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1. What is an ADU?

ADUs have gone by many names, including granny flats, in-law units, and secondary units. By definition, an ADU is a self-contained, additional housing unit, on a permanent foundation, that contains a kitchen, bathroom, and a place to sleep. ADUs range in size from 150 square feet for a studio to 1,000 square feet for a unit with multiple bedrooms.

2. What is a junior ADU?

Like an ADU, a Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) is an additional housing unit on a residential property. JADUs are limited to a maximum of 500 square feet in size and must be contained within the walls of an existing or proposed home. JADUs require an efficiency kitchen, and may share a bathroom with the main house or include their own bathroom.

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1. Who can use eTRAKiT?

eTRAKiT is open to all users. A contractor that is registered with the City of Laguna Niguel must sign in using their company name and reset their password. All other users that are not contractors (i.e. homeowners, realtors or insurance agents) are able to create a user account to create an online application or to schedule an inspection.

2. Will eTRAKiT work in any internet browser?

No, Internet Explorer is the preferred browser as other browsers may block pop-ups.

3. I have forgotten my Public Login Username and or Password.

To retrieve your username and password visit the retrieve account page.

4. I am locked out of eTRAKiT. How do I get back in?

The eTRAKiT system is set to automatically unlock every 5 minutes. Wait a little while and try again. If after waiting 5 minutes and reattempting to log in you are still unable to get in, email the Building Department.

5. I keep getting a pop-up that says, "Please verify you are not a robot" but there is no where to verify.

Make sure your window is scrolled all the way to the bottom and you should see the CAPTCHA on the left with a check box for 'I'm not a robot'.

6. There is no "Apply / New Permit" button on my site, or when I click "Apply / New Permit" button, it blinks and does nothing but take me back to the dashboard.

Ensure all your license and insurance paperwork is current with the City.

7. I am having trouble locating my permit number when I conduct a search.

Be sure to enter the permit number exactly as it appears on your permit. The number needs to be entered in the “search for” field. For example, B20-1234 or WB20-1234.

8. As a homeowner doing my own work at my home, am I required to obtain a permit?

A building permit is required at any time there is an addition, alteration, repair or conversion to the main structure or an accessory structure. If you have any questions about whether or not a permit is needed, email the Building Department.

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1. My address isn't found in eTRAKiT.

Be sure to enter the address and click the search; the address must appear in the drop-down menu. If the address does not appear in the drop-down menu, please note some addresses may appear shortened in our eTRAKIT system. For example, Vista is Vs, try entering the first few letters of the street name) or the address may not be in the City of Laguna Niguel's jurisdiction.

2. I cannot find remodel as an option to apply for permit.

If your project is not listed as an option in our eTRAKIT system, you are required to submit an application/plans to the City:

• Drop off at the UPS Store located at:
  30262 Crown Valley Parkway
  Number B
  Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
• Mail them to the Building Department at:
  30111 Crown Valley Parkway
  Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

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1. Can I schedule building inspections online?

Yes, we are only scheduling building inspections through the eTRAKiT portal. See the how-to instructions or video for help navigating this process. You can also view your inspection results using eTRAKiT. View the Inspector Run List (PDF).

2. Can I schedule grading inspections online?

No, we are only scheduling building inspections through the eTRAKiT portal at this time. Grading inspection requests should be emailed to the Planning and Zoning Department.

3. Why can't I pick a date for my inspection?

You have to click "Add Inspection" before the date drop-down box will appear.

4. Can I cancel an inspection from eTRAKiT?

No, please call 949-362-4334 before 7 am.

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1. Can I pay for my permit or application online using eTRAKiT?

Yes, credit card payments (Visa, Master Card, and Discover) are the preferred method of payment and can be paid online.

2. Is there a credit card processing fee that I have to pay?

No.

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1. What types of permits am I able to submit online?

The following building permits are available through eTRAKiT:

• Residential re-pipe
• Residential water heater
• Residential dishwasher
• Photovoltaic (PV)
• Residential Re-roof (like for like)
• Residential electrical service change

2. What types of development applications can I apply for through eTRAKiT?

Development application processes are added to this tool regularly. If you do not see the application available for online submittal check back often. Users can still monitor the process of permits and projects through the eTrakit Permit and Request System website even if the application was not created online.

3. Can I request a zoning letter or a new address through eTRAKiT?

No, please email the request.

4. Can I request a pre-application meeting through eTRAKiT?

Not currently. Please email the request.

5. I do not see my Contractors Name in the drop down menu for contractor login?

You will need to register your contractor's state license with the City. Email the permit center providing your state license number. There is no fee to register your license.

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1. How do I pay my city water bill?

Answer goes here...

2. How do I get a new trash can lid?

Answer goes here...

3. How do I apply for a job with the City?

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4. My trash didn't get picked up, what should I do now?

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5. How do I get a garage sale permit?

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6. How can I see the agenda for an upcoming City Council or Board meeting?

Answer goes here...

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1. What is the latest city action?

On June 5, 2018, the City Council approved an ordinance to amend the Laguna Niguel Municipal Code and the Laguna Niguel Gateway Specific Plan to clarify and establish regulations for congregate living facilities in all zoning districts. State-licensed residential care facilities are exempt from local zoning regulations and would therefore not be affected. View a Summary of Ordinance 2018-194 (PDF).

Pursuant to Ordinance Number 2018-194 (PDF), existing unlicensed group home facilities are hereby required to make an application to the City of Laguna Niguel Community Development Department for a Group Home Permit by October 4, 2018, and achieve full compliance with permit regulations by January 1, 2019. Failure to comply with the deadlines stated above shall result in City initiation of code enforcement action against both non-compliant property owners and facility operators.

Any permitted group home facilities found not to meet the required 1,000-foot separation distance requirement from other group home facilities and state-licensed residential care facilities shall be deemed "legal nonconforming." This designation means that the facility will be allowed to continue operating given compliance with all other permit regulations. However, upon discontinuance of facility operation for a period of one year, any future request to operate a group home facility at the property will be regulated as a new facility, subject to the separation requirement. View the Group Home Permit Application (PDF).

2. What can the city enforce?

The City can, and does, enforce applicable provisions of the Municipal, Zoning and Building Codes, and State Penal Code statutes regarding disorderly conduct, excessive and late-night noise, littering, and other actions that are disruptive and negatively affect a neighborhood. Historically, the City has been successful in addressing these issues by:

• Meeting with the owners/operators of the homes to discuss the concerns.
• Requesting the owners/operators to take measures to eliminate the issues.
• Enforcing the City Codes and State Penal Code.

This approach has resulted in a resolution of the problems caused by residents of the homes with the residents being more sensitive to the living conditions of the surrounding neighborhood.

City staff continues to monitor sober living homes in Laguna Niguel and responds to calls for service. The City also continues to monitor the enactment of ordinances and resulting litigation in Orange County cities as well as State legislation that pertains to the authority of the City to regulate such facilities.

Contact Information

For concerns regarding any alleged criminal activity or emergencies, call 911. For non-emergency activities and nuisances, such as night-time noise complaints and illegal street parking, please call Orange County Sheriff Dispatch at 949-770-6011. General questions or concerns regarding sober living homes and/or concerns regarding alleged property maintenance, zoning or building code violations, may be directed to the City's Code Enforcement office at 949-362-4300. Residents may also submit inquiries to the City online via the city's eTrakit system.