Article 3 — FRONTAGE›Part 3D — CHARACTER FRONTAGE RULES
Los Angeles Zoning Code — LAMC Chapter 1A Div. 3D.5 Story Height
Los Angeles Zoning Code — LAMC Chapter 1A · 2026-08 edition · updated 2026-10-08 · Los Angeles
Cite as: Los Angeles Zoning Code — LAMC Chapter 1A § 3D.5 · Text as of 2026-10-08
SEC. 3D.5.1. GROUND STORY HEIGHT¶
For the intent, applicability, standards, measurement, and relief of ground story height see Sec. 3C.6.1. (Ground Story Height) .
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Sec. 3D.5.1. (Ground Story Height) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025
[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 3D.5. (Story Height)
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
SEC. 3D.5.2. UPPER STORY HEIGHT¶
Upper story height is defined as the floor-to-floor height of any story of a building located above the ground story.
A. Intent
The intent of the standards of this Section (Upper Story Height) is to ensure upper story spaces and their facades are scaled and proportioned to contribute to the established architectural character of surrounding neighborhoods or districts.
B. Applicability
- Upper story height standards apply to new construction of multi-story buildings or structures. When upper story height standards apply, the standards apply to each story located above the ground story and all build-to applicable stories specified by the applied Frontage District (Part 3B.) .
C. Standards
All occupiable space located in applicable portions of upper stories shall have a floor-to-floor height of no less than the upper story height minimum.
D. Measurement
Upper story height is measured vertically from the top of the finished floor to the top of the finished floor above.
Where no story exists above an upper story, upper story height is the shortest vertical distance from the top of the finished floor to the top of the ceiling or roof structure above.
E. Exceptions
Portions of upper stories located beyond the first 15 feet of a frontage applicable facade, measured inward and perpendicular to the facade are not required to meet upper story height standards.
F. Relief
A reduction in required upper story height of up to one foot may be granted in accordance with Sec. 13B.5.2. (Adjustment) .
Deviations from upper story height standards may be granted as a variance in accordance with Sec. 13B.5.3. (Variance) .
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Sec. 3D.5.2. (Upper Story Height) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025
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