City of San Fernando

Building in the City of San Fernando
San Fernando, California, is a historic and close-knit city located in the northeastern San Fernando Valley, surrounded by the scenic foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. As one of the oldest communities in the region, San Fernando traces its roots to the late 19th century, developing from agricultural origins into a vibrant small city with a strong cultural heritage and a deep sense of place. Incorporated in 1911, San Fernando has maintained its identity as an independent city, distinct from the greater Los Angeles area that surrounds it.Today, San Fernando is home to roughly 25,000 residents and is known for its tree-lined neighborhoods, walkable streets, and welcoming community atmosphere. The city features a variety of parks, recreation centers, and public facilities, including Las Palmas Park, the San Fernando Regional Pool Facility, and numerous open spaces that support sports, fitness, and family activities. Its charming downtown district offers local dining, shopping, and cultural attractions, while nearby regional destinations—such as the greater San Fernando Valley, Burbank, and Los Angeles—provide additional amenities and employment opportunities.

San Fernando is recognized for its strong community services, public safety initiatives, and educational resources, supported in part by its partnership with the Los Angeles Unified School District. The city prioritizes youth programs, family-oriented events, and cultural celebrations, which contribute to its reputation as a warm, community-driven environment with deep connections to its diverse residents.

The city’s planning and development efforts emphasize sustainability, economic vitality, and the preservation of its unique historic character. With major transportation routes nearby—including Interstate 5, Interstate 210, and Metrolink rail service—San Fernando benefits from strong regional connectivity for commuters, businesses, and visitors. Local transit options further enhance accessibility throughout the Valley and beyond.

San Fernando’s commitment to community pride is reflected in its festivals, civic programs, and cultural traditions, which highlight the city’s rich heritage and inclusive spirit. Together, these elements help ensure that San Fernando remains a resilient and forward-looking city—one that honors its past while continuing to grow as a welcoming home for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

Construction Procedure in the City of San Fernando
1. Initial Project Planning
Successful development in the City of San Fernando begins with comprehensive initial planning to ensure that proposed projects align with the City’s General Plan, Municipal Code, Zoning Ordinance, and long-term goals for economic revitalization, historic preservation, mobility, sustainability, and high-quality urban design. Applicants should confirm the property’s zoning designation, allowable land uses, and whether the site is within a Specific Plan, redevelopment area, or overlay zone. A detailed assessment of site conditions—including access, circulation, parking capacity, topography, drainage, utilities, stormwater compliance, fire-risk considerations, proximity to transit, schools, retail areas, and public facilities—is essential. Developers are encouraged to integrate energy-efficient features, water-efficient landscaping, and context-sensitive architecture that promotes walkability, sustainability, and neighborhood vitality.

‍2. Pre-Application Consultation and Staff Review
Before submitting a formal application, applicants are strongly encouraged to schedule a pre-application meeting with the Community Development Department – Planning Division. During this consultation, City staff will identify required entitlements, such as Conditional Use Permits, Site Plan Review, Variances, Zone Changes, Tentative Parcel or Tract Maps, or Specific Plan Amendments, and determine whether California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review is required, advising on the likely level of environmental documentation. Staff provide feedback on land use compatibility, traffic and circulation impacts, parking requirements, infrastructure capacity, stormwater obligations, fire safety, and the project’s consistency with surrounding development and long-term planning objectives. Early coordination reduces future revisions, streamlines the approval process, and ensures alignment with regulatory requirements and community expectations.

‍3. Application Submittal
Once the project concept has been refined, the applicant submits a complete development application to the Community Development Department. A full submittal typically includes site plans, floor plans, elevations, landscaping plans, preliminary grading and drainage plans, and any required technical studies such as traffic analyses, noise assessments, air quality evaluations, soils and geotechnical reports, and stormwater compliance documentation. CEQA documentation may also be required for larger or more complex proposals. Submitting a complete and accurate application allows Planning, Building & Safety, Public Works, Fire (LAFD), and other departments to begin a coordinated review and provide comprehensive feedback.

‍4. Plan Check, Design Review, and Code Compliance Evaluation
Following application submittal, the project enters a detailed plan-check phase involving multiple City departments. The Planning Division reviews zoning compliance, site design, architectural quality, landscaping, open space, and consistency with the General Plan and any applicable Specific Plans. Building & Safety evaluates compliance with the California Building Standards Code, including structural integrity, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, accessibility, and energy requirements. Public Works examines grading, drainage, stormwater management, utility connections, and required public improvements such as sidewalks, curb and gutter, and street enhancements. The Fire Department reviews fire access, hydrant locations, suppression systems, and life-safety features. Staff may request revisions to ensure full compliance with the Municipal Code, CEQA requirements, and City design expectations.

‍5. Permit Issuance and Infrastructure Coordination
Once all plan-check comments have been addressed and approvals have been obtained, either administratively or through hearings before the Planning and Preservation Commission or City Council, the City issues the necessary building, grading, and encroachment permits. Developers then coordinate with utility providers, including the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power for electricity, San Fernando Public Works for water and sewer, SoCalGas for natural gas, and telecommunications companies. Public Works oversees public-right-of-way improvements, ensuring that street widening, sidewalks, storm drains, traffic signals, and utility extensions meet City standards and integrate properly with existing infrastructure.

‍6. Construction and Inspections
Construction may commence once all permits are issued. All work must strictly adhere to the approved plans, permit conditions, and applicable building and safety codes. Inspectors from Building & Safety conduct evaluations at critical stages, including foundation, framing, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, insulation, and final building systems. The Fire Department reviews fire protection systems, emergency access, alarms, and other life-safety components, while Public Works inspects grading, stormwater features, on-site infrastructure, and public-right-of-way improvements. Any proposed changes to the approved plans during construction must be reviewed and authorized by the City to ensure continued compliance with regulatory requirements.

‍7. Final Inspection and Certificate of Occupancy
Upon completion of construction, the Building & Safety Division performs a final inspection to confirm that the project complies with all approved plans, building codes, and conditions of approval. If all requirements are satisfied, the City issues a Certificate of Occupancy for new buildings or Final Approval for remodels or tenant improvements. For phased developments, Certificates of Occupancy may be issued for individual structures or components as they are completed, confirming that the building is safe, code-compliant, and authorized for its intended use.

‍8. Project Close-Out
During the close-out phase, the developer completes all remaining obligations, including final landscaping installation, permanent signage, lighting, and outstanding public improvements. As-built drawings reflecting approved field changes and constructed conditions must be submitted. Public Works performs final inspections of public facilities, infrastructure, and stormwater elements to confirm compliance with City standards. Once verified, performance or maintenance bonds associated with the project may be released, and the project is officially closed when all conditions of approval are satisfied.

‍9. Ongoing Compliance and Future Modifications
After the project is completed and occupied, the property owner must continue to comply with the San Fernando Municipal Code, Zoning Ordinance, Development Code, and all conditions of approval. Any future modifications, including building additions, façade upgrades, signage changes, operational adjustments, or land use alterations, require review and approval from the Planning Division and may involve additional review by Building & Safety, Public Works, or the Fire Department. Maintaining long-term compliance ensures public safety, preserves community character, supports economic stability, and advances the City’s vision for high-quality, sustainable development.