Planning
The Planning Division is responsible for the application and administration of the City’s Zoning Code and policies and procedures relating to land use and development within the City. The Planning Division encompasses both current and advance planning functions of the City and compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
- Architectural and Site Plan Review
- Processing of Development Entitlements
- Conditional Use Permits
- Temporary Use Permits
- Precise Plans
- Signage
- Zoning Code Compliance
- Tract Maps / Parcel Maps
- Zoning Verification Letters
Current Planning
Current Planning includes the processing of applications for Conditional Use Permits, Precise Plans, residential and commercial remodels, signage, temporary use permits, and design review. The Division prepares and presents completed applications for developments / permits to the Development Committee and City Council.
The Planning Fee Schedule adopted by the La Palma City Council pursuant to Resolution 2022-49 lists all current Planning & Zoning fees for administrative and discretionary approvals for the current fiscal year.
The latest Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) adopted fee schedule for Planning and Development Services is available by clicking here.
The latest California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) adopted Environmental Document Filing Fee Schedule for CEQA Documents is available on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website and can be accessed by clicking here.
Projects Currently Under Review
Planning Applications
Artificial Turf Permit (Application)
Business Sign Permit (Application)
Community Event Permit (Application, Guide)
Discretionary Permits - Precise Plan, Conditional Use, Master Sign Plan, etc. (Application)
Film Permit (Application, Guide)
Garage / Yard Sale Permit (Application)
General Plan Amendment (Application)
Lot Line Adjustment (Application )
Outdoor Display & Seating Permit (Application, Guide)
Request for Donation/Contribution (Application)
Subdivision Map (Application, Guide)
Temporary Sign Permit - Nonresidential (Application)
Temporary Use Permit (Application, Guide)
Variance (Application)
Zone Change (Application)
Accessory Dwelling Unit (Application)
Block Party (Application, Fire Form)
Water Quality Templates
Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) (Document)
Non-Priority Project Water Quality Plan (NPP) (Document)
State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) Updated 2015
Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (2015) (Document)
Water Budget Workbook for New & Rehabilitated Residential Landscapes (Workbook)
Water Budget Workbook for New & Rehabilitated Non-Residential Landscapes (Workbook)
Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet (Form)
Water Efficient Landscape Certification (Form)
Sustainability Resources
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Sustainability Resource Finder
Good Housekeeping Website's Easy Ways to Live Greener
The American Society of Civil Engineers Website's Sustainability Resources
Advanced Planning
Advance Planning includes the review and update of the General Plan and all planning-related Municipal Code updates.