Planning Division

A Message from the Planning Manager

Welcome to the Planning Division home page, I hope you find our revised home page more "user friendly". We have added additional information regarding the many exciting new projects in La Habra that have been recently approved or are in the review process. We have rearranged our information in a way that makes it easier to use. The goal of the Planning staff is to provide you with as much information as possible to help you with designing your projects, be large or small. I encourage you to call me or my staff of friendly, helpful planners if you have any questions regarding the planning process in La Habra. We want your project to be a success.

Sincerely, 

Roy Ramsland
Planning Manager

Roy Ramsland

Residential Landscape Water Efficiency Video

An informative video regarding the Model Water Efficiency Landscape Ordinance has been created to assists homeowners visualize the City's guidelines and code requirements. Please click on the link to view: 

La Habra Residential Landscape Water Efficiency video (YouTube).  

Accessory Dwelling Units 

Effective January 1, 2020 multiple new housing standards related to accessory dwelling units (ADUs) have become law. 

The City has adopted Urgency Ordinance 1813 to authorize ADUs consistent with State Law requirements.

Cannabis Distribution Facility Applications

The City Council has authorized up to four (4) Cannabis Distribution Facility permits subject to the requirements of Chapter 18.22 of the La Habra Municipal Code (Ordinance Number 1791 (PDF)). Directly below are links to:

Cannabis Business Application Submittal Guide (PDF)

Cannabis Business Permit Application Checklist (PDF)

Cannabis Business Permit Application (PDF)

Since there are only four available Cannabis Distribution Facility permits, the City will accept an initial round of applications between June 5 to July 5, 2018. If more than four applications are received, all submittals will be scored with the four highest applicants invited to proceed to the Development Agreement stage. All other applicants will be placed on a waitlist based on ranking should any Cannabis Distribution Facility permits become available.

If less than four applications are submitted during the initial phase, all other applications would be processed on a first come basis.

MX Mixed Use Overlay Zone 

On April 15, 2019, the City Council approved Ordinance 1805 creating Chapter 18.54 MX Mixed Use Overlay Zone and rezoning certain properties throughout the City. A copy of Ordinance 1805 includes Exhibit A that contains a copy of the approved development standards associated with the MX Overlay zone. 

View Ordinance 1805 - including the MX development standards

New Zoning Designations (R-5, R-6, R-7) 
On March 18, 2019, the City Council approved Ordinance 1803 that established three new multi-family zoning designations in the City affecting approximately 91 parcels. In addition, changes were made to the multi-family development standards within the Municipal Code. The amendments where approved to maintain a consistency with the La Habra General Plan 2035. View the revised standards:

View LHMC Chapter 18.06 Land Uses (PDF)

View LHMC Chapter 18.26 R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, R-6 and R-7 Development Standards (PDF)

Development Fees to Increase in August 2019

On June 3, 2019, the City Council approved an update to the Master Fee Schedule that will take effect on August 3, 2019. The fee increase will affect discretionary permits (Conditional Use Permits, Design Review, Zone Variance etc.) The Master Fee Schedule has been made available to view here: Master Fee Schedule (PDF)

Duties & Responsibilities
The Planning Division provides information regarding the City's zoning and land use regulations and development standards. The Planning Division coordinates with other City departments in the review of new development projects for regulatory compliance. The Division also analyzes projects and prepares and presents reports to the Planning Commission for its bimonthly meetings.

Other responsibilities include the creation and updating of maps for the public and all City departments including address and street maps, zoning maps and general plan maps. It is the department's mission to provide this assistance in a highly professional and customer service oriented manner.

General Information Packet (updated)