• 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.

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.    

These are the designated properties that will be rezoned. If your property is included, be sure to get involved!

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.

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.

To get started:

1. Enter your address in the space bar.
2. Click on the instant permitting tab.
3. Answer questions and submit your permit application.

You will be able to pay for a permit and have it issued automatically.

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. 

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

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

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 llegada

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 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.

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

The City of San Fernando’s Climate Action and Resilience Plan (CARP) will provide a roadmap for the City to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and enhance its resilience to climate change impacts. The CARP consists of two phases, each contributing essential steps to a comprehensive climate strategy.

What is Climate Change?

Climate change, largely driven by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, leads to increased levels of GHG in the atmosphere. These gases trap heat, contributing to global warming and triggers changes in weather patterns, extreme heat events, wildfires, droughts, and more.   

About the Plan

Phase I (Completed in early 2024): Funded by a grant from the Southern California Gas Company (SCG), this phase involved a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Vulnerability Assessment to identify key climate challenges for San Fernando.

Phase II (Started in Spring 2024, will be completed by Spring 2026): Funded by the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation[1], will build on Phase I insights and focus on mitigation and adaptation strategies to protect San Fernando’s infrastructure, community and ecosystems.

[1] The Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) was renamed the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI).  

The CARP will integrate both Mitigation (reducing GHG emissions) and Adaptation (building resilience against climate impacts) strategies:

• Climate Adaptation: Focuses on enhancing the City’s resilience to extreme weather, wildfires, and other climate-related events.
• Climate Mitigation: Targets GHG reductio by lowering fossil fuel use in city buildings, facilities, vehicles, and water infrastructure. 

   

CARP will also promote actions that support both goals, such as increasing green spaces, expanding solar energy, weatherizing buildings, and conserving natural lands, which contribute to resilience while reducing GHG emissions.

The City of San Fernando faces a rising risk of climate hazards like intense rainstorms, flooding, heat waves, droughts, and wildfires, all of which can impact public health and local air quality. The CARP aims to address these risks with proactive strategies to safeguard community wellbeing and economic stability.

Get involved by joining us shape San Fernando’s climate future!

Calendar of meetings and events:

• Planning 101 Series, Workshop No. 1 : September 28, 2024, 11:00 am, San Fernando Recreation Park (208 Park Ave)
• Tribal Community Meeting: November 14, 2024, 1:00 pm, virtual – invitation only
• Community Meeting No. 1 , Existing Conditions and Climate Vulnerabilities: November 16, 2024, 9:00 am, Las Palmas Park, Arts & Crafts Room (505 S Huntington St)
• Walkshop No. 1 : Postponed to January 18, 2025, Location TBD 

   

• Walkshops No. 2, No. 3 and No. 4: January – February 2025
• Planning 101 Series, Workshop No. 2: March, 8 2025
• Community Meeting No. 2: March 2025
• Advisory Group Meeting No. 1: March 2025
• Advisory Group Meeting No. 2: May 2025
• Planning 101 Series, Workshop No. 3: July 2025
• Community Meeting No. 2: August 2025
• Advisory Group Meeting No. 3: August 2025
• City Council Meeting: April 2026  

   

Interested in playing a larger role in the project? Check out information on the City’s Climate Coalition below! 

Links to background materials:

• Adaptation Planning Grant Program: Round 1 Grantee Profile: San Fernando

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!

• Draft Outdoor Dining Ordinance 
• Proposed Ordinance Slide Show   

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.

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

• Citywide Zoning Map
• San Fernando Corridors Specific Plan (SP-5) Zoning Map

• General Plan Land Use Map
• San Fernando Corridors Specific Plan (SP-5) Map

• San Fernando Corridors Specific Plan (Specific Plan-5)  
• San Fernando Corridors Specific Plan (Specific Plan-4)  
• Specific Plan SP-3  
• Specific Plan SP-2  
• Specific Plan SP-1  
• Housing Element Update (2013 – 2021)  
• General Plan Comprehensive Update  
• Historic Preservation Element   

• Art Mural Permit
• Amplified Sound Permit
• Banner Permit
• Commercial Business Occupancy (Zoning Review) Permit
• Conditional Use Permit
• Home Occupation (Cottage Food Operations) Permit
• Home Occupation Permit
• Indemnification Agreement
• Large Family Day Care Home Permit
• Owner-Initiated Merger Of Parcels
• Residential Inspection Upon Resale  
• Sign Permit
• Site Plan Review And Planning Review
• Site Plan Review Accessory Dwelling Unit
• Sidewalk Street Vendor Application
• Small Wireless Facilities Application
• Swap Meet Occupancy (Zoning Review) Permit  
• Walls and Fences Application
• Variance

• Environmental Impact Report (EIR)
• Zoning Ordinance Amendments & Map
• Plot Plan Sample
• Residential Garage Turning Clearances   

• Land Use Element (Final)  
• Circulation Element (Final)  
• Housing Element (Final)  

• Commercial, Mixed-use Institutional (English)
• Commercial, Mixed-use Institutional (Spanish)
• Multi-Family Residential (English)
• Multi-Family Residential (Spanish)
• Single-Family Residential (English)
• Single-Family Residential (Spanish)  

• Merged Project Area Map
• Project Area No 1
• Project Area No 1A
• Project Area No 2
• Project Area No 3
• Project Area No 3A
• Project Area No 4
• Redevelopment Project Area Map
• Amended Redevelopment Project Area 1 Plan
• Amended Redevelopment Project Area 2 & 3 Plan
• Amended Redevelopment Project Area 4 Plan
• Implementation Plan
• Report to City Council
• Appendices
• Supplemental Report (6/4/10)  

• California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
• City Codes (including Zoning Code)
• Community Development Block Grant Program
• Historic Preservation Ordinance
• Outdoor Smoking Regulations
• Planning and Preservation Commission