City of Avalon
With its quaint streets, picturesque harbor and charming small town attitude, it’s easy to forget that Avalon is an incorporated city, with zoning laws, a planning commission and an elected city council. As Catalina Island’s only municipality, the City of Avalon regulates zoning, levies taxes and provides a range of services.
Potential Catalina Island real estate purchasers should be aware of the following:
- Construction: The City of Avalon Planning Department and building inspector will need to approve construction and remodeling plans. The Avalon Planning Commission oversees Catalina Island development.
- Vacation Rentals: Vacation Rental permits, which are also referred to as Conditional Use Permits or CUPs, are regulated and controlled by the City of Avalon Planning Commission. Permits can be restricted or revoked by the City of Avalon.
- Parking: The City of Avalon on Catalina Island regulates parking on its city streets. Overnight on street parking is generally restricted to full-time Avalon residents.
- Vehicles: The City of Avalon is the only municipality in the State of California with legislative authority to regulate the number of vehicles that are allowed on its streets. The wait list for full-size vehicles, which is restricted to full-time residents, is currently in excess of 20 years.
- Autoettes: Golf carts, also known as autoettes, are restricted to the City of Avalon on Catalina Island. Golf carts are restricted to one per residence.
- Get a copy of CIRE’s Avalon Residential Disclosure
The City of Avalon is overseen by an elected four-person city council and mayor. In addition to planning and finance, its departments include community services, public works, harbor, fire and recreation. City facilities include sports facilities, swim floats and two municipal parks. For more information about the City of Avalon, visit its website or call (310) 510-0220.
Additional agencies and entities that potential Catalina Island real estate purchasers should be aware of include:
- Long Beach Unified School District: LBUSD operates Avalon Schools, which is located on Falls Canyon Road and is home to about 650 students in grades kindergarten through 12th grade.
- Southern California Edison: The utility company provides electricity and other utilities to island residents and business owners. During times of drought, water usage can be restricted on Catalina Island.
- Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department: Law enforcement on Catalina Island is provided under contract by the LA County Sheriff’s.
- Hamilton Cove Homeowners Association: HOA dues in Hamilton Cove are $890. Additional monthly charges may be applicable if land has not been purchased.
