Show All Answers

1. Do I need a business license?

The City of Rancho Santa Margarita does not issue business licenses, however, a Certificate of Use and Occupancy is required for any businesses located within the commercial retail centers and the Business Park. For more information, please visit the License and Certification Requirements page.

2. Can I run a business out of my home?

You may, provided that you following the Zoning Code. For more information, please visit the License and Certification Requirements page.

3. When is the Public Counter open?

A planner is available at the front counter from 8 a.m. - Noon and 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. between Monday - Thursday. On Fridays, the counter is open from 8 a.m. - Noon on Fridays.

4. How do I find the zoning designation or other information about a particular property or parcel?

You can gather plenty of information about a property by using the City's GIS application. Simply enter the address, tract/lot number or assessor parcel parcel number (APN) into the system. Additionally, you can contact a planner at City Hall at 949-635-1800. Be sure to have an address, tract/lot number, or assessor parcel number (APN). For more information, please visit the GIS and Maps page.

5. What do I need to do to install new signs for my business?

You must follow the City's sign requirements. To view the sign requirements, please visit the Sign Permits page.

6. I want to start a business in the City. What do I do?

The City has compiled a step-by-step process on the Starting a Business page.

7. How do I apply for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP)?

To apply for a Conditional Use Permit, please visit the Conditional Use Permits page.

8. How do I provide comments/concerns on a development project during the review process?

You may provide written comments/concerns on any development project during the review process. These comments may be mailed, faxed or emailed to the City's Development Services Department. You are welcome to voice your concerns to the Planning Commission directly at the Public Meeting when the project is made into an agenda.

The Planning Commission meets the 1st Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Agendas for the Planning Commission are posted on the City's website at least 72 hours prior to the scheduled meeting day. Staff reports are available to the public at that time, as well. For contact information, please visit the Development Services Department page.

9. How can I find out what is planned for a given property in the City?

Contact the Development Services Department at 949-635-1800.

10. How do I apply for a liquor license?

A license to serve or sell alcohol requires a Conditional Use Permit from the City and a permit from the State Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). To obtain a Conditional Use Permit, please visit the Conditional Use Permits page.

11. How do I apply for a permit to modify my parking requirements, setbacks, height limits, etc?

Modified requirements may be granted either through the approval of an Alternative Development Standard (for minor modifications) or through a Variance (for major modifications). For more information, please visit the Alternative Development Standards & Variances page

12. How do I obtain a Special Event Permit?

A Special Event Permit is a temporary outdoor use that extends beyond the normal uses and standards allowed by the Zoning Code. For more information, please visit the Special Events page.

13. What are my setbacks?

A setback is the area or distance between a building or other structure and the property line, or if the property abuts a street, the ultimate right-of-way line. Setbacks are different in each zoning district. In order to find out what the setbacks are for a particular property ,a planner will help determine the zoning and setbacks for that property. A specific address, Assessor Parcel Number (APN), and/or tract and lot number are required for obtaining this information. Contact the Planning Division at 949-635-1800 for setback information. Additionally, this information is available in Title 9 of the Municipal Code.

14. What current planning projects are currently in the works?

A list of all current planning project proposals is available on the Planning Projects page.

15. What is a zoning ordinance?

A zoning ordinance is the local law adopted by the governing body to assure orderly development according to specific standards established for the general public welfare and to implement the comprehensive plan. A zoning ordinance may govern the types of permitted land uses, the maximum density or minimum lot size, building heights, setbacks, and more. The City's Zoning Ordinance is located in Title 9 of the Municipal Code.

16. Where can I obtain information about the City's affordable housing programs?

Please visit the Affordable Housing page.