Rancho Santa Margarita public meetings in 2025
27 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council Regular Meeting and Public Financing Authority Meeting
The City Council will vote on a consent calendar that includes awarding a $853,444.15 construction contract for the Antonio Parkway Gateway Improvements Project (Phase II) and a $147,446.25 contract for traffic signal enhancements. The council will also elect a mayor pro tempore during its annual reorganization and approve warrant registers totaling $2,053,000.98. The meeting includes a separate Public Financing Authority session to confirm officers and approve minutes.
- Award of $853,444.15 public works contract to Marina Landscape, Inc. for Antonio Parkway Gateway Improvements Phase II
- Approval of Amendment No. 4 to engineering agreement for same project, increasing contract by $27,300 to $159,373
- Award of $147,446.25 contract to Streetlight Restoration Specialists, Inc. for Fiscal Year 2025/26 Traffic Signal Enhancements
- Approval of warrant registers from November 10 through December 1, 2025 totaling $2,053,000.98
- Election of Mayor Pro Tempore as part of annual City Council reorganization
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
The Planning Commission will hold public hearings on two items: a site development permit for Target to relocate drive-up parking and install a shade canopy at 30602 Santa Margarita Parkway, and a conditional use permit for Pho O-Oh Tasty at 22245 El Paseo, Suite A, to allow alcoholic beverage sales. The Commission will also vote to approve the November 5, 2025 meeting minutes. Other business includes a schedule of holiday closures and public comment.
- Site development permit for Target (RSM 24-008): relocate drive-up parking spaces and install shade canopy with directional signage at 30602 Santa Margarita Parkway
- Conditional use permit for Pho O-Oh Tasty (RSM 25-008): allow Type 41 alcohol retail sales at 22245 El Paseo, Suite A
- Approval of November 5, 2025 regular meeting minutes
- City Hall closure December 25, 2025 through January 2, 2026
- New Year's Eve 'Celebrating Family and Friends' event December 31, 2025 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.
City Council Regular Meeting
The City Council will review the final design for a new Veterans Monument and consider several construction contracts. The agenda also includes approving various service agreements and project completions.
- Design review and approval for the Veterans Monument
- Construction contract for City Hall & Bell Tower Regional Community Center roof and solar improvements: $1,664,725.40
- Senior Mobility Transportation Services agreement with OCY Management, LLC: $196,781.00
- Professional Traffic Signal Operations Management Services agreement: $165,000
- Warrant registers totaling $2,145,759.32
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
The Rancho Santa Margarita Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider a conditional use permit for a pickleball facility at 22235 El Paseo. The meeting will also include the approval of previous meeting minutes and a discussion of future city events.
- Approve October 1, 2025 Planning Commission minutes
- Public hearing for pickleball facility at 22235 El Paseo
- Veteran's Day and Thanksgiving holiday closures announced
- Public comment limited to 30 minutes total
- Next meeting scheduled for December 3, 2025
City Council Regular Meeting
The City Council will hold a public hearing to adopt the 2025 edition of the California Building Standards Code and the California Fire Code. The body is also considering zoning amendments for accessory dwelling units, thrift stores, and child day care centers.
- Public hearing to adopt 2025 California Building Standards Code and 2025 California Fire Code
- Zoning amendment (ZCA 25-001) regarding accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units
- Zoning amendment (ZCA 25-002) regarding thrift stores and child day care centers
- Proposed $250,000 five-year contract with Data Ticket, Inc. for parking citation processing
- Approval of warrant registers totaling $2,102,711.89
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
The Rancho Santa Margarita Planning Commission will hold public hearings on two items: a conditional use permit for a child day care center (Goddard Trabuco Canyon) at 31911-31931 Dove Canyon Drive, and an amendment to an existing conditional use permit for a dance and performing arts studio at 29832 Avenida de las Banderas. The commission will also consider approving the August 6, 2025 meeting minutes and hear public comment on non-agenda items.
- Public hearing on Conditional Use Permit RSM 25-005 for a child day care center (Goddard Trabuco Canyon) at 31911-31931 Dove Canyon Drive, Trabuco Canyon
- Public hearing on Amendment to Conditional Use Permit RSM 09-017 for a dance and performing arts studio at 29832 Avenida de las Banderas (Banderas Business Park)
- Approval of August 6, 2025 Planning Commission meeting minutes
- Schedule of future events: Rancho Family Fest (Oct 3-4), Electronic Waste Disposal and Document Shredding Event (Oct 11), Halloween Family Festival (Oct 31)
- Public comment period for items not on the agenda
City Council Regular Meeting
The City Council will hold public hearings to update regulations for accessory dwelling units, thrift stores, and child day care centers. The body will also consider adopting the 2025 California Building Standards Code and approving warrant registers.
- Public hearing for Zoning Code Text Amendment 25-001 regarding accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior ADUs
- Public hearing for Zoning Code Text Amendment 25-002 regarding thrift stores and child day care centers
- Approval of warrant registers totaling $704,781.13
- Proposed adoption of the 2025 California Building Standards Code and 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code
- Authorization to submit the FY 2024/2025 Community Development Block Grant performance report to HUD
City Council Regular Meeting
The City Council will consider adopting a resolution that amends the schedule of fines and late fees for administrative citations. The council will also vote on a consent calendar that includes approval of warrant registers totaling $1,934,760.73, an equipment lease renewal for copy machines at a cost of $14,496, and payment of $6,249.31 for supplemental law enforcement services. Other consent items include approval of professional services agreements for on-call environmental review consulting and certificates of recognition.
- Resolution amending and restating schedule of fines and late fees for administrative citations
- Approval of warrant registers totaling $1,934,760.73
- Equipment lease renewal and maintenance agreement with C3 Technology Services for $14,496 one-year extension
- Payment of $6,249.31 to Orange County for supplemental law enforcement for July 4th event
- On-call environmental review consulting agreements with Ascent Environmental, De Novo Planning Group, and Michael Baker International, up to $75,000 each
City Council Regular Meeting
The City Council will conduct an annual performance evaluation and consider compensation for the City Manager. The body is also deciding on several maintenance contracts, traffic signal projects, and parking penalty updates.
- Proposed $200,000 five-year agreement with Southern California Precision Concrete, Inc. for sidewalk trip hazard removal
- Purchase order of $105,806.51 with South Coast Lighting & Design, Inc. for traffic signal materials
- Approval of warrant registers totaling $4,650,448.33
- Resolution updating parking violation penalties related to Assembly Bill 413 (Daylighting Law)
- Application for inclusion on the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection Fire Risk Reduction Community List
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
The commission will approve the minutes from its July 2, 2025 meeting. It will conduct continued public hearings on two zoning code text amendments: ZCA 25-001, which updates regulations for accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units, and ZCA 25-002, which adds child day‑care centers and thrift stores as conditionally permitted uses. After hearing testimony, the commission will adopt resolutions recommending that the City Council approve each amendment, including CEQA exemptions. The meeting also includes routine items such as presentations, future event notices, and public comment.
- Approve July 2, 2025 Planning Commission meeting minutes.
- Public hearing on ZCA 25‑001 to amend ADU and junior ADU regulations.
- Public hearing on ZCA 25‑002 to permit child day‑care centers and thrift stores.
City Council Regular Meeting
The Rancho Santa Margarita City Council will hold public hearings on adopting the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and updating the General Plan Safety Element and Circulation Element. The council will also consider a false alarm fee update, approve a software agreement with Tyler Technologies for $73,110, and adopt an ordinance designating fire hazard severity zones.
- Adopt Ordinance No. 25-02 designating fire hazard severity zones in the Local Responsibility Area
- Approve warrant registers totaling $824,951.17
- Approve $73,110 Software as a Service agreement with Tyler Technologies for financial and HR software
- Accept completion of the FY 2024-2025 Annual Residential Overlay Project and file Notice of Completion
- Adopt resolution updating the False Alarm Fee Program for continued participation in Orange County Sheriff's Department program
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Zoning Code Text Amendment 25-001, which updates municipal code sections on accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units to align with state law. The commission is expected to vote on a resolution recommending City Council approval. Other agenda items include approval of June 4 meeting minutes and a schedule of upcoming community events.
- Public hearing on Zoning Code Text Amendment 25-001 updating ADU and JADU regulations per state law
- Recommendation to adopt a resolution advising City Council to approve the amendment, with CEQA exemption
- Approval of June 4, 2025 regular meeting minutes
- Notice of July 4 City Hall closure and SAMLARC's Star Spangled Spectacular event at Lago Santa Margarita Beach Club
- Summer Concert Series at Central Park through August 10
City Council Regular Meeting
The City Council will consider adopting an ordinance prohibiting camping on public property and sleeping in vehicles, as part of the consent calendar. They will also introduce an ordinance adopting fire hazard severity zone maps from the state fire marshal. Other notable items include approving a $856,678 contract for traffic signal synchronization on Antonio Parkway and allocating over $1.78 million in road maintenance funds.
- Adopt Ordinance No. 25-01 prohibiting camping on public property and sleeping in vehicles
- Approve Professional Services Agreement with AGA Engineers for Antonio Parkway Signal Synchronization ($856,678)
- Introduce ordinance adopting Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map for Local Responsibility Area
- Allocate over $1.78 million in RMRA funds for slurry seal, Santa Margarita Parkway rehab, Los Alisos Blvd rehab, and Antonio Parkway median construction
- Approve warrant registers totaling $891,250.22
City Council Regular Meeting
The City Council will hold public hearings to adopt the Fiscal Year 2025/26 operating budget and capital improvement program. The body is also considering a new ordinance regarding camping on public property and updating employee salary ranges and benefits.
- Adoption of FY 2025/26 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program Budget Plan
- Law enforcement services agreement with County of Orange not-to-exceed $12,486,050
- Proposed ordinance adding Chapter 6.13 to Municipal Code regarding camping on public property
- Traffic engineering consulting agreement with Ardurra Group, Inc. up to $450,000
- HVAC maintenance agreement with Harbor Pointe Air Conditioning and Control Systems, Inc. up to $150,183.25
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
The commission will hold a public hearing to adopt the City of Rancho Santa Margarita Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and General Plan Amendment (GPA) 25-002 to update the safety element. Staff will present the plan, commissioners will question staff, receive public testimony, and adopt a resolution recommending the City Council adopt the plan and amendment. The commission will also adopt a resolution finding general‑plan conformity for the FY 2025‑26 capital improvement and street maintenance program. Minutes from the April 2, 2025 meeting will be approved.
- Adopt the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and General Plan Amendment GPA 25-002 (Safety Element) – public hearing
- Approve the Planning Commission minutes from April 2, 2025
- Adopt a resolution finding general‑plan conformity for FY 2025‑26 capital improvement program and street maintenance program
- Review FY 2025‑26 public works projects included in the proposed Seven‑Year Capital Improvement Program
- Public comment period limited to three minutes per speaker, total thirty minutes
City Council Regular Meeting
The Rancho Santa Margarita City Council will hold a public hearing on the Draft 2025‑2029 Consolidated Plan, including the 2025‑2026 Annual Action Plan, CDBG fund use, the Regional Orange County Assessment of Fair Housing, and amendments to the Citizen Participation Plan, and will vote to adopt a resolution approving the plan. The council will also consider consent‑calendar items such as warrant registers totaling $762,655.44, contract amendments for traffic signal maintenance with Yunex, LLC, janitorial services with Dynamic Building Maintenance, Inc., and a second amendment to the waste disposal agreement with the County of Orange.
- Approve warrant registers dated April 21, 2025 through May 5, 2025 totaling $762,655.44 (Item 5.4)
- Amend Maintenance Services Agreement with Yunex, LLC: extend term to Aug 9, 2028 and increase max contract amount by $475,065 to $905,625 (Item 5.5)
- Amend Janitorial Services Agreement with Dynamic Building Maintenance, Inc.: extend term to July 12, 2027 and increase max contract amount by $147,750 to $344,024.65 (Item 5.6)
- Approve second amendment to Waste Disposal Agreement with the County of Orange (Item 5.7)
- Public hearing and adoption of the 2025‑2029 Consolidated Plan, including fair‑housing assessment and CDBG actions (Item 6.1)
City Council Special Meeting
The City Council is reviewing the proposed Fiscal Year 2025/26 budget and a seven-year Capital Improvement Program. Council will provide input on budget priorities and direct staff on project inclusion. No final votes are scheduled; this is a study session.
- Fiscal Year 2025/26 Budget Development Workshop: staff report and work papers for council input
- Proposed Seven-Year Capital Improvement Program for FY 2025/26 to 2031/32: review of current CIP and potential new projects
City Council Regular Meeting
The City Council will consider a resolution to adjust the Master Fee Schedule for various government services based on the Consumer Price Index. The body will also review the proposed Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Community Development Block Grant expenditure plan.
- Public hearing to adjust general government fees and user rates based on the Consumer Price Index
- Proposed Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Community Development Block Grant expenditure plan
- Public works contract for FY 2024-25 Annual Residential Slurry Seal Project awarded to American Asphalt South, Inc. for $353,432.50
- Approval of warrant registers totaling $1,567,318.09
- Budget development workshops scheduled for May 8 and May 14, 2025
City Council Regular Meeting
This meeting features presentations on child safety and mosquito control, but the main actions are approving two contracts: a $48,350 emergency management consulting agreement with Jacob Green & Associates and a $90,000 splash pad repair and maintenance agreement with HASA, Inc. The consent calendar includes approval of warrant registers totaling $296,620.87 and adoption of the FY 2025/26 Statement of Investment Policy.
- Approve $48,350 emergency management consulting contract with Jacob Green & Associates
- Approve $90,000 splash pad repair/maintenance agreement with HASA, Inc.
- Approve warrant registers totaling $296,620.87
- Adopt FY 2025/26 Statement of Investment Policy
- Presentation – Child Safety Update by Police Services
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
The Rancho Santa Margarita Planning Commission will consider three public‑hearing items. It will vote on a conditional use permit and categorical exemption for a private school at 30492 Avenida de las Banderas. It will also vote on a conditional use permit and joint‑use/shared parking plan for Mariners Church at 31941 Dove Canyon Drive. Finally, it will consider a General Plan Amendment to update the circulation element, adopt transportation study guidelines, and adopt a third addendum to the General Plan Final Environmental Impact Report.
- Approve Planning Application RSM 25-001: conditional use permit for a private school at 30492 Avenida de las Banderas, with a categorical exemption under CEQA.
- Approve Planning Application RSM 24-014: conditional use permit for Mariners Church and an alternative development standard for a joint‑use/shared parking plan at 31941 Dove Canyon Drive, with a categorical exemption under CEQA.
- Adopt a resolution recommending the City Council adopt GPA 25-001 to update the General Plan circulation element, adopt transportation study guidelines, and adopt the third addendum to the General Plan Final Environmental Impact Report.
City Council Regular Meeting
The City Council will consider consent calendar items including a $619,000 public works contract for the annual residential overlay project. The council will also receive a mid-year General Fund budget update and the 2024 General Plan annual progress report. Other items include approval of warrant registers totaling $1,905,032.76 and recognition of students and community members.
- Award of $619,000 public works construction contract to Hardy & Harper, Inc. for Fiscal Year 2024-25 Annual Residential Overlay Project (Consent Calendar Item 5.6)
- Approval of warrant registers for March 2025 totaling $1,905,032.76 (Consent Calendar Item 5.4)
- Review of Fiscal Year 2024/25 General Fund Budget Update with actual performance through December 2024 and projections (New Business Item 7.1)
- Receive and file the General Plan Annual Progress Reporting for 2024 (Consent Calendar Item 5.7)
- Certificates of Recognition for students from RSM Intermediate and St. John's Episcopal School, a softball coach, and CERT Class #3 members (Consent Calendar Item 5.2)
City Council Regular Meeting
The City Council will consider a consent calendar awarding a $747,450 contract to R.J. Noble Company for the Alicia Parkway Pavement Rehabilitation Project, accepting completed ADA curb ramp and concrete repair work, and approving warrant registers totaling $483,087.75. The agenda also includes the introduction of a new police chief and updates on countywide waste infrastructure and youth recreation programs.
- Award of $747,450 contract to R.J. Noble Company for Alicia Parkway Pavement Rehabilitation Project
- Notice of Completion for FY 2024-25 ADA Curb Ramp Installation – Community Development Block Grant Project
- Notice of Completion for FY 2024-25 Annual Concrete Repair Project
- Approval of warrant registers totaling $483,087.75
- Introduction of Captain Dwayne Chapple as Rancho Santa Margarita Chief of Police
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
The Planning Commission will hear a staff presentation on the General Plan Annual Progress Report for 2024, then discuss and vote to receive and file the report and forward it to the City Council and state housing agencies. The commission will also approve the minutes from the February 5, 2025 meeting. No public hearings are scheduled.
- Approve February 5, 2025 Planning Commission meeting minutes
- Receive and file General Plan Annual Progress Report for 2024, with direction to forward to City Council, OPR, and HCD
- Electronics waste disposal and document shredding event announced for April 5, 2025, 8 a.m. to noon at Applied Medical's R100 Building parking lot
City Council Regular Meeting
The City Council will discuss a resolution to oppose South Coast Air Quality Management District rules requiring a transition to electric residential furnaces and water heaters. The body will also consider a contract for homeless outreach services and approve several project completions.
- Proposed $71,060 agreement with City of Mission Viejo for 20 hours per week of Homeless Outreach Services
- Resolution opposing SCAQMD amended rules 1111 and 1121 regarding electric residential furnaces and water heaters
- Approval of warrant registers totaling $3,907,403.12
- Notice of completion for City Hall and Bell Tower Regional Community Center interior LED lighting conversion
- Notice of completion for Bell Tower Regional Community Center ballroom floor renovation
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
The Commission will consider and vote on Planning Application RSM 24-015, a conditional use permit for a gymnasium (EOS Fitness) at 30501 Avenida De Las Flores. They will adopt a resolution rescinding Planning Commission Resolution No. PC 24-09-04-02 and granting a categorical exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act. Additional agenda items include electing a Chair and Vice‑Chair, approving the December 4, 2024 meeting minutes, and announcing future events such as President’s Day holiday and an electronics waste disposal event.
- Approve Planning Application RSM 24-015 for a gymnasium (EOS Fitness) at 30501 Avenida De Las Flores, including a conditional use permit and categorical exemption
- Adopt a resolution rescinding Planning Commission Resolution No. PC 24-09-04-02
- Approve the minutes of the December 4, 2024 Planning Commission meeting
- Nominate and elect a Chair of the Planning Commission
- Nominate and elect a Vice‑Chair of the Planning Commission
City Council Regular Meeting
This is a routine meeting with a consent calendar including approval of warrant registers totaling $525,655.62, the city's annual financial report for FY 2023-24, and several recognition certificates. Council will also receive and file a customer satisfaction survey and service delivery update from CR&R, the city's waste hauler. No public hearings or major policy items are scheduled.
- Approve warrant registers totaling $525,655.62
- Receive and file the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for FY ended June 30, 2024
- Recognize 2024 Employee of the Year Sofia Djordjevic, Senior Management Analyst
- Recognize students from Tijeras Creek Elementary and St. Serra Catholic School
- Receive CR&R customer satisfaction survey and service delivery update
City Council Regular Meeting
The City Council will discuss updating CR&R street sweeping services and approving the 2025 meeting schedule. The body is also reviewing warrant registers and receiving reports on youth recreation and vector control.
- Proposed appropriation of $14,176.77 for seasonal residential street sweeping from February through April 2025
- Approval of warrant registers totaling $2,015,491.13
- Approval of the Calendar Year 2025 City Council Meeting Schedule
- Update on youth recreation programs by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley, Inc.
- Oral report on the Foothill/Eastern Transportation Authority meeting from December 12, 2024