Public Records Search Instructions 

As the compliance officer for the Public Records Act, the City Clerk manages access to public records. The City of Laguna Beach utilizes OnBase, a specialized software product for the storage of scanned City documents and the easy public access of those documents.

To search for records: 

1) Click on the drop-down menu labeled  “Search Type” and select the type of document(s) that you are searching for.

*Note: To search for Public Comment, select "Public Comment" in the Search Type, and put "Public" in the search term.  Date parameters are helpful, but not necessary.

2) Type in the address, assessor’s parcel number, or search term(s).

• Search by Address: Type an asterisk (*) instead of spelling out "street," "avenue," or using any abbreviations. Example: 505 Forest*

• Search by Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN): Format example: XXX-XXX-XX

3) Click on “Search."

4) Scroll down to view results.

5) Click on the up icon to open the file.

Building & Planning Search Instructions 

1) Click on the drop-down menu labeled  “Search Type” and select the type of document(s) that you are searching for.

• Select “Building” if you wish to find building permits and related building records. Architectural or structural plans associated with a property must be viewed from within City Hall due to copyright protection. To view plans, please meet with a planner at the public counter at City Hall. 
• Select “Planning” if you wish to find planning or zoning related records.

2) Type in the Address or Assessor’s Parcel Number.

• Search by Address: Type an asterisk (*) instead of spelling out "street," "avenue," or using any abbreviations. Example: 505 Forest*
• Search by Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN): Format example: XXX-XXX-XX

3) Click on “Search."

• Wait for the search engine to gather the requested records.

4) Scroll down to view results.

5) Click on the up icon to open the file.