tel. (818) 898-1200      117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340
The Community Development (CD) Department provides services and administers programs related to the city’s built environment. The CD Department works with businesses, property owners and residents in order to preserve and improve the quality of life in the City ensuring that San Fernando continues to be a great location to shop, work, and live.
The CD Department is responsible for:

  • Advising and working with the City Council, Successor Agency, and Planning and Preservation Commission on decisions concerning the development and use of land resources in the community;
  • Ensuring development projects and proposed land uses are consistent with the City’s General Plan goals and objectives and comply with the City’s Zoning Code;
  • Review construction proposals and conducts inspections in order to ensure that projects comply with the City’s building, health, and safety codes; and
  • Enforce City and Zoning Codes.

DOWNTOWN MASTER PLAN

The City of San Fernando is currently developing the Downtown Master Plan. Identified as one of the priorities in the City’s 2022-2027 Strategic Goals, the Downtown Master Plan will help guide the future development and revitalization of the City’s historic downtown area, which encompasses approximately 60 city blocks or 185 acres around San Fernando Road and Maclay Avenue. 
 

While the City’s ultimate goal is to facilitate the long-term success of Downtown San Fernando as a thriving, vibrant, and resilient destination for both locals and visitors, the objectives of this planning effort will be to:

 

  • Study Downtown San Fernando;
  • Engage the San Fernando community;
  • Develop a community-driven vision for Downtown San Fernando; and
  • Recommend strategies for how to implement the community’s vision.   
     

For more information and to sign up for project updates, visit the project’s website at www.SFDowntownMasterPlan.com.

SanFernandoDTMP_Logo_FINAL

MULTI-UNIT HOUSING SMOKING REGULATIONS

On June 6, 2022, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1710, adding Chapter 24 to the San Fernando Municipal Code (SFMC) to prohibit smoking in multi-unit housing.  This smoking ban applies to all multi-unit properties (two or more units) in the City, including duplexes, condominiums and apartments.  It does not apply to single-family residential properties. The smoking regulations apply to traditional tobacco smoke, electronic cigarettes/vaping devices, and marijuana smoke.
EFFECTIVE JULY 7, 2022  

  • Smoking is prohibited in new, renewed, or extended leases for all multi-unit housing and associated outdoor exclusive-use unenclosed areas such as private balcony, deck, porch, or patio.
  • Smoking is permitted inside the enclosed area of a detached unit, but no smoking is allowed in any outdoor exclusive-use unenclosed areas such as balconies, decks or patios associated with a detached unit. Smoking inside detached unit is allowed until July 7, 2027.

EFFECTIVE JULY 7, 2024 

  • Smoking is prohibited anywhere on the premises of a Multi-Unit Housing as follows.
    • In all units, together with any associated outdoor exclusive-use areas such as balconies, decks, or patios; and
    • In all common areas and other outdoor areas except for a Designated Smoking Area established in compliance with the Ordinance.
  • Landlords or Homeowner Association (HOA) must provide Designated Smoking Area.

Landlords and homeowners associations have specific requirements to achieve compliance. Those include the following summarized below. 
 

  • Distribution of the ordinance and written notice to tenants/owners regarding smoking restrictions by July 7, 2022. (Click here to view Notice Letter Template)
  • Inclusion of language prohibiting smoking in all new leases or extended/renewed leases by July 7, 2022. See sample language in the Ordinance.
  • Posting of “No Smoking” signage by July 7, 2024. (Click here to view Sample Signage*)
  • Provided Designated Smoking Area (DSA) by July 7, 2024. The location and design of the DSA must be approved by the City prior to installation.
  • Removal of ash trays or similar receptacles used primarily for smoking waste in all common areas by July 7, 2024.
  • Take steps to investigate and enforce the regulations, including a written notice to the resident of the landlord’s knowledge of the violation, a request to cease the violation, and the course of action to be taken if the violation is not corrected.
  • Provide resources to tenants offered by the City and/or County of Los Angeles to assist with nicotine dependence, such as referrals to quitline or online resources.

*This is a sample sign only. Generic signs with the international red no-smoking symbol may be purchased off-the-shelf at many office or hardware supply stores. The Municipal Code references are not required. 

To download a copy of the Ordinance, click here: ORDINANCE NO. 1710.

If you have questions about the new ordinance, please email CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org or call (818) 898-1227.

To report a smoking violation, please contact the City of San Fernando Community Preservation between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Fridays by email at CodeEnforcement@sfcity.org or by phone at (818) 898-1227.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The City’s intent is to provide for the public’s health, safety, and welfare by protecting the public from nonconsensual exposure to secondhand smoke in and around their homes.
The smoking regulations apply to traditional tobacco smoke, electronic cigarettes/vaping devices, and marijuana smoke.
Multi-unit housing includes all residential property containing two or more units. This includes but is not limited to apartments, condominiums and townhomes, but does not include hotels/motels, mobile home parks or single family homes.
Common Area include both enclosed area (indoor) and unenclosed area (outdoor) of a Multi-Unit Housing that residents of more than one unit are entitled to access, enter or use, including, for example, lobbies, hallways, pathways, courtyards, elevators, stairwells, laundry rooms, community rooms, restrooms or offices, entryways, playgrounds, gym facilities, swimming pool areas, parking garages/structures, parking lots, grassy or landscaped areas, walking paths, cooking areas, sitting areas and eating areas.

HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE

The Housing Element Update provides a unique opportunity for community members to get involved in the planning process to share their experience and knowledge of the City and offer input and direction to help shape the future of housing in San Fernando.

In an effort to adequately prepare the policies and objectives, the City is requesting public feedback from the community. 

SAFETY ELEMENT
(Public Draft | May 2022)

The Safety Element evaluates safety hazards in San Fernando, both existing and potential. It establishes policies and actions to avoid and reduce these hazards to protect the community. Topics covered in this chapter include:

  • Geologic and Seismic Hazards
  • Dam Failure Inundation Hazards
  • Peak Load Water Demand
  • Hazardous Materials Hazards
  • Climate Change Hazards

The Safety Element also establishes environmental justice policies and actions to reduce disproportionate environmental burden present in San Fernando. The negative impact of environmental hazards and pollution on the San Fernando community is described across the following key focus areas:

  • Pollution Exposure and Air Quality
  • Public Facilities
  • Safe and Sanitary Homes
  • Physical Activity, Food Access, and Public Health
  • Civic and Community Engagement

dark blue, light blue, orange and grey geometric pattern; City of San Fernando Safety Element Public Draft | May 2022

FINAL INITIAL STUDY-MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION
(May 2022)

A Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) has been prepared pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for the updated Housing and Safety elements.  The Draft MND analyzed potential environmental impacts, included mitigation measures to mitigate any potential impacts to less than a significant level, and concluded that the project will not have a significant effect on the environment.  The Draft MND was available for public review from December 16, 2021 to January 14, 2022, and three comments were received on the Draft MND.  Responses to all comments received are included in the final Draft MND.
Photo of City Arch ; San Fernando Housing Element Update; Final Initial Study-Mitigated Negative Declaration

PARKING MANAGEMENT MASTER PLAN

In fall 2020, the City of San Fernando launched a Citywide Parking Management Master Plan. A parking management plan is a helpful tool to assist jurisdictions comprehensively address both the location and amount of parking in specified locations. Generally, a parking management plan serves as a road map for how cities can maximize the efficiency of existing parking and support future parking needs.
Cityof SanFernando PMMP

BUILDING & SAFETY

NEW BUILDING & SAFETY COUNTER HOURS FOR JUNE 2023 

If you require in-person assistance from Building and Safety, please plan your visit during the following hours:

Monday through Wednesday| 7:30 am to 11:00 am

Please note: Immediate permit issuance can not be guaranteed. Visitors are strongly encouraged to utilize the Online Permit Counter (OPC) to submit Building Permit Applications or to upload plans for Building Plan Check.

The Building and Safety Division is responsible for:

  • Reviewing all construction plans to make sure they comply with City building, health and safety codes*;
  • Inspecting all permitted construction projects and conducting residential property pre-sale inspections;
  • Assisting with housing, fire protection, and zoning inspections and enforcement; and
  • Coordinating with Los Angeles Fire Department on fire code enforcement requirements. 

* The City of San Fernando enforces the code provision of the 2019 California Building Code and 2017 California Fire Code.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Community Development Department
City Hall | 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340
(818) 898-1227 | CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org

NEW BUILDING AND SAFETY COUNTER HOURS
Monday through Thursday | 8:30 am to 12:30 pm

INSPECTIONS CONDUCTED
Monday through Thursday | 9 am to 12 pm

RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY PRE-SALE INSPECTION

The City has adopted the Residential Property Pre-Sale Inspection and Report Program (“the Program”) in order to protect purchasers of residential real property within the city that may be unaware of any un-permitted construction or other unlawful conditions at the property they are considering buying.  
 

The Program requires sellers to submit a Residential Property Pre-Sale Inspection Application and obtain the resulting pre-sale inspection report before they sell any residential property. The Program applies to all residential properties within the city, with the exception of hotels, motels, mobile homes, and mobile home parks.

The Program assures that purchasers are provided with a report of city records related to the structure at the property, and of any code violations as identified by a city inspection of the property prior to the sale or exchange of residential property.

The Program is also intended to protect and promote the existence of safe residential buildings, dwelling units, and neighborhoods by the enforcement of regulations designed to correct and prevent the sale or transfer residential buildings and dwelling units that are dangerous, deficient, substandard or unsanitary.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Community Development Department
City Hall | 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340
(818) 898-1227 | CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org

COMMUNITY PRESERVATION

The Community Preservation Division seeks to work with residents, property owners, and businesses to enhance the quality of life and to foster civic pride by maintaining the beauty and charm of our city. The Division is charged with enforcing all City code requirements and investigating any code violation complaints.   
 

REPORTING POSSIBLE CITY CODE VIOLATIONS

  • Report code violations 24-hours a day to the Community Development Department at (818) 898-1227. Staff members are available to take your calls during normal City Hall hours of operation, or a voice message may be left after hours. You may report violations anonymously and all reports are handled confidentially.
  • Please make sure to include the location and a description of the violation. If you would like a call back, please leave your name and telephone number.
  • The Division’s goal is to conduct an initial inspection within one working day of receipt of your call. However, if the code violation creates a potential emergency, please contact the San Fernando Police Department at (818) 898-1267. 

A documented City Code violation can result in a warning, notice of compliance, fine, and even legal action.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Community Development Department
City Hall | 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340
(818) 898-1227 | CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org
REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS

Monday through Thursday | 7:30 am to 5:30 pm
Friday | 8 am to 5 pm

WEEKENDS & EVENINGS

(818) 898-1267 | CodeEnforcement@sfcity.org 

YARD SALE PERMITS

City of San Fernando residents are permitted two Yard Sale Permits (per address, per calendar year), in the following three options: 

ONE

THREE DAY PERMIT

$10

Friday, Saturday, Sunday

TWO

CONSECUTIVE WEEKENDS

$10

Saturday/Sunday and Saturday/Sunday

TWO

NON-CONSECUTIVE WEEKENDS

$5 Each Weekend

Limited to Saturdays and Sundays

Residents that wish to conduct a yard sale on the weekend may come in Monday through Friday prior to the weekend of the yard sale.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Community Development Department
City Hall | 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340
(818) 898-1227 | CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org

PLANNING

NEW PLANNING COUNTER HOURS (EFFECTIVE 6/21/22)

If you require in-person assistance from Planning, please plan your visit during the following hours:

Monday through Wednesday | 8 am to 12 pm | Or by Appointment

To obtain zoning information and application materials, please visit the:

OR

Otherwise, please come prepared with questions or your submittal package, including two (2) architectural plan sets and a completed application.

The Planning Division is responsible for guiding the future growth and development of the community consistent with the City’s General Plan, specific plans, and zoning and subdivision ordinances.  
 

The Planning Division provides City support to the City Council, the Housing Successor and Successor Agency of the City’s former Redevelopment Agency, and the Planning and Preservation Commission.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Community Development Department
(818) 837-1227 | CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org
City Hall | 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340

NEW PLANNING COUNTER HOURS
Monday through Wednesday | 8 am to 12 pm | Or by Appointment

ARTIFICIAL TURF/SYNTHETIC GRASS OR LAWN REPLACEMENT

A temporary moratorium is in placed prohibiting the installation of artificial turf and synthetic grass in the City.  Numerous studies identified that artificial turf and synthetic grass contain a wide range of chemicals, including chemicals that are known to be toxic. There are unknown health impacts that artificial turf and synthetic grass pose to residents, especially children.   The temporary moratorium provides time for the City to develop regulations and design standards for the use of artificial turf and synthetic grass while minimizing the threat to the health and safety of our residents and enhancing our community character.  The temporary moratorium is in effect until April 2, 2024, with a possibility of extension.   
 

During this time, the City is also exploring modification to front yard landscape standards to address the challenges of the changing climate and ensure visual attractiveness of front yards in residential areas. Modification to the landscape standards will provide flexibility for homeowners to replace lawns with drought-tolerant landscape and take advantage of the Turf Replacement Program currently offered by Metropolitan Water District (MWD).

 

FREE TURF REPLACEMENT REBATE WORKSHOP

The Turf Replacement Rebate Workshop, organized in partnership with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), included an in-depth look at their rebate program. Participants learned how to get a refund for converting your lawn into a California native landscape to reduce water use and maintenance. MWD representatives explained the rebate application process, provided tips on sustainable and water-wise landscaping, and covered other available efficient irrigation and device rebates. City Planning staff also discussed environmental and health risks of using artificial turf and synthetic grass and present the alternatives.

 
 

Lawn Gone - Every Last Drop (2023)
Click graphic to download the manual

  • FRONT YARD LANDSCAPE: A bright group of students, the Master of Landscape Architecture candidates at Cal Poly Pomona, developed a valuable tool for residents of San Fernando – a comprehensive research project called “Lawn Gone: Every Last Drop.” They carefully studied San Fernando’s climate conditions, neighborhood character, local traditions and design patterns, and came up with 12 prototypical frond yard designs on three different types of lots in San Fernando. These affordable designs use drought-tolerant and climate resistant native plant species. They are tailored for different lifestyles and help residents to transform their front yards without necessarily hiring a landscape designer. The manual is available for download here; you may find the front yard designs on pages 42-67.

  • ADDITIONAL EDUCATION: To learn more about transforming your front yard landscape to beautiful climate appropriate landscape, please register for free on-line classes hosted by Metropolitan Water District of Southern California: GreenGardensGroup.com/g3-events.
     

EMAIL YOUR SUGGESTIONS

As the City explores regulations for the use of artificial turf/synthetic grass and modification to front yard landscape regulations, we encourage community members to email suggestions or photographs of desirable front yard landscapes that you would like to see in San Fernando to CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org.

 

QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions about the temporary moratorium or guidance with transforming your front yard, please email CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org or call (818) 898-1227. 

CONTACT INFORMATION

Community Development Department
(818) 837-1227 | CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org
City Hall | 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340

NEW PLANNING COUNTER HOURS
Monday through Wednesday | 8 am to 12 pm | Or by Appointment

CITY ZONING & LAND USE MAPS

Click on any of the links below for specific maps within the City of San Fernando that may interest you.

APPLICATIONS & RESOURCES

2018 SCAG Sustainability Award

CONTACT US

CITY HALL | Community Development Department
117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340
(818) 898-1227 | CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org
Erika Ramirez, Community Development Director
(818) 898-1227 | CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org
REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS

Monday through Thursday | 7:30 am to 5:30 pm
Friday | 8 am to 5 pm

NEW PLANNING COUNTER HOURS
Monday through Wednesday | 8 am to 12 pm | Or by Appointment

NEW BUILDING AND SAFETY COUNTER HOURS
Monday through Thursday | 8:30 am to 12:30 pm

INSPECTIONS CONDUCTED
Monday through Thursday | 9 am to 12 pm

WEEKEND & EVENINGS
(818) 898-1267 | CodeEnforcement@sfcity.org

ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION

NAME TITLE PHONE EMAIL
Erika Ramirez Community Development Director (818) 898-1217 ERamirez@sfcity.org
Yesenia Becerra Administrative Assistant (818) 898-1227 YBecerra@sfcity.org

BUILDING & SAFETY DIVISION

NAME TITLE PHONE EMAIL
Michelle DeSantiago Community Development Technician (818) 898-1231 MDesantiago@sfcity.org

COMMUNITY PRESERVATION DIVISION

NAME TITLE PHONE EMAIL
Connie Negrete Community Preservation Officer (818) 898-1228 CNegrete@sfcity.org
Vacant Community Preservation Officer (818) 898-1228 CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org
Fernando Miranda Community Preservation Officer (p-t) (818) 898-1229 FMiranda@sfcity.org
Jose Villegas Community Preservation Officer (p-t) (818) 898-2071 JVillegas@sfcity.org

PLANNING DIVISION

NAME TITLE PHONE EMAIL
Marina Khrustaleva Associate Planner (818) 898-1378 MKhrustaleva@sfcity.org
Luis Arias/ Jiyoon Kim Planning Interns (818) 898-1342 Planner2@sfcity.org

HOUSING DIVISION

NAME TITLE PHONE EMAIL
Kenya Marquez Housing Coordinator (818) 837-1540 KMarquez@sfcity.org

CITY EMPLOYEE DIRECTORY

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