Current Projects and Recent Decisions

Updated as of July 2, 2020

Most decisions are effective 15 days after the date of the City’s Notice of Decision unless an appeal is filed.

Administrative approvals by the Director of Community Development may be appealed to the Planning Commission. Planning Commission decisions may be appealed to the City Council. Any appeal must set forth in writing the specific grounds for the appeal and be directed to the City Clerk. Refer to the Municipal Code for more information regarding the appeals process, or contact the City Clerk at (949) 461-3420.

For information on a specific project, please contact the planner assigned to that project.

Planner Title Phone Email
Gayle Ackerman, AICP
 Director of Community Development (949) 461-3463 Email Gayle Ackerman
Niki Wetzel, AICP Assistant Director of Community Development (949) 461-3479 Email Niki Wetzel
Ron Santos
 Senior Planner (949) 461-3449 Email Ron Santos
Marie Luna Senior Planner (949) 461-3466 Email Marie Luna
Jennifer Mansur, AICP
 Associate Planner (949) 461-3472 Email Jennifer Mansur
Amanda Lauffer
 Associate Planner (949) 461-3491 Email Amanda Lauffer

Current Projects

View a list of projects (PDF) that the Planning Division is currently processing. 

Mountain View Affordable Housing Community

Public Comment Period: June 12, 2020 to July 13 ,2020

Initial Study - Mitigated Negative Declaration & Appendices (PDF)

Project Description:

This project is a request to demolish the existing office building located at 24551 Raymond Way and construct a 71-unit affordable housing apartment complex on the proposed 1.965 acre site. The proposed Project requires approval of a General Plan Amendment, Zone Change, Tentative Parcel Map, Site Development Permit, Affordable Housing Agreement, and Planned Sign Program. The Project proposes to provide affordable units to households earning less than 60% of the Area Median Income, of which 12 of the units will be set aside for Permanent Supporting Housing. A more detailed project description is included in the Initial Study.

To submit your comments, and for questions regarding the Mitigated Negative Declaration, contact:

NAME: Niki Wetzel                                                                                         

TITLE: Assistant Director of Community Development                                

ADDRESS: 100 Civic Center Drive, Lake Forest, CA 92630

PHONE: 949.461.3479

EMAIL: nwetzel@lakeforestca.gov   

In accordance with the CEQA guidelines, any comments concerning the findings of the proposed Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration must be submitted in writing and received by the City no later than 5:00 PM on July 13, 2020, in order to be considered prior to the City’s final determination on the project. Should you decide to challenge this project, you may be limited to the issues raised during this public review period.


Recent Decisions

The following table is a list of recent decisions and corresponding appeal periods, when applicable.

Project Number Planner Admin/
Planning Commission
 Description Address Applicant Status
ZC 10-19-5314 RS PC Ordinance amending various sections of LFMC, including: 9.04.030 – Definitions; 9.72.090 – Land Use Matrix; 9.72.100 – Non-Residential Building Setbacks; 9.144.070.1 – Model Homes for Sales and Rentals; 9.144.080.4 – Swimming Pools and Other Equipment; 9.144.080 – Accessory Uses and Structures; 9.146.050 – Accessory Dwelling Units; 9.164.070 – Minor Planned Sign Program; Table 9.164.110A – Temporary Signs Permitted; 9.168.040 – Residential Off-street Parking Requirements; and 9.168.070 – Off-street Parking Requirements, and adding 9.142 Donation Collection Boxes.  Citywide City of Lake Forest Planning Commission recommended approval to City Council on May 7, 2020. City Council public hearing to be held in July 7, 2020.