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Lake Forest City Zoning Code

CHAPTER 9

112 PC PLANNED COMMUNITY DISTRICT

§ 9.112.010 Purpose of district.

The purpose of this district is to provide the authority, regulations and procedures whereby large land areas can be planned, zoned, developed and administered as individual integrated communities. It is intended that each planned community will be planned so as to take maximum advantage of its location, environment, and physical features. Each individual planned community is expected to establish its own character in conformance with its own unique set of land use regulations, consistent with the enabling regulations and procedures set forth in this district.
The enabling regulations of this district are intended to provide the minimum regulations necessary to allow each planned community to be developed as an individual community and to provide for convenient administration of land use regulations after original development has taken place. These regulations are also intended to provide such directions and requirements as are necessary to provide assurance that planned community programs will be arranged, and language will be used, in such a manner that regulations and other information may be easily located and clearly understood, and will require a minimum amount of time to administer.
The land use regulations of each planned community shall be known as the planned community (P.C.) program and shall consist of the following:
A. 
P.C. text, per Section 9.112.050, specifying regulations such as uses permitted and site development standards applicable to all areas of the planned community.
B. 
A statistical summary, per Section 9.112.060, regulating the maximum/minimum of certain aspects of development for the P.C. as a whole.
C. 
A P.C. zoning map, per Section 9.112.070, showing the exterior boundaries of the planned community and any applicable overlay or combining districts.
D. 
A P.C. development map per Section 9.112.080, showing certain general and certain detailed information such as the general location of infrastructure facilities and a detailed statistical table regulating land uses in each P.C. planning area.
(Ord. 176 § 1, 2007)

§ 9.112.020 General provisions and regulations.

This section includes those general provisions and regulations that are specifically applicable to all planned communities (PC).
A. 
Standard Provisions. Each planned community is subject to the following standard general provisions in addition to other provisions of the Zoning Code. For convenient reference they may be included verbatim in any PC text at the option of the preparer of the plan, but shall not be changed.
1. 
All construction and development within the Planned Community shall comply with applicable provisions of the Uniform Building Code and the various related mechanical, electrical, plumbing codes, the Grading and Excavation Code and the Subdivision Code and Sign Code, as currently adopted by the City Council. In case of a conflict between the specific provisions of any such Code and these regulations the provisions of those codes shall prevail.
2. 
The setback and building height requirements shall be as specified by each land use district of the PC text. The methods used for determining building setbacks and building heights shall be the same as those used in the Zoning Code.
3. 
All building sites shall comply with the provisions of Section 9.144.020, Building site requirements.
4. 
If an issue, condition or situation arises or occurs that is not sufficiently covered or provided for in the PC text so as to be clearly understandable, the Director of Community Development shall determine which regulations are applicable, as authorized by Section 9.04.020(C). Those regulations of the Zoning Code that are applicable for the most similar use, issue, condition or situation shall be used by the Director of Community Development as guidelines to resolve the unclear issue, condition, or situation.
5. 
All conditions, requirements and standards, indicated graphically or in writing as part of any approved discretionary permit or detail plan granted by authority of these regulations shall have the same force and effect as these regulations. Any use or development established as a result of such approved permit or plan but not in compliance with all such conditions, requirements, or standards shall be in violation of the PC text. The provisions of Section 9.208.010, Enforcement provisions, are applicable to the PC text.
6. 
If any portion of these regulations is, for any reason, declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or ineffective, in whole or in part, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions thereof. The City Council hereby declares that it would have enacted these regulations and each portion thereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more portions be declared invalid or ineffective.
7. 
The meaning and construction of words, phrases, titles and terms used in the PC text shall be the same as provided in Section 9.04.030 of the Zoning Code except as otherwise provided herein.
8. 
When any section of the Zoning Code states that the regulations of that section, or that the uses permitted by that section, are applicable to all districts or all building sites, or language to that effect, those regulations are also applicable to each planned community. If any of the provisions in this planned community are in conflict with the provisions of any such Zoning Code section, the provisions of the Zoning Code section shall prevail.
9. 
The provisions of Section 9.168.010, Off-street parking, are applicable to each planned community except where otherwise expressly listed as exceptions in the PC text.
10. 
All discretionary actions permitted or required in each planned community shall be consistent with the types of permits listed in Section 9.184.010, and all such actions shall be processed in compliance with the procedures set forth in Section 9.184.010.
B. 
Nonstandard Provisions. Additional provisions, designed and applied generally to an individual planned community may also be included.
C. 
General Regulations. The following uses and activities are permitted in all planned communities in compliance with the specified regulations:
1. 
Single-Family Dwellings. In any district or area where single-family dwellings are a permitted use, permitted uses include the following:
a. 
Single-family detached dwellings;
b. 
Residential care facilities, in accordance with Chapter 5.44 (Residential Care Facilities);
c. 
Small and large family day care homes;
d. 
Limited home rentals.
2. 
Mobilehome Parks and Mobilehome Subdivisions. In any district or area planned and zoned to permit residential uses, mobilehome parks and mobilehome subdivisions are permitted subject to the regulations of Section 9.176.010.
3. 
The conversion of an existing multifamily dwelling to residential condominiums, stock cooperatives, and community apartments shall be subject to Chapter 9.172 and to the issuance of a use permit under Section 9.184.010.
4. 
Automobile service stations, only on those sites designated in the PC text.
5. 
Any other use that is in compliance with the PC document and the Zoning Code, including any applicable overlay or combining district regulations.
6. 
Prohibited Uses. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code or of a PC text, the following uses are specifically prohibited in every planned community:
a. 
Apiaries;
b. 
Keeping pets or animals for any commercial purpose unless otherwise provided for by an approved use permit;
c. 
The storage of vehicles, equipment, or products related to a commercial activity not permitted in this district;
d. 
Transitory lodgings;
e. 
Uses not expressly permitted by this Code or an applicable PC text.
(Ord. 176 § 1, 2007; Ord. 297 § 8, 2017; Ord. 363 § 15, 2023)

§ 9.112.030 Planned community program required.

Any application for a change of zone to place property in the P.C. "Planned Community" district shall be accompanied by a P.C. program for the entire property. Said P.C. program shall be subject to approval by the Planning Commission and adoption by the City Council in accordance with the provisions of Section 9.112.090 of this Code.
(Ord. 176 § 1, 2007)

§ 9.112.040 Applicability.

After a P.C. program has been adopted or amended by the City Council, it shall become effective 30 days later. Then all development and uses within the boundaries of the planned community shall thereafter be in compliance with the regulations of this district, the adopted or amended P.C. program, and all other applicable zoning regulations. Upon adoption, each P.C. program becomes a part of the Zoning Code and the P.C. zoning map is thereafter a zoning district map, as provided in Section 9.04.040.
(Ord. 176 § 1, 2007; Ord. 247 § 61, 2013)

§ 9.112.050 P.C. program text.

A text shall be adopted by ordinance which specifies the land use regulations and procedures applicable to all areas within the boundaries of the planned community. Each land use category shall correspond to one or more identified planning areas on the P.C. development map.
When the text refers to any portion of the Zoning Code and provides for exceptions to the referenced portion, all such exceptions shall be clearly and specifically identified. Regulations for each land use category within the planned community shall include at least the following:
A. 
Purpose and Intent Statement. Each land use category shall have a general description and a brief summary explaining the purpose and intent of that land use category.
B. 
Principal Permitted Uses Section. Each such section shall include a list of uses per the following categories if applicable:
1. 
Principal permitted uses not subject to discretionary land use permits, plans or approvals;
2. 
Principal permitted uses subject to a site development permit per Section 9.184.010;
3. 
Principal permitted uses subject to a use permit per Section 9.184.010.
C. 
Accessory Permitted Uses Section. This section shall be included in any land use category where uses, structures and activities other than main or principal uses are permitted.
When a main or principal use is permitted subject to approval of a discretionary permit, ancillary and accessory uses, structures and activities are also permitted subject to approval of the same discretionary permit.
D. 
Prohibited Uses Section. Each land use category shall include a prohibited uses section for the purpose of clarifying which land uses and groups of uses, if any, are specifically not permitted.
E. 
Site Development Standards Section. All of the standards listed in the following items (1) and (2) shall be included in each such section even if the standards are not applicable to a certain land use category. In any land use category where a standard will not be applied, the section shall list the standard and state, as appropriate, "none," "no minimum," "no maximum" or "not applicable."
1. 
Each land use category shall include standards for the following:
a. 
Minimum building site area,
b. 
Maximum building height,
c. 
Minimum building setback requirements,
d. 
Signs,
e. 
Minimum net area per unit (multifamily areas),
f. 
Trash and refuse disposal (all areas except single-family),
g. 
Off-street parking (refer to Section 9.168.010);
2. 
Standards for the following are also required for commercial, professional, industrial and mixed use land use categories:
a. 
Loading,
b. 
Screening,
c. 
Landscaping,
d. 
Lighting,
e. 
Floor area ratio;
3. 
Additional standards that may be necessary or appropriate may be included in any land use category.
F. 
Boundary Description. A precise description, either by record of survey or metes and bounds, of the external boundaries of all land located within the planned community shall also be included within the text. Such description shall be consistent with the P.C. zoning map.
(Ord. 176 § 1, 2007)

§ 9.112.060 Statistical summary.

A statistical summary shall be adopted by ordinance and shall include the following information:
A. 
The types of uses proposed, consistent with the land use categories included in the text;
B. 
The maximum number of dwelling units proposed;
C. 
The minimum number of acres of open space;
D. 
The maximum number of acres of each nonresidential land use category;
E. 
Any additional statistical information that may be appropriate.
All such information shown in the statistical summary shall be consistent with the information shown on the P.C. development map and with the regulations in the P.C. text. The statistical summary shall be separately labeled but bound/located with the P.C. text. Any proposed change in the planned community which would result in a change to the statistical summary will require an amendment to the P.C. program.
(Ord. 176 § 1, 2007)

§ 9.112.070 P.C. zoning map.

A. 
The P.C. zoning map shall be adopted by ordinance. It shall be drawn in sufficient detail to enable a reader to determine approximately where proposed uses and projects will be located in relation to overlay districts and arterial highways. All existing and proposed arterial highways within the planned community will be shown consistent with the master plan of arterial highways in effect at the time of adoption of the map. The exterior boundaries of the map shall be precise and consistent with the boundary description included in the P.C. text.
B. 
Additionally, the boundaries of applicable overlay/combining districts that have been adopted by separate ordinance shall be shown on the map. Such overlay/combining districts may include the following:
Section 9.148.010 O "Oil Production" district.
(Ord. 176 § 1, 2007)

§ 9.112.080 P.C. development map.

A P.C. development map shall initially be adopted by resolution by the City Council. Thereafter, it may be amended by the Planning Commission per Section 9.112.090.
A. 
Planning Areas. The P.C. development map shall cover all the territory included within the boundaries of the P.C. zoning map. When a P.C. development map shows a planned community divided into two or more planning areas, those planning areas shall be accurately depicted so that the boundary lines can be easily determined. Each planning area shall be identified by letter, number or symbol. Each planning area will correspond to one and only one land use category with the possible exception of Zoning Code overlay districts and P.C. overlay land use categories.
The depiction of each planning area may be by dimensions, by topographical points or lines, by physical features or by other identifiable objects or points either on the ground or shown on the map. When a planning area boundary is shown as a dimensioned line, the dimensions may be approximate, except that where any such line represents the boundary between two planning areas that are subject to different land use regulations, such boundary line shall be precise and shall not be altered except by amendment to the P.C. development map. When a boundary is an arterial highway and the arterial highway is realigned, the boundary will automatically move to coincide with the realigned highway and an amendment to the P.C. development map will be required.
B. 
Contents. The P.C. development map shall be drawn to scale and include the following information (the Director of Community Development may require other information):
1. 
Title block (planned community name and date drawn); graphic scale and north arrow, and vicinity drawings;
2. 
Detailed statistical table regarding proposed land use categories, densities or intensities, and gross acreage for each planning area. Terminology shall be consistent with the P.C. text and statistics shall be consistent with the statistical summary;
3. 
Proposed topography, indicating in a general manner areas to be graded and areas to remain in a natural state;
4. 
Existing and proposed freeways, arterial highways, and commuter collector streets as shown on the MPAH;
5. 
Adopted regional riding, hiking and bicycle trails, regional parks, and other regional open space areas and uses consistent with the General Plan;
6. 
Areas of development subject to exterior noise levels in excess of 65 CNEL resulting from aircraft;
7. 
Earthquake faults and geologically unstable areas which preclude any development;
8. 
Existing major flood control, sewerage, water, and other utility facilities and easements which restrict surface uses/development;
9. 
Existing physical or cultural features and resources which are intended to be preserved or salvaged, including archeological, paleontological, and historical sites and structures, and vegetative communities, including rare or endangered species which preclude development;
10. 
General location of proposed local parks and community facilities such as schools, libraries, fire stations, and sheriff stations.
(Ord. 176 § 1, 2007)

§ 9.112.090 Adoption and amendment procedures.

A P.C. program is initially processed and adopted per Section 9.196.010 except that the P.C. development map is adopted by resolution while the P.C. text, zoning map, and statistical summary are adopted by ordinance.
After the P.C. development map has been adopted by the City Council, it may be amended by the Planning Commission per Section 9.184.010.2(B), Public hearings. However, if an amendment would change a policy approved by the City Council, the Planning Commission shall make a recommendation and forward the proposed amendment to the City Council for final action.
(Ord. 176 § 1, 2007)

§ 9.112.100 Planned community manual.

The Director of Community Development shall prepare a working manual, including a standard format, examples, guidelines and applicable laws explaining in detail how to prepare and process planned community programs.
The planned community manual shall be made available at cost to any interested person.
Each new P.C. program shall be consistent with the format and content described in the planned community manual.
(Ord. 176 § 1, 2007)

§ 9.112.110 Existing planned communities.

Additional information can be found in the P.C. text for each planned community. The existing planned communities in the City are as follows:
1. 
Baker Ranch;
2. 
El Toro;
3. 
Foothill Ranch;
4. 
Lake Forest;
5. 
Nakase;
6. 
Pacific Commercentre;
7. 
Portola Hills;
8. 
Rancho de Los Alisos;
9. 
Rancho Serrano;
10. 
Serrano Highlands.
(Ord. 176 § 1, 2007; Ord. 342 § 7, 2021)