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Animal Control

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1. Who provides Animal Control Services to the City of Laguna Niguel?

The City of Laguna Niguel contracts with Mission Viejo Animal Shelter for animal control services. The Mission Viejo Animal Shelter can be contacted by calling (949) 470-3045. Service information is also available through their website at More...

2. What services are provided by Mission Viejo Animal Shelter?

Services provided by Mission Viejo Animal Shelter include pet licensing, patrol, adoption, and shelter services. The shelter hours are Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm., Wednesdays, 12:00 Noon – 6:00 pm and Sundays, 12 Noon to 3:00 pm

3. Who do I call for Animal Control services during non-business hours?

If you have an emergency, please call 911. If you are in need of Animal Control services and you cannot wait until the next business day, please contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at (949) 770-6011. The OCSD Dispatch will page an Animal Control Officer.

4. How do I get a license for my pet?

For pet licensing, please contact Mission Viejo Animal Shelter at (949) 470-3045. License applications are available at the Shelter located at 28905 Hillcrest Drive, Mission Viejo, and also at Laguna Niguel City Hall at 27802 La Paz Road. The application form is also available online at More...

5. Who do I contact regarding a barking dog?

Contact Mission Viejo Animal Shelter at (949) 470-3045 and they will provide assistance with barking dog complaints.

6. Does the City of Laguna Niguel have a Leash Law?

Yes, all dogs must be restrained by a leash not to exceed six feet in length.

7. Does the City of Laguna Niguel have a Dog Park?

The City’s Pooch Park is located on Golden Lantern immediately adjacent to Fire Station 49. The Pooch Park is open from dawn to dusk.

8. There is a dead animal in the street, how can it be removed?

Dead animals should be reported to Mission Viejo Animal Shelter at (949) 470-3045.

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Building and Planning

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1. How Do I Apply for a Building Permit

Building Permits can be obtained by visiting our Community Development Department Building Counter at City Hall, 30111 Crown Valley Pkwy. Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 from 8:00am to 4:00pm, Monday through Friday. For more information, visit our Permits and Fees section

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Business Information

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1. Does the City require a business license?

No. Although the City of Laguna Niguel does not require a business licensee, there are certain approvals required for a new business. Please review the details provided under A Guide to Starting Your Own Business.

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

Yes, however, you must first obtain a Home Occupation Permit. There are restrictions as to the type of business that a resident can operate out of a residential property.

3. How can I obtain business ownership information?

The City does not have business ownership information since we do not require a business license. The information may be obtained by contacting the County of Orange Clerk-Recorder’s Office at (714) 834-3005 or visit their website at http://www.oc.ca.gov/recorder. The California Secretary of State’s website at http://www.ss.ca.gov provides State information on corporations and limited liability partnerships.

4. Is there a crime prevention program specific to businesses?

Yes. The City’s Business Watch is a crime prevention program that is specifically focused on the Laguna Niguel’s business community. Business members can participate in this program at no cost or obligation. For additional information, please contact Laguna Niguel Police Services at (949) 362–4312. To schedule an appointment to sign up for the Business Watch program, please call Laguna Niguel Police Services at (949) 362-4312.

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City Clerk - Boards, Commissions & Committees

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1. How many Boards, Commissions & Committees does the City have?

The City of Laguna Niguel has nine boards, commissions and committees consisting of:

Investment, Banking & Audit Committee

Military Support Committee

Parks & Recreation Commission

Planning Commission

Public Safety Committee

Senior Citizens' Committee

Sports Advisory Committee

Traffic & Transportation Commission

Youth Committee

2. What are the requirements for service on a Board, Commission or Committee?

You are required to be a resident of the City of Laguna Niguel. There is no residency requirement for the Military Support Committee.

3. What are the duties of the Boards, Commissions or Committees?

Specific duties of the commissions and committees are available on-line during the recruitment period, which generally occurs in October, or in the City Clerk’s office located at City Hall, 30111 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677.

4. How can I apply to serve on a Board, Commission or Committee?

You may apply by completing an application form, which is available online or in the City Clerk’s office during the recruitment period, which generally occurs in October. Call the City Clerk’s office (949) 362-4300 for additional information.

5. How often do vacancies on a Board, Commission or Committee occur?

Vacancies occur in two ways. First, a notice of vacancies is published in the Laguna Niguel News for approximately three weeks, generally during October. Also, members may resign during a term causing an unscheduled vacancy. These vacancies are published in the Laguna Niguel News. Current appointments are posted at City Hall at 30111 Crown Valley Parkway.

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City Clerk - Elections

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1. When are elections held in the City of Laguna Niguel?

Elections for Council Members are held on even-numbered years on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November. The next City election will be held on November 6, 2012.

2. Is there a fee involved in filing for office?

No, there is no filing fee.

3. What do I need to do to become a candidate for the next City election?

To become a candidate in the next City election, you must first be a registered voter and reside in the City of Laguna Niguel at the time nomination forms are issued to you.

4. Where do I get the required forms to start a campaign committee? What forms do I need?

You may obtain the required forms from the City Clerk’s office, 30111 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel, California or you may download the forms available through the "Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC)">.

If a candidate intends to solicit donations or spend more than $1,000 they must file the following form with the Secretary of State and provide a copy to the City Clerk.

• Form 410: Statement of Organization

5. Does the City of Laguna Niguel have a campaign contribution limit?

Yes. Laguna Niguel provides that candidates for city office shall accept no more than $1,000 from any one person per election cycle.

NOTE: Candidates have no restrictions as to the amount of money they can contribute from their own personal funds to their campaign account.

6. Where do I get election results? How long does it take to count the ballots?

At 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, the polls close. All the ballots from the polling places are taken to the County Registrar of Voters Office where they are counted by computer. Ballot counting continues until all the ballots received at the polls are tallied (this sometimes takes all night). The results which are “unofficial” at this point are given to the newspapers, television, radio stations, and individuals waiting in the Registrar of Voters office. Results are also available on the County Registrar’s web site at: http://www.oc.ca.gov/election/Live

7. How do I register to vote?

If you are a U.S. Citizen and over 18 years of age, you are eligible to register to vote. If a person makes any change in his/her name, address or political party, he/she must re-register. Voter registration cards are available from the City Clerk’s office. Registration forms are also available at the County of Orange Registrar of Voters Office, 1300 South Grand Avenue, Santa Ana or check web site at http://www.oc.ca.gov/election/Registration/2a.htm for further information.

8. On Election Day, how and where do I vote?

Before each election, the Registrar of Voters sends every registered voter a Voter Information Guide “Sample Ballot” that lists the candidates and tells the voter where to vote (polling place). On Election Day, you should go to the polling place indicated on the pamphlet. You may also contact the City Clerk at (949) 362-4300 on Election Day to find out your local polling place.

9. When do candidates who are elected take office?

The Registrar of Voters Office certifies election results (the Registrar has up to 28 days following Election Day to complete this work). The final results are sent to the City Clerk who in turn presents them to the City Council at a Special Meeting for certification. The City Clerk administers the Oath of Office to the successful candidates at the second Council meeting in November or the first Council meeting in December.

10. Who is responsible for conducting City elections?

The Orange County Registrar of Voters conducts elections for the City of Laguna Niguel. The City Clerk provides candidates with the necessary forms to run for office and advises them about procedures, accepts and maintains campaign statement records, provides voter registration forms and maintains precinct information. The Registrar of Voters prints the ballots and voter pamphlet, trains poll workers, administers elections at the polls, counts the ballots and certifies the election results.

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City Clerk - General

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1. When and where does the City Council meet?

The City Council meets for their regular meetings on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers, 30111 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677. Special meetings are scheduled on an as-needed basis.

2. How can I get an item on the agenda?

Call the City Clerk at (949) 362-4300 for information, or write a letter to the Mayor and City Council at City Hall, 30111 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677.

3. How can I get on the mailing list for City Council Agendas and Minutes?

Minutes and Agendas are available on the City’s website or by calling the City Clerk’s office at (949)362-4300. You may also register on the City’s website to receive City Council Agendas via email.

4. Are the City Council Meetings Televised?

Laguna Niguel City Council meetings are broadcast live the evening of the meeting on local government cable Channel 30 and cable Channel 853. In addition, each meeting is re-broadcast on the second Saturday after the meeting at noon.

5. How do I request or review public records?

The City Clerk is the custodian of City records and handles all public record requests. Contact the City Clerk’s office at (949) 362-4300.

6. How can I receive visitor/business/general information about the City of Laguna Niguel?

Please call the Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce at (949) 363-0136 or write them at 30111 Crown Valley Parkway, Suite A, Laguna Niguel, CA, 92677.

7. Who are the City’s State and Federal Elected Representatives?

United States Congress: John Campbell, 48th District, (949) 756-2244

United States Senate: Diane Feinstein, (415) 393-0707

United States Senate: Barbara Boxer, (415) 403-0300

State Senate: Mimi Walters, 33rd District, (949) 457-7333

State Assembly: Diane Harkey, 73rd District, (949) 347-7301

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Cox Communications

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1. What services are provided by Cox Communications?

Cox Communications provide cable television, digital telephone, and internet access services to the community of Laguna Niguel.

2. How do I contact Cox Communications?

Cox Communications is located at 29947 Avenida De Las Banderas, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688. Telephone: (949) 240-2020. You may also contact them online at http://www.cox.com.

3. Where can I pay my Cox Communication bill?

Cox Communications has a payment office in its store located at 28950 Golden Lantern, Laguna Niguel at the corner of Golden Lantern and Crown Valley Parkway. Store hours are: Monday-Saturday, 9:00am to 8:00pm. Sunday 11:00am to 5:00pm. For more information, call (949) 546-1200.

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Crime and Crime Prevention

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1. How do I report a crime?

In the event of an emergency, please dial 911. For non-emergency situations, please contact Sheriff’s dispatch at (949) 770-6011 to report a crime.

2. How can I obtain crime information by neighborhood?

Crime information by neighborhood may be accessed at the Orange County Sheriff’s Department website at http://www.ocsd.org by clicking on Crime Statistics.

3. What type of crime prevention programs are available in Laguna Niguel?

Crime prevention programs include Business Watch, Neighborhood Watch, Residential Security Tips, Vacation Home Checks and Watch Mail. For more information, please contact our Crime Prevention Specialist, Jill Davidson at (949) 362-4365 or visit our Police Services web page.

4. Is there a crime prevention program specific to businesses?

Yes. The City’s Business Watch, is a crime prevention program that is specifically focused on the Laguna Niguel business community. Participation in the program is free and can be scheduled by calling Police Servies at (949) 362-4312. Additional information on our Business Watch program can be obtained by visiting our Business Watch web page.

5. How do I obtain a copy of a crime, incident or traffic report?

Copies of crime, incident or traffic reports can be obtained from the Sheriff’s Support Services Office by calling (714) 834-6454. There is a copying charge for this service.

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Graffiti

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1. How do I report graffiti on public and privately owned properties?

Reports of graffiti should be submitted to the City and can be submitted online by clicking on the link below or by contacting the Community Liaison at 362-4300. Please provide detailed information as to the location and the extent of the graffiti. The City will communicate with the property owner regarding the need for immediate removal.

Report Graffiti Online

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Street Light Repair

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1. Who do I contact to report a streetlight in need of repair in my neighborhood?

If a street light in your neighborhood is in need of repair, please contact your local utility company, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) at (800) 411-7343 or Southern California Edison (SCE) at (800) 655-4555. For SCE neighborhoods, reports of outages can be made online at http://www.sce.com/Forms/ReportStreetLightOutage.aspx.

Streetlight repair can also be reported to City Hall at 362-4300 or via CityHall Direct, the City's new automated customer service system.

2. Who repairs streetlights along private streets?

On private streets, streetlights are privately maintained and you should contact your association’s property manager.

3. I noticed that a streetlight is blinking, should I call for repair?

Yes. Please report blinking streetlights.

4. What information should I provide when calling in for streetlight repair?

State your name and daytime telephone number. Identify the location of the light, for example “the light is located at the intersection of FIRST and MAIN” or “across from 12345 Main Street” or “100 feet south of 34567 First Street”. Please state whether or not the light is flickering or if it flickered prior to the outage.

5. How long does it take for a streetlight to be repaired?

The normal turn around time for streetlight repair is 5-10 working days. Stormy weather conditions will delay the lead-time for streetlight repair.

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Street Sweeping

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1. When and how often is my street swept?

Public streets are swept twice per month. The City contracts with R.F. Dickson Company for sweeping services. Sweeping of public, residential streets takes place during the 2nd and 4th Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

2. When are private streets swept?

If you live on a private street, please contact your association for information regarding your street’s sweeping schedule.

3. What is the City’s Holiday sweeping schedule?

Since your street sweeping day is determined by your trash day, sweeping will be delayed if your trash day or your normal sweeping day falls on or after (but within the week of) Memorial Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.If your trash collection day is moved from a 2nd or 4th Thursday to Friday, the sweeping will take place on the following Monday.

4. What is the rainy day street sweeping schedule?

The City does not sweep on rainy days. Streets will be swept on the next scheduled day.

5. Why did the street sweeper skip my house today?

If the street sweeper skipped your house, it was for one of three reasons: 1) A parked car was blocking the area. Street sweepers require approximately two car lengths to swing out and around a parked car. 2) There was a large pile of debris in the gutter. Large debris piles can hide items that can damage the sweeper and will therefore by avoided. 3) Sweeping was canceled or rescheduled due to rain or a holiday.

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Traffic Signal Timing & Coordination

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1. What is Traffic Signal Coordination?

The basic goal of traffic signal coordination is to take a group of fairly closely spaced vehicles (called a platoon) traveling in the same direction through a series of intersections at a speed at/near the speed limit. The “optimal progression speed” never exceeds the speed limit, but is usually set within 5 M.P.H. of the speed limit.

2. What is the best way/method for getting through the most signals without stopping?

Keep your speed at or slightly below the speed limit and you will have a far better chance of making most of the lights. If you drive too slow or too fast, you will be outside the green band (green band - is about a 30 second window that covers the cars in the platoon – the first car is at the one (1) second mark and the last car in the group is at the thirty (30) second mark).

3. Even if I drive at the speed limit I don’t seem to make it through all the lights. Why?

Many people refer to old downtown areas in large cities where there are one-way streets spaced exactly at ¼ mile intervals as an example of where you can drive a set speed and get through every light. This is the simplest form of coordination. Throw in unevenly spaced signals, variations in signals (some have protected left turns some do not) long pedestrians times (many times coordination is based on no pedestrian crossings – when they occur it throws the signals out of step) and other conditions and you can see why modern streets systems do not lend themselves to “perfect coordination.”

4. Which traffic signals are coordinated?

Generally, only the ones on the major streets that are designed to carry large volumes of traffic over longer distances are part of a coordinated system. In Laguna Niguel, this includes Alicia Parkway, Crown Valley Parkway and Moulton/Golden Lantern and Pacific Park Drive.

5. When are they coordinated?

This can vary depending on the street and other traffic factors, but generally they are always coordinated weekdays in the morning and afternoon peak periods. With some of the more recent coordination timing updates, we have now included some mid-day coordination and even some Saturday coordination.

6. Are signals coordinated in both directions?

The updated coordination uses a specialty program known as SYNCRO which tries to coordinate in both directions, but in reality coordination generally favors the primary direction that is carrying the highest percentage of the volume. Since much of the traffic on our major arterials is very directional during the am and pm peak, we generally see better coordination in these directions. For example, northbound Moulton Parkway/Golden Lantern has about 70% of the traffic going northbound in the morning and about 70% going southbound in the afternoon. For those streets where we use mid-day or Saturday coordination, the volumes are more balanced and so we have tried to provide more balance in the coordination.

7. Does coordination “break” at major intersections because the cross street volume is also very high?

Generally, coordination can continue through major intersections, but sometimes there is a break along a street if there is a large distance between signalized intersections. Long distances between signals usually mean that the platoon starts to spread out too much and can no longer be seen as a defined group of cars. Cars are then gathered back into a group at the next signal (usually at a red light) and then sent out as a group again.

8. Sometimes I have to wait almost 1-½ minutes (but can seem like 5 minutes) to get a green on a side street or a left turn even when there seems to gaps in traffic. Why?

The coordination for the major streets is “time based”. What this means is that there is no constant video detection or a person watching traffic in a room controlling traffic. Basically, there are calculations made taking into account distance, speed and direction and then the controllers at each location turn the coordinated direction green in sequence as the platoon is supposed to arrive.

For time based systems there is a background cycle length of usually 120 seconds. During this 2 minute time frame every movement is assigned a specific amount of maximum time and the movements are served in a specific fixed order. So if you picture a clock with two minutes there is only one time in that 2 minute period where the controller will “look” at the side streets and left turns to see if there are any vehicles waiting. If so, then it will give them a green. If not, then it will give that extra green time to the coordinated movements and “look” at the next movement in the sequence. So if you are the first car at a side street or left turn and you happen to get there just after the controller “looks” to see if there was anyone there (and there wasn’t one second before you got there), then it will not look again for about 2 minutes. This can lead to the belief that the signal is not working properly.

Coordination is designed to move large groups of vehicles over long distances with minimal stops. This helps make up for the “extra” time you might have spent waiting on the side street and if you stay on that street for a reasonable amount of time, you will actually be ahead time-wise, gas-wise, frustration-wise and vehicle wear and tear-wise.

9. Why don’t you coordinate all the time?

The highest benefit from coordination comes when large groups of cars travel in the same direction in a short time frame over relatively long distances (think commuters not shoppers). During the non-peak times, there are fewer cars and shorter trips and therefore less benefit from coordination to the overall driving public (in fact so much less in some cases that coordination could actually result in longer drive times on average for the drivers on the road during that time). In addition, drivers are less willing to accept (have less patience for) the side street and left turn delays that are part of coordination during quieter/lower volume times of the day.

10. How do the signals operate when you don’t coordinate?

When signals are not running as part of a coordinated system, they are set to run in a “free mode”. When this happens, each intersection operates independently and responds to the individual traffic demands at the intersection. The signal will rest in green for the major street if there is no other activity at the intersection. This operation is actually the most efficient when there is low volume, because it can minimize delays for minor movements and quickly get back to the green for the major street.

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Trash Pickup and Recycling

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1. Where can I obtain information on billing for residential and commercial trash service?

CR&R provides residential and commercial trash service under a franchise agreement with the City of Laguna Niguel. For information, please contact CR&R at (877) 728-0446. CR&R

2. I need a special trash pickup for large items, who do I call?

Call CR&R (Solag) Customer Service at (877) 728-0446. Every residential customer is entitled to two “bulky item” (refrigerators, sofa, mattress or water heater) pickups per year.

3. What is the Holiday trash pickup schedule for Laguna Niguel?

If your trash pickup day falls on or after (but within the week of) New Year’s Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, your pickup will be delayed by one day. Please note that your street sweeping service will also be delayed by one day during these holiday weeks.

4. Where can I dispose of old paint, batteries, pesticides, cleaners, solvents, and other household hazardous waste?

The County of Orange Collection Centers located at 32250 La Pata Avenue in San Juan Capistrano, accept household hazardous waste such as old paint, solvents, etc., at no cost. The Collection Centers are open Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. The centers are closed on rainy days, Christmas, New Years, Thanksgiving and Independence Day. For more information, please call (714) 834-6752 or visit http://www.oclandfills.com.

5. Where can I take my used oil to be recycled?

There are two State Certified Used Oil Collection Centers in Laguna that accept used motor oil: Econo Lube N’ Tube, 27912 Forbes Road (949) 364-5833 and Laguna Niguel Service Center, 26042 Cape Drive (949) 582-2191.

6. I do not have curbside recycling, where can I go to dispose of recyclable materials?

The State Department of Conservation has established recycling zones which can be accessed through their web site at http://www.bottlesandcans.com. A staffed recycling center is located in Aliso Viejo at Tomra Pacific Inc, 26901 Aliso Creek Rd, Aliso Viejo CA 92656.

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Vector Control

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1. What is Vector Control?

Vector Control is a County service that assists residents with issues pertaining to insects, rodents, or other animals that may present a public health problem. The Orange County Vector Control Agency handles all calls regarding flies, rats and mosquito infestations.

2. How do I contact Vector Control?

Orange County Vector Control can be reached at (714) 971-2421 or online via their website at http://www.ocvcd.org.

3. Who do I call regarding a swarm of bees?

If you observe a person being attacked by bees, call 911 immediately. To remove bees from your private property, please contact a local pest control company. For bees on public property, please call our Public Works Department at (949) 362-4337.

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Water & Sewer Service

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1. Who do I contact regarding my water and sewer services?

Moulton Niguel Water District provides the community of Laguna Niguel with water and sewer services. Their office is located at 27500 La Paz Road and can be reached by calling (949) 831-2500 or visit their website at http://www.mnwd.com.

2. Who operates the sewer reclamation facility on La Paz Road by the Regional Park?

This facility is operated by SOCWA (South Orange County Wastewater Authority). For information regarding the water reclamation plant, please call (949) 361-3228 or visit their website at http://www.socwa.com.