Agenda packet — Lake Forest City Council, January 6, 2026 (part 1 of 2)

AGENDA

LAKE FOREST CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting of the City Council
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Public Session 6:30 p.m.

City Council Chambers, 100 Civic Center Drive, Lake Forest, California NOTICE: Pursuant to Lake Forest Municipal Code Section 2.04.010, Regular Meetings of the City Council are held the First and Third Tuesday of each month at the hour of 5:30 p.m. for Closed Session matters, if required.

The Public Session of the meeting shall commence at 6:30 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible. Special Meeting times may be held at a different time and date as listed on the Agenda.

AGENDA DOCUMENT REVIEW: The Agenda and staff reports are available on the Internet at https://www.lakeforestca.gov/en/government/meeting-agendas-and-minutes/meeting-agendas and at the City Clerk’s Office, 100 Civic Center Drive, Lake Forest, California, on the Friday before the meeting on Tuesday.

AGENDA DESCRIPTION: The Agenda descriptions are intended to give notice to members of the public of a general summary of items of business to be transacted or discussed. The listed Recommended Action represents staff’s recommendation. The City Council may take any action which it deems to be appropriate on the agenda item and is not limited in any way by the recommended action.

AGENDA ON SOCIAL MEDIA: This meeting will be streamed through Facebook Live. Comments will not be taken via Facebook Live. The City provides the Facebook Live stream as an additional service to the public.

However, the City cannot guarantee that its network and/or the site will be uninterrupted. The City is not responsible for any interrupted service.

SPECIAL NOTICE REGARDING PUBLIC ACCESS TO THE MEETING AND PUBLIC COMMENT:

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: In addition to attending in person, members of the public may access the meeting live on our website at https://www.lakeforestca.gov/en/government/meeting-agendas-and-minutes/meeting-agendas.

PUBLIC COMMENT PRIOR TO THE MEETING: Members of the public may submit email comments to [email protected]. Email comments will be uploaded to the agenda packet and made part of the official public record of the meeting and will not be read at the meeting. To ensure staff reviews all comments prior to the City Council meeting, please submit email comments no later than 5:00 p.m. the day of the meeting.

PUBLIC COMMENT: Members of the public may provide comments in-person at the meeting. Public comments will no longer be accepted remotely. Those wishing to provide comments in-person at the meeting will be asked to submit a request to speak to the City Clerk. To ensure prompt distribution to the City Council, members of the public wishing to provide written materials to the City Council should do so prior to the start of the meeting or as close thereto as possible, as time will not be taken during the public comment period to distribute written materials to the City Council.

TRANSLATION SERVICE: Interpreters are available by request to members of the public that prefer to make their public comments in Spanish or Chinese. Requests for a translator need to be received by 8:00 a.m. the Monday before the scheduled City Council meeting. Such requests must be received via email at [email protected]
January 6, 2026 LAKE FOREST CITY COUNCIL AGENDA Page 1 Los intérpretes están disponibles previa solicitud para el público que prefiera hacer sus comentarios públicos en español o chino. Las solicitudes de traductor deben recibirse antes de las 8:00 a. m. del lunes anterior a la reunión programada del Concejo Municipal. Dichas solicitudes deben recibirse por correo electrónico a [email protected]
如果大眾願意用西班牙語或中文發表公開評論，我們可應要求提供口譯服務。需要在預定市議會會議之前的周一上
午 8:00 之前收到翻譯請求。此類請求必須透過電子郵件收到：[email protected] Rúguǒ dàzhòng yuànyì yòng xībānyá yǔ huò zhōngwén fābiǎo gōngkāi pínglùn, wǒmen kě yīng yā oqiú tígōng kǒuyì fúwù. Xūyào zài yùdìng shì yìhuì huìyì zhīqián de zhōuyī shàngwǔ 8:00 Zh īqián shōu dào fānyì qǐngqiú. Cǐ lèi qǐngqiú bìxū tòuguò diànzǐ yóujiàn shōu dào: translat [email protected]
CALL TO ORDER: 6:30 p.m.

Council Members: Mark Tettemer
Scott Voigts
Benjamin Yu
Mayor Pro Tem: Doug Cirbo
Mayor: Robert Pequeño
City Manager: Debra Rose
City Attorney: Matthew E. Richardson
City Clerk: Thy Merritt
PUBLIC SESSION: 6:30 p.m.

PUBLIC SESSION: At this time, the City Council will convene to consider public matters. Those wishing to address the City Council may submit a completed “Request to Speak” form to the City Clerk prior to City Council action.

INVOCATION: The Invocation will be provided by Vanessa Howard, South County Outreach.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of our Country to be led by Scout Troop #4321.

REPORT FROM STUDENT LIAISON: Report from Ethan Barro, Student Liaison from El Toro High School.

PRESENTATIONS (Item Nos. 1 – 2)
January 6, 2026 LAKE FOREST CITY COUNCIL AGENDA Page 2

1. INSTALLATION OF MAYOR FOR 2026
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Hold the ceremonial oath of office.

2. COMMENTS BY INCOMING MAYOR
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Extend the opportunity to Mayor Pequeño to present comments.

PUBLIC COMMENTS
Members of the public can submit an e-comment to [email protected] . E-comments will not be read at the meeting.

Members of the public may also provide comments in-person at the meeting. Those wishing to provide comments in-person at the meeting will be asked to submit a request to speak to the City Clerk.

CONSENT CALENDAR (Item Nos. 3 – 5)
All matters listed under the Consent Calendar are considered routine and will be enacted by one vote. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless Members of the City Council, the public, or staff request specific items be removed from the Consent Calendar for separate action.

3. MOTION TO WAIVE READING OF RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES RECOMMENDED ACTION: Said Ordinances and Resolutions which appear on the public agenda shall be determined to have been read by title and further reading waived.

4. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL HELD ON DECEMBER 16, 2025
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve as submitted.

5. REPLACEMENT OF EXTREME NETWORKS SWITCHING

INFRASTRUCTURE
RECOMMENDED ACTION: 1) Approve the Quotation with Abtech Technologies for the purchase of Cisco Meraki network switches. 2) January 6, 2026 LAKE FOREST CITY COUNCIL AGENDA Page 3 Authorize the City Manager to execute quote ABTQ19467-02 with Abtech Technologies in the amount of $173,994.45, substantially in the form attached.

PUBLIC HEARING(S) (Item No. 6)
Public Hearings are scheduled for a time certain of 6:30 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible. City Council, when considering the matter scheduled for hearing, will take the following actions: 1. Open the Public Hearing. 2. Receive staff report. 3. Accept public testimony. 4. City Council comments and questions. 5. Close the Public Hearing and take appropriate action.

6. ORDINANCE AMENDING LAKE FOREST MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION

9.146.050 RELATING TO ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS
RECOMMENDED ACTION: 1. Find that the adoption of the proposed ordinance is statutorily exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to Public Resources Code § 21080.17. 2. Introduce for first reading an ordinance entitled: “AN

ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAKE FOREST AMENDING § 9.146.050 OF THE LAKE FOREST MUNICIPAL CODE

RELATING TO ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR

ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS TO COMPLY WITH RECENT

CHANGES IN STATE LAW, AND FINDING THE ACTION TO BE

STATUTORILY EXEMPT FROM CEQA UNDER PUBLIC RESOURCES
CODE § 21080.17."
DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS (Item Nos. 7 – 8)
The following matters are for City Council consideration/discussion/action. Members of the public may have the opportunity to address these items if they wish to do so. Please complete the Request to Speak form and give to the City Clerk.

7. ANNUAL REVIEW OF CITY COUNCIL POLICIES
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Exercise discretion in re-affirming and/or revising City Council Policies.

January 6, 2026 LAKE FOREST CITY COUNCIL AGENDA Page 4

8. STRATEGIC PLAN QUARTERLY UPDATE
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive and file.

CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
At this time, the City Manager may comment on agenda and non-agenda items; and report on items of interest to the City Council and community.

CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS
At this time, City Council Members may comment on agenda or non-agenda matters. No discussion may take place on any item not appearing on the posted agenda. Council Members may ask a question for clarification, respond to statements made or questions posed by the public, make a brief announcement, or make a brief report on his or her own activities. In addition, the City Council may refer to staff or other resources for factual information, request staff to report back at a subsequent meeting or direct staff to place a matter of business on a future agenda. No action may be taken on non-agenda matters unless authorized by law (Government Code Section 54954.2).

Council Member Tettemer:

Council Member Voigts:

Council Member Yu:

Mayor Pro Tem Cirbo:

Mayor Pequeño:

January 6, 2026 LAKE FOREST CITY COUNCIL AGENDA Page 5

ADJOURNMENT
In compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this Meeting, including auxiliary aids or services, you should contact the Office of the City Clerk at (949) 461-3400.

Notification 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting. The City Council agenda and agenda back-up materials can be obtained from the Office of the City Clerk on the Friday prior to the City Council meeting. Copies of all Agendas, Staff Reports and Supporting Materials can also be found on the City’s website – https://www.lakeforestca.gov/129/Agendas.

Agenda and agenda packets, if requested, will be made available in an appropriate alternative format to persons with a disability as required by the Americans With Disabilities Act. Copies of the agenda are provided at no cost and agenda back-up materials are available at the per page copy cost.

The City of Lake Forest mailing address is City Council Chambers, 100 Civic Center Drive, Lake Forest, California.

Phone: (949) 461-3400. FAX (949) 461-3511
CERTIFICATION: I, Thy Merritt, City Clerk of the City of Lake Forest, California, hereby certify that the foregoing agenda was posted for public review at City Hall on December 31, 2025.

Thy Merritt
City Clerk
January 6, 2026 LAKE FOREST CITY COUNCIL AGENDA Page 6

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: 1/6/2026
DEPARTMENT: City Clerk
SUBJECT:

INSTALLATION OF MAYOR FOR 2026
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):

Hold the ceremonial oath of office.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

At the December 16, 2025, City Council meeting, the City Council held nominations for the position of Mayor to serve the City during the 2026 calendar year. The nominations for Mayor were subject to a ratification vote of the entire City Council. It was then declared that District 5 City Council Member Robert Pequeño serve as the Mayor (Attachment). It is now appropriate to proceed with a ceremonial Oath of Office for the Mayor for 2026.

FISCAL IMPACT:

There is no fiscal impact associated with the recommended action.

ATTACHMENTS:

Minute Excerpt from December 16, 2025, Meeting
Initiated By: Thy Merritt, City Clerk
Submitted By: Thy Merritt, City Clerk
Approved By: Debra Rose, City Manager
Item: 1
7 ATTACHMENT
Item: 1
8 DRAFT MINUTE EXCERPT

LAKE FOREST REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
December 16, 2025
______________________________________________________________________

12. SELECTION OF MAYOR AND MAYOR PRO TEM FOR THE 2026 CALENDAR YEAR

City Manager Rose introduced this item and invited Mayor Voigts to open the floor for nominations. Andrew O’Connor offered public comment and expressed concerns with Council Member Yu.

Mayor Voigts opened the floor for nominations for Mayor and nominated Mayor Pro Tem Pequeño to assume the role as Mayor in 2026. Council Member Tettemer seconded the nomination. There were no other nominations. Mayor Voigts closed the floor for nominations.

MOTION: It was moved by Mayor Voigts, seconded by Council Member Tettemer ,
to nominate Mayor Pro Tem Pequeño to assume the role as Mayor on January 1, 2026. The motion was carried by a vote of 5-0.

Mayor Voigts opened the floor for nominations for Mayor Pro Tem. Mayor Pro Tem Pequeño nominated Council Member Cirbo. Mayor Voigts seconded the nomination. There were no other nominations. Mayor Voigts closed the floor for nominations.

MOTION: It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Pequeño, seconded by Mayor Voigts, to nominate Council Member Cirbo to assume the role as Mayor Pro Tem on January 1, 2026. The motion was carried by a vote of 5-0.

Item: 1
9 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: 1/6/2026
DEPARTMENT: City Clerk
SUBJECT:

COMMENTS BY INCOMING MAYOR
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):

Extend the opportunity to Mayor Pequeño to present comments.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

The City's longstanding practice is to provide the new Mayor a comment period at the beginning of the first City Council meeting of their term of service as Mayor (outside of normal City Council comments) to remark on the upcoming year in office. Staff recommends extending the opportunity to Mayor Pequeño to present comments.

FISCAL IMPACT:

There is no fiscal impact associated with the recommended action.

ATTACHMENTS:

None.

Initiated By: Thy Merritt, City Clerk
Submitted By: Thy Merritt, City Clerk
Approved By: Debra Rose, City Manager
Item: 2
10 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: 1/6/2026
DEPARTMENT: City Clerk
SUBJECT:

MOTION TO WAIVE READING OF RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):

Said Ordinances and Resolutions which appear on the public agenda shall be determined to have been read by title and further reading waived.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

California Government Code 36934 allows titles of ordinances and resolutions to be waived.

FISCAL IMPACT:

There is minimal fiscal impact associated with the recommended action.

ATTACHMENTS:

None.

Submitted By: Thy Merritt, City Clerk
Approved By: Debra Rose, City Manager
14 Item: 3
11 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING

OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAKE FOREST

The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Lake Forest held Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at the Lake Forest City Council Chambers, 100 Civic Center Drive, Lake Forest, California, was called to order at 6:30 p.m. with all members present.

ROLL CALL:

Council Members:

Doug Cirbo
Mark Tettemer
Benjamin Yu
Mayor Pro Tem: Robert Pequeño
Mayor: Scott Voigts

City Manager: Debra Rose
City Attorney: Matthew E. Richardson
City Clerk: Thy Merritt

INVOCATION: The Invocation was provided by Chaplain John Siu, Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of our Country was led by Mayor Voigts.

PRESENTATIONS: (Item Nos. 1 – 2)
MOTION: It was moved by Council Member Tettemer, seconded by Council Member Yu, to approve Presentation Item Nos. 1 – 2. The motion was carried by a vote of 5-0.

1. SERVICE AWARDS
City Manager Rose introduced this item and invited Management Assistant Toyooka to provide a presentation. No public comment was offered.

ACTION: Employee Service Awards were presented to those present.

2. MAYOR'S AWARD
City Manager Rose introduced this item and invited Management Assistant Toyooka to provide a presentation. Andrew O’Connor offered public comment and praised Mayor’s Award recipient Peggy Samantha.

ACTION: The Mayor's Award was presented to the selected recipient.

Item: 4
12 December 16, 2025 LAKE FOREST CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Page 2 of 6 PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Andrew O’Connor expressed various concerns with program spending and Council Member Yu.

Bob Holtzclaw expressed concerns with Council Member Yu.

Tamara Menchoca expressed thanks on behalf of her mother to the Council and the Love Lake Forest participants for the repairs done on her mother’s fence.

Oliver Brown requested security at Pittsford Park and expansion of holiday decorations throughout the city.

CONSENT CALENDAR: (Item Nos. 3 – 10)
Andrew O’Connor offered public comment on Item No. 5 and expressed concerns with Council Member travel costs.

STATEMENT READ INTO THE RECORD:

Mayor Pro Tem Voigts: There are warrants on the register to the County of Orange. I am an employee of the County of Orange, but I do not work for the department that generated the warrants. Because the County of Orange is a public agency and because I do not work for the departments in question, I have determined that I have a non-interest in these warrants and will vote on this item.

MOTION: It was moved by Council Member Yu, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Pequeño, to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 3 – 10. The motion was carried by a vote of 5-0.

3. MOTION TO WAIVE READING OF RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES ACTION: Said Ordinances and Resolutions which appeared on the public agenda were determined to have been read by title and further reading was waived.

4. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL HELD ON DECEMBER 2, 2025
ACTION: The minutes were approved as submitted.

5. CERTIFICATION OF WARRANT REGISTER
ACTION: The warrant register in the amount of $6,039,243.41 was approved.

6. THIRD AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT WITH ONWARD ENGINERING FOR STREET AND TRAFFIC DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE 2021-2023 CAPITAL

IMRPOVEMENT PROGRAM
ACTION: 1. The Third Amendment to the Professional Consultant Services Item: 4
13 December 16, 2025 LAKE FOREST CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Page 3 of 6 Agreement with Onward Engineering for Street and Traffic Design Consulting Services for the 2021-2023 Capital Improvement Program was approved. 2. The Mayor was authorized to sign, and the City Clerk to attest, the Third Amendment to the Professional Consultant Services Agreement with Onward Engineering substantially in the form attached.

7. AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR FOOTHILL RANCH COMMUNITY PARK BOX LACROSSE CONVERSION PROJECT (24P04)
ACTION: 1. The contract documents for the construction of the Foothill Ranch Community Park Box Lacrosse Conversion Project (24P04) were approved. 2. A contract in the amount of $328,351.50 was awarded to Oppenheimer National for the Foothill Ranch Community Park Box Lacrosse Conversion Project (24P04). 3. A Resolution entitled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAKE FOREST, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING 2025-2027 OPERATING BUDGET; AMENDING APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26" was adopted. 4. All other bids received were rejected and return of the bid bonds upon receipt of the executed contract documents from Oppenheimer National was authorized. 5. The Mayor was authorized to sign, and the City Clerk to attest the contract with Oppenheimer National.

8. SECOND AMENDMENT TO 2022-2026 AGREEMENT WITH AMERINAT FOR

LOAN PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT SERVICES
ACTION: 1. A Second Amendment to the Agreement with AmeriNat, for loan portfolio management services to the City of Lake Forest Housing Authority was approved. 2. The Mayor was authorized to sign, and the City Clerk to attest the Second Amendment to the Agreement with AmeriNat, substantially in the form attached.

9. THIRD AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT WITH BKF ENGINEERS FOR
STREETS AND TRAFFIC DESIGN CONSULTING SERVICES - PROJECT #1

LOS ALISOS AND MUIRLANDS INTERSECTION WIDENING
ACTION: 1. The Third Amendment to the Professional Consultant Services Agreement with BKF Engineers for Street and Traffic Design Consulting Services - Project #1 Los Alisos and Muirlands Intersection Widening was approved. 2. The Mayor was authorized to sign, and the City Clerk to attest, the Third Amendment to the Professional Consultant Services Agreement with BKF Engineers in the form attached. 3. A Resolution entitled: A RESOLUTION OF

THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAKE FOREST, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE 2025-2027 OPERATING BUDGET; AMENDING
APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 was adopted.

10. AUTHORIZATION TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR CALOPTIMA HEALTH’S HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS INCENTIVE PROGRAM –
Item: 4
14 December 16, 2025 LAKE FOREST CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Page 4 of 6 ROUND 5
ACTION: 1. Staff was authorized to submit an application for CalOptima Health’s Housing and Homelessness Incentive Program Round 5. 2. The City Manager was authorized to execute all necessary documents related to this action.

DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS: (Item Nos. 11 – 14)

11. CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENTS TO REGIONAL COMMITTEES AND

BOARDS, AND CITY AD HOC COMMITTEES
City Manager Rose introduced this item and invited City Clerk Merritt to provide a presentation. No public comment was offered. Council discussion ensued.

MOTION: It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Pequeño, seconded by Council Member Yu, to; 1. Appoint Mayor Pro Tem Pequeño to the position of Designated Member for the League of California Cities, with Council Member Yu as alternate, and re-affirm the current designated members and alternates to the remaining seats of Regional Committees and Boards.

MOTION: It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Pequeño, seconded by Mayor Voigts, to; 2. Appoint Council Member Tettemer to the Audit Committee for a 1- year term.

MOTION: It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Pequeño, seconded by Mayor Voigts, to; 3. Appoint the incoming Mayor and Council Member Tettemer to the Economic Development and Legislative Ad Hoc Committees, appoint Council Member Cirbo to replace Mayor Pro Tem Pequeño for the City Council Policy Ad Hoc Committee, and re-affirm the current appointed members to the remaining ad hoc committees.

All motions were carried by a vote of 5-0.

12. SELECTION OF MAYOR AND MAYOR PRO TEM FOR THE 2026 CALENDAR YEAR
City Manager Rose introduced this item and invited Mayor Voigts to open the floor for nominations. Andrew O’Connor offered public comment and expressed concerns with Council Member Yu.

MOTION: It was moved by Mayor Voigts, seconded by Council Member Item: 4
15 December 16, 2025 LAKE FOREST CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Page 5 of 6 Tettemer, to nominate Mayor Pro Tem Pequeño to assume the role as Mayor on January 1, 2026. The motion was carried by a vote of 5-0.

13. RECOGNITION OF MAYOR VOIGTS FOR HIS SERVICE IN 2025 City Manager Rose introduced this item and invited Mayor Pro Tem Pequeño to recognize Mayor Voigts with a plaque and gavel. Representatives from Assemblymember Diane Dixon’s Office and Representative Young Kim’s Office presented certificates to Mayor Voigts. Andrew O’Connor offered public comment and expressed concerns with Mayor Voigts.

ACTION: Mayor Voigts was recognized for his service and leadership in 2025.

14. COMMENTS BY OUTGOING MAYOR
City Manager Rose introduced this item and invited Mayor Voigts to provide comments. Mayor Voigts recapped the City’s accomplishments during his term as Mayor. Andrew O’Connor offered public comment and expressed concerns with Mayor Voigts.

ACTION: The opportunity to outgoing Mayor Voigts to present comments was extended.

CITY MANAGER'S REPORT: City Manager Rose had nothing further to report.

CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS:

Council Member Cirbo: Council Member Cirbo recognized Mayor Voigts for his leadership in 2025 and reported on his attendance
at the Audit Committee meeting and the Tree Lighting
Ceremony. He wished everyone a Merry Christmas
and Happy New Year.

Council Member Tettemer: Council Member Tettemer reported on his attendance at a Legislative Advocacy Trip to Washington D.C.,
the Sheriff’s Team of Active Retired Seniors (STARS)
Holiday Brunch, and the Tree Lighting Ceremony. He
Item: 4
16 December 16, 2025 LAKE FOREST CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Page 6 of 6 recognized Mayor Voigts for his leadership in 2025
and wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy
New Year.

Council Member Yu: Council Member Yu reported on his attendance at the Tree Lighting Ceremony, congratulated Peggy
Samantha on being the Mayor’s Award recipient, and
recognized Mayor Voigts for his leadership in 2025.

Mayor Pro Tem Pequeño: Mayor Pro Tem Pequeño thanked his colleagues for nominating him to assume the role of Mayor in 2026.

He reported on his attendance at the Tree Lighting
Ceremony, the Sheriff’s Team of Active Retired
Seniors (STARS) Holiday Brunch, a Legislative
Advocacy Trip to Washington D.C., a Love Lake
Forest event, and the 15th Annual Toy Drive at Our
Place. He congratulated the Saddleback Valley Pop
Warner football teams and cheerleading squads for
their achievements. He requested to adjourn the
meeting in memory of former Orange County Sheriff’s
Department Deputy Gregg Ruiz, who served at Lake
Forest Police Services from 2000 to 2003. He wished
everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Mayor Voigts: Mayor Voigts agreed to adjourn the meeting in memory of Gregg Ruiz. He reported on his attendance
at the Sheriff’s Team of Active Retired Seniors
(STARS) Holiday Brunch, the Tree Lighting
Ceremony, and a toy drive event at Children’s
Hospital of Orange County (CHOC). He requested
consensus to place an item on the agenda to discuss
Council Member term limits. Council Member Cirbo
provided consensus.

ADJOURNMENT: The Regular Meeting of the City Council was adjourned in memory of Gregg Ruiz at 8:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:

APPROVED:

THY MERRITT SCOTT VOIGTS

CITY CLERK MAYOR
Item: 4
17 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: 1/6/2026
DEPARTMENT: Information Technology
SUBJECT:

REPLACEMENT OF EXTREME NETWORKS SWITCHING INFRASTRUCTURE RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
1) Approve the Quotation with Abtech Technologies for the purchase of Cisco Meraki network switches.
2) Authorize the City Manager to execute quote ABTQ19467-02 with Abtech Technologies in the amount of $173,994.45, substantially in the form attached.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

The City’s current network switching infrastructure, which serves as the backbone for connectivity at the Civic Center, was originally deployed in 2019.

After approximately six years of service, this hardware has reached End-of-Life (EOL) status.

As improved network management models have become available, staff is recommending a transition to Cisco Meraki switches. This transition offers centralized management, improved security, and operational efficiency compared to the legacy system. Replacing the Extreme switches with Cisco Meraki ensures the City maintains a secure and reliable network environment while avoiding the high operational overhead associated with the complex management of the current infrastructure.

The Information Technology (“IT”) Services Agreement scope of services includes procurement, installation, deployment, and decommissioning of IT equipment at the City’s direction. According to the City’s Purchasing and Contract Guidelines (Section 2.C.e), proposals or bids are not required when the merchandise or service is provided by the City’s IT vendor whose scope of services includes providing labor and materials for projects other than a public project.

Therefore, staff recommends the City Council approve the attached quote from the City's existing IT support provider, Abtech Technologies, to purchase and install the Cisco Meraki switches as well as provide necessary project Item: 5
18 management. Abtech Technologies is a Cisco-certified reseller offering preferred pricing. Leveraging this existing relationship ensures a seamless integration with the City's current support structure.

BACKGROUND:

The City’s network switching infrastructure serves as the critical backbone for connectivity at the Civic Center, supporting all data, voice, and security operations. The current Extreme Networks switches were originally deployed in 2019. In 2020, the City transitioned its IT support services to Abtech Technologies. Since that time, Abtech has managed the City's network in a hybrid environment, maintaining the legacy Extreme switches alongside the City’s existing Cisco Meraki equipment.

However, after approximately six years of service, the Extreme Networks hardware has reached End-of-Life (EOL) status. As hardware enters this phase, manufacturers may cease providing necessary support and security updates, which introduces significant reliability and security risks to City operations.

Furthermore, this aging infrastructure relies on older, manual management technologies that differ significantly from the modern standards used in the rest of the City's network. To address this, staff recommends transitioning to Cisco Meraki switches. This switch to the Meraki platform offers significant benefits, including centralized cloud-based management, which allows IT staff to monitor and troubleshoot the entire network remotely. Consequently, it is necessary to replace this equipment to ensure continued network stability and security.

DISCUSSION:

A network switch acts like a digital traffic cop for the building; every computer, security camera, and Wi-Fi access point connects to it, and the switch directs that data exactly where it needs to go. If a switch fails or is too hard to manage, the "traffic" jams will cause issues such as losing internet access, for example.

The selection of Cisco Meraki over a replacement Extreme Networks solution is driven by the need to make this process more efficient, secure, and less complex to manage.

The current Extreme Networks architecture is difficult to maintain, compounded by the fact that the existing switches are now six years old and nearing their "End of Life" status. This aging hardware relies on older, manual technology that functions somewhat like operating a computer from many years ago. It requires a specialized engineer to physically plug into the device and type complex commands to make changes, which creates a steep learning curve and leads to Item: 5
19 higher maintenance costs and longer downtime during repairs. In contrast, migrating to Cisco Meraki offers a modern, cloud-based platform that allows IT staff to manage the entire network remotely from a single web dashboard. This system supports "zero-touch" deployment, meaning a switch can be pre- programed before it arrives so that it starts working the moment it is plugged in.

Additionally, Meraki automatically handles security updates and patches overnight, similar to how a modern smartphone updates itself—ensuring the network is protected against threats without the need for manual intervention or expensive site visits.

Staff recommends approving the purchase of Cisco Meraki switches to replace the aging Extreme Networks infrastructure. This move will modernize the City’s network, improve reliability, and reduce the man-hours required for network administration.

Abtech Technologies, the City’s IT Services vendor, is a Cisco-certified reseller offering preferred pricing. According to the City’s Purchasing and Contract Guidelines (Section 2.C.e), proposals or bids are not required when the merchandise or service is provided by the City’s IT vendor whose scope of services includes providing labor and materials for projects other than a public project.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The total cost for hardware, licensing, and professional services is $173,994.45, which encompasses replacing 27 Extreme switches located in City Hall, the Senior Center, Council Chamber, Community Center and Civic Center Parking Structure. There is sufficient funding in the 2025-2027 Information Technology Operating Budget for the recommended action.

ATTACHMENTS:

1. Abtech Technologies Quote ABTQ19467-02
Initiated By: Amir Moussavinejad, Information Technology Analyst Submitted By: Keith Neves, Assistant City Manager
Approved By: Debra Rose, City Manager
Item: 5
20 QuotationNumber ABTQ19467-02Date Dec 17, 20251235 Activity Dr.Suite BVista, CA 92081 Expires Jan 7, 2026Terms NET 30Prepared For Ship To Account ExecutiveCity of Lake ForestCity of Lake Forest Todd DarrJoanne Jin Joanne Jin (760) 827-5100 ext [email protected] [email protected] Civic Center DriveLake Forest,CA 92630QtyPart No. Description Unit PriceExt. PriceHardware - Software - Support 19 $3,104.61 $58,987.59MS150-48LP-4G Meraki MS150-48LP-4G L2 Stck Cld-Mngd 48GE 370W PoE Switch Est. lead time of 10 day(s) 19 MA-PWR-CORD-US-FRMeraki AC Power Cord (US Plug) Est. lead time of 10 day(s) 19 $382.57 $7,268.83LIC-MS150-48-3Y Meraki MS150-48 Enterprise License and Support, 3 Year Est. lead time of 5 day(s) $66,256.42 SubTotal 1 $2,566.24 $2,566.24MS150-24P-4X Meraki MS150-24P-4X L2 Stck Cld-Mngd 24GE 370W PoE Switch Est. lead time of 38 day(s) 1 MA-PWR-CORD-US-FRMeraki AC Power Cord (US Plug) Est. lead time of 10 day(s) 1 $271.70 $271.70LIC-MS150-24-3Y Meraki MS150-24 Enterprise License and Support, 3 Year Est. lead time of 5 day(s) $2,837.94 SubTotal 4 $4,597.21 $18,388.84MS150-48FP-4X Meraki MS150-48FP-4X L2 Stck Cld-Mngd 48GE 740W PoE Swtch Est. lead time of 17 day(s) 4 MA-PWR-CORD-US-FRMeraki AC Power Cord (US Plug) Est. lead time of 10 day(s) 4 $470.64 $1,882.56LIC-MS150-48-3Y Meraki MS150-48 Enterprise License and Support, 3 Year Est. lead time of 5 day(s) 8 $608.31 $4,866.48MA-SFP-10GB-SR Meraki 10G Base SR Multi-Mode Est. lead time of 17 day(s) $25,137.88 SubTotal 2 $3,403.80 $6,807.60C9300-24P-M C9300 24-port, PoE+, 715wac PS, w/MERAKI Est. lead time of 10 day(s) 2 MA-PWR-CORD-US-FRMeraki AC Power Cord (US Plug) Est. lead time of 10 day(s) 2 $706.01 $1,412.02LIC-C9300-24E-3Y Meraki Enterprise License for C9300-M 24-port, 3 year Est. lead time of 5 day(s) $8,219.62 SubTotal 1 $3,878.70 $3,878.70C9300L-24P-4X-M C9300L 24-port PoE, 4x10G Uplink, 715wac PS, w/MERAKI Est. lead time of 10 day(s) 1 MA-PWR-CORD-US-FRMeraki AC Power Cord (US Plug) Est. lead time of 10 day(s) 1 $706.01 $706.01LIC-C9300-24E-3Y Meraki Enterprise License for C9300-M 24-port, 3 year Est. lead time of 5 day(s) $4,584.71 SubTotal 2 $10,396.39 $20,792.78C9300X-12Y-M C9300X 12x25GE SFP+, 715wac PS, w/MERAKI Est. lead time of 10 day(s) 2 MA-PWR-CORD-US-FRMeraki AC Power Cord (US Plug) Est. lead time of 10 day(s) 2 $706.01 $1,412.02LIC-C9300-24E-3Y Meraki Enterprise License for C9300-M 24-port, 3 year Est. lead time of 5 day(s) 2 $1,559.27 $3,118.54C9300X-NM-2C-M C9300X 2-port 40G/100G SFP+ Network Module, w/MERAKI Est. lead time of 10 day(s) 14 $445.13 $6,231.82SFP-10G-SR-S= 10GBASE-SR SFP Module, Enterprise-Class Est. lead time of 17 day(s) 2 $764.31 $1,528.62PWR-C1-715WAC-P-MC9000 715W AC Platinum Power Supply, w/MERAKI Est. lead time of 10 day(s) 2 $64.43 $128.86STACK-T1-50CM-MC9000 50CM Type 1 Stacking Cable, w/MERAKI Est. lead time of 30 day(s) 2 $131.46 $262.92CAB-SPWR-150CM-MC9000 Stack Power Cable 150 CM, w/MERAKI Est. lead time of 10 day(s) $33,475.56 SubTotal 4 $305.77 $1,223.08MA-SFP-1GB-SX Meraki 1000Base SX Multi-Mode Est. lead time of 10 day(s) 17 $67.24 $1,143.08MA-CBL-40G-50CMMeraki 40GbE QSFP Cable, 0.5 Meter Est. lead time of 10 day(s) 11 $67.24 $739.64MA-CBL-100G-50CMMeraki 100GbE QSFP Cable, 0.5 Meter Est. lead time of 10 day(s) $3,105.80 SubTotalServices 60 $144.00 $8,640.00CNSLT-BH-MSP Consulting, Estimated Business Hours Level 2 Engineer - as per attached Statement of Work 50 $191.00 $9,550.00CNSLT-BH-MSP Consulting, Estimated Business Hours Level 3 Engineer - as per attached Statement of Work Created on 12/17/25 12:07:23 1 of 6
Item: 5
21 QtyPart No. Description Unit PriceExt. Price 20 $103.00 $2,060.00CNSLT-MGMT-MSP Consulting, Estimated Business Hours - Project Management $20,250.00 SubTotal SubTotal: $163,867.93*Tax: $10,126.52*Shipping: $0.00*Taxes and shipping are an estimate and may differ from the final invoice. Price reflects a cash discount. Touse an alternative payment method, contact your account executive. Total: $173,994.45Any order based on the above quotation, statement of work, or proposal is subject to Abtech's Terms and Conditions of Sale ("Terms") effective the date of execution of order and areincorporated by reference as if fully set herein as a full and binding part of the order. Terms are available at: http://www.abtechtechnologies.com/s/Abtech-terms-and-conditions.pdfand may be sent by mail or fax upon request. Client agrees to have read and intends to be bound by Abtech's Terms by executing an order with Abtech. Client agrees that the order isexecuted when (a) both parties physically or digitally sign an agreement; (b) both parties (or optionally Client only at Abtech's discretion) electronically sign via a purchasing portal orwebsite an order; or (c) Abtech accepts a transactional document (eg. purchase order, purchase requisition, etc.) that explicitly reference the quotation, Service Order, proposal,Agreement, or Addendum and terms and conditions thereof. Abtech limits acceptance to the Terms and objects to any additional or different terms in the Purchase order or other formsof acceptance. Some products and services, including but not limited to maintenance, StorTrust, hosting, and managed services have an additional Master Service Agreement ("MSA")and service specific Addendum which are in addition to Abtech's Terms and are likewise incorporated by reference as if fully set herein as a full and binding part of the order. Bypurchasing and using the StorTrust S3 Cloud Archive, Client unconditionally agrees to the StorTrust S3 Cloud Archive Agreement located athttps://www.abtechtechnologies.com/s/StorTrust-Cloud-Archive-Agreement.pdf Created on 12/17/25 12:07:23 2 of 6
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Extreme Switch Replacement Scope of Work

Prepared For:

By:

Todd Darr, Managed Services Account Executive
Donnie Weston, Senior System Engineer
Abtech Technologies
PHONE: 800.474.7397 X253
[email protected]

September 24, 2025

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Statement of Work (SOW)
Extreme Switch Replacement Project
Overview
Abtech Technologies is pleased to present this Statement of Work (SOW) for the City of Lake Forest Extreme Switch Replacement.

Project Scope
Abtech will replace 27 Extreme switches in the City Hall (15), Senior Center (3), Council Chambers (4), Parking Structure (1) and Community Center (4) with Meraki switches. This includes mounting, cabling, configuration and testing. This project will be split into 2 phases. Phase 1 will include replacing the Extreme switches in the Community and Senior’s Center as well as the Council Chambers and Parking Structure. Phase 2 will cover the replacement of the Extreme Switches in the City Hall.

Discovery Phase
• Duration: 20 Hours
• Level: 3
Activities Included:
• Client Kickoff: Conduct an initial meeting to discuss project details, timelines, and expectations with the client.
• Current Extreme switch configuration will be reviewed and translated to the Meraki switches • Configuration of Meraki dashboard to accept the new Meraki Switches • Moving networking from Extreme core switches to the Meraki MX firewalls Installation/Removal Phase 1 Community and Senior’s Center, Council Chambers, and Parking Structure
• Duration: 30 Hours
• Level: 2 20 Hours / Level 3 10 Hours
Activities Included:
• Installing switches in site locations
• Powering and connecting switches to the internet for cloud check in and firmware updates • Testing switches for correct network traffic flow
• Migration of patch cables to new switches (OBH)
• Removal of Extreme Switches after the Meraki switches are fully operational 4 of 6
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Installation/Removal Phase 2 Civic Center
• Duration: 60 Hours
• Level: 2 40 Hours / Level 3 20 Hours
Activities Included:
• Installing switches in site locations
• Powering and connecting switches to the internet for cloud check in and firmware updates • Testing switches for correct network traffic flow
• Migration of patch cables to new switches (OBH)
• Removal of Extreme Switches after the Meraki switches are fully operational Project Management
Duration: 20 Hours
Activities Included:
• Project Planning: Use Autotask for project management to ensure structured and efficient execution of tasks.
• Progress Monitoring:
• Communication: Maintain ongoing communication with the City of Lake Forest to provide updates and address any concerns promptly.

Client Responsibilities
• The City will provide access to City Hall, Community Center, and Seniors Center after hours (Saturday and Sunday) for project work upon prior approval of the City. • The City will provide a project lead for the duration of this project.

1. Pricing Summary - Services

Qty Unit Item Number Description Unit Price Ext. Price
60 Hour CONSLT Consulting: Level 2

$144 $8640
50 Hour CONSLT Consulting: Level 3 $191 $9550
20 Hour CONSLT Consulting: Project Management $103 $2060 130 Hour CONSLT Total Consulting $20,250
* Address location of work to be performed: 100 Civic Center Dr.

Lake Forest, CA 92630
Client Project Manager:

Ship to Address (if different from service address): 100 Civic Center Dr.

Lake Forest, CA 92630
ESTIMATED PURCHASE PRICE: Extreme Switch Replacement Project $20,250

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Per Abtech’s Terms and Conditions of Sale, the pricing summary above reflects an estimate based on information provided by Client and for the work outlined above in the Statement of Work (SoW). Any deviation from Client responsibilities may cause delay, additional hours to be invoiced, or a postponement of the entire project. Any additional work provided to the Client beyond the work explicitly identified in the SoW shall be charged at Abtech's standard hourly rates for the type of Service and time of perf ormance. Client will be invoiced for additional number of hours required to complete the job to as close to Client’s satisfaction as is technically reasonable, subject to any minimum billing indicated above, plus travel and incidental expenses incurred.

Any sale or order based on the above quotation, statement of work, or proposal is subject to Abtech’s Terms and Conditions of Sale (“Terms”) effective the date of execution of order and which are incorporated by reference as if fully set herein as a full and binding part of the order.

The terms are available at: http://www.abtechtechnologies.com/s/Abtech-terms-and-conditions.pdf and also will be sent by mail or fax to Client upon request. The client agrees to have read and intends to be bound by Abtech’s Terms by executing an order with Abtech.

Client agrees that the order is executed when (a) both parties physically or digitally sign an agreement; (b) both parties (or optionally Client only at Abtech’s discretion) electronically sign via a purchasing portal or website an order; or (c) Abtech accepts a transactional document (e.g. purchase order, purchase requisition, etc.) that explicitly reference the quotation, Service Order, proposal, Agreement, or Addendum and terms and conditions thereof. Abtech limits acceptance to the Terms and objects to any other addition terms or different terms in the purchasers’ order or any other forms of acceptance.

Some products and services, including but not limited to maintenance, StorTrust, hosting, and managed services have an additional Master Service Agreement (“MSA”) and service specific Addendum which must be executed, are in addition to Abtech’s Terms, and are likewise incorporated by reference as if fully set herein as a full and binding part of the order.

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Item: 5
26 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: 1/6/2026
DEPARTMENT: Community Development
SUBJECT:

ORDINANCE AMENDING LAKE FOREST MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION

9.146.050 RELATING TO ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):

1. Find that the adoption of the proposed ordinance is statutorily exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to Public Resources Code § 21080.17.

2. Introduce for first reading an ordinance entitled: “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAKE FOREST AMENDING §

9.146.050 OF THE LAKE FOREST MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO

ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY

DWELLING UNITS TO COMPLY WITH RECENT CHANGES IN STATE

LAW, AND FINDING THE ACTION TO BE STATUTORILY EXEMPT
FROM CEQA UNDER PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE § 21080.17."
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

The proposed ordinance (Attachment 1) would amend Lake Forest Municipal Code (“LFMC”) § 9.146.050 to align the City’s Accessory Dwelling Unit (“ADU”) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (“JADU”) regulations with recent changes to state law. Except as noted, these state-law amendments take effect January 1, 2026.

The Planning Commission considered the draft ordinance at a public hearing on December 4, 2025, and recommends its adoption. Planning Commission Resolution No. 2025-24 is provided as Attachment 3.

On December 2, 2025, the City Council adopted an urgency version of the ordinance to ensure that (1) the City’s existing supplemental ADU standards remained in effect, and (2) the LFMC would be consistent with state law as of January 1, 2026. Adoption of the attached ordinance will maintain ongoing consistency with state law and continue the City’s supplemental standards without need for further Council action.

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In recent years, the California Legislature has approved, and the Governor has signed into law, a number of bills that impose new limits on local authority to regulate ADUs and JADUs. In late 2025, four new bills were enacted that further amend state ADU law as summarized below.

DISCUSSION:

Assembly Bill (“AB”) 1154 – JADU Owner-Occupancy and Short-Term Rental Existing state law requires a property owner to reside in the JADU or the remaining portion of the single-family dwelling. AB 1154 narrows this requirement to now only apply when a JADU shares sanitation facilities (bathroom) with the single-family dwelling. If the JADU has its own bathroom, then the property owner does not have to reside on the property.

AB 1154 also expressly prohibits JADUs from being used as short-term rentals (i.e., rented for a term shorter than 30 days.). The City’s ADU ordinance already included this prohibition, but now it is prohibited by state law.

Senate Bill (“SB”) 9 and SB 543 – ADU Ordinance Submittal to HCD - Approval
Under existing law, local agencies are required to submit a copy of its ADU ordinance to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (“HCD”) within 60 days of adoption.

This year, SB 9 and SB 543 created a penalty for failing to do so by rendering null and void any local ordinance that is not submitted to HCD within 60 days of adoption.

SB 543 – ADU Size, Number of ADUs, Impact Fees, and Permitting Timeline SB 543 also makes numerous changes and clarifications to state ADU law, the most notable of which are summarized below.

ADU & JADU Size Clarification
Existing law limits a JADU to 500 square-feet (“sq. ft.”) and prohibits local ADU ordinances from imposing development standards that would prevent an ADU from being at least 800 sq. ft.

Item: 6
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7 SB 543 now specifies that the allowable square footage of an ADU or JADU refers to square footage of “interior livable space.” Impact Fees
Existing law exempts ADUs that are 750 sq. ft. or smaller from development impacts fees (“DIFs”).
SB 543 clarifies that DIFs may not be imposed on an ADU that has 750 or fewer sq. ft. of interior livable space or on any JADU. The bill also exempts an ADU or JADU with fewer than 500 sq. ft. of interior livable space from school impact fees.

Quantity of ADUs Created Under Government Code § 66323
Existing state law creates four categories of ADUs that must be approved if they comply with the limited standards provided in Government Code § 66323(a)(1)–(4). These are:
(1) a converted ADU and JADU created on a lot with a proposed or existing single-family dwelling;
(2) a detached ADU created on a lot with a proposed or existing single-family dwelling;
(3) converted ADUs created in an existing multifamily dwelling; and (4) detached ADUs created on a lot with a proposed or existing multifamily dwelling.

For some time, there has been uncertainty as to whether ADUs created under Government Code § 66323 could be combined. Some practitioners interpreted the statute as not requiring local agencies to allow combinations. Initially, HCD took the same position in its 2020 ADU Handbook. However, for the last few years, HCD has taken the opposite position, finding that combinations are permitted.

SB 543 codifies HCD’s most recent interpretation by amending Government Code § 66323 to specifically allow combinations. Thus, a multifamily dwelling can now build a converted ADU or ADUs under § 66323(a)(3), as well as detached ADUs under § 66323(a)(4); and a single-family dwelling can now include a converted ADU and a JADU under § 66323(a)(1), as well as a detached ADU under § 66323(a)(2).

ADU Permitting Timeline
Existing law has long required local agencies to approve or deny an ADU application within 60 days of receiving a complete application. However, state Item: 6
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7 law was silent with respect to incompleteness determinations, subsequent resubmittals, and appealing local decisions on ADU applications.

SB 543 requires local agencies to:
determine whether an ADU application is complete within 15 business days of submittal;
if the application is incomplete, within the same 15 days provide the applicant with a list of incomplete items and how to address them; review a resubmitted application for completeness within 15 business days;
provide the applicant with a written appeal process for any incompleteness determination or denial (to the Planning Commission); and provide a final written determination on the appeal within 60 business days.

In addition, the proposed amendments eliminate the Code’s current two-tier permitting provisions under which ADUs meeting certain criteria require both an ADU permit and a building permit, while other ADUs require only a building permit. Instead, all ADUs would require both an ADU permit and a building permit. This change establishes a consistent permit review process and expressly authorizes the City to charge a single processing fee to reimburse staff for costs incurred in reviewing and approving applications.

AB 462 – Coastal Development Permits; Disaster-Affected Areas AB 462 primarily modifies permitting requirements associated with processing Coastal Development Permits for ADUs located in the Coastal Zone. Therefore, these provisions will not impact the City.

Where AB 462 will impact the City is the modifications to the rules governing the issuance of a certificate of occupancy (“CofO”) for an ADU. Historically, state law has prohibited local agencies from issuing a CofO for an ADU before one is issued for the primary dwelling (i.e., the primary dwelling must have a CofO before the ADU can receive one). AB 462 creates a narrow exception to this prohibition for detached ADUs when all of the following conditions are satisfied:
(1) the Governor has declared a state of emergency for the county on or after February 1, 2025;
(2) the primary dwelling was substantially damaged or destroyed by an event referenced in the state of emergency proclamation; and Item: 6
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7 (3) the ADU has been issued construction permits and passed all required inspections. If these conditions are satisfied, the detached ADU can receive a CofO before the primary dwelling.

In all other scenarios, the primary dwelling still needs a CofO before one can be issued for an ADU.

AB 462 was enacted as an urgency measure that took effect immediately when signed by the Governor (on October 10, 2025).

PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION
On December 4, 2025, the Planning Commission held a public hearing and considered the non-urgency ordinance. The Commission adopted a resolution recommending that the City Council approve the non-urgency ordinance (Attachment 3).

FISCAL IMPACT:

There is minimal fiscal impact associated with the recommended action.

ATTACHMENTS:

1. Draft Ordinance
Exhibit “A” Code Amendments

2. Redline of Code Amendments

3. Planning Commission Resolution
Initiated By: Michael Ervin, Assistant City Attorney; Ron Santos, Senior Planner
Submitted By: Gayle Ackerman, AICP, Director of Community Development Approved By: Debra Rose, City Manager
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ATTACHMENT 1
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ORDINANCE NO. ________

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
LAKE FOREST AMENDING § 9.146.050 OF THE LAKE

FOREST MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO ACCESSORY

DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING

UNITS TO COMPLY WITH RECENT CHANGES IN STATE

LAW, AND FINDING THE ACTION TO BE STATUTORILY

EXEMPT FROM CEQA UNDER PUBLIC RESOURCES
CODE § 21080.17
WHEREAS, the City of Lake Forest, California (“City”) is a municipal corporation, duly organized under the constitution and laws of the State of California; and
WHEREAS, state law authorizes cities to act by ordinance to provide for the creation and regulation of accessory dwelling units (“ADUs”) and junior accessory dwelling units (“JADUs”); and
WHEREAS, in recent years, the California Legislature has approved, and the Governor has signed into law, a number of bills that, among other things, amend various sections of the Government Code to impose new limits on local authority to regulate ADUs and JADUs; and
WHEREAS, in 2025, the California Legislature approved, and the Governor signed into law, further amendments to state ADU law;
WHEREAS, the new updates to state ADU law take effect on January 1, 2026, and for the City’s ADU ordinance to remain valid, it must be amended to reflect the most recent changes to state law; and
WHEREAS, the City desires to amend its local regulatory scheme for the construction of ADUs and JADUs to reflect the most recent changes to state law; and WHEREAS, on December 2, 2025, the City Council adopted an urgency ordinance amending Section 9.146.050 of the Lake Forest Municipal Code to comply with recent changes to state law that impose new limits on local authority to regulate ADUs and JADUs; and
WHEREAS, on December 4, 2025, the Planning Commission held a duly-noticed public hearing and considered the staff report, recommendations by staff, and public testimony concerning this proposed Ordinance. Following the public hearing, the Planning Item: 6
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Commission voted to forward the Ordinance to the City Council with a recommendation in favor of its adoption; and
WHEREAS, on December 4, 2025, the City Council held a duly-noticed public hearing to consider the Ordinance, including: (1) the public testimony and agenda reports prepared in connection with the Ordinance, (2) the policy considerations discussed therein, and (3) the consideration and recommendation by the City’s Planning Commission; and
WHEREAS, all legal prerequisites to the adoption of this Resolution have occurred.

NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Lake Forest does ordain as follows:

Section 1. Incorporation. The recitals above are true and correct and are each incorporated by reference and adopted as findings by the City Council.

Section 2. CEQA. Under California Public Resources Code section 21080.17, the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) does not apply to the adoption of an ordinance by a city or county implementing the provisions of Article 2 of Chapter 13 of Division 1 of Title 7 of the California Government Code, which is California’s ADU law and which also regulates JADUs, as defined by section 66313. Therefore, adoption of the Ordinance is statutorily exempt from CEQA in that it implements state ADU law.

Section 3. General Plan. The City Council hereby finds that the adoption of the Ordinance is consistent with the General Plan as a matter of law under Government Code section 66314(c). Specifically, the Zoning Code Amendment implements the following General Plan implementation actions:

Goal 1: Adequate housing to meet the existing and future needs of Lake Forest residents.

Policy 1.1: Allow for the development of a variety of housing opportunities (ownership and rental) in Lake Forest including low-density single-family homes, moderate-density townhomes, higher-density apartments and multi-family projects, mixed-use development, accessory dwelling units, and mobile homes to fulfill regional housing needs.

Section 4. Recommendation. Code Amendment. Section 9.146.050 of the Lake Forest Municipal Code is hereby amended as provided in Exhibit “A,” with additions shown in underline and deletions in strikethrough, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

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Section 5. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall become effective 30 days after the Council adopts this Ordinance.

Section 6. HCD Submittal. In accordance with Government Code sections 66326 and 66333.5, the City Clerk is directed to submit a copy of this Ordinance to the California Department of Housing and Community Development within 60 days after adoption.

Section 7. Publication. The City Clerk certifies that this Ordinance was adopted by the City Council at a regular meeting on January 6, 2026.

Section 8. Custodian of Records. The custodian of records for this Ordinance is the City Clerk and the records comprising the administrative record are located at Lake Forest City Hall, 100 Civic Center, Lake Forest, California 92630.

Section 9. Severability. If any provision of this Ordinance or its application to any person or circumstance is held to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity has no effect on the other provisions or applications of the Ordinance that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this extent, the provisions of this Ordinance are severable. The City Council declares that it would have adopted this Ordinance irrespective of the invalidity of any portion thereof.

PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 6th day of January, 2026 by the following vote:
_____________________________

SCOTT VOIGTS
MAYOR
ATTEST:
________________________________

THY MERRITT

CITY CLERK
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
________________________________
MATTHEW E. RICHARDSON

CITY ATTORNEY
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STATE OF CALIFORNIA )

COUNTY OF ORANGE ) SS

CITY OF LAKE FOREST )
I, Thy Merritt, City Clerk of the City of Lake Forest, do hereby certify that the foregoing Ordinance No. ____ was duly adopted and passed at a regular meeting of the Lake Forest City Council on the 6 TH day of January, 2026, by the following roll-call vote, to wit:

AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:

NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:

ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS:

ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
__________________________

THY MERRITT

CITY CLERK
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Exhibit “A”
Proposed Ordinance
[Attached]
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§ 9.146.050. Accessory dwelling units.

A. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to allow and regulate accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs) in compliance with Chapter 13 of Division 1 of Title 7 of the California Government Code.

B. Effect of Conforming. An ADU or JADU that conforms to the standards in this section will not be:

1. Deemed to be inconsistent with the City's General Plan and zoning designation for the lot on which the ADU or JADU is located.

2. Deemed to exceed the allowable density for the lot on which the ADU or JADU is located.

3. Considered in the application of any local ordinance, policy, or program to limit residential growth.

4. Required to correct a nonconforming zoning condition, as defined in subsection C below. This does not prevent the City from enforcing compliance with applicable building standards in accordance with Health and Safety Code Section 17980.12.

C. Definitions. As used in this section, terms are defined as follows:

1. "Accessory dwelling unit" or "ADU" means an attached or a detached residential dwelling unit that provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons and is located on a lot with a proposed or existing primary residence. An accessory dwelling unit also includes the following:
a. An efficiency unit, as defined by Section 17958.1 of the California Health and Safety Code; and
b. A manufactured home, as defined by Section 18007 of the California Health and Safety Code.

2. "Accessory structure" means a structure that is accessory and incidental to a dwelling located on the same lot.

3. "Complete independent living facilities" means permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same parcel as the single-family or multifamily dwelling is or will be situated.

4. "Director" means the Director of Community Development.

5. "Efficiency kitchen" means a kitchen that includes all of the following:
a. A cooking facility with appliances.
b. A food preparation counter and storage cabinets that are of a reasonable size in relation to the size of the JADU.

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6. "Junior accessory dwelling unit" or "JADU" means a residential unit that satisfies all of the following:
a. It is no more than 500 square feet of interior livable space in size. b. It is contained entirely within an existing or proposed single-family structure. An enclosed use within the residence, such as an attached garage, is considered to be a part of and contained within the single-family structure. c. It includes its own separate sanitation facilities or shares sanitation facilities with the existing or proposed single-family structure.
d. If the unit does not include its own separate bathroom, then it contains an interior entrance to the main living area of the existing or proposed single- family structure in addition to an exterior entrance that is separate from the main entrance to the primary dwelling.
e. It includes an efficiency kitchen, as defined in subsection (C)(5) above.

7. "Livable space" means a space in a dwelling intended for human habitation, including living, sleeping, eating, cooking, or sanitation.

8. "Living area" means the interior habitable area of a dwelling unit, including basements and attics, but does not include a garage or any accessory structure.

9. "Nonconforming zoning condition" means a physical improvement on a property that does not conform with current zoning standards.

10. "Passageway" means a pathway that is unobstructed clear to the sky and extends from a street to one entrance of the ADU or JADU.

11. "Proposed dwelling" means a dwelling that is the subject of a permit application and that meets the requirements for permitting.

12. "Public transit" means a location, including, but not limited to, a bus stop or train station, where the public may access buses, trains, subways, and other forms of transportation that charge set fares, run on fixed routes, and are available to the public.

13. "Tandem parking" means that two or more automobiles are parked on a driveway or in any other location on a lot, lined up behind one another.

D. Approvals. The following approvals apply to ADUs and JADUs created under this section:

1. Ministerial ADU and Building Permits Required. Every ADU and JADU requires an ADU permit and a building permit. The City will review and approve permit applications in accordance with subsection (D)(3) below.

2. Processing Fee. The City may charge a fee to reimburse it for costs incurred in processing ADU permits, including the costs of adopting or amending the City’s Item: 6
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ADU ordinance. The ADU-permit processing fee is determined by the Director and approved by the City Council by resolution.

3. Process and Timing.
a. Completeness.
i. Determination in 15 days. The City will determine whether an application to create or serve an ADU or JADU is complete and will provide written notice of the determination to the applicant within 15 business days after the City receives the application submittal. ii. Incomplete items. If the City’s determination under subsection (D)(3)(a)(i) above is that the application is incomplete, the City’s notice must list the incomplete items and describe how the application can be made complete.
iii. Cure. After receiving a notice that the application is incomplete, the applicant may cure and address the items that were deemed by the City to be incomplete.
iv. Subsequent submittals. If the applicant submits additional information to address incomplete items, within 15 business days of the subsequent submittal the City will determine in writing whether the additional information remedies all the incomplete items that the City identified in its original notice. The City may not require the application to include an item that was not included in the original notice.
v. Deemed complete. If the City does not make a timely determination as required by this subsection (A), the application or resubmitted application is deemed complete for the purposes of subsection (D)(3)(c) below.
vi. Appeal of incompleteness. An applicant may appeal the City’s determination that the application is incomplete by submitting a written appeal to the City Clerk. The Planning Commission will review the written appeal and affirm or reverse the completeness determination and provide a final written determination to the applicant within 60 business days after receipt of the appeal. b. No discretion or hearing. Ministerial permits for an ADU or JADU are considered and approved without discretionary review or a hearing. c. Deadline to approve or deny ministerial approvals. The City must approve or deny an application to create an ADU or JADU within 60 days from the date that the City receives a complete application. If the City has not approved or denied the complete application within 60 days, the application is deemed approved unless either:

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i. The applicant requests a delay, in which case the 60-day time period is tolled for the period of the requested delay, or
ii. When an application to create an ADU or JADU is submitted with a permit application to create a new single-family or multifamily dwelling on the lot, the City may delay acting on the permit application for the ADU or JADU until the City acts on the permit application to create the new single-family or multifamily dwelling, but the application to create the ADU or JADU will still be considered ministerially without discretionary review or a hearing. d. Denial. If the City denies an application to create an ADU or JADU, the City must provide the applicant with comments that include, among other things, a list of all the defective or deficient items and a description of how the application may be remedied by the applicant. Notice of the denial and corresponding comments must be provided to the applicant within the 60- day time period established by subsection (D)(3)(c) above. e. Appeal of denial. An applicant may appeal the City’s denial of the application by submitting a written appeal to the City Clerk. The Planning Commission will review the written appeal and affirm or reverse the denial and provide a final written determination to the applicant within 60 business days after receipt of the appeal.
f. Concurrent review of demolition. A demolition permit for a detached garage that is to be replaced with an ADU is reviewed with the application for the ADU and issued at the same time.

E. Classes.

1. Class 1: Statutorily Regulated. Class 1 ADUs and JADUs are approved under Government Code Section 66323. If an ADU or JADU complies with each of the general requirements in subsection (F) below, it is allowed in each of the scenarios provided in this subsection (E)(1). An ADU and JADU approved under subsection (E)(1)(a) may be combined with an ADU approved under subsection (E)(1)(b), and ADUs approved under subsection (E)(1)(c) may be combined with ADUs approved under subsection (E)(1)(d).
a. Converted on Single-Family Lot. One ADU (as described in this subsection (E)(1)(a)) and one JADU on a lot with a proposed or existing single-family dwelling on it, where the ADU or JADU:
i. Is either: within the space of a proposed single-family dwelling; or within the existing space of an existing single-family dwelling; or (in the case of an ADU only) within the existing space of an accessory structure, plus up to 150 additional square feet if the expansion is limited to accommodating ingress and egress; and Item: 6
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ii. Has exterior access that is independent of that for the single-family dwelling; and
iii. Has side- and rear-yard setbacks sufficient for fire and safety, as dictated by applicable building and fire codes.
iv. The JADU complies with the requirements of Government Code Sections 66333 through 66339.
b. Limited Detached on Lot with Single-Family. One detached, new- construction ADU on a lot with a proposed or existing single-family dwelling, if the detached ADU satisfies each of the following limitations:
i. The side- and rear-yard setbacks are at least four feet. ii. The total floor area is 800 square feet of livable space or smaller. iii. The peak height above grade does not exceed the applicable height limit provided in subsection (E)(2) below.
c. Converted on Lot with Multifamily. One or more ADUs within portions of existing multifamily dwelling structures that are not used as livable space, including, but not limited to, storage rooms, boiler rooms, passageways, attics, basements, or garages, if each converted ADU complies with state building standards for dwellings. Under this subsection (E)(1)(c), at least one converted ADU is allowed within an existing multifamily dwelling, up to a quantity equal to 25 percent of the existing multifamily dwelling units. d. Limited Detached on Lot with Multifamily. No more than two detached ADUs on a lot with a proposed multifamily dwelling, or up to eight detached ADUs on a lot with an existing multifamily dwelling, if each detached ADU satisfies all of the following:
i. The side- and rear-yard setbacks are at least four feet. If the existing multifamily dwelling has a rear- or side-yard setback of less than four feet, the City will not require any modification to the multifamily dwelling as a condition of approving the ADU. ii. The peak height above grade does not exceed the applicable height limit provided in subsection (F)(2) below.
iii. If the lot has an existing multifamily dwelling, the quantity of detached ADUs does not exceed the number of primary dwelling units on the lot.

2. Class 2: Locally Regulated. Class 2 ADUs are approved under Government Code Section 66314–66322. Except for Class 1 ADUs approved under subsection (E)(1) above, all ADUs are subject to the standards set forth in subsections (F) and (G) below.

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F. General Requirements. The following requirements apply to all Class 1 and Class 2 ADUs and JADUs:

1. Zoning.
a. A Class 1 ADUapproved under subsection (E)(1) above may be created on a lot in a residential or mixed-use zone.
b. A Class 2 ADUapproved under subsection (E)(2) above may be created on a lot that is zoned to allow single-family dwelling residential use or multifamily dwelling residential use.
c. In accordance with Government Code Section 66333(a), a JADU may only be created on a lot zoned for single-family residences.

2. Height.
a. Except as otherwise provided by subsections (F)(2)(b) and (F)(2)(c) below, a detached ADU created on a lot with an existing or proposed single-family or multifamily dwelling unit may not exceed 16 feet in height. b. A detached ADU may be up to 18 feet in height if it is created on a lot with an existing or proposed single-family or multifamily dwelling unit that is located within one-half mile walking distance of a major transit stop or a high quality transit corridor, as those terms are defined in Section 21155 of the Public Resources Code, and the ADU may be up to two additional feet in height (for a maximum of 20 feet) if necessary to accommodate a roof pitch on the ADU that is aligned with the roof pitch of the primary dwelling unit.
c. A detached ADU created on a lot with an existing or proposed multifamily dwelling that has more than one story above grade may not exceed 18 feet in height.
d. An ADU that is attached to the primary dwelling may not exceed 25 feet in height or the height limitation imposed by the underlying zone that applies to the primary dwelling, whichever is lower. Notwithstanding the foregoing, ADUs subject to this subsection (F)(2)(d) may not exceed two stories. e. For purposes of this subsection (F)(2), height is measured from existing legal grade or the level of the lowest floor, whichever is lower, to the peak of the structure.

3. Fire Sprinklers.
a. Fire sprinklers are required in an ADU or JADU if sprinklers are required in the primary residence.
b. The construction of an ADU or JADU does not trigger a requirement for fire sprinklers to be installed in the existing primary dwelling.

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4. Rental Term. No ADU or JADU may be rented for a term that is shorter than 30 days. This prohibition applies regardless of when the ADU or JADU was created.

5. No Separate Conveyance. An ADU or JADU may be rented, but, except as otherwise provided in Government Code Section 66341, no ADU or JADU may be sold or otherwise conveyed separately from the lot and the primary dwelling (in the case of a single-family lot) or from the lot and all of the dwellings (in the case of a multifamily lot).

6. Septic System. If the ADU or JADU will connect to an on-site waste-water treatment system, the owner must include with the application a percolation test completed within the last five years or, if the percolation test has been recertified, within the last 10 years.

7. Owner Occupancy.
a. ADUs. ADUs are not subject to an owner-occupancy requirement. b. JADUs.
i. Generally. As required by state law, JADUs are generally subject to an owner-occupancy requirement. A natural person with legal or equitable title to the property must reside on the property, in either the primary dwelling or JADU, as the person's legal domicile and permanent residence.
ii. Exceptions. The owner-occupancy requirement in this subsection (F)(7)(b) does not apply in either of the following situations:

I. The JADU has separate sanitation facilities (i.e., does not share sanitation facilities with the existing primary dwelling unit structure).

II. The property is entirely owned by another governmental agency, land trust, or housing organization.

8. Deed Restriction. Prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy for a JADU, a deed restriction must be recorded against the title of the property in the County Recorder's office and a copy filed with the Director. The deed restriction must run with the land and bind all current and future owners. The form of the deed restriction will be provided by the City and must provide that the:
a. The JADU may not be sold separately from the primary dwelling. b. The JADU is restricted to the approved size and to other attributes allowed by this section.
c. The deed restriction runs with the land and may be enforced against future property owners.

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d. The deed restriction may be removed if the owner eliminates the JADU, as evidenced by, for example, removal of the kitchen facilities. To remove the deed restriction, an owner may make a written request of the Director, providing evidence that the JADU has in fact been eliminated. The Director may then determine whether the evidence supports the claim that the JADU has been eliminated. Appeal may be taken from the Director’s determination consistent with other provisions of this Code. If the JADU is not entirely physically removed, but is only eliminated by virtue of having a necessary component of an JADU removed, the remaining structure and improvements must otherwise comply with applicable provisions of this Code.
e. The deed restriction is enforceable by the director or his or her designee for the benefit of the City. Failure of the property owner to comply with the deed restriction may result in legal action against the property owner, and the City is authorized to obtain any remedy available to it at law or equity, including, but not limited to, obtaining an injunction enjoining the use of the JADU in violation of the recorded restrictions or abatement of the illegal unit.

9. Building and Safety.
a. Must comply with building code. Subject to subsection (F)(9)(b) below, all ADUs and JADUs must comply with all local building code requirements. b. No change of occupancy. Construction of an ADU does not constitute a Group R occupancy change under the local building code, as described in Section 310 of the California Building Code, unless the Building Official or Code Enforcement Division officer makes a written finding based on substantial evidence in the record that the construction of the ADU could have a specific, adverse impact on public health and safety. Nothing in this subsection (F)(9)(b) prevents the City from changing the occupancy code of a space that was uninhabitable space or that was only permitted for nonresidential use and was subsequently converted for residential use in accordance with this section.

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(ii) The primary dwelling was substantially damaged or destroyed by an event referenced in the Governor’s state of emergency
proclamation.
(iii) The ADU has been issued construction permits and has passed all required inspections.
(iv) The ADU is not attached to the primary dwelling.

G. Specific ADU Requirements. The following requirements apply only to Class 2 ADUs approved under subsection (E)(2) above. This subsection (G) does not apply to Class 1 ADUs or JADUs approved under subsection (E)(1) above.

1. Maximum Size.
a. The maximum size of a detached or attached ADU subject to this subsection (G) is 850 square feet of interior livable space for a studio or one bedroom unit and 1,000 square feet of interior livable space for a unit with two or more bedrooms.
b. An attached ADU that is created on a lot with an existing primary dwelling is further limited to 50 percent of the floor area of the existing primary dwelling.
c. No application of the percent-based size limit in subsection (G)(1)(b) above or of a front yard setback requirement may require the ADU to be less than 800 square feet of interior livable space.

2. Setbacks.
a. ADUs that are subject to this subsection (G) must conform to a 25-foot front-yard setback, subject to subsection (G)(1)(c) above. b. An ADU that is subject to this subsection (G) must conform to four-foot side- and rear-yard setbacks.
c. No setback is required for an ADU that is subject to this subsection (G) if the ADU is constructed in the same location and to the same dimensions as an existing structure.

3. Passageway. No passageway, as defined by subsection (C)(9) above, is required for an ADU.

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i. The ADU is located within one-half mile walking distance of public transit, as defined in subsection (C)(11) above.
ii. The ADU is located within an architecturally and historically significant historic district.
iii. The ADU is part of the proposed or existing primary residence or an accessory structure.
iv. When on-street parking permits are required but not offered to the occupant of the ADU.
v. When there is an established car share vehicle stop located within one block of the ADU.
vi. When the permit application to create an ADU is submitted with an application to create a new single-family or new multifamily dwelling on the same lot, provided that the ADU or the lot satisfies any other criteria listed in subsections (G)(4)(b)(i) through (v) above.
c. No Replacement. When a garage, carport, covered parking structure, or uncovered parking space is demolished in conjunction with the construction of an ADU or converted to an ADU, those off-street parking spaces are not required to be replaced.
d. Driveway. The ADU and primary dwelling must use the same paved driveway for vehicular access between the street and any spaces provided for off-street parking, whether open or enclosed, including any garage. An existing driveway serving the primary residence may be widened to accommodate any new parking space serving the ADU, provided that the maximum width of the driveway does not exceed 30 feet or 60% of the width of the lot, whichever is greater. For purposes of determining the maximum driveway width, the width of the lot is measured along the property line over which driveway access from the street is provided. All driveways must have a minimum depth of 18 feet on private property.
e. Each unenclosed parking space shall be at least nine feet wide and 18 feet long.
f. Each parking space that is provided in an enclosed garage shall be at least 10 feet wide and 20 feet long and have at least seven and one-half (7 1/2) feet vertical clearance.

5. Architectural Requirements.
a. The ADU must have an independent exterior entrance, apart from that of the primary dwelling.

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b. The interior horizontal dimensions of an ADU must be at least 10 feet wide in every direction.

H. Fees. The following requirements apply to all Class 1 ADUs and JADUs and Class 2 ADUs that are approved under subsections (E)(1) or (D)(2) above.

1. Impact Fees.
a. No impact fee is required for a JADU or for an ADU that has less than 750 square feet of interior livable space. For purposes of this subsection (H)(1), "impact fee" means a "fee" under the Mitigation Fee Act (Government Code Section 66000(b)) and a fee under the Quimby Act (Government Code Section 66477). "Impact fee" here does not include any connection fee or capacity charge for water or sewer service.
b. A JADU or ADU with less than 500 square feet of interior livable space does not increase assessable space by 500 square feet for purposes of Education Code Section 17620(a)(1)(C), and is therefore not subject to school fees under Education Code Section 17620.
c. Any impact fee that is required for an ADU that has 750 square feet or more of interior livable space must be charged proportionately in relation to the square footage of the primary dwelling unit (e.g., the floor area of the ADU, divided by the floor area of the primary dwelling, times the typical fee amount charged for a new dwelling.)

2. Utility Connection and Fees.
a. If an ADU or JADU is constructed with a new single-family home, a separate gas and electric utility connection directly between the ADU or JADU and the utility and payment of the normal connection fee and capacity charge for a new dwelling are required.
b. Except as described in subsection (H)(2)(a), JADUs and converted ADUs on a single-family lot that are created under subsection (E)(1)(a) above are not required to have a new or separate utility connection directly between the JADU or ADU and the utility. Nor is a connection fee or capacity charge required. Notwithstanding the rest of this paragraph, a direct utility connection is required for separate conveyance of an ADU when separate conveyance is allowed under this section.
c. Except as described in subsection (H)(2)(a), all ADUs that are not covered by subsection (H)(2)(b) require a new, separate gas and electricity utility connections directly between the ADU and the utility.
i. The connections are subject to a connection fee that is proportionate to the burden created by the ADU, based on floor area.
ii. The portion of the fee or charge that is charged by the City may not exceed the reasonable cost of providing this service.

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I. Nonconforming Zoning Code Conditions, Building Code Violations, and Unpermitted Structures.

1. Generally. The City will not deny an ADU or JADU application due to a nonconforming zoning condition, building code violation, or unpermitted structure on the lot that does not present a threat to the public health and safety and that is not affected by the construction of the ADU or JADU.

2. Unpermitted ADUs and JADUs constructed before 2020.
a. Permit to Legalize. As required by state law, the City may not deny a permit to legalize an existing but unpermitted ADU or JADU that was constructed before January 1, 2020, if denial is based on either of the following grounds:
i. The ADU or JADU violates applicable building standards; or ii. The ADU or JADU does not comply with the state ADU or JADU law or this section.
b. Exceptions.
i. Notwithstanding subsection (I)(2)(a) above, the City may deny a permit to legalize an existing but unpermitted ADU or JADU that was constructed before January 1, 2020, if the City makes a finding that correcting a violation is necessary to comply with the standards specified in California Health and Safety Code Section 17920.3. ii. Subsection (I)(2)(a) above does not apply to a building that is deemed to be substandard in accordance with California Health and Safety Code Section 17920.3.

J. Nonconforming ADUs and Discretionary Approval. Any proposed ADU or JADU that would otherwise be allowed under this section but that does not conform to the objective standards set forth in subsections (A) through (I) of this section may be allowed by the City with a use permit, in accordance with Chapter 9.184 of this Code.

K. Parcels Created Under Government Code Section 66499.41. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this section, no ADU or JADU may be created on a parcel resulting from a subdivision under Government Code Section 66499.41. (Gov. Code, § 66499.41(g).)
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(Note: additions are in underline, deletions in strikethrough) § 9.146.050. Accessory dwelling units.

B. Effect of Conforming. An ADU or JADU that conforms to the standards in this section will not be:

1. Deemed to be inconsistent with the City's General Plan and zoning designation for the lot on which the ADU or JADU is located.

2. Deemed to exceed the allowable density for the lot on which the ADU or JADU is located.

3. Considered in the application of any local ordinance, policy, or program to limit residential growth.

C. Definitions. As used in this section, terms are defined as follows:

2. "Accessory structure" means a structure that is accessory and incidental to a dwelling located on the same lot.

4. "Director" means the Director of Community Development.

6. "Junior accessory dwelling unit" or "JADU" means a residential unit that satisfies all of the following:

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a. It is no more than 500 square feet of interior livable space in size. b. It is contained entirely within an existing or proposed single-family structure. An enclosed use within the residence, such as an attached garage, is considered to
be a part of and contained within the single-
family structure.
c. It includes its own separate sanitation facilities o r shares sanitation facilities
with the existing or proposed single-family structure.
d. If the unit does not include its own separate bathroom, then it contains an interior entrance to the main living area of the existing or proposed single-family structure in addition to an exterior entrance that is separate from
the main entrance to the primary dwelling.
e. It includes an efficiency kitchen, as defined in this sectionsubsection (C)(5) above.

7. "Livable space" means a space in a dwelling intended for human habitation, including living, sleeping, eating, cooking, or sanitation as defined by Section 66313 of the California Government Code.

8. "Living area" means the interior habitable area of a dwelling unit, including basements and attics, but does not include a garage or any accessory structure.

9. "Multifamily dwelling" means any structure with two or more attached dwellings on a single lot (e.g., apartments, attached townhomes, row houses).

10. "Nonconforming zoning condition" means a physical improvement on a property that does not conform with current zoning standards.

11. "Passageway" means a pathway that is unobstructed clear to the sky and extends from a street to one entrance of the ADU or JADU.

12. "Proposed dwelling" means a dwelling that is the subject of a permit application and that meets the requirements for permitting.

13. "Public transit" means a location, including, but not limited to, a bus stop or train station, where the public may access buses, trains, subways, and other forms of transportation that charge set fares, run on fixed routes, and are available to the public.

14. "Tandem parking" means that two or more automobiles are parked on a driveway or in any other location on a lot, lined up behind one another.

D. Approvals. The following approvals apply to ADUs and JADUs created under this section:

1. Building Permit Only. If an ADU or JADU complies with each of the general requirements in subsection E below, it is allowed with only a building permit in the following scenarios:

2. Processing Fee. The City may charge a fee to reimburse it for costs incurred in processing ADU permits, including the costs of adopting or amending the City’s Item: 6
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ADU ordinance. The ADU-permit processing fee is determined by the Director and approved by the City Council by resolution.

3. Process and Timing.
a. Completeness.
i. Determination in 15 days. The City will determine whether an application to create or serve an ADU or JADU is complete and will provide written notice of the determination to the applicant within 15 business days after the City receives the application submittal.
ii. Incomplete items. If the City’s determination under subsection (D)(3)(a)(i) above is that the application is incomplete, the City’s notice must list the incomplete items and describe how the application can be made complete.
iii. Cure. After receiving a notice that the application is incomplete, the applicant may cure and address the items that were deemed by the City to be incomplete.
iv. Subsequent submittals. If the applicant submits additional information to address incomplete items, within 15 business days of the subsequent subm ittal the C ity will determine in writing whether the additional information remedies all the incomplete items that the City identified in its original notice. The City may not require the application to include an item that was not included in the original notice.
v. Deemed complete. If the City does not make a timely
determination as required by this subsection (A), the application or resubmitted application is deemed complete for the purposes of subsection (D)(3)(c) below.
vi. Appeal of incompleteness. An applicant may appeal the City’s determination that the application is incomplete by submitting a written appeal to the City Clerk. The Planning Commission will review the written appeal and affirm or reverse the completeness determination and provide a final written determination to the applicant within 60 business days after receipt of the appeal. b. No discretion or hearing. Ministerial permits for an ADU or JADU are considered and approved without discretionary review or a hearing. c. Deadline to approve or deny ministerial approvals. The City must approve or deny an application to create an ADU or JADU within 60 days from the date that the C ity receives a complete application. If the City has not approved or denied the complete application within 60 days, the application is deemed approved unless either:
i. The applicant requests a delay, in which case the 60- day time period is tolled for the period of the requested delay, or ii. When an application to create an ADU or JADU is submitted with a permit application to create a new single -family or multifamily dwelling on the lot, the City may delay acting on the Item: 6
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permit application for the ADU or JADU until the City acts on the permit application to create the new single -family or multifamily dwelling, but the application to create the ADU or JADU will still be considered ministerially without discretionary review or a hearing.
d. Denial. If the City denies an application to create an ADU or JADU, the City must provide the applicant with comments that include, among other things, a list of all the defective or deficient items and a description of how the application may be remedied by the applicant. Notice of the denial and corresponding comments must be provided to the applicant within the 60-day time period established by subsection (D)(3)(c) above. e. Appeal of denial. An applicant may appeal the City’s denial of the application by submitting a written appeal to the City Clerk. The Planning Commission will review the written appeal and affirm or reverse the denial and provide a final written determinat ion to the applicant within 60 business days after receipt of the appeal. f. Concurrent review of demolition. A demolition permit for a detached garage that is to be replaced with an ADU is reviewed with the application for the ADU and issued at the same time.

E. Classes.

established on the lot under subsection (D)(1)(a) of this section) , if the detached ADU complies withsatisfies each of the following limitations:
i. The side- and rear-yard setbacks are at least four feet. ii. The total floor area is 800 square feet of livable space or smaller. iii. The peak height above grade does not exceed the applicable height limit provided in subsection (E)(2)(F)(2) below. c. Converted on Multifamily Lot with Multifamily. One or more ADUs within portions of existing multifamily dwelling structures that are not used as livable space, including, but not limited to, storage rooms, boiler rooms, passageways, attics, basements, or garages, if each converted ADU complies with State state building standards for dwellings. Under this subsection (D)(1)(c)(E)(1)(c), at least one converted ADU is allowed within an existing multifamily dwelling, up to a quantity equal to 25 % percent of the existing multifamily dwelling units.
d. Limited Detached on Multifamily Lot with Multifamily. No more than two detached ADUs on a lot with a proposed multifamily dwelling, or up to eight detached ADUs on a lot with an existing multifamily dwelling, if each detached ADU satisfies all of the following limitations:
i. The side - and rear -yard setbacks are at least four feet. If the existing multifamily dwelling has a rear- or side-yard setback of less than four feet, the City will not require any modification to the multifamily dwelling as a condition of approving the ADU. ii. The peak height above grade does not exceed the applicable height limit provided in subsection (E)(2)(F)(2) below. iii. If the lot has an existing multifamily dwelling, the quantity of detached ADUs shall does not exceed the number of primary dwelling units on the lot.

2. Class 2: Locally Regulated. Class 2 ADUs are approved under Government Code S ection 66314–66322. Except for Class 1 ADUs approved under subsection (E)(1) above, all ADUs are subject to the standards set forth in subsections (F) and (G) below.

2. ADU Permit—Required and Fee.
a. Except as allowed under subsection (D)(1) of this section, no ADU may be created without a building permit and an ADU permit in compliance with the standards set forth in subsections (E) and (F) below. b. The City may charge a fee to reimburse it for costs incurred in processing ADU permits, including the costs of adopting or amending the City's ADU ordinance. The ADU-permit processing fee is established by resolution of the City Council.

3. Process and Timing.
a. An ADU permit is considered and approved ministerially, without discretionary review or a hearing.
b. The City must approve or deny an application to create an ADU or JADU Item: 6
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within 60 days from the date that the City receives a completed application. If the City has not approved or denied the completed application, the application is deemed approved unless either:
i. The applicant requests a delay in writing, in which case the 60- day time period is tolled for the period of the requested delay; or ii. When an application to create an ADU or JADU is submitted with a permit application to create a new single- family or multifamily dwelling on the lot, the City may delay acting on the permit application for the ADU or JADU until the City acts on the permit application to create the new single- family or multifamily dwelling, but the application to create the ADU or JADU will still be considered ministerially without discretionary review or a hearing. c. If the City denies an application to create an ADU or JADU, the City must provide the applicant with comments that include, among other things, a list of all the defective or deficient items and a description of how the application may be remedied by the applicant. Notice of the denial and corresponding comments must be provided to the applicant within the 60- day time period established by subsection (D)(3)(b) above. d. A demolition permit for a detached garage that is to be replaced with an ADU is reviewed with the application for the ADU and issued at the same time.

EF. General ADU and JADU Requirements. The following requirements apply to all Class 1 and Class 2 ADUs and JADUs that are approved under subsection (D)(1) or (D)(2) of this section:

1. Zoning.
a. An A Class 1 ADU or JADU subject only to a building permitapproved under subsection (D)(1) (E)(1) above may be created on a lot in a residential or mixed-use zone.
b. An A Class 2 ADU or JADU subject to an ADU permitapproved under subsection (D)(2)(E)(2) above may be created on a lot that is zoned to allow single -family dwelling residential use or multifamily dwelling residential use.
c. In accordance with Government Code Section 66333(a), a JADU may only be created on a lot zoned for single-family residences with a single- family residence built, or proposed to be built, on the lot.

2. Height.
a. Except as otherwise provided by subsections (E)(2)(b)(F)(2)(b) and (E)(2)(c)(F)(2)(c) below, a detached ADU created on a lot with an existing or proposed single-family or multifamily dwelling unit may not exceed 16 feet in height.
b. A detached ADU may be up to 18 feet in height if it is created on a lot with an existing or proposed single-family or multifamily dwelling unit that is located within 1/2one-half mile walking distance of a major transit stop or a high quality transit corridor, as those terms are defined in Section 21155 of the Public Resources Code, and the ADU may be up to two additional feet in height (for a maximum of 20 feet) if necessary Item: 6
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to accommodate a roof pitch on the ADU that is aligned with the roof pitch of the primary dwelling unit.
c. A detached ADU created on a lot with an existing or proposed multifamily dwelling that has more than one story above grade may not exceed 18 feet in height.
d. An ADU that is attached to the primary dwelling may not exceed 25 feet in height or the height limitation imposed by the underlying zone that applies to the primary dwelling, whichever is lower. Notwithstanding the foregoing, ADUs subject to this subsection (E)(2)(d)(F)(2)(d) may not exceed two stories.
e. For purposes of this subsection (E)(2) (F)(2), height is measured above from existing legal grade or the level of the lowest floor, whichever is lower, to the peak of the structure.

4. Rental Term. No ADU or JADU may be rented for a term that is shorter than 30 days. This prohibition applies regardless of when the ADU or JADU was created.

6. Septic System. If the ADU or JADU will connect to an on -site waste -water treatment system, the owner must include with the application (as required by subsection (D)(1) or (D)(2) above) a percolation test completed within the previous last five years or, if the percolation test has been recertified, within the last 10 years.

7. Owner Occupancy.
a. ADUs. ADUs are not subject to an owner-occupancy requirement. b. JADUs.
i. Generally. As required by State state law, all JADUs are generally subject to an owner-occupancy requirement. A natural person with legal or equitable title to the property must reside on the property, in either the primary dwelling or JADU, as the person's legal domicile and permanent residence. However, the owner-occupancy requirement of this paragraph does not apply if the property is entirely owned by another governmental agency, land trust, or housing organization.

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ii. Exceptions. The owner -occupancy r equirement in this subsection (F)(7)(b ) does not apply in either of the following situations:

I. The JADU has separate sanitation facilities (i.e., does not share sanitation facilities with the existing primary
dwelling unit structure).

II. The property is entirely owned by another governmental agency, land trust, or housing organization.

8. Deed Restriction. Prior to issuance of a building permit for a certificate of occupancy for a JADU, a deed restriction must be recorded against the title of the property in the County Recorder's office and a copy filed with the directorDirector. The deed restriction must run with the land and bind all current and future owners. The form of the deed restriction will be provided by the City and must provide that the: JADU may not be sold separately from the primary dwelling.
a. The JADU may not be sold separately from the primary dwelling. b. The JADU is restricted to the approved size and to other attributes allowed by this section.
c. The deed restriction runs with the land and may be enforced against future property owners.
d. The deed restriction may be removed if the owner eliminates the JADU, as evidenced by, for example, removal of the kitchen facilities. To remove the deed restriction, an owner may make a written request of the Director, providing evidence that the JADU has in fact been eliminated.

The Director may then determine whether the evidence supports the claim that the JADU has been eliminated. Appeal may be taken from the Director’s determination consistent with other provisions of this Code.

If the JADU is not ent irely physically removed, but is only eliminated by virtue of having a necessary component of an JADU removed, the remaining structure and improvements must otherwise comply with applicable provisions of this Code.
e. The deed restriction is enforceable by the director or his or her designee for the benefit of the City. Failure of the property owner to comply with the deed restriction may result in legal action against the property owner, and the City is authorized to obtain any remedy available to it at law or equity, including, but not limited to, obtaining an injunction enjoining the use of the JADU in violation of the recorded restrictions or abatement of the illegal unit.

9. Building and Safety.
a. Must comply with building code. Subject to subsection (E)(9)(b)(F)(9)(b) below, all ADUs and JADUs must comply with all local building code requirements.
b. No change of occupancy. Construction of an ADU does not constitute a Group R occupancy change under the local building code, as described in Section 310 of the California Building Code, unless the Building Official or Code Enforcement Division officer makes a written finding based on Item: 6
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substantial evidence in the record that the construction of the ADU could have a specific, adverse impact on public health and safety. Nothing in this subsection (E)(9)(b)(F)(9)(b) prevents the City from changing the occupancy code of a space that was uninhabitable space or that was only permitted for nonresidential use and was subsequently converted for residential use in accordance with this section.

10. Certificate of Occupancy Timing.
a. Generally. No certificate of occupancy for an ADU or JADU may be issued before the certificate of occupancy is issued for the primary dwelling unit.
b. Limited Exception for State -declared Emergencies. Notwithstanding subsection (F)(10)(a) above, a certificate of occupancy for an ADU may be issued before a certificate of occupancy for the primary dwelling if each of the following requirements are met:
(i) The county is subject to a proclamation of a state of emergency made by the California Governor on or after February 1, 2025. (ii) The primary dwelling was substantially damaged or destroyed by an event referenced in the Governor’s state of emergency proclamation.
(iii) The ADU has been issued construction permits and has passed all required inspections.
(iv) The ADU is not attached to the primary dwelling.

FG. Specific ADU Requirements. The following requirements apply only to Class 2 ADUs that require an ADU permit approved under subsection (D)(2)(E)(2) of this sectionabove. This subsection (G) does not apply to Class 1 ADUs or JADUs approved under subsection (E)(1) above.

1. Maximum Size.
a. The maximum size of a detached or attached ADU subject to this subsection (F)(G) is 850 square feet of interior livable space for a studio or one bedroom unit and 1,000 square feet of interior livable space for a unit with two or more bedrooms.
b. An attached ADU that is created on a lot with an existing primary dwelling is further limited in floor area to the equivalent of to 50% percent of the floor area of the existing primary dwelling. c. No application of the percent -based size limit in subsection (F)(1)(b)(G)(1)(b) above or of a front yard setback requirement may require the ADU to be less than 800 square feet of interior livable space.

2. Setbacks.
a. An ADUs that are subject to this subsection F (G) must conform to a 25- foot front-yard setback, subject to subsection (F)(1)(c)(G)(1)(c) above. b. An ADU that is subject to this subsection F (G) must conform to four- foot side- and rear-yard setbacks.

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c. No setback is required for an ADU that is subject to this subsection F (G) if the ADU is constructed in the same location and to the same dimensions as an existing structure.

3. Passageway. No passageway, as defined by subsection ( C)(11) above , ("Passageway") of this section, is required for an ADU.

4. Parking.
a. Generally. One off -street parking space is required for each ADU or bedroom, whichever is less . The parking space may be provided in setback areas or as tandem parking, as defined by subsection (C) (14) above of this section.
b. Exceptions. No parking under subsection (F)(4)(a) (G)(4)(a) is required in the following situations:
i. The ADU is located within 1/2one-half mile walking distance of public transit, as defined in subsection ( C)(13) above of this section.
ii. The ADU is located within an architecturally and historically significant historic district.
iii. The ADU is part of the proposed or existing primary residence or an accessory structure (under subsection (D)(1)(a)). iv. When on-street parking permits are required but not offered to the occupant of the ADU.
v. When there is an established car share vehicle stop located within one block of the ADU.
vi. When the permit application to create an ADU is submitted with an application to create a new single -family or new multifamily dwelling on the same lot, provided that the ADU or the lot satisfies any other criteria listed in subsections
(F)(4)(b)(i)(G)(4)(b)(i) through (F)(4)(b)(v) above.
c. No Replacement. When a garage, carport, covered parking structure, or uncovered parking space is demolished in conjunction with the construction of an ADU or converted to an ADU, those off -street parking spaces are not required to be replaced.
d. Driveway. The ADU and primary dwelling must use the same paved driveway for vehicular access between the street and any spaces provided for off-street parking, whether open or enclosed, including any garage. An existing driveway serving the primary residence may be widened to accommodate any new parking space serving the ADU, provided that the maximum width of the driveway does not exceed 30 feet or 60% of the width of the lot, whichever is greater. For purposes of determining the maximum driveway width, the width of the lot is measured along the property line over which driveway access from the street is provided. All driveways must have a minimum depth of 18 feet on private property. e. Each unenclosed parking space shall be at least nine feet wide and 18 feet long.

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f. Each parking space that is provided in an enclosed garage shall be at least 10 feet wide and 20 feet long and have at least seven and one -half (7 1/2) feet vertical clearance.

5. Architectural Requirements.
a. The ADU must have an independent exterior entrance, apart from that of the primary dwelling.
b. The interior horizontal dimensions of an ADU must be at least 10 feet wide in every direction.

GH. Fees. The following requirements apply to all Class 1 ADUs and JADUs and Class 2 ADUs that are approved under subsections (D)(1)(E)(1) or (D)(2)(E)(2) above.

1. Impact Fees.
a. No impact fee shall beis required for a JADU or for an ADU that is has less than 750 square feet of interior livable space in size. For purposes of this subsection (G)(1) (H)(1), "impact fee" means a "fee" under the Mitigation Fee Act (Government Code Section 66000(b)) and a fee under the Quimby Act (Government Code Section 66477). "Impact fee" here does not include any connection fee or capacity charge for water or sewer service.
b. A JADU or ADU with less than 500 square feet of interior livable space does not increase assessable space by 500 square feet for purposes of Education Code Section 17620(a)(1)(C), and is therefore not subject to school fees under Education Code Section 17620.
bc. Any impact fee that is required for an ADU that is has 750 square feet or larger in sizemore of interior livable space must be charged proportionately in relation to the square footage of the primary dwelling unit (e.g., the floor area of the ADU, divided by the floor area of the primary dwelling, times the typical fee amount charged for a new dwelling.)

2. Utility Connection and Fees.
a. If an ADU or JADU is constructed with a new single -family home, a separate gas and electric utility connection directly between the ADU or JADU and the utility and payment of the normal connection fee and capacity charge for a new dwelling are required.
b. Except as described in subsection (G)(2)(a) (H)(2)(a), JADUs and converted ADUs on a single-family lot that are created under subsection (D)(1)(a)(E)(1)(a) above are not required to have a new or separate utility connection directly between the JADU or ADU and the utility. Nor is a connection fee or capacity charge required. Notwithstanding the rest of this paragraph, a direct utility connection is required for separate conveyance of an ADU when separate conveyance is allowed under this section.
c. Except as described in subsection (G)(2)(a)(H)(2)(a), all ADUs that are not covered by subsection (G)(2)(b)(H)(2)(b) require a new, separate gas and electricity utility connections directly between the ADU and the utility.

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i. The connections are subject to a connection fee that is proportionate to the burden created by the ADU, based on floor area.
ii. The portion of the fee or charge that is charged by the City may not exceed the reasonable cost of providing this service.

HI. Nonconforming Zoning Code Conditions, Building Code Violations, and Unpermitted Structures.

2. Unpermitted ADUs and JADUs constructed before 2020.
a. Permit to Legalize. As required by State state law, the City may not deny a permit to legalize an existing but unpermitted ADU or JADU that was constructed before January 1, 2020, if denial is based on either of the following grounds:
i. The ADU or JADU violates applicable building standards; or ii. The ADU or JADU does not comply with the State state ADU or JADU law or this section.
b. Exceptions.
i. Notwithstanding subsection (H)(2)(a) (I)(2)(a) above, the City may deny a permit to legalize an existing but unpermitted ADU or JADU that was constructed before January 1, 2020, if the City makes a finding that correcting a violation is necessary to comply with the standards specified in California He alth and Safety Code Section 17920.3.
ii. Subsection (H)(2)(a)(I)(2)(a) above does not apply to a building that is deemed to be substandard in accordance with California Health and Safety Code Section 17920.3.

IJ. Nonconforming ADUs and Discretionary Approval. Any proposed ADU or JADU that would otherwise be allowed under this section but that does not conform to the objective standards set forth in subsections (A) through (H)(2)(I) of this section may be allowed by the City with a use permit, in accordance with Chapter 9.184 of this Code.

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62 ATTACHMENT 3
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63 RESOLUTION NO. 2025-24

A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF

THE CITY OF LAKE FOREST, RECOMMENDING THAT

THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPT ZONING CODE
AMENDMENT 11-25-5838, AN ORDINANCE

AMENDING LAKE FOREST MUNICIPAL CODE
SECTION 9.146.050 RELATING TO ACCESSORY

DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY

DWELLING UNITS TO COMPLY WITH RECENT

CHANGES IN STATE LAW AND FINDING THE ACTION

TO BE STATUTORILY EXEMPT FROM CEQA UNDER
PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE§ 21080.17
WHEREAS, state law authorizes cities to act by ordinance to provide for the creation and regulation of accessory dwelling units ("ADUs") and junior accessory dwelling units ("JADUs"); and
WHEREAS, in recent years, the California Legislature has approved, and the Governor has signed into law, a number of bills that, among other things, amend various sections of the Government Code to impose new limits on local authority to regulate ADUs and JADUs; and
WHEREAS, in 2025, the California Legislature approved, and the Governor signed into law, further amendments to state ADU law;
WHEREAS, the new updates to state ADU law take effect on January 1, 2026, and for the City's ADU ordinance to remain valid, it must be amended to reflect the most recent changes to state law; and
WHEREAS, the City desires to amend its local regulatory scheme for the construction of ADUs and JADUs to reflect the most recent changes to state law; and
WHEREAS, on December 4, 2025, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing to consider the attached Ordinance; and WHEREAS, all legal prerequisites to the adoption of this Resolution have occurred.

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NOW, THEREFORE, the Planning Commission of the City of Lake Forest does hereby resolve as follows:

SECTION 1. Incorporation. The recitals above are true and correct and are each incorporated by reference and adopted as findings by the Planning Commission.

SECTION 2. CEQA. The Planning Commission recommends that the City Council find that, under California Public Resources Code section 21080.17, the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") does not apply to the adoption of an ordinance by a city or county implementing the provisions of Chapter 13 of Division 1 of Title 7 of the California Government Code, which is California's ADU law. Therefore, adoption of the proposed Ordinance is statutorily exempt from CEQA in that it implements state ADU law.

SECTION 3. General Plan. The Planning Commission hereby finds that the adoption of the Ordinance is consistent with the General Plan as a matter of law under Government Code section 66314(c). Specifically, the Zoning Code Amendment implements the following General Plan implementation actions:

Goal 1: Adequate housing to meet the existing and future needs of Lake Forest residents.

Policy 1 .1 : Allow for the development of a variety of housing opportunities (ownership and rental) in Lake Forest including low-density single-family homes, moderate-density townhomes, higher-density apartments and multi family projects, mixed-use development, accessory dwelling units, and mobile homes to fulfill regional housing needs.

SECTION 4. Recommendation. Given the foregoing, and based on the entire record before the Planning Commission, the Planning Commission hereby recommends that the City Council adopt the Ordinance attached hereto as Exhibit "A."
SECTION 5. Effective Date. This Resolution takes effect immediately upon adoption.

Section 6. Certification: Records. The Planning Commission Chair shall sign and the Secretary shall attest as to the adoption of this Resolution and cause the same to be maintained in the permanent records of the City.

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PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 4th day of December 2025, by the following vote, to wit:

AYES: COMMISSIONERS:

NOES: COMMISSIONERS:

ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS:

ABSTAINED: COMMISSIONERS:

THOMAS LUDDEN

CHAIRMAN

LAKE FOREST PLANNING COMMISSION
ATTEST:

GA,t��R��

GRABLE, LUDDEN,

STANNARD, VILLWOCK
NONE

BARAJAS
NONE
DATE
DATE

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
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Exhibit "A"
Proposed Ordinance
[Attached]
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EXHIBIT A
§ 9.146.050. Accessory dwelling units.

B. Effect of Conforming. An ADU or JADU that conforms to the standards in this section will not be:

1. Deemed to be inconsistent with the City's General Plan and zoning designation for the lot on which the ADU or JADU is located.

2. Deemed to exceed the allowable density for the lot on which the ADU or JADU is located.

3. Considered in the application of any local ordinance, policy, or program to limit residential growth.

C. Definitions. As used in this section, terms are defined as follows:

2. "Accessory structure" means a structure that is accessory and incidental to a dwelling located on the same lot.

4. "Director" means the Director of Community Development.

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5. "Efficiency kitchen" means a kitchen that includes all of the following:
a. A cooking facility with appliances.
b. A food preparation counter and storage cabinets that are of � reasonable size in relation to the size of the JADU.

6. "Junior accessory dwelling unit" or "JADU" means a residential unit that satisfies all of the following:
a. It is no more than 500 square feet of interior livable space in size.
b. It is contained entirely within an existing or proposed single family structure. An enclosed use within the residence, such as an attached garage, is considered to be a part of and contained within the single-family structure.
c. It includes its own separate sanitation facilities or shares sanitation facilities with the existing or proposed single-family structure.
d. If the unit does not include its own separate bathroom, then it contains an interior entrance to the main living area of the existing or proposed single-family structure in addition to an exterior entrance that is separate from the main entrance to the primary dwelling.
e. It includes an efficiency kitchen, as defined in subsection (C)(5) above.

7. "Livable space" means a space in a dwelling intended for human habitation, including living, sleeping, eating, cooking, or sanitation.

8. "Living area" means the interior habitable area of a dwelling unit, including basements and attics, but does not include a garage or any accessory structure.

9. "Nonconforming zoning condition" means a physical improvement on a property that does not conform with current zoning standards.

10. "Passageway" means a pathway that is unobstructed clear to the sky and extends from a street to one entrance of the ADU or JADU.

11. "Proposed dwelling" means a dwelling that is the subject of a permit application and that meets the requirements for permitting.

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13. "Tandem parking" means that two or more automobiles are parked on a driveway or in any other location on a lot, lined up behind one another.

D. Approvals. The following approvals apply to ADUs and JADUs created under this section:

2. Processing Fee. The City may charge a fee to reimburse it for costs incurred in processing ADU permits, including the costs of adopting or amending the City's ADU ordinance. The ADU-permit processing fee is determined by the Director and approved by the City Council by resolution.

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v. Deemed complete. If the City does not make a timely
determination as required by this subsection (A), the
application or resubmitted application is deemed
complete for the purposes of subsection (D)(3)(c) below. vi. Appeal of incompleteness. An applicant may appeal the City's determination that the application is incomplete by submitting a written appeal to the City Clerk. The
Planning Commission will review the written appeal and
affirm or reverse the completeness determination and
provide a final written determination to the applicant
within 60 business days after receipt of the appeal.
b. No discretion or hearing. Ministerial permits for an ADU or JADU are considered and approved without discretionary
review or a hearing.
c. Deadline to approve or deny ministerial approvals. The City must approve or deny an application to create an ADU or JADU within 60 days from the date that the City receives a complete application. If the City has not approved or denied the complete application within 60 days, the application is deemed approved unless either:
i. The applicant requests a delay, in which case the 60-day time period is tolled for the period of the requested delay, or
ii. When an application to create an ADU or JADU is
submitted with a permit application to create a new
single-family or multifamily dwelling on the lot, the City may delay acting on the permit application for the ADU
or JADU until the City acts on the permit application to create the new single-family or multifamily dwelling, but the application to create the ADU or JADU will still be considered ministerially without discretionary review or a hearing.
d. Denial. If the City denies an application to create an ADU or JADU, the City must provide the applicant with comments that include, among other things, a list of all the defective or deficient items and a description of how the application may be remedied by the applicant. Notice of the denial and corresponding comments must be provided to the applicant within the 60-day time period established by subsection (D)(3)(c) above.
e. Appeal of denial. An applicant may appeal the City's denial of the application by submitting a written appeal to the City Clerk.

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The Planning Commission will review the written appeal and affirm or reverse the denial and provide a final written determination to the applicant within 60 business days after receipt of the appeal.
f. Concurrent review of demolition. A demolition permit for a detached garage that is to be replaced with an ADU is reviewed with the application for the ADU and issued at the same time.

E. Classes.

1. Is either: within the space of a proposed single-family dwelling; 8f-Within the existing space of an existing
single-family dwelling; or (in the case of an ADU only) within the existing space of an accessory structure, plus up to 150 additional square feet if the expansion is limited to accommodating ingress and egress; and
ii. Has exterior access that is independent of that for the single-family dwelling; and
iii. Has side- and rear-yard setbacks sufficient for fire and safety, as dictated by applicable building and fire codes. iv. The JADU complies with the requirements of
Government Code Sections 66333 through 66339.
b. Limited Detached on Lot with Single-Family. One detached, new-construction ADU on a lot with a proposed or existing single-family dwelling, if the detached ADU satisfies each of the following limitations:
i. The side- and rear-yard setbacks are at least four feet. ii. The total floor area is 800 square feet of livable space or smaller.

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iii. The peak height above grade does not exceed the
applicable height limit provided in subsection (E)(2)
below.
c. Converted on Lot with Multifamily. One or more ADUs within portions of existing multifamily dwelling structures that are not used as livable space, including, but not limited to, storage rooms, boiler rooms, passageways, attics, basements, or garages, if each converted ADU complies with state building standards for dwellings. Under this subsection (E)(1 )(c), at least one converted ADU is allowed within an existing multifamily dwelling, up to a quantity equal to 25 percent of the existing multifamily dwelling units.
d. Limited Detached on Lot with Multifamily. No more than two detached ADUs on a lot with a proposed multifamily dwelling, or up to eight detached ADUs on a lot with an existing
multifamily dwelling, if each detached ADU satisfies all of the following:
i. The side- and rear-yard setbacks are at least four feet. If the existing multifamily dwelling has a rear- or side-yard setback of less than four feet, the City will not require any modification to the multifamily dwelling as a condition of approving the ADU.
ii. The peak height above grade does not exceed the
applicable height limit provided in subsection (F)(2)
below.
iii. If the lot has an existing multifamily dwelling, the quantity of detached ADUs does not exceed the number of
primary dwelling units on the lot.

2. Class 2: Locally Regulated. Class 2 ADUs are approved under Government Code Section 66314-66322. Except for Class 1 ADUs approved under subsection (E)(1) above, all ADUs are subject to the standards set forth in subsections (F) and (G) below.

F. General Requirements. The following requirements apply to all Class 1 and Class 2 ADUs and JADUs:

1. Zoning.
a. A Class 1 ADU approved under subsection (E)(1) above may be created on a lot in a residential or mixed-use zone.

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b. A Class 2 ADU approved under subsection (E)(2) above may be created on a lot that is zoned to allow single-family dwelling residential use or multifamily dwelling residential use. c. In accordance with Government Code Section 66333(a), a JADU may only be created on a lot zoned for single-family residences.

2. Height.
a. Except as otherwise provided by subsections (F)(2)(b) and (F)(2)(c) below, a detached ADU created on a lot with an existing or proposed single-family or multifamily dwelling unit may not exceed 16 feet in height.
b. A detached ADU may be up to 18 feet in height if it is created on a lot with an existing or proposed single-family or multifamily dwelling unit that is located within one-half mile walking distance of a major transit stop or a high quality transit corridor, as those terms are defined in Section 21155 of the Public Resources Code, and the ADU may be up to two additional feet in height (for a maximum of 20 feet) if necessary to
accommodate a roof pitch on the ADU that is aligned with the roof pitch of the primary dwelling unit.
c. A detached ADU created on a lot with an existing or proposed multifamily dwelling that has more than one story above grade may not exceed 18 feet in height.
d. An ADU that is attached to the primary dwelling may not exceed 25 feet in height or the height limitation imposed by the underlying zone that applies to the primary dwelling, whichever is lower. Notwithstanding the foregoing, ADUs subject to this subsection (F)(2)(d) may not exceed two stories.
e. For purposes of this subsection (F)(2), height is measured from existing legal grade or the level of the lowest floor, whichever is lower, to the peak of the structure.

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4. 5.

6. 7.

Rental Term. No ADU or JADU may be rented for a term that is shorter than 30 days. This prohibition applies regardless of when the ADU or JADU was created.

No Separate Conveyance. An ADU or JADU may be rented, but, except as otherwise provided in Government Code Section 66341, no ADU or JADU may be sold or otherwise conveyed separately from the lot and the primary dwelling (in the case of a single-family lot) or from the lot and all of the dwellings (in the case of a multifamily lot).

Septic System. If the ADU or JADU will connect to an on-site waste water treatment system, the owner must include with the application a percolation test completed within the last five years or, if the percolation test has been recertified, within the last 10 years.

Owner Occupancy.
a. ADUs. ADUs are not subject to an owner-occupancy
requirement.
b. JADUs.

1. Generally. As required by state law, JADUs are generally subject to an owner-occupancy requirement. A natural
person with legal or equitable title to the property must reside on the property, in either the primary dwelling or JADU, as the person's legal domicile and permanent
residence.
ii. Exceptions. The owner-occupancy requirement in this subsection (F)(7)(b) does not apply in either of the
following situations:

I. The JADU has separate sanitation facilities (i.e.,
does not share sanitation facilities with the existing
primary dwelling unit structure).

11. The property is entirely owned by another
governmental agency, land trust, or housing
organization.

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b. The JADU is restricted to the approved size and to other attributes allowed by this section.
c. The deed restriction runs with the land and may be enforced against future property owners.
d. The deed restriction may be removed if the owner eliminates the JADU, as evidenced by, for example, removal of the kitchen facilities. To remove the deed restriction, an owner may make a written request of the Director, providing evidence that the JADU has in fact been eliminated. The Director may then determine whether the evidence supports the claim that the JADU has been eliminated. Appeal may be taken from the
Director's determination consistent with other provisions of this Code. If the JADU is not entirely physically removed, but is only eliminated by virtue of having a necessary component of an JADU removed, the remaining structure and improvements
must otherwise comply with applicable provisions of this Code. e. The deed restriction is enforceable by the director or his or her designee for the benefit of the City. Failure of the property owner to comply with the deed restriction may result in legal action against the property owner, and the City is authorized to obtain any remedy available to it at law or equity, including, but not limited to, obtaining an injunction enjoining the use of the JADU in violation of the recorded restrictions or abatement of the illegal unit.

9. Building and Safety.
a. Must comply with building code. Subject to subsection (F)(9)(b) below, all ADUs and JADUs must comply with all local building code requirements.
b. No change of occupancy. Construction of an ADU does not constitute a Group R occupancy change under the local building code, as described in Section 310 of the California Building Code, unless the Building Official or Code Enforcement Division officer makes a written finding based on substantial evidence in the record that the construction of the ADU could have a specific, adverse impact on public health and safety. Nothing in this subsection (F)(9)(b) prevents the City from changing the occupancy code of a space that was uninhabitable space or that was only permitted for nonresidential use and was subsequently converted for residential use in accordance with this section.

10. Certificate of Occupancy Timing.

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a. Generally. No certificate of occupancy for an ADU or JADU may be issued before the certificate of occupancy is issued for the primary dwelling unit.
b. Limited Exception for State-declared Emergencies.

Notwithstanding subsection (F)(1 0)(a) above, a certificate of occupancy for an ADU may be issued before a certificate of occupancy for the primary dwelling if each of the following requirements are met:
(i) The county is subject to a proclamation of a state of emergency made by the California Governor on or after
February 1, 2025.
(ii) The primary dwelling was substantially damaged or
destroyed by an event referenced in the Governor's state of emergency proclamation.
(iii) The ADU has been issued construction permits and has passed all required inspections.
(iv) The ADU is not attached to the primary dwelling.

1. Maximum Size.
a. The maximum size of a detached or attached ADU subject to this subsection (G) is 850 square feet of interior livable space for a studio or one-bedroom unit and 1,000 square feet of interior livable space for a unit with two or more bedrooms. b. An attached ADU that is created on a lot with an existing primary dwelling is further limited to 50 percent of the floor area of the existing primary dwelling.
c. No application of the percent-based size limit in subsection (G)(1 )(b) above or of a front yard setback requirement may require the ADU to be less than 800 square feet of interior livable space.

2. Setbacks.
a. ADUs that are subject to this subsection (G) must conform to a 25-foot front-yard setback, subject to subsection (G)(1 )(c) above.

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b. An ADU that is subject to this subsection (G) must conform to four-foot side- and rear-yard setbacks.
c. No setback is required for an ADU that is subject to this subsection (G) if the ADU is constructed in the same location and to the same dimensions as an existing structure.

3. Passageway. No passageway, as defined by subsection (C)(9) above, is required for an ADU.

1. The ADU is located within one-half mile walking distance of public transit, as defined in subsection (C)(11) above. ii. The ADU is located within an architecturally and
historically significant historic district.
iii. The ADU is part of the proposed or existing primary residence or an accessory structure.
iv. When on-street parking permits are required but not offered to the occupant of the ADU.
v. When there is an established car share vehicle stop
located within one block of the ADU.
vi. When the permit application to create an ADU is
submitted with an application to create a new single
family or new multifamily dwelling on the same lot,
provided that the ADU or the lot satisfies any other
criteria listed in subsections (G)(4)(b)(i) through (v) above.
c. No Replacement. When a garage, carport, covered parking structure, or uncovered parking space is demolished in
conjunction with the construction of an ADU or converted to an ADU, those off-street parking spaces are not required to be replaced.
d. Driveway. The ADU and primary dwelling must use the same paved driveway for vehicular access between the street and any Item: 6
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spaces provided for off-street parking, whether open or enclosed, including any garage. An existing driveway serving the primary residence may be widened to accommodate any new parking space serving the ADU, provided that the maximum width of the driveway does not exceed 30 feet or 60% of the width of the lot, whichever is greater. For purposes of determining the maximum driveway width, the width of the lot is measured along the property line over which driveway access from the street is provided. All driveways must have a minimum depth of 18 feet on private property.
e. Each unenclosed parking space shall be at least nine feet wide and 18 feet long.
f. Each parking space that is provided in an enclosed garage shall be at least 10 feet wide and 20 feet long and have at least seven and one-half (7 1 '2) feet vertical clearance.

H. Fees. The following requirements apply to all Class 1 ADUs and JADUs and Class 2 ADUs that are approved under subsections (E)(1) or (0)(2) above.

1. Impact Fees.
a. No impact fee is required for a JADU or for an ADU that has less than 750 square feet of interior livable space. For purposes of this subsection (H)(1 ), "impact fee" means a "fee" under the Mitigation Fee Act (Government Code Section 66000(b)) and a fee under the Quimby Act (Government Code Section 66477). "Impact fee" here does not include any connection fee or capacity charge for water or sewer service.
b. A JADU or ADU with less than 500 square feet of interior livable space does not increase assessable space by 500 square feet for purposes of Education Code Section 17620(a)(1 )(C), and is therefore not subject to school fees under Education Code Section 17620.
c. Any impact fee that is required for an ADU that has 750 square feet or more of interior livable space must be charged
proportionately in relation to the square footage of the primary dwelling unit (e.g., the floor area of the ADU, divided by the floor Item: 6
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Page 17 ends

area of the primary dwelling, times the typical fee amount charged for a new dwelling.)

2. Utility Connection and Fees.
a. If an ADU or JADU is constructed with a new single-family home, a separate gas and electric utility connection directly between the ADU or JADU and the utility and payment of the normal connection fee and capacity charge for a new dwelling are required.
b. Except as described in subsection (H)(2)(a), JADUs and converted ADUs on a single-family lot that are created under subsection (E)(1 )(a) above are not required to have a new or separate utility connection directly between the JADU or ADU and the utility. Nor is a connection fee or capacity charge required. Notwithstanding the rest of this paragraph, a direct utility connection is required for separate conveyance of an ADU when separate conveyance is allowed under this section. c. Except as described in subsection (H)(2)(a), all ADUs that are not covered by subsection (H)(2)(b) require a new, separate gas and electricity utility connections directly between the ADU and the utility.
i. The connections are subject to a connection fee that is proportionate to the burden created by the ADU, based
on floor area.
ii. The portion of the fee or charge that is charged by the City may not exceed the reasonable cost of providing this service.

I. Nonconforming Zoning Code Conditions, Building Code Violations, and Unpermitted Structures.

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i. The ADU or JADU violates applicable building standards; or
ii. The ADU or JADU does not comply with the state ADU
or JADU law or this section.
b. Exceptions.
i. Notwithstanding subsection (I)(2)(a) above, the City may deny a permit to legalize an existing but unpermitted ADU or JADU that was constructed before January 1, 2020, if the City makes a finding that correcting a violation is necessary to comply with the standards specified in
California Health and Safety Code Section 17920.3.
ii. Subsection (I)(2)(a) above does not apply to a building that is deemed to be substandard in accordance with
California Health and Safety Code Section 17920.3.

J. Nonconforming AD Us and Discretionary Approval. Any proposed ADU or JADU that would otherwise be allowed under this section but that does not conform to the objective standards set forth in subsections (A) through (I) of this section may be allowed by the City with a use permit, in accordance with Chapter 9.184 of this Code.

K. Parcels Created Under Government Code Section 66499.41.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this section, no ADU or JADU may be created on a parcel resulting from a subdivision under Government Code Section 66499.41. (Gov. Code, § 66499.41 (g).) Item: 6
81 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: 1/6/2026
DEPARTMENT: City Clerk
SUBJECT:

ANNUAL REVIEW OF CITY COUNCIL POLICIES
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):

Exercise discretion in re-affirming and/or revising City Council Policies.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

The City Clerk's Office maintains the record of City Council-adopted policies.

These policies relate to the conduct of the City Council and include policy-level procedures to guide staff. Staff present these policies to the City Council annually for review and adoption. The City Council policies are reviewed annually for efficiency, compliance with State law, and/or City Council direction. As the need arises, a City Council policy may be brought before the City Council for consideration and adoption independently from the annual review.

The Financial Management and Budgetary Policy is reviewed annually during the budget development process, as stipulated in the policy itself. Therefore, it is not included in this review and will be presented to the City Council in June 2026.

The City Council Policy Ad Hoc Committee (“Committee”) met with staff to review each of the City Council Policies. The Committee consisted of Mayor Pro Tem Pequeño and Council Member Yu. The recommendations presented in this report reflect the recommendations made by the Committee during its deliberations. The Committee discussed the implementation of a meeting report policy. The policy would address Council Members complying with Assembly Bill 1234 by verbally providing a brief report at a regular meeting of the Council on attending meetings at the expense of the City. The Committee also proposed combining the Order of the Agenda and Public Comment policies under one policy entitled “City Council Meeting Management”, and would add language to satisfy Senate Bill 707 provisions on procedures for restoring internet or telephonic services should there be a disruption during an open session of a City Council meeting.

Staff recommend the City Council exercise discretion in adopting, reaffirming and/or revising City Council policies as desired. Table 1 summarizes the existing Item: 7
82 policies with no recommended changes. Table 2 outlines the policies with the Committee’s proposed changes. Table 3 includes two new policies for adoption.

Table 1: Existing policies with no recommended changes.

Attachment
No. Policy Title First
Adopted
Last
Revision Purpose

1. Appointment of
Commission
Members
4/3/2018 1/7/2020 Provides procedures for City
Council “one-to-one”
appointments to City
commissions (LFMC 2.06.050).

2. Biennial City
Commission
Workshop
3/2/2021 1/7/2025 Establishes the process and
content of the biennial workshop
to be held on concurrent budget
preparation years by City
Commissions.

3. Censure 5/15/2018 5/15/2018 Outlines the Censure process for City Council Members.

4. Consensus for
Placing Items on
the Agenda
1991 1/18/2022 Allows City Council Members to
periodically seek to place items
for consideration by the City
Council on the City Council
Agenda for discussion.

5. Ethics 5/15/2018 1/2/2019 Describes the standards of behavior to which its leaders
aspire; Provides an ongoing
source of guidance to elected
leaders and City officials in their
day-to-day service to the City;
Promotes and maintains a
culture of ethics.

6. Mayor’s Award 3/15/2018 3/2/2021 To identify and recognize outstanding achievement by a
Lake Forest employee or group
of employees who has fulfilled
one or more of seven developed
criteria areas.

7. Mayor’s Minute
Video Segment
3/6/2018 1/7/2025 Establishes the parameters,
procedures, and proper uses of
the “Mayor’s Minute” video
segments.

8. Recovered
Organic Waste
Product
Procurement
12/7/2021 12/7/2021 Sets a mandated procurement
target and provides guidance for
the purchase of products that
contain recovered organic
waste, such as compost and
mulch.

Item: 7
83 Attachment
No. Policy Title First
Adopted
Last
Revision Purpose

9. Requests for
City Attorney
Services
2/6/2018 1/2/2019 Establishes guidelines for
Officials’ legal services requests,
to ensure that those requests
are within the Code bounds and
to maintain budgetary control
over the cost for legal services.

10. Resolutions 7/5/2023 1/16/2024 Provides guidelines for the consideration of requests for
action (i.e., the adoption of a
Resolution) upon matters over
which the City lacks jurisdiction
or substantial influence.

11. Use of Digital
Signatures
5/18/2021 5/18/2021 Provides that any digital
signature system used to
conduct its business must meet
the criteria set forth in the
Administrative Policy and be
approved by the City Manager.

The Policy does not require that
digital signatures be used but
permits their use in place of
paper forms and handwritten
signatures.

12. Written
Communications
12/7/1993 7/2/2024 Establishes guidelines for City
Council correspondence and
use of City of Lake Forest
stationery and letterhead by City
Council Members.

13. Invocations 1/7/2025 1/7/2025 Provide guidelines for traditional legislative invocations at City
Council meetings consistent with
the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling
in Town of Greece v. Galloway
(2014) 572 U.S. 565.

14. Logo Wear 1/7/2025 1/7/2025 Outlines the City Council spending allowance.

15. Abstention 1/7/2025 1/7/2025 Requires Council Members to provide an explanation when
abstaining from a vote.

Item: 7
84 Table 2: Policies with proposed changes
Attachment
No.

Policy Title Proposed Changes

16. Audit Committee Add designee language.

17. Recognitions Add language for memorial adjournments as follows: ‘Should a member of the Council
other than the Mayor request a meeting to
be adjourned in the memory of an individual,
the Council Member shall do so in two
ways: 1) By verbal or written request of the
Mayor 48 hours prior to the production of an
agenda, or 2) During Council comments,
with the requested adjournment to be
placed on a subsequent agenda. Approval
of requests is at the Mayor’s discretion.’

18. Travel and
Reimbursements
Add language in lodging section as follows:
‘Actual lodging costs will be reimbursed
when an Official’s travels 40 miles or more
on official City business.’
The Anaheim Convention Center is an example of a conference venue within 40 miles of City Hall. Conference venues more than 40 miles from City Hall include the Long Beach Convention Center and San Diego Convention Center.

Table 3: Proposed New Policies
Attachment
No.

Policy Title Summary

19. AB1234 Reporting
Requires Council Members to provide a
brief report on meetings attended at the
expense of the City.

20. City Council Meeting
Management
Combines the ‘Order of the Agenda’ and
‘Public Comment’ policy and adds language
to comply with SB707.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The fiscal impact is dependent upon City Council action.

ATTACHMENTS:

1. Appointment of Commission Members

2. Biennial City Commission Workshop
Item: 7
85 3. Censure

4. Consensus for Placing Items on the Agenda

5. Ethics

6. Mayor’s Award

7. Mayor’s Minute Video Segment

8. Recovered Organic Waste Product Procurement

9. Requests for City Attorney Services

10. Resolutions

11. Use of Digital Signatures

12. Written Communications

13. Invocation

14. Logo Wear

15. Abstention

16. Audit Committee

17. Recognitions

18. Travel and Reimbursements

19. AB1234 Reporting

20. City Council Meeting Management
Initiated By: Thy Merritt, City Clerk
Submitted By: Thy Merritt, City Clerk
Approved By: Debra Rose, City Manager
Item: 7
86 ATTACHMENT 1
Item: 7
87 City Council Policy CC.07.01: Appointment of Commission Members Adopted 1993; Revised 4/3/18; 1/7/20; 1/7/25 Page 1 of 5 CITY COUNCIL POLICY : APPOINTMENT OF

COMMISSION MEMBERS
Reaffirmed : January 6, 2026 CC.07.01

1 INTRODUCTION

The Lake Forest City Council appoints members to its boards and commissions pursuant to the Lake Forest Municipal Code .

2 BACKGROUND

On April 3, 2018, the City Counci l adopted Ordinance No. 304 , which amended chapter 2.06 of the Lake Forest Municipal Code to provide for “one-to-one” appointment of board and commission members by Councilmembers. Before Ordinance No. 304 , board and commission members were appointed by a majority vote of the City Council. Under the “one-to-one” approach, each Councilmember appoints one member to each board and commission, and each board or commission member serves a term tied to that of th e appointing Councilmember.

This policy provides a process for the City Clerk and Councilmembers to implement the one-to-one appointment approach and ensure a fair, open, and public appointment process within the 90 -day timeframe prescribed by Lake Forest Municipal Code § 2.06.050.

3 PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to implement the commission and board member appointment provisions of Lake Forest Municipal Code, chapter

2.06. 4 APPLICATIONS AND RECRUITMENT

4.1 Open Call

4.1.1 Within five business days after the swearing in of a Councilmember or upon the occurrence of a vacancy on a board or commission, the City Clerk shall publish an open call for applications for consideration of an appointment(s) to the applicable board(s) or commission(s).

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88 City Council Policy CC.07.01: Appointment of Commission Members Adopted 1993; Revised 4/3/18; 1/7/20; 1/7/25 Page 2 of 5

4.1.2 The call shall remain open for 30 days. If deemed necessary by the City Clerk to ensure a fair and public call for applications, the City Clerk may extend the call for a fixed and reasonable period after 30 days.

4.1.3 The call for applications must be open to the public. Any Councilmember may recruit or encourage individuals to apply during the call, but an individual need not be referred by a Councilmember to apply .

4.1.4 To avoid Brown Act violations, Councilmembers should not discuss or consult with each other about potential applicants .

4.2 Applications

Qualified residents are encouraged to complete and submit an application to the City Clerk by the respective deadline. The City Clerk shall post all applications to the City website during the Councilmember Review period, following the close of the application submittal deadline .

4.3 City Clerk Review

The City Clerk shall review each application to determine whether the application is complete and whether an applicant is qualified to serve on a board or commission .

The qualifications to serve on a
board or commission, pursuant to Lake Forest Municipal Code §

2.06.030 are as follow s:

• A resident of the City ,
• Registered to vote in the City, and
• Not an officer or employee of the City.

If the applicant submits a complete application, but is not qualified at the time of submittal, the City Clerk shall inform the applicant of criteria that must be met in order to be considered for an appointme nt.

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89 City Council Policy CC.07.01: Appointment of Commission Members Adopted 1993; Revised 4/3/18; 1/7/20; 1/7/25 Page 3 of 5

5 REVIEW AND SELECTION

5.1 Transmission of Applications

Within five business days after the close of the call for applications, the City Clerk shall transmit all complete applications to each appointing Councilmember.

5.2 Councilmember Review

5.2.1 Once the call for applications is closed, Councilmembers may consider for appointments only those individuals with applications transmitted to Councilmembers by the Clerk.

5.2.2 Appointing Councilmembers may interview applicants in - person, via teleconference, or via video conference or may send applicants additional questions in writing. Councilmembers may also consider applicants without conducting interviews or further communication.

5.2.3 Councilmembers should note that any written
communication with applicants may be discoverable under the Public Records Act.

5.3 Selection

5.3.1 An appointing Councilmember shall send written notification of his or her appointment selection to the City Clerk. Within 24 hours after the City Clerk receives such notification, the City Clerk shall notify all appointing Councilmembers that the applicant has been selected.

5.3.2 If an appointing Councilmember wishes to change his or her selection prior to the time appointments are placed on an agenda for consideration, the Councilmember must notify the City Clerk of the new selection as soon as possible. Within 24 hours after the City Clerk receives such notification, the City Clerk shall notify all appointing Councilmembers that a new applicant has been selected.

5.3.3 To avoid Brown Act violations, Councilmembers should not discuss or consult with each other about their selections.

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90 City Council Policy CC.07.01: Appointment of Commission Members Adopted 1993; Revised 4/3/18; 1/7/20; 1/7/25 Page 4 of 5

5.4 Timing of Review and Section

To ensure completion of the appointing process within the 90 -day timeframe for appointments (LFMC, § 2.06.050), appointing Councilmembers’ review and selection should be completed within 30 days of the City Clerk’s transmission of the completed applications to the Councilmembers. If a Councilmember requires more than 30 days to complete their review and selection, the Councilmember should immediately notify the City Clerk.

6 AGENDA AND APPOINTMENT

6.1 Agenda

Within 30 days, or other time period as deemed necessary by the City Clerk to meet the 90 -day time frame for appointments (LFMC, § 2.06.050), after the City Clerk transmitted the applications to the appointing Councilmembers, the City Clerk shall place on the agenda for open session of a regular or special meeting the appointment(s) to a board or commission.

6.2 Appointment

At the meeting, each appointing Councilmember shall announce his or her selection for appointment to a board or commission. The appointment must be ratified by one other Councilmember other than appointing Councilmember .

6.3 Term

No person shall be eligible to serve as Commissioner on any one Commission for more than two (2) four (4) year terms . Said term limits begin with appointments made as a result of the 2020 General Election. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any person who is appointed for the balance of a four (4) year term, but who serves for less than four (4) years in that office, shall be eligible for appointment for two (2) consecutive four (4) year terms thereafter.

Appointees are eligible to serve two (2) four (4) year terms on multiple Commissions.

Item: 7
91 City Council Policy CC.07.01: Appointment of Commission Members Adopted 1993; Revised 4/3/18; 1/7/20; 1/7/25 Page 5 of 5

7. AUTHORIZED BY

Lake Forest City Council

January 6, 2026

Item: 7
92 ATTACHMENT 2
Item: 7
93 City Council Policy CC 07.03: Biennial City Commission Workshop Adopted 3/2/2021, Revised 1/7/2025 Page 1 of 3

CITY COUNCIL POLICY: BIENNIAL CITY

COMMISSION WORKSHOP
Reaffirmed: January 6, 2026 CC 07.03

PURPOSE

This policy establishes the process and content of the biennial workshop to be held on concurrent budget preparation years by City Commissions. By Minute Order at the January 5, 2021, City Council Meeting, the City Council dispensed with the previous policies regarding Annual Joint City Council/Commission Workshop which required a joint meeting be held on the second meeting in March to discuss the goals and objectives of each commission for the upcoming year.

COMMISSION ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Planning Commission
In accordance with Section 9.02.030 of the Lake Forest Municipal Code (LFMC), the Planning Commission shall act as the custodia n of the visual character of the City and shall also have the following general functions:

A. Planning for the physical development of the City;
B. Carrying out the precepts and intent of the City’s Zoning Ordinance;
C. Reviewing and approving, conditionally approving or denying tentative subdivision maps;
D. Making recommendation s to the City Council for the
establishment of appropriate zoning boundaries;
E. Reviewing the General Plan and making a report thereo n annually to the City Council;
F. Periodically reviewing the zoning map and the text of the Zoning Code and making recommendations to the City Council for change;
G. Periodically reviewing the Subdivision Code and making recommendations to the City Council for amendments or
additions;
Item: 7
94 City Council Policy CC 07.03: Biennial City Commission Workshop Adopted 3/2/2021, Revised 1/7/2025 Page 2 of 3

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

Community Services Commission

In accordance with Section 13.01.00 7 of the LFMC, the Community Services Commission shall:

A. Advise the City Council on all matters subject to the jurisdiction of the Council pertaining to the acquisition, development, and maintenance of public parks and recreational facilities; B. Review and advise the Council pertainin g to the financing of and budgeting for such functions, including but not limited to, the financing and budgeting for park and recreation services in the City.

C. Advise the Deputy City Manager , or the City Manager’s designee, from time to time.

Traffic and Parking Commission

In accordance with Section 12.06.030 of the LFMC, the Traffi c and Parking Commission shall:

A. Advise the City Council on issues relating to parking and th e safe and efficient movement of traffic, including vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, and other modes of transportation upon the circulation network of the City.

B. Provide recommendations related to traffic and parking including, but not limited to, traffic and parking -related field studies, requests for traffic control devices, requests for Permit Parking and Street Sweeping Parking Restrictions, and other related matters.

Biennial City Commission Workshop

On a biennial basis, on concurrent budget preparation years, the Planning Commission, Community Services Commission, and the Traffic and Parking Commission shall hold a Joint Workshop/Roundtable to discuss the overall City budget and the goals and objectives of each commission for the upcoming two years. Results from the Joint Commission Workshop will be shared with the City Council as input to the Strategic Plan Update.

Item: 7
95 City Council Policy CC 07.03: Biennial City Commission Workshop Adopted 3/2/2021, Revised 1/7/2025 Page 3 of 3

Policy will provide further layer of transparency and cohesiveness with the City Council goals. Commissioners may continue to bring about other peripheral ideas throughout the year directly to staff.

AUTHORIZED BY

Lake Forest City Council

January 6, 2026

Item: 7
96 ATTACHMENT 3
Item: 7
97 City Council Policy CC.07.04: Censure
Adopted 5/15/2018

Page 1 of 3 ends

CITY COUNCIL POLICY : CENSURE
Reaffirmed: January 6, 2026 CC.07.04

1. PURPOSE

The City of Lake Forest is committed to the ethical practice of government in service of the residents and community. This commitment is reflected in the City’s Ethics Policy, which every elected and appointed City representative acknowledges and agrees to abide by. While the Ethics Policy shows a voluntary commitment to abide by the highest ethical standards, from time to time situations may arise that require affirmative action by the City Council, making clear the City’s position on certain ethical issues. This Censure Policy includes the standards and procedures for the City Council to take a clear stand on certain ethical issues.

2. CENSURE PROCESS

If a member of the City Council is found guilty or liable by any court of law, enforcement agency, administrative hearing officer, or public agency investigation, of violating a Law or Regulation, as that term is defined in this policy, he or she may also be subject to potential censure pursuant to the procedures of this Censure Policy .

Law or Regulation

The following constitute the Laws and Regulations which may give rise to a request for censure:

• California Political Reform Act of 1974 (Gov. Code § 81000 et seq.) • Regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission (2 CCR § 18109 et seq.)
• Statutes concerning conflicts in government contracts (Gov. Code § 1090 et seq.)
• Statutes concerning political activity of city officers (Gov. Code § 3201 et seq.)
• Statutes concerning unlawful use of government resources (Gov.

Code Title 2 § 8314)
• Title 7 of the Civil Rights Act or the Fair Employment and Housing Act (finding of harassment or abuse of a City employee by an independent investigator)

Item: 7
98 City Council Policy CC.07.04: Censure
Adopted 5/15/2018

Page 2 of 3 ends

b. Complaint and Hearing Procedures

Step 1. Within 90 calendar days of the final determination of violation of a Law or Regulation, co mplainant must file a request for censure online or in person with the City Clerk’s Office, 100 Civic Center Drive, Lake Forest, CA 92630 . Requests for Censure forms are available online at www.lakeforestca.gov and at the City’s Clerk’s office .

Step 2. Within 10 business days after receipt of the complaint, the City Clerk provides a copy of the complaint to all City Council Members and to the Council Member against whom the complaint is made .

Step 3. Within 10 business days after receiving a copy of the complaint, the Council Member may file a written reply to the complaint, which may include copies of documents, photographs, recordings, or other tangible materials that rebut the complaint.

Step 4. The City shall hire a hearing officer and send to the hearing officer a copy of the complaint and any response to the complaint from the Council Member against whom the complaint is made. The hearing officer shall be selected from the panel of hearing officers hired by the City. That panel shall consist of individuals with specialized training in the field of ethics , which may include a law professor specializing in ethics. Hearing officers shall be assigned to matters on a rotating basis to ensure fair and impartial review and analysis of requests for censure.

Step 5. Within 15 business days of receiving copies of the complaint and response, the hearing officer shall provide a written recommendation to the City Council regarding whether the public official who is the subject of the complaint should be censured. The recommendation shall include, without limitation, a summary of the complaint and the public official’s response, and the reason s why the hearing officer supports his or her recommendation.

Step 6. Within 30 business days of receiving the hearing officer’s recommendation, or as soon as practicable, the City Clerk shall set the matter for hearing before the City Council and shall notify the complainant and Council Member against whom the complaint is filed of the date, time, and location of the hearing. At the time that the City Clerk sets the matter for hearing, the City Council shall be provided Item: 7
99 City Council Policy CC.07.04: Censure
Adopted 5/15/2018

Page 3 of 3 ends

with the complaint, the Council Member ’s reply, and the hearing officer’s recommendation.

Step 7. The City Council shall hold a public hearing to determine whether to censure the Council Member . At the beginning of the City Council hearing, each Council Member shall publicly disclose if they have had ex parte communications with either party or have discussed the complaint with any third party. The complainant shall first provid e the City Council with a statement regarding the nature of the complaint. Such statement shall not exceed ten minutes and shall not be interrupted by questions from the Council. The Council Member shall then be permitted to p rovide an opening statement, including his or her response to the complaint. Such statement shall not exceed ten minutes and shall not be interrupted by questions from the Council. At any other time during the hearing, City Council Member s may ask questions of the parties. The City Council shall also receive public comments on the item. The complainant shall have three minutes to make closing remarks, then the Council Member shall have three minutes to make closing remarks.

Step 8. After deliberation, the City Council votes on whether to censure the Council Member . A censure
may include removal from
Council appointment (s) but should not include elimination of statutory rights or constitutional rights, including Council salary.

Step 9. In the event the City Council votes to censure the Council Member, the City Attorney shall draft a resolution which shall include the reasons for the City Council’s decision, the facts relied upon, and any findings supporting the decision. The resolution shall be placed on the next City Council agenda immediately following the date of the censure hearing.

Step 10. Within five business days of the City Council adopting the censure resolution, the City Clerk notifies the parties in writing of the City Council’s decision.

3. AUTHORIZED BY

Lake Forest City Council

January 6, 2026

Item: 7
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ATTACHMENT 4
Item: 7
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City Council Policy: CC.07.05: Consensus for Placing Items on the Agenda Adopted 1991; Amended by Minute Order 12/18/12; 1/6/15; 9/1/15; 3/1/16; 7/11/17; 3/6/18; 1/18/22 Page 1 of 1

CITY COUNCIL POLICY : CONSENSUS FOR

PLACING ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
Reaffirmed: January 6, 2026 CC.07.05

City Council Members periodically seek to place items for consideration by the City Council on the City Council Agenda for full discussion.

PURPOSE
This Policy establishes guidelines for Council Member requests to place items on the City Council Agenda for consideration and defines Council Consensus for that purpose.

REQUESTS FOR COUNCIL CONSENSUS
Definition - City Council Consensus for the purpose of placing an item on the City Council Agenda for future consideration may be achieved with the assent of two (2) Council Members .

Agenda Items - During the City Council meeting s, Council Members may request an item be placed on a future City Council a genda for consideration. If the Council Member desires a specific agenda date, the Council Member shall state his or her request for City Council consensus.
• A consensus agenda item would require a full agenda report including analysis and a staff recommendation, if appropriate.
• All items with significant budgetary impact (defined as in excess of $30,000), or capital improvement projects, will be agendized at the annual budget workshop.
• Council Members will be limited to introducing no more than four (4) agendized items per calendar year, not including items considered during the annual budget workshop.
• Consensus items sought in addition to the four (4) per Council Member, per calendar year, must be achieved with a super majority vote of four (4) Council Members.
• In the event a Council Member does not state a desire for a specific agenda date, and the item does not contain significant budgetary impact so as to be scheduled during the annual budget workshop, the City Manager shall agendize the item at a future meeting date at his/ her discretion.

AUTHORIZED BY

Lake Forest City Council

January 6, 2026

Item: 7
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ATTACHMENT 5
Item: 7
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City Council Policy: CC.07.06: Ethics
Adopted 5/15/18; Revised 1/2/19 Page 1 of 4
CITY COUNCIL POLICY: ETHICS
Reaffirmed: January 6, 2026 CC.07.06

Preamble

The citizens of the City of Lake Forest are entitled to responsible, fair , and honest City government that operates in an atmosphere of respect and civility.

Accordingly, the Lake Forest City Council adopts this policy to:

1. Describe the standards of behavior to which its leaders aspire.

2. Provide an ongoing source of guidance to elected leaders and City officials in their day -to-day service to the City.

3. Promote and maintain a culture of ethics.

Pledge

On May 15, 2018, the City Council of the City of Lake Fo rest adopted this Ethics Policy which applies to all members of the City Council and members of City boards, commissions, committees, and task forces and requires the following pledge:

ETHICS POLICY

RESPONSIBILITY/PROTECTING THE PUBLIC INTEREST

___ I comply with the laws of the nation, the State of California , and the City of Lake Forest in the performance of my duties.
___ I comply with the Oath of Office I took upon beginning my service for the City of Lake Forest.
___ My decisions are consistent with, among other things, the Fair Political Practices Act and other state and local laws.
___ I do not accept gifts, services , or other special considerations inconsistent with the Political Reform Act because of my public position. ___ I do not give special treatment or consideration to any individual or group beyond that available to any other individual.
___ Unless authorized by the City Council, I do not involve myself in the administrative processes for acquiring goods and services. ___ I recognize that the City Council and other City Commissions are independent legislative bodies, and I refrain from using my position to unduly influence the deliberations or outcomes of those bodies.

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City Council Policy: CC.07.06: Ethics
Adopted 5/15/18; Revised 1/2/19 Page 2 of 4

FAIRNESS/ACCOUNTABILITY

___ I make decisions based on the merits of the issue, including research and facts. ___ I answer questions directly, telling the truth, and admitting a lack of knowledge if one exists.
___ I do not knowingly use false or inaccurate information to support my position or views.
___ I deter rumors and misunderstandings by making factual information available. ___ If I receive substantive information that is relevant to a matter under consideration from sources outside the public decision -making process, I publicly share it with my fellow Councilmembers or commissioners and staff at the public meeting where the matter is under consideration .

RESPECT FOR FELLOW ELECTED OR APPOINTED OFFICIALS, STAFF, AND THE PUBLIC

___ I refrain from abusive conduct, personal charges, or verbal attacks upon the character, motives, ethics, morals, or comments of other Councilmembers , commissioners, committee members, staff, and the public.

___ I do not, in the performance of my duties, discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, medical condition , and actual or perceived gender identity.

PROPER AND EFFICIENT USE OF PUBLIC RESOURCES

___ I do not use public resources, such as agency staff time, equipment, supplies, or facilities, for private gain or personal purposes.
___ I make decisions after prudent consideration of their impact on City resources , taking into account the long -term financial needs of the agency, especially its financial stability.
___ I use my title(s) only when conducting official City business, for information purposes, or as an indication of background and expertise, carefully considering whether I am exceeding or appearing to exceed my authority. ___ I refrain from making unauthorized commitments or promises of any kind purporting to bind the C ity.
___ I refrain from gratuitous comments that may harm the C ity’s position in litigation or potential litigation.

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City Council Policy: CC.07.06: Ethics
Adopted 5/15/18; Revised 1/2/19 Page 3 of 4

ACKNOWLEDGMENT PROCESS FOR THE

CITY OF LAKE FOREST

ETHICS POLICY

All current elected and appointed City officials , including current members of the City Council and City Commissions , will be given a copy of the newly adopted City Ethics Policy following its adoption on May 15, 2018 , and will be asked to initial each provision of the Ethics Policy and sign an acknowledgement form at that time.

Thereafter:

Each new member of the City Council and City Commissions will be given a copy of the City Ethics Policy and asked to initial each provision of the Ethics Policy and sign an acknowledgement form prior to their first meeting.

Copies of the City Ethics Policy and acknowledgment forms for elected officials and members of commissions shall be maintained on file with the City Clerk.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RECEIPT

As an elected or appointed official of the City of Lake Forest, California, I certify that I have received a copy of the Ethics Policy of the City of Lake Forest, have been offered training and a ssistance in understanding the Ethics Policy , and am aware of the provisions of the Policy and its application to my responsibilities.

Consistent with the Ethics Policy , I pledge that my conduct will adhere to the requirements of the Policy.

NAME: ____________________________________
(Please type or print your first and last name)

TITLE: ____________________________________

LEGISLATIVE
BODY: ____________________________________

SIGNATURE: ____________________________________

DATE: ____________________________________
Item: 7
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City Council Policy: CC.07.06: Ethics
Adopted 5/15/18; Revised 1/2/19 Page 4 of 4

AUTHORIZED BY

Lake Forest City Council

January 6, 2026

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ATTACHMENT 6
Item: 7
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City Council Policy: CC.07.08: Mayor’s Award
Adopted 3/15/18; Revised 3/2/21 Page 1 of 2

CITY COUNCIL POLICY : MAYOR’S AWARD
Reaffirm ed: January 6, 202 6 CC.07.08

PURPOSE

This policy is established to identify and recognize outstanding achievement by a Lake Forest employee or group of employees who has fulfilled one or more of seven developed criteria areas.

APPLICABILITY OF POLICY

This policy applies to any group or individual classified as a full-time employee(s) in good standing with the City. Any employee (s) that received the annual award shall not be eligible to receive it again for three subsequent calendar years.

CRITERIA

Performance : Continued and repeated excellence in overall job performance, which exceeded job requirements and achieved outstanding results.

Problem -solving : Solved an extraordinary problem or achieved a considerably difficult goal.

Innovation : Successfully implemented an innovative idea where an outstanding result, such as significant cost savings or maximized program effectiveness, was identified.

Outstanding Act: Achieved an outstanding act, which brings positive recognition to the City from the public or media.

Customer Service : Provide exceptional support to a resident or City department, division project, group or individual.

Teamwork : Efforts created excellent teamwork, resulting in a significan t accomplishment by a team.

Community Contribution : Facilitating a positive change by contributing time, talent, or leadership to one or more community organizations.

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City Council Policy: CC.07.08: Mayor’s Award
Adopted 3/15/18; Revised 3/2/21 Page 2 of 2

PROCESS

The Mayor’s Award will be presented to one employee or group of employees annually by City Council. The Human Resources Division will oversee the nomination and selection process.

Nominations
A. Nominations will be submitted by City employees or members of the City Council.

B. Nominations will be submitted using the Mayor’s Award Nominatio n Form which will be available on the employee intranet or in the Human Resources Division. Additional supporting documentation, such as correspondence relating to the employee’s performance, could also be attached.

C. All completed nomination forms will need to be submitted to Huma n Resources by October 1 to begin the selection process.

Selection
A. Upon receipt nominations will be reviewed by the Management Team . If a member of the Management Team is nominated, that person will be excluded from the review process.

B. The Management Team will recommend three to five “finalist” nominees for the City Council Ad-Hoc committee to review.

C. The Ad-Hoc committee, comprised of the Mayor and Mayor Pro - Tem, will select one employee or group of employees from the finalist group who they feel best exemplifies the established criteria.

Recognition
The finalist selected shall be recognized at a City Council meetin g during the month of December. The award recipient (s) shall receive the following as a result of being selected:

• Certificate of Recognition from the City Council
• A City plaque
• $250 gift card to a Lake Forest business or restaurant

AUTHORIZED BY

Lake Forest City Council January 6, 2026
Item: 7
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ATTACHMENT 7
Item: 7
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City Council Policy: CC.07.09: Mayor’s Minute Video Segment Adopted 3/6/18; Revised 1/7/20, 1/7/2025 Page 1 of 4

CITY COUNCIL POLICY : MAYOR ’S MINUTE

VIDEO SEGMENT
Reaffirmed : January 6, 2026 CC.07.09

The “Mayor’s Minute” is a recurring short video that highlights important City information and/or current events . The video is produced by City staff and narrated by the Mayor. It is meant to compliment the communication efforts of the Communications and Marketing Division.

PURPOSE

This policy establishes the parameters, procedures , and proper uses of the “Mayor’s Minute” video segments.

PARAMETERS

Representation

California law prohibits the use of public resources for personal or political gain.

The City Council has previously determined that correspondence paid for with public funds must relate to actual and authentic City business and must not purport to advance or advocate a policy not previously approved by the City Council.

The “Mayor’s Minute” shall not benefit political campaigns nor promote a political agenda. The video shall represent the actions and events of the City as a whole, not individuals.

Content - The content in the “Mayor’s Minute” shall focus on City business or events, such as:
a) Items on upcoming City Council or special -meeting agendas b) Upcoming City workshops or community meetings
c) City accomplishments
d) Council actions taken during a previous City Council meeting e) Public service announcements that support City projects or programs , such as crime prevention, keeping pets on leash, and traffic safety f) Events sponsored in whole or in part by the City
g) Other topics related to the City’s history

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City Council Policy: CC.07.09: Mayor’s Minute Video Segment Adopted 3/6/18; Revised 1/7/20, 1/7/2025 Page 2 of 4

Budget - A budget shall be established for the production , posting and promotion of “Mayor’s Minute” segments during the annual City Council Budget Workshop.

Substitutes - The Mayor shall not substitute a proxy for the segment without prior approval from the City Manager.

Approvals - The City Manager , or his/her designee , shall have final app roval of the script and video recording . The City Manager has the right to refuse broadcasting or posting any video that is in violation of this policy.

Video Length - The video should fall between 60 and 90 seconds of recording time.

Staff Resources - Pre-production and post-production work shall be limited to two and a half hours per video segment .

PROCEDURE

Script Review
The script shall be prepared by City staff in consultation with the Mayor or Mayor’s proxy. The City Manager, or his/her designee, shall have final say on the content of the script. During the 60 days prior to an election, staff will provide a heightened review of the Mayor’s Minute videos.

Recording
The Mayor should arrive prepared and promptly at the arranged recording time to minimize impact on staff schedules. The Mayor should be dressed in attire appropriate to re present the City of Lake Forest.

Staff Present
Communication and Marketing staff and the Deputy City Manager , or his/her designee, shall be present during the recording.

Recording Length
While multiple “takes” may be required on occasion, the recording period shall not exceed 30 minutes.

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City Council Policy: CC.07.09: Mayor’s Minute Video Segment Adopted 3/6/18; Revised 1/7/20, 1/7/2025 Page 3 of 4

Editing
While the Mayor may provide input, s taff shall determine the recorded segment best suited for use. Editing time shall not exceed one and a half hours per video segment.

PROPER USE

Posting
Once completed by City Staff and approved by the City Manager or his/her designee, the “Mayor’s Minute” video will be posted to the City’s website and social-media channels. These may include, but are not limited to , Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. While pages and accounts controlled by others may link to the City content, the content shall not be directly shared with any other site or individual without ap proval from the City Manager .

Promoted Posts
On occasion, it may be beneficial to the City for the “Mayor’s Minute” to be “boosted” (promoted) on social media. The decision to spend advertising funds on promoting a “Mayor’s Minute” post shall be made by the Management Services Director. “Mayor’s Minute” segments may not be “boosted” within 60 days of any election.

Promoted Posts
No more than $200 may be spent promoting a “Mayor’s Minute” on social media without approval from the City Manager.

Comments on Posts
Any public comment on a posting of the “Mayor’s Minute” must comply with the City’s social media policy. Such a determination shall be made by the Director of Management Services or his/her designee.

PENALTIES

Pursuant to California Government Code Section 53232.4, penalties for misuse of public resources may include, but are not limited to, the following:

A. Civil penalties for misuse of public resources pursuant to California Government Code Section 8314.

B. Prosecution for misuse of public resources, pursuant to Section 424 of the Penal Code.

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City Council Policy: CC.07.09: Mayor’s Minute Video Segment Adopted 3/6/18; Revised 1/7/20, 1/7/2025 Page 4 of 4

AUTHORIZED BY

Lake Forest City Council

January 6, 2026

Item: 7
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ATTACHMENT 8
Item: 7
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City Council Policy: CC.07.13: Recovered Organic Waste Product Procurement Adopted 12/7/21 Page 1 of 20

CITY COUNCIL POLICY : RECOVERED ORGANIC WASTE

PRODUCT PROCUREMENT
Reaffirmed: January 6, 2026 CC.07.13

1. PURPOSE

As Solid Waste management continues to pose a national problem due to increased materials consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as dwindling landfill space, the City of Lake Forest has developed a recycling program for all City residents, busin esses, and employees. The City Council of the City of Lake Forest intends that the City take a leadership role in both its recycling and purchase of recycled products and materials for use in the provision of City services. To that end, the City aims to in corporate environmental considerations (including recycled -content and recovered Organic waste product use) into its purchasing and procurement practices.

This Recovered Organic Waste Product Procurement Policy will enable the City to:

1. Protect and conserve natural resources, water, and energy;

2. Provide direction in the procurement and use of recycled products;

3. Assure compliance with the required Annual Recovered Organic Waste Product Procurement Target mandated by 14 CCR Section 18993.1 et seq.; and

4. Minimize the City’s contribution to climate change pollution and Solid Waste disposal.

2. POLICY

1. It is the Policy of the City of Lake Forest to purchase recycled products whenever possible and use or give away a quantity of Recovered Organic Waste Products that meets or exceeds its Annual Recovered Organic Waste Product Procurement Target.

2. Comply with State requirements as contained in Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, Division 7, Chapter 12, Article 12 (the “SB 1383 Procurement Regulations”) to procure a specified amount of Recovered Organic Waste Products to support Organic W aste disposal reduction targets and markets for products made from recycled and recovered Organic Waste Materials, and further to purchase Recycled -Content Paper Products and Recycled -Content Printing and Writing Paper.

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City Council Policy: CC.07.13: Recovered Organic Waste Product Procurement Adopted 12/7/21 Page 2 of 20

3. Purchase of products which cannot be recycled or reused is strongly discouraged.

4. Recycled-Content Paper Products and Recycled -Content Printing and Writing Paper shall be purchased and used in: (1) all copy machines which will accept it; (2) all printing purposes; and (3) all stationery and envelopes used by City departments, divisions, and employees in the course and scope of their official duties.

5. A recycled paper designation shall be printed on all City stationery.

6. City departments shall examine their purchasing specifications and, where feasible, restructure them to require the use of products which incorporate recycled materials in their manufacture.

7. A ten percent (10%) or greater price preference shall be given to recycled paper, reusable products offered as alternatives to disposable products, and products designed to be recycled where they are offered as alternatives to non -recyclable products. Purc hase of products which cannot be recycled or reused is strongly discouraged. The preference percentage shall be based on the lowest bid or price quoted by the supplier or suppliers offering such non- recycled products.

8. Recycled products are expected to perform as well as non -recycled products, to be purchased at a reasonable price and to be available within a reasonable time period. In addition to the recovered material content of a product, important criteria in selecting products should also be the ability of the product and its packaging to be reused, reconditioned for use, or recycled through existing recycled collection programs. Preferred products and packaging are those designed to minimize waste and toxic by -products in their manufacture, use, and disposal.

9. If fitness and quality of Recycled -Content Paper Products and Recycled-Content Printing and Writing Paper are equal to that of non - recycled items, all departments and divisions of City shall purchase such Recycled-Content Paper Products and Recycled -Content Printing and Writing Paper that consists of at least thirty percent (30%) postconsumer fiber, measured by fiber weight, whenever the total cost is no more than ten percent (10%) of the total cost for the non-recycled items, consistent with the requiremen ts of the Public Contract Code, Item: 7
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City Council Policy: CC.07.13: Recovered Organic Waste Product Procurement Adopted 12/7/21 Page 3 of 20

sections 22150 through 22154, and sections 12200 and 12209, as amended.

10. All Recycled -Content Paper Products and Recycled -Content Printing and Writing Paper shall be eligible to be labeled with an unqualified recyclable label as defined in Title 16 of the Code of Federal Regulations, section 260.12.

11. Provide records to the Recordkeeping Designee of all Paper Products and Printing and Writing Paper purchases within thirty (30) days of such purchase (whether or not composed of recycled content) made by a division, department, or employee of the City. Records shall include: (1) a copy of the invoice or oth er documentation of purchase; (2) written certifications as required by this policy for recycled -content purchases; (3) vendor name; (4) purchaser name; (5) quantity purchased; (6) date purchased; and (7) recycled content (including whether no recycled material was used). Further, if non -Recycled-Content Paper Products and/or non-Recycled-Content Printing and Writing Paper are provided, include a description of why Recycled -Content Paper Products and/or Recycled-Content Printing and Writing paper were not so provided.

The City shall cooperate with the County of Orange, other Orange County cities, and other governmental agencies in the development of programs and procedures which further this Policy.

3. RECYCLED PRODUCTS DEFINITIONS

“Annual Recovered Organic Waste Product Procurement Target” means the amount of Organic Waste in the form of a Recovered Organic Waste Product that the City is required to procure annually under 14 CCR Section 18993.1. This target shall be calculated by multiplying the per capita procurement target, which shall be 0.08 tons of Organic Waste per California resident per year, times the City’s residential population using the most recent annual data reported by the California Department of Finance.

Annually, CalRecycle will provide notice to each City of its Annual Recovered Organic Waste Product Procurement Target by posting such information on CalRecycle’s webs ite and providing written notice directly to the City.

“City” means the City of Lake Forest.

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City Council Policy: CC.07.13: Recovered Organic Waste Product Procurement Adopted 12/7/21 Page 4 of 20

“Compost” means the product resulting from the controlled biological decomposition of Organic Solid Wastes that are source separated from the municipal Solid Waste stream or which are separated at a centralized facility or as otherwise defined in 14 CCR Section 178 96.2(a)(4). Compost eligible for meeting the Annual Recovered Organic Waste Product Procurement Target must be produced at a compostable material handling operation or facility permitted or authorized under 14 CCR Chapter 3.1 of Division 7 or prod uced at a large volume in -vessel digestion facility that composts on-site as defined and permitted under 14 CCR Chapter 3.2 of Division 7. Compost shall meet the State’s composting operations regulatory requirements.

“Direct Service Provider” means a person, company, agency, district, or other entity that provides a service or services to City pursuant to a contract or other written agreement or as otherwise defined in 14 CCR Section 18982(a)(17).

“Electricity Procured from Biomass Conversion” means electricity generated from biomass facilities that convert recovered Organic Waste, such as wood and prunings from the municipal stream, into electricity.

Electricity procured from a biomass conversion facility may only count toward the City’s Annua l Recovered Organic Waste Product Procurement Target if the facility receives feedstock directly from certain permitted or authorized compostable material handling operations or facilities, transfer/processing operations or facilities, or landfills, as described in 14 CCR Section 18993.1(i).

“Organic Waste” means Solid Wastes containing material originated from living organisms and their metabolic waste products including, but not limited to: food; yard trimmings; Organic textiles and carpets; lumber; wood; Paper Products; Printing and Writing Paper; manure; biosolids; digestate; and sludges, or as otherwise defined in 14 CCR Section 18982(a)(46). Biosolids and digestate are as defined in 14 CCR Section 18982(a)(4) and 14 CCR Section 18982(a)(16.5), respectively.

“Paper Products” include, but are not limited to: paper janitorial supplies; cartons; wrapping; packaging; file folders; hanging files; corrugated boxes; tissue; and toweling, or as otherwise defined in 14 CCR Section 18982(a)(51).

“Printing and Writing Papers” include, but are not limited to: copy; Item: 7
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City Council Policy: CC.07.13: Recovered Organic Waste Product Procurement Adopted 12/7/21 Page 5 of 20

xerographic; watermark; cotton fiber; offset; forms; computer printout paper; white wove envelopes; manila envelopes; book paper; note pads; writing tablets; newsprint and other uncoated writing papers; posters; index cards; calendars; brochures; reports; magazines; and publications, or as otherwise defined in 14 CCR Section 18982(a)(54).

“Pre -Consumer Material” or “By -Products” are generated after the manufacture of a product is completed, but before the product has reached the end -use consumer. Examples of pre- consumer recovered materials include obsolete inventories of finished goods, rejected unused stock, and paper wastes ge nerated during printing, cutting, and other converting operations.

“ Post-Consumer Recycled Materials” are finished products that have served their intended use and would normally be disposed of as Solid Waste. Examples of post -consumer recovered materials include old newspapers, office paper, yard waste, steel, glass, aluminum cans, plastic bottles, oil, asphalt, concrete, and tires.

“Procurement of Recovered Organic Waste Products ” means purchase or acquisition (e.g., free delivery or free distribution from a hauler or other entity via a written agreement or contract), and end use by the City or others. The City’s Annual Recovered Organic Waste Product Procurement Target can be ful filled directly by the City or by Direct Service Providers through written contracts or agreements for Procurement of Recovered Organic Waste Products at the City’s behest.

“Publicly -Owned Treatment Works” or “POTW” has the same meaning as in Section 403.3(r) of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

“Recordkeeping Designee” means the public employee appointed by the City Manager or their designee to track procurement and maintain records of Recovered Organic Waste Product procurement efforts both by the City and others, if applicable, as required by 14 CCR, Division 7, Chapter 12, Articles 12 and 13.

“Recovered Organic Waste Products” means Organic products made from California, landfill- diverted recovered Organic Waste processed at a permitted or otherwise authorized operation or facility, or as otherwise defined in 14 CCR Section 18982(a)(60). Products that can be used to meet the An nual Recovered Organic Waste Product Procurement Target shall Item: 7
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City Council Policy: CC.07.13: Recovered Organic Waste Product Procurement Adopted 12/7/21 Page 6 of 20

include Compost, SB 1383 Eligible Mulch, Renewable Gas from an in -vessel digestion facility, and Electricity Procured from Biomass Conversion as described herein and provided that such products meet requirements of 14 CCR, Division 7, Chapter 12, Article 1 2.

“Recycled Material” is waste and by-products that have been recovered or diverted from the Solid Waste stream and that can be utilized in place of raw material in the manufacturing of a product. Recycled materials may consist of materials derived from post- consumer waste, ma nufacturing waste, industrial scrap, agricultural waste, and other items, all of which can be used in the manufacture of new products.

“Recyclability” means that the Paper Products and Printing and Writing Paper offered or sold to the City are eligible to be labeled with an unqualified recyclable label as defined in 16 Code of Federal Regulations Section 260.12.

“Recycled -Content Paper Products and Recycled -Content Printing and Writing Paper” means such products that consist of at least thirty percent (30%) postconsumer fiber, by fiber weight, consistent with the requirements of sections 22150 through 22154, as well as sections 12200 and 12209 of the Public Contract Code, and as amended.

“Renewable Gas” means gas derived from Organic Waste that has been diverted from a landfill and processed at an in -vessel digestion facility that is permitted or otherwise authorized by 14 CCR to recover Organic Waste, or as otherwise defined in 14 CCR Section 18982(a)(6 2).

“SB 1383” means Senate Bill 1383 (Chapter 395, Statutes of 2016), establishing methane emissions reduction targets in a statewide effort to reduce emissions of short -lived climate pollutants, as amended, supplemented, superseded, and replaced from time to time.

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City Council Policy: CC.07.13: Recovered Organic Waste Product Procurement Adopted 12/7/21 Page 7 of 20

“SB 1383 Eligible Mulch” means mulch eligible to meet the Annual Recovered Organic Waste Product Procurement Target, pursuant to 14 CCR Chapter 12 of Division 7. This SB 1383 Eligible Mulch shall meet the following conditions for the duration of the applicable procurement compliance year, as specified by 14 CCR Section 18993.1(f)(4):

1. Produced at one of the following facilities:

i. A compostable material handling operation or facility as defined in 14 CCR Section 17852(a)(12), that is
permitted or authorized under 14 CCR Division 7, other
than a chipping and grinding operation or facility as
defined in 14 CCR Section 17852(a)(10);

ii. A transfer/processing facility or transfer/processing operation as defined in 14 CCR Sections 17402(a)(30)
and (31), respectively, that is permitted or authorized under 14 CCR Division 7; or,

iii. A Solid Waste landfill as defined in Public Resources Code Section 40195.1 that is permitted under 27 CCR
Division 2.

2. Meet or exceed the physical contamination, maximum metal concentration, and pathogen density standards for land
application specified in 14 CCR Sections 17852(a)(24.5)(A)1 through 3.

“SB 1383 Regulations” means or refers to the Short -Lived Climate Pollutants: Organic Waste Reduction regulations developed by CalRecycle and adopted in 2020 that created 14 CCR, Division 7, Chapter 12 and amended portions of regulations of 14 CCR and 27 CCR.

“State” means the State of California.

“Ton” or “Tonnage” for purposes of calculating compliance with the Annual Recovered Organic Waste Product Procurement Target shall be calculated based on the assumption that one (1) Ton of Organic Waste shall constitute:

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1. Twenty-one (21) diesel gallon equivalents (“DGE”) of renewable gas in the f orm of transportation fuel;

2. Two hundred forty -two (242) kilowatt- hours of electricity derived from renewable gas;

3. Twenty-two (22) therms for heating derived from renewable gas;

4. Six hundred fifty (650) kilowatt- hours of electricity derived from biomass conversion;

5. Zero point fifty -eight (0.58) tons of Compost or one point forty-five (1.45) cubic yards of Compost.

6. Two thousand (2,000) pounds (i.e. one (1) “ton”) of mulch.

4. RECOVERED ORGANIC WASTE PROCUREMENT TARGET

1. Through the implementation of this Policy, City will annually procure for use or giveaway a quantity of Recovered Organic Waste Products that meet or exceed its Annual Recovered Organic Waste Product Procurement Target.

2. To be eligible to meet the Annual Recovered Organic Waste Product Procurement Target, products that may be procured include the following, provided that each product meets the criteria included in its respective definition:

i. SB 1383 Eligible Compost;

ii. SB 1383 Eligible Mulch;

iii. Renewable Gas in the form of transportation fuel, electricity, or heat; and

iv. Electricity Procured from Biomass Conversion.

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5. REQUIREMENTS FOR CITY DEPARTMENTS

1. Compost and SB 1383 Eligible Mulch procurement. Divisions, departments, and employees responsible for landscaping maintenance, renovation, or construction shall:

a. Use Compost and SB 1383 Eligible Mulch produced from recovered Organic Waste for landscaping maintenance,
renovation, or construction as practicable and whenever available, while capable of meeting quality standards and criteria specified.

SB 1383 Eligible Mulch used for land application must meet or exceed the physical contamination, maximum metal
concentration, and pathogen density standards specified in 14 CCR section 17852(a)(24.5)(A)(1) through (3).

b. When City uses Compost and SB 1383 Eligible Mulch and their application is subject to the City’s Water Efficient Landscaping Ordinance (“WELO”), pursuant to Lake Forest Municipal Code Title 9, Chapter 146, section 110 et seq., all divisions, departments, and employees shall comply with the City’s WELO by including the following:

i. For landscape installations, Compost at a rate of a minimum of four (4) cubic yards per one thousand (1,000) square feet of permeable area shall be incorporated to a depth of six (6) inches into the soil. Soils with greater than six percent (6%) Organic ma tter in the top six (6) inches of soil are exempt from adding Compost and tilling.

ii. Apply a minimum of three (3) inches of SB 1383 Eligible Mulch to all exposed soil surfaces of planting areas, except in turf areas, creeping or rooting groundcovers, or direct seeding applications where such mulch is contraindicated. Whenever SB 1383 Eligible Mulch is applied in this way, five percent (5%) of the landscape area shall be left without mulch to provide habitat for beneficial insects and other wildlife. Designated insect habitats must be included in the landscape design plan as such.

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materials or virgin forest products, unless Recycled or Post- Consumer Organic products are not locally available. SB 1383 Eligible Mulches are not required where prohibited by local ordinances.

iv. For all SB 1383 Eligible Mulch that is land-applied, such mulch must meet or exceed the physical contamination, maximum metal concentration, and pathogen density standards
specified in 14 CCR section 17852(a)(24.5)(A)(1) through (3).

c. Keep records, including invoices or proof of Recovered Organic Waste Product procurement (whether through purchase or
acquisition), and submit records to the Recordkeeping Designee upon completion of a project. Records shall include:

i. General procurement records, including:

1. A general description of how and where the product was used and applied, if applicable;

2. The source of a product, including the name, physical location, and contact information for each entity,
operation, or facility from which the Recovered Organic Waste Products were procured;

3. The type of product;

4. The quantity of each product; and

5. All invoices or other records demonstrating purchase or procurement.

ii. For Compost and SB 1383 Eligible Mulch provided to
residents through giveaway events or other distribution methods, records shall be kept of all Compost and SB 1383 Eligible Mulch so given away to residents. Records shall be maintained and submitted to the Recordkeeping Designee in accordance with all reporting requirements under this Policy.

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iii. For procurement of SB 1383 Eligible Mulch, maintain an updated copy of the ordinance or enforceable mechanism(s) requiring that the mulch procured by the City or Direct Service Provider meets the land application standards
specified in 14 CCR section 18993 .1, as amended from time to time.

d. When procurement of Recovered Organic Waste Products occurs through a Direct Service Provider, enter into a written contract, agreement, or executed purchase order with enforceable
provisions that include: (1) definitions and specifications for SB 1383 Eli gible Mulch; and (2) an enforcement mechanism (e.g. termination provisions, liquidated damages clauses, etc.) in the event the Direct Service Provider is not compliant with these requirements.

e. Review, amend, or terminate existing contracts as necessary to achieve compliance with the requirement of enforceable
mechanisms pursuant to Section 5(1)(c)(3), above.

2. Renewable Gas Procurement. For all Renewable Gas procurement, to be used for fuel for transportation, electricity, or heating applications where practical, the City, its divisions, departments, and employees shall:

a. Procure Renewable Gas made from recovered Organic Waste for transportation fuel, electricity, and heating applications to the degree that it is appropriate and available for the City, and to help meet the Annual Recovered Organic Waste Product Procurement Target, which requires compliance with criteria specified in 14 CCR section 18993.1.

b. Keep records of the amount of Renewable Gas procured and used by the City, and submit such records to the Recordkeeping Designee on a quarterly schedule as follows for any given calendar year:

i. By April 15 for the period of January 1 through March 31;

ii. By July 15 for the period of April 1 through June 30;

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iii. By October 15 for the period of July 1 through September 30; and

iv. By January 15 for the period of October 1 through December 31.

c. If the City procures Renewable Gas from a publicly -owned treatment work (“POTW”):

i. Annually verify that the Renewable Gas from the POTW complies with the requirements specified in 14 CCR section 18993.1(h), including, but not limited to, the exclusion in 14 CCR section 17896.6(a)(1) and the items listed in this Section 5(2)(c).

ii. Annually receive a record from the POTW documenting the amount of Organic Waste, in Tons, received by the POTW
from: (1) a compostable material- handling operation or facility as defined in 14 CCR section 17852(a)(12) (other than a chipping and grinding ope ration or facility as defined in 14 CCR section 17852(a)(10)) that is permitted or authorized under 14 CCR Division 7; (2) a transfer or processing facility or operation as defined in 14 CCR sections 17402(a)(30) and (31), respectively, that is permitted o r authorized under 14 CCR Division 7; or (3) a solid waste landfill as defined in Public Resources Code section 40195.1, as permitted under 27 CCR Division 2.

iii. Annually receive documentation from the POTW of the percentage of biosolids that the POTW produced and
transported to activities that constitute landfill disposal, in order to demonstrate that the POTW transported less than twenty five percent (25%) of the biosolids it produced to activities that constitute landfill disposal. For the purposes of this Policy, landfill disposal is defined pursuant to 14 CCR section 18983.1(a) and includes: (1) final disposition at a landfill; (2) use of material as alternative daily cover or alternative intermediate cover at a landfill; and (3) other dispositions not listed in 14 CCR section 18983.1(b).

Alternative daily cove r or alternative intermediate cover are defined in 27 CCR sections 20690 and 20700, respectively.

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iv. Annually receive documentation that the POTW receives vehicle-transported Solid Waste that is composed of an
anaerobically-digestible material for the purpose of
anaerobic co -digestion with POTW treatment plant
wastewater, to demonstrate that the POTW meets the
requirements of 14 CCR section 18993.1(h)(2).

v. Submit these records to the Recordkeeping Designee on an annual basis, not to exceed thirty (30) days from receipt of notification from the POTW.

3. Electricity Procured from Biomass Conversion . For Electricity Procured from Biomass Conversion, the City, its divisions, departments, and employees shall:

a. Procure electricity from a biomass conversion facility that receives feedstock from a composting facility, transfer/processing facility, solid waste landfill, and/or the generator or employees of a generator of Organic Waste to the degree that it is availa ble and practicable for the City, and to help meet the Annual Recovered Organic Waste Product Procurement Target, which requires compliance with criteria specified in 14 CCR section 18993.1.

b. Maintain records and conduct the following recordkeeping activities:

i. Keep records in the same manner indicated in Section 5(1)(c) of this Policy for the amount of Electricity Procured from Biomass Conversion facilities, including the general
procurement record information.

ii. Receive written notification by an authorized representative of the biomass conversion facility certifying that biomass feedstock was received from a permitted solid waste facility identified in 14 CCR section 18993.1(i).

iii. Provide these records to the Recordkeeping Designee.

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6. REQUIREMENTS FOR DIRECT SERVICE PROVIDERS

1. Direct Service Providers of landscaping maintenance, renovation, and construction services shall:
a. Use, as practicable, Compost and SB 1383 Eligible Mulch produced from recovered Organic Waste for all landscaping maintenance, renovation, or construction services performed for the City, where available and capable of meeting all quality standards and cri teria as specified by this Policy. All SB 1383 Eligible Mulch used for land application shall comply with 14 CCR, Division 7, Chapter 12, Article 12 and must meet or exceed the physical contamination, maximum metal concentration, and pathogen density stand ards specified in 14 CCR section 17852(a)(24.5)(A)(1) through (3).

b. If subject to the City’s WELO pursuant to Lake Forest Municipal Code Title 9, Chapter 146, section 110 et seq., comply with one of the following, whichever is most stringent: (1) the locally -adopted WELO if more stringent than the State’s Model WELO (“MWEL O”); or (2) sections 492.6(a)(3)(B), (C), (D) and (G) of the State’s MWELO, Title 23, Division 2, Chapter 2.7 of the CCR, as amended September 15, 2015, which requires the submittal of a landscape design plan with a “Soil Preparation, Mulch, and Amendments Section” to include the following:

i. For landscape installations, Compost at a rate of a minimum of four (4) cubic yards per one thousand (1,000) square feet of permeable area shall be incorporated to a depth of six (6) inches into the soil. Soils with greater than six percent (6%) organic matter in the top six (6) inches of soil are exempt from adding such Compost and tilling.

ii. Apply a minimum of three (3) inches of mulch to all exposed soil surfaces of planting areas, except in turf areas, creeping or rooting groundcovers, or direct seeding applications where such mulch is contraindicated. Whenever SB 1383 Eligible Mulch is appl ied in this way, five percent (5%) of the landscape area shall be left without mulch to provide habitat for beneficial insects and other wildlife. Designated insect habitats must be included in the landscape design plan as such.

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iii. Procure Organic SB 1383 Eligible Mulch materials made from Recycled or Post -Consumer Materials rather than inorganic materials or virgin forest products, unless Recycled or Post- Consumer Organic products are not locally available. SB 1383 Eligible Mulches are not required where prohibited by local ordinances.

iv. For all SB 1383 Eligible Mulch that is land -applied, such mulch must meet or exceed the physical contamination, maximum metal concentration, and pathogen density standards
specified in 14 CCR section 17852(a)(24.5)(A)(1) through (3).

c. Keep and, upon completion of projects, provide records of procurement of Recovered Organic Waste Products, whether through purchase or acquisition, to the Recordkeeping Designee.

Information provided shall include:

i. A general description of how and where the product was used and applied, if applicable;

ii. The source of a product, including the name, physical location, and contact information for each entity, operation, or facility from which the Recovered Organic Waste Products were
procured;

iii. The type of product;

iv. The quantity of each product; and

v. All invoices or other records demonstrating purchase or procurement.

2. Direct Service Providers of Organic Waste collection services shall:

a. Provide a specified quantity of Compost or SB 1383 Eligible Mulch to City and its customers via periodic “giveaways” as specified in a franchise agreement or other agreement.

b. Keep and provide records to the City, including the following:

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i. The dates such services were provided;

ii. The source of all products, including the name, physical location, and contact information for each entity, operation, or facility from whom the Recovered Organic Waste Products were procured;

iii. The type of product;

iv. The quantity of each product; and

v. All invoices or other records or documentation demonstrating purchase, procurement, or transfer of material to a giveaway location.

3. Direct Service Providers procuring Renewable Gas shall:

a. Direct Service Providers transporting Solid Waste, Organic materials, and/or Recyclable materials shall procure their fuel as Renewable Gas if required to do so in RFPs and RFQs released by the City for such services, or as otherwise required by permit, license, written agreement, or written contract.

b. Departments releasing RFPs and RFQs for contractors that procure fuel in the course of their services to the City may include a price preference to contractors that propose to use the amount or percentage of Renewable Gas specified in the RFP or RFQ in order
to be eligible for said price preference. Such use, if it occurs, shall be documented in a written contract or agreement.

c. If Renewable Gas made from recovered Organic Waste is used by Direct Service Providers, such Direct Service Providers shall submit to the Recordkeeping Designee information listed in Section 6(2)(b)(i)–(v) on a schedule to be determined by City, but not le ss than annually.

d. Renewable Gas used by Direct Service Providers under Sections 6(1) and 6(2) shall comply with criteria specified in 14 CCR Section 18993.1.

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7. REQUIREMENTS FOR PAPER PRODUCT VENDORS

1. All vendors that provide Paper Products (including janitorial Paper Products) and Printing and Writing Paper to City, its divisions, departments, and employees, shall:

a. Provide Recycled-Content Paper Products and Recycled -Content Printing and Writing Paper that consists of at least thirty percent (30%) postconsumer fiber by fiber weight, if fitness and quality of such paper is equal to that of its non -recycled equivalent and available at no more than ten percent (10%) if the total cost for non-recycled paper products.

b. Provide Paper Products and Printing and Writing Papers that meet Federal Trade Commission Recyclability standards as defined in Title 16 of the Code of Federal Regulations section 260.12.

c. Certify in writing, under penalty of perjury, that the product meets the minimum percentage of postconsumer material in the Paper Products and Printing and Writing Paper offered or sold to the City, if not the exact percentage.

d. Ensure that the Paper Products and Printing and Writing Paper offered or sold to the City are eligible to be labeled with an unqualified recyclable label, as defined in Title 16 of the Code of Federal Regulations section 260.12.

e. Provide records to the City, department, or division in question of all Paper Products and Printing and Writing Paper purchased from the vendor within thirty (30) days of the purchase (whether recycled content or not) made by a division or department or employee of the City. Records shall include a copy of the invoice or other documentation of purchase, written certifications as required in items (c) and (d) of this Section for recycled -content purchases, purch aser name, quantity purchased, date purchased, and recycled content (even if such products contain no recycled content). If non -Recycled-Content Paper Products and/or non- Recycled-Content Printing and Writing Paper are provided, include a description of why Recycled -Content Paper Products and/or Recycled-Content Printing and Writing Paper were not provided.

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2. All vendors providing printing services to the City via a printing contract or written agreement shall use Printing and Writing Paper that consists of at least thirty percent (30%) postconsumer fiber by fiber weight, or as amended by Public Contract Code s ection 12209.

8. RECORDKEEPING RESPONSIBILITIES

1. The Public Works department will be the responsible department for all City recordkeeping activity under this Policy, and will select an employee to act as the Recordkeeping Designee, who will be responsible for obtaining records pertaining to Procurement of Recovered Organic Waste Products, as well as Recycled -Content Paper Products and Recycled -Content Printing and Writing Paper.

2. The Recordkeeping Designee will do the following to track Procurement of Recovered Organic Waste Products, Recycled - Content Paper Products, and Recycled -Content Printing and Writing Paper:

a. Collect and collate copies of invoices or receipts (whether paper or electronic or both) or other proof of purchase that describes the procurement of Printing and Writing Paper and Paper Products, including but not limited to the volume and type of all pap er purchases and copies of certifications and other required verifications from all departments and/or divisions procuring such Paper Products and Printing and Writing Paper (whether or not they contain recycled content), as well as from the vendors providing Printing and Writing Paper and Paper Products. These records must be kept as part of the City’s documentation of its compliance with 14 CCR section 18993.3.

b. To develop evidence of the City meeting its Annual Recovered Organic Waste Product Procurement Target, collect and collate copies of invoices or receipts or documentation evidencing procurement from all departments and divisions procuring Recovered Organic Waste Product and invoices or similar records from all vendors, contractors, or others procuring such products on behalf of the City. These records must be kept as part of the City’s documentation of its compliance with 14 CCR section 18993.1.

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c. Collect, collate, and maintain documentation submitted by the City, Direct Service Providers, and/or vendors, including the information reported to the Recordkeeping Designee in
accordance with this Policy.

d. Compile an annual report on the City’s direct Procurement of Recovered Organic Waste Products, Recycled -Content Paper Products, and Recycled -Content Printing and Writing Paper, as well as the procurement of all vendors and Direct Service Providers on behalf of City, consistent with the recordkeeping requirements contained in 14 CCR section 18993.2 for the Annual Recovered Organic Waste Product Procurement Target and 14 CCR section 18993.4 for Recycled -Content Paper Products and Recycled - Content Printin g and Writing Paper procurement. This report shall be made available to the City’s responsible entity for compiling the annual report to be submitted to CalRecycle, pursuant to 14 CCR Division 7, Chapter 12, Article 13. The procurement report shall also be shared with City Council annually as evidence of implementing this Policy.

9. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING RECYCLED MATERIALS FOR PURCHASE

1. If a decision has been made to purchase recycled materials, the recommended products should contain, in order of preference, the highest percentage of recycled content of post- consumer recovered material available in the marketplace.

2. A minimum 10% price preference shall be permitted for purchasing recycled paper, as based on current market prices quoted by suppliers offering non-recycled products.

3. Recycled products should also be expected to perform as well as non - recycled products, to be purchased at a reasonable price and to be available within a reasonable time period. In addition to the recovered material content of a product, important criteria in selecting products should also be the ability of the product and its packaging to be reused, reconditioned for use, or recycled through existing recycled collection programs. Preferred products and packaging are those designed to minimize waste and tox ic by -products in their manufacture, use, and disposal.

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4. Whenever printed recycled paper products are purchased, the standard phrase “Printed on Recycled Paper” and/or the standard “recycle” logo should be included on the printed product, thereby promoting the use of post-consumer content.

5. In addition to the above requirements of this Policy, the City of Lake Forest encourages each department, division, and employee to purchase recycled products wherever it is feasible and fiscally prudent to do so.

AUTHORIZED BY

Lake Forest City Council

January 6, 2026
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ATTACHMENT 9
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City Council Policy: CC.07.14: Requests for City Attorney Services Adopted 2/6/18
Revised 1/2/19 Page 1 of 2

CITY COUNCIL POLICY : REQUESTS FOR CITY

ATTORNEY SERVICES
Reaffirmed : January 6, 2026 CC.07.14
From time to time, matters arise in which City Council Members (“Official” or “Officials”) require legal advice and counsel. The Lake Forest Municipal Code (“Code”) authorizes the City Attorney to advise Officials on legal matters pertaining to their offices, give advice or opinion on the legality of matters under Council consideration, and perform other legal duties as the Council may require. (LFMC § 2.16.030.)

1 PURPOSE

This Policy establishes guidelines for Officials’ legal services requests, in order to ensure that those requests are within the Code’s bounds and to maintain budgetary control over the cost for legal services.

2 REQUESTS FOR LEGAL SERVICES

2.1 Conflicts of Interest .

An individual Official may contact the City Attorney for legal advice at any time regarding potential or actual conflicts of interest that the individual Official may have , which arise under the Political Reform Act, Government Code Section 1090 , or any other State or local law and regulation relevant to this area .

2.2 Agenda Items.

During City Council meetings, any Official may request that the City Attorney provide legal advice or opinion on an y matter listed on the Council agenda. If the request does not relate to an item on the Council agenda, the Council body may direct the City Attorney to report back to the Council on the matter.

Between City Council meetings, individual Officials may contact the City Attorney’s Office for legal advice regarding any item on an upcoming Council agenda.

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2.3 Non-Agenda Items.

Between Council meetings, each Official may direct the City Attorney to spend up to two (2) hours researching legal issues related to City items not on an upcoming Council agenda . In such circumstances, the City Attorney is authorized to report directly back to the requesti ng Official.

3. AUTHORIZED BY

Lake Forest City Council

January 6, 2026

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ATTACHMENT 10
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City Council Policy: CC.07.15: Resolutions
Adopted 7/5/23
Revised 1/16/24 Page 1 of 3

CITY COUNCIL POLICY: RESOLUTIONS
Reaffirmed January 6, 2026 CC.07.15

1. PURPOSE

To provide guidelines for the City Council’s consideration of requests for action upon matters over which the City lacks jurisdiction or substantial influence, and to preserve Council meeting time and resources for those matters upon which the City Council ’s decisions have direct and concrete consequence for the City.

2. BACKGROUND

The City Council is sometimes requested to take action on matters which lie outside the scope of its jurisdiction. T he City Council desires to focus on issues within the City’s subject matter jurisdiction and which most immediately affect the City of Lake Forest.

3. DEFINITION

Resolutions: A resolution is a formal, written action of the City Council and must be formally adopted by the City Council at a publicly noticed meeting. An official resolution is developed in the standard legal format for City resolutions.

Resolutions recognizing individuals or groups will incorporate the same standard format as a formal position resolution. Format modifications that are appropriate for presentations will be made by staff . Adoption of a resolution requires a staff report with a recommendation and justi fication for issuing the resolution to the requ ester.

4. POLICY

Resolutions of the City Council

Fully realizing and supporting the fundamental right of every citizen of this C ity to make views and opinions known to all persons in any branch of government, it is the policy of the Council of the City of Lake Forest that its actions be restricted to issues within the City’s subject matter jurisdiction, and which most immediately affect the City of Lake Forest.

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City Council Policy: CC.07.15: Resolutions
Adopted 7/5/23
Revised 1/16/24 Page 2 of 3

By directing the Council's attention to the most locally germane issues, it is the Council's intention to safeguard responsiveness to the residents of Lake Forest by ensuring additional study time for local issues.

The basic criteria for non-staff generated resolutions are as follows:

1. The primary purpose of the resolution must be to give special recognition to individuals or groups, local issues, actions, and/or programs that contribute to the City of Lake Forest. (Examples include notable achievements at a local school. )

2. The resolution’s topic acknowledges a noteworthy occurrence that took place in the City of Lake Forest. (Examples include recognizing a life- saving act in Lake Forest. )

3. The resolution’s topic directly impacts the operations of the City of Lake Forest.

4. The resolution topic must not:
a. Dehumanize, degrade, or ridicule any individual or group . b. Advocate the overthrow of any of the levels of the U.S. government.

5. The resolution topic must comply with federal, state, and local law.

It is further the policy of the Council of the City of Lake Forest that it shall not act or take a position on:

1. Matters concerning the foreign policy of the United States of America or its relationship to other countries of the world except at the expressed request of an elected official of the federal government or an authorized representative of a department or agency of the federal government .

2. Actions or lack of actions of the federal or state government or other state governments or their political subdivisions that do not affect the operations of the City of Lake Forest .

This policy is not intended to limit the prerogative of members of the City Council to place before the City Council any question which they deem to be appropriate for consideration or to limit debate on issues which meet the above criteria.

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City Council Policy: CC.07.15: Resolutions
Adopted 7/5/23
Revised 1/16/24 Page 3 of 3

Declaratory Resolutions Letters Issued by Members of the City Council

On matters that do not meet the criteria for the consideration by the Council of a non-staff generated resolution outlined above, members of the City Council may individually or as a non -majority issue a declaratory letter representing their position on the matter. Only fewer than a majority of the entire membership of the Council may (1) discuss the issuance of a declaratory letter representing their position on the matter , or (2) issue a declaratory letter representing their position on the matter. The de claratory letter must include express language stating that the position contained in the letter does not represent an official position of the City of Lake Forest , and only represents the position of the undersigned. The declaratory letter may, but is not required to, further clarify that the City, as a matter of policy, does not take official positions on such matters.

AUTHORIZED BY

Lake Forest City Council

January 6, 2026

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ATTACHMENT 11
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City Council Policy: CC. 07.17: Digital Signatures and Electronic Approvals Adopted 5/18/21 Page 1 of 4

CITY COUNCIL POLICY: Use of Digital
Signatures and Electronic Approvals
Reaffirmed: January 6, 2026 CC.07.17

1 PURPOSE

The purpose of this City Council Policy is to set forth the policy, purpose, scope, and conditions for the use of digital signatures (“e - signatures”) and electronic approvals of external and internal documents (“Documents”) .

2 BACKGROUND

The City of Lake Forest seeks to increase efficiency and customer service, and streamline the approval process of D ocuments, by utilizing available commercial software for digital signatures and electronic approvals. The City recognizes that City business routinely takes place remotely , and the capability to use electronic systems for signatures and approvals will facilitate more efficient processes. The City further intends to make some forms and workflows available electronically, and reduce the amount of paper records and forms that are processed, printed, and stored.

3 POLICY

A. It is the policy of the City Council that:

1. The City Council, staff, and other signatories may use digital signatures and electronic approvals on D ocuments presented to the City Council for approval.

2. The City Council establishes that any digital signature system must meet criteria established by the City Manager as defined in the Electronic Signatures Administrative Policy .

3. The City’s right or option to conduct a transaction
electronically shall not affect the City’s right, option, or obligation to have documents provided or made available in paper format.

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4. If a law prohibits a transaction from occurring electronically, the transaction must occur in the manner specified by law.

B. Digital Signatures

1. The City of Lake Forest accepts digital signatures as legally binding and equivalent to handwritten signatures to execute an agreement in accordance with California Government
Code section 16.5, except as otherwise noted in this Policy.

2. This Policy applies to all uses of digital signatures to conduct official City business.

3. Signatures that must be made in the presence of a notary public may not be made digitally or electronically.

4. Each City official and employee should keep his or her digital signature or “digital ID” secure and confidential.

5. No City official or employee may use another person’s digital signature.

6. No City representative shall apply a digital signature representing themselves as an authorized user other than themself.

C. Electronic Approvals

1. Internal Document approvals may be signified by electronic means as a replacement for paper forms and handwritten
signatures.

2. The City will establish a control authority to monitor the creation and validity of System accounts. Designated System accounts will be authorized by the City Manager or delegate.

3. An electronic approval must be unique to the person using it.

A user may not share his or her unique User ID and password with another person.

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through a system audit and reports that show the history of a workflow, the user action, and date and time the approval was made.

4 DEFINITIONS

A. Digital Signature – a type of electronic means of signifying a person’s approval or consent on an electronic document.

B. Authorization - The City Manager shall determine the documents for which the City will accept digital signatures, as well as the type(s) of acceptable digital signatures , as defined in the Electronic Signatures Administrative Policy .

C. Electronic Approval – An electronic process signifying a person’s approval of an electronic record or electronic workflow. Electronic approvals may take the form of hitting a button such as “OK” or “Approve” during a session where the user has authenticated.

D. Electronic Record – A record created, generated, sent, communicated, received, or stored by electronic means.

E. Electronic Workflow – An automated workflow, generally involving more than one person, which involves the creation and routing, authorization and monitoring of data in electronic format across the computer network or networks.

F. Document - Documents may include, but are not limited to, policies, agreements, and other internal and external official actions , as outlined in the Electronic Signatures Administrative Policy .

G. External Document – Any document generated by or required to be signed by persons other than City employees and City officials .

H. Internal Document – An administrative form or document designed for use exclusively by City staff to support internal workflow processes.

I. Signature Authority – The authority to execute an agreement on behalf of the City via signature, digital or manual.

J. Transaction – An action or set of actions occurring between two or more persons relating to the conduct of any business, negotiation, management, or proceeding.

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City Council Policy: CC. 07.17: Digital Signatures and Electronic Approvals Adopted 5/18/21 Page 4 of 4

AUTHORIZED BY

Lake Forest City Council

January 6, 2026

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ATTACHMENT 12
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City Council Policy: CC.07.18: Written Communication
Adopted by Minute Order 12/7/93
Amended by Minute Action 6/21/05; 10/21/14; 3/6/18; 7/5/23 Revised 7/2/24 Page 1 of 4

CITY COUNCIL POLICY: WRITTEN

COMMUNICATION
R e affirm e d : January 6, 2026 CC.07.18

California law prohibits the use of public resources for personal or political gain.

Chapter 1.04 of the Lake Forest Municipal Code prohibits the use of the City logo for commercial purposes. The City Council has determined that correspondence paid for with public funds or on City stationery or letterhead must relate to actual and authentic City business and must not purport to advance or advocate a policy not previously approved by the City Council. This policy establishes guidelines for City Council and u se of City of Lake Forest stationery and letterhead by City Council Members.

1 Definitions .

1.1 City Council Correspondence.

City Council Correspondence is any written communication, including communications in facsimile or electronic format (e -mail), which is addressed to a City Council Member or authored by a City Council Member(s). Examples include, but are not limited to:
a) Correspondence addressed to the City Council, individual Council Members or the Mayor sent to a City facility or to City of Lake Forest e-mail accounts not clearly marked or identified as “personal” or “confidential, ”
b) Correspondence sent by the City Council, individual
Council Members or the Mayor regarding City business ,
c) Correspondence, except purely social or salutatory
correspondence, that identifies the author as a Council Member, elected official, or includes a City Council Members’ City of Lake Forest business card.

1.2 Social and Salutatory Correspondence.

Any Correspondence written by City Council Members or the Mayor conveying greetings, congratulations, gratitude or other similar sentiments to residents, business owners, government agencies or other persons or entities.

Item: 7
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City Council Policy: CC.07.18: Written Communication
Adopted by Minute Order 12/7/93
Amended by Minute Action 6/21/05; 10/21/14; 3/6/18; 7/5/23 Revised 7/2/24 Page 2 of 4

1.3 Letters of Recommendation.

Any Correspondence written by City Council Members or the Mayor recommending employment or admission to educational institutions, the United States Military, Peace Corps, or other service program.

1.4 Campaign Literature.

Any information delivered to the public designated to either further or injure a political campaign.

1.5 Official City Representation.

Any statement made by the City Council, Individual Council Members, or the Mayor which states, or which could reasonably be interpreted to state, a City policy, position, or commitment to action.

1.6 Declaration Letter .

A formal acknowledgement or a statement about a particular stance or opinion written on an official letterhead by no more than two Council Members.

2 Policy.

2.1 City Council Correspondence.

With the exception of e -mail, all outgoing City Council Correspondence shall be on City of Lake Forest stationery or letterhead maintained exclusively at City Hall and shall be signed by City Council Members or the Mayor. Copies of all City Council Correspondence shall be provided to the City Clerk for retention pursuant to the City’s Records and Retention Policy as authorized by State law. All City Council Correspondence sent to or from City of Lake Forest e-mail accounts shall be automatically retained by the City’s e-mail archive software pursuant to the City’s Records and Retention Policy.

Item: 7
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City Council Policy: CC.07.18: Written Communication
Adopted by Minute Order 12/7/93
Amended by Minute Action 6/21/05; 10/21/14; 3/6/18; 7/5/23 Revised 7/2/24 Page 3 of 4

2.2 Social and Salutatory Correspondence.

The use of City stationery, including informal note cards or memo pads, by City Council Members or the Mayor is authorized for the purpose of social and/or salutatory correspondence, subject to the limitations of state law relative to mass mailings and/or campaign related communication. No copies of such correspondence are retained in the ordinary course of business and are not subject to the City’s Records and Retention Policy.

2.3 Campaign Literature.

No City of Lake Forest stationery, letterhead, or informal note cards or memo pads shall be used for Campaign Literature.

2.4 Official City Representations /Declaration Letters .

No individual City Council Member or the Mayor shall transmit any Correspondence containing an Official City Representation without authorization from the City Council to serve as spokesperson for this purpose. When otherwise presenting their individual opinions and positions, members of the City Council shall explicitly state they do not represent the City and will not allow the inference that they do.

Individual letterhead may be used to express the individual position of the Mayor or a City Council Member (i.e. Declaration Letter), subject to the limitations of state law relative to mass mailings and/or campaign related communication. Such correspondence shall be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office for review and placed on individual letterhead with footer language specifically noting the position or opinion set forth in the correspondence is solely that of the author and not that of the City or City C ouncil.

2.5 Letters of Recommendation.

Any letters of recommendation written by individual City Council Members or the Mayor shall be on City of Lake Forest stationery or letterhead maintained exclusively at City Hall and shall be signed by City Council Members or the Mayor. Copies of any letters of recommendation shall be provided to the City Clerk for retention pursuant to the City’s Records and Retention Policy as authorized by State law.

Item: 7
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City Council Policy: CC.07.18: Written Communication
Adopted by Minute Order 12/7/93
Amended by Minute Action 6/21/05; 10/21/14; 3/6/18; 7/5/23 Revised 7/2/24 Page 4 of 4

3. Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) Compliance When city staff or other city resources are used to prepare letters or other writings, those writings are deemed an official communication from the City. Letters composed, copied, distributed, mailed or otherwise distributed by the City may not violate an y FPPC regulations. No more than 29 letters featuring the name and/or signature of an elected official shall be mailed or distributed by the City, per Council Member, per month. In a case where a letter is signed by all five members of the City Council, names of all elected officials in a roster where each name is the same size and font type is appropriate. See FPPC Reg. 18901 for more details or contact the City Clerk to review prior to composition and distribution of such letter.

4. Letters or Writing by Council Members at their Own Expense

Nothing in this policy shall prevent any individual member of the City Council from sending a letter that is created, composed, printed, copied and distributed entirely at his or her own expense regardless of the number of pieces distributed or mailed. No City staff or resources may be used in connection with such writings. The City logo may not be used however the writing may include the sender’s title such as “Mayor _______” or Council Member _______”

AUTHORIZED BY

Lake Forest City Council

January 6, 2026

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ATTACHMENT 13
Item: 7
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City Council Policy: CC.07.19: Invocations
Adopted 1/7/25 Page 1 of 5

CITY COUNCIL POLICY : INVOCATIONS
Reaffirmed: January 6, 2026 CC.07.19

PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to provide for traditional legislative invocations at City Council meetings consistent with the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Town of Greece v. Galloway (2014) 572 U.S. 565

BACKGROUND

The Lake Forest City Council is an elected legislative and deliberative public body, serving the citizens of the City of Lake Forest, and legislative bodies in America have long maintained a tradition of solemnizing proceedings by allowing for an opening prayer before each meeting for the benefit of the legislative bodies. The Lake Forest City Council adopted an invocation policy on March 19, 2013, based on a California Court of Appeal’s holding in
Rubin v. City of Burbank (2002) 101
Cal.App.4th 1194.

On May 5, 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Town of Greece v Galloway (2014) 572 U.S. 565, described new parameters for legislative invocations. The City Council now desires to update its Invocation Policy to conform to the Town of Greece
decision.

The Supreme Court had previously held that legislative invocations serve “the legitimate secular purposes of solemnizing public occasions, expressing confidence in the future, and encouraging the recognition of what is worthy of appreciation in society. For that reason, and because of their history and ubiquity, those practices are not understood as conveying government approval of particular religious beliefs.”
Lynch v. Donnelly (1984) 465 U.S. 668, 693 (O’Connor,
J., concurring). The Supreme Court ackno wledged in Holy Trinity Church v. United States (1892) 143 U.S. 457 that the American people have long followed a “custom of opening sessions of all deliberative bodies and most conventions with prayer . . . . ”
Id., at 471.

In Town of Greece the Supreme Court held that a prayer at the beginning of a legislative session is consistent with the First Amendment if it is "intended to lend gravity to the occasion . . . , reflect[s] values long part of the Nation's heritage . . . , is solemn and respectful in tone, [and] invites lawmakers to reflect upon shared ideals and common ends before they embark on the fractious business of government."
The Supreme Court has held that “the content of [such] prayer is not of concern to judges where . . . there is no indication that the prayer opportunity has been Item: 7
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City Council Policy: CC.07.19: Invocations
Adopted 1/7/25 Page 2 of 5

exploited to proselytize or advance any one, or to disparage any other, faith or belief.” Marsh v. Chambers (1983) 463 U.S. 783, 794-795.

Contrary to the California Court's position in Rubin, the U.S. Supreme Court in Town of Greece held that "[a]n insistence on nonsectarian or ecumenical prayer as a single, fixed standard is not consistent with the tradition of legislative prayer outlined in the Court's cases," that Congress acknowledges "our growing diversity not by proscribing sectarian content [for invocations] but by welcoming ministers of many creeds," and that it should not be the job of the courts or deliberative public bodies “to embark on a sensitive evaluation or to parse the content of a particular prayer” offered before a public body.

The City Council recognizes its constitutional duty to interpret, construe, and amend its policies and ordinances to comply with the rule of law and constitutional requirements as they are announced, and the
Town of Greece decision
necessitates that the City Council revisit its 2013 Invocation Policy to conform it to that decision.

POLICY

This Policy is to provide for traditional legislative invocations at the commencement of City Council meetings in a manner that upholds and balances the principles of the Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment.

Council invocations are provided for the Council members themselves to "set the mind to a higher purpose and thereby ease the task of governing." ( Town of
Greece, at ___). The City Council invocation opportunity should recognize and encourage the City's pluralism and diversity. The invocation must not be coercive to public members not wishing to participate. The invocation opportunity must not be exploited to proselytize or advance anyone, or to disparage any other, faith or belief.

In order to solemnize proceedings of the City Council, it is the policy of the City Council to allow for an invocation or prayer to be offered at its meetings for the benefit of the City Council and willing participants in the community. Invocations offered at City Council meetings shall be subject to the following guidelines:

1. No member of the City Council or City employee or any other person in attendance at the meeting shall be required to participate in any prayer that is offered.

2. The prayer shall be voluntarily delivered by an eligible member of the clergy/religious leader in the City of Lake Forest. To ensure that such person Item: 7
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City Council Policy: CC.07.19: Invocations
Adopted 1/7/25 Page 3 of 5

(the “invocational speaker”) is selected from among a wide pool of the City’s clergy/religious leaders, on a rotating basis, the invocational speaker shall be selected according to the following procedure:

a. The City Clerk shall compile and maintain a database (the “Congregations List”) of the religious congregations with an established presence in Lake Forest.

b. The Congregations List shall be compiled by referencing the Internet, and consultation with the local chamber of commerce. All religious congregations with an established presence in the City of Lake Forest are eligible to be included in the Congregations List, and any such congregation can confirm its inclusion by specific written request to the Clerk.

c. The Congregations List shall also include the name and contact information of any chaplain who may serve one or more of the fire departments or law enforcement agencies of the City of Lake Forest or any nearby military facilities.

d. The Congregations List shall be updated, by reasonable efforts of the City Clerk, in November of each calendar year.

e. The City Clerk or designee shall contact religious leader s of each congregation listed on the Congregations List, as well as to the individual chaplains included on the Congregations List.

f. The invitation shall be sent in writing:

Dear Religious Leader,

The Lake Forest City Council makes it a policy to invite members of the clergy in the City of Lake Forest to voluntarily offer a prayer before the beginning of its meetings, for the benefit and blessing of the City Council. As the leader of one of the reli gious congregations with an established presence in the City of Lake Forest, or in your capacity as a chaplain for one of the fire departments or law enforcement agencies of the City of Lake Forest, you are eligible to offer this important service at an upcoming meeting of the City Council . The City Council requests that invocations are generally limited to two minutes.

If you are willing to assist the City Council in this regard, please send a written reply at your earliest convenience to the City Clerk at the address included on this letterhead. Clergy are scheduled on a first -come, first-serve or other random basis.

The dates of the City Council’s scheduled meetings for the upcoming year are listed Item: 7
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City Council Policy: CC.07.19: Invocations
Adopted 1/7/25 Page 4 of 5

on the following, attached page. If you have a preference among the dates, please state that request in your written reply.

This opportunity is voluntary, and you are free to offer the invocation according to the dictates of your own conscience. To maintain a spirit of respect, inclusion, and ecumenism, the City Council requests only that the prayer opportunity not be exploited as an effort to convert others to the particular faith of the invocational speaker, nor to disparage any faith or belief different than that of the invocational speaker.

On behalf of the City Council, I thank you in advance for considering this invitation.

Sincerely,

The Lake Forest City Clerk

g. Consistent with paragraph 4 hereof and, as the invitation letter indicates, the respondents to the invitation shall be scheduled on a first -come, first- serve or other random basis to deliver the prayers.

h. If the selected invocational speaker does not appear at the scheduled meeting, the Mayor may ask for a volunteer from among the City Council or the audience to deliver the invocation.

3. No invocational speaker shall receive compensation for his or her service.

4. The City Clerk shall make every reasonable effort to ensure that a variety of eligible invocational speakers are scheduled for the City Council meetings. In any event, no invocational speaker shall be scheduled to offer a prayer at consecutive meetings of the City Council, or at more than three (3) City Council meetings in any calendar year.

5. Neither the City Council nor the City Clerk shall engage in any prior inquiry, review of, or involvement in, the content of any prayer to be offered by an invocational speaker.

6. Before the beginning of the business portion of the meeting and the agenda/business of the public, the Mayor shall introduce the invocational speaker and the person selected to recite the Pledge of Allegiance following the prayer, and shall invite only tho se who wish to do so to participate in those observances with the City Council.

7. Political statements during invocations at City Council meetings are prohibited.

Invocations are traditionally intended to offer a moment of reflection, unity, or spiritual guidance rather than serve as a platform for political advocacy.

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City Council Policy: CC.07.19: Invocations
Adopted 1/7/25 Page 5 of 5

8. This policy is not intended, and shall not be implemented or construed in any way, to affiliate the City Council with, nor to express the City Council’s preference for, any faith or religious denomination. Rather, this policy is intended to acknowledge and express the C ity Council’s respect for the diversity of religious denominations and faiths represented and practiced among the citizens of Lake Forest.

9. Nothing herein shall abridge the right of any person to address the City Council during that portion of any meeting set aside and designated for public comment, subject to the City rules concerning the same.

AUTHORIZED BY

Lake Forest City Council

January 6, 2026

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ATTACHMENT 14
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City Council Policy: CC.07.20: City Logo Wear
Adopted 1/7/25

Page 1 of 1 ends

CITY COUNCIL POLICY: LOGO WEAR
Reaffirmed: January 6, 2026 CC.07.20

BACKGROUND

This policy relates to the procurement of official City logo apparel for City Council Members. This policy provide s guidelines to staff for the budgeting and purchas ing process of such apparel.

PURPOSE

In order for staff to ensure funds are available to make such purchases, t his policy outlines the City Council spending allowance. The policy also outlines the process in which City Council Members shall place their orders for City logo apparel .

GUIDELINES

Allowan ce - The spending allowance is $300.00 per Council Member biennially (every two years) .

Ordering Procedure - Council Members shall make requests for City logo wear via the City Clerk or City Clerk staff .

Orders that are within the spending allotment shall be procured by t he City Clerk or City Clerk staff in a timely manner. Council Members shall be informed when orders are ready for pick up.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
City Clerk
The City Clerk is responsible for allocating sufficient funding for all five City Council Members during the budget preparation process .

The City Clerk is responsible for tracking orders associated with each Council Member to ensure that orders stay within the funds allocated for this purpose .

City Manager
Exceptions to this policy may be considered by the City Manager on a case -by- case basis.

AUTHORIZED BY

Lake Forest City Council January 6, 202 6
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ATTACHMENT 15
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City Council Policy: CC.07.21: Abstentions
Adopted 1/7/25

Page 1 of 2 ends

CITY COUNCIL POLICY: ABSTENTIONS
Reaffirmed: January 6, 2026 CC.07.21

PURPOSE
This policy is designed to promote transparency and accountability within the City Council by requiring Council Members to provide an explanation when abstaining from a vote. The goal is to ensure that the public, other Council Members, and staff understand the reasons behind an abstention and that such decisions are made in a consistent and transparent manner.

POLICY STATEMENT
Council Members who abstain from voting on any City Council matter must provide a verbal explanation of the reason for their abstention. This explanation will be recorded in the official meeting minutes
.

PROCEDURE

1. Requirement to Explain Abstention:

Before casting an abstention vote, a Council Member must provide a clear a
nd concise explanation for why they are choosing not to vote on the matter at hand. This can be delivered verbally during the meeting.

2. Timing of Explanation:

When the abstention occurs during the meeting, the Council Member will explain their decision prior to the formal vote.

3. Content of the Explanation:

The explanation must be brief, fact- based, and relevant to the matter under discussion.

4. Recording and Reporting of Abstentions:

All abstentions, along with the corresponding explanations, will be recorded i
n the official meeting minutes. The minutes will include the name of the council member who abstained, the agenda item number, and the reason provided for the abstention.

5. Transparency and Accountability:

By adhering to this policy, council members will foster transparency in council proceedings, making it clear to the public and other stakeholders why an abstention has occurred. The explanation will be made available as part of Item: 7
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City Council Policy: CC.07.21: Abstentions
Adopted 1/7/25

Page 2 of 2 ends

the public record for each City C ouncil meeting, ensuring accountability in the decision-making process. This policy shall take effect immediately upon approval and shall apply to all City Council votes henceforth.

AUTHORIZED BY

Lake Forest City Council

January 6, 2026

Item: 7
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ATTACHMENT 16
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DRAFT
City Council Policy CC.07.02: Audit Committee
Adopted 3/2/21; Revised 1/18/22 Page 1 of 2
CITY COUNCIL POLICY: AUDIT

COMMITTEE
R e v i s e d : J a n u a r y 6 , 2 0 2 6 C C . 0 7 . 0 2

BACKGROUND
Th
e City Council Audit Committee is responsible for the independent review and oversight of the City government’s financial reporting process, internal controls, and independent auditors. The members of the Audit Committee shall possess or obtain a basic understanding of governmental financial reporting and auditing for the City. As a part of the City’s auditing processes, the Audit Committee shall be available to independent financial auditors and participate as representati ves of the governing body.

PURPOSE
Th
is policy establishes the composition, roles and responsibilities of the City Council Audit Committee as established by the Financial Management and Budgetary Policy.

COMPOSITION
R
epresentation - An Audit Committee shall be formed consisting of two City Council Members. Each City Council member serving on the Audit Committee shall serve for a two-year term. Ideally, the initial term shall be staggered, one Council Member shall serve a two-year term and the other shall serve a three- year term.

City Staff - The City Manager, or de signee, shall be a part of the Audit Committee. The City Attorney shall be available to advise the Audit Committee.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
C
ouncil Members - The Audit Committee shall receive quarterly reports from the City Manager or designee.

City Staff - The City Manager, or desi gnee, shall provide a direct line of communication between the auditor and the City Council. The City Manager , Item: 7
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DRAFT

City Council Policy CC.07.02: Audit Committee
Adopted 3/2/21; Revised 1/18/22 Page 2 of 2

or designee, will provide a quarterly report to the Audit Committee that compares year-to-date actuals with revenue projections. The City Manager , or designee, will provide a quarterly report to the Audit Committee communicating budgetary compliance.

• Status of operations or economic developments that require corrective budgetary modifications
• Notice if operating revenues are proj ected to decrease more than 10% of the adopted budget
• Notice if appropriations have been transferred from one department to another
• Notice if appropriations have been transferred from one fund to another
• Notice if appropriations have be en transferred from one capital improvement project to another existing capital improvement project • Notice if Operating Budget appr opriations were carried over • Notice if Capital Budget appropriations were carried over • Notice if special circumstances requiring an adjustment in appropriations established in the adopted budget exist including:
o Changes to spending priorities
o Increases in operating or capital expenditures
o Decrease in operating revenues

Meetings - The Audit Committee shall meet four (4) times per calendar year.

AUTHORIZED BY

Lake Forest City Council

January 6, 2026

Item: 7
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ATTACHMENT 17
Item: 7
168

DRAFT
City Council Policy: CC.07.12: RecogniƟons - ProclamaƟons, CerƟﬁcates, and/or City Paraphernalia Adopted 1993
Amended by Minute Order 7/2/19; Revised 7/5/23; 1/16/24 Page 1 of 6 CITY COUNCIL POLICY: RECOGNITIONS -

PROCLAMATIONS, CERTIFICATES, AND/OR CITY

PARAPHERNALIA
R e v i s e d : J a n u a r y 6 , 2 0 2 6 C C . 0 7 . 1 2

1. PURPOSE
To establish guidelines for the City Council’s consideration for r
ecognition of individuals, groups, and events by issuance of proclamations, certificates, and/or City paraphernalia on matters with in th
e City’s subject matter jurisdiction and which most immediately affect the City of Lake Forest.

2. BACKGROUND
O
n a regular basis, the City of Lake Forest receives requests from individuals, groups, and organizations for various types of recognition.

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for the City’s consideration of these requests upon matters within the City’s jurisdiction, and to preserve Council meeting time and resources for those matters upon which the City Council’s decisions have direct and concrete consequences for the City. Cu rrent practice allows for the City Council to determine which presentations are agendized and which are appropriate to be presented at an event outside of a formal City Council meeting.

Requests made by members of the City Council are reviewed by the Mayor and may be approved at the Mayor’s discretion. Any member of the City Council may use the consensus process to request a recognition.

3. POLICY
It is
the policy of the City Council that staff will use the guidelines of this policy as a basis for deciding appropriate recognition. The City Clerk will process all requests for re cognition that meet this policy. A ll
ot
hers will be approved at the discretion of the Mayor.

Item: 7
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DRAFT

City Council Policy: CC.07.12: RecogniƟons - ProclamaƟons, CerƟﬁcates, and/or City Paraphernalia Adopted 1993
Amended by Minute Order 7/2/19; Revised 7/5/23; 1/16/24 Page 2 of 6

4. DEFINITIONS

Certificates: A certificate is a type of recognition of an individual or group. A certificate is prepared in response to the type of recognition requested. Types of certificates may include: Certificate of Commendation, Certificate of Recognition, Certificate of Appreciation, and Certificate of Appointment. Cert ificates are prepared for signature of all members of the City Council, if requested by a majority of the City Council. This may be presented at a City Council meeting or outside event. Certificates are not issued for religious observations, matters of foreign policy of the Unit ed States, ethnic celebrations, or recognition that is not local to the community in nature. Certificates are considered when:

1. Their primary purpose is to recognize individuals or groups, local issues, actions, and/or programs that contribute to the City of Lake Forest. (Examples include notable achievements at a local school.)

2. Their primary purpose is to acknowledge a noteworthy occurrence that took place in the City of Lake Forest. (Examples include recognizing a life-saving act in Lake Forest.)

3. Their primary purpose is to acknowledge issues that directly impact the operations of the City of Lake Forest.

Proclamations: Proclamations may be issued to designate a day, week, month, or year that an event, indivi dual, organization or cause shall be recognized or observed. Proclama tions may also be issued to individuals or organizations in reco gnition of efforts, actions, or accomplishments of an individual or group when those efforts, actions or accomplishments have had a direct positive effect or contribution on the community. Proclamations are not issued when a topic is regarding the following:

• Matters of foreign policy of the United States of America or its relationship to other countries of the world except at the expressed request of an elected official of the federal government or an authorized representative of a department or agency of the federal government.

Item: 7
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DRAFT

City Council Policy: CC.07.12: RecogniƟons - ProclamaƟons, CerƟﬁcates, and/or City Paraphernalia Adopted 1993
Amended by Minute Order 7/2/19; Revised 7/5/23; 1/16/24 Page 3 of 6

• Items outside the subject matter jurisdiction of the City of Lake Forest.

• Matters that do not directly impact the City of Lake Forest.

There are two types of Proclamations: (1) a letter size document observing event or occasion and (2) a legal size document that includes details of occasion and whereas statements, similar to a City Council resolution. The Mayor has discretion as to the appropriateness and type of recognition. Proclamations are prep ared by the City Clerk and signed by the City Council and may be presented at a City Council meeting or outside event.

Standard Plaques: Standard plaques are an appropriate means of recognition for significant service to the City. Presentation of a standard plaque is at the discretion of the Ma yor with concurrence of a majority of the City Council.

City Tile Plaque: The City tile plaque is an appropriate means of recognizing the service of a Director, City Commissioner, Eagle Scout/Girl Scout Gold Award service project benefitting the City of Lake Forest, High School Liaison, or dignitaries visiting from other jurisdictions. Presentation of a City ti le plaque is at the discretion of the Mayor with concurrence of a majority of the City Council.

In Memoriam Certificate / Dedication of a Meeting: There are times when a meeting is dedicated to the memory of an individual. Should a member of the Council other than the Mayor request a meeting to be adjourned in the memory of an indi vidual, the Council Member shall do so in two ways: 1) By verbal or wr itten request of the Mayor 48 hours prior to the production of an agenda, or 2) During Council comments, with the requested adjournment to be placed on a subsequent agenda.

Approval of requests is at the Mayor’s discretion. The Mayor would initiate this action. When a meeting is dedicated, a notation appears on the agenda and the Mayor announces that the meeting is in memory of said individual. After the meeting is held or adjourned, an appropriate certificate “In Memoriam” may be requested by the family to acknowledge the dedication.

City Lapel Pin: City lapel pins include the City logo. They are presented to City staff, City Commissioners when appointed, and guests of the City Item: 7
171

DRAFT

City Council Policy: CC.07.12: RecogniƟons - ProclamaƟons, CerƟﬁcates, and/or City Paraphernalia Adopted 1993
Amended by Minute Order 7/2/19; Revised 7/5/23; 1/16/24 Page 4 of 6

as determined by the Mayor and/or City Council Members and/or City Manager, City Clerk or Department Directors.

Letter of Commendation: The Mayor at his/her discretion may opt to recognize an event or individual, su ch as earning the prestigious Eagle Scout or Girl Scout Gold Award.

5. TYPE OF RECOGNITION REQUESTS

The following are recognition guidelin es, which will be implemented by the Mayor.

Community Events, Community Organizations
In response to requests for recognition received from various community organizations, the Mayor will consider the significance of the event to the entire community and provide direction to staff on proceeding with the request accordingly.

Athletic / Academic Accomplishments
Recognition of athletic/academic accomplishments may be given when an individual or team reaches a significant level of competition on a regional, state, or national level. Additionally, recognition may be given for a championship at a county level if the competitor continues to compete at
a state and/or national level. Recognition should occur when the highest level of competition is completed.

Athletic recognition should be limited to children of High sSchool age or greater competing in school-related or publicly conducted and sanctioned competitions.

Adults residing in the community may also be recognized for their athletic achievements in well-r ecognized sporting events. The determination of when recognition is appropriate shall be the responsibility of City Council.

Acts of Heroism
Commendations may be given to residents of Lake Forest who perform heroic acts and to non-residents who perform acts of heroism to save the life or property of a City resident, or take significant steps to improve the City’s community wellbeing or reputation. The commendation should be presented at a City Council Meeting. Nominations for acts of heroism Item: 7
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DRAFT

City Council Policy: CC.07.12: RecogniƟons - ProclamaƟons, CerƟﬁcates, and/or City Paraphernalia Adopted 1993
Amended by Minute Order 7/2/19; Revised 7/5/23; 1/16/24 Page 5 of 6

may be received through the Community Heroes program and are to be reviewed by the Deputy City Manager or their designee within one week of the receipt of nomination. Following the review of the nomination, staff contact the requester to discuss the details of the request. In addition to official recognition at a public City Council meeting, every community hero will be added to the City’s dedicated webpage describing the heroic act that resulted in the recognition each hero received.

Non-Profit Organizations, Yearly Commemorative Events
In response to requests for recognition received from various non-profit organizations, the Mayor will consider those requests not covered as to the significance of the event to the entire community and provide direction to staff on proceeding with the request accordingly.

Eagle Scouts and Silver Arrow Scouts / Girl Scout Silver and Gold Award
A letter of commendation may be prep ared to recognize City residents who achieve the rank of Eagle Scout an d Silver Arrow Scout or Girl Scout Silver or Gold Award. The letter will be presented in a certificate folder and may be presented by the Mayor or a member of the City Council at either a court of Honor or a City Council meeting. Scouts completing their final projects within the legal boundaries of the City of Lake Forest will be honored with a tile plaque.

City Commissioners
Newly appointed commissioners will be presented with a City lapel pin and a Certificate of Appointment at the City Council meeting at which the Oath of Office is taken. Commissioners who complete their terms of office will be presented with a City Tile Plaque at a City Council meeting.

Commission Chairpersons will be recognized with a Certificate of Recognition at the end of their term.

Regional Events and Recognition for Other Cities.

Appropriate certificates or proclamations may be prepared for regional events or in response to requests from other cities. The form of presentation will be evaluated by the Mayor for presentation to City Council for final action.

National Day/ Week / Month or Dates of Observance
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City Council Policy: CC.07.12: RecogniƟons - ProclamaƟons, CerƟﬁcates, and/or City Paraphernalia Adopted 1993
Amended by Minute Order 7/2/19; Revised 7/5/23; 1/16/24 Page 6 of 6

A proclamation may be issued by/to an organization or individual who has a direct association with the recognition.

Anniversary
A Certificate or Proclamation of Anniversary may be prepared to commemorate an anniversary for a community service organization located in the City, a company doing business within the City, or another public agency. The organization being honored shall be invited to send a representative to a City Council meeting to receive the award.

Limitation of requests include:
• A Proclamation request will be honored only for major anniversary (e.g., 25th, 50th, 100th, etc.)

• For all non-major anniversaries, a Certificate of Recognition may be provided.

Mayor’s Award
An award may be presented to one City staff member to recognize outstanding performance and achievement during the year. The established criterion and procedure for the Mayor’s Award is found in the Mayor’s Award Administrative Policy.

6. PROCEDURE

It is the policy of the City Council that when a request for recognition is received, certificates, proclamations, plaques, and other recognitions awards shall be prepared by the City Clerk in accordance with the adopted guidelines of this policy. The Community Hero awards will be prepared by the Communication and Marketing Division. If a request for recognition is not clearly consistent with any of the request categories, the Mayor will provide direction and staff will prepare the necessary recognition.

7. AUTHORIZED BY

Lake Forest City Council

January 6, 2026

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ATTACHMENT 18
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City Council Policy: CC.07.16: Travel and Expense Reimbursement Adopted 3/6/2018
Revised 1/18/22 Page 1 of 8

CITY COUNCIL POLICY : TRAVEL AND EXPENSE

REIMBURSEMENT
R e a f f i r m e d : J a n u a r y 6 , 2 0 2 6 C C . 0 7 . 1 6

PURPOSE

The City of Lake Forest (“City”) recognizes the value of elected City Council members and appointed Commissioners (“Official” or “Officials”) attending professional trainings and conferences that enhance, promote or benefit the City. This Travel and Expense Reimbursement Policy (“policy”) establishes travel authorization allowable expenses and reimbursem ents, and reporting standards for travel conducted by officials while performing their official duties.

Official duties must be consistent with California Government Code (“GC”) sections 53232, et seq., and adopted City policies. Reasonable modifications to this policy are allowed for Official(s) with disabilities.

POLICY

This policy applies to all authorized travel by officials while performing their official duties. Travel taken un der this policy must adhere to the following principles:

Public Benefit: All travel must be aligned with the City objectives and serve a clear public purpose that enhances, promotes, or benefits the city.

Accountability: Travel expenses must be reasonable, necessary, and accurately documented in compliance with applicable laws and City policies.

Equity and Fairness: City policies sh all be applied consistently to all officials covered by this policy.

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City Council Policy: CC.07.16: Travel and Expense Reimbursement Adopted 3/6/2018
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1 BEFORE YOUR TRIP

1.1 Authorized Budget

Travel is subject to the dollar limitations set forth in the City’s Annual Operating Budget. City Council trav el is budgeted within the City Council Department “Travel, Conferences, and Meetings” account.

Planning Commission travel is budgeted in the Community Development Planning Division “Commissioner Travel” account.

Community Services Commission travel is budgeted in the Community Services Recreation Division “Commissioner Travel” account. Traffic and Parking travel is budgeted in th e Public Works Traffic and Parking Commission Division “Commissioner Travel” account.

1.2 AUTHORIZED FUNCTIONS

Expenses incurred in connection with the performance of official duties at functions described below are eligible for reimbursement:

a)
Meetings of the City Council, Successor Agency, Housing Authority, Financing Authority, and any other government body or Ad Hoc Committee established by formal action of the Lake Forest City Council.
b)
Meetings attended as the Council-designated representative(s) (or Council designated alternate( s)) of the City as documented on the most recently adopted City Council Committee
Appointments List.
c)
Meetings with the City Manager or his or her designee.
d) City-sponsored events.
e) Meetings of the Orange County Division of the Cal Cities and Association of California Cities – Orange County (ACCOC). f)
Attendance at Cal Cities Annual Conference, Cal Cities Mayors and Council Members Executive Forum/Summit, Cal Cities policy committees (subject to Cal Cities appointment), and Cal Cities New Mayors and Council Members Academy.
g)
Attendance at educational seminars, conferences or activities designed to improve the Council Member or Commissioner’s skill and knowledge provided the City is a member of the organization sponsoring the activity.

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h) Attendance at training sessions required by federal, state, or local law.
i) Appearances before, or attending meetings of, state legislative committees, state regulatory bodies, state commissions, entities regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission, and other government entities, on behalf of the City of Lake Forest. j)
Meeting or functions of public agency or non-profit organizations contract partners.

1.3 RESERVATIONS/REGISTRATIONS

Officials attending meetings or traveling on official business may request staff assistance in arranging conference registration, hotel, and other travel reservations for authorized functions as listed in this policy.

1.3.1 AIRLINE & TRAIN RESERVATIONS

The City will purchase airline and train tickets for travel to functions listed in Section 1.2 (f) on an official’s behalf no later than fourteen (14) days in advance of travel. The City will purchase airline and train tickets fo r travel to all other authorized functions as listed in this policy on an official’s behalf. Tickets for functions listed in Section 1.2 (f) requested thirteen days or less in advance of travel must be purchased directly by the traveling official. Eligibility for reimbursemen t of airline and train tickets is outlined in this policy.

1.4 CANCELLATIONS

In the event an Official is unable to travel according to pre-arranged and/or pre-paid itineraries, the Official shall cancel his or her reservations prior to the cancellation deadline es tablished by the vendor (i.e. hotel, airline, etc.) so as not to incur charge s or in order to receive a refund or credit. (Any non-refundable fees will not be at the expense of the Official if the cancellation is processed prior to the cancellation deadline).

In the event an Official does not ca ncel his or her reservations and the City is charged a fee or unable to re ceive a credit or refund, the Official shall reimburse the City the full cost of the fee or non-cancelled charges within thirty (30) days of the cancelled travel.

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2 WHILE ON YOUR TRIP

2.1 TRAVELING TO YOUR DESTINATION

Officials shall use the most economical mode and class of transportation reasonably consistent with scheduling needs and cargo requirements, and the most direct and time-efficient route. Baggage handling fees up to $2 per bag are reimbursable.

2.1.1 AIR AND TRAIN TRAVEL

Airfare and train fare shall be reimbursed at the actual ticket cost as stated on the receipt. Long-term parking shall be used for travel exceeding 24 hours.

2.1.2 PERSONAL AUTOMOBILE

Automobile mileage is reimbursable at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rate in effect at the time of the trip. The reimbursable amount shall be based on the actual mileage traveled for the purposes of the Tr aveler’s official duties. In no case shall the amount of the re imbursement exceed the cost of an airline ticket to the same de stination purchased fourteen (14) days in advance of travel and, if applicable, the cost of a standard-size rental car.

2.1.3 GROUND TRANSPORTATION

Taxi, bus, train, shuttle or other similar fares, including associated gratuities of up to 20 percent, are reimbursable.

2.2 MEALS AND INCIDENTAL EXPENSES (M&IE)

The City maximum full day meal and incidental expenses rate shall be not greater than the maximum federa l per diem meal and incidental expenses (M&IE) rate established by the General Services Administration ( www.gsa.gov) based on the limit for the city or county to which the Official is traveling. Partial days per diem amounts are also established by the GSA. Th e GSA maximums include taxes and gratuities. Officials must provide receipts for all meals and will be Item: 7
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reimbursed at the lower of the appropriate per diem amount or the actual expense.

2.2.1 MEAL GRATUITIES

Meal gratuities of up to 20 percent are reimbursable.

2.2.2 ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

There shall be no reimbursement for alcoholic beverages.

2.2.3 MEALS PROVIDED AS PART OF FUNCTIONS

An Official may not request reimbursement for any meal which is provided or otherwise availabl e to the official at a function, whether or not there is an actual charge for the meal.

For example, if lunch is provided at a function, the traveler may not request reimbursement for eating elsewhere.

2.3 LODGING

Actual lodging costs will be reimbursed when an Official ’s travels 40 miles or more on official City business reasonably requires an overnight stay due to distance or an Official’s need for sleep or rest to properly and safely perform their duties . The Official shall use lodging that is either: offered by a provider of lodging that is consistent with the per diem rates for lodging as established: (1) in IRS Publication 1542, as amended, or any successor publication; or (2) as a governmental rate offered by the provider of lodging.

2.3.1 LODGING FOR CONFERENCES OR OTHER EDUCATIONAL

ACTIVITIES

Lodging costs shall not exceed the maximum group rate
published by the conference or ac tivity sponsor, provided that the lodging at the group rate is available to the Official at the time of booking. If the group rate is not available, then the Official shall use comparable lodging that is consistent with the per diem rates for lodging as established: (1) in IRS Publication 1542, as Item: 7
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amended, or any successor publicat ion; or (2) as a governmental rate offered by a provider of lodging.

2.4 MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES

Bridge, road tolls, housekeeping tips, parking fees and other similar miscellaneous expenses are reimbursable.

2.5 UNAUTHORIZED EXPENSES

Expenses the City will not reimburs e include, but are not limited to:
a) The personal portion of any trip.
b) Political or charitable contributions or events.
c) Family expenses, including a partner’s expense when
accompanying the Official on City-related business, as well as children or pet-related expenses.
d)
Entertainment expenses, including theater, movies (including in- room), sporting events (including but not limited to gym, massage and golf-related expenses ), or other cultural events. e)
Non-mileage personal automobile expenses, including traffic citations.
f)
Personal losses were incurred while on City business.
g) “Pre-boarding”, “upgrade” or “change” fees charged for the convenience of the traveling official.

3 AFTER YOUR TRIP

3.1 Documentation of Expenses/ Expense Reports

Officials shall submit expense report forms, as provided by the City, to the City Manager or the Manager’s designee within thirty (30) days of incurring the expense. The expense report is to be signed, under penalty of perjury, and state that all expenses listed were necessary, reasonable and incurred in connection with City business and in conformity with this Policy. If an Official does not submit expense report forms within thirty (30) days of incurring the expense, the Official will be ineligible for any fu ture City paid travel arrangements until the signed expense re port form is submitted.

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3.1.1 Expense Documentation

To qualify for reimbursement, expense reports must be
accompanied by documentary evidence, such as a receipt, canceled check, or bill for each expense. The documentary evidence should show the amount, date, place, and essential character of the expense.

a)
If the evidence submitted is a bi ll, it must be itemized so as to sufficiently indicate which costs the Official claims are in connection with City-approved travel and for what purpose such costs were incurred (e.g., an itemized hotel bill would indicate cots for room, parking fee, meals, and room tax, with the respective cost of each listed on the bill).

b)
Any evidence submitted must be attached to a written
statement signed by the Official attesting the evidence is an accurate depiction of the expense and that the charges are appropriate and incurred in connection with City business and in conformity with this Policy.

c) Receipts shall document the expenses of the Official exclusively. Personal expenses (including, but not limited to, a partner’s expenses) shall not be included on the submitted receipt.

3.1.2 SUBSTITUTE EXPENSE DOCUMENTATION

If documentary evidence (e.g., rece ipt or bill) is not available, the following limitations on reimbursement shall apply:

a)
Lodging, food, and beverage expenses shall not be
reimbursed.

b) Per IRS guidelines, only expenses of less than $75.00 shall be reimbursed where substitute documentary evidence is
provided.

Acceptable forms of substitute documentary evidence may include, but are not limited to , written statements from the Official’s guests or other witnesses setting forth detailed Item: 7
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information about the expense, or an In Lieu of Receipt Form signed by the traveling Official.

3.1.3 CALIFORNIA PUBLIC RECORDS ACT

All documents related to reimbursable City expenditures are subject to disclosure under the California Public Records Act Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 6250) of Division 7 of Title 1.

3.2 REIMBURSEMENT

The City will reimburse Officials for all actual and necessary expenses within the limitations of this policy.

3.2.1.1 REIMBURSEMENT

Once the expense report is comp lete, signed and all necessary receipts are attached, staff will submit the report and supporting documentation to the Finance department for
processing with the next scheduled Warrant Register.

4 POLICY VIOLATIONS

Pursuant to California Government Code Section 53232.4, penalties for misuse of public resources or falsif ying expense reports in violation of expense reporting policies may include, but are not limited to, the following:

a)
The loss of reimbursement privileges.
b) Restitution to the City.
c) Civil penalties for misuse of public resources pursuant to California Government Code Section 8314.
d)
Prosecution for misuse of public resources, pursuant to Section 424 of the Penal Code.

5 AUTHORIZED BY

Lake Forest City Council

January 6, 2026

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ATTACHMENT 19
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City Council Policy: CC.07.22: Meeting Report
Adopted 01/06/2026

Page 1 of 2 ends

Lake Forest City CouncilJanuary 6, 2026

Lake Forest City Council
January 6, 2026