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Website Personalization Now Available!

By clicking “Log In” on the MyDashboard bar at the top of the screen, users may create a login for the site or use their Facebook profile to access MyDashboard. Once logged in, visitors can choose the modules, features and keywords that they’d like to see...Read on...

Apply Today to join our Recreation Team

Recreation Leaders provide hands-on support for the classes, programs, and private events held at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center and the various community events offered throughout the year in Rancho Santa Margarita.

This is a permanent, part-time position (less than 30 hours per week) with flexible scheduling options. The pay rate varies between $15 - $20 per hour, depending on the qualifications of the selected applicant(s). 

If you’d like to be pa...

Circulation Element of General Plan Undergoing Update

While the City adopted a comprehensive update to the General Plan in 2020 and updated the 2021-2029 Housing Element, the Circulation Element is the one remaining element that has not been updated since 2014.

The City is in the process of updating the General Plan’s Circulation Element and has hired Kittelson and Associates to assist with this project.

A dedicated webpage for the Circulation Element Update is available here and provides transparency a...

Veterans Day Recognition

We invite you to join us in honoring the men and women of our community for their military service. If you know a veteran you would like included in this year's honors, please submit your images for inclusion in our video tribute.

The City's Veterans Day Recognition is a tradition that is looked forward to by many each year. Residents are invited to attend a reception at 6:00 p.m. at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center and enjoy light refreshments, then join us for th...

Halloween Family Festival returns to Central Park

Enjoy "spooktacular" fun for all ages at SAMLARC's Halloween Family Festival on Tuesday, October 31st, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Central Park.

Families can trick-or-treat in a safe and welcoming environment, play in bounce houses and inflatables, and enter the costume contest (child, pet, and family categories). 

Attendees are encouraged to capture their favorite memories at a festive ph...

Rancho Family Fest October 7th & 8th in Central Park

Kick off the fall with neighbors, friends, family, and LIVE MUSIC! The family-friendly celebration will be held on Saturday, October 7th, from 12:00 – 10:00 p.m. and Sunday, October 8th, from 12:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Central Park in Rancho Santa Margarita.

Join the RSM Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Rancho Santa Margarita, Rancho Santa Margarita Landscape and Recreation Corporation (SAMLARC), and US Alliance Group, Inc. for a fun-filled weekend for the entire family featuring live musi...

Shop & Dine Program presented by RSM Chamber of Commerce

Explore and discover the various discount offerings from participating members on the Chamber website. Present the codes at the time of purchase; it’s THAT easy!

Introducing the RSM Chamber of Commerce Shop & Dine Program! 

The aim is clear: to bring together the Rancho Santa Margarita community and the array of local businesses that give our city its distinctive charm. 

Learn more at ...

Military Support Opportunities

Donations are sought for the City's adopted 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines.

The City of Rancho Santa Margarita adopted the 2nd Battalion 5th Marines (2/5) on January 10, 2007, to support the Marines and their families on an ongoing basis, whether the unit is at Camp Pendleton or deployed.

Our Community Services Department works cl...

Rancho Santa Margarita Awarded Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting

The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) has once again awarded the City of Rancho Santa Margarita the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its comprehensive annual financial report ending June 30, 2022.

This is the highest recognition in government accounting and financial reporting and represents a significant accomplishment for the City; this is the twenty-second consecutive year the City has received this coveted designation.

The award-winning report s...

Lifeline network is available 24/7

The Lifeline is available for everyone, is free, and is confidential.

 If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States.

Next E-Waste & Document Shredding Opportunity set for October 14th

Mark your calendar for the fall electronic waste and recycling opportunity conveniently located in the parking lot of Applied Medical at 29977 Avenida de Las Banderas, Rancho Santa Margarita.

The City of Rancho Santa Margarita’s next electronic waste disposal and document shredding event will occur on Saturday, October 14, 2023, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in Applied Medical’s R100 building parking lot at 29977 Avenida de ...

Online Passport Appointment Booking Now Available

With online scheduling, applicants can now navigate to the booking link on our passport page and make an appointment at their convenience. Reminder and confirmation emails/SMS messages will be sent before the selected appointment date and time.

Passport Acceptance Facility

By Appointment 

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday - 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Thursdays - 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. 

Rancho Santa Margarita City Hall 

To Schedule an Appointment: https://cityofrsmpassport.youcanb...

Addressing the Opioid Crisis in Orange County

Information presented at the community forum on June 20, 2023, is available for viewing at your convenience.

The magnitude of the danger fentanyl poses to the community, especially teens and young adults, is alarming and concerning. This community forum, held on June 20, 2023, aimed to raise awareness about opioid misuse and the rise of fentanyl poisoning deaths...

Are You Wildfire Ready?

Videos from the recent Fire Safety & Preparedness community meeting held at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center are now posted on the City's YouTube channel. Hear safety strategies from the experts on the front lines in preparation for fire season.

Fire Season is a year-round reality in Rancho Santa Margarita. We greatly appreciate our public safety partners, the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD), for joining us and presenting at an informative and...

Register for AlertOC to receive Emergency Alerts and Evacuation Orders

AlertOC is a mass notification system that keeps Orange County residents and businesses informed of emergencies that may require immediate life-saving actions.

By registering with AlertOC, time-sensitive voice messages from the County or city where you live, or work may be sent to your home, cell, or business phone. You can also register to enable text messages on cell phones. AlertOC is also equipped to send al...

2023 Mission Viejo Animal Shelter Vaccine Clinics

Save the date for 2023 pet vaccination clinics hosted by Mission Viejo Animal Services and available to residents of Rancho Santa Margarita.

The City of Rancho Santa Margarita is proud to contract with the City of Mission Viejo for animal care and control services. Their pro-humane shelter, stellar customer service, and good response times ensure the best care for the City's four-legg...

Jerry Holloway to serve as Mayor, Carol Gamble as Mayor Pro Tempore

Jerry Holloway will serve as Mayor, and Carol Gamble as Mayor Pro Tempore for the 2023 term. City Council members made the 1-year appointments during their annual reorganization on Wednesday.

Each December, the council selects a new mayor and mayor pro tem from among its five members. 

This is Jerry Holloway's fourth mayoral term. He was first elected to the city council in 2002 and was mayor in 2005, 2010, and 2019.

Mayor Pro ...