staff shall respond in a polite, professional, and courteous manner. All requests to speak by members of the City Staff shall be made to the Presiding Officer.

B. Role of the City Manager: The City Manager's duties during City Council meetings include keeping a record of concerns raised by the City Council regarding direction for future Staff action and facilitating the orderly presentation of Staff reports.

3. Rules for Members of the Public.

A. Within the City Council Chambers:
(1) Members of the audience shall not engage in disorderly or boisterous conduct, including the utterance of loud, threatening, or abusive language, clapping, whistling, yelling, stamping of feet, or other acts or disrupting behavior which actually disrupt, disturb, impede, or otherwise render the orderly conduct of the City Council meeting infeasible. A member of the audience engaging in any such disorderly and disruptive conduct after being warned shall, at the discretion of the Presiding Officer, or a majority of the City Council, be subject to ejection from the meeting.
(2) No person shall stand or sit in the aisles. No person shall block any doorways.
(3) Placards, signs, and posters may be brought into the City Council Chambers unless such objects disturb, disrupt, impede, or otherwise render the orderly conduct of the City Council meeting infeasible, or block the view of any other person in attendance, in which case such placard, sign, or poster shall, at the discretion of the Presiding Officer, or a majority of the City

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Council, be moved to a different location or removed from the City Council Chambers.
(4) Packages, bundles, suitcases, or other large or potentially dangerous objects shall not, without the prior authorization of the Presiding Officer, be brought into the City Council Chambers.
(5) No animals except for service animals shall be brought into the City Council Chambers.
(6) No food or drink shall be brought into the public area of the City Council Chambers except with the prior authorization of the Presiding Officer.
(7) Photographs, audiotapes, and videotapes may be taken from the rear of the City Council Chambers or from any seat within the City Council Chambers, so long as such activity does not disrupt and disturb the audience, public speakers, and Councilmembers and interfere with the orderly conduct of the meeting.
(8) Within the City Council Chambers, all cell phone and pager ringers shall be turned off; no talking on cell phones is allowed; and all electronic equipment shall be operated in a manner which does not emit sound or disturb other members of public or disrupt the orderly conduct of the meeting.

B. Noise in the Lobby/Foyer Area: Noise emanating from the lobby or foyer area outside the City Council Chambers which is audible within the City Council Chambers shall not be permitted.

C. Persons Addressing the City Council:
(1) Members of the public may address the City Council during the Public Comments Period of the agenda and prior to or during the consideration of any agenda item. Any person wishing to speak, whether during the Public Comments Period or on an agenda item, is requested to complete a “Speaker Request Form” and submit the form to the City Clerk prior to the calling to order of the meeting or as soon as possible thereafter in order to allow the City Councilmembers and/or City Staff to be able to contact the speaker and/or to provide information. Completing a “Speaker Request Form” is voluntary and is not required. A member of the public shall not be required, as a condition to attendance at a City Council meeting, to register his or her name, to provide other information, to complete a questionnaire, or otherwise to fulfill any condition precedent to his or her attendance.
(2) No person shall address the City Council without first being recognized by the Presiding Officer. Impromptu personal points of order, comments, objections, or questions shall not be recognized, and if they persist, after the Presiding Officer has warned of the offense, a member of the public

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engaging in such disorderly conduct shall, at the discretion of the Presiding Officer or a majority of the City Council, be subject to ejection from the meeting. (3) The purpose of addressing the City Council is to formally communicate to the Council on matters relating to City business or citizen concerns. Persons addressing the City Council on an agenda item shall confine the subject matter of their remarks to the particular matter before the Council. (4) Each person addressing the City Council shall do so in an orderly manner and shall not engage in any conduct that disrupts, disturbs, or otherwise impedes the orderly conduct of the City Council meeting. Any person who so disrupts the meeting may, at the discretion of the Presiding Officer, or a majority of the City Council, after the Presiding Officer has warned of the offense, be subject to ejection from the meeting.
(5) Persons addressing the City Council shall address the Council as a whole and shall not engage in a dialogue with individual City Councilmembers, City Staff, or with other members of the audience. The utterance of loud, threatening, or abusive language that actually disrupts, disturbs, or otherwise impedes the orderly conduct of the City Council meeting is not allowed.
(6) Members of the public have the right to address the City Council at any meeting on any matter that is within the City Council’s subject matter jurisdiction. The Presiding Officer may prohibit a member of the public from speaking on a matter not within the City Council’s subject matter jurisdiction.
(7) Members of the public addressing the City Council on an agenda item shall have three (3) minutes to speak. Members of the public should refrain from unduly repetitious comments.
(8) The Public Comments Period of the agenda shall not exceed 30-minutes. Members of the public addressing the City Council during the Public Comments Period shall have three (3) minutes to speak concerning any item that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council. The City Council may, by majority vote or by consensus, either waive or alter these time limits depending on the circumstances. Members of the public shall refrain from unduly repetitious comments.
(9) Members of the public addressing the City Council are encouraged to select a spokesperson for their group and/or limit the number of persons addressing the Council whenever a group having the same opinion and/or viewpoint on a matter wishes to address the Council on the same subject matter.

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(10) Any public requests for City Staff comment shall be made to the Presiding Officer, who may then direct such inquiries to the City Manager or City Staff as appropriate.
(11) Members of the public may submit an E-comment via the City’s Official Website for any item either listed on the agenda or a matter within the City’s subject matter jurisdiction. E-comments must be received by 4:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting in order to be considered by the City Council; Ecomments received after 4:00 p.m. will be considered at the next regular meeting.

E-comments will be provided on the dais to the City Council at the meeting, and receipt of E-comments by the City will be acknowledged by the Presiding Officer or by the City Clerk, or their designees, indicating the submitter’s name and general topic. E-comments will not be read aloud by the City Clerk or by the Presiding Officer during the meeting, either verbatim or in summary.

4. Enforcement of Rules; Disruptive Behavior During Meeting; Removal.

A. Sergeant-at-Arms: The Chief of Police Services or their designee shall be ex-officio sergeant-at-arms of the City Council. The sergeant-at-arms shall carry out all lawful orders and instructions given by the Presiding Officer, or by a majority of the City Council, for the purpose of maintaining order and decorum in the City Council Chambers and shall enforce these rules of decorum.

B. Violations/ Warning: The Presiding Officer may remove, or cause the removal of, an individual for disrupting the meeting. Prior to removing an individual, the Presiding Officer shall warn the individual that their behavior is disrupting the meeting and that their failure to cease their behavior may result in their removal. The Presiding Officer or their designee may then remove the individual if they do not promptly cease their disruptive behavior. The required warning does not apply to any “true threat of force” behavior, as defined below.

As used in this section:
(1) “Disrupting” means engaging in behavior during a meeting that actually disrupts, disturbs, impedes, or renders infeasible the orderly conduct of the meeting and includes, but is not limited to, one of the following:
(a) A failure to comply with reasonable and lawful regulations adopted by the City Council or any other law.
(b) Engaging in behavior that constitutes use of force or a true threat of force.
(2) “True threat of force” means a threat that has sufficient indicia of intent and seriousness, that a reasonable observer would perceive it to be an actual threat to use force by the person making the threat.

C. Motion to Enforce: Any City Councilmember may call a point of order should the Presiding Officer fail to abide by these rules of decorum,

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whereupon the City Council shall immediately act upon the point of order. If the Presiding Officer fails to enforce the rules of decorum set forth herein, any member of the City Council may move to require the Presiding Officer to do so, and an affirmative vote of a majority of the City Council shall require the Presiding Officer to do so. If the Presiding Officer fails to carry out the will of the majority of the City Council, the majority may designate another member of the City Council to act as Presiding Officer for the remainder of the meeting, or for the limited purpose of enforcing the rules of decorum established herein.

D. Clearing the Room: In the event that a meeting is willfully interrupted by a person or persons or by a group or group of persons so as to render the orderly conduct of such meeting infeasible and order cannot be restored by the removal of individuals who are willfully interrupt the meeting, the Presiding Officer may order the meeting room cleared and continue in session. Only matters appearing on the agenda may be considered in such a session. Representatives of the press or other news media, except those participating in the disturbance, shall be allowed to attend any session held pursuant to this section. The Presiding Officer may readmit an individual or individuals not responsible for willfully disturbing the orderly conduct of the meeting.

E. Violation of the California Penal Code: Any person or persons who willfully disrupts, disturbs, or otherwise impedes the orderly conduct of a City Council meeting may be prosecuted pursuant to Penal Code Section 403 (Disturbance of Public Assembly or Meeting). Every person who violates Penal Code Section 403 is guilty of a misdemeanor.

F. Violation of Laguna Hills Municipal Code Section 2-04.030 Any person or persons who engage in disrupting behavior during a meeting that actually disrupts, disturbs, impedes, or renders infeasible the orderly conduct of a City Council meeting may be prosecuted pursuant to Laguna Hills Municipal Code Section 2-04.030. Every person who violates LHMC Section 2-04.030 is guilty of a misdemeanor.

5. Voting.

Any City Councilmember may bring a motion to vote on an agenda matter, properly seconded, either for purposes of voting on the particular matter or for discussion. If it appears that there is consensus of opinion among the Councilmembers on the matter to be voted upon, the Presiding Officer may state the consensus of the City Council and ask if there is any objection. If there is no objection, the consensus as so stated shall become the order of the City Council. Otherwise, all votes of the City Council shall be recorded by voice vote and/or electronic voting. After every vote, the Presiding Officer or the City Clerk shall declare the result, and on all but consensus votes, shall note for the record the number of votes for or against the question and the vote or abstention on that action of each member present for the action.

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6. Form and Precedence of Related Motions.

Once a main motion is properly brought before the City Council and seconded, related motions may be employed in addressing the main motion.

These motions take precedence over the main motion and, if properly made and seconded, must be resolved before the main motion can be acted upon.

7. Rosenberg’s Rules of Order.

As endorsed by the California League of Cities and numerous other cities, counties, special districts, public agencies and corporations, the City Council adopts Rosenberg’s Rules of Order, Simple Rules of Parliamentary Procedure for the 21st Century, which are attached hereto as Exhibit “A”, and are intended to be used by Councilmembers as a procedural guide. However, no action of the City Council shall be invalidated or the legality thereof affected by the failure or omission to observe or strictly follow these rules.

8. City Council Agendas.

A. Consent Calendar: Items of a routine or generally uncontested nature may be approved by the City Council in a single motion by adoption of the Consent Calendar. The approval of the Consent Calendar shall signify the approval of each matter or recommendation included therein. Upon request of any City Councilmember, or upon the request of a member of the public made through the Presiding Officer, an item may be removed from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion and/or action. Each item proposed for consideration as part of the Consent Calendar, including any recommended action, shall be described on the notice and agenda posted for the meeting.

B. Public Comments Period:
(1) Every agenda posted for a regular meeting shall contain an item consisting of an opportunity for the public to address the City Council on items of interest to the public within the City Council’s subject matter jurisdiction. However, no action may be taken on matters which are not listed on the agenda. Every notice for a special meeting shall provide an opportunity for members of the public to directly address the City Council concerning any item that has been described in the notice for the special meeting before or during consideration of that item.
(2) The Public Comments Period of the agenda shall not exceed 30-minutes. Members of the public addressing the City Council during the Public Comments Period shall have three (3) minutes to speak concerning an item that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council. The City Council may, by majority vote or by consensus, either waive or alter these time limits.

Members of the public shall refrain from unduly repetitious comments.

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(3) During the Public Comments Period of the agenda, speakers shall address the City Council as a whole and shall not address Councilmembers individually nor members of the City Staff. Councilmembers shall neither engage in extended discussions nor deliberation of such matters. If a Councilmember so wishes, the Councilmember may, during the Councilmember comments portion of the meeting, request that the matter be placed on a future agenda for discussion.
(4) No action or discussion shall be undertaken on any item not appearing on the posted agenda, except that City Councilmembers or staff may briefly respond to statements made or questions posed by persons making public comments. In addition, on their own initiative or in response to questions posed by the public, a City Councilmember or City Staff may ask a question for clarification, make a brief announcement, or make a brief report on their own activities. Furthermore, a City Councilmember or the City Council itself, subject to rules of procedure, may provide a reference to staff or other resources for factual information, request staff to report back to the City Council at a subsequent meeting concerning any matter, or take action to direct staff to place a matter of business on a future agenda.

C. Items from Councilmembers: In addition to receiving comment from the public, there is a specific item on the agenda for receiving City Councilmember general comments, announcements, and/or suggestions from City Councilmembers (i.e., the Councilmember Comments portion of the agenda). As non-agendized items, these matters may not be discussed or deliberated and shall be handled by the Presiding Officer according to the same procedures set forth for Public Comments. No action may be taken on such matters without being placed on a subsequent agenda.

D. Closed Sessions: The City Council may hold closed sessions during a regular or special meeting, or at any time otherwise authorized by law, to consider or hear any matter which is authorized to be heard or considered in closed session by State law. If a closed session is included on the agenda, the description of the item need only identify the statutory basis for the closed session, as required by state law.

9. Public Hearings Required by Law.

Except as otherwise provided by law, public hearings shall generally be conducted as follows:

A. At the beginning of each public hearing item, the Presiding Officer shall announce the item for the public hearing, request that City Staff present the staff report and any other relevant evidence, and open the public hearing.

The presentation of the staff report prior to the formal opening of the public hearing shall not prevent its consideration as evidence. Any such evidence shall be made a part of the record of the public hearing.

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B. Following the staff report and opening of the public hearing, the Presiding Officer shall thereupon inquire as to whether there are any persons present who desire to address the City Council/Planning Agency on the matter.

Any person desiring to speak or present evidence shall then make their presence known to the Presiding Officer and, upon being recognized by the Presiding Officer, may speak or present evidence relevant to the subject matter being heard. No person may speak without first being recognized by the Presiding Officer.

C. The applicants, appellant, and/or their representatives shall speak first and shall have fifteen (15) minutes to do so, any portion of which may be used for rebuttal.

D. Each member of the public wishing to address the City Council, other than the applicant/appellant, shall then be allowed to address the City Council/Planning Agency and shall have three (3) minutes to speak. Prior to declaring the public hearing open, however, the Presiding Officer may establish an overall time limit for the entire Public Hearing, or establish time limits for the presentation of each individual speaker. All persons interested in the matter being heard by the City Council shall be entitled to submit written evidence or remarks, as well as other graphic evidence. All such evidence presented shall be retained by the City Clerk.

E. City Councilmembers who wish to ask questions of the speakers or each other, during the public hearing portion, may do so only after being recognized by the Presiding Officer.

F. City Councilmembers should be mindful that the purpose of the Public Hearing is to obtain testimony, and not to debate the merits of the item under consideration. Councilmembers should avoid debate and expressions of personal opinion until after the close of the public hearing. The Presiding Officer shall conduct the public hearing in such a manner as to afford due process to all affected persons.

G. Following all public testimony, the Presiding Officer shall recognize individual Councilmembers who have questions for any of the speakers or for members of the public in attendance or for City Staff or the consultants.

H. Following the conclusion of such questions, the Presiding Officer shall allow the applicant/appellant the opportunity for rebuttal.

I. Following the rebuttal, the Presiding Officer shall close the Public Hearing and then allow each City Councilmember to discuss, deliberate, and state their opinion of the item before asking for a motion to decide the matter.

J. Upon closing of the Public Hearing by the Presiding Officer, no additional public testimony shall be solicited or received by the City Council

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without reopening the Public Hearing through the Presiding Officer with consensus of the City Council.

K. City Council/Planning Agency Public Hearing Process for QuasiJudicial Matters shall proceed according to the following:

1. Announce Public Hearing Item

2. Receive Staff Report and Presentation

3. Questions of Staff

4. Open Public Hearing

5. Applicant’s Presentation

6. Questions of the Applicant

7. Public Speakers

8. Final Questions of Staff/Consultants/Applicant

9. Final Public Speakers

10. Applicant Rebuttal Opportunity

11. Close Public Hearing

12. Discussion and Deliberation

13. Motion/Vote

14. Action Taken

10. Suspension of the Rules.

Any provision of these rules not already governed by City ordinance or State law may be suspended by majority vote of the City Council.

11. Interpretation and Applicability.

The rules of decorum and procedure set forth herein shall be liberally construed to effectuate their purpose and no ordinance, resolution, proceeding or other action of the City Council shall be invalidated, nor the legality thereof otherwise affected, by the failure or omission of the City Council to technically comply with, observe, or otherwise follow such rules. The rules of decorum and procedure set forth herein shall apply to the City Council / Planning Agency and other City boards, standing committees and commissions that are subject to the Brown Act and shall apply to the City Council Chambers or any other location where a meeting subject to these rules takes place.

ATTACHMENT:

Rosenberg’s Rules of Order, Revised 2011
Simple Rules of Parliamentary Procedure for the 21st Century By: Judge Dave Rosenberg

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Item No. 8.1.1
City of Laguna Hills
City Council / Planning Agency
Staff Report
Date: March 25, 2025
To: Mayor and Council Members
From: Joshua Sweeney, Mayor
Issue: Membership in the United States Conference of Mayors Recommendation: Mayor Sweeney recommends that the City Council direct staff to submit an application for membership in the United States Conference of Mayors.

Background:

In accordance with City Council Policy 120, Mayor Sweeney added this item to the agenda. This item was continued from the February 11, 2025, regular meeting.

I would like to bring your attention to an important opportunity for our city to engage at the national level with other cities across the United States. The United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) is a non-partisan organization that represents cities with populations of 30,000 or more, and I believe joining this esteemed body would be valuable for our city and its leadership.

The USCM has a long and impactful history, founded in 1933 during the Great Depression, and has since played a critical role in advocating for cities across the country. From working directly with Congress and the White House to securing crucial federal support like the $65.1 billion allocated to cities through the American Rescue Plan, the USCM has been a powerful advocate for the needs of municipalities. The USCM also serves as a platform for mayors to share best practices and tackle pressing issues facing cities today.

Membership offers several key benefits:
• Advocacy: Direct engagement with federal policymakers on issues that affect our

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Item No. 8.1.1
city.
• Networking: Opportunities to connect with mayors from other cities and the nation’s leading businesses.
• Promotion of Our City: Access to resources to help share our city’s story and accomplishments on the national stage.
• Best Practices: The chance to learn from other cities and gain access to grant and award programs that support innovative initiatives.

Additionally, the USCM holds two major meetings each year that are open to all mayors:
• Annual Meeting: Held in June or early July in a designated member city. Its primary purpose is to adopt policy resolutions that guide the advocacy work of the organization.
• Winter Meeting: Held in late January in Washington, D.C. This meeting focuses on engaging with the White House, the current administration, and Congress to discuss the priorities of America’s mayors.

The Conference also holds two Leadership Meetings each year for the elected and appointed leadership of the organization:
• One is held in the fall, and the other in winter. These meetings focus on developing strategy, engaging with top-level officials, and identifying emerging issues. Additional meetings are scheduled throughout the year, with notifications sent to member mayors and their staff.

By joining the USCM, we can ensure that our city’s voice is heard in important national conversations and that we have access to the resources and support needed to grow and thrive. I believe this is a valuable opportunity for us to strengthen our city’s leadership and advocate effectively for the needs of our residents.

Fiscal Impact:

For cities with populations between 30,000 and 49,999, the annual membership dues are $3,953. Membership dues increase by 3% annually through 2029, and all dues are billed on a calendar or fiscal year basis.

In addition to the membership fees, there are travel expenses associated with

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attending these meetings, including flights, hotel accommodations, and other related costs. While these are variable, it’s important to factor them into the overall budget for participation in the USCM.

Attachments:

1. United States Conference of Mayors Membership Information

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The voice of America’s Mayors in Washington since 1932.

The United States Conference of Mayors is the official non-partisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more. There are over 1,400 such cities in the country today. Each city is represented in the Conference by its chief elected official, the mayor.

The United States Conference of Mayors was born out of the Great Depression. It was in 1932 that Detroit Mayor Frank Murphy invited the nation’s mayors to his city to confront common problems caused by this dark time in our history. Twenty-nine mayors gathered and, together, they called for Congress to provide relief, which Congress and the White House passed. That first meeting galvanized the mayors to formalize their conference, and in February 1933 they did so in Washington, D.C. As it is today, the Conference continues to be a leading voice of cities in our nation’s capital.

Throughout our history, it is the nation’s mayors to whom people look for leadership. We were early leaders in the civil rights movement, so much so, that John F. Kennedy introduced the pillars of the Civil Rights Act at our Annual Meeting, shortly before he was assassinated. When the U.S. withdrew from the Kyoto Protocols, we organized mayors to call for a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to pre-1990 levels. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit our country, it was the leadership of the Conference that worked to secure $65.1 billion for all cities through the American Rescue Plan.

Membership in the United States Conference of Mayors is an important way cities across the United States stay connected with each other and engaged with issues at the national level. Full members of the Conference are entitled to participate in our policyshaping process and are eligible for our grant and award programs. They also receive discounts for meeting registration and other preferred benefits.

The Conference is a strong forum for you—and all mayors—to advocate for the needs of your citizens and government. It’s where you can share ideas with other mayors and learn about the best practices and policies being implemented to help move our country forward.

The Conference to this day is a nonpartisan forum where mayors engage directly with the President and Congress on the most pressing issues of the day. Democrats, Republicans, and Independents come together to get things done. Mayors of large cities, small cities, center cities, and suburbs work side-by-side to solve, improve, create, and effect positive change.

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Item No. 9.1
City of Laguna Hills
City Council / Planning Agency
Staff Report
Date: March 25, 2025
To: Mayor and Council Members
From: Jennifer Lee, City Clerk
Issue: Committee Assignment Reports
Recommendation: That the City Council receive reports from City Council Members on the City Council Committee Assignments listed in the staff report.

Background:

The following are recent meetings and events attended by the City Council for their City Council Committee Assignments.

Events, Communication, and Beautification Committee
Council Member Pezold
Council Member Mathis
March 12, Regular Meeting
Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA)
San Joaquin Hills TCA Board of Directors
Council Member Pezold
March 13, Joint Board Meeting
Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (OCMVCD) Board of Trustees
Council Member Pezold
March 20, Regular Meeting

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Item No. 9.1
Orange County Older Adults Advisory Commission (OCOAAC) Mayor Wheeler
March 14, Regular Meeting
Fiscal Impact:

The City does not provide any additional compensation to City Council Members for serving on outside agency boards or committees.

Attachments:

None

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Laguna Hills City CouncilMarch 25, 2025

Laguna Hills City Council
March 25, 2025