§ 22.02

Title 22 (Planning and Zoning) of the Los Angeles County Code shall be known and cited as this "Title 22," the "Zoning Ordinance," or the "Zoning Code."

(Ord. 2019-0004 § 1, 2019.)

In the creation of the respective zones set forth herein by this Title 22 ordinance, the Board of Supervisors has given due and special consideration to the peculiar suitability of each and every such zone herein created for the particular uses enumerated therefor, the area requirements, density of land occupancy, and the necessary, proper, and comprehensive groupings and arrangements of the various industries, businesses, and population of the unincorporated area of the County of Los Angeles (County) and in relation with established plans in the incorporated areas of the County in accordance with a wellconsidered master plan of land use for the development of the entire County, paying particular attention to those areas in said unincorporated area in which more densely populated communities have arisen, giving to such communities urban characteristics.

(Ord. 2019-0004 § 1, 2019.)

A.

Applicability.

This Title 22 shall apply to all properties within the unincorporated area of Los Angeles County, including all uses, buildings, structures, and land owned by any private person, firm, corporation, or organization, or the County or other federal, State, or local agencies.

2.

Governmental and quasi-governmental agencies may be exempt from portions of this Title 22 pursuant to provisions of the California Government Code.

B.

Compliance. No land shall be used, and no structure shall be constructed, occupied, enlarged, altered, or moved except as permitted in this Title 22.

C.

Provisions Interpreted as Minimum Requirements. In interpreting and applying the provisions of this Title 22, they shall be held to be the minimum requirements for the promotion of the public health, safety, and general welfare.

D.

Regulations Not Exclusive. This Title 22 shall not relieve a person from the responsibility of complying with all other applicable regulations of any other federal, State, or County agency.

E.

Amendments and Additions Included. Whenever reference is made to this Title 22 or any portion of this Title 22, the reference applies to all amendments and additions made hereafter.

(Ord. 2019-0004 § 1, 2019.)

22.02.040 - Administration of Use Classifications.

A.

Principal Use. In determining compliance with this Title 22 as it applies to the uses listed in the basic zones, each principal use shall be considered a separate use, provided:

1.

The accessory uses, buildings, or structures shall be deemed an integral part of each principal use; and

2.

That more than one principal use may be placed on a single lot if not in conflict with other provisions of this Title 22.

B.

Accessory Use. The Director shall determine whether a use or structure may be considered accessory pursuant to the definitions contained in this Title 22.

(Ord. 2019-0004 § 1, 2019.)

A.

General Plan Goals and Policies. Building permits may only be issued for developments and land uses that conform to the goals and policies of the General Plan, and any applicable Area, Community, or Neighborhood Plan.

B.

Use.

1.

General. Except as otherwise specified in Subsection B.2, below, building permits may be issued only for those land uses that are allowed through zoning and deemed compatible with the general intended uses of the land use designation in the General Plan, or an applicable Area, Community, or Neighborhood Plan.

2.

Housing Development Project. Notwithstanding Subsection B.1, above, building permits may be issued for a housing development project, as defined in Section 22.14.80, without a zone change, even if the use is prohibited in the zone, so long as the housing development project is consistent with the general intended uses of the land use designation in the General Plan, or an applicable Area, Community, or Neighborhood Plan. The housing development project may be subject to standards of a zone that are consistent with the general intended uses of the land use designation in the General Plan, or an applicable Area, Community, or Neighborhood Plan, pursuant to section 65589.5(i)(4) of the California Government Code.

C.

Density.

1.

General. Except as specified otherwise in this Title 22, all proposed densities, not including dwelling units permitted by a density bonus awarded by any provisions in this Title 22, shall fit within the range of density specified by the land use designation in the General Plan, or an applicable Area, Community, or Neighborhood Plan.

2.

Maximum. Except as specified otherwise in this Title 22, the maximum density specified by the land use designation in the General Plan, or an applicable Area, Community, or Neighborhood Plan shall be used to calculate the maximum number of dwelling units permitted on a lot, not including dwelling units permitted by a density bonus awarded by any provisions in this Title 22.

D.

Floor Area Ratio. Except as specified otherwise in this Title 22, all buildings subject to this Title 22 shall comply with the maximum floor area ratio specified by the land use designation in the General Plan, or an applicable Area, Community, or Neighborhood Plan.

(Ord. 2023-0038 § 1, 2023; Ord. 2021-0010 § 3, 2021; Ord. 2019-0004 § 1, 2019.)

No approvals shall be issued under this Title 22 without replacement of affordable housing units, when required, pursuant to Chapter 22.119 (Affordable Housing Replacement).

(Ord. 2021-0018 § 4, 2021)

As a condition of the approval of a zoning permit, the applicant shall agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the County, its agents, officers, and employers from any action, or proceeding against the County, its agents, officers, or employees to attack, set a side, void, or annul an approval of the County. Although the applicant is the real party in interest in such an action, the County may, at its sole discretion, participate at its own expense in the defense of the action, but such participation shall not relieve the applicant of its obligations under this condition.

(Ord. 2019-0004 § 1, 2019.)

22.02.070 - Application Where Violation Exists.

A.

No application required pursuant to this Title 22 shall be accepted for processing or approved where an existing land use, not previously authorized by any statute or ordinance, is being maintained or operated in violation of any applicable provision of this Title 22, or any condition of approval of a land use permit. This provision applies to the operation of land uses only, and does not affect buildings or structures which do not conform to development standards.

B.

Where in the sole discretion of the Director, whose determination shall be final, the Director determines that the use in question is consistent with the objectives, goals, and policies of the General Plan, or that the continuation of said use is essential or desirable to the public convenience or welfare, this provision shall not apply.

(Ord. 2019-0004 § 1, 2019.)

Any approval granted pursuant to this Title 22 shall not authorize nor legalize the maintenance of any public or private nuisance.

(Ord. 2019-0004 § 1, 2019.)

Any approval granted pursuant to this Title 22 that is valid and in effect shall adhere to the land. The approval, including any applicable conditions or requirements, shall continue to be valid upon change of ownership of the subject land or any lawfully existing structure from the effective date of the approval, except if and when the approval expires and becomes void in compliance with this Title 22 or as otherwise specified in the approval.

(Ord. 2019-0004 § 1, 2019.)

If any provisions of the ordinance codified in this Title 22, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of this Title 22, and the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances, shall not be affected thereby.

(Ord. 2019-0004 § 1, 2019.)

Chapter 22.04 - RULES FOR PROVISIONS, LANGUAGE, MEASUREMENT, AND INTERPRETATION