Los Angeles Zoning Code — LAMC Chapter 1A Div. 13A.2 General Procedural Elements

A. General

this Article (Administration) applies to any application for:

1. An amendment to any part of the Zoning code (chapters i. and 1A of the lAMc), including the text or Zoning Map;

2. Any other activity that is subject to the provisions of this Article (Administration) .

3. Projects shall not be subject to the provisions of this ordinance if a complete application for an entitlement was filed and fees were paid prior to the date on which this ordinance becomes operative. Any such project shall be subject to the administrative regulations in Chapter I. (General Provisions and Zoning) of this code that were in effect on the date on which the application was filed. Projects for which a complete application for an entitlement has been filed and for which fees were paid prior to this ordinance’s operative date may opt to proceed under the provisions of this ordinance if a required public hearing has not yet been held for the project. Notwithstanding the forgoing, any appeal filed on or after the operative date of this ordinance shall be subject to the appellate procedures established in this ordinance.

B. Procedural Categories

this Article (Administration) establishes procedures for land development decisions made under this Article (Administration) . these include:

1. Legislative Decisions

examples of legislative decisions include Zone changes, and amendments to the General Plan, a Specific Plan, and other ordinances. these may involve a new policy or rule, or a change in land use regulation and development regulation.

2. Quasi-Judicial Decisions

examples of quasi-judicial decisions include Director Determinations, conditional Use Permits and variances. these proceedings involve the exercise of discretion by the decision making body, which requires a weighing of evidence, an application of rules, regulations and ordinances to facts and a resolution of specific issues. these may involve a public hearing (unless the hearing is waived).

3. Ministerial Decisions

examples of ministerial decisions include clearances or reviews of projects for compliance with provisions of the code or any applicable conditions of approval. Because these involve the application of non-discretionary rules to projects, these applications are reviewed by city staff without a public hearing.

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Sec. 13A.2.1. (Applicability) Last Amended by Ord. No. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

Administration | Article 13 Div. 13A.2. (General Procedural Elements)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

A. Overview

this Article establishes rules for procedures, such as applications, notices, appeals, and public hearings. it then describes the processes for specific land use decisions. the procedures all have a common workflow and description, as follows:

table 1 - Procedure Workflows

Sec. 13A.2.2. (Process Elements) Last amended by Ord. 188,648, Eff. 06/20/2025

Administration | Article 13 Div. 13A.2. (General Procedural Elements)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

the processes established in this chapter are summarized below.

table 2 - Process Summary

Sec. 13A.2.2. (Process Elements) Last amended by Ord. 188,648, Eff. 06/20/2025

Administration | Article 13 Div. 13A.2. (General Procedural Elements)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

Sec. 13A.2.2. (Process Elements) Last amended by Ord. 188,648, Eff. 06/20/2025

Administration | Article 13 Div. 13A.2. (General Procedural Elements)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

Key

• C certification

• R review & recommendation

• D Decision or Acceptance

• SV Signature / veto

• A Appeal

• [ ] Public Hearing

‡ Optional or where directed by decision maker

Blank Cell Not required

• required by city charter

• Action only under certain conditions (such

• Italics as project size, type, or transfer from another agency, etc.)

  • ↔ varies with underlying process

  • if filed by application and cPc recommends disapproval, its decision is appealable to cc.

< > Public Hearing optional or waivable

Note: this table is a general summary. refer to Div. 13B.1. through Div. 13B.11. for the specific procedure. if there is any conflict between this table and the text in Div. 13B.1. through Div. 13B.12. relating to the procedure, the text in the applicable Division prevails.

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Sec. 13A.2.2. (Process Elements) Last amended by Ord. 188,648, Eff. 06/20/2025

Administration | Article 13 Div. 13A.2. (General Procedural Elements)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

B. Time Limits

1. this Article establishes a number of time limits for action by the city, agencies, the applicant or appellant.

2. Unless otherwise designated, all time limits prescribed in this Article run from the date that the application is deemed complete by the city.

3. Unless otherwise stated, time limits may be extended where mutually agreed upon in writing by the applicant and the decision-making official or agency.

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Sec. 13A.2.2. (Process Elements) Last amended by Ord. 188,648, Eff. 06/20/2025

Administration | Article 13 Div. 13A.2. (General Procedural Elements)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

A. General Requirements

1. Applications filed under this Article must include all of the information required by the Department, including any information required by the instructions on an application form and any applicable adopted guidelines. All applications shall be made on forms prepared by and available from the Department.

2. the council may establish fees for all applications required in this Article by ordinance. Applications shall include all fees required by Chapter I. (General Provisions and Zoning), Article 9 (Fees) or Article 15. (Fees) of this Zoning code (chapter 1A).

3. Whenever the provisions of this chapter or Chapter I. (General Provisions and Zoning) provide that applications, requests, or appeals be filed with the city Planning commission, in the public office of the Department of city Planning, those applications, requests or appeals may be filed in any of the branch offices of the Department when designated for this purpose by the city Planning commission; that decision to be based upon considerations of need and available facilities.

B. Application Completeness

1. An application or appeal shall be considered as filed whenever it has been completed in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations, has been submitted to the Department of city Planning together with the required filing fees, and a receipt for the filing fees has been issued.

2. if at any time during the processing of an application it is discovered that an application has been improperly prepared, or required pertinent information has not been submitted in accordance with the previously established rules and regulations, upon notification to the applicant by the appropriate officer or employee the time limits specified within this Article shall be suspended and not continue to run until the application has been rectified or the omitted information furnished in a proper manner.

3. the city will not process incomplete applications. Applications are reviewed for completeness in accordance with the Permit Streamlining Act, California Government Code, Chapter 4.5 (Review and Approval of Development Projects) Sec 65940-65945.7 .

c. Multiple Entitlement Requests

in order to facilitate the development process, applications for multiple entitlements for the same project shall be submitted and processed concurrently as provided in Sec. 13A.2.10. (Multiple Approvals) .

D. Withdrawal of Application

1. At any time before the initial decision maker or appellate body on appeal makes a final decision on an application, the applicant may withdraw the application.

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Sec. 13A.2.3. (Applications) 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

2. the withdrawal of the application must be in writing and does not require the decision maker to concur. the withdrawal of the application shall be permanent and any associated authorization shall be void.

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Sec. 13A.2.3. (Applications) 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

A. Public Hearing Purpose

A public hearing gives interested parties an opportunity to be heard. the specific procedures for providing testimony and conducting the public hearing are established by the agency that conducts the public hearing.

B. General Procedures for Notice of Public Hearing

1. Unless otherwise provided by a specific process, the notice established in this Article is as provided in table 3 (Notice of Public Hearing) below. Where notice is not specified, notice shall be given pursuant to California Government Code Sections 54950 et seq., 65090 , and 65091 , as applicable.

2. the time period required for a notice of public hearing is the minimum number of days preceding commencement of the applicable public hearing.

3. if a Hearing Officer conducts a public hearing on behalf of the Area or city Planning commission, the notice requirements apply to only the Hearing Officer hearing.

4. Unless otherwise provided for a specific procedure, notice of a public hearing shall be given in writing to the owner, applicant, interested parties, and appellant, as appropriate.

5. At the noticed hearing, the agency may continue the hearing to another date if the matter is publicly continued to a date certain, no additional notice of the continued hearing is required.

6. Whenever the provisions of this chapter provide that an applicant shall post notice of a public hearing or meeting, the applicant shall file a declaration in the appropriate public office prior to the date of the noticed public hearing or meeting. in this declaration, the applicant shall declare, under penalty of perjury, that notice has been posted in accordance with the applicable provisions of this chapter.

7. the Director shall have the authority to adopt guidelines consistent with this Article for the posting of notices if the Director determines that guidelines are necessary and appropriate.

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Sec. 13A.2.4. (Notice of Public Hearing) Last amended by Ord. 188,648, Eff. 06/20/2025

Administration | Article 13 Div. 13A.2. (General Procedural Elements)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

table 3 - Notice of Public Hearing

c. Information included in Notice

Unless the specific process includes a different requirement, notice shall include the following information: time, place, and purpose of the public hearing.

D. Calculating Required Time Period for Notice

required time periods refer to calendar days as provided in Sec. 106 (Definitions) of the City Charter , unless otherwise provided.

e. Additional Notice Beyond Legal Requirements

the city may provide additional notice not required by this Article at its discretion.

F. Notice Requirements of Each Process

table 4 (Summary of Notice requirements) below summarizes the notice type and requirements for each process described in this Article :

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Sec. 13A.2.4. (Notice of Public Hearing) Last amended by Ord. 188,648, Eff. 06/20/2025

Administration | Article 13 Div. 13A.2. (General Procedural Elements)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

table 4 - Summary of Notice requirements

Sec. 13A.2.4. (Notice of Public Hearing) Last amended by Ord. 188,648, Eff. 06/20/2025

Administration | Article 13 Div. 13A.2. (General Procedural Elements)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

Sec. 13A.2.4. (Notice of Public Hearing) Last amended by Ord. 188,648, Eff. 06/20/2025

Administration | Article 13 Div. 13A.2. (General Procedural Elements)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

Sec. 13A.2.4. (Notice of Public Hearing) Last amended by Ord. 188,648, Eff. 06/20/2025

Administration | Article 13 Div. 13A.2. (General Procedural Elements)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

A. Decision Time Period

1. Decisions must be made within the time period specified in this Article , or as otherwise required by law. Unless otherwise provided in the regulations governing the particular application, this time limit may be extended by mutual consent of the decision maker and the applicant. the extension of time to act also applies to applications or initiations under the multiple approval provisions in Sec. 13A.2.10. (Multiple Approvals) .

2. Where extensions on the city council’s time to act on a matter may be granted by mutual consent of an application and the city council, the council President or the council President’s councilmember designee may consent to a time extension on behalf of the city council.

B. Criteria or Findings for Decision

1. each decision is subject to all applicable standards of this code, including the applicable zone.

2. each process described in Part 13B. (Processes & Procedures) of this Article includes standards and/or findings for approval. in approving an application, the decision maker must find that the project substantially conforms to the standards and/or findings for approval.

3. For a Quasi-judicial action, the decision maker shall adopt written findings of fact supporting the decision based upon evidence in the record. this evidence may include, but is not limited to, written or oral statements and documents presented to the agency, such as photographs, maps, and plans, and any results of the decision maker’s investigations.

c. Decision and Conditions

1. Unless otherwise provided, an application may be approved or disapproved in whole or in part.

2. Unless otherwise provided, the decision maker may impose conditions that it determines are needed to ensure substantial compliance with the applicable standards or findings for approval.

D. Transmittal

1. the decision maker transmits a letter of determination that notifies the applicant, owner, and interested parties, as applicable, of the decision. the notification will indicate whether the application is approved, approved with conditions, or denied.

2. the date of transmittal is the date the decision is mailed (as shown by the date stamp), unless otherwise provided.

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Sec. 13A.2.5. (Decisions) Last Amended by Ord. No. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

Administration | Article 13 Div. 13A.2. (General Procedural Elements)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

e. Effective Date

1. Initial Decision or Commission Decisions That Are Appealable to City Council

the decision is final and effective upon the close of the appeal period if no appeal is filed.

2. Appellate Decision or Commission Decisions That Are Not Appealable to City Council

the decision is final and effective as provided in Charter Section 245 .

3. Legislative Actions

A legislative action is final pursuant to Charter Section 252 .

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Sec. 13A.2.5. (Decisions) Last Amended by Ord. No. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

Administration | Article 13 Div. 13A.2. (General Procedural Elements)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

A. Applicability

When specifically authorized by this Article , the applicant may request a transfer of jurisdiction.

B. Failure to Act

1. if the initial decision maker fails to act on an application within 75 days from the date a filed application has been deemed complete, or within a mutually agreed upon extension of time, the applicant may file a request for a transfer of jurisdiction to the designated appellate body for decision. the designated appellate body is the body to whom the matter would normally be appealable, pursuant to Div. 13B.2. (Quasi-Judicial Review) . the Director shall prescribe the form and manner of filing requests for transfers of jurisdiction.

2. When the designated appellate body receives the applicant’s request for a transfer of jurisdiction, the initial decision maker shall lose jurisdiction. However, the body to whom the matter is transferred may remand the matter to the initial decision maker who shall regain jurisdiction for the time and purpose specified in the remand action. in addition, upon receipt of a written request by the applicant for withdrawal of the transfer of jurisdiction prior to the matter being heard by the appellate body, the matter shall be remanded to the initial decision maker.

3. if the matter is not remanded, the decision maker to whom the matter has been transferred shall consider the application following the same procedures and subject to the same limitations as are applicable to the initial decision maker, except that the body to which the matter has been transferred shall act within 45 days of the transfer of jurisdiction once the request is properly filed with the Department of city Planning. the Department of city Planning, including the office of Zoning Administration, shall make investigations and furnish any reports requested by the body to which the matter has been transferred.

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Sec. 13A.2.6. (Transfer of Jurisdiction) 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

A. Discretionary Project Approvals Time Limits

1. Unless otherwise provided in this chapter, Chapter I. (General Provisions and Zoning) , or in a project's conditions of approval, any approval by the Zoning Administrator, Director, an Area Planning commission, or the city Planning commission as initial decision makers that is not effectuated within three years of its effective date becomes null and void.

2. When approvals are granted as part of a project requiring multiple approvals pursuant to Sec. 13A.2.10. (Multiple Approvals) the following time limits apply unless a different time period is provided in a signed and effectuated development agreement:

B. Effectuation of Approvals

A discretionary project approval is considered effectuated by the Department of city Planning when the conditions of approval of the grant are satisfied. this must be done before the privileges of the grant may be utilized. effectuation is accomplished upon procedural steps being followed and completed by the applicant to demonstrate compliance with all conditions of approval. the Department of city Planning shall verify such compliance and assess appropriate fees. effectuation is achieved when fees are paid, plans are verified and stamped as approved, and authorization is obtained to utilize grant. Authorization is typically demonstrated by a clearance on a building permit. However, if a project site includes a use that is existing, and there is no physical work and/or change of use involved and the description of work in any previously issued permits do not specifically exclude or prohibit the entitled operation, then a permit from Department of Building and Safety may not be necessary. thus, a project not requiring permits for construction or alteration from the Department of Building and Safety achieves effectuation when the Department of city Planning verifies compliance with all conditions of the grant, including payment of all fees, and stamping of plans.

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Sec. 13A.2.7. (Scope of Decision) Last amended by Ord. 188,478 (Resolution), Eff. 06/18/2025

Administration | Article 13 Div. 13A.2. (General Procedural Elements)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

c. Utilizing the Grant

1. A discretionary project approval is considered utilized after it has been effectuated by the Department of city Planning and a building permit has been issued by the Department of Building and Safety. Utilization of a grant must occur no later than three years from the last date an action can be effectuated. An approval not requiring building permits from the Department of Building and Safety is considered utilized when compliance with all conditions of approval have been demonstrated, appropriate fees paid, plans stamped and authorization has been obtained from the Department of city Planning.

2. Exceptions

a. Religious and Institutional Uses

Where a lot or lots have been approved for use as a governmental enterprise, religious use, hospital, educational institution or private school, including elementary and high schools, no time limit to utilize the privileges shall apply provided that all of the following conditions are met:

• i. the property involved is acquired or legal proceedings for its acquisition are commenced within one year of the effective date of the decision approving the conditional use.

• ii. A sign is immediately placed on the property indicating its ownership and the purpose to which it is to be developed, as soon as legally possible after the effective date of the decision approving the conditional use. this sign shall have a surface area of at least 20 square feet.

• iii. the sign is maintained on the property and in good condition until the conditional use privileges are utilized.

b. Affordable Housing Projects

A six-year time limit to utilize the privileges shall apply where a lot or lots have been approved for a one hundred percent affordable housing project, as defined in Div. 14.3. (Glossary) .

D. Abandonment of Approval

1. Unless otherwise stated in a specific process in this code, for a Quasi-judicial approval, the owner (and applicant if different) shall file the appropriate form with the Department requesting the abandonment of their approval. if it is determined by the Department that the abandonment is in conformity with public necessity, convenience, general welfare, and good zoning practice, the request to abandon an approval shall be approved. A written response shall be issued by the Department.

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Sec. 13A.2.7. (Scope of Decision) Last amended by Ord. 188,478 (Resolution), Eff. 06/18/2025

Administration | Article 13 Div. 13A.2. (General Procedural Elements)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

2. Unless otherwise stated in a specific process in this code, for a legislative approval, any change shall be processed pursuant to the same legislative process that was used for the original approval.

e. Planning and Zoning Matters in Litigation

the time limits set forth in Subsection A. (Discretionary Project Approvals Time Limits) and Subsection B. (Effectuation of Approvals) of this Section shall not include any time period during which the approval or the environmental clearance for the approval is challenged in court. Notwithstanding any contrary language in the Zoning code, this chapter and Chapter I. (General Provisions and Zoning) of this code, the time limits in Subsection A. (Discretionary Project Approvals Time Limits) and Subsection B. (Effectuation of Approvals) of this Section shall be tolled until litigation is concluded.

F. California Coastal Commission Approvals

the time limits set forth in Subsection A. (Discretionary Project Approvals Time Limits) , Subsection B. (Effectuation of Approvals) , and Subsection C. (Utilizing the Grant) of this Section shall not include any time period during which the subdivider or applicant is awaiting a california coastal commission decision on a coastal Development Permit appeal or application, including the california coastal commission’s final action on an appeal of a coastal Development Permit issued by the Department of city Planning. the subdivider or applicant shall submit a written request for a suspension of time and a copy of the submitted california coastal commission application for such approval to the Department of city Planning within 10 days of filing the application with the california coastal commission. Suspensions of time shall be automatically granted until the california coastal commission has rendered a final decision on the application, including any appeal period. the subdivider or applicant shall submit a copy of the california coastal commission’s final action to the Department of city Planning within 10 days of the final decision. in cases where the california coastal commission’s final action on an appeal of a coastal Development Permit issued by the Department of city Planning is a finding of “no substantial issue”, the initial decision stands.

G. Violation of Conditions – Penalty

A Quasi-judicial action or any conditional approval granted by the Director, pursuant to the authority of this chapter or Chapter I. (General Provisions and Zoning) of this code shall become effective upon utilization of any portion of the privilege, and the owner and applicant shall immediately comply with its conditions. the violation of any condition imposed by the Director, Zoning Administrator, Area Planning commission, city Planning commission, or city council in connection with the granting of any action taken pursuant to the authority of this chapter or Chapter I. (General Provisions and Zoning) , shall constitute a violation of this chapter or Chapter I. (General Provisions and Zoning) and shall be subject to the same penalties as any other violation of this code.

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Sec. 13A.2.7. (Scope of Decision) Last amended by Ord. 188,478 (Resolution), Eff. 06/18/2025

Administration | Article 13 Div. 13A.2. (General Procedural Elements)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

A. Filing of Appeals

1. Appeals shall be in writing and filed on forms maintained by the Department.

2. An appeal shall specifically state the points at issue and the reasons why the decision should be overturned.

3. An appeal not properly or timely filed shall not be accepted, and will not be considered by the appellate body.

B. Time Limits for Appeal

1. Unless otherwise required by a specific process, appeals must be filed within 15 days after the date on the letter of determination to the applicant.

2. Despite any provisions of this chapter, whenever the final day for filing an appeal from any action, decision or determination of the Director, Zoning Administrator, Area Planning commission, or city Planning commission falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, the time for filing an appeal shall be extended to the close of business on the next succeeding working day, and the effective or final date of any action, decision, or determination shall be extended to the close of that appeal period.

3. if in any individual case involving a 15-day appeal period, that appeal period fails to include at least 10 working days, then the appeal period shall be extended as many days as the Director, Zoning Administrator, Area Planning commission, city Planning commission or city council determines are necessary to include 10 working days.

c. Appeal Procedures

1. An appeal stays the processing of the application and entitlement, and any development of the project at issue until the appellate body makes a decision.

2. After an appeal is filed, the initial decision maker shall transmit the appeal and the file to the appellate body, together with any report if one was prepared by staff responding to the points raised made in the appeal. the Department of city Planning shall make investigations and furnish any reports requested by the body to which the matter is transferred.

3. When the appellate body receives the appeal, the initial decision maker loses jurisdiction.

4. Upon the date set for the hearing, the appellate body shall either hear the appeal, or continue the matter by mutual agreement with the applicant to another date. No additional notice of continuance need be given if the continuance to a date certain is announced at the time of the original hearing. if no date for the continued hearing is provided publicly at the original hearing, then notice of the continued hearing shall be provided in the same manner as the original notice for the appellate hearing.

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Sec. 13A.2.8. (Appeals) 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

5. the appellate body shall conduct a public hearing. After the public hearing, the appellate body shall render a decision:

   • a. Affirming the initial decision in whole or in part; or

   • b. reversing the initial decision in whole or in part, after which it may render its own decision or remand the decision to the initial decision maker for further proceedings.

6. the appellate body may impose conditions that it determines are needed to ensure substantial compliance with the standards or findings for approval.

D. Withdrawal of Appeals

1. Procedures

Appellant(s) may withdraw an appeal of an initial determination if the withdrawal is filed with the Department at least 15 days prior to the public hearing by the appellate body on the appeal.

2. Requirements

a. Filing

Withdrawal of an appeal shall be in writing and does not require the decision maker to concur. the withdrawal shall be filed with the Department.

• b. Withdrawal Before Close of Appeal Period

  • i. if the withdrawal of the appeal is received by the Department after the close of the original appeal period, the Department shall notify the same persons who received notice of the decision that was appealed, that an appeal had been filed and was now withdrawn. the notice shall state that the appeal period is being reopened.

  • ii. the reopened appeal period shall run for 10 days from the date the notice of withdrawal of the appeal is mailed.

  • iii. if more than one appeal was filed, the appeal period is only reopened if the withdrawal of the appeal would result in no other appeal going forward.

  • iv. the appeal period shall only be reopened once.

c. Withdrawal Before Public Notice

if the withdrawal is received by the Department before any required public hearing notice is mailed, then the time for the appellate body to act is extended for 10 days.

• d. Withdrawal After Public Notice

if the withdrawal is received by the Department after the public hearing notice is mailed, then any appeal filed during the reopened appeal period shall be heard on the same date

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Sec. 13A.2.8. (Appeals) 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

and time as set forth in the previously mailed public hearing notice. No further notice of the appeal hearing is required.

e. Withdrawal Resulting in No Appeal

if the withdrawal of the appeal, and the subsequent reopening of the appeal period, results in no appeal going forward:

• i. the withdrawal of the appeal is permanent; and

• ii. the decision from which the appeal was taken automatically becomes final at the end of the appeal period or reopened appeal period.

• f. Appeals challenging variance decisions cannot be withdrawn.

e. Standards for Review and Required Findings

1. Standard of Review

Unless otherwise required by a specific process, the appellate body shall hear the matter de novo, considering the whole of the project with no deference given to the decision of the initial decision maker. the appellate body shall make its decision based on the record before the initial decision maker and any other evidence or testimony presented at or before the appellate body’s hearing.

2. Findings for Appeals

Unless otherwise required by this chapter or Chapter I. (General Provisions and Zoning) , in making a decision to grant a project approval, the appellate body shall make the same findings as required to be made by the initial decision maker, supported by substantial evidence.

F. Lack of Timely Decision on Appeal

1. Unless otherwise required by a specific process, the appellate body shall act within 75 days after the expiration of the appeal period or within any additional period mutually agreed upon by the applicant and the appellate body.

2. Failure of the appellate body to render a timely decision shall result in the denial of the appeal.

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Sec. 13A.2.8. (Appeals) 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

A. Void Permits

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this code or any other ordinance of the city, no permit or license shall be issued in violation of any provisions of this code or any other ordinance of the city. Any permit or license issued in violation of any provision of this code or any other ordinance of the city is void. Any permit or license that purports to authorize any act prohibited by any other provision of this code or any other ordinance of the city is void.

B. Building Permits for a Zone Change

Upon publication of a Zone change, height district, or building line ordinance, the Department of Building and Safety may issue a permit for a building or structure which will comply with all of the requirements of the new zone, height district, or building line. No such permit shall be issued unless the applicant has first executed and filed with the Superintendent of Building a notarized agreement assuming all risk and agreeing to remove all buildings or structures authorized by the permit if the Zone change, height district, or building line ordinance becomes effective.

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Sec. 13A.2.9. (Permits Issued in Error) 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

A. Applicability

1. General

this Section applies to applications for projects that require multiple legislative and/or Quasi- judicial Approvals.

2. Terms

the following terms apply to this Article . table 5 (classification of Actions for Multiple Approvals) below classifies actions for the purposes of qualification for the multiple approvals process:

a. Legislative Approval

Any action that formulates a rule of general applicability that applies to all future cases. these typically require an action by the city council, such as those as set forth in Div. 13B.1 (Legislative Action) of this Article .

b. Quasi-Judicial Approval

these actions apply rules to specific facts and are subject to procedural due process principles. these include the processes described in Div. 13B.2. (Quasi-Judicial Review) , 13B.4. (Specific Plan Implementation) , and 13B.5. (Quasi-Judicial Relief) of this Article .

c. Subdivision Approval

Any approval under the Division of land regulations set forth in Div. 13B.7. (Division of Land) of this Article .

d. Ministerial Action

Any action involving only the nondiscretionary application of objective standards, including the processes described in Div. 13B.3 (Ministerial Action) of this Article . Ministerial actions are not subject to the multiple approvals processes established below.

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Sec. 13A.2.10. (Multiple Approvals) Last amended by Ord. 188,648, Eff. 06/20/2025

Administration | Article 13 Div. 13A.2. (General Procedural Elements)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

table 5 - classification of Actions for Multiple Approvals

Sec. 13A.2.10. (Multiple Approvals) Last amended by Ord. 188,648, Eff. 06/20/2025

Administration | Article 13 Div. 13A.2. (General Procedural Elements)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

Sec. 13A.2.10. (Multiple Approvals) Last amended by Ord. 188,648, Eff. 06/20/2025

Administration | Article 13 Div. 13A.2. (General Procedural Elements)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

B. Initiation

1. Applicants shall file applications at the same time for all approvals reasonably related and necessary to complete the project.

2. the procedures and time limits set forth in this Section only apply to multiple applications filed concurrently. Prior to a public hearing, the Director may require an applicant to amend an application for a project requiring multiple approvals to ensure that all relevant approvals are reviewed concurrently.

c. Decision Makers and Procedures

Despite any provision of this code to the contrary, the following procedures apply to projects requiring multiple approvals.

1. Legislative Decisions

• a. the city Planning commission or Area Planning commission has initial authority to submit a recommendation, and the city council has final decision-making authority for approvals of legislative decisions.

b. Procedures

• i. to the extent permitted by california law and the City Charter , the procedures for consideration of all decision are those set forth in:

  • a) Sec. 13B.1.1. (General Plan Adoption/Amendment) if a General Plan Amendment is involved;

  • b) Sec. 13B.1.2. (Specific Plan Adoption/Amendment) if a Specific Plan Amendment, but no General Plan Amendment, is involved; or

  • c) Sec. 13B.1.4. (Zone Change) if a Zone change is combined with a Zoning code Amendment.

• ii. if a development agreement is combined with a General Plan Amendment, Specific Plan, Zoning code Amendment, or Zone change, the city Planning commission shall submit a Planning commission recommendation, and all required notices and hearings required by this chapter and the california Government code shall be combined to the extent permitted by law.

2. City Planning Commission

• a. the city Planning commission has initial decision-making authority for all approvals and/ or recommendations if a project requires:

  • i. A separate approval or recommendation by an Area Planning commission, the Zoning Administrator, and/or the Director, as the initial decision maker; and

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• ii. An approval or recommendation by the city Planning commission as the initial decision maker.

b. Procedures

• i. if all of the applications are for quasi-judicial approvals, the procedures for consideration and appeal of all the applications are those set forth in Sec. 13B.2.3. (Class 3 Conditional Use Permit) of this code.

• ii. if any legislative Approval is included, the procedures for consideration and appeal of all the applications are those set forth in Sec. 13B.1.4. (Zone Change) of this code.

• iii. if there is a request for a Modification of entitlement, the Director may act on behalf of the city Planning commission unless the city Planning commission is specified to be the decision maker for any such modifications.

c. Appellate Body

the city council shall decide all appeals of the city Planning commission’s decisions or recommendations under this Subdivision .

3. Area Planning Commission

if a project requires an approval separately decided by the Zoning Administrator and/or the Director as the initial decision maker, and also requires any approval or recommendation by an Area Planning commission as the initial decision maker, then the Area Planning commission where the project is located has initial decision-making authority for all of the approvals and recommendations.

a. Procedures

• i. if all of the applications are for Quasi-judicial Approvals, the procedures for consideration and appeal of all the applications are those set forth in Sec. 13B.2.3. (Class 3 Conditional Use Permit) of this code.

• ii. if a legislative Approval is included, then the procedures for consideration and appeal of all the approvals shall be those set forth in Sec. 13B.1.4. (Zone Change) of this code.

b. Appellate Body

the city council shall decide all appeals of the Area Planning commission’s decisions or recommendations under this Subdivision .

4. Zoning Administrator

if a project requires approvals separately decided by the Zoning Administrator and the Director, as the initial decision maker, the Zoning Administrator has decision-making authority for all of the approvals (except as provided in Paragraph (b) below).

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a. Procedures

the procedures for consideration and appeal of all related applications for Quasi-judicial Approvals of the Zoning Administrator as initial decision maker are those set forth in Sec. 13B.2.2. (Class 2 Conditional Use Permit) of this code.

b. Appellate Body

the Area Planning commission where the project is located decides all appeals of decisions of the Zoning Administrator as initial decision maker on projects requiring multiple approvals. However, if this Article requires any of the approvals to be heard by the city Planning commission on appeal, the city Planning commission decides all appeals of decisions of the Zoning Administrator.

5. Director of Planning

if a project requires multiple approvals decided by the Director as the initial decision maker, the following procedures apply:

a. Procedures

the procedures for consideration and appeal of all related applications for Quasi-judicial Approvals of the Director as initial decision maker are those set forth in Sec. 13B.2.4. (Project Review) of this code.

b. Appellate Body

the Area Planning commission where the project is located shall decide all appeals of decisions of the Director as initial decision maker on projects requiring multiple approvals. However, if this Article requires any of the approvals to be heard by the city Planning commission on appeal, the city Planning commission shall decide all appeals of decisions of the Director as initial decision maker.

c. Ministerial Action

An application for a Ministerial Action may only be reviewed after the final decision on a Director Determination is rendered, including all appeals.

6. Advisory Agency

a. Procedures

if a project requiring multiple approvals also requires a Subdivision Approval by the Advisory Agency, that Subdivision Approval shall be decided and governed by the rules set forth in Div. 13B.7. (Division of Land) of this code.

b. Appeals

• i. When a Subdivision Approval is appealed, it shall follow the procedures set forth in Div. 13B.7. (Division of Land) , except when other approvals are also appealed.

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• ii. Hearings for and consideration of appeals of Subdivision Approvals by the Advisory Agency shall be scheduled for the same time as any hearing and decision by the Area Planning commission or city Planning commission, whichever has jurisdiction over the other approvals. in the event that the Appeal Board as determined by Div. 13B.8. (Division of Land) is the city Planning commission, the hearing for and consideration of the appeals shall be heard by the city Planning commission.

• c. Any time limit within which the Area Planning commission or city Planning commission must act on the applications are automatically extended as necessary to allow the Area Planning commission or city Planning commission to hear and decide appeals of Subdivision Approvals at the same time as it serves as the initial decision maker for the other approvals.

D. Findings

When acting on multiple applications for a project, the initial decision maker or appellate body shall separately make all required findings for each application. When appropriate, the initial decision maker or appellate body may make findings by reference to findings made for another application involving the same project.

e. No New Appeal Rights

this Section does not create any additional appeal or level of appeal in connection with any land use approval. this Section also does not limit or expand who may file an appeal as identified in each discretionary land use application process.

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