LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE — The City Council will hold a public hearing Tuesday on the first comprehensive zoning code update since its 1976 incorporation.
The hearing will take place during a special meeting at 4 p.m., followed by the council's regular meeting at 6.
The regular meeting agenda includes a proposed municipal code amendment addressing density bonus regulations and discussion and selection of a pathway under the Clean Power Alliance's Energized Communities "Pathways to Electrification" program.
The zoning update would overhaul regulations the city adopted from Los Angeles County upon incorporation. Since then, the code has been revised through individual changes to chapters and sections.
The project is intended to bring the zoning code and map into alignment with the city's General Plan, adopted in January 2013, while incorporating city policies, addressing identified concerns and improving usability, officials said. The proposed code update also addresses state law requirements.
On Sept. 10, the Planning Commission voted 5-0 to recommend council adoption of the fourth public review draft, with revisions involving accessory dwelling units, athletic field lighting and urban dwellings.
The recommended revisions clarify accessory dwelling unit requirements, add provisions governing athletic field lighting and identify that lighting as an accessory use, officials said. The proposed update also retains urban dwelling provisions consistent with the existing code.
Planning commissioners said years of discussion and numerous meetings had prepared the proposal for council review. They acknowledged that future amendments would be needed to address changes in state law and local priorities.
The city hired consultants in 2025 to complete the update. The Planning Commission reviewed drafts at four meetings earlier this year, including a July 23 discussion of proposed basement regulations for residential properties. Earlier outreach included public workshops with a code users group, a mayor's committee and the commission.
At an Oct. 6 workshop, the council discussed proposed zoning code and map changes, related General Plan amendments, a new municipal code title governing subdivisions and changes to business licensing regulations.
Following preliminary council acceptance, the city plans to seek a consultant to prepare environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act. Staff would also prepare related General Plan and municipal code amendments.
The council could approve the code update and accompanying zone map following the completion of an environmental review. New permits would become available through ConnectLCF once the ordinance takes effect.
Information about participating in council meetings is available on the city's website. The site offers online viewing of meetings, which also can be viewed on Charter or Spectrum channels 3 or 16, as well as access to the current zoning code.
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