The Planning Division of the Community Development Department is responsible for the current and long-range planning of the City to ensure balanced physical development in accordance with the City’s adopted General Plan and to administer and enforce the City’s Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Ordinance. Administration of the ordinances includes the day to day activities of clearing Business Licenses, clearing building permit requests for zoning compliance, analyzing and writing reports for discretionary approvals at various authority levels, monitoring development for compliance with approvals or regulations, and protecting trees on private property.
The Planning Division is also responsible for Community Design through administration and use of the City’s Residential Design Guidelines, and Historic Preservation through the use of Mills Act Contracts with the City.
Apply for Planning Case
With exception to applications listed below, you may apply for all other entitlement process or building permit online through “ConnectLCF.” Be sure to review the required submittals page prior to applying to ensure you have all necessary documents to upload with your application.
You must register with your own login before applying. You may also find useful guides and tutorials under the How To dropdown menu on ConnectLCF portal.
General Plan
A City’s General Plan is the “blue print” for future development. The General Plan guides the pattern of land development, including residential, commercial and recreational uses and how to get from here to there! It describes how the City will grow or change over time, and is the mechanism by which community character is preserved and enhanced. The General Plan is the document that contains the official policies that guide the development of the City.
Private Trees
La Cañada Flintridge is a “Tree City USA.” The City Council has adopted Chapter 11.40 of the Municipal Code regarding the “Preservation, Protection and Removal of Trees” on private property. The intent is to preserve and encourage the regeneration of a healthy urban forest. Protected private property trees may only be removed by the actual homeowner or an arborist authorized by the City after approval of a Tree Removal Permit. (Which can be applied online through ConnectLCF) The City has created the Official City Tree Preservation and Protection Guidelines (21.5 MB – may require download), also available at City Hall. In addition to the Guidelines, the City Council has established a replacement tree chart and penalties for the illegal removal of trees. If you intend to plant around oak trees, please review this document from the California Oak Foundation.
Landscaping is one of the largest users of water in the City today. To conserve water and conform to the legal requirements of the State, the City has adopted a Water Efficient Landscaping Ordinance. Chapter 4.23 of the Municipal Code provides direction for the development of new or redeveloped landscape areas for residential and non-residential properties. Further resources may be found on the State Department of Water Resources website.
If you have questions or would like to report a City tree-related matter, please contact the Public Works Department at 818-790-8882 or use our online service request system. If you have questions regarding private property trees, please contact the Community Development Department at 818-790-8881 or use the online service request system.
Compatible Plants Under and Around Oak Trees
Planting Trees and Shrubs Guide
Downtown Village Specific Plan
The Downtown Village Specific Plan is a planning and design document intended to describe the kind of environment desired by the citizens of La Cañada Flintridge. The Downtown Village Specific Plan is important to the City and its residents because it will strengthen the Downtown area as the heart of the community with attractive streets, enjoyable public spaces, and lively, mixed use commercial areas.
The Specific Plan is enacted pursuant to Section 65450 et seq. of the California Government Code and other applicable laws. It is intended to provide for systematic implementation of the General Plan, as related to properties located in the area to which the La Cañada Flintridge Downtown Village Specific Plan applies.
Chapter Two: Existing Conditions
Chapter Four: Urban Design Concepts
Chapter Seven: Development Standards and Design Guidelines
Appendix 1: Conceptual Illustrations for the La Cañada Properties Site
Appendix 2: City of La Cañada Flintridge Design Options Manual
Public Hearing & Legal Notices
The projects listed in the folders below are scheduled for a public hearing in the near future.
Please be advised that communications directed to the City, its legislative bodies and their members (i.e., City Council, Planning Commission) or City staff are public records, and are subject to disclosure pursuant to the California Public Records Act and Brown Act unless exempt from disclosure under the applicable law.
If no cases are listed in the folders below, then no hearings are scheduled at this time.
Comment Period: April 1, 2021 – April 20, 2021
Planning Commission Regular Meeting April 8, 2021
1. Hillside Development Permit (HILL-2020-0019)/Second-Floor Review (DEV-2020-0052)/ Setback Modification (EXCP-2020-0011); 1459 Sugar Loaf Drive
Planning Commission Special Meeting April 15, 2021
1. Zoning Code Update – Part 11.4 Special Regulations
