Community Workshop: Commercial Design Standards

The City of Laguna Woods is in the process of drafting objective design standards to guide the future construction and renovation of commercial properties (e.g., businesses, gas stations, office buildings, restaurants, and shopping centers). Site design characteristics such as accessibility, landscaping, lighting, parking, and bicycle, pedestrian, and vehicle access, as well building design characteristics such as articulation, height, massing, materials, and roof form, will be among the topics addressed.

The commercial objective design standards are being drafted to apply to future commercial projects; no specific project is under consideration at this time. The commercial objective design standards would not apply to clubhouses, manors, or other properties that are part of Laguna Woods Village, unless those properties are located in a commercial zoning district (e.g., the Laguna Woods Village Community Center).

Interested residents are invited to participate in an interactive community workshop on Monday, January 26, 2026 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Laguna Woods City Hall, 24264 El Toro Road, Laguna Woods, CA 92637. The community workshop will provide an opportunity to learn about the role objective design standards can play in ensuring that future construction and renovation is consistent with the aesthetic and functional preferences of residents. Residents will be encouraged to share their thoughts on what “look” is desired for future commercial development and how properties might be made more accessible.

Please RSVP to participate in the community workshop no later than Friday, January 23, 2026 at 5 p.m. To RSVP, please contact Laguna Woods City Hall at (949) 639-0500 or cityhall@cityoflagunawoods.org.