Los Angeles Zoning Code — LAMC Chapter 1A Div. 1.4 Introductory Provisions

A. Title

this chapter of the los Angeles Municipal code (lAMc) is the city of los Angeles Zoning code, and is referred to or cited as "this Zoning code (chapter 1A)" or "this chapter" throughout the lAMc.

B. Intent

this Zoning code (chapter 1A) regulates the development and use of property to achieve the following objectives:

1. Preserve, protect, and promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of residents and businesses in the city of los Angeles.

2. implement the goals and policies of officially adopted plans and policy documents, including the city's General Plan, community Plans, and any other policy documents pertaining to planning, land use, and urban design.

3. Provide zoning options that realize a wide variety of community visions established in plans throughout the city.

4. Provide clear standards and consistent procedures for appropriate and effective public involvement in land use and development decisions.

5. ensure transparency and fairness through consistent interpretation of development regulations.

6. Promote equitably, environmentally, and economically sustainable construction and land development practices.

7. ensure compatible transitions of use, building scale, and height between existing and new development.

8. Provide building form and site design standards that address the public aspects of private development and how building form, placement, and uses contribute to the safety and quality of the public realm.

9. Promote sustainable building, site, and landscape design practices that advance the livability, function, and beauty of the city.

10. Provide opportunities for a diverse range of housing options.

11. Provide standards for a variety of development patterns that emphasize connectivity between mobility networks.

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Sec. 1.4.1. (General Rules) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

Introductory Provisions | Article 1 Div. 1.4. (Introductory Provisions)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

A. Territorial Applicability

1. this Zoning code (chapter 1A) refers only to the omission or commission of acts within the territorial limits of the city and that territory outside of this city over which the city has jurisdiction or control by virtue of the constitution, charter or any law, or by reason of ownership or control of property.

2. With the exception of Article 13. (Administration) , this Zoning code (chapter 1A) applies only to projects located on lots with zone designations established in this Zoning code (chapter 1A), and does not apply to those lots zoned with districts established in Chapter I. (General Provisions and Zoning) of this code.

3. Article 13. (Administration) applies to all land use and development in the city, including lots zoned with districts established in this Zoning code (chapter 1A) and lots where Chapter I. (General Provisions and Zoning) of this code is still in effect.

4. Chapter I. (General Provisions and Zoning) of this code does not apply to those areas in which this Zoning code (chapter 1A) is applicable, unless expressly stated in this Zoning code (chapter 1A).

B. Required Conformance

1. All buildings, structures, or land, in whole or in part, shall be used or occupied in conformance with this Zoning code (chapter 1A).

2. Any project activity, as outlined in Sec. 14.2.15. (Project Activities) , in whole or in part, shall be done so in conformance with this Zoning code (chapter 1A).

3. the provisions of this Zoning code (chapter 1A) apply to all buildings, structures, or land owned, operated or controlled by any person, corporation, or to the extent permitted by law, governmental agency.

4. in the event that any provision of this Zoning code (chapter 1A) conflicts with Chapter V. (Public Safety and Protection), Article 7. (Fire Code) of this code, then Chapter V. (Public Safety and Protection), Article 7. (Fire Code) of this code shall prevail.

c. Certificate Of Occupancy

No vacant land shall be occupied or used, except for agricultural uses as established in Sec. 5D.10. (Agricultural Uses) and as permitted by the applied Use District (Part 5B.) , and no building erected or structurally altered shall be occupied or used, until a certificate of Occupancy has been issued by the Department of Building and Safety.

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Sec. 1.4.2. (Applicability of this Zoning Code) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

Introductory Provisions | Article 1 Div. 1.4. (Introductory Provisions)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

1. Certificate of Occupancy for a Building

• a. An application for a certificate of Occupancy for a new building or structure, addition, renovation, or modification of an existing building must be made coincidentally with the application for a building permit. the certificate of Occupancy shall be issued after written request for the certificate of Occupancy has been made to the Department of Building and Safety and after the erection, addition or modification of the building or part of the building has been completed in conformity with the provisions of these regulations. Pending the issuance of a regular certificate of Occupancy, a temporary certificate of Occupancy may be issued by the Superintendent of Building for a period not to exceed six months during the completion of modifications or during partial occupancy of a building pending its completion. A temporary certificate shall not be construed as in any way altering the respective rights, duties, or obligations of the owners or of the city relating to the use or occupancy of the premises or any other matter covered by this Zoning code (chapter 1A), and such temporary certificate shall not be issued except under such restrictions and provisions as will adequately ensure the safety of the occupants.

  • b. No excavation for any building shall be started before application has been made for a certificate of Occupancy.

2. Certificate of Occupancy for Off-Site Parking, Alleys, Loading Zones, & Residential Planned Developments

   • a. Whenever the automobile parking stalls which are required for a building by the provisions of this Zoning code (chapter 1A), are provided on a lot other than the one on which the building is located, the certificate of Occupancy for said building shall be valid only while such parking stalls are maintained and shall bear a notation to that effect. the certificate shall be kept posted in a conspicuous place in the building. the Superintendent of Building shall keep a record of each lot on which required automobile parking stalls are provided for a building located on another lot, and whenever the Superintendent of Building finds that such automobile parking stalls are no longer so maintained, the Superintendent of Building shall notify the persons having custody of the building of that fact. if the required automobile parking stalls are not maintained, the certificate of Occupancy shall become void and the building shall not thereafter be occupied or used until the required automobile parking stalls are again provided and a new certificate is issued.

   • b. Whenever a lot abutting a public alley in a Commercial-Mixed Use District (Div. 5B.5.) is developed and used solely for dwelling purposes with no more than 20 dwelling units on the lot and no loading space is provided, the certificate of Occupancy for any building thereon shall be valid only while all the buildings on said lot are maintained for said use and the certificate shall bear a notation to that effect. if at any time any of the buildings on said lot are structurally altered or enlarged, or the use thereof is changed to a hospital, hotel, institution, commercial or industrial purposes, or a dwelling so as to exceed 20

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Sec. 1.4.2. (Applicability of this Zoning Code) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

Introductory Provisions | Article 1 Div. 1.4. (Introductory Provisions)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

dwelling units on the lot, the certificate shall become void and none of the buildings on said lot shall thereafter be occupied or used until the required loading space is provided and a new certificate of Occupancy is issued.

• c. Wherever authority is granted to permit the sale of a lot in a residential planned development contingent upon the possession of an interest in common areas and facilities which are appurtenant to the lot including through shares of stock or voting membership in an owners association, the certificate of Occupancy for buildings on the lot shall be valid only while the interest is held by the owner.

3. Certificate of Occupancy for Land

An application for a certificate of Occupancy for the use of vacant land or a change in the character of the use of land, including the construction of tennis or paddle tennis courts, shall be made before any such land shall be occupied or used for any purpose except that of tilling the soil for the purposes of plant cultivation, as established in Sec. 5D.10.2. (Plant Cultivation) . A certificate of Occupancy shall be issued after the application has been made, provided such use is in conformity with the provisions of this Zoning code (chapter 1A).

— 4. Certificate of Occupancy Contents

the certificate of Occupancy shall state that the building or proposed use of a building or land conforms to the provisions of this Zoning code (chapter 1A). A record of all certificates shall be kept on file in the office of the Superintendent of Building, and copies shall be furnished, on request, to any person having a proprietary or tenancy interest in the building or land affected.

5. Plats

All applications for a certificate of Occupancy shall be made on a form to be furnished by the Superintendent of Building, and shall contain accurate information and dimensions as to the size and location of the lot, the size and location of the buildings or structures on the lot, the dimensions of all yards and open spaces, and such other information as may be necessary to provide for the enforcement of these regulations. Where complete and accurate information is not readily available from existing records, the Superintendent of Building may require the applicant to furnish a survey of the lot prepared by a licensed surveyor. the applications and plats shall be kept by the office of the Superintendent of Building, and the duplicate copy shall be kept at the building at all times during construction.

6. Recorded Agreements

Whenever a recorded agreement(s) is required as part of the approval of a project on a lot(s) as a prerequisite to the issuance of the required building permit or certificate of Occupancy, the owner(s) of said lot(s) shall record an agreement with the los Angeles county recorder as a covenant running with the land for the benefit of the city, providing that such owner or owners shall continue to maintain conformance with such agreement(s) so long as the building or use they are intended to serve is maintained.

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Sec. 1.4.2. (Applicability of this Zoning Code) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

Introductory Provisions | Article 1 Div. 1.4. (Introductory Provisions)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

D. Interpretation

1. Control Over Less Restrictive Laws & Regulations

Unless otherwise stated, if any condition or requirement imposed by this Zoning code (chapter 1A) is more restrictive than a condition or requirement imposed by any other city law, rule or regulation of any kind, the more restrictive condition or requirement governs.

2. State & Federal Law

this Zoning code (chapter 1A) shall comply with state and federal law.

3. Text & Graphics

illustrations, graphics, and photographs are included in this Zoning code (chapter 1A) only to assist users in understanding the intent and requirement of the text. in the event that a conflict occurs between the text of this Zoning code (chapter 1A) and any illustrations, graphics, or photographs, the text shall prevail.

4. Effect of Heading

See Chapter I. (General Provisions and Zoning), Sec. 11.00.(f) (Heading, Effect of) of this code.

5. References to Other Laws, Requirements, Chapters, & Codes

• a. Despite Chapter 1. (General Provisions and Zoning), Sec. 11.05. (Effect of Renumbering or Redesignation of Provisions or Sections in Statutes or Codes of the State of California Which are Referenced to in the Los Angeles Municipal Code) , any references to State or Federal statutes or regulations in this chapter 1A shall be to those statutes or regulations as written and in effect on the date the ordinance adding those references is adopted. this general rule is intended to control over a specific rule to the contrary and shall not be subject to the rule of statutory construction that where there is a conflict, a specific statute controls over a general statute.

  • b. references within this Zoning code (chapter 1A) to requirements of other city or government agencies or chapters of the lAMc, as well as other local, state, and federal codes are provided for informational purposes and are not intended to be comprehensive or to provide exemption from any additional applicable regulations from other city or government agencies or Sections of the lAMc not explicitly referenced in this Zoning code (chapter 1A).

6. Defined Terms

Defined terms within this Zoning code (chapter 1A) are underlined with a dotted line and their definitions are located in Div. 14.3. (Glossary) .

7. Reconciling Provisions

this Subsection (Interpretation) prevails over any other contrary provision in this chapter.

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Sec. 1.4.2. (Applicability of this Zoning Code) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

Introductory Provisions | Article 1 Div. 1.4. (Introductory Provisions)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

e. Effect of Adoption on Past Actions and Obligations

See Chapter I. (General Provisions and Zoning), Sec. 11.00.(d) (Effect of Code on Past Actions and Obligations Previously Accrued) of this code.

F. Inconsistent Permit or License

See Chapter I. (General Provisions and Zoning), Sec. 11.02. (Inconsistent Permits and Licenses) of this code.

G. Public Utilities & Public Services

the provisions of this Zoning code (chapter 1A) shall not be construed to limit or interfere with the construction, installation, operation and maintenance for public utility purposes, of water and gas pipes, mains and conduits, electric light and electric power transmission and distribution lines, telephone and telegraph lines, oil pipelines, sewers and sewer mains, and incidental appurtenances.

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Sec. 1.4.2. (Applicability of this Zoning Code) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

Introductory Provisions | Article 1 Div. 1.4. (Introductory Provisions)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

See Chapter I. (General Provisions and Zoning), Sec. 11.00.(k) (Validity of Code) of this code.

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Sec. 1.4.3. (Severability) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

Introductory Provisions | Article 1 Div. 1.4. (Introductory Provisions)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

Any project with an entitlement application that was filed and for which all applications fees were paid prior to the effective date of this Zoning code (chapter 1A), where applied, may continue to use the zoning that was in effect at the time of application, provided that approvals are granted and used within the time limits established in Sec. 13A.2.7. (Scope of Decision) , unless the applicant elects to utilize the provisions of chapter 1A. Projects subject to Chapter I. (General Provisions and Zoning) shall be subject to any subsequent amendments to Chapter I. (General Provisions and Zoning) of this code unless the application has been vested pursuant to Sec. 1.4.5. (Vested Rights) .

• A. When applicable, modifications of the entitlements outlined above may be granted, provided that approvals are granted and are effectuated and utilized within the time limits established in Sec. 13A.2.7. (Scope of Decision) .

• B. Any project with approved entitlements that cannot be effectuated and utilized within the time limits established in Sec. 13A.2.7. (Scope of Decision) shall proceed in accordance with the regulations of this Zoning code (chapter 1A).

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Sec. 1.4.4. (Successional Rights) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

Introductory Provisions | Article 1 Div. 1.4. (Introductory Provisions)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

• A. Any project with an approved entitlement listed in the table below may be considered vested - see the specific Section cross-referenced in the table for additional vesting details.

• B. Whenever plans sufficient for a complete plan check are accepted by the Department of Building and Safety and a fee is paid, see Sec. 13B.10.1.B.2. (Vesting of Development Plan) .

• C. An entitlement for a project utilizing Sec. 9.2.1. (State Density Bonus Program) or Sec. 9.2.2. (Affordable Housing Incentive Program) that was filed and fees paid prior to the effective date of the citywide Housing incentive Program Ordinance, Ordinance No. 188,478, may utilize the special vesting rights in Subsection D. (Administration) of Sec. 9.2.1. (State Density Bonus Program) or Subsection D. (Administration) of Sec. 9.2.2. (Affordable Housing Incentive Program) , respectively.

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Sec. 1.4.5. (Vested Rights) Last amended by Ord. 188,478 (Resolution), Eff. 06/18/2025

Introductory Provisions | Article 1 Div. 1.4. (Introductory Provisions)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

existing lots, site improvements, buildings and structures, and uses that conformed to the zoning regulations at the time they were established, but do not conform to current zoning district standards or use permissions, are allowed to continue the existing use, and conduct maintenance & repair as well as renovation. Where further changes are proposed, see Article 12. (Nonconformities) .

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Sec. 1.4.6. (Continuance of Existing Development) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

Introductory Provisions | Article 1 Div. 1.4. (Introductory Provisions)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

in recognition of the September 6, 2024 trial court ruling in Warren e&P, inc. v. city of los Angeles, los Angeles Superior court No. 23StcP00060, and its related cases, all oil production and oil well related regulations in this chapter 1A, including but not be limited to the provisions in Part 5B. (Use Districts) , Part 5C. (Use Rules) , Part 5D. (Use Definitions) , Sec. 8.2.4. (Oil Drilling Districts (O)) , Sec. 14.3. (Glossary) , and any related Zoning Administrator Memos and interpretations shall be ineffective until such time as this Section (Warren E&P, Inc. v. City of Los Angeles and Oil Regulations) is amended.

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Sec. 1.4.7. (Warren E&P, Inc. v. City of Los Angeles and Oil Regulations) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

Introductory Provisions | Article 1 Div. 1.5. (Zoning Code Maps)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A