|
|
|
|
What is the purpose of the Planning Division and what services does it provide?The Planning Division is responsible for ensuring that all building construction and land uses are consistent with the City's Zoning Ordinance and General Plan. This includes day-to-day activities such as reviewing development proposals, business license applications, and providing staff services to the Planning Commission, the Redevelopment Design Review Committee, and the Energy and Resource Management Committee. The Division is also responsible for long-range planning and analysis. The City's Geographic Information System (GIS) program is coordinated within the Planning Division.
|
|
|
|
What is the difference between Zoning, the Zoning Map, and the Zoning Ordinance?Zoning refers to a concept whereby distinct areas of land are identified and designated for specific types of land uses, such as residential, commercial, and industrial. Zoning allows for orderly growth and development, and works to separate otherwise conflicting land uses. The Zoning Map depicts the physical boundaries of the various zones. The Zoning Ordinance provides the specific land use and construction limitations for each of the zones. The Zoning Map and Zoning Ordinance are both part of the City's Municipal Code and are enforceable by law. They are used together on a daily basis to evaluate requests for new construction, modifications to existing structures, and business license applications. Recently, changes and updates were made to Chapter 15, the section of the code covering Zoning. The newly updated Zoning Ordinance can be obtained on-line in PDF format from this site.
|
|
|
|
How can I determine the Zoning, construction restrictions and allowable uses for a given piece of property?In order to determine the Zoning and allowable uses for a given piece of property, both the Zoning Map and the Zoning Ordinance are needed. After using the Zoning Map to determine in which zone the subject property is located, the Zoning Ordinance is then consulted to determine the regulations and standards for developing the property and allowable uses. Some uses require a special review and a public hearing. The Zoning Map is available for purchase in Community Development or on-line. The Zoning Ordinance is also available on-line or may be purchased in hardcopy at our offices. Staff can also provide a limited amount of information over the telephone. For more information call (714)738-6540 or visit our office.
|
|
|
|
Can I run a business out of my home?Yes, but there are specific regulations intended to prevent commercial activities from affecting residential neighborhoods. Essentially, home-based businesses are limited to office purposes only, i.e. telephone and mail. Normal deliveries (i.e. Federal Express, United Parcel Service, etc.) are allowed, but deliveries of stock-in-trade for storage on site are not. Customers may not come to your home to conduct business. Signage is not allowed, and employees other than persons living at the residence are not allowed.
|
|
|
|
I need a business license. How do I go about getting one?Contact the City's Business Registration Office at (714)738-5326, or link to their page here:
|
|
|
|
How can I obtain demographic information?The City has a number of sources for demographic information. We have made available some basic demographic information on this web site; additional information can be obtained by calling (714)738-6540. You may also wish to visit these sites: U.S. Census Bureau and the Center for Demographic Research at Cal State Fullerton and the California Department of Finance's Demographic Unit.
|
|
|
|
How high can fences be in residential areas?Fences located less than five feet from a property line and not within a required front-yard setback (i.e. a specific distance back from the street in which walls are limited to 3 feet in height) can be as high as 6 feet, unless the home is adjacent to commercial property, in which case the fence can be as high as eight feet. Fences in required front-yard setback areas can be as high as three feet. Block wall fences in excess of three feet and wood fences in excess of six feet require a building permit. Fences placed on property lines require approval of both property owners prior to issuance of a building permit.
|
|
|
|
How can I get a Zoning Map, a General Plan, or other Community Development Department publications?The following Publications and Services are available through the Community Development Department. For more information please call 738-6540.
- Zoning Maps $ 5.00 (or free on-line)
- General Plan Document $65.00 (or free on-line)
- Zoning Ordinance $15.00 (or free on-line)
Many other documents, including application forms, are also available; visit our Planning and Zoning home page.
|
|
|
|
How can I find out what is planned for a given piece of property in the City?View our Development Activity Map on-line which provides contact information about major development projects in Fullerton. For other projects, if plans have been submitted to the City for review, we may be able to provide you with basic information about specific projects. Call the Planning Department at (714)738-6540.
|
|
|
|
When does the Planning Commission meet and how can I obtain an Agenda?The Planning Commission meets the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. (Current Meeting Schedule) The most recent available meeting agenda is available online. Information on individual agenda items can be obtained by calling (714)738-6598.
|
|
|
|
When does the Redevelopment Design Review Committee meet and how can I obtain an Agenda?The Redevelopment Design Review Committee meets the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. The most recent available meeting agenda is available online. Information on individual agenda items can be obtained by calling (714)738-6598.
|
|
|
|
When does the Energy and Resource Management Committee meet and how can I obtain an Agenda?The Energy and Resource Management Committee meets on an as-needed basis on the third Wednesday of each month. The most recent available meeting agenda is available online. Information on individual agenda items can be obtained by calling (714)738-6884.
|
|
|
|
I live in a residential development that has a Homeowner's Association and would like to make some exterior modifications. What do I need to do?Please consult with your Homeowner's Association. Exterior modifications, such as patio covers, fencing, or awnings, may require approval from them. The City normally cannot issue a permit for exterior modifications without written Homeowner Association consent. Please be sure you or your contractor bring any letters or plans approved by your Association to City Hall when pulling permits.
|
|
|
|
Where can I find more information about the McColl waste disposal site?The EPA provides a good reference web site here.
|
|
|
|
Where can I get information about my lot size or dimensions?The City cannot provide this information over the phone. However, you can now access this information on the internet through the County of Orange Public Facilities and Resources Department using their on-line Land Records System.
|
|
|
|
Where can I view Tract or Parcel maps that have been recorded?The City's Engineering Department retains paper copies of these maps. However, you can now access this information on the internet through the County of Orange Public Facilities and Resources Department using their on-line Land Records System.
|
|
|
|
Can I get a copy of my home or business floor plan from the City?This will depend upon the age of your home or business. The City does maintain microfilm copies of permits and plans, which may include plans or drawings. If the plans were prepared by an architect or contractor, you will be required to obtain their permission prior to copying the plans on file. If your home was part of a tract development, your floor plan may be available on microfilm, depending upon when it was constructed. To find out whether plans are available, please visit the Building Department and ask to look at the microfilm records for your address.
|
|
|
|
I live in a historic home in Fullerton. Where can I learn more about my home and its past residents?You may wish to visit the Launer Room at the Fullerton Main Library. The Launer room maintains a large collection of photographs, maps, phone directories and other print materials about early Fullerton homes and residents.
|
|
|
|
The information I'm looking for is not here. How can I contact the Planning Division?The Planning Division can be reached at (714)738-6540.
|
|
|
|
What is the purpose of the Building and Safety Division and what services does it provide?The Building and Safety Division includes Plan Check, Permit Services, and Inspection Services. The Plan Check section reviews construction plans to ensure compliance with applicable building and safety codes. This section is also responsible for implementation of the City's earthquake building safety programs. The Permit Services section is responsible for issuing construction permits and routing plans through the plan check process. The Inspection Services section inspects construction projects at various stages to ensure field compliance with the approved plans.
|
|
|
|
What type of work requires a permit?In general, any structure that will be more than six feet tall, more that 120 square feet, or have any plumbing, electrical or mechanical components, (i.e. air conditioning or heating) requires a permit. Non-retaining block walls greater than three feet in height also require a permit, as does any wall built to retain soil. There are a number of exceptions. For additional information please call (714)738-6541.
|
|
|
|
How do I get a permit and how much will it cost?If a permit is required, it must be obtained by either a licensed contractor or by the property owner. Costs vary depending on the type and scope of work to be done. For more information please call (714) 738-6541 or 5302.
|
|
|
|
Can I pay with my credit card or ATM card?Yes. The City of Fullerton accepts payment by VISA, MASTERCARD, or ATM card.
|
|
|
|
I want to construct a new building or an addition to an existing structure. How do I proceed?Additions to or remodeling of your existing residence may be possible, but require the submission of detailed plans and obtaining permits before any construction can begin. We suggest that you consult our Development Standards brochure for basic information on standards for your area. We recommend that you devise a concept plan and check with both the Planning and Building and Safety Divisions, prior to developing final plans, to ensure that what you wish to build is in compliance with applicable Zoning and Building Codes.
|
|
|
|
I am interested in things I can do to make my home or business safer in an earthquake. What information is available?The Community Development Department has a variety of publications available on earthquake safety. Please call (714)738-6541 for further information.
|
|
|
|
Where can I look to see if a contractor is licensed in California?The California Contractors State License Board web site will allow you to check a contractor license.
|
|
|
|
The information I’m looking for is not here. How can I contact the Building and Safety Division?The Building and Safety Division can be reached at (714)738-6564.
|
|
|
|
What is the purpose of the Community Preservation Division and what services does it provide?The Community Preservation Division addresses code violations involving health, safety, public nuisance and property maintenance.
|
|
|
|
What are the City's requirements for noise control and how can I make a complaint about noise?The City’s complete regulations concerning noise levels can be found in Chapter 15.90 of the Municipal Code. Noise created by construction activities is exempt from the noise ordinance during the hours of 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Noise levels on Sundays and Federal holidays must conform to the City’s noise standards (measured from the interior of a residence: 55 decibels during the hours of 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 45 decibels 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.) Complaints about construction noise should be directed to Community Preservation at (714)738-6553.
Call the Police Department about loud parties at the time when the noise is occurring; Community Preservation staff cannot conduct enforcement activities after the fact.
|
|
|
|
What can I do if I believe something is in violation of the City Code?The Community Preservation Division responds to citizen complaints of Municipal Ordinance violations. Call the Community Preservation Hotline (714)773-5704.
|
|
|
|
How many animals can I have at my home?House pets are limited to the following:
Single-Family Homes: Any combination of dogs and cats totaling four animals (three dogs maximum), plus their offspring under four months old, per lot of twenty thousand square feet or less. One additional adult dog or one additional adult cat may be kept on a residential lot of over twenty thousand square feet in size. Additional animals in excess of this provision may be kept in R-1 zones only with the approval of a conditional use permit. The keeping of four or more dogs or four or more cats will require a non-commercial kennel license from the Orange County Animal Shelter.
Condominiums, duplexes or mobile homes: Two adult dogs or cats, or one of each, plus their offspring under four months per each apartment. This section shall not take precedence over any existing management or association agreement/regulation regarding the keeping of animals.
Fish and birds, excluding exotic and livestock varieties (see below) are not regulated.
Livestock and other animals are subject to the following regulations:
- Small livestock such as poultry and rabbits, except crowing roosters, may be kept, provided no coops or pens are located within thirty feet of a habitable dwelling on adjacent property;
- Equine and bovine animals such as horses, cattle and sheep are permitted under the following conditions:
Two adult animals may be kept on a site containing not less than 32,670 square feet of net land area within the property boundaries. An additional animal may be kept for each additional fifteen thousand square feet of land. The offspring of bovine animals shall be counted as adults when they are six months old and of equine animals when they are one year old;
No such animal shall be permitted to approach closer than fifty feet to a habitable dwelling on adjacent property and thirty feet to a patio, swimming pool or similar facility on adjacent property;
Additional equine animals, including commercial stables, may be kept on vacant R-1 zoned property of no less than three-fourths acre only if a conditional use permit has been obtained subject to annual Planning Commission review, and only if such property abuts upon a street having a right-of-way width of not less than eighty feet;
The keeping of all wild animals is prohibited, except for the following: birds, hamsters, guinea pigs, white rats and/or mice, nonpoisonous snakes not exceeding six feet in length, turtles, nonpoisonous toads, lizards, salamanders, newts, chameleons, kangaroo rats, or fish, except piranhas and walking catfish.
|
|
|
|
The information I'm looking for is not here. How can I contact the Community Preservation Division?The Community Preservation Division can be reached at (714)738-6553.
|
|
|
|
What are the rules for towing vehicles from private property?Regulations for both the towing of vehicles from private property and the signage that is required can be found in section 3.75.320 of the Fullerton Municipal Code.
|
|
|
|
What is the purpose of the Housing/Community Development Division and what services does it provide?The Housing/Community Development Division provides a number of housing assistance programs, including low-interest loans for home improvement and Federal Community Development Block Grant funds on an annual, competitive basis for non-profit organizations.
|
|
|
|
Does the City offer assistance for homeowners and landlords who need to make basic health and safety repairs but could not otherwise afford to do so?The City offers low-interest loans and, in some cases, grants, to Fullerton homeowners for certain home improvements. The program is available to qualifying, low-income households for roof replacement, exterior painting and/or handicap modifications. A separate program is available for seismic retrofit repairs to qualifying low-income households. Loan terms are either 6% for fifteen years, or deferred payments, depending on qualifications. For more information call 738-6874.
|
|
|
|
Does the City offer down-payment assistance for first-time home buyers?The City is not administering the Downpayment Assistance Program at this time.
If you are interested, you can visit the Orange County Housing and Community Services Department's website at www.ochousing.org for the down payment assistance program offered through their organization or call (949) 859-9255 for the Affordable Housing Clearing House First-time Homebuyer Program.
|
|
|
|
How can I learn more about the Federal Community Development Block Grant funding process?Please call (714) 738-6878.
|
|
|
|
The information I'm looking for is not here. How can I contact the Housing/Community Development Division?The Housing/Community Development can be reached at (714) 738-6874 or (714) 738-6878.
|
|
|
|
How can I find out where my property line is located?If you are not sure where your property line is, or if you and your neighbor are in disagreement about the location of a common property line, you may need to hire a land surveyor. It is unlawful for anyone to do land surveying or offer to do land surveying unless he or she is currently licensed as a land surveyor in the State of California. The City of Fullerton does not offer land surveying services to the public. If you want to research documents related to your property lines, you can visit the Engineering Department at City Hall or contact the County of Orange Geomatics/Land Information Center for maps and documents related to property lines. The State of California Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors also maintains a helpful website should you find you need a surveyor.
|
