Building & Safety Services

Description

The Building DivisionThe City of Lake Forest's Building and Safety division works within the broader context of the Community Development Department, which includes planning and code enforcement services. The Community Development Department is responsible for administering programs that guide the City&rsquo;s growth and development. The Building and Safety Division reviews architectural and structural plans, issues building permits, and provides inspection services for new construction and remodeling activities throughout the City. The City has contracted for Building and Safety Services since its incorporation in 1991.&nbsp;Historical SnapshotThe City was primarily a bedroom community, with 20,300 dwelling units and a population of 58,700 upon incorporation.&nbsp; In the early 2000s, the City annexed the communities of Foothill Ranch and Portola Hills, increasing the number of dwelling units to 27,058, and the population to 78,200. During this timeframe, the City also saw significant industrial development in the area formerly encumbered by the runway patterns of Marine Corp Air Station El Toro.After the closure of the military base, the City approved the residential development of the vacant land that remained under the former flight path. This allowed for the development of 5,115 additional homes.&nbsp; Robust construction of the new homes commenced in 2014 and continued at a steady pace until the present time, as evidenced by the permit revenues received by the City. <img src="