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- 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
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.
After months of work, the project team will be presenting its findings from the existing conditions analysis and community outreach and engagement process from Phase 1 of the Downtown Master Plan. Join us in person or online to the learn about the findings and listen to the discussion.
Phase 1 consisted of analyzing the downtown across the broad topics of land use, mobility, economics, real estate, parking, the built environment, and the public realm. Phase 1 also consisted of various tools, meetings, and events with community members to gather input about their concerns, ideas, and aspirations for the future. Phase 1 concludes with a special joint meeting with the City Council and Planning and Preservation Commission to discuss the project team’s findings and receive input before commencing Phase 2 of the Downtown Master Plan.
What: Special Joint Meeting with the City Council and Planning and Preservation Commission
When: Monday, September 16 at 6pm. Continued to October 7, 2024. Rescheduled to a future date, yet to be determined
Where: City Council Chamber, 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, California 91340
How: In person or live stream online at YouTube.com/c/CityOfSanFernando
MULTI-UNIT HOUSING SMOKING REGULATIONS
- 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.
- 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) may provide Designated Smoking Area.
- 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*)
- 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.
Smoking violations are considered a civil matter between individuals. However, to report violations related to signage and designated smoking areas (DSA), please contact the City of San Fernando Community Preservation Division by email at CodeEnforcement@sfcity.org or by phone at (818) 898-1227.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
These are the designated properties that will be rezoned. If your property is included, be sure to get involved!
Your input and feedback are critical for the Mixed-Use Overlay Zone District.
Participate in the process by:
- Completing the Community Survey: Open now until October 5, 2024. Click here to take the Survey.
- Attending the Property Owner Workshop: September 24 at 5:30 PM via Zoom. Click here to join the Zoom Meeting.
- Attending the Planning & Preservation Commission Workshop: September 9, 2024, at 5:30 pm, in Council Chambers (117 Macneil St.).
- Attending the Planning and Preservation Commission Public Hearing: October 14, 2024, at 5:30 pm, in Council Chambers (117 Macneil St.)
- Attending the City Council Public Hearing: November 18, 2024, at 6 pm, in Council Chambers (117 Macneil St.)
For more information about this project, contact Erika Ramirez, Director of Community Development at eramirez@sfcity.org or (818) 898-1217.
HOUSING ELEMENT
The primary purpose of the Housing Element is to identify the City’s housing needs and outline goals, policies, and programs to address them.
The Housing Element focuses on the following strategies and programs:
- Preserving and improving housing and neighborhoods.
- Providing adequate housing sites.
- Assisting in the provision of affordable housing.
- Removing governmental and other constraints to housing investment.
- Promoting fair and equal housing opportunities.
The City’s Housing Element includes the following major components:
- Demographic Analysis: An analysis of the City’s demographic, household, and housing characteristics and related housing needs (Section II).
- Constraints Review: A review of potential market, governmental, and infrastructure constraints to meeting San Fernando’s identified housing needs (Section III).
- Resource Evaluation: An evaluation of residential sites and financial and administrative resources available to address the City’s housing goals (Section IV).
Housing Plan: The Housing Plan for addressing the City’s identified housing needs, constraints, and resources; including housing goals, policies, and programs (Section V).
SAFETY ELEMENT
- 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 the 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
FINAL INITIAL STUDY-MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION
PARKING MANAGEMENT MASTER PLAN
BUILDING & SAFETY
If you require in-person assistance from Building and Safety, please plan your visit during the following hours:
Monday through Thursday | 8:30 am to 12:30 pm
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.
- 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 2022 California Building Code and 2017 California Fire Code.
Community Development Department
City Hall | 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340
(818) 898-1227 | CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org
RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY PRE-SALE INSPECTION
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.
Community Development Department
City Hall | 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340
(818) 898-1227 | CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org
RESIDENTIAL SOLAR AND BATTERY STORAGE PERMITS
To get started:
- Enter your address in the space bar.
- Click on the instant permitting tab.
- Answer questions and submit your permit application.
You will be able to pay for a permit and have it issued automatically.
Community Development Department
City Hall | 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340
(818) 898-1227 | CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org
COMMUNITY PRESERVATION
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.
Community Development Department
City Hall | 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340
(818) 898-1227 | CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org
YARD SALE PERMITS
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
Community Development Department
City Hall | 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340
(818) 898-1227 | CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org
NEIGHBORHOOD CLEAN-UP! PROGRAM
ELIGIBILITY
- Must be a resident of the City of San Fernando (proof of residency required)
- Complete a brief self-certifying form
- Assistance is available on a first-come, first-served basis
¡PROGRAMA LIMPIEZA DE VECINDARIO!
ELEGIBILIDAD
- Debe de ser residente de la Ciudad de San Fernando (se requiere prueba de residencia)
- Llenar un formulario breve de auto certificación
- Asistencia disponible en orden de llegadaFavor de entregar todas las solicitudes en persona en el ayuntamiento o por correo electrónico a ARodriguez@sfcity.org.
Andrew Rodriguez, Community Preservation Officer
(818) 898-1227 | ARodriguez@sfcity.org
City Hall | 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340
PLANNING
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:
- Applications and Resources section to download the relevant documents;
OR
- Zoning Information Portal
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.
PLANNING 101
Join the City for a new educational workshop, Planning 101 Workshop, organized in partnership with Pacoima Beautiful.Are you passionate about creating a more equitable and sustainable future for San Fernando? This workshop is your chance to learn urban planning principles, understand the City’s current plans, and become an active advocate for your community. This is the first of three workshops that will lead towards the development of the San Fernando Climate Action Resilience Plan (CARP). We’ll dive into the basics of urban planning, explore San Fernando’s planning principles, and discuss the crucial role of community members in shaping the city’s future.
Key topics include:
- We will discuss the fundamentals of urban planning.
- We will explore San Fernando’s planning history and current practices.
- We will delve into climate adaptation and resilience (CAARP).
- We will analyze data and discuss community-driven change.
Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference!
PLANIFICACIÓN 101
Únase a nosotros para un nuevo taller educativo, Taller de Planificación 101, organizado en colaboración con Pacoima Beautiful.
¿Le apasiona crear un futuro más equitativo y sostenible para San Fernando? Este taller es tu oportunidad de aprender principios de planificación urbana, entender los planes actuales de la Ciudad y convertirte en un defensor activo de tu comunidad.Este es el primero de tres talleres que conducirán al desarrollo del Plan de Resiliencia Climática de San Fernando (CARP). Nos sumergiremos en los fundamentos de la planificación urbana, exploraremos los principios de planificación de San Fernando y discutiremos el papel crucial de los miembros de la comunidad en la configuración del futuro de la ciudad.
Los temas clave incluyen:
- Analizaremos los fundamentos de la planificación urbana.
- Exploraremos la historia de la planificación de San Fernando y sus prácticas actuales.
- Profundizaremos en la adaptación al clima y la resiliencia (CAARP).
- Analizaremos datos y debatiremos sobre el cambio impulsado por la comunidad.
¡No te pierdas esta oportunidad de marcar la diferencia!
CONTACT INFORMATIONCommunity Development Department
(818) 837-1227 | CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org
City Hall | 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340
OUTDOOR DINING
Outdoor dining is a vibrant and essential part of our community. To ensure a safe, enjoyable, and accessible experience for everyone, we’ve developed clear standards for businesses and residents. Whether you’re setting up outdoor dining on private property or on the sidewalk, these regulations provide the necessary steps to comply with city standards.
Our goal is to balance the needs of businesses, patrons, and the public, while maintaining safety, cleanliness, and accessibility. From permit requirements to seating arrangements, our guidelines are designed to help you create inviting outdoor spaces while respecting city rules.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
- Attend the Planning and Preservation Commission meeting on November 12, 2024, at 5:30 pm, in the Council Chambers (117 Macneil Street) to learn more about these regulations
- Participate in the public hearings to share your input:
- Planning and Preservation Commission meeting – January 13, 2025, at 5:30 pm, Council Chambers (117 Macneil Street)
- City Council meeting – February 3, 2025, 6 pm, Council Chambers (117 Macneil Street)
CONTACT US
If you have questions or need assistance, please reach out to the Planning Division at (818) 898-1227 or CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org or visit us at the Community Development Department in San Fernando City Hall (117 Macneil).
EXPLORE
To get started, explore the regulations and let’s work together to create vibrant, safe, and welcoming outdoor dining spaces for all!
CONTACT INFORMATIONCommunity Development Department
(818) 837-1227 | CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org
City Hall | 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340
LAWN REPLACEMENT
CLICK HERE to download the Draft Ordinance
A temporary moratorium, U-1725, is in place prohibiting the installation of artificial turf and synthetic grass in the City. The temporary moratorium is in effect until April 2, 2025. During this time the City has been hard at work to develop new landscape regulations that aim to create greener, more beautiful outdoor spaces throughout San Fernando. We are excited to announce we have a draft! These new guidelines will help improve air quality, reduce water usage, and make our neighborhoods more enjoyable. Whether you’re a homeowner, business owner, or developer, these regulations will help you incorporate sustainable and attractive landscaping into your projects, making our city more livable and environmentally friendly for everyone.
The goals of the landscape ordinance are to:
- Permanently prohibit artificial turf as part of landscaping.
- Gain compliance with State laws regarding landscaping, irrigation and storm water management.
- Preserve mature and heritage trees.
- Promote native and drought tolerant plants and trees compliant with MWD rebate programs.
- Implement recommendations of the City’s Urban Forestry Management Plan to maintain or increase the City’s tree canopy on private property.WHAT WILL CHANGE?
Single family residential properties are required to provide a minimum of 50% of the front yard area with live landscaping. Proposed requirements include 20% of the lot to be landscaped including 50% of any street facing yard area. Mature and heritage trees are to be preserved or replaced.
CURRENT PROPOSED 
Commercial and industrial properties, outside of the SP-5 zone, require parking lot with 25 or more parking spaces to be landscaped and require 50% of front yard areas to be landscaped. Proposed requirements for commercial and industrial properties would match the SP-5 requirements of one tree for every 4 parking stalls in a parking lot, a 5 foot landscape buffer between a parking area and the street and 50% of street side setback areas to be landscaped. This is illustrated below.
- FIND OUT MORE BY: Watching the Planning and Preservation Commission Workshops
| August 12, 2024 | September 9, 2024 |
|---|---|
- PROVIDE INPUT BY: Contacting the Planning Division at CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org or (818) 898-1227
- PARTICIPATE BY:
- Attending the Planning and Preservation Commission Meeting on January 13, 2025, at 5:30 pm, in the Council Chambers (117 Macneil St)
- Attending the City Council Meeting on February 3, 2025 (tentative), at 6 pm, in the Council Chambers (117 Macneil St)LANDSCAPE RESOURCES
- San Fernando Front Yard Design Manual – Every Last Drop: Custom, affordable front yard designs at your fingertips produced by Master of Landscape Architecture candidates at Cal Poly Pomona
- Parkway Design Guide
TIPS
- Los Angeles County Handbook – The Drought Tolerant Garden
- Greengardens Group Events Page – GreenGardensGroup.com/g3-events
- BeWaterWise – Turf Rebate Program
- Turf Replacement and Tree Planting Rebate Program
CONTACT INFORMATIONCommunity Development Department
(818) 837-1227 | CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org
City Hall | 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340
CITY ZONING & LAND USE MAPS
APPLICATIONS & RESOURCES
APPLICATIONS
RESOURCES
- GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENTSDESIGN GUIDELINESREDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREAS & PLANS
2018 SCAG Sustainability Award
CONTACT US
117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340
(818) 898-1227 | CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org