Zoning Code Update

City of La Cañada Flintridge Zoning Code

The effective La Cañada Flintridge Zoning Code, at this time, can be found here: Title 11: Zoning – City of La Canada Flintridge, CA.

Upon the incorporation of the City of La Cañada Flintridge in 1976, the City Council adopted the County of Los Angeles’ Zoning Code as its own code. The Zoning Code has never been comprehensively updated; only ad hoc updates of chapters and sections have occurred as issues were raised.

After the La Cañada Flintridge General Plan was updated (adopted in January 2013), the City was required to update the Zoning Code and Zoning Map for consistency with the General Plan.

When the update process was initiated, several workshops were held to solicit early direction, including two public workshops with a Code User’s Group and one with a Mayor’s Committee. Additionally, the Planning Commission has held four public workshops between November 8, 2016 and April 11, 2017 to discuss and provide direction regarding several key policy issues and review draft language proposed by Staff.

In 2025, the La Cañada Flintridge Planning Division hired consultants to complete the comprehensive update of the City Zoning Code (Title 11 of the LCFMC, Chapters 1-7), to codify city policies, respond to identified issues and concerns, incorporate contemporary planning practices, improve usability, and provide consistency. Additionally, all zones, administration, permits, and other relevant sections have been updated to comply with state law through 2026.

In 2026, the Draft Zoning Code (updates to Title 11) has been presented to Planning Commission four times, on January 22, February 12, June 25, and July 23. Following each meeting, The Planning Commission’s direction regarding the topics discussed have been incorporated into the draft updated Zoning Code.

On July 23 Planning Commission considered options for new basement regulations for residential properties, presented by the Planning Division and consultants. The next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled to take place in September. The Planning Commission will be considering the 4th draft of the Zoning Code, which will incorporate revisions based on Planning Commission discussions, for recommendation to City Council.

On Sept. 10, the Planning Commission voted 5-0 to recommend the City Council adopt the 4^th Public Review draft of the Zoning Code Update, with the following revisions:

• Minor clarification of Accessory Dwelling Unit requirements contained within §11.4.006.C.1
• New language associated with athletic field lighting to be included within §11.5.05.005 subsections (H) and (I)
• Amendment of Table 11.3.02-1 to include athletic field lighting as an accessory use
• The inclusion of Urban Dwellings as Chapter 11.4.11 consistent with the current adopted code and the renumbering of the remaining chapters within Part 11.4

The Planning Commission stated that the City had spent a number of years and numerous meetings discussing the update in depth.  While there were always issues that could be discussed further, it was time for the City Council to review and make a decision on the comprehensive update.  It was understood that amendments to the code would occur in the future to implement changes in state law or change the community and City Council believe appropriate.

Anticipated next steps:

1. Workshop with the City Council (anticipated on Oct. 6), discussing:
   • Major changes to Zoning Code and associate Zoning Map
   • Necessary changes to the General Plan for consistency
   • New Title 12 (Subdivisions) to Municipal Code
   • Changes to Title 6 (Business Licenses and Regulation)

2. Once there is a preliminary acceptance by the City Council of the code update, an RFP will be prepared to engage a CEQA consultant to prepare the necessary environmental review for the Zoning Code Update.
3. Concurrent with preparation of environmental review, staff will prepare necessary updates to General Plan and other sections of Municipal Code and have those adopted by the City Council.
4. Upon completion of the environmental review,  the Zoning Code Update and associated Zoning Map can be adopted by the City Council.
5. New permits will be activated in ConnectLCF once the ordinance is effective.

City Council will review the Planning Commission’s recommendations at an upcoming workshop on Oct. 6 at 4 p.m.

• Zoning Code Update Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
• Zoning Code Update Overview Flyer (PDF)
• Single-Family (R1) Residential Zoning Code Update Flyer (PDF)
• Multi-Family (R3) Residential Zoning Code Update Flyer (PDF)
• Fences and Gates for Single-Family Homes Zoning Code Update Flyer (PDF)
• Hillside Development Zoning Code Update Flyer (PDF)
• Outdoor Lighting Standards Zoning Code Update Flyer (PDF)