Article 13 — ADMINISTRATION›Part 13A — GENERAL PROVISIONS
Los Angeles Zoning Code — LAMC Chapter 1A Div. 13A.1 Authorities
Los Angeles Zoning Code — LAMC Chapter 1A · 2026-08 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · Los Angeles
Cite as: Los Angeles Zoning Code — LAMC Chapter 1A § 13A.1 · Text as of 2026-10-04
this Division (Authorities) recognizes or identifies the agencies involved in administering the Zoning code, this chapter and Chapter I. (General Provisions and Zoning) of this code. this Division (Authorities) also describes how the agencies are composed, and their powers and duties. if the agency is established by another body of law, such as the City Charter , cross-references to those laws are provided. All City Charter provisions still apply.
Sec. 13A.1.1. MAYOR¶
A. Establishment
See Sec. 200 (City Officers) of the City Charter .
B. Composition
See Sec. 201 (City Offices) of the City Charter .
c. General Authority
See Sec. 230 (Mayor) and 231 (Powers and Duties) of the City Charter .
D. Specific Authority
consistent with the duties set forth in the City Charter , the Mayor exercises the following specific authority:
review and submit recommendations pertaining to an amendment, in whole or in part, of the General Plan.
Approve or veto pursuant to the City Charter :
a. A Specific Plan;
b. A Zoning code Amendment; and
c. A Zone change (including Supplemental Use Districts).
exercise any other authority delegated by this code or the City Charter .
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Sec. 13A.1.1. (Mayor) Established by Ord. 187,712, Eff. 01/23/2023, Oper. 07/22/2023
Administration | Article 13 Div. 13A.1. (Authorities)
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
Sec. 13A.1.2. CITY COUNCIL¶
A. Establishment
See Sec. 200 (City officers) of the City Charter .
B. Composition
See Sec. 204 (Election and City Council Members; Redistricting) , 205 (Term of office) , 206 (Term Limits) , and 241 (Council Size) of the City Charter .
c. General Authority
See Sec. 240 – 254 (Legislative Branch) of the City Charter .
D. Specific Authority
consistent with the duties set forth in the City Charter , the city council exercises the following specific authority:
Adopt or amend the General Plan;
Adopt or amend a Specific Plan;
Adopt or amend the Zoning code, this chapter or Chapter I. (General Provisions and Zoning) of this code;
Adopt or amend a Zone change (including Supplemental Use Districts);
Approve, conditionally approve, or deny a class 3 conditional Use Permit on appeal from the city Planning commission;
Approve, conditionally approve, or deny a project exception on appeal from an Area Planning commission;
Approve, conditionally approve, or deny a Nuisance Abatement/revocation on appeal from the Zoning Administrator;
Accept final maps and dedications pursuant to a final map;
Accept final parcel maps and dedications pursuant to a final parcel map;
Adopt or amend a Historic Preservation Overlay Zone (“HPOZ”) designation or boundary change;
Approve, conditionally approve, or deny a certificate of Appropriateness (Demolition, removal, or relocation) on appeal from an Area Planning commission; and
exercise any other authority delegated by the Zoning code, this chapter or Chapter I. (General Provisions and Zoning) of this code, or the City Charter .
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Sec. 13A.1.2. (City Council) Last Amended by Ord. No. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025
Administration | Article 13 Div. 13A.1. (Authorities)
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
Sec. 13A.1.3. CITY PLANNING COMMISSION¶
A. Establishment
See Sec. 551 (City Planning Commission) of the City Charter .
B. Composition
See Sec. 551 (City Planning Commission) of the City Charter .
c. General Authority
See Sec. 551 (City Planning Commission) and 559 (Delegation of Authority) of the City Charter .
D. Specific Authority
consistent with the duties set forth in the City Charter , the city Planning commission exercises the following specific authority:
review and submit recommendations to the city council on:
a. the adoption or amendment of the General Plan;
b. the adoption or amendment of a Specific Plan;
c. the adoption or amendment of the Zoning code, this chapter or Chapter I. (General Provisions and Zoning) of this code;
d. Any Zone change (including Supplemental Use Districts); and
e. Any Historic Preservation Overlay Zone (“HPOZ”) designation or boundary change.
to render a final decision on any:
a. class 3 conditional Use Permit;
b. Preservation Plan Adoption / Amendment; and
c. Guidelines or Standards Adoption / Amendment.
to approve or deny, on appeal, any:
a. Project review relating to a Density Bonus;
b. Specific Plan interpretation (which affects an entire Specific Plan area or any of its subareas);
c. Appeals of Department of city Planning action on lADBS Appeal (which have a citywide impact);
d. Subdivision Approval, as provided in Div. 13B.7. (Division of Land) ; and
e. Zoning Administrator interpretation.
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Sec. 13A.1.3. (City Planning Commission) Last amended by Ord. 188,418 (Resolution), Eff. 06/18/2025
Administration | Article 13 Div. 13A.1. (Authorities)
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
Make decisions on any matter that would otherwise be heard by an Area Planning commission if the matter involves a project, which crosses the boundaries of the area served by more than one Area Planning commission.
Adopt guidelines for the administration of the provisions of this chapter or Chapter I. (General Provisions and Zoning) of this code if it determines that guidelines are necessary and appropriate. Authority to adopt guidelines for the administration of the provisions of these chapters may be delegated to others by adoption of a resolution by city council. existing provisions of these chapters that delegate authority for the adoption of guidelines to others shall continue to apply with respect to those provisions.
No ordinance, order or resolution referred to in Sec. 554 (General Plan – Purpose and Contents) or 558 (Procedure for Adoption, Amendment or Repeal of Certain ordinances, orders and Resolutions) of the City Charter shall be adopted by the city council, unless it shall have first been submitted to the city Planning commission or the Area Planning commission for report and recommendation, in the manner set forth in those Sections. the report and recommendation shall indicate whether the proposed ordinance, order, or resolution is in conformance with the General Plan, any applicable Specific Plans, any plans being prepared by the Department of city Planning, and any other applicable requirement set forth in those City Charter Sections.
exercise any other authority delegated by the Zoning code, this chapter or Chapter I. (General Provisions and Zoning) of this code, or the City Charter .
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Sec. 13A.1.3. (City Planning Commission) Last amended by Ord. 188,418 (Resolution), Eff. 06/18/2025
Administration | Article 13 Div. 13A.1. (Authorities)
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
Sec. 13A.1.4. AREA PLANNING COMMISSION¶
A. Establishment
- Creation of Area Planning Commissions
in accordance with Sec. 552 (Area Planning Commissions) of the City Charter , there are
established seven Area Planning commissions as set out in Subsection A.2 (Boundaries) below.
2. Boundaries
the Area Planning commissions and their boundaries are as follows:
| Area Planning Commission |
Boundaries(as set out in the designated community plans) |
|---|---|
| North Valley Area Planning Commission |
• Arleta. Pacoima community Plan, as adopted on November 6, 1996, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in council File No. 95-1396. • chatsworth. Porter ranch community Plan, as adopted on July 14, 1993, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in council File No. 91-1045- 43. • Granada Hills. Knollwood community Plan, as adopted on July 10, 1996, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in council File No. 95-0994. • Mission Hills. Panorama city - North Hills community Plan, as adopted on June 9, 1999, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in council File No. 97- 0706. • Northridge community Plan, as adopted on February 24, 1998, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in council File No. 98-0027. • Sun valley - la tuna canyon community Plan, as adopted on August 13, 1999, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in council File No. 98- 2025. • Sunland - tujunga - lakeview terrace - Shadow Hills - east la tuna canyon community Plan, as adopted on November 18, 1997, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in council File No. 97-0703. • Sylmar community Plan, as adopted on August 6, 1997, the boundaries of which are shown on a mapin council File No. 96-0429. |
| South Valley Area Planning Commission |
• canoga Park - Winnetka - Woodland Hills - West Hills community Plan, as adopted on August 17, 1999, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in council File No. 98-1957. • encino - tarzana community Plan, as adopted on December 16, 1998, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in council File No. 98-1823. • North Hollywood - valley village community Plan, as adopted on May 14, 1996, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in council File No. 95-0830. • reseda - West van Nuys community Plan, as adopted on November 17, 1999, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in council File No. 96- 1597. • Sherman Oaks - Studio city - toluca lake - cahuenga Pass community Plan, as adopted on May 13, 1998, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in council File No. 97-0704. • van Nuys - North Sherman Oaks community Plan, as adopted on September 9, 1998, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in council File No. 98-0572. • Mulholland Scenic ParkwaySpecifc Plan, as adopted by ordinance No. 167,943 on June 29, 1992, the boundaries of which are shown in the map attached to that ordinance. to the extent any area included within the boundaries of the Mulholland Scenic ParkwaySpecifc Planis also included within a community plan, that area shall be served by the South valley commission, and not by any other Area Planning commission that would otherwise be authorized to serve that area under this_Subsection_. |
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Sec. 13A.1.4. (Area Planning Commission) Last Amended by Ord. No. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025
Administration | Article 13 Contents
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
| Area Planning Commission |
Boundaries(as set out in the designated community plans) |
|---|---|
| West Los Angeles Area Planning Commission |
• Bel Air - Beverly crest community Plan, as adopted on November 6, 1996, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in council File No. 95-1386; except for that area within the boundaries of the Mulholland Scenic ParkwaySpecifc Plan, which area shall be served by the South valley Area Planning commission as provided in_Paragraph 2.of this_Subsection. • Brentwood - Pacific Palisades community Plan, as adopted on June 17, 1998, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in council File No. 98- 0771; except for that area within the boundaries of the Mulholland Scenic ParkwaySpecifc Plan, which area shall be served by the South valley Area Planning commission as provided in_Paragraph 2.of this_Subsection. • Palms - Mar vista - Del rey community Plan, as adopted on September 17, 1998, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in council File No. 97-0705. • venice community Plan, as adopted on October 14, 1970, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in council File No. 76-1403. • West los Angeles community Plan, as adopted on July 27, 1999, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in council File No. 98-2024. • Westchester - Playa Del rey community Plan, as adopted on June 13, 1974, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in council File No. 72- 2670. • Westwood community Plan, as adopted on July 27, 1999, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in council File No. 98-1534. • interim Plan for the los Angeles international Airport, as adopted by the city council on January 12, 1981, the boundaries of which are shown on the map in council File No. 82-4283-S1. |
| Central Area Planning Commission |
• central city community Plan, as adopted on May 2, 1974, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in council File No. 72-1723. • central city North community Plan, as adopted on February 5, 1985, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in council File No. 84-1717. • Hollywood community Plan, as adopted on December 13, 1988 the boundaries of which are shown on a map in council File No. 86-0695- S1; except for that area within the boundaries of the Mulholland Scenic ParkwaySpecifc Plan, which area shall be served by the South valley Area Planning commission as provided in_Paragraph 2.of this_Subsection. • Westlake community Plan, as adopted on September 16, 1997, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in council File No. 95-1234. • Wilshire community Plan, as adopted on May 17, 1976, the boundaries of which are shown on a mapin council File No. 75-2828-S1. |
| East Area Planning Commission |
• Boyle Heights community Plan, as adopted on November 10, 1998, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in council File No. 95-1302. • Northeast los Angeles community Plan, as adopted on June 15, 1999, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in council File No. 99-0711. • Silver lake - echo Park community Plan, as adopted on February 17, 1984, the boundaries of which are shown on a mapin council File No. 83-0071. |
| South Los Angeles Area Planning Commission |
• South central los Angeles community Plan, as adopted on March 22, 2000, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in council File No. 98-1192. • Southeast los Angeles community Plan, as adopted on March 22, 2000, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in council File No. 99-0496. • West Adams - Baldwin Hills - leimert community Plan, as adopted on May 6, 1998, the boundaries of which are shown on a mapin council File No. 97-0534. |
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Article 13. Administration Article Publication Update | March 5, 2026
Administration | Article 13 Div. 13A.1. (Authorities)
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
Area Planning Boundaries (as set out in the designated community plans)
Commission Harbor Area • Harbor Gateway community Plan, as adopted on December 6, 1995, the Planning boundaries of which are shown on a map in council File No. 95-1394. Commission • San Pedro community Plan, as adopted on March 24, 1999, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in council File No. 98-1771.
• Wilmington - Harbor city community Plan, as adopted on July 14, 1999, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in council File No. 98-1619.
- Port of los Angeles Plan, as adopted by the city council on September 28, 1982, the boundaries of which are shown on the map in council File No. 82-0400.
3. Change in Boundaries
if the boundaries of any community plan or Specific Plan mentioned in Subsection A.2 (Boundaries) above are changed, that change will not affect the boundaries of the areas to be served by each Area Planning commission as prescribed by this Section . A change in the boundaries of the area to be served by any Area Planning commission are affected only by a specific amendment or repeal of this Section .
B. Composition
See Sec. 552 (Area Planning Commissions) of the City Charter .
c. General Authority
See Sec. 552 (Area Planning Commissions) of the City Charter .
D. Specific Authority
consistent with the duties set forth in the City Charter , an Area Planning commission exercises the following specific authority:
review and submit recommendations to the city council on a Zone change (including Supplemental Use Districts).
to render a final decision on any:
a. Project exception; and
b. certificate of Appropriateness (Demolition, removal, or relocation).
to approve or deny, on appeal, any:
a. class 2 conditional Use Permit;
b. Project review;
c. Project compliance;
d. Project compliance (Design review Board);
e. Project adjustment;
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Sec. 13A.1.4. (Area Planning Commission) Last Amended by Ord. No. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025
Administration | Article 13 Div. 13A.1. (Authorities)
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
f. Specific Plan interpretation (which is applicable only on a site specific basis);
g. Alternative compliance;
h. Adjustment;
i. variance;
j. certificate of Appropriateness (construction, Addition, Alteration, or reconstruction);
k. certificate of compatibility for non-contributing elements;
l. Appeals of Department of city Planning action on lADBS Appeal (which do not have a citywide impact);
m. Subdivision Approval, as provided in Div. 13B.7. (Division of Land) ;
n. coastal Development Permit; and
o. Zoning Administrator interpretation on a site specific issue.
Despite the above provisions, the city Planning commission shall make decisions on any matter that would otherwise be heard by an Area Planning commission if the matter involves a project which crosses the boundaries of the area served by more than one Area Planning commission.
exercise any other authority delegated by the Zoning code, this chapter or Chapter I. (General Provisions and Zoning) of this code, or the City Charter .
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Sec. 13A.1.4. (Area Planning Commission) Last Amended by Ord. No. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025
Administration | Article 13 Div. 13A.1. (Authorities)
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
Sec. 13A.1.5. CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMISSION¶
See Sec. 22.171 (Purpose of the Commission) of the lAAc.
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Sec. 13A.1.5. (Cultural Heritage Commission) Established by Ord. 187,712, Eff. 01/23/2023, Oper. 07/22/2023
Administration | Article 13 Div. 13A.1. (Authorities)
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
Sec. 13A.1.6. DIRECTOR OF PLANNING¶
A. Establishment
See Sec. 553 (Director of Planning) of the City Charter .
B. Composition
See Sec. 508 (Appointment and Removal of Chief Administrative officers) of the City Charter .
c. General Authority
See Sec. 553 (Director of Planning) of the City Charter .
D. Specific Authority
consistent with the duties set forth in the City Charter , the Director exercises the following specific authority:
review and submit recommendations on:
a. the adoption or amendment of the General Plan;
b. the adoption or amendment of a Specific Plan;
c. A Zoning code Amendment;
d. A Zone change (including Supplemental Use Districts);
e. the adoption or amendment of a Preservation Plan; and
f. Any other decision within the original jurisdiction of the city Planning commission or an Area Planning commission.
to render a decision on any:
a. Project review;
b. Director Determination;
c. Administrative review;
d. Project compliance;
e. Project compliance (Design review Board);
f. Project adjustment;
g. Specific Plan interpretation;
h. Alternative compliance;
i. Adjustment;
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Sec. 13A.1.6. (Director of Planning) Last Amended by Ord. No. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025
Administration | Article 13 Div. 13A.1. (Authorities)
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
j. reasonable Accommodation - Fair Housing Protections for individuals with Disabilities;
k. Private street map;
l. review of conforming Work in an Historic Preservation Overlay Zone, where delegated by a Preservation Plan;
m. certificate of Appropriateness (construction, Addition, Alteration, reconstruction) in an Historic Preservation Overlay Zone;
n. certificate of compatibility for Non-contributing elements in an Historic Preservation Overlay Zone;
o. Appeals from lADBS Determinations; and
p. coastal Development Permit.
interpret the meaning of the General Plan and Specific Plans in instances when there is a lack of clarity in the meaning of those regulations, subject to appellate review.
Appoint a designee to act on his or her behalf, in which case references in this code and other land use ordinances to Director shall include this designee, unless otherwise stated.
require the modification, discontinuance, or revocation of any conditional use or other similar -
quasi judicial approval granted in accordance with the procedures in Sec. 13B.2.1. (Class 1 Conditional Use Permit) , Sec. 13B.2.2. (Class 2 Conditional Use Permit) , or Sec. 13B.2.3. (Class 3 Conditional Use Permit) in the manner prescribed in Sec. 13B.6.2. (Nuisance Abatement/ Revocation) . in the event of a revocation, the property affected by the revocation shall be subject to all the regulations of the zone in which the property is located.
- exercise any other authority delegated by the Zoning code, this chapter or Chapter I. (General Provisions and Zoning) of this code, or the City Charter .
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Sec. 13A.1.6. (Director of Planning) Last Amended by Ord. No. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025
Administration | Article 13 Div. 13A.1. (Authorities)
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
Sec. 13A.1.7. ZONING ADMINISTRATOR¶
A. Establishment
See Sec. 561 (Office of Zoning Administration) of the City Charter .
B. Composition
See Sec. 561 (Office of Zoning Administration) of the City Charter .
c. General Authority
See Sec. 561 (Office of Zoning Administration) of the City Charter .
D. Specific Authority
consistent with the duties set forth in the City Charter , the Zoning Administrator exercises the following specific authority:
to render a decision on any:
a. variance;
b. class 1 conditional Use Permit;
c. class 2 conditional Use Permit;
d. evaluation of Non-compliance; and
e. Nuisance Abatement/revocation.
2. Zoning Administrator Interpretation
a. the Zoning Administrator has the authority to determine the appropriate use definition and interpret specific uses for each lot subject to this chapter, in accordance with this Paragraph (Zoning Administrator Interpretation) .
b. the Zoning Administrator shall also have authority to interpret zoning regulations when the meaning of the regulation is not clear, either in general or as it applies to a specific property or situation.
c. the Zoning Administrator shall also have authority to adopt general interpretations determining the proper application of the yard regulations to groups of lots located in hillside districts or affected by common problems. the Zoning Administrator shall also have authority to interpret zoning regulations when the meaning of the regulation is not clear, either in general or as it applies to a specific property or situation.
d. Anyone aggrieved by the Zoning Administrator’s determination may file an appeal within 15 days of the issuance of the written decision.
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Sec. 13A.1.7. (Zoning Administrator) Last Amended by Ord. No. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025
Administration | Article 13 Div. 13A.1. (Authorities)
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
e. the city Planning commission shall hear appeals on Zoning Administrator interpretations where there is no site specific issue. the Area Planning commission shall hear appeals on site specific Zoning Administrator interpretations.
f. For lots subject to Chapter I. (General Provisions and Zoning) , the Zoning Administrator shall have authority to determine other uses, in addition to those listed in Chapter I. (General Provisions and Zoning) , which may be permitted in each of the various zones, when in the Zoning Administrator's judgment, the other uses are similar to and no more objectionable to the public welfare than those listed.
g. For lots subject to Chapter I. (General Provisions and Zoning) , in no instance shall the Zoning Administrator determine, nor shall these regulations be so interpreted, that a use may be permitted in a zone when that use is specifically listed as first permissible in a less restrictive zone.
- exercise any other authority delegated by the Zoning code, this chapter or Chapter I. (General Provisions and Zoning) of this code, or the City Charter .
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Sec. 13A.1.7. (Zoning Administrator) Last Amended by Ord. No. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025
Administration | Article 13 Div. 13A.1. (Authorities)
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
Sec. 13A.1.8. DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING AND SAFETY¶
A. Establishment
See Sec. 22.12 (Creation of the Department) of the lAAc.
B. Specific Authority
consistent with the powers established in Chapter II. (Department of Building and Safety) of Div. 22 (Departments, Bureaus and Agencies Under the Control of the Mayor and Council) of the lAAc, and Chapter IX. (Building Regulations) of this code, the Department of Building and Safety has the powers listed below of its authority and jurisdiction for purposes of the Zoning code, this chapter and Chapter I. (General Provisions and Zoning) of this code.
1. Enforcement
the Department of Building and Safety is granted the power to enforce the zoning ordinances of the city.
2. Zoning information
the Department of Building and Safety shall maintain a public information bureau relative to zoning matters.
3. Nonconforming Use
the Department of Building and Safety has the authority to issue an order to comply to an owner of any building or structure who is in violation of Chapter I. (General Provisions and Zoning), Sec. 12.23. (Nonconforming Building and Uses) of this code or Article 12. (Nonconformities) of this chapter and advise the owner of the required discontinuance of the nonconforming use of the building or structure.
a. A provision advising the owner of the right to apply to the Department of city Planning within 90 days for permission to continue the nonconforming use of the building or structure as provided in this Subdivision shall be included in the order, but the failure to include that provision does not nullify the order or provide a basis for the continued use of the building or structure.
b. the Department of Building and Safety shall record a notice of any order issued pursuant to this Subsection with the office of the los Angeles county recorder, but the failure to so record does not nullify the order or provide a basis for the continued use of the building or structure by any owner, purchaser, or lessee who was not aware of the order.
4. Issuance of Citations by Designated Employees
employees of the Department of Building and Safety specified in Chapter IX. (Building Regulations), Sec. 98.0408. (Issuance of Citations by Designated Employees) of this code shall have the powers, duties, and immunities as set forth in said Section.
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Sec. 13A.1.8. (Department of Building and Safety) Last Amended by Ord. No. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025
Administration | Article 13 Div. 13A.1. (Authorities)
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
Sec. 13A.1.9. ADVISORY AGENCY¶
Sec. 13A.1.10. SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE¶
See Div. 13B.7. (Division of Land) .
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Sec. 13A.1.9. (Advisory Agency) and Sec. 13A.1.10. (Subdivision Committee) Established by Ord. 187,712, Eff. 01/23/2023, Oper. 07/22/2023
Administration | Article 13 Div. 13A.1. (Authorities)
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
Sec. 13A.1.11. DESIGN REVIEW BOARD¶
A. Establishment
1. Formation
certain Specific Plans call for design review boards. A design review board shall only be established for Specific Plans that expressly provide for one.
2. Name of Board
each design review board shall have, as part of its name, words linking it to its area of administration and distinguishing it from other similar associations and boards.
B. Composition
1. Number of Members
Design review boards shall consist of a minimum of five and maximum of seven voting members.
2. Appointment of Members
With the exception of the Mulholland Specific Plan, the members of design review boards shall be appointed by the councilmember(s) of the council District(s) in which the Specific Plan area is located.
3. Qualifications of Membership
a. Unless otherwise specifically required by a Specific Plan, to the maximum extent practicable, each design review board shall be composed of two architects and two professionals from the following or related fields: planning, urban design, and landscape architecture. the remaining member or members need not be design professionals. All members shall reside, operate a business, or be employed within the Specific Plan area. if no eligible person is known to be available for appointment in the designated disciplines who resides, operates a business, or is employed within the Specific Plan area, then the councilmember(s) may make the appointment from the community plan area(s) in which the Specific Plan area is located. if a Specific Plan is located in more than one community plan area, then the members may be chosen from any of those community plan areas.
b. if the design review board area is represented by more than one councilmember, then the President of the city council shall determine the number of members appointed by the councilmember of each council District, based on the percentage of design review board area located in each council District.
4. Terms of Membership
- a. A term of office of a member of a design review board is four years.
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Sec. 13A.1.11. (Design Review Board) Last Amended by Ord. No. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025
Administration | Article 13 Div. 13A.1. (Authorities)
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
b. the members of design review boards shall be appointed to staggered terms so that at least one term becomes vacant on each successive year.
c. the chairperson and vice-chairperson shall be elected annually by a majority of the design review board members.
d. Upon expiration of the term of any member of the design review board, the appointment for the next succeeding term shall be made by the appointing authority. Appointments are limited to two consecutive four-year terms. Members of the board whose terms have expired shall remain members until their replacements have been appointed.
5. Vacancies
in the event of a vacancy occurring during the term of a design review board member, the councilmember(s) who appointed the member, or the councilmember(s)’ successor, shall make an appointment to serve the unexpired term of that member. Where the member is required to have specific qualifications, the vacancy shall be filled by a person having similar qualifications.
6. Organization
a. Design review boards shall schedule regular meetings at fixed times within the month with a minimum of two meetings a month.
b. Meetings may be canceled if no applications which have been deemed complete are received at least 14 calendar days prior to the next scheduled meeting.
7. Quorum
the presence of a simple majority of the appointed members shall constitute a quorum. if a design review board cannot obtain a quorum for action within the stated time limits, the application shall be transferred to the Director for action with no recommendation from the design review board. An action by the board requires a majority vote of the members of the board. An action by the board cannot be made by a simple majority of those members present.
c. Specific Authority
Design review boards shall review applications and accompanying materials in relation to compliance with the design components and criteria set forth in Sec. 13B.4.3. (Project Compliance (Design Review Board)) , any applicable Specific Plan, and adopted design guidelines, and provide their recommendations to the Director.
D. Conflict of interest
No design review board member shall discuss with anyone the merits of any matter either pending or likely to be pending before the board other than during a duly called meeting of the board or subcommittee of the board. No member shall accept professional employment on a case that has been acted upon by the board in the previous 12 months or is reasonably expected to be acted upon by the board in the next 12 months.
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Sec. 13A.1.11. (Design Review Board) Last Amended by Ord. No. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025
Administration | Article 13 Div. 13A.1. (Authorities)
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
Sec. 13A.1.12. HISTORIC PRESERVATION OVERLAY ZONE (HPOZ) BOARD¶
See Div. 13B.8. (Historic Preservation) .
| 13-21
Sec. 13A.1.12. (Historic Preservation Overlay Zone (HPOZ) Board) Established by Ord. 187,712, Eff. 01/23/2023, Oper. 07/22/2023
Administration | Article 13 Div. 13A.2. (General Procedural Elements)
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
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