Agenda packet — Laguna Woods City Council, August 12, 2026

CITY of LAGUNA WOODS

CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA
Adjourned Regular Meeting
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
11:00 a.m.

Laguna Woods City Hall
24264 El Toro Road
Laguna Woods, CA 92637
www.zoomgov.com ● Meeting ID: 165 498 6117 ● Passcode: 24264 Pearl Lee
Mayor Pro Tem
Cynthia Conners
Councilmember
Annie McCary
Mayor
Shari L. Horne
Councilmember
Carol Moore
Councilmember
Welcome to a meeting of the Laguna Woods City Council!
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (“ADA”) NOTICE
The City of Laguna Woods (“City”) intends to comply with the ADA.

The public portions of this meeting will be held in the Council Chambers at Laguna Woods City Hall.

The Council Chambers is equipped with a hearing loop that can be used by individuals with t-coil or telecoil-enabled hearing aids or cochlear implants. No request for disability-related modification or accommodation is required to use the hearing loop.

Individuals who require disability-related modifications or accommodations to participate in this meeting – including, but not limited to, auxiliary aids or services – may request such modifications or accommodations by emailing [email protected] or calling the City Clerk’s Office at (949) 639-0500. Requests can also be made with the assistance of the California Relay Service by calling (800) 735-2929/TTY (800) 735-2922. The City requests at least two business days’ notice to effectively facilitate the provision of reasonable modifications or accommodations.

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REGULAR MEETING SCHEDULE
The Laguna Woods City Council meets regularly on the third Wednesday of each month at 2 p.m.

AGENDA POSTING AND AVAILABILITY
Regular and Adjourned Regular Meetings: Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54954.2, the City of Laguna Woods posts agendas at Laguna Woods City Hall, 24264 El Toro Road, Laguna Woods, CA 92637; on the City of Laguna Woods’ website (www.lagunawoods.gov); and, at other locations designated by Resolution No. 24-08, at least 72 hours in advance of regular and adjourned regular meetings. Agendas and agenda materials are available at Laguna Woods City Hall during normal business hours and on the City of Laguna Woods’ website. Printed copies of agendas and agenda materials are provided at no charge in advance of meetings. After meetings have occurred, a per page fee is charged for printed copies except when prohibited by law.

Special and Emergency Meetings: Agenda posting and availability for special and emergency meetings is conducted pursuant to all applicable provisions of California Government Code.

AGENDA DISTRIBUTION LISTS
Electronic Distribution: The City of Laguna Woods provides notification of agenda posting and availability via email. To sign up for email notifications, visit www.lagunawoods.gov/emailnotifications, email [email protected], or contact the City Clerk’s Office at (949) 639-0500.

Please note that the City of Laguna Woods is not responsible for, and makes no guaranties or warranties related to, the transmission or receipt of email notifications.

Mail Distribution: The City of Laguna Woods is able to mail agendas and/or agenda materials if provided with advance payment for postage and printing (if applicable). To request mail distribution, please email [email protected] or contact the City Clerk’s Office at (949) 639-0500.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For additional information regarding this agenda, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (949) 639- 0500, [email protected], or 24264 El Toro Road, Laguna Woods, CA 92637.

AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING

STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF ORANGE ) ss.

CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS )
I, Yolie Trippy, City Clerk, City of Laguna Woods, hereby certify under penalty of perjury that this agenda was posted at Laguna Woods City Hall, 24264 El Toro Road, Laguna Woods, CA 92637; on the City’s website (www.lagunawoods.gov); and, at other locations designated by Resolution No. 24- 08, pursuant to California Government Code Section 54954.2. /s/ Yolie Trippy 8/7/26
YOLIE TRIPPY, CMC, City Clerk Date
Laguna Woods City Council Agenda  08/12/2026 Adjourned Regular Page 3 of 7 I. CALL TO ORDER
Introductory Notes: Members of the public may provide public comments and testimony during this meeting in person, in writing, or remotely using Zoom. The Laguna Woods City Council Guide to Public Participation – which is included in the agenda packet for this meeting immediately following the agenda – contains additional information on how to provide public comments and testimony.

Each speaker will have the opportunity to speak for up to three minutes once per agenda item, unless otherwise stipulated by the City Council. Speakers may not yield their time, or any portion thereof, to any other speaker.

Speakers are requested, but not required, to identify themselves.

To ensure each speaker is provided with an uninterrupted opportunity to speak for the full time allotted, the City Council and City staff are asked to reserve any responses they wish to make to public comments until after each speaker has completed their comments. For public hearings, the City Council and City staff are asked to reserve any responses they wish to make to public testimony until after the public hearing is closed.

II. ROLL CALL
III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
IV. PRESENTATIONS AND CEREMONIAL MATTERS – None
V. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
About Public Comments on Non-Agenda Items: This is the time and place for members of the public to address the City Council on items not appearing on this agenda. As a reminder, each speaker will have the opportunity to speak once for up to three minutes, unless otherwise stipulated by the City Council.

Please note that, pursuant to state law, the City Council is unable to take action on or discuss items not appearing on this agenda, but may briefly respond to statements made or questions posed by speakers. The City Council may also refer items to City staff for follow up or response, request that City staff report back to the City Council at a subsequent meeting concerning items, or direct City staff to place items on a future agenda.

VI. CITY TREASURER’S REPORT – None. The City Treasurer’s Report for

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the month of July 2026 will be provided at the regular meeting on August 19, 2026.

VII. CONSENT CALENDAR
About the Consent Calendar: All items appearing on the consent calendar are considered by the City Manager to be routine and will be enacted by one vote.

There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a member of the City Council or City staff requests that specific items be removed from the consent calendar for separate discussion and consideration of action.

Members of the public may address the City Council on any item appearing on the consent calendar at the time the item is considered, regardless of whether or not the item has been removed from the consent calendar.

Items that are removed from the consent calendar will be considered after the items remaining on the consent calendar.

7.1 City Hall Refurbishment and Safety Project: Phase 4 (Elevator) Recommendation:

1. Approve the final record plans and specifications reflecting completion of the “City Hall Refurbishment and Safety Project: Phase 4 (Elevator)” as prepared by the project engineer;

2. Accept project completion of the contract agreement with Liftech Elevator Services, Inc. for the construction of the “City Hall Refurbishment and Safety Project: Phase 4 (Elevator)” and authorize the City Manager to execute and record, or cause to be executed and recorded, a notice of completion with the County of Orange; and

3. Authorize the City Manager to release the contract retention payment withheld per state law, and exonerate project posted bonds, for the “City Hall Refurbishment and Safety Project: Phase 4 (Elevator),” 35 days following recordation of the notice of completion with the County of Orange, to the extent allowed by state law.

7.2 City Hall Refurbishment and Safety Project: Phase 5 Recommendation:

1. Authorize expenditures from the existing City Hall Refurbishment and Safety Project: Phase 5 budget to purchase furnishings for City Hall Laguna Woods City Council Agenda  08/12/2026 Adjourned Regular Page 5 of 7 from Interior Office Solutions, Inc. doing business as PeopleSpace, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $200,000.00, including design, purchase, installation, shipping, and tax, and authorize the City Manager to execute related agreements; and

2. Authorize expenditures from the existing City Hall Refurbishment and Safety Project: Phase 5 budget to lease modular office space for the temporary relocation of City Hall employees and services from Mobile Modular Management Corporation a Division of McGrath RentCorp in an amount not to exceed $76,000.00, using the Sourcewell Contract ID# 120822-MMR cooperative purchasing agreement, and authorize the City Manager to execute related agreements, subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney.

VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS – None
IX. CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS

9.1 Commercial Objective Design Standards Project
Recommendation: Provide direction to the City Manager on the preparation and adoption of design standards for new development and redevelopment projects in commercial zoning districts including, but not limited to, objective design and development regulations.

9.2 Area 5 Flood Control Basin
Recommendation:

1. Approve a memorandum of understanding with the Golden Rain Foundation of Laguna Woods to allow the City to operate, maintain, and construct certain improvements at the Area 5 Flood Control Basin (Orange County Assessor’s Parcel Numbers 621-131-35 and 621-131-36) and authorize the Mayor to execute the memorandum of understanding, subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney; and

2. Determine and certify that the memorandum of understanding is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to sections 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3) of California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 6, Chapter 3 (“State CEQA Guidelines”), and that even if it were subject to CEQA, it would be exempt pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines.

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9.3 “A Place for Paws” Dog Park
Recommendation:

1. Add the “A Place for Paws” Dog Park Expansion Project to the Fiscal Years 2025-36 Capital Improvement Program with funding for design in the amount of $90,000.00 and a scope of work substantially consisting of the construction of a separate small dog area and four on-street parking spaces generally west of the existing dog park at 23190 Ridge Route Drive, Laguna Woods, CA 92637, as well as targeted refurbishments within the existing dog park; and

2. Adopt a resolution titled:

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA

WOODS, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING AND ADOPTING THE FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 COMMENCING JULY 1, 2026 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2027, INCREASING GENERAL FUND
AND CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE “A PLACE FOR PAWS” DOG PARK EXPANSION PROJECT
X. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS AND COMMENTS
About City Council Reports and Comments: This is the time and place for members of the City Council to provide reports on meetings attended including, but not limited to, meetings of regional boards and entities to which they have been appointed to represent the City of Laguna Woods and meetings attended at the expense of the City of Laguna Woods pursuant to California Government Code Section 53232.3. Members of the City Council may also make other comments and announcements.

10.1 Coastal Greenbelt Authority
Mayor McCary, First Alternate: Mayor Pro Tem Lee, Second Alternate:

Councilmember Conners

10.2 Orange County Fire Authority
Councilmember Horne

10.3 Orange County Library Advisory Board
Councilmember Moore; Alternate: Mayor McCary

10.4 Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District Mayor Pro Tem Lee
Laguna Woods City Council Agenda  08/12/2026 Adjourned Regular Page 7 of 7

10.5 San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor Agency
Councilmember Conners; Alternate: Mayor Pro Tem Lee

10.6 South Orange County Watershed Management Area
Councilmember Moore; Alternate: Mayor McCary

10.7 Other Comments and Reports
• California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (CJPIA) Annual Board of Directors Meeting, July 22, 2026 – Mayor McCary and Councilmember Moore
• Other Comments and Reports
XI. CLOSED SESSION
Closed Session Note: While members of the public are not permitted to attend closed session, prior to convening in closed session, the City Council will accept public comments on items appearing on the closed session agenda.

XII. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
XIII. ADJOURNMENT
Next Regular Meeting: Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at 2 p.m.

Laguna Woods City Hall
24264 El Toro Road, Laguna Woods, CA 92637
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GUIDE TO PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Laguna Woods City Council Meeting Page 1 of 6 08/12/2026

LAGUNA WOODS CITY COUNCIL

GUIDE TO PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
FOR THE MEETING ON AUGUST 12, 2026

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
City’s website
www.lagunawoods.gov
Laguna Woods City Hall’s address
24264 El Toro Road, Laguna Woods, CA 92637
City Clerk’s Office’s telephone number
(949) 639-0500
Zoom website
www.zoomgov.com
Zoom meeting ID
165 498 6117
Zoom passcode
24264
When and where does the City Council meet regularly?
The City Council meets regularly on the third Wednesday of each month at 2:00 p.m. All meetings are held at Laguna Woods City Hall, unless otherwise indicated on the agenda. A list of upcoming meetings, including dates and times, is available on the City’s website and at Laguna Woods City Hall during normal working hours.

When and where are City Council agendas posted?
City Council agendas are posted in accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act (California Government Code Section 54950, et seq.). For regular meetings, agendas are posted at least 72 hours in advance of each meeting, typically on the preceding Friday. Posting deadlines vary for adjourned, special, and emergency meetings. Agendas are posted on the City’s website and at Laguna Woods City Hall.

Are email notifications available for newly posted City Council agendas? Yes. To sign up for email notifications of newly posted City Council agendas, please visit the City’s website, email [email protected], or call the City Clerk’s Office at (949) 639- 0500. Please note that the City is not responsible for, and makes no guaranties or warranties related to, the transmission or receipt of email notifications.

GUIDE TO PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Laguna Woods City Council Meeting Page 2 of 6 08/12/2026

HOW TO PROVIDE PUBLIC COMMENTS AND TESTIMONY

IN PERSON
Individuals who would like to provide public comments or testimony are advised to indicate their interest in doing so by submitting a speaker card to City staff or proceeding to the podium, one-by-one, when public comments or testimony are called for, for the item. Public comments on items not appearing on this agenda will be accepted during Item V.

Speakers are requested, but not required, to identify themselves. Speakers are advised that their names and any other information verbalized, displayed, or provided in writing to the City may be publicly disclosed. No speaker should expect privacy of such information.

Speakers are able to provide printed materials (e.g., documents and photographs)to the City Council in connection with their public comments and testimony. Printed materials must be handed to the City Clerk at or immediately prior to this meeting (the City Clerk’s position at the dais is marked by a title plate affixed to the front of the dais). There are five members of the City Council. If fewer than five printed copies are handed to the City Clerk, all members of the City Council will not receive the materials until after this meeting has been adjourned.

Eight printed copies are encouraged, but not required (one for each of the five members of the City Council and one each for the City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk). Speakers may also provide supplemental materials as written public comments and testimony, following the instructions in the following section titled “IN WRITING.” The City’s projectors and audiovisual systems are not available for use in connection with public comments and testimony. Speakers who wish to provide the City Council with prerecorded audio or video content may do so by email in MP3, MOV, or MP4 formats by following the instructions in the following section titled “IN WRITING.” To ensure each speaker is provided with an uninterrupted opportunity to speak for the full time allotted, the City Council and City staff are asked to reserve any responses they wish to make to public comments until after each speaker has completed their comments. For public hearings, the City Council and City staff are asked to reserve any responses they wish to make to public testimony until after the public hearing is closed.

IN WRITING
Individuals who would like to provide written public comments or written testimony may do so by emailing them to [email protected], mailing them to Laguna Woods City Hall,

GUIDE TO PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Laguna Woods City Council Meeting Page 3 of 6 08/12/2026 or delivering them to Laguna Woods City Hall during normal working hours. Written public comments and written testimony will be accepted until the respective item is heard.

Written public comments and written testimony received by email no later than 10:00 a.m. the day of this meeting will be forwarded to the City Council prior to or at the beginning of this meeting. All other written public comments and written testimony received by email will be forwarded to the City Council after this meeting has been adjourned. Written public comments and written testimony received by email after 10:00 a.m. the day of this meeting, but before the respective item is heard, will still be part of the meeting record and will be announced to the City Council while the respective item is being heard.

The City Council has discretion whether to have written public comments and written testimony read aloud during this meeting. If written public comments and written testimony are read aloud, the same time limits will apply as apply to verbal public comments and verbal testimony. Individuals will not be able to comment or provide testimony twice on the same item through a combination of verbal public comments or verbaltestimony and written public comments or written testimony read aloud.

Individuals are requested, but not required, to identify themselves. Individuals are advised that their names and any other information provided in writing to the City may be publicly disclosed. No individuals should expect privacy of such information.

Individuals who wish to provide the City Council with pre-recorded audio or video content may do so by email in MP3, MOV, or MP4 formats. Pre-recorded audio or video content will not be played, shown, or read aloud during this meeting.

Written public comments and written testimony are not accepted on flash drives or other electronic devices. Individuals seeking to provide large files that cannot be emailed should divide files into several smaller files or consider using a file hosting or transfer service.

REMOTELY BY ZOOM
Public comments and testimony provided remotely by Zoom are subject to the same policies set forth in the preceding section titled “IN PERSON” and those set forth in this section.

Speakers will be allowed to turn on their cameras, but are not required to.

Speakers will not be allowed to share their screens.

Individuals are advised that names, telephone numbers, and any other information provided to or accessible by Zoom – including, but not limited to, audio and video from cameras and microphones – may be publicly visible and/or visible to the City and others. Such information may also be publicly disclosed. No party should expect privacy of such information.

GUIDE TO PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Laguna Woods City Council Meeting Page 4 of 6 08/12/2026 Speakers who wish to provide the City Council with documents, photographs, or other written materials may do so by following the instructions in the preceding section titled “IN WRITING.” Speakers who wish to provide the City Council with pre-recorded audio or video content may do so by following the instructions in the preceding section titled “IN WRITING.” ---------------
The instructions that follow are provided as a courtesy only. Zoom is a third-party software program that is not owned or maintained by the City and, as such, instructions may change from time to time, or vary by application, browser, device, and/or version thereof. Individuals interested in attending and participating in this meeting remotely are advised to familiarize themselves with Zoom in advance of this meeting.

Using a computer, tablet, or similar device
• Visit www.zoomgov.com
• Click the "Join" button (if given an option, select "by meeting ID") • Enter the following meeting ID: 165 498 6117
• Click the "Join" button
• Open Zoom following the on-screen prompts
• Enter the following meeting passcode: 24264
• Follow any additional on-screen prompts and enter information as required by Zoom • Click the “Raise Hand” button when public comments or testimony are called for, for the item you wish to provide public comments or testimony on • Click the “Unmute” button when you are called on to speak Using a telephone
• Call (415) 449-4000
• Follow the prompts and provide the information required by Zoom • Enter the following meeting ID: 165 498 6117
• There is no participant ID; follow prompts to bypass
• If asked for a passcode, enter the following passcode: 24264 • Press *9 to “raise your hand” when public comments or testimony are called for, for the item you wish to provide public comments or testimony on • Press *6 to unmute your microphone when you are called on to speak

HOW TO HEAR AND/OR WATCH THIS MEETING REMOTELY
Audio and video of this meeting will be live streamed on Zoom. Audio will also be available by telephone. For more information on viewing and/or listening to this meeting, please refer to the preceding section titled “REMOTELY BY ZOOM.”
The City also plans to:
• Live stream this meeting on YouTube (www.youtube.com/@cityoflagunawoods);

GUIDE TO PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Laguna Woods City Council Meeting Page 5 of 6 08/12/2026 • Post a recording of this meeting on YouTube after this meeting; • Live broadcast this meeting on Laguna Woods Village television channel 3; and • Rebroadcast this meeting on Laguna Woods Village television channel 3 at 7:00 p.m. the same day, the following Monday at 8:00 p.m. the second Wednesday after at Noon, and the second Friday after at 1:00 p.m.

Neither public comments nor testimony will be accepted via YouTube or Laguna Woods Village television channel 3. In the event of technical difficulties affecting YouTube and/or Laguna Woods Village television channel 3, this meeting will proceed.

HOW TO VIEW CAPTIONING
The City plans to provide live, human-generated captioning for this meeting on the Laguna Woods Village television Channel 3 live broadcast, YouTube live stream, and recording posted on YouTube after this meeting.

Zoom’s automatic captioning function will be activated on the Zoom live steam.

YouTube’s automatic captioning function may be activated on the YouTube live stream and recording posted on YouTube after this meeting.

In all cases, individuals may need to enable captioning for captioning to be visible.

HOW TELEPHONIC OR INTERNET SERVICE

DISRUPTIONS WILL BE HANDLED
Telephonic or internet service disruptions that prevent members of the public from attending or observing City Council meetings will be handled in accordance with City Administrative Policy 1.4. City Administrative Policy 1.4 is available on the City’s website and at Laguna Woods City Hall during normal working hours.

HOW TO REQUEST MODIFICATIONS OR ACCOMODATIONS
UNDER THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (“ADA”)
The City intends to comply with the ADA.

This meeting will be held in the Council Chambers at Laguna Woods City Hall. The Council Chambers is equipped with a hearing loop that can be used by individuals with t-coil or telecoil-enabled hearing aids or cochlear implants. No request for disability-related modification or accommodation is required to use the hearing loop.

Individuals who require disability-related modifications or accommodations to participate

GUIDE TO PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Laguna Woods City Council Meeting Page 6 of 6 08/12/2026 in this meeting – including, but not limited to, auxiliary aids or services – may request such modifications or accommodations by emailing [email protected] or calling the City Clerk’s Office at (949) 639-0500. Requests can also be made with the assistance of the California Relay Service by calling (800) 735-2929/TTY (800) 735-2922. The City requests at least two business days’ notice to effectively facilitate the provision of reasonable modifications or accommodations.

NOTICE REGARDING CHALLENGING QUASI-ADJUDICATIVE DECISIONS California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1094.6 et seq. sets forth the procedure for judicial review of most quasi-adjudicative decisions of the Laguna Woods City Council, such as decisions regarding development projects. If an interested party wishes to challenge a decision in court, they may be limited to raising only the issues they or someone else raised prior to the Laguna Woods City Council voting on such decision, whether through verbal comments at the Laguna Woods City Council meeting during consideration of the decision and/or in written correspondence delivered to the City Clerk’s Office at Laguna Woods City Hall prior to the decision being made. Judicial challenges may also be limited or barred where the interested party has not exhausted all available administrative remedies.

7.0 CONSENT CALENDAR SUMMARY
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ITEM 7.0
CC  08-12-2026 Item 7.0 – Page 1 of 2
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Christopher Macon, City Manager
FOR: August 12, 2026 City Council Meeting
SUBJECT: Consent Calendar Summary
Recommendation
Approve all proposed actions on the August 12, 2026 Consent Calendar by single motion and City Council action.

Background
All items appearing on the consent calendar are considered by the City Manager to be routine and will be enacted by one vote. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a member of the City Council or City staff requests that specific items be removed from the consent calendar for separate discussion and consideration of action.

Items that are removed from the consent calendar will be considered after the items remaining on the consent calendar.

Summary
The August 12, 2026 Consent Calendar contains the following items:

7.1 City Hall Refurbishment and Safety Project: Phase 4 (Elevator)

1. Approval of the final record plans and specifications reflecting completion of the “City Hall Refurbishment and Safety Project: Phase 4 (Elevator)” as prepared by the project engineer;
ITEM 7.0
Item 7.0 – Page 2 of 2 CC  08-12-2026

2. Acceptance of project completion of the contract agreement with Liftech Elevator Services, Inc. for the construction of the “City Hall Refurbishment and Safety Project:

Phase 4 (Elevator)” and authorization for the City Manager to execute and record, or cause to be executed and recorded, a notice of completion with the County of Orange; and

3. Authorization for the City Manager to release the contract retention payment withheld per state law, and exonerate project posted bonds, for the “City Hall Refurbishment and Safety Project: Phase 4 (Elevator),” 35 days following recordation of the notice of completion with the County of Orange, to the extent allowed by state law.

An agenda report is included with additional information.

7.2 City Hall Refurbishment and Safety Project: Phase 5

1. Authorization of expenditures from the existing City Hall Refurbishment and Safety Project: Phase 5 budget to purchase furnishings for City Hall from Interior Office Solutions, Inc. doing business as PeopleSpace, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $200,000, including design, purchase, installation, shipping, and tax, and authorization for the City Manager to execute related agreements; and

2. Authorization of expenditures from the existing City Hall Refurbishment and Safety Project: Phase 5 budget to lease modular office space for the temporary relocation of City Hall employees and services from Mobile Modular Management Corporation a Division of McGrath RentCorp in an amount not to exceed $76,000.00, using the Sourcewell Contract ID# 120822-MMR cooperative purchasing agreement, and authorization for the City Manager to execute related agreements, subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney.

An agenda report is included with additional information.

7.1 CITY HALL REFURBISHMENT AND SAFETY
PROJECT: PHASE 4 (ELEVATOR)
For additional information on this item,
please refer to Item 7.0 (Consent Calendar Summary).

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ITEM 7.1
CC  08-12-2026 Item 7.1 – Page 1 of 2
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Christopher Macon, City Manager
FOR: August 12, 2026 City Council Meeting
SUBJECT: City Hall Refurbishment and Safety Project: Phase 4 (Elevator) Recommendation

1. Approve the final record plans and specifications reflecting completion of the “City Hall Refurbishment and Safety Project: Phase 4 (Elevator)” as prepared by the project engineer;

Summary
The City Hall Refurbishment and Safety Project: Phase 4 (Elevator) (“Project”) is included in the Fiscal Years 2025-36 Capital Improvement Program.

On February 19, 2025, the City Council awarded the construction contract agreement for the Project to Liftech Elevator Services, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $247,900.00, plus authorized change orders not to exceed 20%of the base amount ($49,580.00) (a combined maximum total of $297,480.00).

Construction is now complete. The final amount payable under the construction contract agreement is $257,560.00, which includes $9,660.00 in authorized change orders (19.48% ITEM 7.1
Item 7.1 – Page 2 of 2 CC  08-12-2026
of the $49,580.00 change orders budget).

Documents Available for Review
The final record plans and specifications reflecting completion of the City Hall Refurbishment and Safety Project: Phase 4 (Elevator) as prepared by the project engineer (HKA Elevator Consulting, Inc.) are available for public review at City Hall during normal working hours.

Report Prepared With: April Baumgarten, Public Works Administrator

7.2 CITY HALL REFURBISHMENT AND SAFETY
PROJECT: PHASE 5
For additional information on this item,
please refer to Item 7.0 (Consent Calendar Summary).

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ITEM 7.2
CC  08-12-2026 Item 7.2 – Page 1 of 3
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Christopher Macon, City Manager
FOR: August 12, 2026 City Council Meeting
SUBJECT: City Hall Refurbishment and Safety Project: Phase 5 Recommendation

1. Authorize expenditures from the existing City Hall Refurbishment and Safety Project:

2. Authorize expenditures from the existing City Hall Refurbishment and Safety Project:

Background
The City Hall Refurbishment and Safety Project: Phase 5 is included in the Fiscal Years 2025- 36 Capital Improvement Program and involves refurbishments and safety improvements at City Hall. The scope of work includes, but is not limited to, selective demolition; interior improvements to City Hall, including new walls, ceilings, doors, glazing, finishes, and millwork; lighting, electrical, audiovisual, plumbing, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (“HVAC”) improvements; accessibility and safety improvements; structural support for rooftop equipment; all related work necessary to provide a complete and operational project, including coordination with City-furnished equipment, testing, and commissioning; and, other accessibility, functionality, safety, and security-related work.

ITEM 7.2
Item 7.2 – Page 2 of 3 CC  08-12-2026
The project is intended to address maintenance needs and ensure that City Hall remains accessible, functional, safe, and secure. The work will safeguard and enhance the City’s only City-occupied public building and seat of government.

On June 17, 2026, the City Council took the following actions related to the project:

1. Approved the City Hall Refurbishment and Safety Project: Phase 5 plans and specifications as prepared by the project architect and other licensed and technical professionals;

2. Approved a notice of exemption for the City Hall Refurbishment and Safety Project:

Phase 5 finding that the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and authorized the City Manager to cause the notice of exemption to be filed pursuant to applicable law;

3. Awarded a contract agreement to MLC Constructors, Inc. for the construction of the City Hall Refurbishment and Safety Project: Phase 5, in the amount of $1,433,931.00, plus authorized change orders not to exceed 15% ($215,089.65) of the base amount; and authorized 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;

4. As permitted by Laguna Woods Municipal Code Section 3.06.100(b) – and noting that the purchase of security and safety alarms and monitors, and the procurement of related services, are exempt from the competitive bidding requirements set forth in Laguna Woods Municipal Code Section 3.06.100(d)(4) – waived the competitive bidding requirements set forth in Laguna Woods Municipal Code Section 3.06.040 for an agreement with Safe and Sound Security, Inc. for the purchase and installation of access control devices, surveillance cameras, and related equipment, supplies, and licensing for the City Hall Refurbishment and Safety Project: Phase 5; and

5. Approved an agreement with Safe and Sound Security, Inc. for the purchase and installation of access control devices, surveillance cameras, and related equipment, supplies, and licensing for the City Hall Refurbishment and Safety Project: Phase 5, in an amount not to exceed $171,736.15, including authorized amendments; and authorized the City Manager to execute the agreement and approve amendments, subject to approval of the agreement as to form by the City Attorney.

Discussion
Today’s meeting is an opportunity for City Council action, as well as public input, on the City Hall Refurbishment and Safety Project: Phase 5.

Staff recommends that the City Council take the following two actions:

ITEM 7.2
CC  08-12-2026 Item 7.2 – Page 3 of 3
Recommendation 1
Authorization of expenditures from the existing City Hall Refurbishment and Safety Project:

Phase 5 budget to purchase furnishings for City Hall from Interior Office Solutions, Inc. doing business as PeopleSpace, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $200,000.00, including design, purchase, installation, shipping, and tax, and authorization for the City Manager to execute related agreements. PeopleSpace, Inc. was identified as the furniture dealer for the project, following a competitive procurement process administered on the City’s behalf by Kardent, the interior designer for the project. In addition to having the lowest cost of the three firms that proposed, PeopleSpace, Inc. will provide warehouse storage of furniture items until the City is ready for delivery, full-service installation, ergonomic assessment and training, and furniture maintenance and repair support after installation. The furnishings that are planned to be purchased include, but are not limited to, furniture for four private offices and three open offices, lateral file cabinets, counter chairs for both staff and guests, iPad kiosks for self-service use by guests, a conference room table and chairs, and replacement chairs for the Council Chambers. All offices would be furnished with sit-stand desks.

Recommendation 2
Authorization of expenditures from the existing City Hall Refurbishment and Safety Project:

Phase 5 budget to lease modular office space for the temporary relocation of City Hall employees and services from Mobile Modular Management Corporation a Division of McGrath RentCorp, in an amount not to exceed $76,000.00, using the Sourcewell Contract ID# 120822-MMR cooperative purchasing agreement, and authorization for the City Manager to execute related agreements, subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney. For most of construction (approximately September through April), most first floor functions will need to be relocated to modular office space in City Hall’s parking lot. The existing restrooms inside City Hall will remain functional during construction. Laguna Woods Municipal Code Section 3.06.090 authorizes the use of cooperative purchasing agreements.

Fiscal Impact
No new appropriations are being requested as part of this item. Sufficient funds to support the City Hall Refurbishment and Safety Project: Phase 5 are included in the City’s budget.

Appropriations total $2,685,000 in the Capital Projects Fund.

Report Prepared With: April Baumgarten, Public Works Administrator This page is intentionally blank.

9.1 COMMERCIAL OBJECTIVE DESIGN

STANDARDS PROJECT
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ITEM 9.1
CC  08-12-2026 Item 9.1 – Page 1 of 3
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Christopher Macon, City Manager
FOR: August 12, 2026 City Council Meeting
SUBJECT: Commercial Objective Design Standards Project
Recommendation
Provide direction to the City Manager on the preparation and adoption of design standards for new development and redevelopment projects in commercial zoning districts including, but not limited to, objective design and development regulations.

Background
The Fiscal Years 2025-27 Budget & Work Plan includes a significant work plan item to refine the City’s objective design and development regulations (“design standards”) for new and redevelopment projects (e.g., architectural and landscape standards).

The commercial objective design standards are intended to guide the future construction and renovation of businesses, gas stations, office buildings, restaurants, shopping centers, and other commercial properties. Standards will address a range of site and building design characteristics such as accessibility, articulation, height, landscaping, lighting, massing, materials, parking, roof form, and bicycle, pedestrian, and vehicle access.

Staff has contracted with JZMK Partners, an architecture, planning and urban design firm based in Costa Mesa, to assist with the preparation of the commercial objective design standards. JZMK Partners has relevant experience providing similar services to other cities, including Laguna Hills and Mission Viejo, both of which adopted objective design standards for residential projects with JZMK Partners’ technical assistance. For additional information on JZMK Partners, please visit their website at www.jzmkpartners.com.

The commercial objective design standards are being drafted to apply to future commercial projects; no specific project is under consideration at this time. The standards will not apply to clubhouses, manors, or other properties that are part of Laguna Woods Village, unless ITEM 9.1
Item 9.1 – Page 2 of 3 CC  08-12-2026
those properties are located in a commercial zoning district (e.g., the Laguna Woods Village Community Center).

The shopping centers that comprise most commercially zoned property are:
• Home Depot Center (Home Depot, Stater Bros., etc.)
• Plaza Laguna Woods (Public Storage, etc.)
• Town Centre (Ayres Hotel, Village Community Center, etc.) • Valencia Center (CVS, Mother’s Market, etc.)
• Willow Tree Center (ALDI, Dollar Tree, Olive Garden, etc.) Additional commercially zoned properties are located:
• At the Moulton Parkway/Ridge Route Drive intersection (Starbucks) • At the El Toro Road/Moulton Parkway intersection (ARCO Station/ampm, Mobil Station (under construction), Shell Station, Starbucks) • West of the Moulton Parkway/Via Campo Verde intersection (Rossmoor Electric building, Saddleback Golf Cars)
• East of the Moulton Parkway/Calle Aragon intersection (The Artist Tree building, Ivy Park of Wellington (formerly Las Palmas)1, McCormick & Son Mortuary, Palm Terrace Healthcare and Rehabilitation)
• Northwest of the El Toro Road/Paseo De Valencia intersection (Chase Bank) • West of the Paseo De Valencia/Calle De La Plata intersection (Bank of America, former Century 21 and Wells Fargo buildings)
• Northwest of the Paseo De Valencia /Laguna Hills Drive intersection (the Laguna Hills Dental Plaza building)
Previous Meetings and Activities
On January 26, 2026, the City hosted a community workshop on the Commercial Objective Design Standards Project. The workshop was facilitated by JZMK Partners and included 21 public participants, in addition to members of the City Council and staff.

On February 4, 2026, written public comments regarding the Commercial Objective Design Standards Project were received by the City Council at its special meeting.

On February 24, 2026, the City Council met and discussed the commercial objective design standards project. Staff and JZMK Partners received input from members of the City Council and one member of the public.
1 Ivy Park of Wellington is the only residential use currently located in a commercial zoning district.

All other residential uses are located in non-commercial zoning districts.

ITEM 9.1
CC  08-12-2026 Item 9.1 – Page 3 of 3
On July 31, 2026, the City released a public review draft of the commercial objective design standards. Interested parties are invited to submit comments on the public review draft from July 31, 2026 through August 21, 2026. The public review draft and instructions for providing comments are available at www.lagunawoods.gov/ODS and City Hall.

Discussion
Today’s meeting is an opportunity for City Council action, as well as public input, on the Commercial Objective Design Standards Project. Staff and JZMK Partners will focus their presentations on the public review draft and potential next steps.

Staff suggests the following format for this item:
1) Introductory Remarks – City Manager
2) Presentation – JZMK Partners
3) Public Comments – Each member of the public will have an opportunity to speak or have their written comments read aloud once for up to three minutes.

This is not the only opportunity to provide comments. The public review period continues through August 21, 2026. For more information on providing comments, please visit www.lagunawoods.gov/ODS or call City Hall at (949) 639-0500. 4) City Council Discussion
Fiscal Impact
Sufficient funds to support this project are included in the City’s budget.

Report Prepared With: Nadia Cook, Planning & Environmental Services Director Attachment: A – Public Review Draft
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JULY 2026 DRAFT

FOR C O M M ER C I A L

DEVELOPMENT

CITY OF

LAGUNA WOODS

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
ITEM 9.1 - Attachment A
PREPARED FOR:

City of Laguna Woods
24264 El Toro Road
Laguna Woods, CA 92637
ADOPTED BY:

Ordinance XX - X
PREPARED BY:

JZMK Partners
3080 Bristol Ave, Suite 350
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

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ITEM 9.1 - Attachment A
4 CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT 5

CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION 6

1.1 Purpose. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

1.2 Organization. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

1.3 Applicability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

1.4 User Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

1.5 Relationship With General Plan & Zoning Code. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

1.6 Terminology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

1.7 Measurements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

1.8 Prohibited Design Elements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 2 SITE DESIGN 26

2.1 Edge Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

2.2 Publicly Accessible Open Space. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

2.3 Vehicular Access & Parking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

2.4 Bicycle Circulation & Parking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

2.5 Pedestrian Access & Circulation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

2.6 Site Lighting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 3 BUILDING DESIGN 44

3.1 Massing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

3.2 Building Orientation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

3.3 Neighborhood Transition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

3.4 Facade Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

3.5 Ground Floor Uses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

3.6 Street Facing Transparency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

3.7 Utilities, Service Areas & Building Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 4 ARCHITECTURAL STYLE 76

4.1 Overview And Applications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

4.2 Laguna Woods Revival. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

4.3 Roofs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

4.4 Walls and Windows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

4.5 Materials and Colors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

4.6 Decorative Accents and Details. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 5 LANDSCAPE 88

5.1 Landscape Materials & Vegetation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

5.2 Hardscape. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

5.3 Walls & Fencing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

5.4 Landscape Lighting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

5.5 Site Furnishings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 ITEM 9.1 - Attachment A
6 CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT 7 INTRODUCTION1

1.1 PURPOSE

1.2 ORGANIZATION

1.3 APPLICABILITY

1.4 USER GUIDE

1.5 RELATIONSHIP WITH GENERAL PLAN & ZONING CODE

1.6 TERMINOLOGY

1.7 MEASUREMENTS

1.8 PROHIBITED DESIGN ELEMENTS
ITEM 9.1 - Attachment A
8 CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT 9

INTRODUCTION

1.1 PURPOSE

1.1.1 OVERVIEW
The development of commercial projects in the City of Laguna Woods (“City”), is regulated by a variety of documents including the Laguna Woods General Plan and the Laguna Woods Municipal Code.

To further support consistent, high-quality commercial development and reinvestment, the City has established Objective Design Standards that provide clear, measurable, and enforceable criteria for project review. These standards are intended to streamline the development review process by reducing ambiguity, facilitating predictable outcomes, and ensuring that projects can be reviewed in an efficient and consistent manner.

The Objective Design Standards apply to commercial development, including new construction and site improvements, and are designed to promote functional site design, high-quality architecture, and cohesive visual character throughout the City. By establishing objective criteria, the City aims to support economic vitality while maintaining and enhancing the community’s built environment.

1.1.2 GOALS
The primary goals of the Objective Design Standards are to:
a. Preserve the character of the community by balancing the form and design of existing development with new construction techniques and styles. b. Encourage human-scaled buildings that promote high quality site and building design. c. Emphasize a pedestrian-oriented environment where buildings and public realm design are cohesive and complementary of a diverse range of uses.

1.2 ORGANIZATION
The Objective Design Standards are organized into the following five chapters:

1. Introduction

2. Site Design

3. Building Design

4. Architectural Style

5. Landscape
1 INTRODUCTION
ITEM 9.1 - Attachment A
10 CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT 11

INTRODUCTION

1.3 APPLICABILITY

1.3.1 APPLICABLE ZONING DISTRICTS
These Objective Design Standards apply to the following zoning districts:

1. Community Commercial (CC)

2. Neighborhood Commercial (NC)

3. Professional and Administrative Office (PA)

1.3.2 APPLICABLE PROJECT TYPES
These Objective Design Standards apply to the entire area of projects that include one (1) or more of the following:

1. Substantial renovations to existing structures, defined as the demolition, removal, or replacement of fifty percent (50%) or more of exterior walls or roof, when the proposed design, materials or overall appearance differ from the existing conditions.

2. Renovation to any existing structures that results in an addition of twenty five percent (25%) or more to the existing square footage or five hundred (500) sq. ft., whichever is less.

3. Any exterior alteration that will add an upper floor(s).

Exceptions to the applicability of these standards include the following:

1. Routine maintenance activities where the existing materials, design, and form are retained, regardless of the project’s square footage.

2. Interior renovations that do not modify the footprint or massing of an existing commercial structure.

The following provisions further clarify the relationship of these standards to other applicable requirements:

1. These standards supplement the underlying base zoning district. In case of conflict between these standards, the Objective Design Standards will apply.

2. All new development projects are required to conform to the architectural style described in Chapter 4 of these Objective Design Standards. All other projects are encouraged to do the same.

1.3.3 EXCEPTIONS & EXEMPTIONS
All applicable projects are required to comply with Objective Design Standards. Should a project not be able to or choose not to adhere to the Objective Design Standards, a project may seek approval through the following paths:

1. Minor Exceptions and Exemptions: If an applicant is unable to meet certain Objective Design Standards, the applicant may request up to three (3) exceptions or exemptions. This allows for limited discretionary review and flexibility for projects that may have a physical constraint. The City Manager and/or their designee may approve or deny requests for exceptions or exemptions or refer such determination to the City Council.

Determinations made by the City Manager and/or their designee may be appealed to the City Council.

Requests shall be made by the applicant in writing to the City Manager. a. Applicants requesting an exception or exemption shall provide findings on how their project is consistent with the Purpose statements for each chapter where an exception or exemption is requested.
b. Applicants shall document constraints to meeting the standard. c. Exceptions or exemptions to quantitative standards may vary by no more than five percent (5%) above or below the stated requirement.
d. The City Manager has the discretion to defer determinations to the City Council.

2. Discretionary Review Path: Applicants may choose the Discretionary Review Path if they choose not to meet the Objective Design Standards. Projects utilizing this path will be subject to the applicable discretionary review procedures, including public hearings and extended review timelines, as outlined in Laguna Woods Municipal Code Title 11.

ITEM 9.1 - Attachment A
12 CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT 13

INTRODUCTION

1.3.4 DETERMINATIONS
Prior to approving exceptions or exemptions, the City Manager and/or their designee shall make the following determinations:

1. Approval aligns with the requirements outlined in the vision, intent, and purpose of the objective design standards.

2. Approval does not alter the intent of the objective design standards;

3. Approval constitutes a sound precedent for other similar situations; and

4. The resulting project is consistent with the General Plan.

1.4 USER GUIDE
The Objective Design Standards are intended to be used by applicants, property owners, and the City in connection with the review and approval of applicable projects.

Applicants are encouraged to review the Objective Design Standards, Laguna Woods Municipal Code Title 11 (Buildings and Construction), and Laguna Woods Municipal Code Title 13 (Zoning) prior to designing projects or submitting land use applications to the City. After reviewing those documents, applicants are encouraged to schedule a pre-application meeting with the City’s Planning & Environmental Services Department to discuss specific application requirements.

ITEM 9.1 - Attachment A
14 CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT 15

INTRODUCTION

1.5 RELATIONSHIP WITH GENERAL PLAN & ZONING
CODE
The Objective Design Standards work as a baseline, creating citywide standards that apply to applicable projects. This document is intended to work in tandem with the Laguna Woods General Plan and Laguna Woods Municipal Code.
• General Plan. California Government Code Section 65300 requires each city to adopt a comprehensive, long-term general plan to guide physical development. The Laguna Woods General Plan reflects the City of Laguna Woods’ intentions about land use and its relationship to circulation, conservation, housing, noise, open space, and safety. In the event of a conflict between the Laguna Woods General Plan and the Objective Design Standards, the Laguna Woods General Plan shall prevail.
• Laguna Woods Municipal Code. The Laguna Woods Municipal Code is a collection of all ordinances adopted by the City Council of a general and permanent nature. The Objective Design Standards were adopted by such an ordinance. Conflicts between the balance of the Laguna Woods Municipal Code and the Objective Design Standards shall be resolved in accordance with applicable laws and City procedures.
• California Building Standards Code. The Objective Design Standards do not replace or supercede applicable provisions of the California Building Standards Code. In the event of a conflict between the California Building Standards Code and the Objective Design Standards, the California Building Standards Code shall prevail.

1.6 TERMINOLOGY
The following terms are used throughout the Objective Design Standards and are defined below.

Active Frontage: Active frontages are building frontages with active uses where there is visual engagement between those in the street and those on the ground floor. Active uses include retail stores, restaurants, markets, galleries, libraries, community centers, common areas and offices that generate high pedestrian traffic throughout the day.

Alley: A public thoroughfare used as a secondary vehicular means of access.

Arched: Having a vertical curve where the height of the curve is either (1) exactly half of the width of the curve, or (2) shorter in height than the actual curve.

Awning: An architectural projection that provides weather protection, building identity, or decoration, and is wholly supported by the building to which it is attached. An awning is often comprised of a lightweight frame structure over which a cover is attached.

Belvederes: An architectural feature designed to provide a beautiful view—such as a rooftop pavilion, terrace, balcony, tower, or open-sided structure.

Balcony: An external extension of an upper floor of a building, enclosed by a screen, balusters, or railings.

Block Length: The length of a parcel or series of parcels measuring from the edge of one public right-of-way or public access easement to another.

Balustrade: Multiple balusters supporting a railing on a balcony.

Baluster: A post, upright support, or vertical piece that supports a railing on a balcony.

Building: Has the same meaning as the term defined in Section 13.06.010(c)(130) of the Laguna Woods Municipal Code, as amended from time to time or replaced with a successor statute.

Building Envelope: The physical separator between the interior and exterior of a building, including the foundation, floors, walls, roof, windows, and doors.

Building Facade Length: The overall length of a facade without a full break in the building (see full break definition below).

Building Facade Full Break: A significant interruption or separation in the facade, such as a passageway, courtyard, or a change in building height that visually and structurally divides the building.

ITEM 9.1 - Attachment A
16 CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT 17

INTRODUCTION
Building Projection: The part or feature of a building which extends outside of the enclosing walls. It can be a building feature that is mounted on, and/or extends from the surface of the building wall or facade, typically above ground level.

Carport: Any parking area that is wholly or partially covered by a structure of any kind.

Cart Corral: A designated, anchored structure in a retail or grocery store parking lot designed for customers to return shopping carts. These structures can be metal, often open-ended on one or both sides for easy access, and are strategically placed in parking aisles to encourage shoppers to return carts after loading their vehicles.

Cavity: A wall built of masonry units or of concrete, or a combination of these materials, arranged to provide an airspace within the wall, and in which the inner and outer parts of the wall are tied together with metal ties.

Clerestory: An upper story or row of windows rising above the adjoining parts of the roof, designed to admit light into the inner space of a building.

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

Cornice: The uppermost division of an entablature; a projecting shelf along the top of a wall supported by a series of brackets; the exterior trim at the meeting of a roof and wall, consisting of soffit, fascia, and crown molding.

Development Parcel: Any tract of land on which development can occur. This includes platted lots and un-platted parcels but excludes any public right-of-way.

Dry-Stacked, Surface-Bonded Wall: A wall built of concrete masonry units where the units are stacked dry, without mortar on the bed or head joints, and where both sides of the wall are coated with a surface-bonding mortar.

Exterior: Any outer surface that is or would be visible from any point outside the parcel on which it is located assuming topography was flat and no other buildings, structures, fences, walls, landscaping, or similar visual obstructions were present.

Facade: Any exterior face of a building.

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

Facade Composition: The expression of a facade through a variety of techniques such as forms, patterns, fenestration, elements, details, materials, texture, finishes, etc. Facade Composition is used to create the architectural character and design theme of a building.

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

Facade Treatment: Facade Treatment area shall be defined as the total vertical surface area of a building facade, measured in elevation from finished grade to the top of the parapet or eave, and from one end of the facade to the other.

Foot-candle: A measurement of illumination on a one-square foot (ft.) surface from a uniform source of light.

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

Glass Curtain Wall: Aluminum-framed or other metal-framed window systems that are nonstructural and house glass panels.

Gross Floor Area: Has the same meaning as the term is defined in Section 13.06.010(c)(420) of the Laguna Woods Municipal Code, as amended from time to time or replaced with a successor statute.

Ground Floor Office: Ground floor office refers to office uses located at the ground level that are oriented toward a public frontage and designed to contribute to pedestrian activity through elements such as transparent windows, entries facing the public realm, and visible interior activity.

While typically less active than storefront commercial uses, ground floor office shall maintain a direct relationship with and visual connection to the adjacent pedestrian environment.

Height: The height of a structure is defined as the vertical distance from finished grade to the highest point of a structure.

Landscaped Area: Surface area dedicated for planting of trees, shrubs, flowers, turf, ground cover, or other horticultural elements.

Landscape Professional: A licensed landscape architect, licensed landscape contractor, or any other person authorized to design a landscape pursuant to California Business and Professions Code §§ 5500.1, 5615, 5641, 5641.1, 5641.2, 5641.3, 5641.4, 5641.5, 5641.6, 6701, 7027.5, California Code of Regulations Tit. 16, § 832.27, or California Food and Agriculture Code § 6721, as amended from time to time or replaced with a successor statute.

Light Box Sign: An illuminated sign that contains mechanisms to encapsulate, suspend, protect and/or display a discrete sheet of backlit film which may include images and/or text, and which is designed to transmit light through the film for increased image brightness, contrast, and/or color saturation.

ITEM 9.1 - Attachment A
18 CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT 19

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

Neutral Color: A color that is not considered a primary color on any one or more of the following color models: CIE, CMYK, HEX, HSB, HSL, or RGB.

Parapet: A low protective wall or railing along the edge of a roof, balcony, or similar structure; in an exterior wall, the part entirely above the roof.

Parking/Loading: An essential zone for people and goods, providing separation between moving vehicles in the travel-way and people in the pedestrian realm. This zone can contain multiple uses along a street including commercial deliveries, parklets, on-street parking, and taxi zones.

It can be used for mobility at specific times of the day.

Pedestrian Pathway: A walkway or sidewalk that connects into or through a development.

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

Pilaster: A partial pier or column, often with a base, shaft, and capital, that is embedded in a flat wall and projects slightly; may be constructed as a projection of the wall itself.

Planter: An above grade container for planting.

Primary Building Frontage: The building frontage that abuts the most primary of streets, or Pedestrian Pathway surrounding the building. In the case of a through-lot, the primary building frontage could be on either public right-of-way.

Primary Facade Plane: Majority area of the facade that is in the same plane.

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

Private Street: Any street that is not owned by the City. Private streets often have public access easements to allow passage into or through a private development.

Roof Deck: The flat or sloped surface constructed on top of the exterior walls of a building or other supports for the purpose of enclosing the story below, or sheltering an area, to protect it from the elements, not including its supporting members or vertical supports.

Roof Covering: The covering applied to the roof deck for weather resistance, fire classification, or appearance.

Simple Design: A design that uses clean, basic forms with minimal surface decoration, avoids applied ornament such as scrollwork or carvings, and limits the number of different colors and materials used in a single furnishing or element.

Storefront Commercial: Storefront commercial refers to ground-floor retail, restaurant, or service uses that are directly accessible from the public frontage and designed to engage pedestrians through features such as transparent glazing, frequent entrances, and active displays. These uses shall provide a high level of visual and physical interaction between the interior space and the adjacent sidewalk or pedestrian path.

Structural Bay: The horizontal area of a building facade between two adjacent structural supports, such as columns, piers, or load-bearing walls.

Structure: Has the same meaning as the term is defined in Section 13.06.010(c)(790) of the Laguna Woods Municipal Code, as amended from time to time or replaced with a successor statute.

Transparency: The amount of transparent area on a building facade. The percentage of a building facade consisting of clear or lightly tinted glass located within windows, doors, or storefront systems that allows views into and out of the building.

Usable Open Space: The total combined open space areas of publicly accessible and private open spaces.

Wall: A vertical element with a horizontal length- to-thickness ratio greater than three, used to enclose space, whether load bearing or not. “Wall” specifically includes, but is not limited to, cavity walls, dry-stacked, surface-bonded walls, and parapets.

Wall Plane: The surface area that extends from the ground to the top of each wall. “Wall plane” specifically includes, but is not limited to, portions of walls located under eaves and overhangs.

Where a single building has multiple wall planes along a single facade, the wall planes are additive and shall be considered a single wall plane.

ITEM 9.1 - Attachment A
20 CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT 21

INTRODUCTION

1.7 MEASUREMENTS

1. Where this document references distances between or within parcels, the distance shall be measured from the outermost boundary lines of the closest parcels.

2. Where this document references distances between or within buildings, the distance shall be measured from the outermost wall of the closest points of each building.

3. Where this document identifies a setback from any parcel, the distance shall be measured from the outermost boundary line of the parcel to the closest point of the design feature or equipment setback which, for parking areas, shall be the edge of the asphalt, paving, or other parking surface closest to the parcel.

4. Where this document identifies a setback from any public street easement or right-of-way, the distance shall be measured from the outermost boundary line of the public street easement or right-of-way to the closest point of the design feature or equipment setback which, for parking areas, shall be the edge of the asphalt, paving, or other parking surface closest to the parcel.

5. Where this document identifies a percentage of landscape screening, the percentage shall be calculated by estimating the expected size and growth of the plantings at twelve (12) months (365 days) after the initial date of planting, as attested to by a landscape professional. Fractional values shall be rounded to the next highest whole number.

6. Where this document identifies the height of any wall or fence, the height shall be measured as set forth in Laguna Woods Municipal Code Section 13.16.230, as amended from time to time or replaced with a successor statute.

7. Where this document identifies the height of any clerestory, the height shall be measured from the exterior base of the wall on which the clerestory is located to the base of the clerestory frame.

8. Where this document identifies the height of any balcony’s balustrade or balusters, or openings therein, the height shall be measured from the exterior base of the balustrade or balusters to the top of the balustrade or balusters, or openings therein, as may apply, on the exterior side.

9. Where this document identifies a percentage of roof or wall cover, or number of windows or other design elements, fractional values shall be rounded to the next highest whole number.

10. Where this document identifies a required overhanging eave, the overhang shall be measured from the point the roof extends past the wall plane to the outermost edge of the eave.

11. Where this document identifies a required arched opening, the vertical curve of the arch opening shall be measured from the point the opening begins to curve.

12. Where this document identifies the size of open air gaps in the design of trash enclosures, the gap shall be measured as the area which encloses, with four (4), six (6), or eight (8) perpendicular lines, all points from any angle through which an object measuring more than one (1) in. in length by one (1) in. in width can be placed.

ITEM 9.1 - Attachment A
22 CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT 23

INTRODUCTION

1.8 PROHIBITED DESIGN ELEMENTS

1. Bars installed on the exterior of a building or structure, when such bars (i) are located on or extend over any door, window, gate, or other openable, transparent, semi-transparent, or not fully opaque fixture or surface, and (ii) are spaced less than ten (10) in. apart.

2. Roll-up or rolling exterior doors, except when used for vehicular points of ingress or egress (e.g., entrances to parking garages) or for facilities located in the Residential CommunityMaintenance Overlay Zoning District.

3. Chain link, plastic, vinyl, or woven wire fencing or gates including, but not limited to, fencing or gates of any kind with plastic or vinyl privacy inserts, except for temporary fencing during construction when permitted by the City.

4. Barbed tape, barbed wire, wire, razor wire, and similar security treatments on the exterior of a building or structure, or used with or for fencing or gates, except when used in connection with a civic, fire, or police building or structure.

5. Electrical conduits or raceways visible from the exterior of a building or structure, whether such electrical conduits or raceways are located on the interior or exterior of a building or structure.

6. Unfinished metal or wood surfaces (e.g., plywood) on the exterior of a building or structure, or used with or for fencing or gates.

7. Fluorescent, luminescent, neon, or sparkling paint or similar adhesive, dye, or pigment that, after application to a material, adds color, on the exterior of a building or structure, or used with or for fencing or gates.

8. More than three colors of paint or similar adhesive, dye, or pigment that, after application to a material, adds color, on any single exterior wall pane, including all doors, windows, balustrade, balusters, and surfaces on that wall, or any single fence or gate.

9. More than one color of glass within any single exterior window on a building or structure (gradients of color shall be considered multiple colors), or more than two colors of glass within all exterior windows on any single exterior wall pane.

10. Light box signs installed on the exterior of a building or structure, except for light box signs that are not visible from public right-of-way or located within forty (40) ft. of any residential zoned parcel.

11. Glass curtain walls installed as part of any exterior wall system.

12. Wood shingle or shake roofs.

13. Unnaturally colored glass, including mirrored, reflective, or brightly tinted glazing, installed on any exterior window, door, storefront, curtain wall, or other exterior glazing system.

ITEM 9.1 - Attachment A
24 25
2 SITE
DESIGN

2.1 EDGE CONDITIONS

2.2 PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE OPEN SPACE

2.3 VEHICULAR ACCESS & PARKING

2.4 BICYCLE CIRCULATION & PARKING

2.5 PEDESTRIAN ACCESS & CIRCULATION

2.6 SITE LIGHTING
ITEM 9.1 - Attachment A
26 CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT 27 A CHAPTER 02

SITE DESIGN
Purpose: To set guidelines for building
orientation, site access, and utilities while
promoting high-quality design and layouts
that enhance pedestrian comfort and safety;
and define where active frontages should be
located and how they should be used. BC
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ITEM 9.1 - Attachment A

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28 CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT 29 A - Ch. 2.3.1.4
Short-term bicycle parking shall be located
within two hundred (200) ft. of a visitor entrance
or be monitored by a surveillance camera that
retains all footage for at least seventy two (72)
hours
B - Ch. 2.1.4.5
Public open space shall not directly abut
vehicular access areas. Parking areas shall be
separated by a landscape buffer.

C - Ch. 2.1.4.1
Open space abutting an active building frontage
D - Ch. 2.1.5.5
Permanent seating (e.g., seat walls, planter
ledges, benches, picnic tables, or seating steps)
shall be provided at a minimum rate of one
seat per five hundred (500) sq. ft. of publicly
accessible open space
E - Ch. 2.4.1.8
New development projects providing hundred
(100) or more parking spaces shall provide
designated pedestrian corridors connecting
parking areas to building entrances, public
sidewalks, and/or publicly accessible open
space
F - Ch. 2.1.4.2
Minimum dimension of the open space shall be
eighteen (18) ft. in any direction
G - Ch. 2.1.5.8
Publicly accessible open space of thousand
(1,000) sq. ft. or less shall require at least one
tree
H - Ch. 2.1.5.6
Thirty percent (30%) (min.) open to sky with the
remaining area incorporating shaded structures
such as canopies
I - Ch. 2.1.5.7
A minimum of thirty percent (30%) and a
maximum of fifty percent (50%) of the publicly
accessible open space shall be open to the sky
J - Ch. 2.4.2
Cart return areas shall be provided within
parking areas serving new and applicable retail
uses
K - Ch. 2.5.3.1.1
Lighting in parking areas shall be maintained
with a minimum of one (1) ft. candle of
illumination at the ground level during hours
of darkness, with a maximum of seven (7) ft.
candles
L - Ch. 2.2.1.1
Shared driveway with a property abutting the
project site
ITEM 9.1 - Attachment A

2.1 PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE OPEN SPACE

2.1.1 GENERAL OPEN SPACE REGULATIONS
All required open space shall be usable by all members of the public. This subsection is not intended to limit the rights of property owners under Section 2.2.5(4).

2.1.2 APPLICABILITY
Publicly accessible open space shall be required for all projects greater than or equal to two (2) acres in gross parcel area. These requirements are in addition to minimum provided for in the Laguna Woods Municipal Code Title 13.

2.1.3 REQUIRED QUANTITY
The minimum on-site requirement for any project that qualifies under this section shall be two percent (2%) or more of the gross parcel area.

2.1.4 MINIMUM DESIGN STANDARDS

1. Publicly accessible open space shall be located adjacent to or abutting at least one (1) of the following:
a. Public right-of-way
b. An active building frontage
c. A publicly accessible easement

2. Publicly accessible open spaces shall have a minimum dimension in any direction of eighteen (18) ft.

3. The open space shall be clearly visible from the public realm. Where the open space is adjacent to or abuts an active frontage of a commercial building, it shall be oriented toward the primary entrance of the commercial use occupying that frontage with a direct pedestrian connection between the entrance and the open space.

4. Subdivision of the publicly accessible open space into multiple distinct areas is permitted only where each individual open space area is a minimum of one thousand and seven hundred (1,700) sq. ft. in size and meets all applicable requirements of this section.

5. Publicly accessible open space located within or adjacent to parking areas shall be separated from drive aisles by a raised curb or edge with a minimum height of six (6) in., excepting ramps or other openings required by the California Building Standards Code or Laguna Woods Municipal Code, or by a landscaped buffer or landscaped parking island.

A
FIGURE 2.1: PUBLIC OPEN SPACE ADJACENT TO OR ABUTTING A PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY Minimum width of open space
Public open space
Project boundary
A
Public open space
Project boundary
FIGURE 2.2: PUBLIC OPEN SPACE ADJACENT TO OR ABUTTING ACTIVE FRONTAGE OF BUILDING Public easement
Public open space
Project boundary
FIGURE 2.3: PUBLIC OPEN SPACE ADJACENT TO OR ABUTTING A PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE EASEMENT

SITE DESIGN
30 CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT 31 2 SITE DESIGN
ITEM 9.1 - Attachment A

2.1.5 ADDITIONAL STANDARDS
Off-street parking and loading areas, driveways, service areas, utility equipment, air conditioner pads, outdoor dining areas, and storage structures shall not be counted as publicly accessible open space.

The following standards shall be met for all publicly accessible open spaces:

1. A public access easement shall be approved by the City Manager and/or their designee and recorded with the Orange County Clerk-Recorder Department for the entire publicly accessible open space.

2. Shall be publicly accessible at a minimum, from 7 am to 7 pm daily during daylight savings time and from 7 am to 5 pm daily during standard time.

3. Shall be accessible from a public right-of-way or publicly accessible easement, with clear signage located at and visible from the public right-of-way or publicly accessible easement identifying the type of open space, hours of access, and amenities. Where the public open space is adjacent to or abuts an active frontage of a commercial building, it shall be accessible by a pedestrian path connecting to a public right-of-way or publicly accessible easement, with signage provided at the entrance to the pedestrian path.

4. Property owners have the authority to establish rules of conduct to ensure appropriate use and safety of the publicly accessible open space including, but not limited to, enforcing trespassing laws.

5. Permanent seating (e.g., seat walls, planter ledges, benches, picnic tables, or seating steps) shall be provided at a minimum rate of one seat per five hundred (500) sq. ft. of publicly accessible open space. A minimum of one seat shall be provided for the first five hundred (500) sq. ft., and one (1) additional seat shall be required for each additional five hundred (500) sq. ft. or fraction thereof. Additionally, a minimum of one (1) wheelchair-accessible space shall be provided per five hundred (500) sq. ft. of open space. Each wheelchair-accessible space shall provide a minimum linear length of twenty four (24) in., a minimum depth of eighteen (18) in., and a minimum height of eighteen (18) in. above adjacent grade. Seating and wheelchair-accessible space elements may be extended in length or depth to satisfy multiple required seats, provided that each twenty four (24) in. of continuous seating length and eighteen (18) in. of depth counts as one seat.

6. A minimum of thirty percent (30%) and a maximum of fifty percent (50%) of the publicly accessible open space shall be open to the sky. The remaining area shall incorporate shade elements such as trellises, pergolas, canopies, or similar shade structures to provide relief from sun exposure and support comfortable use of the space. Shade elements may utilize materials and be designed in manners that allow filtered light to pass through while limiting direct sunlight and heat gain and shall be open on at least two sides.

7. A minimum of thirty percent (30%) of the publicly accessible open space shall be landscaped.

Landscaping shall primarily consist of trees and other plantings that do not obstruct visibility, avoiding dense shrubs or vegetation where people or animals could hide.

8. Publicly accessible open space of one thousand (1,000) sq. ft. or less shall require at least one (1) tree. For any open space area exceeding one thousand (1,000) sq. ft., at least one additional tree shall be required for each additional increment or fraction thereof.

9. Hardscape surfaces that are impervious shall not exceed a gradient of 1:12.

FIGURE 2.4: PUBLIC OPEN SPACE AS AN ENTRY POINT TO THE COMMERCIAL CENTER Public open space
Project boundary

SITE DESIGN
32 CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT 33 ITEM 9.1 - Attachment A

2.2 VEHICULAR ACCESS & PARKING
Refer to Laguna Woods Municipal Code Title 13 for off-street parking regulations.

2.2.1 VEHICULAR ACCESS HIERARCHY

1. Parking and service area access shall be provided in the following order, based on site characteristics:
a. From a driveway shared with a property abutting the site, to the extent that the adjacent property owner(s) agree to such shared access.
b. From the side/lesser street abutting the site.
c. In the absence of a side street, from a curb cut/driveway along the primary street frontage.

2.3 BICYCLE CIRCULATION & PARKING

2.3.1 SHORT-TERM BICYCLE PARKING

1. Short-term bicycle parking shall consist of racks that support the bicycle frame at two points and allow for the bicycle frame and one wheel to be locked to the rack with a U-lock. The racks shall be permanently secured to the ground.

2. Short-term bicycle parking space shall be visible to pedestrians along a public right of way.

3. If more than twenty (20) short-term bicycle spaces are provided, at least fifty percent (50%) must be covered by a solid-roofed structure with a minimum height of ten (10) ft. and a one and a half (1.5) ft. overhang beyond the spaces.

4. Short-term bicycle parking shall be located within two hundred (200) ft. of a visitor entrance or be monitored by a surveillance camera that retains all footage for at least seventy-two (72) hours.

SITE DESIGN
34 CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT 35 ITEM 9.1 - Attachment A

2.4 PEDESTRIAN ACCESS & CIRCULATION

2.4.1 PEDESTRIAN PATHWAYS

1. All on-site buildings, entries, facilities, and vehicular and bicycle parking areas shall be internally connected with a minimum five (5) ft. wide pedestrian pathway or pathway network that may include use of the public sidewalk. Portions of public sidewalks used are not required to be expanded to meet the minimum five (5) ft. width. The pedestrian pathway network shall connect to the public sidewalk along each street. The connection to the public sidewalk shall be the shortest distance between the primary entry and sidewalk, and shall not be more than one hundred and twenty five percent (125%) of the straight-line distance.

2. Pedestrian pathways within internal parking areas shall be separated from vehicular circulation by a physical barrier, such as a grade separation or a raised planting strip, of at least six (6) in. in height and at least six (6) ft. in width. A pedestrian pathway is exempt from this standard where it crosses a parking vehicular drive aisle. Additionally, accessible paths of travel inside parking structures are exempt from this requirement.

3. Pedestrian pathways shall be clearly paved to ensure visibility and consistency.

4. Pedestrian pathways shall be constructed of a smooth, firm, and stable surface that is slip-resistant and durable. Surfaces shall be designed to minimize tripping hazards and shall not include loose materials or irregular joints that could impede accessibility.

5. The use of asphalt or uncompacted decomposed granite for a pedestrian path is prohibited.

6. Pedestrian pathways shall maintain a minimum of four (4) ft. of clear zone from parking lots and the building edge, including patios and decks, except where the pathway provides direct access to these spaces.

7. For pedestrian paths exceeding two hundred (200) ft. in length, a minimum of two amenities for rest or shade, including trellises, benches, or trees, shall be provided. The required amenities may be of the same or different types. An additional two amenities shall be required for each subsequent two hundred (200) ft. of path length or fraction therof. All required amenities shall be located within five (5) ft. of the edge of the pedestrian path.

8. New development projects providing hundred (100) or more parking spaces shall provide designated pedestrian corridors connecting parking areas to building entrances, public sidewalks, and/or publicly accessible open space. A minimum of one pedestrian corridor shall be provided for the first hundred (100) parking spaces, with one additional pedestrian corridor provided for every additional hundred (100) parking spaces. For new development projects with multiple buildings sharing a common parking area, the total number of parking spaces provided for all buildings within the center shall be used to determine whether this requirement applies.

Where only one pedestrian corridor is required, the corridor shall have a minimum clear width of six (6) ft. Where more than two hundred (200) parking spaces are provided, pedestrian corridors shall have a minimum clear width of ten (10) ft.

Pedestrian corridors shall be clearly distinguished from vehicle circulation areas through pavement markings, contrasting paving, raised walkways, landscaping, or similar treatments. Pedestrian corridors that cross parking rows or drive aisles shall be designed to improve pedestrian visibility and safety.

Pedestrian corridors shall be adjacent to planting areas along at least one side of the corridor.

Trees shall be provided within these planting areas at intervals not exceeding thirty (30) ft. on center. Planting areas shall include shrubs, groundcover, or other landscape plantings in addition to trees.

FIGURE 2.5: PUBLIC OPEN SPACE AS AN ENTRY POINT TO THE COMMERCIAL CENTER Tree spacing measured on
center
Pedestrian connection
Project boundary
A
A

SITE DESIGN
36 CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT 37 ITEM 9.1 - Attachment A

2.4.2 CART RETURN AREAS
For new development projects containing land uses that provide shopping carts for customer use, cart return areas shall be provided within parking areas to facilitate convenient cart return, reduce stray carts, and improve pedestrian and vehicular safety.

2.4.2.1 DISTRIBUTION AND LOCATION

1. Cart return areas shall be located within parking rows and shall not obstruct vehicular drive aisles or primary pedestrian pathways.

2. Indoor cart return areas, or cart return areas located in alternate locations (e.g., outside the building entrance) may be requested as an exception to the Objective Design Standards, provided that the property owner enters into an agreement with the City to ensure carts left in parking areas are timely recovered and returned to the cart return areas.

2.4.2.2 CONFIGURATION AND MINIMUM PROVISION

1. Cart return areas shall be oriented parallel to parking stalls and integrated within parking modules.

2. A minimum of one cart return area occupying the equivalent of one parking space, configured as a dual access cart corral, shall be provided for every thirty (30) parking spaces.

3. Dual access cart corrals shall include a permanent divider (such as a metal railing or similar barrier) separating each bay to maintain independent cart storage areas. Each bay shall be designed to accommodate a single row of carts aligned in a straight orientation, such that carts are inserted end-to-end and not from the side.

2.4.2.3 DESIGN

1. Cart return areas shall include durable materials and be defined by either metal railings or similar structural elements, or by perimeter curbing, to provide a protective boundary for cart storage.

2. Signage on cart return areas requires approval as part of a sign program.

2.5 SITE LIGHTING

2.5.1 NUISANCE PREVENTION

1. All lights shall be directed, oriented, and shielded to prevent light trespass or glare onto adjacent properties. No spillover shall be permitted. The light level at property lines shall not exceed 0.3 ft. candles using ninety (90) degrees cutoff downlights.

2. All outdoor light fixtures should be fully shielded to prevent direct upward or outward light spill.

This expands the measures related to sign illumination and open space sections (City of Laguna Woods n.d., §§13.12.040, 13.20.060)

3. All lighting shall be designed and installed with fixtures that direct light downward and away from surrounding buildings and properties, using full cut-off fixtures to minimize light trespass and glare.

2.5.2 FIXTURE TYPES
The maximum outdoor light intensity on a site shall not exceed an average value of five (5) ft.candles and all light sources shall have a correlated color temperature of two thousand and seven hundred Kelvin (2,700 K) or less.

2.5.3 MINIMUM LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS

2.5.3.1 PARKING AREAS

1. Lighting in parking areas shall be maintained with a minimum of one (1) ft. candle of illumination at the ground-level during hours of darkness, with a maximum of seven (7) ft. candles.

2. All lighting shall be controlled by a timeclock or photo-sensor system.

3. Illumination color temperature shall be within the range between three thousand to five thousand Kelvin (3,000K - 5,000K).

2.5.3.2 BUILDINGS

1. All exterior doors, including utility doors, shall be illuminated with a minimum of one (1) ft. candle of light during the hours of darkness.

2. All exterior lighting shall be ninety (90) degrees cutoff downlight with illumination not to exceed

0.3 ft. candles. Lighting for awnings shall be from fixtures located above the awnings.

3. Lighting for awnings shall be from fixtures located above the awnings. Backlighting of transparent or translucent awnings are not allowed.

SITE DESIGN
38 CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT 39 ITEM 9.1 - Attachment A

2.5.3.3 PEDESTRIAN SAFETY
Areas used by pedestrians shall be illuminated whenever natural light levels fall below ten (10) ft. candles to ensure safety. This applies during nighttime or in interior spaces, where natural lighting may be insufficient to maintain visibility. Such areas include:
a. Surface parking lots and parking structures (entrances, elevators, and stairwells) b. Sidewalks, walkways, and plazas
c. Building entrances (including rear and service entrances) d. Waste disposal areas
e. Alleys
f. Automated Teller Machines (ATMs)

2.5.4 DESIGN OF FIXTURES

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

2.5.4.2 ACCENT LIGHTING

1. Architectural features may be illuminated by up-lighting, provided that the lamps are fully shielded to prevent light spill or upward light trespass, and the lighting intensity is appropriate to the scale of the building. Up-lighting should be directed to highlight features without causing glare or illuminating beyond the intended area.

2. Trees may not be illuminated by up-lighting.

2.5.5 ENERGY EFFICIENCY

1. Outdoor lighting shall utilize energy-efficient fixtures and lamps, such as metal halide, light-emitting diode (LED) or other lighting technology with a minimum luminous efficacy of one hundred (100) lumens per watt.

2. Outdoor lighting shall have a rated average bulb life of at least thirty thousand (30,000) hours, with at least seventy percent (70%) lumen maintenance level.

SITE DESIGN
40 CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT 41 ITEM 9.1 - Attachment A
42 CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT 43 3 BUILDING
DESIGN

3.1 MASSING

3.2 BUILDING ORIENTATION

3.3 NEIGHBORHOOD TRANSITION

3.4 FACADE DESIGN

3.5 GROUND FLOOR USES

3.6 STREET FACING TRANSPARENCY

3.7 UTILITIES, SERVICE AREAS & BUILDING EQUIPMENT
ITEM 9.1 - Attachment A

BUILDING DESIGN
44 CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT 45 A
(min.)
4 ft.
(min.)
3 ft.
(max.)
60 ft.
(max.)
100 ft.
80 ft.
2 1
(min.)
1 ft.
(min.)
6 ft.

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CHAPTER 03

BUILDING DESIGN
Purpose: To establish human-scaled massing
and articulated facades that enhance the
pedestrian realm, respect context, transition to
nearby residential areas, and integrate passive
design for distinctive placemaking.

ITEM 9.1 - Attachment A
A - Ch. 3.1.4.5
Standard Vertical Elements shall have a
minimum width of fifteen (15) ft. and shall
extend vertically a minimum of six (6) ft. above
the adjacent primary roofline, measured to the
highest point of the element
B - Ch. 3.1.5.2
Awnings shall be provided over each storefront,
located within the individual structural bays
C - Ch. 3.1.3.1.2
A major massing break shall be applied at least
every 100 ft. in horizontal building length. The
major break shall be a minimum of three (3) ft.
deep and six (6) ft. wide, open to the sky, and
extend the full height of the building
D - Ch. 3.1.3.1.1
A minor massing break shall be applied at least
every sixty (60) ft. in horizontal building length.

The minor break shall be a minimum of one (1)
ft. deep and four (4) ft. wide, open to the sky,
and extend the full height of the building
E - Ch. 3.1.4.2.2
Change in roof height of at least eighteen (18)
in. measured from the highest point of each roof
line
F - Ch. 3.5.1.1
Active Frontages are required for a minimum
of sixty percent (60%) of each building facade
facing an arterial, a local or collector public
street, a publicly accessible private street, or
a publicly accessible pathway with adjacent
Primary Building Frontages.
1 2
G - Ch. 3.5.1.2
Active Frontage uses shall have a minimum
floor-to-floor height of ten (10) ft. for ground
floor office and fifteen (15) ft. for a commercial
storefront
H - Ch. 3.1.4.6.c
Prominent Vertical Elements shall have a
minimum width of thirty (30) ft. and shall extend
vertically a minimum of ten (10) ft. above the
adjacent primary roofline, measured to the
highest point of the element
I - Ch. 3.1.4.4
Each building shall be limited to four (4) roof
types.

Flat Roof with parapet Hip Roof
Public-facing facades shall incorporate roof
form changes such that no continuous roofline
segment exceeds eighty (80) linear ft. without a
change in roof form
J - Ch. 3.2.3.1.a
At all buildings, entrances shall be marked by a
taller mass above, such as a tower
K - Ch. 3.1.4.1.d
Flat roofs shall always be edged with parapet
walls; and shall be treated with one (1) or more
of the following conditions:
(i) An architecturally profiled cornice and/
or expressed parapet cap shall be used to
terminate the top of parapet wall.
(ii) Surface mounted cornices, continuous shade
elements, or trellises shall be used to strengthen
a parapet wall
(iii) Curved parapets shall be limited to one (1)
per building.

L - Ch. 3.6.1
Each applicable facade shall provide no less
than the minimum transparency listed by use.

For a commercial storefront the minimum
transparency is fifty percent (50%) on the
ground floor and forty percent (40%) on the
upper levels

BUILDING DESIGN
46 CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT 47 ITEM 9.1 - Attachment A

3.1 MASSING

3.1.1 BUILDING TYPE STANDARDS
Although each building type has a maximum prescribed number of stories, the maximum building height governed by the zoning district shall prevail. The name and definition of building types are as follows:
• (S) Small

1. Maximum length1 of eighty (80) ft. on any side

2. Typical building types may include uses such as cafe/coffee shop, drive-through, kiosk, small restaurant, bank branch, boutique retail, office, medical office, studio, car-wash, auto-related shop, and assembly.
• (M) Medium

1. Maximum length1 of hundred (100) ft. on any side

2. Typical building types may inlclude uses such as cafe/ coffee shop, drive-through, restaurant, food hall, bank branch, retail, office, medical office, studio, car-wash, auto-related shop, religious assembly, storage, brewery, fitness center, grocery, and hotel. • (L) Large

1. Length1 exceeding hundred (100) ft.

Typical building types may include uses such as café/coffee shop, drive-through, restaurant, food hall, bank branch, retail, big-box retail, home improvement stores, large specialty retail, regional or flagship markets, office, medical office, studio, car wash, auto-related uses or auto sales, religious assembly, storage, brewery, fitness center, grocery, and hotel. This may also include multi-tenant shopping centers consisting of multiple tenants within a single, connected building.

Note: 1 Maximum length is measured of the longest facade of the building. The length of the facade is measured excluding a full break, which is a significant interruption or separation in the facade, such as a passageway, courtyard, or a change in building height of at least eighteen (18) in., that visually and structurally divides the building.

3.1.2 MASSING STRATEGIES
Buildings shall follow the minimum quantity of the massing strategies, per the tables below:

A. Modulation,
B. Roof form, or
C. Projections

STRATEGIES BUILDING TYPE
(S)
SMALL
(M)
MEDIUM
(L)
LARGE

MODULATION

ROOF FORM

PROJECTIONS

REQUIRED

OPTIONAL
Note: Multi-level parking garages that do not face a public street, public/common open space, or a residential zoning district are exempt from this requirement.

TABLE 3.1: MASSING STRATEGIES TABLE

MASSING STRATEGIES

BUILDING TYPE

MINIMUM

REQUIRED

STRATEGIES
(S) SMALL 1
(M) MEDIUM 2
(L) LARGE 3

BUILDING DESIGN
48 CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT 49 3 BUILDING DESIGN
ITEM 9.1 - Attachment A

3.1.3 BUILDING MODULATION

3.1.3.1 MASSING BREAKS
Minor and major massing breaks are required for elevations that face a public street, pedestrian-oriented space, or a publicly accessible outdoor space. This can be created using insets, bays, notches or protrusions.

1. Minor Massing Break: A minor massing break shall be applied at least every sixty (60) ft. in horizontal building length. The minor break shall be a minimum of one (1) ft. deep and four (4) ft. wide, open to the sky, and extend the full height of the building.

2. Major Massing Break: A major massing break shall be applied at least every hundred (100) ft. in horizontal building length. The major break shall be a minimum of three (3) ft. deep and six (6) ft. wide, open to the sky, and extend the full height of the building.

3.1.3.2 MAXIMUM CONTINUOUS UNINTERRUPTED BUILDING LENGTH Buildings over four hundred (400) ft. in length, in addition to applying the minimum required massing breaks, shall apply a horizontal plane change (open to the sky) of at least fifty (50) ft. in depth after every four hundred (400) ft. in length. For this plane change, the total linear horizontal length (A+B+C) shall not be less than two hundred (200) ft., shown in Figure 3.2.

3.1.3.3 EXEMPTIONS

1. Building elevations that are less than sixty (60) ft. in length are not required to have a change in plane or a massing break incorporated into their design.

3.1.4 ROOF FORM
Variation in roof forms is required for elevations that face a public street, public easement, publicly accessible open space, or residential zone.

3.1.4.1 ROOFS
a. A minimum of one roof per building shall utilize either a hip or gable roof type. b. Roofs shall be low-pitched with a slope between 4:12 to 6:12, with broad, overhanging eaves ranging from eighteen (18) to 24 in.
c. Sloped roofs shall utilize clay tile, concrete-tile, or tile-profiled metal roofing. Common shapes include both Spanish (S-shaped) and Mission (half cylindrical/ barrel tile) types. d. Flat roofs shall always be edged with parapet walls measuring at least 36 in. in height; and shall be treated with one (1) or more of the following conditions:
i. An architecturally profiled cornice and/or expressed parapet cap shall be used to terminate the top of parapet wall.
ii. Surface mounted cornices, continuous shade elements, or trellises shall be used to strengthen a parapet wall design.
iii. Curved parapets shall be limited to one (1) per building. e. Interior sides of parapets shall be finished in the same color and materials as the exterior sides thereof.

FIGURE 3.7: MAXIMUM CONTINUOUS UNINTERRUPTED BUILDING LENGTH X = MAXIMUM 400 ft. CONTINUOUS

UNINTERRUPTED BUILDING
LENGTH
Y = HORIZONTAL PLANE CHANGE
Z = TOTAL BUILDING LENGTH
A B
C
X
Y
Z
Minor massing break (min. 1 ft. deep x 4 ft. wide)
Major massing break (min. 3 ft. deep x 6 ft. wide)
60 ft. max.
100 ft. max.

C
D
B
A B
A
C D
FIGURE 3.6: BUILDING MODULATION

BUILDING DESIGN
50 CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT 51 ITEM 9.1 - Attachment A

3.1.4.2 METHODS TO CREATE ROOF FORM VARIATION
A change in roof form shall be implemented using one (1) or a combination of the following methods:

1. A change in roof type, as defined in 3.1.4.4. A minimum of one (1) roof in each building shall utilize either a hip roof type or a gable roof type. Each building is limited to a maximum of four (4) roof types.

2. Change in roof height of at least eighteen (18) in. measured from the highest point of each roof line.

3. Stacked projecting balconies with a minimum depth of five (5) ft. and a minimum length of eight (8) ft., when applied to at least fifty percent (50%) of the upper floors. The full balcony length shall project a minimum of eighteen (18) in. from the primary building facade.

4. Rooftop terrace with a minimum floor area of eighty (80) sq. ft.

5. A change in roof pitch or direction.

3.1.4.3 CALCULATING ROOF FORMS
Roof form changes shall be provided so that no continuous roofline segment exceeds eighty (80) linear ft. without a change in roof form.

1. Each distinct roof form segment shall not exceed eighty (80) linear ft. in length.

2. A new eighty (80) ft. maximum segment shall begin at each roof form change, regardless of the length of the preceding segment.

3. Roof form changes may occur at any interval less than eighty (80) ft.; however, no single roof form shall extend beyond eighty (80) ft. without a change.

FIGURE 3.9: COMPLIANT BUILDING FACADE
A
Stacked projecting balconies
Rooftop terrace
Added Roof Form:

Stacked balconies with roof
lower than the parapet wall
Maximum eighty (80) ft. facade with one (1) roof form
Non-compliant section of facade
Only one (1) roof form (flat roof)
Over eighty (80) ft., less than one hundred and
sixty one (161) ft. requires two (2) roof forms
FIGURE 3.8: BUILDING FACADE WITH NON-COMPLIANT SECTION
A
B A
B
Stacked projecting balconies
Rooftop terrace

BUILDING DESIGN
52 CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT 53 ITEM 9.1 - Attachment A

3.1.4.4 CALCULATING COMBINED ROOF TYPES
Combined roof forms occur when two or more roofs intersect.

1. Each distinct change in roof form shall be counted individually, regardless of whether it is the same or a different roof type.

2. Intersecting roofs may be organized in a hierarchy, with a primary roof and additional roof types.

Each additional intersecting roof type (e.g., dormers or similar features) shall be counted as a separate roof form in addition to the primary roof (see Figure 3.6).

3. Secondary roof forms located above projecting facade modulations shall each be counted as separate roof forms where they intersect with the primary roof, even when the secondary roof forms utilize the same roof type and are identical in design (see Figure 3.7).

4. Within combined or intersecting roof forms, repeated roof types (e.g., a series of gables or hips, stepped flat roofs, or sawtooth profiles) shall be counted individually for each occurrence (see Figures 3.8 and 3.9).

3.1.4.5 ACCEPTABLE ROOF TYPES
Roof type is defined as a geometric plane or set of planes which form the top enclosure of a volumetric area below it/them. Each building shall be limited to four (4) roof types. Common types of roof are gabled, hipped, shed, and flat among others. Acceptable roof types are listed in Figure 3.9.

Variation in Roof/Building Height
Example Diagrams of Base/Middle/Top Standards
Variation in Façade Composition A Datum Lines
Variation in Façade Composition B Upper Floor Step Backs Distinct Roof Form
1 2
4 3
1 3
2 4
5 1
2 3
FIGURE 3.10: HIERARCHICAL ROOF FORMS FIGURE 3.11: INTERSECTING ROOF TYPES 1 2
1 FIGURE 3.12: REPEATED ROOF TYPES: GABLES/ HIP FIGURE 3.13: REPEATED ROOF TYPES: FLAT ROOF “SAWTOOTH” Box Gable Dome
Dormer Flat with
Parapet Wall
Monitor Conical
Dropped Eaves Gable
Clerestory Cross-hipped
Shed Pyramid Hip
Hexagonal Hip & Valley Hip M-Shaped
FIGURE 3.14: BUILDING ROOF FORM OPTIONS

BUILDING DESIGN
54 CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT 55 ITEM 9.1 - Attachment A

3.1.4.6 VERTICAL ELEMENTS
Buildings that are two stories or less, shall incorporate vertical roof variation elements (Vertical Elements) that extend above the primary roofline. Vertical Elements may contain occupiable space or may be purely architectural. Vertical Elements shall include a change in plane from the adjacent wall facade with a minimum depth or projection of three (3) ft. Vertical Elements shall also incorporate a distinct facade treatment that differs from the adjacent building facade, consistent with the requirements of Section 3.4.1.

General Requirements
a. All Vertical Elements shall be located at prominent locations, including primary entrances, corners, building ends, changes in building direction or massing breaks. b. Standard Vertical Element
Standard Vertical Elements shall have aw minimum width of fifteen (15) ft. and shall extend vertically a minimum of six (6) ft. above the adjacent primary roofline, measured to the highest point of the element.
c. Prominent Vertical Elements
Prominent Vertical Elements shall have a minimum width of thirty (30) ft. and shall extend vertically a minimum of ten (10) ft. above the adjacent primary roofline, measured to the highest point of the element.

Required Number and Type by Building Length

1. Medium Buildings (per Section 3.1.1)
a. A minimum of two (2) Vertical Elements with a minimum spacing of fifteen (15) ft., shall be provided per public facing facade, including:
i. One (1) Standard Vertical Element
ii. One (1) Prominent Vertical Element

2. Large Buildings (per Section 3.1.1)
a. A minimum of two (2) Vertical Elements with a minimum spacing of thirty (30) ft. per public facing facade, shall be provided, including:
i. One (1) Standard Vertical Element
ii. One (1) Prominent Vertical Element
b. For buildings greater than one hundred (100) ft. and up to four hundred (400) ft. in length, one (1) additional Standard Vertical Element shall be provided for each additional one hundred (100) ft. of building length, or fraction thereof, beyond the first one hundred (100) ft. c. For buildings greater than four hundred (400) ft. and up to one thousand (1000) ft. in length, one (1) additional Prominent Vertical Element shall be provided, together with one (1) additional Standard Vertical Element for each additional one hundred (100) ft. of building length or fraction thereof, beyond the first one hundred (100) ft.
d. For buildings greater than one thousand (1,000) ft. in length, an additional three (3) Prominent Vertical Elements shall be provided, together with one (1) additional Standard Vertical Element for each additional one hundred (100) ft. of building length or fraction thereof, beyond the first one hundred (100) ft. of building length.

3.1.4.7 NOTES
Changes in roof form shall not exceed the maximum building heights set forth in Laguna Woods Municipal Code Title 13.

FIGURE 3.15: MEDIUM BUILDINGS FIGURE 3.16: LARGE BUILDINGS A
A
B
A
B
Standard Vertical Elements
Prominent Vertical Elements
A
B

BUILDING DESIGN
56 CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT 57 ITEM 9.1 - Attachment A

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

1. Balconies and Decks
a. Balconies and Decks shall not project more than six (6) ft. from the facade on elevations directly fronting a primary street or residential zoning district. b. The distance between supporting columns, piers, or posts on trellises or balconies shall not exceed their height.

2. Awnings or Canopies
a. Awnings shall be provided over each storefront, located within the individual structural bays. b. Shall not project more than six (6) ft. from the facade. c. The height of all awnings above a sidewalk shall be consistent, with a minimum clearance of eight (8) ft. provided between the bottom of the valance and the sidewalk. Valances shall not exceed eighteen (18) in. in height.

3.2 BUILDING ORIENTATION

3.2.1 BUILDING SITING AND ORIENTATION

1. Building frontages shall not orient to parking lots at the sides or rears of buildings.

2. Building facades along the primary street frontage shall contain elevations activated by doors and windows that look into the street and shall contain the most articulated elevations of the building.

3.2.2 CORNER BUILDINGS
For buildings located at intersections, they shall be designed to define and give prominence to the corner on which they are sited, by acknowledging both street facades with facade articulation and detail. At least one (1) of the following techniques shall be used. a. Creation of a landmark roof form, such as dome, conical, hexagonal or pyramidical roof. b. Creation of a corner tower.
c. A storefront, building protrusion, bay, porch element or arcade that wraps around the corner. d. A corner entrance that protrudes or is cut-away from the corner. e. A change in roofline; such as a gabled end to mark the corner.

FIGURE 3.17: CORNER TOWER
d
b
a
c e

BUILDING DESIGN
58 CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT 59 ITEM 9.1 - Attachment A

3.2.3 PRIMARY ENTRANCES

1. Primary entrances to buildings or commercial units shall be designed to be consistent with the overall architecture of the building. At all buildings, entrances shall be located along the primary street facade and shall be clear, easily identifiable and shall use one (1) or more of the following treatments.
a. Marked by a taller mass above, such as a tower, or within a volume that protrudes from the rest of the building surface which, if it meets the applicable dimensional requirements for a vertical element, may count toward compliance with both standards b. Indicated by a projection from the building facade, and covered by means of a building overhang, awning or canopy that projects from the building.
c. Indicated by a recessed entry. Treatments shall include either special paving materials such as ceramic tile; ornamental ceiling treatments, such as coffering; decorative light fixtures; and attractive decorative pulls, escutcheons, hinges, and other hardware. d. Denoted by a single arch or series of arches to indicate entry. Arcaded entry porches are also recommended.
e. Framed by special architectural elements, such as columns, archways, and overhanging roofs. f. Emphasized by a small roof overhang over the entrance, change in roofline or a major break in the surface of the subject wall.

3.3 NEIGHBORHOOD TRANSITION

3.3.1 TRANSITION PLANE
a. Buildings shall not intercept a forty five (45)-degree neighborhood transition plane inclined inward from the underlying setback, starting at a height thirty five (35) ft. above grade. b. Balconies and decks shall not extend into an underlying setback. c. The area of roof decks, including any deck on roof area falling under the neighborhood transition plane, shall be set back at least three (3) ft. from the building edge and any railings, shade structures, or accessory structures shall not intersect the required neighborhood transition plane. 35’

SETBACK
45°
FIGURE 3.18: TRANSITION PLANE

BUILDING DESIGN
60 CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT 61 ITEM 9.1 - Attachment A

3.4 FACADE DESIGN

3.4.1 FACADE TREATMENT

1. Each building facade between one hundred (100) and one hundred fifty (150) ft in length shall include a minimum of two (2) distinct facade treatments. For facades exceeding 300 ft, three (3) distinct facade treatments shall be required. A building facade shall not have more than three (3) distinct facade treatments, regardless of the length of the facade.

2. Each distinct facade treatment shall have a minimum of twenty percent (20%) of the overall facade area. Additional treatments beyond the maximum are permitted and may be less than twenty percent (20%) of the overall facade area.

3. A change in stucco color may be considered a distinct facade treatment, allowing for up to two (2) variations of facade treatment.

3.4.2 BASE/MIDDLE/TOP
Buildings four (4) stories or taller with a building length on any side greater than fifty (50) ft. measured as the horizontal distance of the building facade, which includes minor and major modulations, shall be designed as specified in this subsection to differentiate a defined base or ground floor, a middle or body, and a top, cornice, or parapet cap. This standard applies to all exterior facades of the building.

1. A building’s base shall be defined or differentiated from the middle/body by using one (1) of the following techniques:
a. Having a distinct facade composition between the base floor(s) and middle/body floors b. Having a datum line or cornice between the base floor(s) and middle/body floors that has a minimum height of four (4) in. and a minimum depth of four (4) in. c. The ground floor height (measured floor to floor) that is a minimum two (2) ft. greater than middle/ body floor-to-floor heights.
150 ft. < < 100 ft.

Facade Treatment 1
Facade Treatment 2
> 300 ft.

Facade Treatment 1
Facade Treatment 2
Facade Treatment 3
FIGURE 3.19: FACADE TREATMENT DIAGRAM 1
A
A
FIGURE 3.20: FACADE TREATMENT DIAGRAM 2
B
B
FIGURE 3.21: DATUM LINE DIAGRAM 1
Example Diagrams of Base/Middle/Top Standards
Variation in Façade Composition A Datum Lines
Variation in Façade Composition B Upper Floor Step Backs

DATUM LINES ALONG THE ENTIRE

LENGTH OF A BUILDING WITH

CHANGE IN MATERIAL
Top
Middle/Body
Base

BUILDING DESIGN
62 CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT 63 ITEM 9.1 - Attachment A

2. A building’s top floor(s) shall be defined or differentiated from the middle/body by using two (2) or more of the following techniques:
a. Have a distinct facade composition from the middle/body floors to the top floor(s) b. Datum line or cornice between the middle and top floor(s) that include a minimum height of four (4) in. and a minimum depth of four (4) in.
c. Distinct roof form or roof line. Apply one (1) of the following:
• Cornice or parapet cap that includes a change in material from the facade and a minimum height of eight (8) in. and a minimum depth of four (4) in. • A variation in roof or building height through building modulation: (examples: Bays that extend above primary facade height)
• The use of at least two roof types

3.4.3 FACADE MATERIALS

1. Building Materials
a. Stucco, cement plaster or stucco-like finishes are acceptable finishes. Attention should be paid to detail and trim elements for a high quality installation. The pattern of joints shall match the overall facade composition, and sealant colors shall be consistent with surface and other building colors. Stucco surfaces shall have a-half (1/2) to three quarters (3/4) an inch bull-nosed corners.

2. Windows and Doors
a. Window frames shall not be set flush with walls. Glass shall be inset a minimum of two (2) in. from the exterior wall and/or frame surface.
b. At least sixty percent (60%) of all windows and doors shall be recessed a minimum of four (4) in. to emphasize wall mass, depth, and shadow.
c. At deeply inset windows (greater than four (4) in. from the exterior wall); the framing may be simple and relatively unarticulated. At shallower insets (two to four (2-4) in. from the exterior wall), projecting sills, molded surrounds, lintels and/or trim shall be used to frame openings. d. Where window mullions are provided, they shall be arranged in simple, regular divisions to create a balanced and orderly window pattern.
e. Sills and surrounds shall be proportioned to relate to the window size. For windows less than forty eight (48) in. in width, surrounds shall not exceed six (6) in. width. For windows greater than forty eight (48) in. in width, surrounds shall not exceed eight (8) in. in width. f. Aluminum sliding windows shall be designed to have substantial framing members, at a minimum width of two (2) in.
g. Clear glass is preferred. Reflective glazing shall not be used. Non-reflective films, coatings, low emissivity glass, and external and internal shade devices shall be used for heat and glare control. h. Deeply tinted glass or applied tinted films shall not be used. If tinted glazing is used, light tints and gray hues are acceptable.
i. A minimum of one (1) arched door, window, or opening shall be provided along a public-facing facade.

3. Parapet walls shall be terminated with a substantial, integrated cap that conveys the appearance of solid wall construction. Thin, flush-applied caps or edge conditions that appear lightweight or prone to warping are prohibited. Acceptable cap treatments shall consist of stucco, cast stone, concrete, or clay tile, formed with sufficient thickness and a shaped or sloped profile to provide a durable, high-quality finish.

BUILDING DESIGN
64 CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT 65 ITEM 9.1 - Attachment A

3.5 GROUND FLOOR USES

3.5.1 ACTIVE FRONTAGES
Active frontages are building frontages occupied by active uses that create visual engagement between the ground floor and an adjacent street, public space, or other public-facing area and generate pedestrian activity throughout extended periods of the day. Active uses may include shops, cafes, restaurants, and other social spaces as well as accessory spaces such as lobbies, lounges and shared amenity areas.

1. Active Frontages are required for a minimum of sixty percent (60%) of each building facade facing an arterial, a local or collector public street, a publicly accessible private street, or a publicly accessible pathway with adjacent Primary Building Frontages.

2. On corner parcels, the commercial uses shall turn (wrap around) the corner for a distance of at least fourty (40) ft. The termination of use shall occur at an architectural break in the building.

3. To qualify as Active Frontage, uses shall maintain a minimum depth of 30 ft, while corner parcels shall provide a minimum depth of 40 ft along all frontages.

3.5.1.1 FINISHED FLOOR HEIGHTS OF ACTIVE USES
Active frontage spaces shall have a finished floor height within the following ranges (measured from grade at the back edge of the adjacent sidewalk). All other uses see Standard 3.5.1.2 Variable Finished Floor Heights.

ACTIVE USES FINISHED FLOOR HEIGHT
MIN. HEIGHT
(FT.)
MAX. HEIGHT
(FT.)

PRIMARY

BUILDING

ENTRIES
0 ft. 3 ft.

STOREFRONT
COMMERCIAL;
OFFICE
0 ft. 1 ft.

BUILDINGS WITH

CROSS SLOPE
At no point shall the finished
floor height be greater than 2
ft. above or below grade, with
a minimum cross slope of 1%
TABLE 3.2: ACTIVE USES FINISHED FLOOR HEIGHT STANDARD
FIGURE 3.22: ACTIVE FRONTAGE DIAGRAM
Building facade length facing public street
or primary connection
Active frontage along building facade
Non-active frontage of building facade
A
A A
Corner space minimum depth on all frontage
Commercial or office minimum use depth
Storefront commercial or office
Non-active area
FIGURE 3.23: ACTIVE FRONTAGE MIN. DEPTH DIAGRAM
A1
A1
A1
A2
AB2

BUILDING DESIGN
66 CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT 67 ITEM 9.1 - Attachment A

3.5.1.2 FLOOR TO FLOOR HEIGHTS OF ACTIVE USES
Active Frontage uses shall have a minimum floor-to-floor height by use type as follows:

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

GROUND FLOOR OFFICE 10 ft.

TABLE 3.3: ACTIVE USES FLOOR TO FLOOR HEIGHT STANDARD

REQUIRED TRANSPARENCY BY FRONTAGE TYPE

FRONTAGE TYPE
TRANSPARENCY (MIN.)

GROUND LEVEL UPPER LEVELS

STOREFRONT
COMMERCIAL 50% 40%
OTHER
FRONTAGES 40% 30%
TABLE 3.4: REQUIRED TRANSPARENCY BY FRONTAGE TYPE

3.6 STREET FACING TRANSPARENCY

3.6.1 TRANSPARENCY
Placement and orientation of doorways, windows, and landscape elements shall create strong, direct relationships with the street. Street-facing facades of all buildings shall incorporate windows and openings providing light to adjacent spaces, rooms and uses. Transparency is measured as a percentage, calculated as the sum of single story transparent area divided by the total single story facade area.

Each applicable facade shall provide no less than the minimum transparency listed by use.

BUILDING DESIGN
68 CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT 69 ITEM 9.1 - Attachment A

3.6.1.1 STREET FRONTAGE TRANSPARENCY
Elevations that face a public street, public easement, or publicly accessible open space shall be comprised of windows and/or doorlites with clear unobscured glass as measured from two and a half (2.5) ft. to eight (8) ft. above finished grade where no minimum blank walls occur.

Where facades include windows, glazing shall be provided between two and a half (2.5) ft. and eight (8) ft. above finished grade. Glazing may extend beyond this range, provided it is also present within this required zone.

Within this area, no more than twenty five percent (25%) can be covered by signage, displays, shelving, opaque film or interior partitions. Window coverings, including blinds, curtains, shades, or similar treatments, shall remain operable and shall not be permanently fixed, adhered, or installed in a manner that prevents the window from meeting the required transparency standard.

3.7 UTILITIES, SERVICE AREAS & BUILDING

EQUIPMENT

3.7.1 SERVICE AREAS, STORAGE, UTILITIES, AND EQUIPMENT

3.7.1.1 UTILITIES
For new development projects, utilities shall be placed in underground or subsurface conduits unless technically infeasible or prohibited by the City or the respective utility provider.

3.7.1.2 LOCATION OF SERVICE AREAS, STORAGE, UTILITIES, AND EQUIPMENT

1. All above-ground utilities and equipment (e.g., electric and gas meters, fire sprinkler valves, backflow prevention devices, etc.), service areas (e .g. garbage collection areas, loading docks, etc.), and storage areas shall be integrated into the building and landscape design, and located to minimize impact on the pedestrian experience and neighboring properties, by following the standards below:
a. Utilities, equipment, service areas, storage, and non-passenger loading zones shall be located inside buildings or away from the primary building frontage, preferably along alleys, parking areas, or at the rear or side of the building, if not part of the primary frontage, except where such placement would be prohibited by the respective utility provider, conflict with applicable building code requirements, including required access, clearances, and visibility for emergency response and maintenance.
b. Utilities and equipment, service, storage, and non-passenger loading areas shall be consolidated within a single area. They shall not be located within minimum setback areas, and/or within twenty five (25) ft. of a street corner, unless required by the respective utility provider or applicable building code requirements.
c. Backflow preventers shall be located within landscaped areas and covered with freeze protection, in a green color (e.g., Hex #013220). Where cages or other enclosures are installed to house or protect backflow preventers, they shall be in a green color.

3.7.1.3 SERVICE, STORAGE, UTILIT Y, AND EQUIPMENT SCREENING

1. All service and storage areas, utilities, and equipment not housed inside buildings shall meet the following screening standards:
a. Screening shall consist of solid enclosures, landscaping, and/or architectural elements that are consistent with the building design.
b. Screening shall follow the same design, colors, and materials as the building walls to maintain visual consistency and complement the overall architectural style.

3.6.1.2 BLANK WALLS

1. Building facades without the use of windows or doors shall not span a continuous horizontal length greater than twenty five (25) ft. across any story.

2. A break in a blank building wall shall be provided by any of the following:
• Doors, windows, or other building openings.
• Varying wall planes, where the wall projects or is recessed at least six (6) in. Where the projection or recess also meets the requirements for minor or major massing modulation, it may be counted toward both requirements.

3. The following do not qualify as a break in blank wall:
• Variation in exterior building wall color.
• Vegetation or landscaping not attached to a building wall. • Commercial or directional signs.
• Mechanical appurtenances such as water heaters, vents, or utility meters.

FIGURE 3.24: COMMERCIAL STREET FRONTAGE TRANSPARENCY
Figure .056 Commercial Street Frontage Transparency
15 PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT, OCTOBER 26, 2022

COMMERCIAL STREET FRONTAGE
BLANK WALLS DO NOT EXCEED 25 FT IN LENGTH

8.0 ft.

2.5 ft

BUILDING DESIGN
70 CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT 71 ITEM 9.1 - Attachment A
c. When landscaping is used as screening, it must be a minimum of thirty six (36) in. wide and include dense, evergreen shrubs or small trees that reach a minimum height of four (4) ft. within four (4) years of planting. A minimum spread of two (2) ft. shall be required at time of planting.

3.7.1.4 LOCATION AND SCREENING OF ROOFTOP EQUIPMENT

1. Rooftop elements including roof access, mechanical equipment, and other features needed for the function of the building, shall be located to minimize visual impact by meeting the following requirements. Mechanical equipment less than two (2) ft. in height, solar panels, or wind generators are exempt from these requirements.
a. Roof-mounted equipment and screening of roof-mounted equipment shall be stepped back from top of parapet a minimum of ten (10) ft. from the parapet or roof edge. b. Roof-mounted equipment that extends higher than the parapet wall shall be fully screened by an architectural screen element similar in design and color to the underlying building. Wood lattice is not permitted as a screening device. A pre-manufactured screening device that aligns with the building’s architecture may be used as an alternative. c. Screening must effectively block views of rooftop equipment from a point six (6) ft. above ground level at the property line, the sidewalk on the opposite side of the street, or from any adjacent property and public rights-of-way.
d. The location, spacing, materials, and colors of down-spouts, gutters, scuppers, and other drainage components shall be incorporated into the architectural composition of the facade and roof. Downspouts shall be concealed within walls or located to harmonize with window spacing and facade composition.

3.7.2 WASTE ENCLOSURES AND RECEPTACLES
Waste enclosures and receptacles shall be designed and constructed as required by the Laguna Woods Municipal Code.

3.7.3 SECURITY BARRIERS

1. Any security barriers installed on the windows or the doors of the premises shall be installed only on the interior of the building and in compliance with the California Building Standards Code and Laguna Woods Municipal Code.

2. Security barriers shall meet the following criteria:
a. Only open grill design security systems located on the inside of the building shall be permitted on elevations visible from the street.
b. Open grill design security systems shall be primarily transparent with not less than seventy five percent (75%) visibility from the street.
c. Solid roll-down security doors on elevations visible from a public or private street are prohibited unless part of a vehicle loading bay.

BUILDING DESIGN
72 CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT 73 ITEM 9.1 - Attachment A
74 CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT 75

ARCHITECTURAL
STYLE
4 4.1OVERVIEW AND APPLICATIONS

4.2LAGUNA WOODS REVIVAL

4.3 ROOFS

4.4WALLS AND WINDOWS

4.5MATERIALS AND COLORS

4.6 DECORATIVE ACCENTS AND DETAILS
ITEM 9.1 - Attachment A

4.1 OVERVIEW AND APPLICATION
Identify existing architectural styles of distinction within the City.

4.1.1 EXISTING ARCHITECTURAL STYLES MAP
The following map identifies seven (7) existing architectural styles that contribute to the City’s character.

Future architectural designs shall merge the preferred Mission and Spanish styles into a cohesive “Laguna Woods Revival” identity.

LEGEND

SPANISH REVIVAL

MISSION REVIVAL

SPANISH MODERNIST

MEDITERRANEAN

MEDITERRANEAN REVIVAL

MOUNTAIN CONTEMPORARY

CONTEMPORARY

4.1.2 APPLICATION
The architectural style provides a clearly defined framework of required and optional architectural features in the categories of roof, walls and windows, materials and colors, and decorative accents and details, providing flexibility for creative expression while ensuring consistency with the main characteristics of the architectural style. The Objective Design Standards also identifies prohibited elements that shall be avoided to maintain the integrity and intended character of the architectural style.

The architectural style is divided into four categories: Roof, Walls and Windows, Materials and Colors, and Decorative Accents and Details. All categories must be met to comply with the Architectural Style section of the Objective Design Standards.

Each category includes three (3) components: required, optional, and prohibited.

All required features shall be fulfilled, while the optional component provides a selection of features from which a minimum number must be chosen.

Prohibited features identify elements that shall be avoided to maintain the intended architectural character.

REVIEW THE STYLE DESCTIPTION
COMPLY WITH ALL FOUR (4) CATEGORIES

PROVIDE REQUIRED & OPTIONAL FEATURES

1. ROOF

2. WALLS AND WINDOWS

3. MATERIALS AND COLORS

4. DECORATIVE ACCENTS AND DETAILS
REQUIRED: MEET ALL FEATURES
OPTIONAL: SELECT MINIMUM NUMBER OF FEATURES
PROHIBITED: REFRAIN FROM USING
3 1
2 ARCHITECTURAL STYLE
76 CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT 77 4 ARCHITECTURAL STYLE
ITEM 9.1 - Attachment A

4.2 LAGUNA WOODS REVIVAL

4.2.1 STYLE DESCRIPTION
The proposed architectural style is a blended expression rooted in both Mission Revival and Spanish Revival traditions, adapted to create a cohesive and locally responsive identity for Laguna Woods.

Mission Revival architecture draws inspiration from the early California missions established during the Spanish colonial period, emphasizing simplicity, thick stucco walls, smooth plaster surfaces, and iconic features such as shaped parapets and arcades. Spanish Revival, influenced by the architecture of Spain and Latin America, builds upon this foundation with more ornamental detailing, including decorative tilework, decorative metal elements, and articulated facades.

Laguna Woods Revival combines the restrained massing and clarity of Mission Revival with the richness and human-scaled detail of Spanish Revival, resulting in an architectural language that is both timeless and approachable. Buildings typically feature low-pitched clay tile roofs, smooth stucco finishes in light, warm tones, and a composition of simple volumes enhanced by selective ornamentation. Arches, recessed openings, and shaded walkways are commonly incorporated to create depth and visual interest, while maintaining a cohesive and unified appearance.

Recognizable characteristics of this style include articulated rooflines with parapets or modest towers, variation in facade planes to break down building scale, and the integration of outdoor spaces such as courtyards or covered entries that support social interaction and comfort. Decorative elements are used intentionally and sparingly, allowing for visual richness without overwhelming the overall simplicity of the form. The result is a balanced architectural approach that reflects Southern California’s historic influences while establishing a distinct and enduring character for the community.

4.2.2 ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES

4.2.3 REPRESENTATIVE PHOTOGRAPHS

TOWER MASSING

ELEMENT

RED TILE
ROOF

LOW PITCHED
ROOFS
ARCHED

OPENINGS

DECORATIVE

METAL FIXTURES

LIGHT, NATURAL,

NEUTRAL OR MUTED

WARM COLORS FOR

EXTERIOR STUCCO

FLAT ROOFS
WITH

PARAPETS

ARCHITECTURAL STYLE
78 CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT 79 ITEM 9.1 - Attachment A

4.3 ROOFS

REQUIRED ELEMENTS
• Low-pitched roofs (between 4:12 to 6:12) with
broad, overhanging eaves ranging from eighteen
(18) to twenty four (24) in. If conical roof is used,
roof pitch must not exceed 4:12
• Clay tile, concrete-tile, or tile-profiled metal
roofing. Common shapes include both Spanish
(S-shaped) and Mission (half cylinder/barrel
tile) types
• A minimum of one roof utilizing hip or gable
roof type
OPTIONAL ELEMENTS (CHOOSE AT LEAST 2)
(Not required for buildings that qualify as Small or
Medium in Chapter 3.1.2 of this document. If Medium
Buildings have identified “Roof Form” as the optional
Massing Strategy, then the “Optional Elements” under
Chapter 4.2.2 of this document shall apply.)
• Flat roofs with parapets that have an architecturally profiled cornice and/or expressed parapet cap
• A shed roof additive element either on the side
or front facing
• Hipped-roof towers or belvederes (square,
rectangle or circular in plan)

PROHIBITED ELEMENTS
• Curved parapet walls shall be limited to one
(1) per building
• Each project shall have no more than four (4)
roof types
• Exposed galvinized coping or sharp edged
metal parapet caps for flat roofs
• Thin, flush-applied caps or edge conditions that
appear lightweight or prone to warping

4.4 WALLS & WINDOWS

REQUIRED ELEMENTS
• A minimum four (4) in. recess for at least sixty
percent (60%) of all windows and doors to
emphasize wall mass, depth, and shadow
• A minimum of one (1) arched door, window, or
opening along a public-facing facade
• At shallower insets (two to four (2-4) in. from
the exterior wall), projecting sills, molded
surrounds, lintels and/or trim shall be used to
frame openings
• Simple divisions of window mullions
OPTIONAL ELEMENTS (CHOOSE AT LEAST 1)
• Mix of large focal windows and smaller rectangular
windows
• Minimum of one (1) ft. deep walls for public
street, public easement, or residential-facing
facades
• Recessed balconies with round arch openings
under a separate roof or overhang
• Open balconies over loggias/arcades
• Awnings

PROHIBITED ELEMENTS
(Refer to Chapter 11.10.050(9) of the Municipal Code)
• Exterior wall surfaces shall not include striping,
banding, or multi-color linear patterns
• Arch forms supported by narrow, freestanding,
or visually detached columns or piers, rather
than solid wall-integrated arches or arcades.
• Ornamentation or decorative detailing on columns
• Exterior shutters
Low-pitched roofs (between 4:12 to 6:12) Awnings
Mix of large focal windows and small rectangular windows Red clay tile roofing Recessed balconies with arched openings No more than four (4) roof types per development Open balconies over loggias/arcades Curved parapet walls shall be limited to one (1) per building

ARCHITECTURAL STYLE
80 CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT 81 ITEM 9.1 - Attachment A

4.5 MATERIALS & COLORS

THIS PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK
Roof colors darker than wall colors
Stucco on exterior walls
Sand-finished cement plaster on balcony, porch
Stone as a decorative accent

REQUIRED ELEMENTS
• Stucco, cement plaster or stucco-like finishes
on exterior walls. Stucco surfaces shall have
a-half (1/2) to three quarters (3/4) in. bull-nosed
corners
• Light, natural, neutral or muted warm colors for
exterior stucco
• Roof colors shall consist of red or brown tones
and be darker in value than exterior wall colors
to ensure a clear visual contrast between roof
and wall surfaces
• Sealant colors shall be consistent with surface
and other building colors
OPTIONAL ELEMENTS (CHOOSE AT LEAST 1)
• Composite wood, or wood for railings and
handrails on stairs and ramps
• Stone used as a limited accent decorative
feature, providing contrast to stucco surfaces
• Sand-finished cement plaster on balcony, porch
or arcade ceilings

PROHIBITED ELEMENTS
(Refer to Chapter 11.10.050 of the Municipal Code)
• Multiple primary colors within a single facade
composition; wall finishes shall maintain a
uniform color per building
• Exposed wooden brackets or decorative wood
supports on exterior elevations
• Deeply tinted glass or applied tinted films. If
tinted glazing is used, light tints and gray hues
are acceptable

ARCHITECTURAL STYLE
82 CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT 83 ITEM 9.1 - Attachment A

4.6 DECORATIVE ACCENTS & DETAILS
(CHOOSE AT LEAST SIX (6))

CLAY/ CONCRETE TILE VENTS

WINDOW GRILLES

DECORATIVE TILES

METAL LIGHT FIXTURES
Wrought iron, black or dark brown painted steel or bronze light fixtures shall occur at building entrances at a minimum of one (1) per two hundred (200) linear ft. of building perimeter.

Decorative tiles shall occur at building entries.

Window grilles shall be placed on clerestory windows.

Red clay or concrete tile vents shall occur at gable ends.

AWNING

LOGGIAS
Provide recessed loggias framed by arches, columns, or
simple stucco detailing to create shaded outdoor spaces Awnings shall occur at ground floor openings. Visible
decorative metal supports are acceptable. Color must be similar to the roof.

ARCADES TOWER ELEMENT

ARCHED OPENINGS METAL STAIRCASE HANDRAIL

CURVED PARAPET WITH QUATREFOIL WINDOW DOMES
Use of arcaded walkways (row of arches supported by Central raised element columns or piers)
Round-arched doors, windows, or entry openings These can be used for staircase handrails. Metal can be wrought iron, bronze, or black or dark brown painted tubular steel.

A rounded vault forming the roof of a structure, typically with a circular base
Provide cement plaster or cast surrounds at curved parapet and quatrefoil windows.

ARCHITECTURAL STYLE
84 CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT 85 ITEM 9.1 - Attachment A
86 CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT 87 LANDSCAPE 5

5.1 LANDSCAPE MATERIALS & VEGETATION

5.2 HARDSCAPE

5.3 WALLS & FENCING

5.4 LANDSCAPE LIGHTING

5.5 SITE FURNISHINGS
ITEM 9.1 - Attachment A

5.1 LANDSCAPE MATERIALS & VEGETATION

5.1.1 LANDSCAPED AREA

1. A minimum of twenty percent (20%) of the lot area not comprised of buildings or required vehicular access and parking areas shall be comprised of pervious surfaces such as landscaping, gravel, rocks, or other similar pervious materials.

2. A minimum of fifty percent (50%) of the length of the property fronting arterial streets shall be maintained as a landscaped area with a minimum depth of five (5) ft. Hardscape areas containing impervious surfaces shall only be used for the purpose of pedestrian and vehicular access.

3. Landscaped areas shall not contain more than ten percent (10%) decomposed granite, gravel, mulch, rock, sand, or similar non-vegetated landscape material, except to the extent groundcover or other vegetation is also planted that will conceal at least ninety percent (90%) of the non-vegetated material upon maturity.

4. The following standards shall apply to all properties with surface parking lots:
a. A minimum five (5) ft. landscape buffer strip shall be provided between a parking lot and public right-of-way and shall be maintained with a permanent, operable automatic irrigation system. b. Parking lot shade trees shall be provided at the ratio of one (1) tree for every five (5) parking spaces.

5. No vehicle shall be parked in a required landscape area.

5.1.2 SOIL DEPTH
Planting in above grade planters or podium landscaped areas shall have a minimum topsoil depth of twelve (12) in. for ground cover, twenty four (24) in. for shrubs, and thirty six (36) in. for trees.

5.1.3 SHRUBS, HEDGES, & GROUNDCOVER

5.1.3.1 GENERAL LANDSCAPE AREA

1. Plants on the Cal-IPC invasive plant inventory are prohibited.

2. Shrubs shall be a minimum size of five (5) gallons. When planted to serve as a hedge or screen, shrubs shall be planted with two (2) ft. or four (4) ft. of spacing, depending on the plant species.

3. Groundcover shall be minimum one (1) gallon or greater in size at time of planting and shall be planted at an on center spacing appropriate to the plant species to ensure complete coverage from plant to plant, (minimum twenty four (24) in. o.c.). Groundcover from cuttings or flats is allowable but shall be spaced at a maximum of twelve (12) in. on center.

4. Landscaping shall comply with the sight clearance triangle requirements set forth in Laguna Woods Municipal Code Title 13, Sec. 13.16.190 (Landscaping) and Sec. 13.16.230 (Fences and walls).

5.1.3.2 TURF AND ARTIFICIAL TURF

1. Turf is prohibited unless it meets the definition of “functional turf,” set forth in California Water Code Section 10608.12.

2. Artificial plants and artificial turf are prohibited.

3. Natural turf areas shall be a minimum ten (10) ft. diameter, or ten (10) ft. width on any side. Use of turf shall be in compliance with the California Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO).

5.1.3.3 NON-PLANT MATERIALS, SOIL, AND MULCH

1. Landscaped areas where plant material other than turf is present shall be top-dressed with three (3) in. shredded mulch or two (2) in. crushed rock, mulch, pebbles or stones to avoid exposed bare soil.

2. Three (3) in. minimum depth bark mulch must be confined to areas underneath shrubs and trees and shall not count toward the fifty percent (50%) minimum landscape requirement.

LANDSCAPE
88 CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT 89 5 LANDSCAPE
ITEM 9.1 - Attachment A

5.1.4 TREES

5.1.4.1 TREES TYPES

1. Trees provided as part of the project shall be selected from the following list:
1 Evergreen tree
2 Shade tree

5.1.4.2 GENERAL L ANDSCAPE AREA

1. All tree planting within a public street-facing setback required by the Laguna Woods Municipal Code shall be installed at a minimum twenty four (24) in. box size and a maximum distance of thirty (30) ft. on center.

2. Trees planted along pedestrian corridors, paths, walkways, commercial frontages, or public streets shall be spaced at a maximum interval of thirty (30) ft. on center.

3. Projects that are greater than or equal to two (2) acres, or shopping center entrances that serve a cumulative commercial area of over five (5) acres, shall include, along the primary entrance, a landscaped median and landscaped side areas planted with Phoenix Dactylifera (Date Palm) at a maximum spacing of thirty (30) ft. on center, with a minimum ten (10) ft. brown trunk height measured from finished grade to the base of the lowest living frond.

4. Corner sites, defined as properties with frontage along two intersecting public streets, shall plant Syagrus romanzoffiana (Queen Palms) or Phoenix dactylifera (Date Palms) at a maximum spacing of thirty (30) ft. on center, with a minimum ten (10) ft. brown trunk height (BTH), measured from finished grade to the base of the lowest living fond. They shall be planted within the first thirty (30) ft. of each street frontage measured from the corner property line.

5. Publicly accessible open spaces that include trees with a minimum mature canopy spread of twenty five (25) ft., and shall locate trees to shade pedestrian paths, seating areas, and gathering spaces. Trees shall be selected from the following list: Cupaniopsis Anacardioides (Carrotwood), Koelreuteria Paniculata (Goldenrain Tree), Liriodendron Tulipifera (Tulip Tree), Platanus Racemosa (California Sycamore), Prosopis Alba ‘Colorado’ (Argentine Mesquite), Prosopis ‘Phoenix’ (Phoenix Mesquite), Rhus Iancea (African Sumac).

6. Trees planted along pedestrian corridors, paths, and walkways shall be selected from the following species: Cupaniopsis anacardioides (Carrotwood), Koelreuteria paniculata (Goldenrain Tree), Platanus racemosa (California Sycamore), Syagrus romanzoffiana (Queen Palm), or Phoenix dactylifera (Date Palm). Syagrus romanzoffiana (Queen Palm) and Phoenix Dactylifera (Date Palm) shall be planted at a maximum spacing of thirty (30) ft. on center, with a minimum ten (10) ft. brown trunk height measured from finished grade to the base of the lowest living frond.

7. A minimum distance of ten (10) ft. is required between the center of trees to street light standards, water meters, back-flow prevention systems, sewer cleanouts and fire hydrants.

8. A minimum of fifty percent (50%) of all trees planted on the project site shall be evergreen trees. a. Arbutus Unedo
(Strawberry Tree)1
i. Pinus Canariensis
(Canary Island Pine)1
e. Koelreuteria Paniculata
(Goldenrain Tree)2
m. Quercus Agrifolia
(Coast Live Oak)1
b. Cupaniopsis Anacardioides
(Carrotwood)1;2
j. Platanus Racemosa
(California Sycamore)2
f. Liriodendron Tulipifera
(Tulip Tree)2
n. Rhus Iancea
(African Sumac)1;2
c. Cercis Canadensis
(Eastern Redbud)
k. Prosopis Alba ‘Colorado’
(Argentine Mesquite)2
g. Olea Europaea
(Olive Tree)1
o. Syagrus Romanzoffianum
(Queen Palm)1
d. Geijera Parviflora
(Australian Willow)1
l. Prosopis ‘Phoenix’
(Phoenix Mesquite)2
h. Phoenix Dactylifera
(Date Palm)1

LANDSCAPE
90 CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT 91 ITEM 9.1 - Attachment A

5.1.4.3 SURFACE PARKING AREA

1. Planter islands or planter fingers shall be provided at the ends of all parking rows.

2. A minimum five (5) ft. planting width is required for all planter islands, planter fingers, and tree wells.

3. A row of side-by-side (contiguous) parking spaces shall not exceed five (5) stalls without a planter island, planter finger or tree well.

4. Trees shall be planted in planter islands, planter fingers, or tree wells at a minimum of every fifty (50) ft. on center.

5.1.4.4 TREE PROTECTION

1. At the time of installation, newly planted trees shall be supported with double stakes and/or guy wires or approved equivalent City standard.

2. Trees planted within ten (10) ft. of a street, sidewalk, paved trail or walkway shall be deeply-rooted species or shall be separated from paved surfaces by a minimum twenty four (24) in. root barrier to prevent physical damage to public improvements.

3. Existing trees that are already established on a project site may be retained at the property owner’s discretion, regardless of whether the tree species is included in the approved tree selection list identified in Section 5.1.4.1, Tree Types of this Objective Design Standards. Determination as to whether an existing tree is established shall be determined by a certified arborist.

4. Where an existing tree is removed and replacement planting is required pursuant to Laguna Woods Municipal Code Section 4.26.060(c), Tree Removal- Replacement, of the Laguna Woods Municipal Code, the replacement tree shall be selected from the approved tree selection list identified in Section 5.1.4.1, Tree Types, of these Objective Design Standards.

5. Existing trees to be retained on site shall be appropriately protected during construction and incorporated into the overall landscape design of the project.

5.1.5 RESIDENTIAL BUFFERING

1. Projects abutting residentially zoned properties shall provide a minimum ten (10) ft. wide landscape buffer (A) along the entire length of the shared property line. The buffer shall include one (1) tree every thirty five (35) ft. (B) and a solid masonry wall (C) with a six (6) ft. height along the entire lenth of the abutting property. All walls shall comply with Laguna Woods Municipal Code Section

13.16.230.

2. Whenever a project shares a side or rear property line with any residentially zoned lot, and nonresidential uses are located within fifteen (15) ft. of that side or rear property line, a six (6) ft. tall solid masonry wall shall be provided, along or adjacent to all such side and rear lot lines. The wall shall conform to the height regulations applicable to front setback areas of the residentially zoned lot having the common lot line, per Laguna Woods Municipal Code Section 13.16.230. A landscape buffer, with a minimum depth of five (5) ft. shall also be provided along the shared lot lines.

LANDSCAPE
92 CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT 93 Minimum width of landscape buffer
Trees planted along the shared property line
Solid masonry six (6) ft.

Street-facing setback
FIGURE 5.25: RESIDENTIAL BUFFERING
STREET

RIGHT-OF-WAY

COMMERCIAL ZONE
R-1 ZONE
A
B
A
B
ITEM 9.1 - Attachment A

5.1.6 DROUGHT TOLERANT & NATIVE PLANT SPECIES
A minimum of fifty percent (50%) of non-turf landscaped areas shall be planted with materials identified as appropriate by the Water Use Classification of Landscape Species (WUCOLS) for Region 3 (South Coastal). Refer to latest WUCOLS recommendations from California Center for Urban Horticulture WUCOLS website <https://ccuh.ucdavis.edu/wucols>.

5.1.7 PROTECTION FROM ENCROACHMENT

1. Landscaping shall be protected from vehicular and pedestrian encroachment by raised planting surfaces, providing appropriately planned walkways, the use of curbs, and installing hedges to direct the flow of pedestrian traffic.

2. At parking stalls, one (1) wheel stop per stall must be provided if a raised planter curb is not present to prevent vehicles from damaging adjacent tree trunks or landscaping.

5.1.8 INTERFERENCE WITH UTILITIES

1. All service areas, storage areas and utility and equipment locations shall be coordinated between landscape architect and civil engineer.

2. Plant materials shall be placed so that they do not interfere with the lighting of the premises or restrict access to emergency apparatus such as fire hydrants or fire alarm boxes.

3. Trees or large shrubs shall not be planted under overhead lines or over underground utilities if their growth might interfere with such public utilities.

4. Plant material setbacks from utilities shall conform to utility company requirements.

5.1.9 SAFETY

1. All trees should be cut so that no branches or leaves hang lower than ten (10) ft. from the finish surface/ground plane.

5.2 HARDSCAPE

5.2.1 LOCATION

1. Primary entries to buildings shall provide decorative paving that contrasts in color and texture with the adjacent walkway paving to accentuate the entrances.

2. Asphalt and standard concrete shall be used only in areas of high traffic volume and service areas unseen by the average commercial tenant or visitor.

5.2.2 APPEARANCE & MATERIALS

1. Hardscape materials shall be constructed of firm and slip-resistant materials, see Table 5.2.

2. No stained or stamped concrete shall be used in any area as non-integral colored concrete quickly fades and stamped patterns become unsightly and unrecognizable over time.

3. Integral color concrete shall be non-fading pigment thoroughly mixed into the full concrete depth; no top-layer surfacing color mixture is allowed.

ORDER OF PREFERRED PAVING

OPTIONS

VEHICULAR PEDESTRIAN

1. CONCRETE
PAVERS1

1. CLAY OR CONCRETE
PAVERS1

2. INTEGRAL

COLORED
CONCRETE2

2. CONCRETE WITH

AGGREGATE

3. ASPHALT 3. INTEGRAL COLORED
CONCRETE2

4. STANDARD CONCRETE
(NATURAL GRAY) 1
Pavers shall be installed over a concrete slab to ensure a stable, durable, and level surface.
2 Using Scofield, Davis Color or City Approved Equivalent.

TABLE 5.1: ORDER OF PREFERRED PAVING OPTIONS

LANDSCAPE
94 CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT 95 ITEM 9.1 - Attachment A

5.3 WALLS & FENCING

5.3.1 APPEARANCE AND INTEGRATION
Walls and fences shall be designed to be consistent with adjacent structures and the surrounding terrain, and shall incorporate landscaping and vegetation to soften their appearance, while complying with Laguna Woods Municipal Code Section 13.16.230.

5.3.1.1 MATERIALS & COLOR

1. Walls and fencing shall consist of solid masonry material, incorporating building colors.

2. Acceptable finish treatments include colored stucco, wood stain, natural or polished stone, slump stone, split-faced concrete block, prefabricated finish texture, or a combination thereof.

3. Open metal fencing may be used in lieu of solid masonry walls where necessary to maintain visibility at driveways, vehicle turning areas, pedestrian paths, public walkways, and similar locations. Such fencing shall provide a minimum of fifty percent (50%) transparency and shall be consistent with the architectural style.

5.3.1.2 VISUAL INTERESTS

1. Walls shall provide a minimum three (3) ft. wide landscaped area to screen and soften the wall base, except where interrupted by required pedestrian access, vehicular access, utilities, or fire access.

Planting within the landscaped area shall achieve a minimum height of three (3) ft. at maturity. For walls greater than six (6) ft. in height, planting within the landscaped area shall achieve a minimum height of four (4) ft. at maturity.

2. Evergreen trees shall be used to soften the appearance of blank walls and provide visual screening; a minimum of one (1) tree shall be provided for each blank wall segment up to fifteen (15) ft. in length, and two (2) trees shall be provided for segments up to the maximum permitted length of twenty five (25) ft.

5.3.2 WALL CAPS
Wall caps shall be incorporated as a horizontal design element at the top of walls and shall not exceed four (4) in. in vertical thickness. Decorative capstones on stucco walls shall be implemented to prevent water damage from rainfall and moisture.

5.4 LANDSCAPE LIGHTING
This section supplements the site lighting standards set forth in Section 2.6.

5.4.1 TYPES OF LIGHTING
Landscape architects and electrical engineers shall implement a variety of lighting types shown in the table below to illuminate the project’s landscape appropriately.

LANDSCAPE LIGHTING: TYPES

DEFINITION

SPOTLIGHT
Known as uplights, downlights,
directional lights or bullets most
commonly used to illuminate trees
in the landscape.

PATH &
AREA
Path lights illuminate paths and
walkways. Area lights increase
visibility to the area around the
fixture and can be used to light
landscape beds.

FLOOD
LIGHTS
Flood lights add security and light
up property at night. Flood lights
commonly have a much higher
wattage and wider angle than
spotlights.

WALL
WASH
LIGHTS
This type of flood light is used to
provide even illumination across a
wide surface.

WELL
LIGHTS
Well and in-grade lights are installed
below ground (grade) level. The
fixture may sit in a turf area or
hardscape where foot or vehicular
traffic will pass over.

DECK
LIGHTS
Deck lights are designed to attach
to fence posts and can be mounted
on the sides of nearby structures
and stairs.

STEP
LIGHTS
Step lights illuminate treads and or
risers of stairs.

HARDSCAPE
LIGHTS
Hardscape lights attach to the
underside of capstones and overhangs
most commonly floodlight surfaces
such as patios, walkways, driveways,
stairs, walls and outdoor kitchens
or fireplaces.

TABLE 5.2: LANDSCAPE LIGHTING TYPE DEFINITION

LANDSCAPE
96 CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT 97 ITEM 9.1 - Attachment A

5.4.2 LOCATION

1. Accent lighting shall be used to illuminate walkways, parking areas, entries, seating areas, and/or specimen plants and trees.

2. Spotlighting or glare from any site lighting shall be shielded from adjacent properties and directed at a specific on-site object or target area.

3. Landscape lighting fixtures shall be incorporated in water features.

4. Path lights, if used, shall be placed min. twelve (12) to eighteen (18) in. away from edge of paving and be incorporated with landscape rock/boulders or similar objects for protection.

5.4.3 LIGHT COLOR
The color of landscape lighting is essential as it provides appropriate warmth to outdoor spaces, enhancing the atmosphere and overall aesthetic of the project. Thoughtful selection of light color creates a welcoming environment that complements the natural landscape and architectural features.

The standard of light color is as follows:

5.4.4 CONCEALMENTS
Light sources for wall washing and tree lighting shall be hidden.

5.4.5 FIXTURE DESIGN
Lighting fixtures shall complement and be compatible with the overall landscape material palette and design theme, as well as the building’s design and architectural style.

5.5 SITE FURNISHINGS

5.5.1 LOCATION

1. Site furnishings within open spaces shall be arranged in coordinated groupings that support the intended use of the space, provide seating in shaded areas, and integrate with features such as plazas or water elements, while minimizing visual clutter within the landscape.

2. The use of benches in the public right-of-way shall be limited; groupings of individual chairs for seating options are preferred.

5.5.2 APPEARANCE & MATERIALS

1. Simple designs, instead of ornate decorations, shall be specified for their timeless appeal and ability to be incorporated within the Laguna Woods architectural style.

2. When wood is used as a furnishing material, the wood products must comply with the Forest Stewardship Council’s (FSC’s) approved list of products and manufacturers, which regulates environmentally responsible forest management.

5.5.3 PLAN SUBMISSION
Applicant shall submit product cut sheets of each typical piece of furniture for City approval.

5.5.4 POTS
For sites where a landscaping area cannot be provided due to required pedestrian clearances, ADA access, fire access, utility access, drainage, visibility, structural slab conditions, or operational access needs, decorative pottery or planters may be used as an alternative landscape treatment, subject to the following:

1. Pottery shall be used to direct flow of pedestrian traffic or provide an elevation and height design aesthetic in relationship to the adjacent architecture.

2. Selection of plant material placed in pottery shall be appropriate for growing and irrigation conditions of the pot(s).

3. Pottery design, massing, materiality and color shall be complementary to the Laguna Woods architectural style.

LIGHT COLOR
MIN. MAX.

COLOR

TEMPERATURE
(KELVIN)
3000 2700
TABLE 5.3: LIGHT COLOR TEMPERATURE STANDARD

LANDSCAPE
98 CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - DRAFT 99 ITEM 9.1 - Attachment A

9.2 AREA 5 FLOOD CONTROL BASIN
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ITEM 9.2
CC  08-12-2026 Item 9.2 – Page 1 of 4
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Christopher Macon, City Manager
FOR: August 12, 2026 City Council Meeting
SUBJECT: Area 5 Flood Control Basin
Recommendation

Background
Property Background
The Area 5 Flood Control Basin – so called by the City – is located on approximately 3.4 acres of land owned by the Golden Rain Foundation of Laguna Hills (Orange County Assessor’s Parcel Numbers 621-131-35 and 621-131-36) (Attachment A). The property is located south of El Toro Road, north of the Laguna Woods Village Maintenance Center, east of the former Rite Aid building, and west of the Laguna Woods Village Equestrian Center.

The Area 5 Flood Control Basin was constructed in the 1990s as part of the previous property owner’s (Rossmoor Partners, L.P.) cooperation with Home Depot U.S.A., Inc. to construct the Home Depot Center. Two agreements for drainage encumbrance are recorded against the property, both of which require the current property owner (the Golden Rain Foundation of ITEM 9.2
Item 9.2 – Page 2 of 4 CC  08-12-2026
Laguna Hills acquired the property from Rossmoor Partners, L.P. in 1996) “to accept the unnatural concentration (and diversion) of surface waters from the [Home Depot Center] [...] and […] guarantee and maintain free flow of said surface waters to a satisfactory point of disposal.” In the agreements for drainage encumbrance, the term “surface waters” refers to stormwater runoff (i.e., drainage that results from rain and other precipitation events).

Hydrological analysis commissioned by the City and prepared by Geosyntec Consultants in 2025 identified thatthe Area 5 Flood Control Basin currently receives stormwater runoff from an approximately 66-acre tributary area generally comprised of the Home Depot Center, Ivy Park at Laguna Woods, Whispering Fountains Apartments, and portions of Laguna Woods Village Gate 14, the Aliso Viejo Country Club, and El Toro Road.

A large cement box culvert is located in the northwestern corner of the Area 5 Flood Control Basin, which directs drainage flow to two outlet structures located near the eastern portion of the property. The outlet structures connect to underground storm drain pipes that converge and then extend generally northeast from the property, traveling under the parking lots for the Laguna Woods Village Equestrian Center and Starbucks, before connecting to an underground storm drain pipe under Moulton Parkway. A dirt access road extends through the approximate middle of the property from a gate at the eastern edge.

Regulatory Background
The City is required to comply with the Statewide Trash Provisions1, which seek to reduce the presence of trash carried through gutters and storm drains into streams, creeks, the ocean, and other water bodies. The compliance deadline is December 2, 2030.

Approaches to complying with the Statewide Trash Provisions will vary by jurisdiction, as the actions taken must be responsive to local trash generation rates. It is staff’s understanding that some jurisdictions are exploring transferring compliance obligations to private property owners and/or levying fees or other charges to fund the cost of compliance.

Discussion
Today’s meeting is an opportunity for City Council action, as well as public input, on a proposed memorandum of understanding with the Golden Rain Foundation of Laguna Woods (Attachment B) that would allow the City to operate, maintain, and construct certain improvements at the Area 5 Flood Control Basin, which could potentially include Statewide 1 The Statewide Trash Provisions were adopted by the State Water Resources Control Board on April 7, 2015 and approved by the California Office of Administrative Law, pursuant to California Government Code Section 11353, on December 2, 2015. The Statewide Trash Provisions were approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, consistent with the requirements of Clean Water Act Section 303(c) and 40 Code of Federal Regulations Part 131, on January 12, 2016. For more information, please visit https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/trash_control.

ITEM 9.2
CC  08-12-2026 Item 9.2 – Page 3 of 4
Trash Provisions-related capital improvements, although no specific capital improvements are proposed or would be approved as part of the recommended actions.

The proposed memorandum of understanding is related to the City’s ongoing efforts to develop a Statewide Trash Provisions compliance approach that:

1. Does not require private property owners to construct, operate, or maintain their own capital improvements, or pay new fees or charges for the City to do so; and

2. Leverages existing storm drain infrastructure for compliance, thereby avoiding or reducing the need for disruptive activities such as the excavation of portions of El Toro Road or Moulton Parkway to construct underground treatment devices.

Approval of the proposed memorandum of understanding would assist staff in finalizing a Statewide Trash Provisions compliance approach and developing potential, future capital improvement projects for City Council consideration.

The proposed memorandum of understanding is envisioned to be long-term, initially running through June 30, 2060 (approximately 33 years), with the potential for mutually agreed upon extensions thereafter. During the term of the proposed memorandum of understanding, the Golden Rain Foundation would remain the owner of the Area 5 Flood Control Basin and the City would be responsible for operation and maintenance thereof. The City’s obligations would include, but not be limited to, landscaping, irrigation, and ensuring compliance with both agreements for drainage encumbrance. Landscaping and irrigation responsibilities would include the vegetated fence that runs parallel to the eastbound El Toro Road sidewalk.

As part of due diligence, prior to drafting the proposed memorandum of understanding, staff commissioned a biological resources assessment and jurisdictional delineation report of the Area 5 Flood Control Basin, both which were prepared by biologists with LSA. LSA’s analysis identified several items to be mindful of when considering changes to the property’s uses or physical condition (e.g., the potential presence of nesting birds, raptors (predatory birds), burrowing owls, and maternity colonies of roosting bats, as well as regulatory jurisdiction by the Regional Water Quality Control Board and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife). The items identified by LSA would be carefully considered during the environmental review of any potential, future capital improvements projects or actions that would result in physical change to the environment.

The Golden Rain Foundation Board of Directors has approved the proposed memorandum of understanding.

Fiscal Impact
The costs of operating and maintaining the Area 5 Flood Control Basin are estimated at less than $20,000 per fiscal year. There are sufficient funds in the existing General Fund budget to accommodate costs for the remainder of the current fiscal year.

ITEM 9.2
Item 9.2 – Page 4 of 4 CC  08-12-2026
Costs associated with potential future capital improvement projects would be considered at the time such projects are proposed.

Environmental Review
The City Council is asked to find that the proposed memorandum of understanding is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (Pub. Resources Code, Sec. 21000 et seq.) (“CEQA”) pursuant to sections 15060(c)(2) (the activities will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment) and 15060(c)(3) (the activities are not a project as defined in section 15378) of the California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 6, Chapter 3 (“State CEQA Guidelines”). Section 15378(b)(2) of the State CEQA Guidelines excludes “[c]ontinuing administrative. . . activities, such as . . . general policy and procedure making” and Section 15378(b)(5) of the State CEQA Guidelines excludes “[o]rganizational or administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment” from its definition of “project.” The City Council is also asked to find that, even if the proposed memorandum of understanding were subject to CEQA, it would be exempt based on Section 15061(b)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment.

The environmental review of any potential, future capital improvement projects or actions that would result in physical change to the environment would occur prior to approval of the same. At this time, no such projects or actions are proposed for approval and, as a result, environmental review would be speculative.

Report Prepared With: Nadia Cook, Planning & Environmental Services Director Attachments: A – Vicinity Map
B – Proposed Memorandum of Understanding
Vicinity Map for Area 5 Flood Control Basin 0 100 200
Feet
Source: Nearmap, City of Laguna Woods
El Toro Rd
Moulton Pkwy
Via Campo Verde
Town
Centre
Legend
Laguna Woods Boundary
APN 621-131-35 / 621-131-36
Parcels
ITEM 9.2 - Attachment A
This page is intentionally blank.

ITEM 9.2 – Attachment B
MOU – City of Laguna Woods/GRF – Area 5 Flood Control Basin | 1 of 6

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

TO ALLOW THE CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS TO OPERATE, MAINTAIN, AND CONSTRUCT CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS AT THE AREA 5 FLOOD CONTROL BASIN (“MOU”)

1. PURPOSE. The purpose of this MOU is to allow the City of Laguna Woods, a California municipal corporation (“CITY”) to use the property located at Orange County Assessor’s Parcel Number 621-131-36 (“PROPERTY”), which is owned by THE GOLDEN RAIN FOUNDATION OF LAGUNA HILLS (which is now known as THE GOLDEN RAIN FOUNDATION OF LAGUNA WOODS), a California mutual benefit non-profit corporation as TRUSTEE under a Declaration of Trust dated March 6, 1964 (“GRF”), to treat stormwater runoff. PROPERTY may be referred to as the “Area 5 Flood Control Basin.” CITY’s contemplated use of PROPERTY, as described in this MOU, is expected to be a key part of effectuating citywide compliance with the California State Water Resources Control Board’s Trash Amendments, which were adopted on April 7, 2015 and the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Diego Region’s Order No. R9-2017-0077, which was issued on June 2, 2017 (hereafter, both regulatory directives are referred to, collectively, as “STATEWIDE TRASH PROVISIONS”). By pursuing citywide compliance with STATEWIDE TRASH PROVISIONS through CITY-constructed and CITYoperated capital improvements, CITY is seeking to (1) achieve compliance prior to the December 2, 2030 deadline and (2) ensure that an active management framework exists to operate and maintain capital improvements beyond the December 2, 2030 deadline. By entering into this public-private partnership and leveraging existing flood control infrastructure (the PROPERTY), CITY is also seeking to reduce or eliminate the need for (1) more costly and disruptive capital improvements that might require activities such as the excavation of public streets and (2) the levying of potential future fees or charges on private property owners, in connection with the construction or operation of capital improvements intended to achieve compliance with STATEWIDE TRASH PROVISIONS.

2. TERM. The term of this MOU shall begin on the date executed by the last party to sign this MOU (“EFFECTIVE DATE”) and continue through 11:59 p.m. on June 30, 2060. Such term may be extended upon written agreement of both parties to this MOU. CITY may terminate this MOU at any time, with 365 calendar days’ written notice. GRF may terminate this MOU, with 365 calendar days’ written notice, if CITY fails to perform or observe any material covenant, condition, or agreement to be performed by CITY under this MOU and CITY has not commenced remedial action to cure such condition of default within 30 calendar days after written notice from GRF to CITY specifying the type and nature of each material breach.

3. CITY’S USE OF PROPERTY. Beginning on EFFECTIVE DATE, GRF authorizes CITY to peaceably and quietly occupy PROPERTY to do any or all of the following:
• CITY may remove or alter any landscaping or facilities existing on PROPERTY. • CITY may clear, grub, or grade property as it determines is necessary or advantageous for stormwater treatment, drainage, flood control, or other purposes consistent with this MOU. • CITY may construct, remove, or alter capital improvements or accessory or appurtenant facilities related to stormwater treatment, drainage, flood control, or other purposes consistent with this MOU, as well as wayfinding, security, and protection of the same. This ITEM 9.2 – Attachment B
MOU – City of Laguna Woods/GRF – Area 5 Flood Control Basin | 2 of 6 includes, but is not limited to, stormwater treatment control devices (e.g., filters and screens), storm drain infrastructure (e.g., catch basins, culverts, ditches, and pipes), and flow and water quality monitoring devices. Accessory and appurtenant facilities include, but are not limited to, access control devices, alarms, fences, gates, lights, parking, signage, storage, surveillance cameras, walls, and waste receptacles. Surveillance cameras installed by CITY may be integrated with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s Connect Orange County program, or successor program that provides the Orange County Sheriff’s Department with access to surveillance camera footage. Surveillance cameras shall not function as, or be part of, an “automated license plate recognition system,” as that term is defined in California Civil Code Section 1798.90.5(d), or successor state statute. • CITY may reconstruct, remove, or alter the dirt access road that provides access from the adjacent private road owned by GRF into and across PROPERTY. This includes, but is not limited to, connecting such access road to the private road owned by GRF through curb cuts, paving, and other such capital improvements, subject to approval of the same by GRF. • CITY may abate, remove, or discourage animals, pests, and related denning and nesting from PROPERTY, except when prohibited by applicable laws or regulations. • CITY may authorize the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District to enter PROPERTY for purposes including, but not limited to, inspection, monitoring, and control and reduction of mosquitos, red imported fire ants, rats, and flies. • CITY may authorize the State of California, County of Orange, El Toro Water District, Orange County Fire Authority, or other parties to enter PROPERTY for purposes including, but not limited to, inspection and monitoring.
• CITY may provide guided tours, wildlife observation, or other educational programming related to its use of PROPERTY and, in doing so, may authorize participants of the same to enter PROPERTY. Unless separately authorized by GRF, in writing, participants in CITY’s educational programming shall not be allowed to park vehicles on GRF-owned property outside of PROPERTY (e.g., the adjacent private road or the equestrian center).

CITY shall operate and maintain its use of PROPERTY at no cost to GRF.

CITY’s use of PROPERTY may include the provision of services by contractors.

CITY is prohibited from using PROPERTY purposes inconsistent with this MOU, including, but not limited to, the development of housing.

CITY’s use of PROPERTY shall occur in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

4. CITY’S OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF PROPERTY. As consideration for GRF’s agreement for CITY to use PROPERTY, as described in the preceding section, CITY agrees to operate and maintain PROPERTY at no cost to GRF. This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring compliance with the two agreements for drainage encumbrance to which PROPERTY is currently subject, assuming all responsibility for landscaping (including, but not limited to, irrigation, pruning, and tree trimming), and ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations pertaining to PROPERTY (including, but not limited to, laws and regulations promulgated or enforced by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California State Water Resources Control Board, and California Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Diego Region). This ITEM 9.2 – Attachment B
MOU – City of Laguna Woods/GRF – Area 5 Flood Control Basin | 3 of 6 section shall not be interpreted as requiring CITY to pay property taxes for PROPERTY, which shall remain the responsibility of GRF.

Within 180 calendar days of EFFECTIVE DATE, CITY shall cause an irrigation submeter to be installed at PROPERTY to isolate and charge separately irrigation water provided to PROPERTY by the El Toro Water District. CITY shall coordinate the location of such submeter with Village Management Services, Inc. on behalf of GRF. All charges associated with the purchase and installation of such submeter shall be paid by CITY. Until such submeter is installed, GRF shall remain responsible for irrigation water charges for PROPERTY.

5. REASONABLE COOPERATION BY GRF. GRF agrees to reasonably cooperate with CITY as may be necessary for CITY to perform its obligations hereunder, including, but not limited to, reasonably cooperating with CITY in obtaining any approvals and permits required by law or regulation for construction, operation, or maintenance of or on PROPERTY. CITY shall be solely responsible for fees and charges associated with approvals or permits sought under this section. As part of its reasonable cooperation, GRF agrees to (1) discontinue and disallow any use other than CITY’s use of PROPERTY and such uses as may be required by easements and deed restrictions existing as of the EFFECTIVE DATE, (2) not require CITY to obtain permits or approvals from it nor pay fees or charges of any kind to it for CITY’s performance of its obligations under this MOU unless such work occurs on GRF-owned property outside of PROPERTY (e.g., the adjacent private road), in which case GRF may require permits or approvals but not fees or charges associated therewith, (3) not require CITY or its employees, contractors, assignees, or representatives to obtain permits or approvals in connection with entering PROPERTY, (4) not enter into additional agreements for drainage encumbrance or similar instruments that do or could be reasonably anticipated to increase or alter the flow of water onto PROPERTY, and (5) not construct or alter its existing storm drain infrastructure on adjacent or surrounding properties in a manner that does or could be reasonably anticipated to increase or alter the flow of water onto PROPERTY.

6. ACCESS TO PROPERTY. GRF grants to CITY a right of entry to enter onto GRF’s private property as may be necessary or beneficial for CITY to perform its obligations hereunder. In connection with such right of entry, GRF shall be responsible for providing consistent, safe, and unobstructed access to PROPERTY for CITY, and for maintaining the hardscape and all other improvements belonging to or maintained by GRF which surround or affect such PROPERTY in such a manner as not to obstruct or interfere with the access of CITY to PROPERTY. Such right of entry, and CITY’s ability to freely exercise same, are and shall be a continuing condition of CITY’s performance of its obligations hereunder. CITY and GRF agree and mutually acknowledge that in exercising such right of entry, CITY, and all of its employees, contractors, assignees, or representatives are entering onto GRF’s private property, and CITY specifically reserves any and all privileges and immunities it has under law in connection therewith, including but not limited to those provided by California Government Code Section 821.8. The parties likewise agree and acknowledge that the grant of this right of entry does not thereby convert GRF’s private roadways into property that is in any way owned or controlled by CITY, nor in anyway provide or suggest acceptance of such roadways into CITY’s public roadway system.

7. OWNERSHIP. No part of this MOU shall be interpreted as conveying any portion of the title to PROPERTY to CITY. No part of this MOU shall be interpreted as conveying a possessory ITEM 9.2 – Attachment B
MOU – City of Laguna Woods/GRF – Area 5 Flood Control Basin | 4 of 6 interest in any portion of PROPERTY to CITY.

8. NOTICES. All notices required or permitted to be given under this MOU shall be in writing and shall be personally delivered, or sent by telecopy or certified mail, postage prepaid and return receipt requested, addressed as follows:

To CITY: City of Laguna Woods
Attn: City Manager
24264 El Toro Road
Laguna Woods, CA 92637
To GRF: Golden Rain Foundation of Laguna Woods
ATTN: President
24351 El Toro Road
Laguna Woods, CA 92637
Notice shall be deemed effective on the date personally delivered or transmitted by facsimile or, if mailed, three (3) days after deposit of the same in the custody of the United States Postal Service.

9. INSURANCE. CITY shall obtain and keep in force during the term of this MOU a program of self-insurance or commercial general liability insurance to cover CITY’s liability arising from CITY’s performance of its obligations hereunder with limits no less than one million dollars ($1,000,000.00) and a policy or policies of workers’ compensation insurance with limits no less than one million dollars ($1,000,000.00) per accident for bodily injury or disease. The commercial general liability policy shall be written on Insurance Services Office Form CG 00 01 covering commercial general liability on an “occurrence” basis.

CITY shall include in the policies required hereunder an Additional Insured endorsement and Primary Non-contributory endorsement naming the Golden Rain Foundation of Laguna Woods its directors, officers, employees, and agents as an additional insured.

CITY shall provide proof of its required insurance coverage to GRF.

10. INDEMNIFICATION. CITY agrees to the fullest extent permitted by law, to indemnify and hold GRF, GRF’s directors, officers, employees, and agents harmless from and against damages, liability, and costs (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs of defense) as a result of CITY’s performance of its obligations hereunder.

11. ASSIGNMENT. This MOU shall not be assigned. Any purported assignment of this MOU shall be void and of no effect. In the event ownership of PROPERTY changes and GRF is no longer the property owner of record, this MOU shall automatically terminate.

12. NO THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARIES. This MOU, its provisions, and its covenants, are for the sole and exclusive benefit of CITY and GRF. Unless otherwise stated herein, no other parties or entities are intended to be, nor shall be considered, beneficiaries of the performance by either CITY or GRF of any of the obligations under this MOU.

ITEM 9.2 – Attachment B
MOU – City of Laguna Woods/GRF – Area 5 Flood Control Basin | 5 of 6

13. BINDING EFFECT. This MOU shall be binding upon the heirs, successors, executors, administrators, assigns, and personal representatives of CITY and GRF.

14. AUTHORITY TO EXECUTE. The person or persons executing this MOU on behalf of CITY and GRF has reviewed the terms and conditions of this MOU and has had the opportunity to consult with legal counsel regarding them as CITY and GRF has deemed appropriate.

The person or persons executing this MOU on behalf of CITY and GRF represents and warrants that he/she/they has/have the authority to so execute this MOU and to bind CITY or GRF to the performance of its obligations hereunder.

15. LEGAL COUNSEL. Each party represents and agrees that it has been represented by, or had the opportunity to be represented by, independent legal counsel of its own choosing, and that it has had the full right and opportunity to consult with its respective legal counsel prior to executing this MOU.

16. COUNTERPARTS AND ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES. This MOU may be executed in counterparts, each of which, when both parties hereto have signed this MOU, shall be deemed an original. The counterparts of this MOU may be executed and delivered by electronic means by either of the parties to the other party and the receiving party may rely on the receipt of such document so executed and delivered by electronic means as if the original had been received.

17. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This MOU is the entire, complete, final, and exclusive expression of the parties with respect to the matters addressed therein and supersedes all other agreements or understandings, whether oral or written, or entered into between CITY and GRF prior to the execution of this MOU. No statements, representations, or other agreements, whether oral or written, made by any party which is not embodied herein shall be valid and binding. No amendment to this MOU shall be valid and binding unless in writing duly executed by CITY and GRF or their authorized representatives.

18. SEVERABILITY. If any term, condition, or covenant of this MOU is declared or determined by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions of this MOU shall not be affected thereby and the MOU shall be read and construed without the invalid, void, or unenforceable provision(s). [SIGNATURES ON NEXT PAGE]
ITEM 9.2 – Attachment B
MOU – City of Laguna Woods/GRF – Area 5 Flood Control Basin | 6 of 6 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this MOU to be executed as of the latter day and year dated below.

CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS:

Annie McCary, Mayor Date
THE ABOVE SIGNATURE SHALL BE NOTARIZED.

ATTACH ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM.

Approved by the City Council on: _______________, 2026
Approved as to Form:

Alisha Patterson, City Attorney
GOLDEN RAIN FOUNDATION OF LAGUNA WOODS, holding title to PROPERTY in its former name:

THE GOLDEN RAIN FOUNDATION OF LAGUNA HILLS, a California mutual benefit nonprofit corporation as TRUSTEE under a Declaration of Trust dated March 6, 1964

Cush Bhada, President Date

Carmen Pacella, Secretary Date
THE ABOVE SIGNATURES SHALL BE NOTARIZED.

ATTACH ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM.

Approved by the Board of Directors on: _______________, 2026

9.3 “A PLACE FOR PAWS” DOG PARK
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ITEM 9.3
CC  08-12-2026 Item 9.3 – Page 1 of 3
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Christopher Macon, City Manager
FOR: August 12, 2026 City Council Meeting
SUBJECT: “A Place for Paws” Dog Park
Recommendation

2. Adopt a resolution titled:

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING AND ADOPTING THE FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 COMMENCING JULY 1, 2026 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2027, INCREASING GENERAL FUND AND CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE “A PLACE FOR PAWS” DOG PARK EXPANSION PROJECT
Background
“A Place for Paws” Dog Park opened in its current location at 23190 Ridge Route Drive, Laguna Woods, CA 92637 on July 27, 2019. The park provides an outdoor space for off-leash dog exercise and socialization. Park amenities include approximately 6,400 square feet of dog-friendly artificial turf, a dog water station, and seating.

The park property is owned by the Golden Rain Foundation of Laguna Woods (“GRF”) and lies within easement and vehicular access rights areas immediately adjacent to Ridge Route Drive. The City and GRF entered into a memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) on October 26, 2017 that provides for the City’s operation and maintenance of a dog park on the property ITEM 9.3
Item 9.3 – Page 2 of 3 CC  08-12-2026
through June 30, 2027, or as may be extended by mutual agreement.

The City considered constructing a separate small dog area as part of a second phase of the original dog park construction project. An entry/exit gate was installed on the western side of the existing dog park in anticipation of such an expansion. Ultimately, a separate small dog area was not constructed due to a variety of factors, including the COVID-19 national emergency which began less than eight months after the park’s opening.

Interest in a separate small dog area has reemerged more recently due to aggressive coyote behavior throughout Laguna Woods. Interested persons believe that a separate small dog area would provide small dogs with a controlled, safe space to recreate.

Discussion
Today’s meeting is an opportunity for City Council action, as well as public input, on a potential new capital improvement project that would expand the “A Place for Paws” Dog Park to include a separate small dog area and four on-street parking spaces, as well as refurbish certain portions of the existing dog park (the “A Place for Paws” Dog Park Expansion Project). The recommended actions would allow staff to proceed with project design, after which the City Council would consider approving construction.

A conceptual plan for the “A Place for Paws” Dog Park Expansion Project is included as Attachment A. The expansion area would be located generally west of the existing park.

Notable amenities would include approximately 1,783 square feet of dog-friendly artificial turf (equivalent to approximately 30% of the existing park’s artificial turf area), bench and wall seating, dog waste bag stations, and a drinking fountain for both humans and dogs.

Several mature trees would be incorporated into the separate small dog area. Two new entry/exit vestibules would be constructed, which would result in the existing park and the separate small dog area each having two entrances and exits.

Within the existing dog park, staff suggests targeted refurbishments, such as replacement of the artificial turf to ensure that all artificial turf is of comparable quality.

Staff surveyed other dog parks in Orange County to assess the extent to which dog parks include separate small dog areas (Attachment B). Of the 31 dog parks surveyed, 26 offer a separate small dog area. Of those 26, all but two are exclusively available to small dogs. Two of the 26 also allow frail dogs to use the separate small dog area and one also allows elderly and timid dogs to use the separate small dog area.

Staff would develop small dog area rules for the City Council’s future consideration, but anticipates proposing a weight limit for the small dog area of 25 pounds, which is consistent with the weight limits used in Anaheim, Brea, La Habra, and Tustin.

Negotiations with GRF to extend the MOU that provides for the operation and maintenance ITEM 9.3
CC  08-12-2026 Item 9.3 – Page 3 of 3
of a dog park on the property would occur concurrently with project design. Any successor MOU would require City Council approval.

Fiscal Impact
The proposed resolution (Attachment C) would increase General Fund and Capital Projects Fund appropriations by $90,000.00 to fund the design of the “A Place for Paws” Dog Park Expansion Project. Sufficient funds are available in the unassigned General Fund balance, which currently totals approximately $4.4 million. Additional funds would be required for construction in an as-of-yet unknown amount that would be considered by the City Council after design and competitive bidding are complete.

Report Prepared With: April Baumgarten, Public Works Administrator Attachments: A – Conceptual Plan
B – Survey of Orange County Dog Parks for Small Dog Areas C– Proposed Resolution
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0 2.5’ 5’ 10’
8/4/2026

LAGUNA WOODS DOG PARK - PHASE II

CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS, CALIFORNIA

CONCEPTUAL PLAN
THIS DOCUMENT IS THE PROPERTY OF RJM DESIGN GROUP, INC., AND NO PART THEREOF SHALL BE USED, REUSED, OR MODIFIED WITHOUT THE WRITTEN CONSENT OF RJM DESIGN GROUP, INC. © 2026 RJM Design Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

NATURAL

LANDSCAPE AREA

CONCRETE CURB RAMPS

EXISTING LANDSCAPE AREA

DRINKING FOUNTAIN / BOTTLE FILLER /

DOG BOWL ON CONCRETE PAD

DOG WASTE BAG STATION

TRASH / RECYCLING

RECEPTACLES ON CONCRETE PAD
EXISTING TREE (TYP.) 6’ WALL
3’ WALL WITH FENCE

TO MATCH EXISTING
BENCH

SEAT WALL

DG WALKWAY

SYNTHETIC
TURF
(1,783 SF)

ASPHALT PARALLEL PARKING STALLS

PARALLEL ADA

PARKING STALLS
6’ WIDE CONCRETE GUTTER

MATCHLINE SEE ABOVE LEFT

MATCHLINE SEE BELOW RIGHT

EXISTING

DOG PARK
EXISTING TREE (TYP.)

NATURAL LANDSCAPE AREA
ITEM 9.3 - Attachment A
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ITEM 9.3 - Attachment B
# City / Jurisdiction Park Name Separate Small Dog Area? Separate Small Dog Area Officially Allows Others? 1 Aliso Viejo AVCA Dog Park Yes No
2 Anaheim La Palma Dog Park Yes No
3 Anaheim Olive Hills Dog Park Yes No
4 Anaheim Maxwell Dog Park Yes No
5 Brea Wildcatters Dog Park Yes No
6 Buena Park Bellis Dog Park / George Bellis Park Dog Park No N/A 7 Costa Mesa Bark Park Yes No
8 Dana Point Creekside Park Dog Park Yes No
9 Dana Point Crystal Cove / Ocean Knoll Dog Run No N/A
10 Dana Point Sea Terrace Park Dog Run No N/A
11 Dana Point Heritage Park Dog Fun Zone Yes No
12 Dana Point Sea Canyon Park No N/A
13 Fullerton Pooch Park Yes No
14 Garden Grove Garden Grove Dog Park Yes No
15 Huntington Beach Central Park Dog Park Yes No
16 Irvine Central Bark Yes Yes - Small dog area also allows frail dogs 17 Laguna Beach Laguna Beach Dog Park Yes No
18 Laguna Niguel Laguna Niguel Pooch Park Yes No
19 La Habra Vin Scully Centennial Park Dog Park Yes No
20 Lake Forest Barker Ranch Dog Park Yes No
21 Lake Forest Portola Dog Park Yes No
22 Mission Viejo La Paws Dog Park Yes No
23 Newport Beach Civic Center Dog Park Yes Yes - Small dog area also allows frail, elderly, and timid dogs 24 Orange Orange Dog Park Yes No
25 Rancho Santa Margarita RSM Dog Park Yes No
26 San Clemente Baron Von Willard Memorial Dog Park Yes No 27 San Juan Capistrano Dr. Joe Cortese Dog Park Yes No
28 Santa Ana Centennial Park Dog Park Yes No
29 Seal Beach Arbor Dog Park Yes No
30 Tustin Bark Barracks Dog Park Yes No
31 Yorba Linda Checkers Dog Park No N/A
Yes: 26 of 31 (84%) Yes: 2 of 26 (8%)
June 2026 No: 5 of 31 (16%) No: 24 of 26 (92%)

SURVEY OF ORANGE COUNTY DOG PARKS FOR SMALL DOG AREAS
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ITEM 9.3 – Attachment C
R 26-XX 1 08-12-2026

CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS
RESOLUTION NO. 26-XX

INCREASING GENERAL FUND AND CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE “A PLACE FOR PAWS” DOG PARK EXPANSION PROJECT
WHEREAS, the Fiscal Years 2025-27 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 fund-level Budget appropriations require City Council approval; and “A Place for Paws” Dog Park Expansion Project
WHEREAS, the City Council wishes to add the “A Place for Paws” Dog Park Expansion Project to the Fiscal Years 2025-36 Capital Improvement Program with funding for design in the amount of $90,000 and a scope of work substantially consisting of the construction of a separate small dog area and four on-street parking spaces generally west of the existing dog park at 23190 Ridge Route Drive, Laguna Woods, CA 92637, as well as targeted refurbishments within the existing dog park; and WHEREAS, the City Council wishes to increase Fiscal Year 2026-27 appropriations for the Capital Projects Fund for the “A Place for Paws” Dog Park Expansion Project in the amount of $90,000; and
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 “A Place for Paws” Dog Park Expansion Project budget would be $90,000 (Capital Projects Fund).

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS, CALIFORNIA DOES HEREBY RESOLVE, DECLARE, DETERMINE AND ORDER AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. Section 2 of Resolution No. 25-18, as previously amended by Resolution Nos. 25-28, 25-34, 25-39, 25-41, 25-44, 26-03, 26-10, 26-11, 26-22, 26-26, and 26-29, is hereby amended, in its entirety, to read as follows:

ITEM 9.3 – Attachment C
R 26-XX 2 08-12-2026
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 $1,644,482A,B,D,E
,G,H,I
$12,523,712
(includes
transfers to
Capital Projects
Fund of
$3,225,307 and
to the Senior
Mobility Fund of
$406,052)
Capital Projects Fund $1,860,000 $687,100 $1,519,074B,C,D, G,H,I $4,066,174
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
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 - $20,000F $20,300
Less: Transfer to Other
Funds ($2,266,052) - ($1,365,307)B,D,
G,H,I ($3,631,359)
TOTAL $13,005,935 $1,275,151 $1,818,249 $16,099,335
A Fund Budget Adjustment CC-25/26-01: City Manager Agreement, +$16,347 (R 25-28) B Fund Budget Adjustment CC-25/26-02: Woods End Project, +$330,607 (R 25-34) C Fund Budget Adjustment CC-25/26-03: Unspent Capital Projects Funds, +$153,767 (R 25-39) D Fund Budget Adjustment CC-25/26-04: Pavement Project FY 2025-26, +$8,700 (R 25-41) ITEM 9.3 – Attachment C
R 26-XX 3 08-12-2026
E Fund Budget Adjustment CC-25/26-05: CEPPT Contribution, +$262,828 (R 25-44) F Fund Budget Adjustment CC-25/26-06: Civic Support Fund, +$20,000 (R 26-10) G Fund Budget Adjustment CC-25/26-07: City Hall Project: Phase 5, +$1,000,000 (R 26-11) H Fund Budget Adjustment CC-25/26-08: Woods End Project, +$25,000 (R 26-11) I Fund Budget Adjustment CC-25/26-09: Pedestrian Project: Phase 10, +$1,000 (R 26-22) 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)
- $489,201A,B,C,D,G,
H,J
$10,100,667
(includes
transfers to
Capital Projects
Fund of
$640,000 and
to the Senior
Mobility Fund of
$406,052)
Capital Projects Fund $350,000 - $290,000C,D,J $640,000 Fuel Tax $439,580 - - $439,580
Road Maintenance &
Rehabilitation Program $529,206 - $196,003F $725,209E
Measure M2 (OC Go) $284,878 - - $284,878
Service Authority for
Abandoned Vehicles $0 - - $0
Supplemental Law
Enforcement Services $231,600 - - $231,600
Mobile Source
Reduction $10,500 - $60,000I $70,500
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) - ($290,000) ($1,046,052)
TOTAL $11,903,384 $0 $745,204 $12,648,588
A Fund Budget Adjustment CC-26/27-01: City Manager Agreement, +$19,674 (R 25-28) B Fund Budget Adjustment CC-26/27-02: City Council Salaries, +$6,000 (R 26-03) ITEM 9.3 – Attachment C
R 26-XX 4 08-12-2026
C Fund Budget Adjustment CC-26/27-03: Generator Project, +$50,000 (R 26-11) D Fund Budget Adjustment CC-26/27-04: City Hall Project: Phase 6, +$150,000 (R 26-11) E Non-Fund Budget Adjustment CC-26/27-A: Road Maintenance & Rehabilitation Program Fund appropriations allocated to the “Pavement Management Plan Project (Northbound Moulton Parkway between City Limits and Calle Cortez)” are formally reallocated to the “Pavement Management Plan Project (Westbound El Toro Road between Moulton Parkway and Home Depot/Town Centre, Northbound and Southbound Moulton Parkway between El Toro Road and Via Campo Verde)” in the amount of $393,997. This budget adjustment is identified hereon in the interest of transparency only and does not affect appropriations on a fund level. (R 26-11) F Fund Budget Adjustment CC-26/27-05: Pavement Project, +$196,003 (R 26-11) G Fund Budget Adjustment CC-26/27-06: IT and Cyber Security Account, +$136,855 (R 26-26) H Fund Budget Adjustment CC-26/27-07: Measure M2 MOE, +$36,672 (R 26-26) I Fund Budget Adjustment CC-26/27-08: Fleet Vehicles, +$60,000 (R 26-29) J Fund Budget Adjustment CC-26/27-09: Dog Park Expansion Project, +$90,000 (R 26-XX) The budget appropriations authorized by this section reflect the Fiscal Years 2025-27 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 this 12th day of August 2026. _____________________________________
ANNIE MCCARY, Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________________
YOLIE TRIPPY, CMC, City Clerk
ITEM 9.3 – Attachment C
R 26-XX 5 08-12-2026

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. 26-XX was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Laguna Woods at an adjourned regular meeting thereof, held on the 12th day of August 2026, by the following vote:

AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:

NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:

ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS:

ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
_______________________________________
YOLIE TRIPPY, CMC, City Clerk

Laguna Woods City CouncilAugust 12, 2026

Laguna Woods City Council
August 12, 2026