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1. I am buying a property or a business. Do I need any permits or approvals from the City?

The City does not regulate the acquisition of property or change of ownership for a business. However, it is advisable to ensure that your plans for the property or any change in business operations are consistent with the zoning ordinance. For more information, contact a planner at (949) 461-3491.

2. Does the City require a permit for trimming or removal of eucalyptus trees?

The City has a vast quantity of beautiful eucalyptus trees and these trees are endangered by the presence of the eucalyptus longhorn borer beetle. The control of infestation by this beetle can be helped by regulating the maintenance of such trees in a healthy and nonhazardous condition through good arboricultural practices and by limiting the transportation and cutting of eucalyptus trees or logs between April 1 and October 31.

Between April 1 and October 31 of each year, a Eucalyptus Tree Cutting Permit is required to prune, cut branches from, top, or cut down any eucalyptus tree within the City or to transport on the City’s streets any logs, branches, or trunk of a eucalyptus tree.

Certain Homeowner’s Associations (Lake Forest Community Association, Lake Forest II Master Association and Serrano Park Community Association) have obtained an Annual Master Permit, which allows the association to regulate the trimming/cutting of eucalyptus trees in their jurisdictions. Residents in these Associations should contact their Associations and do not require a City permit. For questions, contact Amanda Lauffer at (949) 461-3491.

For a permit application and additional regulations, click here.

3. What is an encroachment permit and who has to obtain one?

Encroachment permits are required from property owners and utility companies for any work conducted in the public right-of-way. The public right-of-way mainly includes streets and sidewalks; just think of it as any public area that is adjacent to your home. For any improvements or any situation where you or your contractor plans to encroach upon the public right-of-way, (such as concrete work, brick work, landscaping, and including storing or placing anything in the street/sidewalk/public area during construction), an encroachment permit is required in advance. For more information, contact Jonathan Poole, Engineering Technician, at (949) 461-3487 or submit a ticket at Ask Lake Forest here.

4. Where can I view previous building permits and plans for my home or business?

Electronic records are available for viewing at City Hall. Stop by the City Clerk’s Division, located on the 1st floor, to access records from a city computer. Imaged documents include building plans, building permits, as well as public works documents. These documents are not accessible online from your home computer or other personal electronic devices.