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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.
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.
POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT ON CITY PARKING LOT NO. 3
The City of San Fernando is working with Azure Development, LLC on three design concepts with affordable for-sale residential housing and commercial uses on the City’s Parking Lot No. 3, located on San Fernando Mission Blvd, between Celis Street and Pico Street (adjacent to Jack in the Box):
OPTION NO. 1:
MIXED-USE
47 affordable for-sale residential housing units, with 16,800 square feet for a food hall, small-format two-screen movie theater, and other commercial uses.
MIXED-USE
47 affordable for-sale residential housing units, with 16,800 square feet for a food hall, small-format two-screen movie theater, and other commercial uses.
OPTION NO. 2:
MIXED-USE
35 affordable for-sale residential housing units, with 12,325 square feet for a food hall, small-format two-screen movie theater, and other commercial uses.
MIXED-USE
35 affordable for-sale residential housing units, with 12,325 square feet for a food hall, small-format two-screen movie theater, and other commercial uses.
OPTION NO. 3:
100% COMMERCIAL
No housing, with 12,800 square feet of commercial for a food hall, a small-format two-screen movie theater, other retail uses, and wellness/social service center.
100% COMMERCIAL
No housing, with 12,800 square feet of commercial for a food hall, a small-format two-screen movie theater, other retail uses, and wellness/social service center.
Upcoming Community Workshops
You are invited to participate in Community Workshops to express ideas about developing the City’s Parking Lot No. 3.
- BUSINESS STAKEHOLDERS WORKSHOP – Thursday, July 14, 2022, 6 pm, Valley Alarm – 804 Pico Street, San Fernando.
Come to the workshop to provide feedback on what you would like to see in a desirable project in Downtown San Fernando!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Below, please find a list of frequently asked questions that were received during the outreach conducted by Azure in June and July 2022. For additional information on the outreach efforts, please see the July 18, 2022 City Council Agenda Packet.
HOUSING
Azure: Option 3 has no housing, it is 100% commercial.
Azure: Since these are homeownership housing (for sale homes), an HOA will be established and monthly HOA fee will be collected from all property owners to fund the cost of maintenance of the exterior of the structures, all common areas, and all infrastructure by the HOA.
Azure: The Azure team conducted a market study and found that the City of San Fernando is in need of affordable, for sale homes, which is why this option is included as part of Azure’s response to the RFP.
City: Azure will be required to upgrade all infrastructure needed to support the uses on this site, including upgrading sewer capacity to accommodate increase of population if housing is approved on this site.
Azure: Correct.
Azure: A covenant will be required and restriction can be included. Eligibility will be a policy decision and determined by City Council.
Azure: They will not be forced out.
Azure: Home prices are set by State income guidelines. The grant funding being proposed to create Cielo restricts the sale of the homes based on family size as follows:
| Family Size | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $ 66,750 |
| 2 | $ 76,250 |
| 3 | $ 85,800 |
| 4 | $ 95,300 |
| 5 | $ 102,950 |
Qualifying families pay no more than 30% of this annual income on their mortgage, insurance, and property tax combined. The sale price cannot be set until we get closer to completion, but we expect the homes to sell between $385,000 to $500,000. Cielo will be seeking grant funding for each home to use a $100,000 silent second down-payment. This means that residents will pay on mortgages between $285,000 and $400,000. All numbers are estimates as the State updates guidelines annually.
Azure is a non-profit housing development company and does not receive additional profit from higher sales prices.
Azure: The grant funding being used to create Cielo prohibits the rental of the housing units. The townhomes must be owner-occupied and are subject to losing their down-payment assistance funding if they do not comply with Cielo’s guidelines.
Azure: The grant funding being used to create Cielo requires that we file a Covenant on the property to restrict the sale to eligible working families or seniors for 55 years.
PARKING/INFRASTRUCTURE
Azure: Options 1 and 2 are designed with a 2-story parking structure to replace all existing 144 public parking spaces, provide additional parking to meet parking requirements for new uses at Cielo, and provide additional public parking spaces. Option 3 is also designed to replace all existing 144 public parking spaces, but does not meet the parking requirements for the new uses at Cielo. Option 3 will also have a 2-story parking structure, but it will be 60 parking spaces short of the parking requirements.
Azure: If the City Council approves one of the Site Plan Options, Azure team will conduct a full analysis on the infrastructure improvements that will be required. Azure knows, as detailed in the Downtown Specific Plan, that the sewer capacity is limited and we have anticipated those upgrades in the project cost.
Azure: If the City Council approves one of the site plan options, Azure team will conduct a full analysis on the infrastructure improvements that will be required. Azure knows, as detailed in the Downtown Specific Plan, that the sewer capacity is limited and have anticipated those upgrades in the project cost.
THEATER
Azure: Azure is currently working on a project for the Reseda Theater that will have the same concept.
Azure: No operator has been identified at this time. If the San Fernando City Council approves one of the proposed plans, the Azure team will seek Letters of Interest from theater operators. Initial discussions with various operators have been positive.
16. Is there a guarantee that the developer will not permit the theater space to become a swap meet?
Azure: The City will require a covenant and restriction of certain uses can be included.
Azure: The current design plan includes two 50-seat screens. If the San Fernando City Council approves one of the proposed plans, the Azure team will seek Letters of Interest from theater operators. Initial discussions with various operators have been positive.
GENERAL
City: The City received one proposal. The developer was selected through a Request for Proposals process made available to all developers. The City’s procurement policy requires a formal solicitation process. It does not require a minimum number of proposals. You can find more information by viewing the July 20, 2020 City Council meeting staff report, found at this link: https://ci.san-fernando.ca.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/7-20-20-CC-Packet.pdf
City: The entire virtual meeting and presentation is available on the City’s website: www.sfcity.org/community-development/
Azure: If the JC Penny building will be a food hall/public market, Azure will be happy to remove the food hall from and develop a project that complements JC Penny’s food hall/public market.
Azure: Currently there is not, but Azure is open to a 4th option if directed by City Council.
Azure: If the City Council approves one of the site plan options, Azure will outreach to local businesses and residents when the commercial component is ready for leasing.
Azure: Development on this site will be subject to prevailing wage. Azure plans to conduct local hiring.
Azure: For Cielo to be successful and for financing purposes, Azure will have to attract a project anchor that will draw local families and visitors to Downtown. Azure goal is to find a balance of a national anchor and incorporating small businesses from the local community. Azure is experienced in securing grant funding for small businesses to obtain fixtures and equipment, and will use those tools in the creation of Cielo.
Azure: The project is not yet designed as it is very early in the development process. The community has determined that we adopt “Spanish-style” architecture but there is a significant amount of design work to come. The community will be invited to participate in the entitlement phase of the project that will have much more information than what is available today.
For additional information and history of this project, please visit the Economic Development webpage CLICK HERE.
Virtual Workshop (6/9/22)
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
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.
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.
BUILDING & SAFETY
NEW BUILDING & SAFETY COUNTER HOURS (EFFECTIVE 6/21/22)
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.
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
Community Development Department
City Hall | 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340
(818) 898-1227 | CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org
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 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
Jose Luis Raygoza, Community Preservation Officer
(818) 898-1228 | LRaygoza@sfcity.org
Todd Matsuoka, Community Preservation Officer
(818) 898-1230 | TMatsuoka@sfcity.org
Community Development Department
City Hall | 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340
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
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:
- 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.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Community Development Department
(818) 837-1227 | CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org
City Hall | 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340
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
APPLICATIONS
RESOURCES
- GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENTSDESIGN GUIDELINESREDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREAS & PLANS
2018 SCAG Sustainability Award
CONTACT US
CITY HALL | Community Development Department
117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340
(818) 898-1227 | CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org
117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340
(818) 898-1227 | CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org