buildings” to “less than or equal to 30 feet” as story height is ambiguous. Changed “four or more stories in height” to “exceeding 30 feet” as story height is ambiguous. At 30 feet or less, a 35-foot hand ladder can be used to access the roof. Above 30 feet, only an arial truck ladder can be used to access the roof.
at least two remote sides of the building” and replaced with the following including a new figure (for buildings over 30 feet high):
• Along the longest side for rectangular buildings with the smaller width no greater than 75 feet. Other building shapes will require further review. • Along at least two opposite sides of the building for rectangular buildings with the larger width no greater than 150 feet. Other building shapes will require further review.
• For buildings that don’t meet the previous criteria, fire lanes shall be provided in another manner approved by the fire code official that optimizes firefighter access to the roof. Optimization often includes fire lanes that allow for aerial truck ladder capability to most building outside corners, multiple building sides, and ladder angles between 60 to 75 degrees (a 92 foot ladder at an 8 foot high bottom pivot point can be used to determine this angle).
These changes provide two prescriptive methods for determining laddering for a building and a non-prescriptive method for more complex buildings. A new figure was provided to clarify the bullet points above. Changes are not more restrictive than the previous version.
Pages 7 and 8: Section 2.7. Added two administrative changes to fire lanes so vehicle grade and angle of approach and departure do not exceed OCFA vehicle capabilities.
Pages 10, 13 and 14: Section 3.5. The fire lane – no parking signs maximum interval has been increased from 50 feet to 100 feet. Signage at 50 feet is too numerous and visually unappealing.
warns the applicant that the plan will not be approved if it requires a water availability evaluation.
ITEM 8.1 - Attachment E
out all forms.
only.
understanding of hose pull length.
ITEM 8.1 - Attachment E
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT CHANGES TO GUIDELINE C-05
The following is a summary of the significant changes to Guideline C-05 (page references are to the final strikeout version). Deletions are in red strikeouts and additions are in blue underlines.
No changes were made to this guideline that are more restrictive except for reference to the State requirements in Local Responsibility Area (LRA) High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (HFHSZ) and several areas where OCFA needed to match minimum State requirements. To make an easier to follow and readable guideline, significant changes were made that do not impact design or construction (basic clarification, documentation of current practice, administrative or process requirements, etc.) throughout the first 29 pages of this guideline.
Changes that impact design or construction are identified below.
Pages 5 and 14: Referenced additional requirements in the LRA HFHSZ. (State required)
(State required)
increased the vertical separation from vegetation below from 2 feet to 6 feet. (State required)
trees increased from 3 times the height to 4 times the height. For slopes exceeding 40%, spacing between shrubs and trees increased from 3 times the height to 6 times the height. (State required)
ITEM 8.1 - Attachment F
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Existing
Revised
Deleted
New
2025 CWUIC
CODE SECTION
2022 Code
Section
TITLE/SUBJECT COMMENTS/JUSTIFICATION STATUS
602.4 CFC 4903.3 Fuel modification plans Amendment relocated from the deleted CFC Chapter 49 to the new CWUIC Chapter 6 with no changes to the amendment language.
Existing
Appendices F &
G
2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code (CWUIC) - OCFA Amendment Summary Legend
Appendices
(Not For Adoption)
Only 2 of the 8 appendices included in the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code (F & G) are adopted by the State. OCFA is not proposing adoption of any additional appendices or amendments to them beyond what the State has already adopted.
This 2022 amendment is being carried forward into 2025 amendment package. Minor editorial/clerical changes may have been made, but they do not have material regulatory effect.
A modified version of the 2022 amendment is being carried forward. Changes in scope or wording are significant relative to the 2022 version, or they may impact regulatory effect.
This 2022 amendment is not being carried forward into the 2025 amendment package.
This is a new amendment in the 2025 amendment package.
Chapter 6 - Fire Protection Requirements
9/23/2025 1 of 1
ITEM 8.1 - Attachment G
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8.2 CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT CUP-2025-0006, A
REQUEST BY A&S ENGINEERING FOR
APPROVAL OF A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
AMENDING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT CUP1505 RELATED TO THE REDEVELOPMENT OF
AN EXISTING AUTOMOBILE SERVICE STATION,
AT THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 24362 EL
TORO ROAD, LAGUNA WOODS, CALIFORNIA
92637
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ITEM 8.2
CC 10-15-2025 RM ITEM 8.2 – AR Page 1 of 6
City of Laguna Woods
Agenda Report
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Christopher Macon, City Manager
FOR: October 15, 2025 Regular Meeting
SUBJECT: Conditional Use Permit CUP-2025-0006, a request by A&S Engineering for approval of a conditional use permit amending Conditional Use Permit CUP-1505 related to the redevelopment of an existing automobile service station, at the property located at 24362 El Toro Road, Laguna Woods, California 92637
Recommendation
1. Receive staff report.
AND
2. Open public hearing.
AND
3. Receive public testimony.
AND
4. Close public hearing.
AND
5. Adopt a resolution titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA
ITEM 8.2
ITEM 8.2 – AR Page 2 of 6 CC 10-15-2025 RM
WOODS, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
CUP-2025-0006 TO AMEND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT CUP-1505
RELATED TO THE REDEVELOPMENT OF AN EXISTING
AUTOMOBILE SERVICE STATION, AT THE PROPERTY LOCATED
AT 24362 EL TORO ROAD, LAGUNA WOODS, CALIFORNIA 92637,
AND DETERMINING THAT THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT IS
CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15302
OF TITLE 14 OF THE CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS
Overview
A&S Engineering (“Applicant”) has submitted a land use application seeking approval of Conditional Use Permit CUP-2025-0006, which would amend Conditional Use Permit CUP-1505 related to the redevelopment of an existing automobile service station, at the property located at 24362 El Toro Road, Laguna Woods, California 92637.
The project location is currently occupied by a Mobil-branded automobile service station. It is located at the southeast corner of the intersection of El Toro Road and Moulton Parkway. The Orange County Assessor’s Parcel Number (“APN”) for the project location is 621-121-24 and the property owner is G & G Fuel LLC, a California Limited Liability Company.
A vicinity map is included as Attachment C.
Surrounding land uses are listed in Table 1.
Table 1: Surrounding Land Uses
General
Location
General Plan
Land Use Designation
Land Use
North Commercial /
Open Space
Shell Station (under construction) /
Laguna Woods Village golf course
South Commercial /
Open Space
Willow Tree Center /
Laguna Woods Village equestrian center
East Commercial Willow Tree Center
West Commercial ARCO/ampm and Starbucks
The project location is within the Community Commercial (CC) zoning district.
ITEM 8.2
CC 10-15-2025 RM ITEM 8.2 – AR Page 3 of 6
Community Commercial designates areas to “provide for the development and preservation of high intensity commercial uses which serve the local community and regional area and are compatible with surrounding residential uses” (Laguna Woods Municipal Code Section 13.10.010).
Laguna Woods Municipal Code Section 13.10.020 requires the approval of a conditional use permit prior to the establishment of certain uses, including automobile service stations in the Community Commercial zoning district. Once a conditional use permit is approved, certain deviations from the approved site plan or other approved project documents require approval of a conditional use permit.
Discussion
The City Council is asked to conduct a public hearing on the application for Conditional Use Permit CUP-2025-0006 and, thereafter, consider approval of the same (attachments A and B). Staff recommends approval of Conditional Use Permit CUP-2025-0006, subject to proposed conditions of approval (Exhibit A to Attachment A). The proposed conditions of approval would regulate the proposed use in a manner consistent with the purpose and intent of Laguna Woods Municipal Code Chapter 13.10 (Commercial Districts).
On February 19, 2025, the City Council unanimously approved Conditional Use Permit CUP-1505 which, among other things, provided for the redevelopment of the existing automobile service station including discontinuation of the now former automobile repair use and expansion of the existing convenience store into the space formerly occupied by the automobile repair use.
Subsequent to the approval of Conditional Use Permit CUP-1505, the property was sold. The new property owner intends to proceed with the improvements provided for by Conditional Use Permit CUP-1505 but would like to amend that approval to modify previously approved plans for fuel island canopies and roof design, as well as allow for certain outdoor storage of merchandise. Specifically, the proposed conditional use permit would approve:
• The demolition of both existing fuel island canopies (which are connected to the existing building) and replacement with two new, freestanding fuel island canopies. The existing fuel island canopies are approximately 18 feet tall; however, due to the design, the under-canopy clearance is approximately 14 feet 9¼ inches. The proposed fuel island canopies would be 19 feet tall but ITEM 8.2
ITEM 8.2 – AR Page 4 of 6 CC 10-15-2025 RM
allow for under-canopy clearance of 16 feet. The Applicant intends for the proposed fuel island canopies to provide enhanced shelter and lighting for the fuel islands, as well as allow larger vehicles (including those with large and oversized loads) to more readily and safely access the fuel islands. The Applicant has shared with staff that the property owner has observed several instances of vehicles nearly or actually making contact with the existing fuel island canopies.
o For reference, the fuel island canopy at the Shell Station currently under construction at the northeast corner of the intersection of El Toro Road and Moulton Parkway is approximately 19 feet 3½ inches tall with under-canopy clearance of 16 feet 6 inches feet.
The combined overhead shelter provided by the fuel island canopies would increase from approximately 1,997 to 2,835 square feet. The increase is due to the Applicant’s desire to more substantially shelter and illuminate the fuel islands, which currently extend beyond the existing fuel island canopies. o Please note that the proposed conditional use permit would NOT approve any signage. While the plans for the proposed conditional use permit show signage on the proposed fuel island canopies and elsewhere, the proposed conditional use permit would only approve the placement, height, and general design of the fuel island canopies.
Signage would require separate City Council approval.
• Changes to the roof design of the existing building due to the demolition of the existing fuel island canopies. The proposed conditional use permit would provide for continuation of the adjacent roof planes across the areas where the existing fuel island canopies are currently attached to the building. The proposed conditions of approval would require the replacement of all roof tiles on the building, rather than simply patching the formerly attached areas. • The use of a nine square foot area located against the El Toro Road-facing side of the building for the outdoor storage of merchandise (identified as “Existing Propane” on Sheet S1 of the proposed plans). In addition to the Applicant’s request to store propane tanks for sale in the outdoor storage area, the proposed conditions of approval would allow the outdoor storage of firewood, ice, and/or sandbags for sale, which may be openly stored, caged, and/or dispensed from vending machines. Propane tanks are currently stored ITEM 8.2
CC 10-15-2025 RM ITEM 8.2 – AR Page 5 of 6
in approximately the same location as the proposed outdoor storage area.
The proposed conditional use permit would apply to the currently approved use of the property, as well as eligible successors, at the project location.
Environmental Review
The City Council is asked to find that the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to Section 15302 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, in that it consists of replacement or reconstruction of existing structures and facilities where the new structure will be located on the same site as the structure replaced and will have substantially the same purpose and capacity as the structure replaced. Section 15302(b) of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations identifies the replacement of a commercial structure with a new structure of substantially the same size, purpose, and capacity, as an example of a categorically exempt project.
The project relates to commercial structures and specifically involves removing and replacing fuel island canopies, which would continue to provide shelter and lighting for use of fuel islands but at a taller height to better accommodate large vehicles. As the existing fuel island canopies are connected to the existing building and the new fuel island canopies would be freestanding, the project also includes changes to the roof design of the existing building. The existing building would not be expanded in size and there would be no modification of its currently approved use. The project also designates an area for certain outdoor storage of merchandise, which would occur as part of the retail business use already permitted as a principal use at the project location by the Laguna Woods Municipal Code.
Fiscal Impact
The City’s expenses associated with processing this project are recovered through planning services fees.
Documents Available for Review
Related documents – including the Applicant’s application and Conditional Use Permit CUP-1505 – are available for public review at City Hall during normal working hours.
ITEM 8.2
ITEM 8.2 – AR Page 6 of 6 CC 10-15-2025 RM
Report Prepared With: Nadia Cook, Planning & Environmental Services Director Justin Faylona, Senior Planner
Attachments: A – Proposed Resolution
Exhibit A – Proposed Conditions of Approval
B – Proposed Plans
C – Vicinity Map
ITEM 8.2 – Attachment A
R 25-XX 1 XX-XX-2025
RESOLUTION NO. 25-XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA
WOODS, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
CUP-2025-0006 TO AMEND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT CUP-1505
RELATED TO THE REDEVELOPMENT OF AN EXISTING
AUTOMOBILE SERVICE STATION, AT THE PROPERTY LOCATED
AT 24362 EL TORO ROAD, LAGUNA WOODS, CALIFORNIA 92637,
AND DETERMINING THAT THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT IS
CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15302
OF TITLE 14 OF THE CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS
WHEREAS, A&S Engineering (“Applicant”) submitted an application for Conditional Use Permit CUP-2025-0006 to amend Conditional Use Permit CUP1505 related to the redevelopment of an existing automobile service station, at the property located at 24362 El Toro Road, Laguna Woods, California 92637 (“project” or “proposed project”); and
WHEREAS, on October 15, 2025, the City Council of the City of Laguna Woods, after giving notice thereof as required by law, held a public hearing regarding Conditional Use Permit CUP-2025-0006; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has carefully considered all pertinent testimony, as well as all information contained in the agenda report prepared for Conditional Use Permit CUP-2025-0006, as presented at the public hearing; and WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the environmental form submitted by the Applicant in accordance with the City’s procedures. Based upon the information received and staff’s assessment of the information, Conditional Use Permit CUP2025-0006 has been determined to be categorically exempt pursuant to Section 15302 (Replacement or Reconstruction) of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”); and
WHEREAS, all legal prerequisites have occurred prior to the adoption of this resolution; and
WHEREAS, the City Council makes the following findings subject to the conditions of approval:
ITEM 8.2 – Attachment A
R 25-XX 2 XX-XX-2025
Findings for All Discretionary Permits
1. The use or project proposed is consistent with the General Plan.
The proposed project is consistent with the Commercial land use designation of the General Plan, which is intended to allow for “a broad range of nonresidential and non-industrial uses.” Retail and service businesses are explicitly identified in the General Plan as typical commercial uses. The proposed project includes no change to gross floor area. The existing building is in conformance with the General Plan’s maximum floor area ratio of 0.30 for the Commercial land use designation (conformance was previously reviewed and confirmed as part of the approval of Conditional Use Permit CUP-1505). Policy Objective L-3.1 of the General Plan Land Use Element is to “allow for commercial development that meets local needs and interests, particularly as it relates to the ability for residents to obtain a diversity of high-quality goods and services close to home.” The proposed project will amend Conditional Use Permit CUP-1505 to modify previously approved plans for fuel island canopies and roof design, as well as allow for certain outdoor storage of merchandise. The proposed fuel island canopy modifications (which necessitate roof modifications) will provide enhanced shelter and lighting for the fuel islands, as well as allow larger vehicles to more readily and safely access the fuel islands, all of which are reasonably anticipated to improve the usability of the automobile service station. The proposed outdoor storage of merchandise will allow for the display and sale of a broader range of retail goods and/or more visible display of retail goods than was contemplated in Conditional Use Permit CUP-1505. The proposed project will serve Laguna Woods residents and surrounding communities.
2. The use, activity or improvement(s) proposed is consistent with the provisions of the Zoning Code.
The proposed uses are consistent with the purpose and intent of the Community Commercial (CC) zoning district, which is “to provide for the development and preservation of high intensity commercial uses which serve the local community and regional area and are compatible with surrounding residential uses.” The Laguna Woods Zoning Code explicitly permits automobile service station uses in the Community Commercial (CC) zoning district, subject to approval of a conditional use permit. The proposed project’s location at the intersection of two arterial highways (El Toro Road and Moulton Parkway) aids in extending the proposed project’s service area ITEM 8.2 – Attachment A
R 25-XX 3 XX-XX-2025
to both the local community and regional area. There are no surrounding residential uses. There is no identified incompatibility with the nearest residential uses. Several of the conditions of approval for the proposed project address public health, safety, and general welfare (see Finding #5 below), which further promote consistency with the provisions of the Laguna Woods Zoning Code.
3. The approval of the permit application is in compliance with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act.
Based on the information received from the Applicant and staff’s assessment of the same, the proposed project has been determined to be categorically exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15302 (Replacement or Reconstruction) of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations.
Additional information is contained in Section 2 of this resolution and incorporated herein by this reference.
4. The location, size, design and operating characteristics of the proposed use will not create conditions or situations that may be incompatible with other permitted uses in the vicinity.
The proposed project’s location is currently used for automobile service station and retail business uses (the latter of which is permitted by right in the Community Commercial (CC) zoning district). There is no history of incompatibility between the existing uses and the permitted uses in the vicinity. The proposed project’s location is fronted by two public streets (El Toro Road and Moulton Parkway) and otherwise surrounded by compatible commercial uses, including off-street parking therefore. There are two other automobile service stations located at the same El Toro Road and Moulton Parkway intersection (one that is operating and one that has been approved by the City and is presently under construction). Both other automobile service stations also include retail business uses.
The proposed project includes the demolition of both existing fuel island canopies (which are connected to the existing building) and replacement with two new, freestanding fuel island canopies. There is no history of incompatibility between the existing fuel island canopies and the permitted uses in the vicinity. The proposed fuel island canopies will increase in height but be approximately the same height as the fuel island canopy being constructed at the automobile service station that is under construction at the ITEM 8.2 – Attachment A
R 25-XX 4 XX-XX-2025
same El Toro Road and Moulton Parkway intersection. The number of fuel islands will remain unchanged. The proposed fuel island canopies will be freestanding, as is the case for all fuel island canopies at the two other automobile service stations located at the same El Toro Road and Moulton Parkway intersection. The conditions of approval include requirements intended to ensure that a consistent visual appearance is maintained across all tiled roof planes of the existing building following the demolition of the existing fuel island canopies. The overhead shelter provided by the fuel island canopies will increase to more substantially shelter and illuminate the fuel islands, which currently extend beyond the existing fuel island canopies.
Even when increased in area, the fuel island canopies will remain inset from the project location’s boundaries.
The proposed project’s outdoor storage of merchandise will be limited to merchandise typically sold at automobile service stations and associated convenience stores (firewood, ice, propane tanks, and/or sandbags). Outdoor storage of merchandise (propane tanks) currently occurs in approximately the same location as the proposed outdoor storage area. There is no history of incompatibility between the existing outdoor storage of merchandise and the permitted uses in the vicinity. This conditional use permit will allow for continuation of substantially similar (but additionally regulated) outdoor storage of merchandise following the redevelopment of the automobile service station. The proposed outdoor storage area will be limited to a small portion of the project location (nine square feet), adjacent to the existing building and not immediately adjacent to any other permitted uses in the vicinity. Condition of Approval #17 limits the exterior amplified sound that will be permitted to occur in connection with the proposed outdoor storage area to sound audible during “active use of the vending machines (e.g., sound is activated upon the start of a transaction and terminates thereafter).” Sounds remains subject to all applicable, then-current requirements of the Laguna Woods Municipal Code and the California Building Standards Code, as well as federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations.
5. The approval of the permit application will not result in conditions or circumstances contrary to the public health and safety and the general welfare.
The conditions of approval for the proposed project will regulate its uses in a manner consistent with the purpose and intent of Laguna Woods Municipal Code Chapter 13.10. As conditioned, the proposed project will not result in ITEM 8.2 – Attachment A
R 25-XX 5 XX-XX-2025
conditions or circumstances contrary to the public health and safety and the general welfare. Several of the conditions of approval relate to public health, safety, and general welfare including, but not limited to, reservation of the City’s rights to require additional security or safety measures, if warranted.
Such conditions of approval will assist in protecting the public from potential risk or danger. The conditions of approval also explicitly require the proposed project to comply with all applicable, then-current requirements of the Laguna Woods Municipal Code and the California Building Standards Code, as well as federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations. Condition of Approval #16 also contains requirements specific to the proposed outdoor storage of merchandise, including that “all merchandise placed within the outdoor storage area shall be kept clean, complete, and in good structural and functional working order, and not be allowed to fall into a state of disrepair, damage, or decrepitude” and that storage cages and vending machines must be attached to the ground in a manner that protects public safety. Condition of Approval #16 also explicitly states that this conditional use permit “does not permit any outdoor storage area to obstruct, in whole or in part, required accessible paths of travels or other minimum clearances, nor for any outdoor storage area to pose a danger or threat to public health, safety, or welfare.” The Applicant intends for the proposed fuel island canopies to provide enhanced shelter and lighting for the fuel islands, as well as allow larger vehicles (including those with large and oversized loads) to more readily and safely access the fuel islands. The Applicant has shared with staff that the property owner has observed several instances of vehicles nearly or actually making contact with the existing fuel island canopies. The height, size, and location of the proposed fuel island canopies are reasonably anticipated to improve the public health and safety and the general welfare.
6. The approval of the permit application is in compliance with all Cityrequired public facilities regulations.
The proposed project has been evaluated against all City regulations through the conditional use permit process and is deemed to be in compliance, subject to the conditions of approval. The proposed project will not require the addition or modification of any public facilities, nor heightened levels of service for any public services operating from public facilities.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA
ITEM 8.2 – Attachment A
R 25-XX 6 XX-XX-2025
WOODS, CALIFORNIA DOES HEREBY RESOLVE, DECLARE,
DETERMINE AND ORDER AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The above recitals are true and correct.
SECTION 2. After reviewing the entire project record, the City Council hereby determines and certifies that the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to Section 15302 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, in that it consists of replacement or reconstruction of existing structures and facilities where the new structure will be located on the same site as the structure replaced and will have substantially the same purpose and capacity as the structure replaced. Section 15302(b) of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations identifies the replacement of a commercial structure with a new structure of substantially the same size, purpose, and capacity, as an example of a categorically exempt project.
The project relates to commercial structures and specifically involves removing and replacing fuel island canopies, which will continue to provide shelter and lighting for use of fuel islands but at a taller height to better accommodate large vehicles. As the existing fuel island canopies are connected to the existing building and the new fuel island canopies will be freestanding, the project also includes changes to the roof design of the existing building. The existing building will not be expanded in size and there will be no modification of its currently approved use.
The project also designates an area for certain outdoor storage of merchandise, which will occur as part of the retail business use already permitted as a principal use at the project location by the Laguna Woods Municipal Code.
SECTION 3. The City Council hereby approves Conditional Use Permit CUP-2025-0006 (on-file with the City Clerk’s Office), subject to the conditions of approval attached to this resolution (Exhibit A), both of which are incorporated herein by this reference.
SECTION 4. The Mayor shall sign this resolution and the City Clerk shall attest and certify to the passage and adoption thereof.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED on this XX day of XX 2025. _______________________________
SHARI L. HORNE, Mayor
ITEM 8.2 – Attachment A
R 25-XX 7 XX-XX-2025
ATTEST:
________________________________
YOLIE TRIPPY, CMC, City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF ORANGE ) ss.
CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS )
I, YOLIE TRIPPY, City Clerk of the City of Laguna Woods, do HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution No. 25-XX was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Laguna Woods at a regular meeting thereof, held on the XX day of XX 2025, by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
_________________________________
YOLIE TRIPPY, CMC, City Clerk
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ITEM 8.2 – Exhibit A to Attachment A
CUP-2025-0006 Conditions of Approval | Page 1 of 6
City of Laguna Woods
Conditions of Approval for Conditional Use Permit CUP-2025-0006 Conditional Use Applicant (Applicant): A&S Engineering
Conditional Use Address: 24362 El Toro Road, Laguna Woods, CA 92637 Conditional Use Assessor’s Parcel Number: 621-121-24
Property Owner of Assessor’s Parcel Number 621-121-24 (Owner): G & G Fuel LLC, a California Limited Liability Company
City Council Approval Date: [INSERT APPROVAL DATE HERE]
STANDARD CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
1. The Owner and occupant(s) of the property to which this conditional use permit applies shall comply with all of the conditions of approval as part of CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT CUP-2025-0006 (“conditional use permit”). Failure to comply with any one or more of the conditions imposed herein constitute grounds for revocation of said conditional use permit by the City Council.
This conditional use permit amends Conditional Use Permit CUP-1505, which was approved by the City Council on February 19, 2025. The conditions of approval for Conditional Use Permit CUP-1505 continue to apply and are incorporated herein by this reference. The conditions of approval for Conditional Use Permit CUP-1505 are supplemented by these additional conditions of approval for Conditional Use Permit CUP-2025-0006.
Though referenced and indicated on the application, plans, and drawings for this project, the replacement of the underground storage tanks existing on the property to which this conditional use permit applies at the time of approval is not a part of this approval. Building permits are the only City approvals that must be obtained for the replacement of said underground storage tanks.
2. This conditional use permit shall be constructed, developed, used, operated, and permanently maintained in accordance with the terms of the application, plans, drawings, and conditions imposed herein.
3. The Owner and occupant(s) of the property to which this conditional use permit applies shall comply with all then-current requirements of the Laguna Woods Municipal Code and the California Building Standards Code, as well as federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations, as they pertain to the improvements and uses sought in this application, and such requirements are made a condition of this approval. These include, but are not limited to, all requirements related to building permits, encroachment permits, grading permits, and sign permits; engineering review, landscaping review, water quality review, and plan review, generally, of ITEM 8.2 – Exhibit A to Attachment A
CUP-2025-0006 Conditions of Approval | Page 2 of 6
proposed construction plans; accessibility, including accessibility required by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act; best management practices and other actions or improvements required by National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit(s); and, restrictions on parking, circulation, lighting, and noise.
4. This conditional use permit does not eliminate the need to obtain building permits, encroachment permits, grading permits, or sign permits, nor does it include any action or finding as to compliance or approval of any other applicable federal, state or local ordinance, regulation, rule, or requirement.
5. This conditional use permit does not include any approval for signage, nor does it represent or imply that any signage proposed in connection with this application, or at any time in the future, will or will not be approved by the City.
6. Public Safety Services: In the event of repeated or disproportionately high numbers of calls for law enforcement or other public safety service, or based upon input from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (or successor law enforcement agency) or surrounding residents or businesses, the City Manager may require, at his/her/their discretion, that the Owner and occupant(s) of the property to which this conditional use permit applies provide at their own cost additional on-site security and/or safety measures, as may be reasonably calculated to address situations or circumstances leading to or causing such increased calls for service, or complaints or comments from surrounding residents or businesses. For the purpose of this condition, “repeated or disproportionately high numbers of calls” shall be determined following the nuisance abatement procedure set forth in Laguna Woods Municipal Code Chapter 1.08, as may change from time to time, with the City Council’s declaration of a public nuisance required. Use of this remedy shall be at the sole discretion of the City and nothing in this condition shall prevent the City from initiating civil, criminal, or other legal or equitable proceedings as an alternative to the procedure outlined herein.
7. Inspection: City staff, or their authorized representatives, shall have the right to access and enter the property to which this conditional use permit applies to make reasonable Owner- or occupant(s) of the property to which this conditional use permit applies-authorized scheduled inspections, or unscheduled inspections in areas otherwise open to the public, to observe and enforce compliance with the conditions imposed herein. Except for inspections meant to investigate matters that would constitute imminent threats to public health, safety, or welfare, or inspections authorized by a court order, the City shall make reasonable efforts to request inspections of areas that are not open to the public at least seventy-two (72) hours in advance.
8. Responsibility for Costs Incurred: In accordance with policies adopted by the City, the Owner and occupant(s) of the property to which this conditional use permit ITEM 8.2 – Exhibit A to Attachment A
CUP-2025-0006 Conditions of Approval | Page 3 of 6
applies shall be responsible for costs incurred as a result of local law enforcement, public safety, or code enforcement investigation/inspection that results in a finding of violation of any applicable laws and/or conditions imposed herein.
9. Modification of Conditions of Approval: Any request to modify conditions imposed herein shall be made in accordance with policies adopted by the City at the time such request is made.
10. Revocation: This conditional use permit may be revoked in accordance with Laguna Woods Municipal Code Section 13.24.080, as may change from time to time, for any of the reasons set forth therein, which include, but are not necessarily limited to, failure to comply with any condition imposed herein.
11. Transfer: In the event of transfer of the property to which this conditional use permit pertains, the transferee shall, prior to exercising the rights granted hereunder, arrange and attend a conference with the City to review the conditions imposed herein, and document the manner in which activities will occur and the manner in which conditions imposed herein will be met. The transferee may, alternatively, file with the City a signed letter confirming receipt of these conditions, prior to exercising the rights granted hereunder. In either case, the Owner’s obligations with respect to this condition are satisfied by consenting to the recordation of these conditions in the office of the Clerk-Recorder for the County of Orange.
12. Termination: Upon approval, this conditional use permit shall become null and void (A) upon failure to obtain all necessary building permits to construct this project within 365 calendar days of the date this conditional use permit is approved, (B) upon the expiration of any building permit, due to inactivity, obtained to construct this project, or (C) after this project has been constructed, 365 calendar days after such time the approved use at the property to which this conditional use permit applies ceases to be operated as noted by lapse of California Department of Tax & Fee Administration (or successor agency) permit or date documented by City staff following site verification of abandonment or discontinuance. The City Manager may grant an extension of up to 365 calendar days to obtain any necessary building permit upon a showing of financial hardship or other adequate justification by the applicant, and provided the associated building plans comply with the then-current Laguna Woods Municipal Code and California Building Standards Code at the time the building permit(s) is(are) issued. Nothing in this condition is intended to, nor will be interpreted by the City, as limiting the ability for City-issued permits to be extended as allowed by applicable law.
13. Indemnification: The Owner and occupant(s) of the property to which this conditional use permit applies, and successor(s) in interest, shall as a condition of issuance of this approval, at its sole expense, defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City and its respective elected and appointed boards, officials, officers, agents, ITEM 8.2 – Exhibit A to Attachment A
CUP-2025-0006 Conditions of Approval | Page 4 of 6
employees and volunteers (“INDEMNITEES”) from any claim, action, or proceeding against the INDEMNITEES to attach, set aside, void or annul an approval of the City Council or other decision-making body, or staff action concerning this conditional use approval, or its implementation, except when occurring solely as a result the negligent or willful acts or omissions of the INDEMNITEES. The Owner and occupant(s) of the property to which this conditional use permit applies shall pay all of the City’s defense costs incurred by counsel of the City’s choosing, and shall reimburse the City for any and all court costs and other parties’ attorney fees that the City may be required by a court to pay as a result of such defense. The Owner and occupant(s) of the property to which this conditional use permit applies may at their sole discretion participate in the defense of any such action under this condition, with its own counsel.
14. Requirement to Acknowledge Conditions of Approval: The Owner shall sign and have notarized (acknowledgement) the “Owner Acknowledgement of Conditions of Approval for Conditional Use Permit CUP-2025-0006” and return one wet-signed original to the City Manager with a copy of a recordable legal description of all affected properties in form acceptable to the City Manager.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
15. Prior to the issuance of the initial certificate of occupancy for the expanded convenience store contemplated under Conditional Use Permit CUP-1505, both fuel canopies shall be detached from the building consistent with this conditional use permit and all roof tiles on the building shall be replaced with MCA Tile, One Piece “S” Mission Tile, 2F22 Burnt Sienna. At the same time as all roof tiles are initially replaced, all areas of the roof where fuel canopies were formerly attached shall be covered with the same MCA Tile, One Piece “S” Mission Tile, 2F22 Burnt Sienna and installed and finished in a manner to achieve visual continuity with the adjacent roof planes. Subsequently, roof tiles shall only be replaced with MCA Tile, One Piece “S” Mission Tile, 2F22 Burnt Sienna unless such roof tile is unavailable or discontinued by the manufacturer, in which case the City Manager may approve a similar roof tile and all roof tiles shall be replaced to match. The purpose of this condition of approval is to maintain a consistent visual appearance across all tiled roof planes at all times.
The City Manager may refer the approval of a “similar roof tile” to the City Council.
16. This conditional use permits authorizes nine square feet of outdoor storage located against the El Toro Road-facing side of the building to be used to store merchandise (designated as “Existing Propane” on Sheet S2 of the plans for this conditional use permit) (“outdoor storage area”). The outdoor storage area may be used to store firewood, ice, propane tanks, and/or sandbags for sale, which may be openly stored, caged, and/or dispensed from vending machines. No other items – whether merchandise or not (e.g., deliveries) – may be placed within the outdoor storage area including, but not limited to, appliances, automotive products (e.g., fuel additives, ITEM 8.2 – Exhibit A to Attachment A
CUP-2025-0006 Conditions of Approval | Page 5 of 6
gas cans, motor oil, tires, and windshield wipers), beverages, food, furniture, and tobacco and cigarettes. Automated teller machines, delivery lockers, and lottery machines are also explicitly prohibited. All merchandise placed within the outdoor storage area shall be kept clean, complete, and in good structural and functional working order, and not be allowed to fall into a state of disrepair, damage, or decrepitude. When openly stored and stacked, all merchandise placed within the outdoor storage area shall be limited to a height of five feet or less, unless a lower height is necessary or advisable to protect public safety. Cages and vending machines used in connection with this condition of approval shall be securely bolted or similarly attached to the ground in at least two places unless infeasible, the determination of which shall be made by the City Manager, or unless a greater number of bolts or similar attachments is necessary or advisable to protect public safety. Irrespective of any information contained on the plans for this conditional use permit, this conditional use permit does not permit any outdoor storage area to obstruct, in whole or in part, required accessible paths of travels or other minimum clearances, nor for any outdoor storage area to pose a danger or threat to public health, safety, or welfare.
17. In addition to the use of exterior amplified sound systems approved as part of Conditional Use Permit CUP-1505, and subject to all other applicable conditions of approval (e.g., conditions of approval related to noise), exterior amplified sound may occur as part of the use of vending machines located in the outdoor storage area, provided that such sound is only audible during active use of the vending machines (e.g., sound is activated upon the start of a transaction and terminates thereafter).
18. For avoidance of doubt, all exterior waste receptacles shall be stored in the trash enclosure identified on the plans for this conditional use permit, except when set out for collection in accordance with Laguna Woods Municipal Code Section 4.10.050, as may change from time to time.
[SIGNATURE ON NEXT PAGE]
ITEM 8.2 – Exhibit A to Attachment A
CUP-2025-0006 Conditions of Approval | Page 6 of 6
OWNER ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL FOR
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT CUP-2025-0006 (“ACKNOWLEDGEMENT”)
1. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL. The person or persons executing this ACKNOWLEDGEMENT on behalf of the Owner has reviewed all Conditions of Approval for ConditionalUse Permit CUP-2025-0006 and has had the opportunity to consult with legal counsel regarding them as the Owner has deemed appropriate.
2. PURPOSE. The purpose of this ACKNOWLEDGEMENT is to ensure the Owner is aware of the Conditions of Approval for Conditional Use Permit CUP-2025-0006, which “run with the land.” References to “Owner” in the Conditions of Approval for Conditional Use Permit CUP-2025-0006 are not intended to, and will not be interpreted by the City as, conferring any additional legal responsibility or liability upon the Owner beyond that which otherwise exists in applicable law, or otherwise changing the Owner existing legal obligations.
3. RECORDATION. The person or persons executing this ACKNOWLEDGEMENT on behalf of the Owner consents to the recordation of the Conditions of Approval for Conditional Use Permit CUP-2025-0006, including this ACKNOWLEDGEMENT, in the office of the Clerk-Recorder for the County of Orange.
4. AUTHORITY TO EXECUTE. The person or persons executing this ACKNOWLEDGEMENT on behalf of the Owner represents and warrants that he/she/they has/have the authority to so execute this ACKNOWLEDGEMENT and to bind the Owner to its obligations hereunder.
5. SEVERABILITY. If any term, condition or covenant of this ACKNOWLEDGEMENT is declared or determined by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remaining provisions of this ACKNOWLEDGEMENT shall not be affected thereby and the ACKNOWLEDGEMENT shall be read and construed without the invalid, void or unenforceable provision(s).
Property Owner – G & G Fuel LLC, a California Limited Liability Company Signature: Date:
Full Name: Title:
SIGNATURE MUST BE NOTARIZED; ATTACH ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.
ITEM 8.2 – Attachment B
ITEM 8.2
Attachment B
Proposed Plans
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APPROVED CUP
SITE PLAN
D
D
PARCEL 2
NO
PRKING
INDEPENDENT
DIRECTIONAL ARROW/ GRAPHIC SCALE
VICINITY MAP
SCOPE OF WORK
DEMO CANOPY
D
D
PARCEL 2
NO
PRKING
INDEPENDENT
DIRECTIONAL ARROW/ GRAPHIC SCALE
VICINITY MAP
SCOPE OF WORK
PROPOSED NEW
CANOPY
87 89 91
REGULAR PLUS SUPER
THIS SALE
GALLONS
87 89 91
REGULAR PLUS SUPER
THIS SALE
GALLONS
87 89 91
REGULAR PLUS SUPER
THIS SALE
GALLONS
87 89 91
REGULAR PLUS SUPER
THIS SALE
GALLONS
INDEPENDENT
INDEPENDENT
87 89 91
REGULAR PLUS SUPER
THIS SALE
GALLONS
87 89 91
REGULAR PLUS SUPER
THIS SALE
GALLONS
87 89 91
REGULAR PLUS SUPER
THIS SALE
GALLONS
87 89 91
REGULAR PLUS SUPER
THIS SALE
GALLONS
INDEPENDENT
INDEPENDENT
NORTH WEST ELEVATION
SOUTH WEST ELEVATION
DEMO EXISTING
CANOPY
INDEPENDENT
NORTH WEST ELEVATION
SOUTH WEST ELEVATION
PROPOSED NEW
CANOPY
Vicinity Map for Conditional Use Permit CUP-2025-0006
Source: Nearmap, City of Laguna Woods
El Toro Rd
Moulton Pkwy
El Toro Rd
Moulton Pkwy
Calle Aragon
Calle Aragon
Avenida Carmel
Legend
Laguna Woods Boundary
24362 El Toro Road, APN 621-121-24
Parcels
0 100 200
Feet
ITEM 8.2 - Attachment C
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9.1 WOODS END WILDERNESS PRESERVE TRAIL
DRAINAGE AND IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
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ITEM 9.1
CC 10-15-2025 RM ITEM 9.1 – AR Page 1 of 5
City of Laguna Woods
Agenda Report
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Christopher Macon, City Manager
FOR: October 15, 2025 Regular Meeting
SUBJECT: Woods End Wilderness Preserve Trail Drainage and Improvement Project
Recommendation
1. Adopt a resolution titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA
WOODS, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING AND ADOPTING THE FISCAL
YEARS 2025-27 BUDGET AND WORK PLAN FOR FISCAL YEAR
2025-26 COMMENCING JULY 1, 2025 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2026, AND FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 COMMENCING JULY 1, 2026 AND
ENDING JUNE 30, 2027, INCREASING GENERAL FUND AND
CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE “WOODS
END WILDERNESS PRESERVE TRAIL DRAINAGE AND
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT”
AND
2. Approve the “Woods End Wilderness Preserve Trail Drainage and Improvement Project” plans and specifications as prepared by the project architect and their licensed professionals.
AND
3. Approve a notice of exemption for the “Woods End Wilderness Preserve Trail Drainage and Improvement Project” finding that the project is ITEM 9.1
ITEM 9.1 – AR Page 2 of 5 CC 10-15-2025 RM
categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and authorize the City Manager to cause the notice of exemption to be filed pursuant to applicable law.
AND
4. Award a contract agreement to Millsten Enterprises, Inc. for the construction of the “Woods End Wilderness Preserve Trail Drainage and Improvement Project”, in the amount of $446,694.60, plus authorized change orders not to exceed 15% ($67,004.19) of the base amount; and authorize the City Manager to execute a contract agreement and approve change orders, subject to approval of the contract agreement as to form by the City Attorney.
Background
The Woods End Wilderness Preserve Trail Drainage and Improvement Project is included in the Fiscal Years 2025-36 Capital Improvement Program and involves the construction and refurbishment of drainage and entry facilities at Woods End Wilderness Preserve, as well as work related to accessibility, safety, and security.
The project is intended to improve drainage and manage stormwater runoff from the Woods End Wilderness Preserve trail. The work will also enhance the safety, visibility, and condition of City-maintained park areas.
Discussion
Today’s meeting is an opportunity for City Council action, as well as public input, on the Woods End Wilderness Preserve Trail Drainage and Improvement Project.
Staff recommends that the City Council take the following four actions to allow construction to proceed:
Recommendation 1
Adoption of a resolution amending and adopting the Fiscal Years 2025-27 Budget and Work Plan for Fiscal Year 2025-26 commencing July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026, and Fiscal Year 2026-27 commencing July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027, increasing General Fund and Capital Projects Fund appropriations for the Woods End Wilderness Preserve Trail Drainage and Improvement Project (Attachment A). The proposed resolution would increase appropriations in the ITEM 9.1
CC 10-15-2025 RM ITEM 9.1 – AR Page 3 of 5
amount of $330,607 to provide sufficient funding to proceed with construction.
The unassigned General Fund balance has sufficient funds to accommodate the increased appropriations, which would be transferred to the Capital Projects Fund.
With the proposed budget adjustment, the total project budget would be $690,074.17 ($427,619 Capital Projects Fund, $188,048 State of California Grants Fund (Proposition 68 (Per Capita Program)), and $74,407.17 Federal Grants Fund (American Rescue Plan Act (Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Funds)). 38% of the proposed total project budget leverages federal and state funds.
Recommendation 2
Approval of the project plans and specifications as prepared by the project architect (RJM Design Group) and their licensed professionals (civTEC, Glasir Design, and GMU). The project plans and specifications are available for review at or from the City Clerk’s Office, Laguna Woods City Hall, 24264 El Toro Road, Laguna Woods, CA 92637. Telephone: (949) 639-0500. Email:
[email protected].
The project plans and specifications have been reviewed by OC Parks (County of Orange) pursuant to the Woods End Wilderness Preserve lease agreement between the City and County of Orange. Staff also presented a conceptual plan for the project to the Coastal Greenbelt Authority on July 10, 2024. The Coastal Greenbelt Authority voted to support the conceptual plan (Attachment C).
Since the presentation to the Coastal Greenbelt Authority, the most significant design changes have been to modify the wall design for improved constructability, refine the landscape palette based on additional feedback from OC Parks, and remove previously contemplated bollards at the intersection of El Toro Road and Aliso Creek Road following consultation with the City Engineer.
Recommendation 3
Approval of a notice of exemption for the project (Attachment B) finding that the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) and authorization for the City Manager to cause the notice of exemption to be filed pursuant to applicable law. For additional CEQA information, please refer to the Environmental Review section of this agenda report.
ITEM 9.1
ITEM 9.1 – AR Page 4 of 5 CC 10-15-2025 RM
Recommendation 4
Award of a contract agreement to Millsten Enterprises, Inc. for the construction of the “Woods End Wilderness Preserve Trail Drainage and Improvement Project”, in the amount of $446,694.60, plus authorized change orders not to exceed 15% ($67,004.19) of the base amount; and authorization for the City Manager to execute a contract agreement and approve change orders, subject to approval of the contract agreement as to form by the City Attorney.
Bids to construct the project were solicited on two separate occasions – April 24, 2025 through May 22, 2025 and July 24, 2025 through August 21, 2025. No bids were received during either solicitation.
Subsequent to the second unsuccessful bid solicitation, staff obtained informal bids to construct the project, outside of the standard California Public Contract Code process, as allowed by California Public Contract Code Section 20166. Staff notified four contractors of the informal bid opportunity and accepted informal bids from August 29, 2025 through September 30, 2025.
Three informal bids were received by September 30, 2025 (see Table 1). After review, Millsten Enterprises, Inc. is the lowest cost responsive bidder. Millsten Enterprises previously constructed “A Place for Paws” Dog Park on behalf of the initial contractor’s surety, after the initial contractor abandoned the project.
Table 1: Bids Received
Bidder Bid Amount
GCI Construction, Inc. $653,222.10
Millsten Enterprises, Inc. $446,694.60
RG General Engineering, Inc. $684,104.00
It is anticipated that construction would be complete within 75 working days of the date the City issues a Notice to Proceed to the selected contractor. The City would issue the Notice to Proceed no later than November 3, 2025.
Environmental Review
The project is categorically exempt from CEQA pursuant to California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Sections 15301 and 15304. For additional information, refer to the proposed notice of exemption (Attachment B).
ITEM 9.1
CC 10-15-2025 RM ITEM 9.1 – AR Page 5 of 5
Fiscal Impact
Please refer to the preceding discussion regarding Recommendation 1.
Report Prepared With: April Baumgarten, Public Works Administrator Attachments: A – Proposed Resolution
B – Proposed Notice of Exemption
C – Coastal Greenbelt Authority Letter dated July 11, 2024 This page is intentionally blank.
ITEM 9.1 – Attachment A
R 25-XX 1 XX-XX-2025
RESOLUTION NO. 25-XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA
WOODS, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING AND ADOPTING THE FISCAL
YEARS 2025-27 BUDGET AND WORK PLAN FOR FISCAL YEAR
2025-26 COMMENCING JULY 1, 2025 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2026, AND FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 COMMENCING JULY 1, 2026 AND
ENDING JUNE 30, 2027, INCREASING GENERAL FUND AND
CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE “WOODS
END WILDERNESS PRESERVE TRAIL DRAINAGE AND
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT”
WHEREAS, the Fiscal Years 2025-26 Budget (“Budget”) was adopted by the City Council on June 25, 2025 (Resolution No. 25-18); and WHEREAS, per City Administrative Policy 2.9, increases in adopted fundlevel Budget appropriations require City Council approval; and Woods End Wilderness Preserve Trail Drainage and Improvement Project WHEREAS, the “Woods End Wilderness Preserve Trail Drainage and Improvement Project” is included in the Capital Improvement Program; and WHEREAS, appropriations for the Woods End Wilderness Preserve Trail Drainage and Improvement Project were established in an amount estimated as of December 2024, subject to the completion of design documents, construction drawings, and competitive bidding; and
WHEREAS, design documents, construction drawings, and bidding for the Woods End Wilderness Preserve Trail Drainage and Improvement Project are now complete; and
WHEREAS, staff estimates that additional appropriations in the amount of $330,607 will be required to construct the Woods End Wilderness Preserve Trail Drainage and Improvement Project; and
WHEREAS, the City Council wishes to increase Fiscal Year 2025-26 appropriations for the Capital Projects Fund for the Woods End Wilderness Preserve Trail Drainage and Improvement Project in the amount of $330,607; and ITEM 9.1 – Attachment A
R 25-XX 2 XX-XX-2025
WHEREAS, the unassigned General Fund balance has sufficient funds to accommodate the increased appropriations; and
WHEREAS, the increased appropriations in the General Fund would be used to transfer that same amount to the Capital Projects Fund; Capital Projects Fund appropriations would be increased accordingly; and WHEREAS, with the proposed Budget adjustment, the total Woods End Wilderness Preserve Trail Drainage and Improvement Project budget would be $690,074.17 ($427,619 Capital Projects Fund, $188,048 State of California Grants Fund (Proposition 68 (Per Capita Program)), and $74,407.17 Federal Grants Fund (American Rescue Plan Act (Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Funds)).
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA
WOODS, DOES HEREBY RESOLVE, DECLARE, DETERMINE AND ORDER AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Section 2 of Resolution No. 25-18, as previously amended by Resolution No. 25-28, is hereby amended, in its entirety, to read as follows:
The budget appropriations authorized, on a fund level, are:
Fiscal Year
2025-26
Adopted
Budget
Fiscal Year
2024-25
Carryover
Appropriations
Fiscal Year
2025-26
Budget
Amendments
Fiscal Year
2025-26
Amended
Budget
General Fund $10,814,328
(includes
transfers to
Capital
Projects Fund
of $1,860,000
and to the
Senior
Mobility Fund
of $406,052)
$64,902 $16,347
$10,895,577
(includes
transfers to
Capital
Projects Fund
of $1,860,000
and to the
Senior
Mobility Fund
of $406,052)
Capital Projects Fund $1,860,000 $687,100 $330,607 $2,877,707 Fuel Tax $404,557 - - $404,557
Road Maintenance &
Rehabilitation Program $515,824 $14,993 - $530,817
Measure M2 (OC Go) $267,780 - - $267,780
Service Authority for
Abandoned Vehicles $0 - - $0
ITEM 9.1 – Attachment A
R 25-XX 3 XX-XX-2025
Supplemental Law
Enforcement Services $231,600 - - $231,600
Mobile Source
Reduction $10,000 - - $10,000
PEG/Cable Television $15,000 - - $15,000
Senior Mobility $652,598 - - $652,598
Community
Development
Block Grant (CDBG)
$500,000 - - $500,000
Federal Grants $0 $233,233 - $233,233
State of California
Grants $0 $274,924 - $274,924
Miscellaneous Special
Revenue $0 - - $0
Laguna Woods Civic
Support Fund $300 - - $300
Less: Transfer to Other
Funds ($2,266,052) - ($330,607) ($2,596,659)
TOTAL $13,005,935 $1,275,151 $16,347 $14,297,433
A Fund Budget Adjustment CC-25/26-01: City Manager Agreement, +$16,347 (R 25-28) A Fund Budget Adjustment CC-25/26-02: Woods End Project, +$330,607 (R 25-XX) Fiscal Year
2026-27
Adopted
Budget
Fiscal Year
2025-26
Carryover
Appropriations
Fiscal Year
2026-27
Budget
Amendments
Fiscal Year
2026-27
Amended
Budget
General Fund $9,611,466
(includes
transfers to
Capital
Projects Fund
of $350,000
and to the
Senior
Mobility Fund
of $406,052)
- $19,674
$9,631,140
(includes
transfers to
Capital
Projects Fund
of $350,000
and to the
Senior
Mobility Fund
of $406,052)
Capital Projects Fund $350,000 - - $350,000
Fuel Tax $439,580 - - $439,580
Road Maintenance &
Rehabilitation Program $529,206 - - $529,206
Measure M2 (OC Go) $284,878 - - $284,878
Service Authority for
Abandoned Vehicles $0 - - $0
Supplemental Law
Enforcement Services $231,600 - - $231,600
ITEM 9.1 – Attachment A
R 25-XX 4 XX-XX-2025
Mobile Source
Reduction $10,500 - - $10,500
PEG/Cable Television $15,000 - - $15,000
Senior Mobility $686,906 - - $686,906
Community
Development
Block Grant (CDBG)
$500,000 - - $500,000
Federal Grants $0 - - $0
State of California
Grants $0 - - $0
Miscellaneous Special
Revenue $0 - - $0
Laguna Woods Civic
Support Fund $300 - - $300
Less: Transfer to Other
Funds ($756,052) - ($0) ($756,052)
TOTAL $12,309,436 $0 $19,674 $12,329,110
A Fund Budget Adjustment CC-26/27-01: City Manager Agreement, +$19,674 (R 25-28) The budget appropriations authorized by this section reflect the Fiscal Years 2025- 26 adopted budgets, plus authorized budget adjustments approved between July 1, 2025 and the date of this amendment. The budget appropriations authorized by this section also include carryovers of approved, but unspent, budget appropriations from prior fiscal years. Such carryovers were approved by the City Council with the adoption of the current budget and/or pursuant to Administrative Policy 2.9.
SECTION 2. The Mayor shall sign this resolution and the City Clerk shall attest and certify to the passage and adoption thereof.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED on this XX day of XX 2025. _______________________________
SHARI L. HORNE, Mayor
ATTEST:
________________________________
YOLIE TRIPPY, CMC, City Clerk
ITEM 9.1 – Attachment A
R 25-XX 5 XX-XX-2025
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF ORANGE ) ss.
CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS )
I, YOLIE TRIPPY, City Clerk of the City of Laguna Woods, do HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution No. 25-XX was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Laguna Woods at a regular meeting thereof, held on the XX day of XX 2025, by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
_________________________________
YOLIE TRIPPY, CMC, City Clerk
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Recording requested by City of Laguna Woods
When recorded, mail to City of Laguna Woods,
24264 El Toro Road, Laguna Woods, CA 92637.
(949) 639-0500
Exemption Code 6103
NOTICE OF EXEMPTION
To: County of Orange
Orange County Clerk-Recorder
P.O. Box 238
Santa Ana, CA 92701
From: City of Laguna Woods
24264 El Toro Road
Laguna Woods, CA 92637
(949) 639-0500
Project Title: Woods End Wilderness Preserve Trail Drainage and Improvement Project Project Applicant: City of Laguna Woods
24264 El Toro Road
Laguna Woods, CA 92637
(949) 639-0500
Project Location – Specific: The project is located at 24995 El Toro Road, Laguna Woods, CA 92637. The Orange County Assessor’s Parcel Number is 622-071-
22. The project location is owned by the City of Laguna Woods and commonly referred to as “Woods End Wilderness Preserve.” Project Location – City: Laguna Woods, California Project Location – County: Orange Description of Nature, Purpose, and Beneficiaries of Project: The project involves the construction and refurbishment of drainage and entry facilities at Woods End Wilderness Preserve, as well as work related to accessibility, safety, and security. The project is intended to improve drainage and manage stormwater runoff from the Woods End Wilderness Preserve trail. The work will also enhance the safety, visibility, and condition of City of Laguna Woods-maintained park areas.
Name of Public Agency Approving Project: City of Laguna Woods Name of Person or Agency Carrying Out Project: City of Laguna Woods Exempt Status:
X Categorical Exemption (Sec. 15301, Sec 15304)
Declared Emergency (Sec. 21080(b)(3); 15269(a))
Emergency Project (Sec. 21080(b)(4); 15269(b)(c))
Ministerial (Sec. 21080(b)(1); 15268)
ITEM 9.1 - Attachment B
NOTICE OF EXEMPTION
WOODS END WILDERNESS PRESERVE TRAIL DRAINAGE AND IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT
CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS
Statutory Exemption
Not Subject to CEQA (Sec. 15061(b)(3))
Reasons Why Project is Exempt:
CLASS 1
The project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to California Code of Regulations, Title 14 (the State CEQA Guidelines) Section 15301 (Class 1, Existing Facilities). Section 15301 exempts from environmental review the “the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use.”
Subsection (a) of Section 15301 provides the following as non-exclusive examples of types of “existing facilities”: “Interior or exterior alterations involving such things as interior partitions, plumbing, and electrical conveyances.”
Subsection (d) of Section 15301 provides the following as non-exclusive examples of types of “existing facilities”: “Restoration or rehabilitation of deteriorated or damaged structures, facilities, or mechanical equipment to meet current standards of public health and safety, unless it is determined that the damage was substantial and resulted from an environmental hazard such as earthquake, landslide, or flood.”
Subsection (f) of Section 15301 provides the following as non-exclusive examples of types of “existing facilities”: “Addition of safety or health protection devices for use during construction of or in conjunction with existing structures, facilities, or mechanical equipment, or topographical features including navigational devices.”
The project location is Woods End Wilderness Preserve, a parcel that serves as an entryway into, and part of, the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Due to the wilderness setting and limitations placed upon the parcel by way of a lease agreement with the County of Orange for inclusion in the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, the project will make only limited, targeted modifications for the purposes of (1) improving drainage and managing stormwater runoff from the Woods End Wilderness Preserve trail and (2) enhancing the safety, visibility, and condition of City of Laguna Woodsmaintained park areas. The project does not include any expansion of the existing use.
The project location has been only minimally improved since approximately 2011, when the parcel become subject to lease by the County of Orange. The project will remove and replace existing, deteriorated amenities such as fencing and gates. The deterioration being addressed is principally a product of wear and tear, not damage from an environmental hazard.
The project includes the construction of three drainage dips and grading on a small portion of the parcel to control erosion and prevent sediment and other materials from entering El Toro Road and the public storm drain system. The grading is minor in nature and will not significantly alter the ITEM 9.1 - Attachment B
NOTICE OF EXEMPTION
WOODS END WILDERNESS PRESERVE TRAIL DRAINAGE AND IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT
CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS
use or appearance of the parcel. The grading will largely occur within existing trail surfaces and is anticipated to reduce future erosion- and stormwater runoff-related deterioration of graded surfaces, thereby better maintaining the existing trail use. The project also includes the construction of a new catch basin and related piping and stencil. The improvements will improve drainage and manage stormwater runoff and, by doing so, protect public health, safety, and welfare.
The project also includes the removal and replacement of signage, landscaping, and fencing, as well as related electrical and plumbing utilities. The new signage will enhance wayfinding and the visibility of rules and information necessary for safe use of the project location. The new signage includes a new monument sign that will be integrated into a new concrete wall of varying height.
The concrete wall will act as a barrier to control erosion and prevent sediment and other materials from entering El Toro Road and the public storm drain system. The new landscape palette was coordinated with the County of Orange for environmental appropriateness and with the Orange County Fire Authority’s Fuel Modification Zone Plan List (Guideline C-05) due to the project location being within a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. For example, five new Coast Live Oak trees will be planted; the Coast Live Oak tree appears on the Orange County Fire Authority’s Fuel Modification Zone Plant List (Guideline C-05) with the following notation: “Plant species native to Orange County Acceptable in all fuel modification wet and dry zones in all locations.” The new landscaping is designed to comply with the City of Laguna Woods’ Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (Laguna Woods Municipal Code Chapter 10.03). The Laguna Woods City Council adopted the City of Laguna Woods’ Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance to be at least as effective as the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance included in Title 23, Division 2, Chapter 2.7, of the California Code of Regulations.
New lighting will be installed as part of the project; however, such lighting will be limited to a small portion of the parcel and serve to promote safety by enhancing wayfinding and the visibility of the parcel, including to traffic on nearby El Toro Road and Aliso Creek Road. The new lighting will be principally ambient in nature. The lighting will not support any expanded use of the parcel.
Based on the scope of work, the project meets the criteria for Class 1 categorical exemption.
CLASS 4
The project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to California Code of Regulations, Title 14 (the State CEQA Guidelines) Section 15304 (Class 4, Minor Alterations to Land). Section 15304 exempts from environmental review “minor public or private alterations in the condition of land, water, and/or vegetation which do not involve removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees except for forestry and agricultural purposes.” Subsection (b) of Section 15304 provides the following as non-exclusive examples of types of “minor alterations to land”: “New gardening or landscaping, including the replacement of existing conventional landscaping with water efficient or fire resistant landscaping.” Section 15300.2 of the State CEQA Guidelines prohibit the use of a categorical exemption “for a project which may result in damage to scenic resources, including but not limited to, trees, historic ITEM 9.1 - Attachment B
NOTICE OF EXEMPTION
WOODS END WILDERNESS PRESERVE TRAIL DRAINAGE AND IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT
CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS
buildings, rock outcroppings, or similar resources, within a highway officially designated as a state scenic highway.” The project location is not designated as a state scenic highway.
Based on the scope of work, as well as the analysis pertaining to the Class 1 exemption in this Notice of Exemption, the project meets the criteria for Class 4 categorical exemption.
Lead Agency Contact Person:
Signature: Date:
Justin J. Faylona
Senior Planner
City of Laguna Woods
Date Received for Filing at OPR:
Authority cited: Sections 21083 and 21110, Public Resources Code.
Reference: Sections 21108, 21152, and 21152.1, Public Resources Code.
ITEM 9.1 - Attachment B
COASTAL GREENBELT AUTHORITY
13042 Old Myford Road
Irvine, CA 92602
July 11, 2024
Regarding: Woods End Wilderness Preserve Trail Drainage and Improvement Project by the City of Laguna Woods
Christopher Macon, Laguna Woods City Manager and Mayor and Councilmembers, The Coastal Greenbelt Authority (CGA) is the cooperative management authority for Laguna Coast Wilderness Park and Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. The CGA members represent the park’s landowners – County of Orange, Cities of Laguna Beach, and Laguna Woods, as well as local environmental organizations, and Laguna Canyon Homeowners (CANDO) who were part of the negotiations for the purchase of the Laguna Laurel Development land for parkland. The guiding documents for the CGA oversight are the General Development (GDP) and Resource Management (RMP) Plans for Laguna Coast Wilderness Park and the Resource Management Plan for Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park.
The Coastal Greenbelt Authority received a presentation on the Woods End Wilderness Preserve Trail Drainage and Improvement Project at our July 10, 2024 meeting. The Goals of reducing stormwater runoff to El Toro Road without reintroducing paved surfaces, refreshing the existing entry facilities, and enhancing wayfinding from El Toro Road are commendable. These goals along with relocating the pedestrian entrance closer to on-street parking, maintaining a plant palette representative of Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, adding bollards at the intersection of El Toro Road and Aliso Creek Road, and adding video surveillance at the frontage are all an improvement for the Woods End entry. Most importantly the proposed project has funding from the CA Proposition 68 with a city general fund matching and from the American Rescue Plan Act.
The Coastal Greenbelt Authority unanimously voted to support and encourage the award and execution of a construction contract prior to the end of the year. We look forward to seeing the completion of this project which enhances the Woods Entry to Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.
Thank you for being good wilderness park stewards.
Mary Fegraus
Mary Fegraus, Chair Coastal Greenbelt Authority
cc: Coastal Greenbelt Authority Members
OC Parks Director Pam Passow
County of Orange Fifth District Supervisor Foley
ITEM 9.1 - Attachment C