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Animal Services

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1. Who is the new animal services provider for the City of Laguna Hills?

As of January 1, 2017, the City of Mission Viejo will be the contract animal services provider for the City of Laguna Hills.

2. When will the transition take place?

The transfer of animal care and sheltering services will occur on January 1, 2017. Until that time, animal services will be provided through the City's current provider - Orange County Animal Care.

3. Where is the new animal shelter?

The Mission Viejo Animal Services Center is located at 28095 Hillcrest, Mission Viejo, CA 92692 at the intersection of Marguerite Parkway and Hillcrest. For hours of operation and other information regarding the animal shelter, please visit www.cityofmissionviejo.org/animalservices or call (949) 470-3045.

4. What about my pet licenses and animal facility licenses?

Valid pet licenses will be honored until the expiration date listed on the license. For example, if you renewed your pet license on 8/2/2016, the license will be valid until 8/2/2017.

After January 1, 2016, contact Mission Viejo Animal Services for questions regarding your pet and animal facility licenses at (949) 470-3045 or visit www.cityofmissionviejo.org/animalservices.

5. Is the new animal shelter a "pro-humane" shelter?

The Mission Viejo Animal Services Center is considered a "pro-humane" animal shelter.

6. What services will be provided under the new contract?

The City of Mission Viejo provides numerous high-quality services, including a no-kill animal shelter, 24-hour response to emergency calls, pet adoption, low cost vaccination clinics, animal licensing, community outreach and events, volunteer opportunities, and many other services. For a comprehensive list of services and resources, visit www.cityofmissionviejo.org/animalservices or call (949) 470-3045.

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Building & Safety

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1. What are the allowed construction hours for the City of Laguna Hills?

Allowed Construction Hours for Laguna Hills:
Monday thru Friday: 7am to 8pm;
Saturday: 8am to 8pm;
Sunday and Federal Holidays: None
If you notice construction work being performed outside of the allowed construction hours you can contact the OC Sheriff's Dispatch at (949) 770-6011.

A Sheriff's Deputy will be dispatched to the location and put a stop to the work.

2. How can I find out where my inspection falls on the Daily Inspection Run List?

You can access the Inspector's Run List on the Building Division Page of City's website at: https://www.lagunahillsca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4983/Daily-Inspection-Run-Sheet

3. How do I contact Dig Alert?

Dig Alert can be reached at www.digalert.com or by calling 811.

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City Council & City Commissions

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1. How do I apply to serve on a Commission?

The City of Laguna Hills has a Community Services, Historical, and Arts Commission and a Traffic Commission. The Commissions are advisory bodies to the City Council. Commissioners serve four-year terms. The Commission application process occurs in December of even-numbered years. The City Council interviews all those who have applied to serve on a Commission and makes the appointments. Applications may be obtained from the City Clerk's Department.

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Districting

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1. What is districting?

It is the regular process of determining the lines of voting districts in accordance with population shifts. In California, public agencies and other organizations must divide the lines of their districts according to the results of the Decennial Census, so that each council district is substantially equal in population. This ensures that each elected official represents about the same number of constituents. All district lines must be reviewed to meet strict requirements for population equality and voting rights protections in accordance with the federal Voting Rights Act and the California Elections Code.

2. What are by-district elections?

A by-district election process means voters within a designated City Council electoral district elect one City Council member who must also reside in and be a registered voter of that district.

3. What is the City's current City Council election process?

The City of Laguna Hills currently elects City Council members through an at-large election process, which means that each voter has a vote to elect each member of the City Council.

4. What is “racially polarized” voting?

Racially polarized voting exists when voters of different racial or ethnic groups exhibit very different candidate preferences or voting practices in an election.

5. What criteria are used to create City Council electoral districts?

Many factors may be considered, but population equality is required. Other factors include:

1.   Federal Laws

• Equal Population (based on total population of residents as determined by the most recent Federal decennial Census and adjusted by the State to reassign incarcerated persons to the last known place of residence)
• Federal Voting Rights Act
• No Racial Gerrymandering

2.   California Criteria for Cities (to the extent practicable and in the following order of priority)

• Geographically contiguous (areas that meet only at the points of adjoining corners are not contiguous. Areas that are separated by water and not connected by a bridge, tunnel, or ferry service are not contiguous.
• Undivided neighborhoods and “communities of interest” (Socio-economic geographic areas that should be kept together for purposes of its effective and fair representation)
• Easily identifiable boundaries
• Compact (Do not bypass one group of people to get to a more distant group of people)
• Prohibited: “Shall not favor or discriminate against a political party.”

3.   Other Traditional Redistricting Principles

• Minimize voters shifted to different election years
• Respect voters’ choices / continuity in office
• Future population growth

6. What are Communities of Interest?

A community of interest is a “contiguous population that shares common social and economic interests that should be included within a single district for purposes of its effective and fair representation.” They are the overlapping sets of neighborhoods, networks, and groups that share interests, views, cultures, histories, languages, and values and whose boundaries can be identified on a map. The following elements help define communities of interest:

• shared interests in schools, housing, community safety, transit, health conditions, land use, environmental conditions, and/or other issues;
• common social and civic networks, including churches, mosques, temples, homeowner associations, and community centers, and shared use of community spaces, like parks and shopping centers;
• racial and ethnic compositions, cultural identities, and households that predominantly speak a language other than English;
• similar socio-economic status, including but not limited to income, home-ownership, and education levels;
• shared political boundary lines from other jurisdictions, such as school districts, community college districts, and water districts

7. What if I have questions or want to voice my opinion throughout this process?

Please contact us if you have any questions or need help understanding the process.  You can email us at districting@lagunahillsca.gov . We encourage the public to reach out to us, we need your input.  Input can also be given during the public hearing portion of the City Council meetings.  

8. What do the common acronyms in districting mean?

• ACS: American Community Survey
• CDP: Census Designated Place
• CDR: Center for Democracy Research
• CVAP: Citizen Voting Age Population
• CVRA: California Voting Rights Act
• FAIR MAPS Act: Fair and Inclusive Redistricting for Municipalities and Political Subdivisions (applies to cities and counties)
• NH: Non-Hispanic 
• P.L. 94-171: Public Law 94-171
• ROV: Registrar of Voters
• SWDB: California Statewide Database
• VAP: Voting age population

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Finance

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1. Where can I get information about property tax?

The County of Orange Tax Collector's Office is responsible for collecting taxes on all secured and unsecured property in Orange County. Property tax related information can be found on the County of Orange Tax Collector's Office website and by clicking on the link provided below.

2. How do I receive a signed IRS Form W-9 from the City?

A request for a signed IRS W-9 Form from the City of Laguna Hills may be emailed to: jreyes@ci.laguna-hills.ca.us . Please provide a fax number and we will fax the signed request to the fax number you provide. Please note, we will not email the signed form for security reasons. However, upon special request, we may mail a hard copy. The request is usually completed within 2 business days.

3. Does the City of Laguna Hills require a Business License?

The City of Laguna Hills does not require a business license; however, we do require that all businesses within the City obtain a Certificate of Use and Occupancy (PDF). If you have any questions about how to fill out or submit the application packet, please contact the Planning Division at planning@lagunahillsca.gov.

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General

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1. What are the business hours for City Hall?

City Hall is open from 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM Monday through Thursday, and alternate Fridays from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

City Hall is closed on alternate Friday and holidays.

2. What School District Serves Laguna Hills?

The school district that serves the City of Laguna Hills is the Saddleback Valley Unified School District.

3. What hotels are located in the City of Laguna Hills?

The City is home to four different hotels, The Hills Hotel, Laguna Hills Lodge, Comfort Inn, and Courtyard Laguna Hills.

4. I'm interested in opening a business in Laguna Hills. Where can I find out more?

For questions on how to starting or relocating a business in the City of Laguna Hills, please visit our Economic Development page. Laguna Hills Economic Development

5. What are the city boundaries?

City Maps can be found in the City Maps section on the Economic Development Page. City Maps

6. What sort of sports leagues are offered in the City?

The City of Laguna Hills has sports activities for Adults and Youth. For more information on this, visit our Community Services Page. Community Services Sports

7. I'm worried about vectors (Mosquitoes, Fire Ants, Flies) in my home. Who can I talk to?

For all inquiries about vectors the Orange County Vector Control District can be contacted at (949) 654-2421 or on their website at http://www.ocvcd.org/ .

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General Government

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1. Where is City Hall located?

City Hall is located at 24035 El Toro Road, one block west of El Toro Rd. & the I-5 Fwy. If heading South on I-5, exit El Toro, make a left, make your 1st right at El Toro Rd., and make your 1st right on Regional Center Dr. If heading North on I-5, exit El Toro Rd, make a left, make a right at Regional Center Dr. (2nd signal). We are across El Toro Rd. from the BJ's Restaurant and Brewery at the Laguna Hills Mall.

2. When did the City of Laguna Hills incorporate?

Incorporation efforts began in 1987 and on March 5, 1991, the goal of incorporation was finally achieved with 86% of the residents voting in favor of forming the City of Laguna Hills. On December 20, 1991, Laguna Hills officially became a City.

3. Who are the City Council Members?

The City of Laguna Hills is a General Law City that operates under the Council/Manager form of government. The voters elect five Laguna Hills residents to the City Council for overlapping four-year terms. The Council, in turn, selects one of its members to serve as Mayor for a one-year term. For the current City Council, please click here.

4. Where is the closest Sheriff Substation?

11 Journey is off of Pacific Park Drive near Aliso Viejo Parkway. The substation is on the same street as the Aliso Viejo City Hall, the Library and the Aliso Viejo Ice Palace.

5. When and where are the City Council/Planning Agency/Parks and Recreation Commission/Traffic Commission Meetings held?

Regular City Council Meetings and Planning Agency Meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Community Services, Historical, and Arts Commission Meetings are held bimonthly on the first Wednesday of February, April, June, August, October, and December. Traffic Commission Meetings are held bimonthly on the third Wednesday of January, March, May, July, September, and November.
All meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers located at City Hall, 24035 El Toro Rd., Laguna Hills, CA 92653. For City Council/Planning Agency contact Jennifer Lee at (949) 707-2635 or jlee@lagunahillsca.gov. For Parks & Recreation Commission contact Kayle McDonald at (949) 707-2681 or kmcdonald@lagunahillsca.gov. For Traffic Commission contact Julie Comella at (949) 707-2651 or jcomella@lagunahillsca.gov.

6. Are the Building, Planning, & Engineering Departments located in the same building as City Hall?

The Building, Planning, and Engineering Departments are located at City Hall. The hours of operation for these departments are 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday. Building Department - 707-2676 Planning Department - 707-2672 Engineering Department - 707-2657

7. Where is the South County Court located?

The address is 4601 Jamboree Road, Newport Beach, CA 92660

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Graffiti

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1. How do I report graffiti?

To report graffiti, call (949) 707-2656. Be sure to note the exact location of graffiti, i.e., on bench at park, on side of wall and end of what street.

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Parks & Landscaping

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1. Do I need a permit to hold a party at a city park in Laguna Hills?

A permit is not required if you are having less than fifty (50) people in your party, but can be obtained if desired. If you are having more than fifty (50) people you will need to submit a Facility Use Form to the Community Services Department. Contact Dan Meehan regarding applicable fees and deposits.

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Police Services

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1. Does Laguna Hills have its own police department?

The City of Laguna Hills contracts with the Orange County Sheriff's Department for all of its law enforcement needs. The Sheriff's Department is responsible for providing for the protection of citizens, the enforcement of laws and crime prevention. Law enforcement services include patrol, criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, traffic accident analysis and investigation, parking enforcement, and the use of specialized units when necessary.

2. How do I report a crime?

In the event of an EMERGENCY or if a crime is in progress, call 9-1-1 immediately. For non-emergency situations or to report a crime such as vandalism or disturbing the peace, please contact Orange County Sheriff's Dispatch at (949) 770-6011.

3. I've filed a crime report, now what happens?

Once a crime report has been filed, in most instances, the case will proceed as follows: The deputy who took the report will provide you with a Case # for future reference. As much follow-up investigation will be done by the deputy before it is submitted to a Supervisor for approval. The Supervisor will then forward the report to the Investigation Division where it will be assigned to an investigator who specializes in investigating that particular type of crime. If there is workable suspect information, the investigator will continue to work the case to resolution. If there is no workable information in the report, the investigator will contact you to ascertain if there is any new information available. If there is no new information or evidence, the case will be made inactive until any new information becomes available. From the time the deputy writes the report to the time it is assigned to an investigator takes approximately 5-7 working days. You may obtain a copy of the report through Orange County Sheriff's Records Division at (714) 834-6454 approximately 10-14 working days after the report is made.

4. Who do I call to find out the status of a case currently under investigation by the Sheriff's Department?

The Investigation Division of the Orange County Sheriff's Department is located in Aliso Viejo and can be reached at (949) 425-1900.

5. I was involved in a traffic collision and an officer took a report. What happens with that information and how do I get a copy of that report?

If you were involved in a traffic collision in Laguna Hills and an officer was called to the scene to take a report, in most instances, the case will proceed as follows: The officer who took the information will provide you with a Case # and will write a report that is submitted to the Traffic Investigation Office in Aliso Viejo (949) 425-1860. After approval by a Traffic Investigator, the report will become available through the Orange County Sheriff's Records Division at (714) 834-6454 approximately 10-14 working days after the report is made. Accident reportes dated after September 2008 are also available online at www.ocsd.org. Online Traffic Collision Reports

6. How do I contest a parking citation?

Please refer to the back of the citation. An explanation of the process to contest the citation is printed on the reverse side of the citation.

If you are indigent and unable to pay the parking violation penalty at the time the citation is issued or unable to pay the parking violation penalty following an administrative hearing, you may provide documentation to determine indigency and request a payment plan.  To do so, you must submit a Request for Payment Plan for an indigency determination 60 calendar days from the issuance of a notice of parking violation, or 10 days after the administrative hearing determination, whichever is later.   The Request for Payment Plan must include copies of the required documents listed below that demonstrate your inability to pay.

For purposes of this Policy, a person is “indigent” if any of the following conditions is met:

• The person meets the income criteria set forth in subdivision (b) of Section 68632 of the Government Code: A person whose monthly income is 125 percent or less of the current poverty guidelines updated periodically in the Federal Register by the United States Department of Health and Human Services under the authority of paragraph (2) of Section 9902 of Title 42 of the United States Code.
• The person receives public benefits from any of the programs listed in subdivision (a) of Section 68632 of the Government Code:
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and State Supplementary Payment (SSP)
• California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids Act (CalWORKs) or a federal Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF) grant program
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or the California Food Assistance Program
• County Relief, General Relief (GR), or General Assistance (GA)
• Cash Assistance Program for Aged, Blind, and Disabled Legal Immigrants (CAPI)
• In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)
• Medi-Cal
• Alternatively, you may demonstrate that you are indigent by providing either of the following information, as applicable:
• Proof of income from a pay stub or another form of proof of earnings, such as a bank statement, that shows you meet the income criteria set forth above, subject to review and approval. Approval will not unreasonably withheld.
• Proof of receipt of benefits under the programs described above, including, but not limited to, an electronic benefits transfer card or another card, subject to review and approval. Approval will not unreasonably withheld.

7. How can I get a restraining order?

Restraining orders are issued by a Superior Court Judge. For further information, call (714) 935-7956.

8. My vehicle has been impounded. How do I get it back?

If a vehicle has been impounded due to an unlicensed driver, suspended license or any other traffic violation and it was towed from within Laguna Hills, please contact the Laguna Hills Police Services Administrative Sergeant at (949) 707-2642 to make an appointment to complete an impound hearing request form. This form is also available on the City’s website under the “forms” section.

9. My vehicle has been towed. How do I find out where it is being stored and get it out?

You will need to obtain the vehicle license plate number or VIN. The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is indicated on your vehicle registration form or pink slip. Call the Orange County Sheriff’s Dispatch desk at (949) 770-6011 to confirm that the vehicle was towed, why it was towed, who was responsible, and the name and phone number of the tow company. Then contact the tow company to find out what will be required to get the car back. If there is a “hold” on the vehicle and it was towed from within Laguna Hills, contact the Administrative Sergeant for Laguna Hills at (949) 707-2642. If there is a “hold” on the vehicle and it was towed from any city other than Laguna Hills, contact the Administrative Sergeant for the city in which the tow originated.

10. What can I do about vehicles parked in front of my house for multiple days?

California State law states vehicles parked on the street over 72 hours may be considered abandoned vehicles. Please contact Orange County Sheriff’s Dispatch at (949) 770-6011 to report the location and description of the vehicle. Officers will come out and check to make sure the vehicle is not stolen, confirm it is properly registered, and mark the vehicle's tire. The vehicle can be cited 72 hours after it is marked and ultimately towed away at the owner's expense.

11. Who should I contact regarding traffic laws and enforcement of traffic laws?

Please contact the Laguna Hills Administrative Sergeant at (949) 707-2642 for questions related to traffic laws and the enforcement of those traffic laws.

12. Where can I get LiveScan fingerprints done?

The Orange County Sheriff's Aliso Viejo substation offers LiveScan fingerprinting services by appointment only. Please call (949) 425-1801 for more information.

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SB 1383: Organics Recycling

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1. When can I start placing food scraps in my green cart?

 

Starting July 1, 2022, you may place food scraps in your green cart along with your green/landscaping waste.

2. Will it affect my rate?

Yes, all rates will be affected - residential, multifamily and commercial. These rates cover the costs of yard waste and food waste recycling services and the processing of those materials.

3. Will I be fined if I don’t do this?

 

SB 1383 does require a City fine mechanism for non participating accounts. Fines won't begin until 2024. In accordance to State Law, the fines are adopted into the City of Laguna Hills Municipal Code as follows: first conviction by a fine of not more than fifty dollars ($50.00), for a second conviction within a period of one year by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars ($100.00), and for a third or any subsequent conviction within a period of one year by a fine of not more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00).

4. When will I get inspected?

 

The City is required by the new law to conduct residential route reviews annually. The City's hauler CR&R will conduct audits of a random sample of residential homes once per quarter. If recyclable material is found in your trash cart, CR&R will place a hang tag with a reminder on where materials are to be placed.

5. Is everyone required to recycle organic waste?

Yes. All residential and multi-family properties and commercial businesses across the state are required to recycle organic waste generated onsite.

6. What if I don't want to participate in CR&R's organic curbside collection of food waste + yard waste?

Per SB 1383, residents are required to receive food waste cart service.  There are no discounted options at this time. Residents may also utilize backyard, small-scale, and community composting systems to recycle their food scraps.  

7. Regarding changing cart colors, what type of each material should be placed in each container?

 

BROWN (current)/BLUE (future) - Recycling cart: cardboard, plastic and glass containers and bottles, aluminum and tin cans, and paper (place these items loose in cart) GREEN - Organics cart: food scraps, grass clippings, leaves, tree/brush trimmings, weeds, dead plants. Food scraps include fruit/vegetable trimmings, coffee grounds, egg shells, small bones, leftover cooked food, spoiled/rotten food, and plate scrapings.   BLACK - Trash cart: Styrofoam, chip/candy wrappers, bathroom waste, diapers, pet waste, plastic bags, palm fronds/branches, and other non-recyclable garbage (bag these items)

8. Why are cart colors changing?

SB 1383 requires uniformed cart colors across the state for both residential and commercial services. Blue will signify recycling, green or brown for organics, and black for trash.  This consistency will help reduce confusion and contamination of recycling across the state.

9. What will happen to all the food scraps being collected?

 

Under Amendment No. 2 to CR&R's Franchise Agreement, the food scraps, collected with yard waste, will go to a composting facility in Yuma, Arizona to be processed. Finished material will be distributed for use on farms local to the facility area.

10. What if I put my food scraps in the trash?

 

When you don’t put your organics (food scraps and yard waste) and recycling in the correct carts, this is called contamination. If you contaminate, you will be alerted of your contamination via a hang tag. It’s important you don’t contaminate because then we cannot recycle correctly! If you continue to place food scraps and yard waste in the trash cart then City fines can occur. For more information, you may visit https://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/organics/slcp/faq/enforcement.

11. Why aren't food scraps collected separately than green waste?

 

SB 1383 allows for 3-cart commingled food scraps and green waste or a 4-cart system to collect food scraps and green waste separately. Locally, 4-cart system has limits in processing, comes at a greater cost, and has a greater environmental footprint (i.e., additional carts, additional pick ups).

12. I was already putting my food scraps in the yard waste, so how is this a change?

 

Starting July 1, 2022, you may place food scraps in your green cart. Please start on this date, as it allows the City's hauler to prepare for collections and processing of increased volume in organic material.

13. Will there be a smell in my kitchen?

 

Current participants in other cities have cited no smelly kitchens! There are many ways to alleviate smells. Some people use kitchen pails with a closed lid, some pails even have carbon/charcoal filters. Keeping the kitchen pail or food scraps in your refrigerator or freezer until collection day is an option to alleviate smell. Dumping your pail out in the green cart and rinsing it out frequently also help.

14. What kind of food scraps can I place in my pail?

Basically, If It Grows, It Goes!

15. Will the City provide kitchen pails for indoor collection?

 

Yes! To help make collection of food scraps in your kitchen easy, the City and CR&R will be distributing complimentary 2-gallon kitchen pails along with educational material beginning in June July 2022 and through the remainder of the year to single-family residential premises.

16. Where do I buy a pail?

Food scrap counter top pails can be purchased at stores like Walmart, Home Depot, and Amazon.  More easily, you can repurpose a container or bowl you have at home to collect food scraps.

17. Can I use a plastic bag? Can I use biodegradable bags?

No plastic bags are accepted.  We prefer you to use no bags at all. If you need to mitigate odor or the "yuck" factor, recycled brown paper bags are acceptable. You can use certified BPI compostable bags as well.

18. What if my green organics cart (exterior) gets really dirty or smelly?

 

We would recommend rinsing your green cart out over your lawn or another yard area to help mitigate a smelly container. Lining the cart with yard waste prior to food scraps is helpful at keeping the carts clean and odor-free. If necessary, CR&R can swap out your cart(s) for free once per year.

19. What about dirty/soiled napkins or towels? Can I place biodegradable cutlery in the green cart?

 

Dirty/soiled paper napkins or paper towels cannot be placed into the green container and must be discarded into the trash container. At this time, Biodegradable cutlery can not be discarded into the green container because throughout the state the exclusion of plastic cutlery is becoming a "best practice" in order to maintain a high quality of compost products.

20. May I continue to place yard waste in my green container?

Yes, all yard/grass clippings, gardening, and tree trimmings should still be placed in your green organics container. Please note that palm fronds and logs/stumps are NOT accepted; place these in your trash cart if they fit.

21. Will there be subsequent community workshops or town halls once the new program is implemented?

 

Yes, the City and CR&R will hold quarterly town halls through 2022 to discuss the new commingled food scraps and yard waste recycling program. Educational material will also be distributed to households and posted online to ensure everyone knows which materials to place into each of their containers.

22. Will the City host classes on home composting?

 

The City intends to provide home composting classes in the near future. Check back on the City's website/social media for updates.

23. Are residents required to donate food?

 

No, the law only requires certain businesses like grocery stores, hotels, large venues, and large restaurants to donate edible food. However, if you would like to donate, Crossline Community Church takes food donations from residents. Please check Crossline Food Pantry's donation list and contact them before donating: http://www.crosslinechurch.com/serve/food-pantry/food-pantry-needs/.

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Water Drainage

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1. How often should I clean my drains?

weekly