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Planning Department - Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of the most frequently asked questions that the Planning Department receives separated into two sections:
| FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT |
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1. What is the function of the Planning Department?
The Planning Department serves a critical role in achieving the City's goals and objectives relative to the physical development of the community. To achieve this, the Department's staff applies the development and design standards as described in the General Plan and the Development Code. Afer conducting a thorough analysis of a proposed project, the department's staff then provides recommendations to the Planning Department, the Planning Commission and the City Council. Because development is a team effort, the Department coordinates activities between the other departments including Engineering (Public Works), Engineering (Traffic), Fire Construction Services (FCS), Building and Safety, and the Police to ensure that development is safe, orderly, of the highest architectural standard, and conducive to the business community. Feel free to contact the Planning Department; we will be happy to answer any questions that you may have.
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2. Where is the Planning Department located?
We are located on the Plaza Level of the Civic Center located at:
10500 Civic Center Drive
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
The Civic Center is on the northeast corner of Haven Avenue and Civic Center Drive, one block south of Foothill Boulevard and one block north of Arrow Route. From the San Bernardino Freeway (I-10), exit at Haven Avenue and drive north -OR- from the Foothill Freeway (SR-210), exit at Haven Avenue and drive south.
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3. What are the Planning Department's hours?
Civic Center hours, including those of the Planning Department, are Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Note that public hearings such as Planning Commission, and special meetings, such as Design Review Committee (DRC), occur after regular hours - contact the Planning Department for dates and times.
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4. How do I contact the Planning Department?
Telephone: (909) 477-2750
Fax: (909) 477-2847
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5. Who is the best person to discuss a particular type of project or location?
The Planning Department is comprised of numerous planners who are assigned projects based on current workload and experience. Thus, a Planner is not assigned to a specific part of the City. In general, begin by speaking to a Counter Planner and explain to him or her your proposal. That person can usually answer the introductory questions and, if necessary, forward you to the appropriate person for more 'in-depth' discussion.
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1. What is the Zoning and General Plan designation of my property?
Zoning and General Plan designations vary throughout the City. These designations establish the type and intensity of development and land uses allowed on a property. To find out the Zoning and General Plan designations for your property contact the Planning Department with your street address and/or Tax Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN). The Planner will then search for the property in our computer records and find out the this information. As the City has several Specific/Community Plans governing different parts of the City, if the property in question is within one of those areas, he will tell you that as well.
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2. What do the different Zoning designations mean?
The designations identify the general type of land use or density of development that is permitted in the zone. For example, General Industrial District identifies the zone as an area where relatively light industrial and office uses are permitted and is abbreviated as "GI". Another example is Low Residential District which identifies the zone as an area where low density residential development is permitted. The the density range in this case is two to four dwelling units per acre (2-4 du/ac). The abbreviation for this zone is "L". There are numerous zoning designations, land uses, and density levels - for a comprehensive list and description of them, please contact us.
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3. Is there a map showing all of these different Zones?
A Zoning Map is available for your review at the Planning Department's Public Information Counter during business hours. If you need a map for your business or for research purposes, you can purchase one for a fee.
Note: At this time, the Zoning Map is not available online.
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4. What are they doing at _______?
We will often receive inquiries regarding activity occurring at a particular location. The best way to get an answer will be to call us at (909) 477-2750. If possible, please note the address of the location (or the address of a nearby property). If that is not available, the names of the nearest intersecting streets can be very helpful. Often a developer will have a Notice of Filing sign erected that will have important information on it. Write it down and give this information to the Planner so that he can quickly research the question.
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5. I have comments regarding a project - who do I speak to?
If you have comments, concerns, or suggestions about a particular project, you can contact us to find out who is the project planner that is assigned and discuss it with him/her. Furthermore, you can participate in the public hearing process. For more information, click here.
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6. How do I obtain a Land Use Verification Letter?
To obtain a Land Use Verification Letter (sometimes referred to as a Zoning Letter) for a specific property address or parcel, please submit a written request and mail it to the Planning Department. You may also visit the Planning Department Public Information Counter and submit your written request in person. There is a fee for this letter - contact us to determine the fee. The Planning Department’s policy is to complete your request within 10 working days.
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7. Home businesses: What is required to operate a business out of my home?
A business operating out of a residence is called a Home Occupation and requires the review and approval of a Home Occupation Permit (HOP) and a Business License. To qualify the business must meet all of the requirements listed in Section 17.04.060 of the Development Code.
To download a Home Occupation Permit application click here.
Typically, a Home Occupation Permit can be reviewed and approved over-the-counter by one of our Planners assigned to the public information counter. However, under some circumstances, it may be necessary for us to visit the proposed location or ask for additional information regarding your proposed home business. In those cases, it may take about 4-5 working days.
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8. Signs: What is required to install a sign for my business?
The majority of signs require the review and approval of a Sign Permit. The Planning Department will review the sign permit application to verify that the proposed sign(s) comply with the City's Sign Ordinance that governs all signs in the City. For more information, including a list of exempt and prohibited signs, refer to Title 14 of Rancho Cucamonga's Municipal Code.
To download a Sign Permit application click here.
In addition to the Sign Ordinance, signs may be regulated by a Uniform Sign Program. These 'programs' govern the size, location, and quantity that each tenant is permitted to have in a commercial, office, or industrial center. There may be additional regulations on the sign such as colors and fonts. Note that not all locations have a Uniform Sign Program; before coming in, please check with the property owner or contact the Planning Department to find out if there is one governing your business location.
To view/download the Uniform Sign Programs Map click here. To view the list of Uniform Sign Programs click here.
Note: the map was updated April 2007 and may not reflect the most recently approved Uniform Sign Programs. Contact us for more information.
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9. Trees: What is required to remove a tree that is located on my property?
The removal or relocation of a Heritage tree on private property requires the review and approval of a Tree Removal Permit before removal or relocation. "Heritage trees" means any tree, shrub, or plant that meets at least one of the following criteria:
- All Eucalyptus windrows; or
- All woody plants in excess of 15 feet in height and having a single trunk circumference of 15 inches or more, as measured 24 inches from ground level; or
- Multi-trunk tree(s) having a total circumference of 30 inches or more, as measured 24 inches from ground level; or
- A strand of trees the nature of which makes each dependent upon the others for survival; or
- Any other tree as may be deemed historically or culturally significant by the Planning Director because of size, condition, location, or aesthetic qualities.
Exemptions: Fruit or nut bearing trees, trees in public right-of-way where their removal or relocation is necessary to obtain adequate line-of-sight for motorists as required by City Engineer, trees which City Engineer has determined will damage existing public improvements, and trees which require maintenance or removal to protect existing electrical power or communication lines or other utility property.
The Planning Department will review the request to determine if on-site conditions warrant the removal or relocation of the subject tree(s). In order to ensure an accurate review, a staff member will visit the propery and document the condition of the tree(s). If six (6) or more trees are proposed to be removed or relocated, the City is required to notify the property owners whose properties adjoin the subject property and allow them ten (10) calendar days to submit comments, if any. If the applicant is permitted to remove a tree, a new replacement tree is generally required as a condition of approval.
For more information refer to Title 19 of Rancho Cucamonga's Municipal Code.
To download a Tree Removal Permit application click here.
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10. Room Additions: What is required to construct an addition to my home?
Construction on your property will require review and approval by various departments in addition to the Planning Department. The Planning Department's area of responsibility will be to verify that the proposed addition (whether it is a patio cover, an enclosed addition to the house, accessory structure, or a basic remodel) complies with the development standards (setbacks, lot coverage, height limits, etc.) and architectural requirements that apply in your home's development/zoning district.
The Planning Department will need the following, at a minimum, to ensure an accurate review: a Site Plan, a Floor Plan(s), Elevations, and a Roof Plan. If grading is proposed, a Grading Plan may also be required. All drawings must be "to scale" with dimensions and the appropriate information relating to color, finish, and materials. Once you have completed preparing your plans, you will be required to submit them to the Building and Safety Department. To determine the processing time, applicable fees, and submittal requirements, contact the Building and Safety Department at (909) 477-2710.
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11. Walls/Fences: What are the requirements and limitations for building a wall/fence?
Screen (garden) walls and fences:
- Screen (garden) walls and fences up to 6 feet in height (measured from finished grade) are permitted in the side and rear yard areas of your property. On corner lots, fences and walls up to 6 feet high are permitted to enclose the rear or back yard.
- Screen (garden) walls and fences up to 6 feet in height (measured from finished grade) are permitted in the front yard area of the property ONLY if the top 3 feet of the wall or fence is 90% "see through" or open such as wrought iron. The front yard is defined as the area of the property within the required front setback area. This area varies in size depending on the development/zoning district classification of your property - contact the Department for specific information.
Retaining walls:
- In most areas of the City, retaining walls up to 6 feet in height (measured from finished grade) are permitted in the side and rear yard areas of your property. In the Hillside Overlay, the maximum height of retaining walls is 4 feet.
- Retaining walls up to 3 feet in height (measured from finished grade) are permitted in the front yard area of the property. The front yard is defined as the area of the property within the required front setback area. This area varies in size depending on the development/zoning district classification for your property - contact the Department for specific information.
Note #1: Per Section 17.08.090.C.6.f of the Development Code, walls/fences along the corner side of a property must be at least 5 feet from the inside edge of the public sidewalk located along the street. If there is no sidewalk, then the wall must be at least 5 feet from the right-of-way line. Exceptions to this requirement may be granted in neighborhoods where this 5-foot separation does not exist.
Note #2: Per Section 17.08.090.C.6 of the Development Code, walls visible to the public must be constructed of decorative block such as slumpstone or split-face -OR- they must be decoratively finished with stucco or real river rock. Exceptions to these requirements, such as the use of bare concrete blocks, may be granted if the walls on surrounding properties are also constructed of concrete blocks.
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12. Where is my property line?
Contact the Engineering (Public Works) Department to find out which tract your property, or the property you are interested in, is located. Once this has been determined, the Engineering Department's staff will locate the applicable recorded tract map in their files and provide it to you for your review. For a reproduction fee, they can also make you a copy.
This record tract map will, among other things, show your property with the dimensions of your lot and any equestrian, utility, drainage, and/or access easements. As an alternative, you can check your property deed for the "legal description" that describes the boundaries of your lot.
Note: DO NOT assume that a fence or wall is on the property line. You may need to hire a land surveyor who will determine and mark the location of your property lines.
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This page was updated on May 23, 2007. Questions or comments? Please e-mail me.
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