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- Advising and working with the City Council, Successor Agency, and Planning and Preservation Commission on decisions concerning the development and use of land resources in the community;
- Ensuring development projects and proposed land uses are consistent with the City’s General Plan goals and objectives and comply with the City’s Zoning Code;
- Review construction proposals and conducts inspections in order to ensure that projects comply with the City’s building, health, and safety codes; and
- Enforce City and Zoning Codes.
DOWNTOWN MASTER PLAN
While the City’s ultimate goal is to facilitate the long-term success of Downtown San Fernando as a thriving, vibrant, and resilient destination for both locals and visitors, the objectives of this planning effort will be to:
- Study Downtown San Fernando;
- Engage the San Fernando community;
- Develop a community-driven vision for Downtown San Fernando; and
- Recommend strategies for how to implement the community’s vision.
After months of work, the project team will be presenting its findings from the existing conditions analysis and community outreach and engagement process from Phase 1 of the Downtown Master Plan. Join us in person or online to the learn about the findings and listen to the discussion.
Phase 1 consisted of analyzing the downtown across the broad topics of land use, mobility, economics, real estate, parking, the built environment, and the public realm. Phase 1 also consisted of various tools, meetings, and events with community members to gather input about their concerns, ideas, and aspirations for the future. Phase 1 concludes with a special joint meeting with the City Council and Planning and Preservation Commission to discuss the project team’s findings and receive input before commencing Phase 2 of the Downtown Master Plan.
What: Special Joint Meeting with the City Council and Planning and Preservation Commission
When: Monday, September 16 at 6pm. Continued to October 7, 2024. Rescheduled to a future date, yet to be determined
Where: City Council Chamber, 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, California 91340
How: In person or live stream online at YouTube.com/c/CityOfSanFernando
MULTI-UNIT HOUSING SMOKING REGULATIONS
- Smoking is prohibited in new, renewed, or extended leases for all multi-unit housing and associated outdoor exclusive-use unenclosed areas such as private balcony, deck, porch, or patio.
- Smoking is permitted inside the enclosed area of a detached unit, but no smoking is allowed in any outdoor exclusive-use unenclosed areas such as balconies, decks or patios associated with a detached unit. Smoking inside detached unit is allowed until July 7, 2027.
- Smoking is prohibited anywhere on the premises of a Multi-Unit Housing as follows.
- In all units, together with any associated outdoor exclusive-use areas such as balconies, decks, or patios; and
- In all common areas and other outdoor areas except for a Designated Smoking Area established in compliance with the Ordinance.
- Landlords or Homeowner Association (HOA) may provide Designated Smoking Area.
- Distribution of the ordinance and written notice to tenants/owners regarding smoking restrictions by July 7, 2022. (Click here to view Notice Letter Template)
- Inclusion of language prohibiting smoking in all new leases or extended/renewed leases by July 7, 2022. See sample language in the Ordinance.
- Posting of “No Smoking” signage by July 7, 2024. (Click here to view Sample Signage*)
- Removal of ash trays or similar receptacles used primarily for smoking waste in all common areas by July 7, 2024.
- Take steps to investigate and enforce the regulations, including a written notice to the resident of the landlord’s knowledge of the violation, a request to cease the violation, and the course of action to be taken if the violation is not corrected.
- Provide resources to tenants offered by the City and/or County of Los Angeles to assist with nicotine dependence, such as referrals to quitline or online resources.
*This is a sample sign only. Generic signs with the international red no-smoking symbol may be purchased off-the-shelf at many office or hardware supply stores. The Municipal Code references are not required.
To download a copy of the Ordinance, click here: ORDINANCE NO. 1710.
If you have questions about the new ordinance, please email CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org or call (818) 898-1227.
Smoking violations are considered a civil matter between individuals. However, to report violations related to signage and designated smoking areas (DSA), please contact the City of San Fernando Community Preservation Division by email at CodeEnforcement@sfcity.org or by phone at (818) 898-1227.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
POP-UP EVENTS
- Las Palmas Senior Citizen Club Dance: Saturday, June 14, 2025, 5 pm to 9 pm, at Las Palmas Park (505 S. Huntington St)
- Movies at the Park – Inside Out 2: Friday, July 18, 2025, 7 pm to 10 pm, at Recreation Park (208 Park Ave)
WORKSHOPS
- Planning Commission Workshop: Tentative August 12, 2025
- City Council Workshop: TBD
What will we do with this info? Community input will be gathered and considered in the following:
- Community Stabilization Manual to inform residents of supportive programs for tenants and homeowners to prevent displacement and affirmatively further fair housing.
- Historic Survey Update to the 2002 Historic Survey to identify eligible historic resources throughout the City to promote conversion or preservation of historic commercial buildings into housing while also promoting improvement or expansion of residential buildings to maintain quality of existing housing, neighborhoods, and health of residents.
- City-wide Residential Objective Design Standards to set design standards for each type of residential development to promote neighborhood character while streamlining the development process.
- Density Bonus Ordinance to comply with state housing law and to establish a local density bonus ordinance with potentially additional incentives, such as those that provide affordable housing for large families.
- Zoning Code and San Fernando Corridors Specific Plan 5 (SP-5) Update to allow residential land use in areas identified in the Housing Element, streamline the review process, and comply with the latest state housing laws.
- Streamline the Housing Development Process to ensure potential barriers that may hinder housing construction are removed and a smoother, more efficient approval process for housing projects.
Why are we doing this?
The City of San Fernando is implementing a Comprehensive Housing Planning Program to implement the goals and objectives of the 2021-2029 Housing Element. This effort if funded by the Regional Early Action Planning (REAP) 2.0 grant from the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG). The purpose of this program is to shape the development of critical planning documents that will guide housing production, preserve neighborhood character, and streamline city processes.
HOUSING ELEMENT
The City of San Fernando’s Housing Element of the San Fernando General Plan must be updated and certified by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) every eight years. On June 6, 2022, the City Council adopted the Housing Element for the 2021-2029 sixth cycle planning period. Subsequently, on August 9, 2022, the City received a compliance letter from the HCD, certifying that the adopted Housing Element was fully compliant with State Housing Element Law. This eight-year plan extends from October 15, 2021, through October 15, 2029.The primary purpose of the Housing Element is to identify the City’s housing needs and outline goals, policies, and programs to address them.
The Housing Element focuses on the following strategies and programs:
- Preserving and improving housing and neighborhoods.
- Providing adequate housing sites.
- Assisting in the provision of affordable housing.
- Removing governmental and other constraints to housing investment.
- Promoting fair and equal housing opportunities.
The City’s Housing Element includes the following major components:
- Demographic Analysis: An analysis of the City’s demographic, household, and housing characteristics and related housing needs (Section II).
- Constraints Review: A review of potential market, governmental, and infrastructure constraints to meeting San Fernando’s identified housing needs (Section III).
- Resource Evaluation: An evaluation of residential sites and financial and administrative resources available to address the City’s housing goals (Section IV).
Housing Plan: The Housing Plan for addressing the City’s identified housing needs, constraints, and resources; including housing goals, policies, and programs (Section V).
SAFETY ELEMENT
The Safety Element evaluates safety hazards in San Fernando, both existing and potential. It establishes policies and actions to avoid and reduce these hazards to protect the community. Topics covered in this chapter include:- Geologic and Seismic Hazards
- Dam Failure Inundation Hazards
- Peak Load Water Demand
- Hazardous Materials Hazards
- Climate Change Hazards
The Safety Element also establishes environmental justice policies and actions to reduce the disproportionate environmental burden present in San Fernando. The negative impact of environmental hazards and pollution on the San Fernando community is described across the following key focus areas:
- Pollution Exposure and Air Quality
- Public Facilities
- Safe and Sanitary Homes
- Physical Activity, Food Access, and Public Health
- Civic and Community Engagement
FINAL INITIAL STUDY-MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION
A Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) was prepared pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for the updated Housing and Safety elements. The Draft MND analyzed potential environmental impacts, included mitigation measures to mitigate any potential impacts to less than a significant level, and concluded that the project will not have a significant effect on the environment. The Draft MND was available for public review from December 16, 2021 to January 14, 2022, and three comments were received on the Draft MND. Responses to all comments received are included in the final Draft MND.PARKING MANAGEMENT MASTER PLAN
In fall 2020, the City of San Fernando launched a Citywide Parking Management Master Plan. A parking management plan is a helpful tool to assist jurisdictions comprehensively address both the location and amount of parking in specified locations. Generally, a parking management plan serves as a road map for how cities can maximize the efficiency of existing parking and support future parking needs.
BUILDING & SAFETY
BUILDING & SAFETY COUNTER HOURSIf you require in-person assistance from Building and Safety, please plan your visit during the following hours:
Monday through Thursday | 8:30 am to 12:30 pm
Please note: Immediate permit issuance can not be guaranteed. Visitors are strongly encouraged to utilize the Online Permit Counter (OPC) to submit Building Permit Applications or to upload plans for Building Plan Check.
The Building and Safety Division is responsible for:- Reviewing all construction plans to make sure they comply with City building, health and safety codes*;
- Inspecting all permitted construction projects and conducting residential property pre-sale inspections;
- Assisting with housing, fire protection, and zoning inspections and enforcement; and
- Coordinating with Los Angeles Fire Department on fire code enforcement requirements.
* The City of San Fernando enforces the code provision of the 2022 California Building Code and 2017 California Fire Code.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Community Development Department
City Hall | 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340
(818) 898-1227 | CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.orgRESIDENTIAL PROPERTY PRE-SALE INSPECTION
The City has adopted the Residential Property Pre-Sale Inspection and Report Program (“the Program”) in order to protect purchasers of residential real property within the city that may be unaware of any un-permitted construction or other unlawful conditions at the property they are considering buying.The Program requires sellers to submit a Residential Property Pre-Sale Inspection Application and obtain the resulting pre-sale inspection report before they sell any residential property. The Program applies to all residential properties within the city, with the exception of hotels, motels, mobile homes, and mobile home parks.
The Program assures that purchasers are provided with a report of city records related to the structure at the property, and of any code violations as identified by a city inspection of the property prior to the sale or exchange of residential property.
The Program is also intended to protect and promote the existence of safe residential buildings, dwelling units, and neighborhoods by the enforcement of regulations designed to correct and prevent the sale or transfer residential buildings and dwelling units that are dangerous, deficient, substandard or unsanitary.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Community Development Department
City Hall | 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340
(818) 898-1227 | CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.orgRESIDENTIAL SOLAR AND BATTERY STORAGE PERMITS
Apply for residential solar and battery storage permits instantly with Symbium today!To get started:
- Enter your address in the space bar.
- Click on the instant permitting tab.
- Answer questions and submit your permit application.
You will be able to pay for a permit and have it issued automatically.
When you are ready, contact Community Development at (818) 898-1227 or Inspector@sfcity.org for an inspection.CONTACT INFORMATION
Community Development Department
City Hall | 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340
(818) 898-1227 | CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.orgCOMMUNITY PRESERVATION
The Community Preservation Division seeks to work with residents, property owners, and businesses to enhance the quality of life and to foster civic pride by maintaining the beauty and charm of our city. The Division is charged with enforcing all City code requirements and investigating any code violation complaints.REPORTING POSSIBLE CITY CODE VIOLATIONS
- Report code violations 24-hours a day to the Community Development Department at (818) 898-1227. Staff members are available to take your calls during normal City Hall hours of operation, or a voice message may be left after hours. You may report violations anonymously and all reports are handled confidentially.
- Please make sure to include the location and a description of the violation. If you would like a call back, please leave your name and telephone number.
- The Division’s goal is to conduct an initial inspection within one working day of receipt of your call. However, if the code violation creates a potential emergency, please contact the San Fernando Police Department at (818) 898-1267.
A documented City Code violation can result in a warning, notice of compliance, fine, and even legal action.FOSTERING BUSINESS EXCELLENCEThe Community Preservation Division is committed to fostering a thriving business environment in San Fernando. As part of this commitment, the City is launching a Proactive Code Enforcement Program for commercial properties, designed to support property maintenance, ensure compliance with local codes, and enhance the overall appeal of our business corridors.
Key focus areas of this program include:
- Exterior Maintenance: Well-maintained facades, signage, and landscaping improve customer perception.
- Clean & Safe Premises: Proper waste disposal, graffiti removal, and clear walkways enhance accessibility.
- Permit Compliance: Ensuring structures meet local safety and zoning requirements and have valid business licenses.
You are invited to participate in an upcoming Code Compliance Workshop on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 8:30am, or Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 6:00pm, in the City Hall Council Chamber, located at 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando. Staff will share information on city codes, answer questions regarding the enforcement process, and share available support resources.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Community Development Department
City Hall | 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340
(818) 898-1227 | CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.orgYARD SALE PERMITS
City of San Fernando residents are permitted two Yard Sale Permits (per address, per calendar year), in the following three options:ONE
THREE DAY PERMIT
$10
Friday, Saturday, Sunday
TWO
CONSECUTIVE WEEKENDS
$10
Saturday/Sunday and Saturday/Sunday
TWO
NON-CONSECUTIVE WEEKENDS
$5 Each Weekend
Limited to Saturdays and Sundays
Residents that wish to conduct a yard sale on the weekend may come in Monday through Friday prior to the weekend of the yard sale.CONTACT INFORMATION
Community Development Department
City Hall | 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340
(818) 898-1227 | CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.orgNEIGHBORHOOD CLEAN-UP! PROGRAM
The Neighborhood Clean-Up! Program is aimed at improving the overall cleanliness and well-being of San Fernando’s neighborhoods. This program is designed to offer qualifying residents a free, one-time service to help improve the outer appearance of their homes and neighborhoods. Funding is provided by the City of San Fernando’s participation in the Los Angeles Urban County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. Assistance is available until funds are available.ELIGIBILITY
- Must be a resident of the City of San Fernando (proof of residency required)
- Complete a brief self-certifying form
- Assistance is available on a first-come, first-served basis
¡PROGRAMA LIMPIEZA DE VECINDARIO!
El programa La Limpieza de Vecindario! tiene como objetivo mejorar la limpieza y bienestar en general de los vecindarios de la Ciudad. Este programa está diseñado para ofrecer un servicio gratuito único para asistirles en remover vegetación que ha crecido demasiado y asistirles en mejorar la apariencia exterior de sus viviendas y comunidad a los residentes que califiquen. Los fondos son proveídos por la participación de la Ciudad de San Fernando en El Programa de Subsidio Globales para el Desarrollo Comunitario (CDBG). La asistencia está disponible hasta que los fondos estén disponibles.ELEGIBILIDAD
- Debe de ser residente de la Ciudad de San Fernando (se requiere prueba de residencia)
- Llenar un formulario breve de auto certificación
- Asistencia disponible en orden de llegadaFavor de entregar todas las solicitudes en persona en el ayuntamiento o por correo electrónico a ARodriguez@sfcity.org.
CONTACT INFORMATIONAndrew Rodriguez, Community Preservation Officer
(818) 898-1227 | ARodriguez@sfcity.org
City Hall | 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340
PLANNING
NEW PLANNING COUNTER HOURS (EFFECTIVE 6/21/22)If you require in-person assistance from Planning, please plan your visit during the following hours:
Monday through Wednesday | 8 am to 12 pm | Or by Appointment
To obtain zoning information and application materials, please visit the:
- Applications and Resources section to download the relevant documents;
OR
- Zoning Information Portal
Otherwise, please come prepared with questions or your submittal package, including two (2) architectural plan sets and a completed application.
The Planning Division is responsible for guiding the future growth and development of the community consistent with the City’s General Plan, specific plans, and zoning and subdivision ordinances.The Planning Division provides City support to the City Council, the Housing Successor and Successor Agency of the City’s former Redevelopment Agency, and the Planning and Preservation Commission.
CONTACT INFORMATIONCommunity Development Department
(818) 837-1227 | CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org
City Hall | 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340
CLIMATE ACTION AND RESILIENCE PLAN
HELP CREATE SAN FERNANDO’S FIRST CLIMATE ACTION AND RESILIENCE PLAN!The City of San Fernando’s Climate Action and Resilience Plan (CARP) will provide a roadmap for the City to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and enhance its resilience to climate change impacts. The CARP consists of two phases, each contributing essential steps to a comprehensive climate strategy.
What is Climate Change?
Climate change, largely driven by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, leads to increased levels of GHG in the atmosphere. These gases trap heat, contributing to global warming and triggers changes in weather patterns, extreme heat events, wildfires, droughts, and more.
About the Plan
Phase I (Completed in early 2024): Funded by a grant from the Southern California Gas Company (SCG), this phase involved a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Vulnerability Assessment to identify key climate challenges for San Fernando.
Phase II (Started in Spring 2024, will be completed by Spring 2026): Funded by the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation[1], will build on Phase I insights and focus on mitigation and adaptation strategies to protect San Fernando’s infrastructure, community and ecosystems.
[1] The Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) was renamed the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI).
The CARP will integrate both Mitigation (reducing GHG emissions) and Adaptation (building resilience against climate impacts) strategies:
- Climate Adaptation: Focuses on enhancing the City’s resilience to extreme weather, wildfires, and other climate-related events.
- Climate Mitigation: Targets GHG reductio by lowering fossil fuel use in city buildings, facilities, vehicles, and water infrastructure.
CARP will also promote actions that support both goals, such as increasing green spaces, expanding solar energy, weatherizing buildings, and conserving natural lands, which contribute to resilience while reducing GHG emissions.
Why it matters?The City of San Fernando faces a rising risk of climate hazards like intense rainstorms, flooding, heat waves, droughts, and wildfires, all of which can impact public health and local air quality. The CARP aims to address these risks with proactive strategies to safeguard community wellbeing and economic stability.
Get involved by joining us shape San Fernando’s climate future!
Calendar of meetings and events:
- Planning 101 Series, Workshop No. 1 : September 28, 2024, 11:00 am, San Fernando Recreation Park (208 Park Ave)
- Tribal Community Meeting: November 14, 2024, 1:00 pm, virtual – invitation only
- Community Meeting No. 1 , Existing Conditions and Climate Vulnerabilities: November 16, 2024, 9:00 am, Las Palmas Park, Arts & Crafts Room (505 S Huntington St)
- Walkshop No. 1 : Postponed to January 18, 2025, Location TBDUpcoming dates to be determined:
- Walkshops No. 2, No. 3 and No. 4: January – February 2025
- Planning 101 Series, Workshop No. 2: March, 8 2025
- Community Meeting No. 2: March 2025
- Advisory Group Meeting No. 1: March 2025
- Advisory Group Meeting No. 2: May 2025
- Planning 101 Series, Workshop No. 3: July 2025
- Community Meeting No. 2: August 2025
- Advisory Group Meeting No. 3: August 2025
- City Council Meeting: April 2026
Interested in playing a larger role in the project? Check out information on the City’s Climate Coalition below!
Links to background materials:
CONTACT INFORMATIONCommunity Development Department
(818) 837-1227 | CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org
City Hall | 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340
ZONING CODE UPDATES
IMPORTANT ZONING CODE UPDATESThe City of San Fernando’s Zoning Code has a new look!
CLICK HERE to download the new zoning code
The Zoning Code reflects the following:
- A reorganization and clean up for the purposes of creating a clear, consistent and well-organized document.
- Implement Housing Element programs.
- Codify City policies and procedures.
- Incorporate development standards for specific land uses.
- Establishes city-wide landscape standards and tree preservation.
CONTACT US
If you have questions or need assistance, please reach out to the Planning Division at (818) 898-1227 or CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org or visit us at the Community Development Department in San Fernando City Hall (117 Macneil).
CONTACT INFORMATIONCommunity Development Department
(818) 837-1227 | CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org
City Hall | 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340
OUTDOOR DINING
THE OUTDOOR DINING ORDINANCE IS HERE!Outdoor dining is a vibrant and essential part of our community. To ensure a safe, enjoyable, and accessible experience for everyone, we’ve developed clear standards for businesses and residents. Whether you’re setting up outdoor dining on private property or on the sidewalk, these regulations provide the necessary steps to comply with city standards.
Our goal is to balance the needs of businesses, patrons, and the public, while maintaining safety, cleanliness, and accessibility. From permit requirements to seating arrangements, our guidelines are designed to help you create inviting outdoor spaces while respecting city rules.
CONTACT US
For outdoor dining on the sidewalk contact Public Works Engineering at (818) 898-1222 or publicworks@sfcity.org.
CONTACT INFORMATIONCommunity Development Department
(818) 837-1227 | CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org
City Hall | 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340
LAWN REPLACEMENT
NEW LANDSCAPE REGULATIONS ARE HERE!The landscape ordinance:
- Permanently prohibits artificial turf as part of landscaping.
- Preserves native trees.
- Promotes native and drought tolerant plants and trees compliant with MWD rebate programs.
- Implement recommendations of the City’s Urban Forestry Management Plan to maintain or increase the City’s tree canopy on private property.WHAT CHANGED?
Single family residential properties are required to provide a minimum of 50% of the front yard area with live landscaping. Proposed requirements include 20% of the lot to be landscaped including 50% of any street facing yard area. Mature and heritage trees are to be preserved or replaced.
CURRENT PROPOSED 
Commercial and industrial properties, outside of the SP-5 zone, require parking lot with 25 or more parking spaces to be landscaped and require 50% of front yard areas to be landscaped. Requirements for commercial and industrial properties SP-5 requirements of one tree for every 4 parking stalls in a parking lot, a 5 foot landscape buffer between a parking area and the street and 50% of street side setback areas to be landscaped. This is illustrated below.
LANDSCAPE RESOURCES
- San Fernando Front Yard Design Manual – Every Last Drop: Custom, affordable front yard designs at your fingertips produced by Master of Landscape Architecture candidates at Cal Poly Pomona
- Parkway Design Guide
TIPS
- Los Angeles County Handbook – The Drought Tolerant Garden
- Greengardens Group Events Page – GreenGardensGroup.com/g3-events
- BeWaterWise – Turf Rebate Program
- Turf Replacement and Tree Planting Rebate Program
CONTACT INFORMATIONCommunity Development Department
(818) 837-1227 | CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org
City Hall | 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340
CITY ZONING & LAND USE MAPS
Click on any of the links below for specific maps within the City of San Fernando that may interest you.APPLICATIONS & RESOURCES
APPLICATIONS
RESOURCES
- GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENTSDESIGN GUIDELINESREDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREAS & PLANS
2018 SCAG Sustainability Award
CONTACT US
CITY HALL | Community Development Department
117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340
(818) 898-1227 | CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org
