Urban Activity Center (UAC):  The property owner of record - Golden Rain Foundation - of the properties within the UAC has asked the City to divide the specific plan area into two separate planning areas. Properties north of El Toro Road would be included in UAC North and properties south of El Toro Road in UAC South. The City is not preparing a specific plan for this property - that is the responsibility of the property owner. The only action proposed is the division of land and reserved average daily trips.

Draft documents for the above modifications will be available on the City's website in mid-August. Recommendations will be presented to the City Council - following environmental review, determination and notice - at a public hearing in December.
 
Project Background and Scope
Zoning laws serve several functions. To begin with, they protect existing businesses and residences. For example, in a region without zoning laws, a company could build a factoryin the middle of a residential zone, potentially impacting the quality of life for residents. Zoning laws ensure that land use is consistent within a specific region and that conflicting uses like heavy industry and residential housing are kept isolated from each other for the convenience of all. 

Many cities also use zoning laws to protect their look and feel. For example, a law could restrict construction in an area to a certain height or number of stories, or it could block the construction of big-box stores within a particular neighborhood. Zoning laws are also used to ensure that neighbors do not infringe on each other with new construction. For example, most zoning laws require the footprint of a new structure to be significantly smaller than the lot it is built on, ensuring that people do not, for example, build homes that block the access of neighbors.

The Laguna Woods general plan land use designations and zoning districts are divided into four categories: residential, commercial, open space and urban activity center specific plan. The current zoning districts were adopted in 2003 and, with the exception of the specific plan district, reflect a transfer of regulations in place prior to the City’s incorporation.

State law requires that the zoning code be consistent with the City’s general plan. Current zoning designations, while in conformance with current general plan land use designations, are not identical. This is sometimes confusing to property owners and residents.  In addition, there are land use districts in the current zoning code that may not relate to current and potential development in the City. At its November 18, 2009 meeting, the City Council directed staff to proceed with a review and update of the land use designations in the City’s zoning code, as well as those in the general plan land use element, if required.

The zoning code of the City of Laguna Woods is found in Title 13 of the Laguna Woods Municipal Code. These sections of the code govern the development of property in the City by controlling two aspects of land use. First, the uses permitted within a given zoning district are identified; and second, the amount and type of building that may be developed on a parcel of land is regulated. Every parcel in the City of Laguna Woods has a zoning classification. In addition to district regulations, some parcels of land may also be subject to special procedures or planning such as use permits or specific/community plans.

Changes to property zoning or land use designation may be initiated by: 1) the property owner of record and/or an individual or company that has a contract to purchase the property or 2) the local governmental agency (city or county).

The City Council has directed staff to review current zoning district and land use designations and to make recommendations for modification, utilizing the following time-line:

·        Identify the purpose of existing zoning districts and proposed modifications (Jan.)

·        Compare current City zoning to that of neighboring communities (January-February)

·        Identify issues that need to be addressed (January-February)

·        Notify property owners of the process and solicit input (February–mid-April)

·        Establish definitions/standards for proposed new districts (March-May)

·        Survey existing properties and propose modifications (March-May)

·        Discuss process to date with Land Use and Design Review Committee (August 12)

·        Modify Code language and draft corresponding General Plan Land Use Element

             modifications (August-September)

·        Environmental Review (August-Nov.)

·        Land Use and Design Review Committee review of draft ordinance and environmental review (December 9)

·        Public hearing and first reading of ordinance (December 15)

·        Second reading of ordinance (Jan. 19)

·        Ordinance effective (February 19)