Sustainability Rules and Programs in Laguna Beach

Sustainability rules in Laguna Beach come from the city, two water districts and the state. Each one writes different rules, so this guide goes by who sets what.

The climate action plan

The City Council adopted the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan on February 25, 2025. The city says it holds an emissions inventory, new reduction targets, an assessment of local vulnerabilities, policies and an implementation plan. It builds on the city’s 2001 Vision 2030 and its 2009 Climate Protection Action Plan, which had 94 goals. The city says it has met more than 95 percent of them.

The hazards the city lists for its vulnerability work include coastal flooding, drought, dune and bluff erosion, extreme heat, landslides, sea level rise and wildfire and smoke. Emissions from visitors, including their trips, energy, water and waste, count in the analysis. The Assistant City Manager’s line is (949) 464-6673.

As part of the plan the city also studied microgrids at its own buildings. The report names four priority sites for solar and storage: the City Hall campus, the Corporation Yard, the Community and Recreation Center and the Susi Q Center.

Plastic and polystyrene rules

Ordinance No. 1660, adopted in 2021, covers retail businesses that sell, use or give out disposable food ware. The city says they may not use certain single-use plastic, bioplastic and polystyrene items, including utensils and utensil sleeves, straws, stirrers and takeout bags. They may offer alternative plastic spoons, forks, knives, straws and stirrers only when a customer asks. Disposable plastic food ware is no longer permitted at parks, beaches and trails.

Businesses can check an item against the city’s Path to Plastic-Free business toolkit, which lists products by material and by whether they comply. For visitors, the visit responsibly guide covers the plastic and litter rules on beaches and trails.

Bag rules

Two layers apply. The city’s 2012 Ordinance No. 1561, which the city describes in its FAQ, bars retail businesses from using certain petroleum-based and bio-based plastic bags.

The state sets the second layer. Since January 1, 2026, CalRecycle says most grocery stores, stores with a pharmacy, convenience stores, food marts and liquor stores may offer only recycled paper carryout bags, for at least ten cents each. You do not have to buy or use the store’s paper bag. Cities, counties and the Attorney General enforce the rule, not CalRecycle.

Leaf blowers

The municipal code prohibits electrical and gasoline powered blowers at any time within city limits. Its exceptions include emergency property maintenance the building official authorizes and some public works maintenance. The city’s climate plan FAQ also lists a state ban on selling new gas and diesel small equipment, such as leaf blowers and lawnmowers. Hours, noise limits and how to report a violation are in the neighbor rules guide.

Water efficiency rules and rebates

Your address decides which district’s rules apply. The utilities guide shows the split.

Laguna Beach County Water District. Ordinance 100 sets permanent rules for every customer:

• No irrigating from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. A hand-held hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle is exempt.
• No runoff onto walkways, roads or neighboring property, and no irrigating during or for 48 hours after measurable rain.
• No hosing down driveways or sidewalks, and no washing a vehicle without a bucket or a shut-off nozzle.
• Fix leaks. Restaurants serve water on request only.

The district lists penalties of a warning, then $100, $250 and $500, and it can restrict flow for willful violations. A hardship waiver is available by written request. The ordinance also sets four shortage stages, from voluntary Water Watch to a Level 3 Emergency.

The district’s rebate page lists turf replacement at $2 per square foot, $100 per tree up to five, an $80 smart timer, $35 rain barrels (two per home) and cisterns at $250 to $350, plus a native plant program and a Rachio timer program. Indoor rebates go through SoCal Water$mart. The district’s demonstration garden is at its office, 306 Third Street.

South Coast Water District (South Laguna). The district offers up to $3 per square foot for turf removal, capped at 10,000 square feet, until funds run out. You need district pre-approval before you remove any turf, and the district visits before and after. Call (949) 499-4555, ext. 3126. Rebate amounts change, so confirm before you start.

State turf law. AB 1572 bars potable water on nonfunctional turf at local government properties from 2027, commercial, industrial and institutional properties from 2028 and HOA common areas from 2029. South Coast Water District lists residential and multi-residential customers as exempt.

Electric vehicle charging

Charging stations at city lots use ChargePoint. Register before you arrive. The city lists $2 an hour for up to four hours, and a car at a charging station does not need a separate parking pass. See the parking guide for lot hours and rates.

If you want a charger at home, the city’s Building Division publishes installation guidelines and a code compliance checklist, with separate checklists for non-residential and multi-family buildings.

Solar permits

The city requires a permit before you alter an electrical system, and applications go through its Public Permit Portal. The city’s Master Fee Schedule, with building fees effective July 12, 2026, lists a $537.92 permit fee for residential solar and a $149.91 solar plan review fee. The Building Division at (949) 497-0715 can confirm what your project needs. The permits guide explains the portal.

The Fire Department’s home hardening page notes that a roof attachment such as a solar panel can leave gaps or penetrations in the roof covering. It advises checking the area regularly and keeping the space under attachments clear of debris.

Food scraps and recycling

Food scraps and yard debris go in the green organics cart. The trash and recycling guide has the cart rules and pickup details.