|
|
|
|
What is the purpose of the Planning Division and what services does it provide?The Planning Division is responsible for ensuring that all building construction and land uses are consistent with the City's Zoning Ordinance and General Plan. This includes day-to-day activities such as reviewing development proposals, business license applications, and providing staff services to the Planning Commission, the Redevelopment Design Review Committee, and the Energy and Resource Management Committee. The Division is also responsible for long-range planning and analysis. The City's Geographic Information System (GIS) program is coordinated within the Planning Division.
|
|
|
|
What is the difference between Zoning, the Zoning Map, and the Zoning Ordinance?Zoning refers to a concept whereby distinct areas of land are identified and designated for specific types of land uses, such as residential, commercial, and industrial. Zoning allows for orderly growth and development, and works to separate otherwise conflicting land uses.
The Zoning Map depicts the physical boundaries of the various zones.
The Zoning Ordinance provides the specific land use and construction limitations for each of the zones.
The Zoning Map and Zoning Ordinance are both part of the City's Municipal Code and are enforceable by law. They are used together on a daily basis to evaluate requests for new construction, modifications to existing structures, and business license applications.
Zoning Maps are available on-line here
The Zoning Ordinance (Title 15) is searchable on-line, hosted by American Legal Publications. Enter the site here.
|
|
|
|
How can I determine the Zoning, construction restrictions and allowable uses for a given piece of property?In order to determine the Zoning and allowable uses for a given piece of property, both the Zoning Map and the Zoning Ordinance are needed.
After using the Zoning Map to determine in which zone the subject property is located, the Zoning Ordinance is then consulted to determine the regulations and standards for developing the property and allowable uses. Some uses require a special review and a public hearing.
The Zoning Map is available for purchase in Community Development or on-line. The Zoning Ordinance is also available on-line or may be purchased in hardcopy at our offices. Staff can also provide a limited amount of information over the telephone. For more information call (714)738-6540 or visit our office.
|
|
|
|
Can I run a business out of my home?Yes, but there are specific regulations intended to prevent commercial activities from affecting residential neighborhoods. Essentially, home-based businesses are limited to office purposes only, i.e. telephone and mail. Normal deliveries (i.e. Federal Express, United Parcel Service, etc.) are allowed, but deliveries of stock-in-trade for storage on site are not. Customers may not come to your home to conduct business. Signage is not allowed, and employees other than persons living at the residence are not allowed.
|
|
|
|
I need a business license. How do I go about getting one?Contact the City's Business Registration Office at (714)738-5326.
|
|
|
|
How can I obtain demographic information?The City has a number of sources for demographic information. We have made available some basic demographic information on this web site.
You may also wish to visit these sites: U.S. Census Bureau and the Center for Demographic Research at Cal State Fullerton and the California Department of Finance's Demographic Unit.
|
|
|
|
How high can fences be in residential areas?Fences located less than five feet from a property line and not within a required front-yard setback (i.e. a specific distance back from the street in which walls are limited to 3 feet in height) can be as high as 6 feet, unless the home is adjacent to commercial property, in which case the fence can be as high as eight feet. Fences in required front-yard setback areas can be as high as three feet. Block wall fences in excess of three feet and wood fences in excess of six feet require a building permit. Fences placed on property lines require approval of both property owners prior to issuance of a building permit.
|
|
|
|
How can I get a Zoning Map, a General Plan, or other Community Development Department publications?The following Publications and Services are available through the Community Development Department. For more information please call 738-6540.
- Zoning Maps $ 9.50 (b/w) or $27 (color) (or free on-line)
- General Plan Document $65.00 (or free on-line)
- Zoning Ordinance $15.00 (or free on-line)
Many other documents, including application forms, are also available; visit our Planning and Zoning home page.
|
|
|
|
How can I find out what is planned for a given piece of property in the City?View our Development Activity Map on-line which provides contact information about major development projects in Fullerton. For other projects, if plans have been submitted to the City for review, we may be able to provide you with basic information about specific projects. Call the Planning Department at (714)738-6540.
|
|
|
|
When does the Planning Commission meet and how can I obtain an Agenda?The Planning Commission meets the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. (Current Meeting Schedule) The most recent available meeting agenda is available online. Information on individual agenda items can be obtained by calling (714)738-6598.
|
|
|
|
When does the Redevelopment Design Review Committee meet and how can I obtain an Agenda?The Redevelopment Design Review Committee meets the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. The most recent available meeting agenda is available online. Information on individual agenda items can be obtained by calling (714)738-6598.
|
|
|
|
I live in a residential development that has a Homeowner's Association and would like to make some exterior modifications. What do I need to do?Please consult with your Homeowner's Association. Exterior modifications, such as patio covers, fencing, or awnings, may require approval from them. The City normally cannot issue a permit for exterior modifications without written Homeowner Association consent. Please be sure you or your contractor bring any letters or plans approved by your Association to City Hall when pulling permits.
|
|
|
|
Where can I find more information about the McColl waste disposal site?The EPA provides a good reference web site here.
|
|
|
|
Where can I get information about my lot size or dimensions?The City cannot provide this information over the phone.
Approximate lot square footage and acreage may be available through our on-line Zoning Map application. You can look up by address, parcel number or intersection. Connect here.
The County of Orange Public Facilities and Resources Department also maintains an on-line Land Records System.
|
|
|
|
Where can I view Tract or Parcel maps that have been recorded?The City's Engineering Department retains paper copies of these maps. However, you can now access this information on the internet through the County of Orange Public Facilities and Resources Department using their on-line Land Records System.
|
|
|
|
Can I get a copy of my home or business floor plan from the City?This will depend upon the age of your home or business. The City does maintain microfilm copies of permits and plans, which may include plans or drawings. If the plans were prepared by an architect or contractor, you will be required to obtain their permission prior to copying the plans on file. If your home was part of a tract development, your floor plan may be available on microfilm, depending upon when it was constructed. To find out whether plans are available, please visit the Building Department and ask to look at the microfilm records for your address.
|
|
|
|
I live in a historic home in Fullerton. Where can I learn more about my home and its past residents?You may wish to visit the Launer Room at the Fullerton Main Library. The Launer room maintains a large collection of photographs, maps, phone directories and other print materials about early Fullerton homes and residents.
|
|
|
|
The information I'm looking for is not here. How can I contact the Planning Division?The Planning Division can be reached at (714)738-6540.
|
|
|
|
How can I find out where my property line is located?If you are not sure where your property line is, or if you and your neighbor are in disagreement about the location of a common property line, you may need to hire a land surveyor. It is unlawful for anyone to do land surveying or offer to do land surveying unless he or she is currently licensed as a land surveyor in the State of California. The City of Fullerton does not offer land surveying services to the public. If you want to research documents related to your property lines, you can visit the Engineering Department at City Hall or contact the County of Orange Geomatics/Land Information Center for maps and documents related to property lines. The State of California Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors also maintains a helpful website should you find you need a surveyor.
|
|
|
|
Can I add a "granny unit" or an apartment to my existing single-family home?Small apartments called limited second dwelling units (sometimes called "granny units") are permitted in some single-family neighborhoods, if certain conditions can be met. The square footage of the unit is limited in size, there can only be a single bedroom in the unit, additional garaged parking must be provided and permits must be obtained. To find out if your property can meet the requirements for a "granny unit", please see section 15.17.100 of the City of Fullerton Municipal Code.
|
