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Knowledge Base Article

Laguna Woods Private School and Educational Institution Zoning

Quick Answer

Educational institutions, including private schools, are not permitted by right as a principal use in Laguna Woods. In Community Facilities districts (CF-P and CF-P/I), they require a Conditional Use Permit (U). In residential districts (RMF, RC, RT), they are only allowed as accessory uses (A). However, small family day care homes (14 or fewer persons) are permitted by right in RMF and RC zones.

In Laguna Woods, the establishment of a private school (classified under "Educational Institutions") as a principal land use is not permitted "by right." Instead, these uses are subject to specific permitting requirements or are restricted to accessory roles depending on the zoning district.

Community Facilities Districts

The Community Facilities—Private (CF-P) district is specifically intended to accommodate private community uses that serve residents and visitors, with the city code explicitly listing "schools" as an example of an intended use [§ Sec. 13.13.010(a)].

However, the Permitted Community Facilities Uses Table specifies that "Educational Institutions" are not permitted by right (designated as "P") in these districts. Instead, they are designated as "U", meaning they are permitted only with an approved conditional use permit [§ Sec. 13.13.020]. This requirement applies to both:

  • Community Facilities—Public/Institutional (CF-P/I)
  • Community Facilities—Private (CF-P)

Residential Districts

In residential zones, educational institutions are more restricted. According to the Permitted Residential Uses Table, "Educational Institutions" are designated as "A", meaning they are permitted only as an accessory use to a principal use on a site [§ Sec. 13.08.010]. This applies to the following districts:

  • Residential Multifamily (RMF)
  • Residential Community (RC)
  • Residential Towers (RT)

Small-Scale Exceptions and Related Uses

While "Educational Institutions" as a general category require use permits or accessory status, certain related care and educational uses have different permit requirements:

Family Day Care Homes

Small-scale educational care provided in a residential setting is permitted by right in certain districts:

  • Permitted by Right (P): Family Day Care Homes serving 14 or fewer persons are permitted as a principal use in the Residential Multifamily (RMF) and Residential Community (RC) districts [§ Sec. 13.08.010].
  • Prohibited (X): These are prohibited in the Residential Towers (RT) district [§ Sec. 13.08.010].

Community Care Facilities

"Community care facilities" are permitted by right in any district or specific plan area zoned for residential uses and are legally regarded as single-family dwellings for zoning purposes [§ Sec. 13.26.070].

Large Day Care Nurseries

Child day care facilities or nurseries serving more than 14 persons are not permitted by right. If they are not already identified as a permitted use in a specific district, they may be allowed subject to the approval of a use permit by the Planning Commission [§ Sec. 13.26.060].

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Use Permit required for a private school in Laguna Woods?

Yes. In both the Community Facilities—Private (CF-P) and Public/Institutional (CF-P/I) districts, educational institutions require an approved conditional use permit.

Can I open a school in a residential zone in Laguna Woods?

In residential districts (RMF, RC, and RT), educational institutions are only permitted as an accessory use to a principal use, not as a standalone principal use.

Are day cares permitted by right in Laguna Woods?

Family Day Care Homes serving 14 or fewer people are permitted by right in the Residential Multifamily (RMF) and Residential Community (RC) districts. Larger nurseries require a use permit.

Last updated: 5/8/2026