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1. Are the Building, Planning and Public Works Departments located in the same building as City Hall?

The Building, Planning, and Public Works Departments are located at City Hall. The hours of operation for these departments are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. between Monday - Friday. Please be advised that the public counter is closed from Noon to 1 p.m. Please note that between 4 p.m. - 5 p.m., no new submittals are accepted.

2. Can I have a tour of City Hall?

The Public Information Officer (PIO) routinely provides tours of City Hall to scouting groups and various organizations. If you are interested in arranging a tour, please contact 949-635-1811.

3. How can my community-based organization request funding from the City?

Community-based organizations may request funding from the City during the City's annual budget process. Funding requests are encouraged to be submitted on an application available through the City's Finance Department. For more information, please visit the Community-Based Funding page.

4. How can my company become a registered vendor with the City of Rancho Santa Margarita?

To become a registered vendor with the City, you must complete and submit a vendor registration form along with other supplemental documents. For more information on the City's purchasing requirements, please visit the Purchasing page.

5. What services does SAMLARC provide and what is the City responsible for?

Rancho Santa Margarita Landscape and Recreation Corporation (SAMLARC) and the various homeowners associations maintain all of the parks and landscaping, including the landscaped street medians. The City is responsible for maintaining most of the sidewalks, traffic signals and streets. Water and sewer services are provided by Trabuco Canyon Water District and Santa Margarita Water District. The street lights are maintained by Southern California Edison.

6. When did the City of Rancho Santa Margarita incorporate?

Incorporation efforts began in 1989 due to the vision of residents and the Cityhood Committee. The goal of incorporation was finally achieved in 1999. On January 1, 2000, Rancho Santa Margarita officially became the 33rd City in Orange County.

7. Where can I obtain a copy of Birth Certificates or Marriage Certificates?

If you were born in Orange County, you can obtain your Birth Certificate through the County Clerk-Recorder. Marriage Licenses and Certificates can also be obtained at the same office or by calling 714-834-3005. If you were born outside of Orange County, please contact the County offices in the County where you were born. The Clerk's Office is located at:
2 Civic Center Plaza
Santa Ana, CA 92701

For more information, please visit the County Clerk-Recorder's Office page.

8. Where is City Hall located?

City Hall and the Civic Plaza are located 7 miles east of the Interstate 5 Freeway and Alicia Parkway, in the heart of Rancho Santa Margarita. Follow Alicia east to Santa Margarita Parkway, turn right and go to El Paseo. Make your 2nd left onto La Miranda. City Hall will be on the right-hand side of the street.

9. Where is the Immigration Office located?

The Immigration Office is located at the Chet Holifield Federal Building. The office can be reached at 800-375-5283. Avila Road can also be accessed off of La Paz Road or off of Alicia Parkway. The office is located at:
24000 Avila Road
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

10. Where is the South County Municipal Court located?

The Harbor Justice Center is located at
23141 Moulton Parkway
Laguna Hills, CA 92653

For more information, please visit the South County Municipal Court website.

11. Who are the members of the City Council and when do they meet?

For more information on the City Council, please visit the Mayor and City Council page.

12. Who is the City Manager of Rancho Santa Margarita?

The City Manager is Jennifer M. Cervantez. For more information, please visit the City Manager's Office page.