Los Angeles Zoning Code — LAMC Chapter 1A Div. 13B.4 Specifi

Sec. 13B.4.1. GENERAL PROVISIONS¶

A. Purpose

A Specific Plan is a regulatory land use ordinance specifically designated in the ordinance as a Specific Plan. A Specific Plan shall provide by ordinance regulatory controls or incentives for the systematic execution of the General Plan and shall provide for public needs, convenience and general welfare.
this Division:
- a. establishes uniform citywide procedures to review applications for projects within Specific Plan areas in accordance with applicable Specific Plan requirements and the City Charter ; and
- b. establishes uniform citywide standards and criteria for processing applications for exceptions from and interpretations of Specific Plans.

B. Relationship to Provisions of Specific Plans

if any procedure established in a Specific Plan conflicts with any procedure set forth in this Division, the provisions of the Specific Plan shall prevail.
if a Specific Plan establishes a ministerial process and specifically references the Administrative review process described in Sec. 13B.3.1. (Administrative Review) of this chapter, the provisions of Sec. 13B.3.1. (Administrative Review) apply.
if a Specific Plan refers to a “Project Permit compliance,” it shall mean project compliance.
if a Specific Plan refers to a “Project Permit Adjustment,” it shall mean project adjustment.
if a Specific Plan refers to a “Specific Plan exception,” it shall mean project exception.

c. Decision Makers and Appellate Bodies for Other Specific Plan Provisions
1. the individual Sections in this Division assign initial decision-making authority for a project compliance, project adjustment, project exception, and Specific Plan interpretation. For Specific Plan provisions that are not addressed in this Division , the initial decision maker and appellate bodies responsible for implementing those provisions are the Area Planning commission and city council, respectively, unless otherwise stated in a Specific Plan.
2. Despite any Specific Plan provision to the contrary and notwithstanding the language in Sec. 13B.4.1.B. (Relationship to Provisions of Specific Plans) above, there is only one level of appeal from any initial decision.

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Sec. 13B.4.1. (General Provisions) Last Amended by Ord. No. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

Administration | Article 13 Div. 13B.4. (Specific Plan Implementation)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

D. Public Information Meetings

When provided for in individual Specific Plans, the Director may hold public information meetings in connection with the Planning Department’s review of a proposed project pursuant to this Division or a Project Permit if the Director decides that:
- a. the proposed project may have a potentially significant effect on adjoining properties or on the immediate neighborhood;
- b. it is likely to evoke public controversy; or
- c. it would be in the public interest to conduct the meeting.
Written notice of a public information meeting shall be sent at least 24 days prior to the meeting date to: the applicant; owners and occupants of all properties abutting, across the street or alley from, or having a common corner with the subject property; the councilmember(s) having jurisdiction over the Specific Plan area in which the property is located; to the Department of Neighborhood empowerment; the chair of any design review or plan review board having jurisdiction over the Specific Plan area in which the property is located; the certified Neighborhood council having jurisdiction over the Specific Plan area in which the property is located; and interested parties who have requested notice in writing.

e. Violations of Specific Plans

it shall be unlawful for any person to violate any provision of any Specific Plan and every violation shall be punishable as a misdemeanor.

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Sec. 13B.4.1. (General Provisions) Last Amended by Ord. No. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

Administration | Article 13 Div. 13B.4. (Specific Plan Implementation)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

Exceptions & meaning →

Sec. 13B.4.2. Project Compliance¶

A. Applicability

this Section (Project Compliance) applies to the review of applications for projects within Specific Plan areas in accordance with applicable Specific Plan requirements and the City Charter .
the Director may determine the type of projects are exempt from this Section based on exemption provisions and other regulations contained in individual Specific Plans.

B. Initiation

An application for a project compliance is filed with the Department.

c. Notice

Notice of Public Hearing
- a. there is no public hearing required for the initial decision on a project compliance, and therefore no notice of a public hearing is required.

[Figure]

b. However, a public information meeting may be held and notice given pursuant to Sec. 13B.4.1.D. (General Provisions; Public Information Meetings) .

Notice of Public Hearing on Appeal
- a. the following notice is required for the public hearing on the appeal:

Type of Notice	When	Where / To Whom / Additional Requirements
Mail	24 days	• the applicant; • the owner(s) of the property involved; • the owners of all properties abutting, across the street or alley from, or having a common corner with the subject property; • the councilmember(s) having jurisdiction over theSpecifc Plan area in which the property is located; • the Department of Neighborhood empowerment; • the chairperson of any design review or plan review board having jurisdiction over theSpecifc Planarea in which the property is located; • the certified Neighborhood council representing the area in which the property is located; and • interestedparties who have requested in writingto be notified
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Sec. 13B.4.2. (Project Compliance) Last Amended by Ord. No. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

Administration | Article 13 Div. 13B.4. (Specific Plan Implementation)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

D. Decision

1. General Procedures

See Sec. 13A.2.5. (Decisions) .

2. Decision Maker

the Director is the initial decision maker.

3. Decision

a. the Director shall render the initial decision within 75 days of the date the application is deemed complete or when an environmental impact report (eir) is required, the date preparation of the eir is complete consistent with State law.
b. if the Director fails to make a timely decision, the applicant may file a request for transfer of jurisdiction to the Area Planning commission pursuant to Sec. 13A.2.6. (Transfer of Jurisdiction) .

4. Transmittal

the Director shall transmit a copy of the decision to: the applicant, the Department of Building and Safety, the councilmember(s) having jurisdiction over the Specific Plan area in which the property is located, the Department of transportation (where appropriate), owners of all properties abutting, across the street or alley from, or having a common corner with the subject property; the chairperson of any design review or plan review board having jurisdiction over the Specific Plan area in which the property is located; and interested parties who have filed written requests with the city Planning Department.

e. Standards for Review and Required Findings

in approving a project compliance, the Director or Area Planning commission (on appeal) shall find that the project:

Substantially complies with the applicable regulations, findings, standards, and provisions of the Specific Plan; and
complies with ceQA.

F. Scope of Decision

See Sec. 13A.2.7. (Scope of Decision) .

2. Limitations

the granting of a project compliance shall not imply compliance with any other applicable provisions of this code. Any corrections and/or modifications to project plans made subsequent to a project compliance that are deemed necessary by the Department of Building and Safety for Building code compliance, and which involve a change in floor area,

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Sec. 13B.4.2. (Project Compliance) Last Amended by Ord. No. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

Administration | Article 13 Div. 13B.4. (Specific Plan Implementation)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

parking, building height, yards or setbacks, building separation or lot coverage, shall require a referral of the revised plans back to the Department of city Planning (and the Department of transportation in cases where there are corrections and/or modifications that may affect the ingress, egress, circulation, project floor area or parking) for additional review and sign-off prior to the issuance of any permit in connection with those plans.

Applicant’s Compliance With Project Compliance Terms and Conditions

Once a project compliance is utilized, the applicant shall comply with the terms and conditions of the project compliance that affect the construction and/or operational phases of the project. For purposes of this Subsection , utilization of a project compliance shall mean that a building permit has been issued and construction work has begun and been carried on diligently.

G. Appeals

1. General Procedures

See Sec. 13A.2.8. (Appeals) .

2. Decision Maker

the Area Planning commission is the appellate decision maker.

3. Filing

An applicant or any other person aggrieved by the Director’s decision may file an appeal.

4. Appellate Decision

a. Before acting on any appeal, the Area Planning commission shall set the matter for hearing, giving notice in the manner specified in Subsection C. (Notice) above.
b. the Area Planning commission shall act within 75 days after the expiration of the appeal period.

H. Modification of Entitlement

See Sec. 13B.5.4. (Modification of Entitlement) .

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Sec. 13B.4.2. (Project Compliance) Last Amended by Ord. No. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

Administration | Article 13 Div. 13B.4. (Specific Plan Implementation)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

Exceptions & meaning →

Sec. 13B.4.3. PROJECT COMPLIANCE (DESIGN REVIEW BOARD)¶

Purpose and Objectives. the role of a design review board is to evaluate the placement of mass, form, spatial elements and overall quality of the design of proposed projects based on defined objectives established in Specific Plans. Design review boards should assist the city decision makers, the community, private developers, property owners, and design professionals in implementing the design goals of communities contained within Specific Plan boundaries.

the objectives of this Section are:

to establish uniform citywide procedures for design review within Specific Plan areas;
to establish uniform citywide authority for design review boards to advise the Director, and/or the Area Planning commission on aspects of exterior design, site layout and landscape, signs, and other design elements governed by a Specific Plan;
to promote the general welfare of the community;
to protect the community from the adverse effects of poor design; and
to encourage good professional design practices and quality exterior design and appearance to improve the community and surrounding area.

A. Applicability

1. General

a. this Section applies when design review is required by a Specific Plan.
b. the design review process may occur in two steps:

Exceptions & meaning →

Sec. 13B.4.3. Project Compliance (Design Review Board)¶

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i. An optional preliminary review; and
ii. Mandatory final review.
c. An applicant may request a technical review by the land Development counseling center (lDcc) or its equivalent, for clarification of requirements of this code or applicable Specific Plan.

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Sec. 13B.4.3. (Project Compliance (Design Review Board)) Last Amended by Ord. No. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

Administration | Article 13 Div. 13B.4. (Specific Plan Implementation)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

2. Building Permits

the procedures established in this Section must be completed before a building permit is issued for any building or structure regulated by a Specific Plan that requires design review.

3. Relationship to Specific Plans

a. this Section does not convey any rights not otherwise granted under a Specific Plan, except as specifically provided. if any procedure established in a Specific Plan governing a design review board created by or authorized to act pursuant to the Specific Plan differs from any procedures set forth in this Section , the provisions of this Section shall prevail.
b. Despite any provisions of a Specific Plan to the contrary and notwithstanding the language in 13B.4.1.B. above, no design review required by a Specific Plan shall be recommended for approval by a design review board or approved by the Director except as provided in this Section .

B. Initiation

All applications for project compliance (Design review Board) are submitted to the Department of city Planning on a form supplied by the Department. Additional information and materials may be required for optional preliminary design review and mandatory final review, as described in Chapter I. (General Provisions and Zoning), Sec. 16.50 C. (Design Review Procedure) for lots subject to chapter i.
Before the acceptance of the completed application for a mandatory final review, the Department of city Planning shall review the proposal for compliance with the applicable Specific Plan or ordinances under which the design review board is established. An application shall not be deemed incomplete for failure of the proposed project to meet the requirements of the applicable Specific Plan. Note, however, if the project does not comply with these requirements, the project will be denied unless it is redesigned or appropriate relief is secured, or if it is conditioned for approval.
in addition, prior to submitting a complete application, the applicant may request a technical review by the lDcc. if this review is requested, the lDcc may require further materials and plans to be submitted to facilitate that review.

c. Notice

1. Notice of Public Hearing

a. the following notice is required for the public hearing held prior to a recommendation:

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Sec. 13B.4.3. (Project Compliance (Design Review Board)) Last Amended by Ord. No. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

Administration | Article 13 Div. 13B.4. (Specific Plan Implementation)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

Type of Notice	When	Where / To Whom / Additional Requirements
Mail	10 days	• the applicant; • Owners and occupants of all properties abutting, across the street or alley from, or having a common corner with the subject property; and • the certified Neighborhood council representing the area in which thepropertyis located
Posting	10 days	• the applicant will post notice in a conspicuous place on the property

2. Notice of Public Hearing on Appeal

a. the following notice is required for the public hearing on the appeal:

Type of Notice	When	Where / To Whom / Additional Requirements
Mail	10 days	• the appellant; • the design review board; • Owners and occupants of all properties abutting, across the street or alley from, or having a common corner with the subject property; and • the certified Neighborhood council representing the area in which thepropertyis located
Posting	10 days	• the applicant will post notice in a conspicuous place on the property

D. Decision

1. General Procedures

See Sec. 13A.2.5. (Decisions) .

2. Decision Maker

the Director is the initial decision maker.

a. Design review boards review applications and provide their recommendations to the Director.
b. if no design review board is appointed, the Department of city Planning staff reviews the application and makes a recommendation to the Director.

3. Optional Preliminary Design Review

a. Option

i. An applicant may request a preliminary design review to consult with the design review board for advice on the design of a proposed project.

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Sec. 13B.4.3. (Project Compliance (Design Review Board)) Last Amended by Ord. No. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

Administration | Article 13 Div. 13B.4. (Specific Plan Implementation)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

ii. the design review board shall review all projects for which applications for preliminary design review are accepted. the board shall provide comments to the applicant concerning the overall design of the project, materials and colors to be used, and landscaping for conformance to the applicable Specific Plan.
b. Transmittal of Applications for Preliminary Review

i. Agenda

Optional preliminary applications are referred to the design review board for placement on its agenda within five calendar days after they are deemed complete.

ii. Review and Recommendation of Design Review Board

the design review board shall preliminarily review the project within 21 calendar days after the request for the optional preliminary review has been referred to the board along with all of the required materials.

iii. Transmittal to the Director

results of the optional preliminary review shall be transmitted by the board to the Director within 10 days after the design review board meeting. this is for the Director’s information only.

Design Review of Final Applications

a. Design Review Board Authority

the design review board shall review all projects for which applications for final design review have been accepted.

b. Transmittal of Applications for Final Review

Applications for final design review are referred to the design review board for its recommendation within five calendar days after they are deemed complete.

c. Final Review and Recommendation of the Design Review Board
- i. the design review board shall hold a public hearing, giving notice in the manner specified in Subsection C. (Notice) of this Section .
- ii. the design review board shall review and make its recommendation on the project within 21 calendar days after the application is referred to the board.
- iii. the design review board shall submit its recommendation to the Director within five calendar days after it acts on the application or within any additional time as is mutually agreed upon in writing between the applicant and the Department of city Planning.

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Sec. 13B.4.3. (Project Compliance (Design Review Board)) Last Amended by Ord. No. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

Administration | Article 13 Div. 13B.4. (Specific Plan Implementation)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

iv. the design review board’s recommendation shall include approval, disapproval, or approval with conditions to the project. the design review board shall make its recommendation based upon design criteria in the Specific Plan. if the recommendation is for denial, the board shall specify how the project fails to comply with the design criteria in the Specific Plan. recommendations and summaries of discussions shall be transmitted to the Director.
v. the design review board’s recommendation does not affect any entitlement or discretionary approvals by applicable agencies and departments. this Subsection does not affect the Mulholland Scenic Parkway design review board’s authority to advise under chapter i. (General Provisions and Zoning), Sec. 11 (Design Review Process) of the Mulholland Scenic Parkway Specific Plan .
vi. if the design review board does not act and an extension of time is not agreed upon as specified above in order for the applicant to provide a revised application with modifications for the project, the revised project shall be submitted to the design review board for a second meeting to be held within 30 calendar days of the first meeting. if the design review board fails to act at that meeting, the application shall be referred to the Director as provided in Paragraph d. below.

d. Design Review Board Failure to Act

if a design review board fails to act on an application within the time limits specified in this Section , the application is immediately referred without recommendation to the Director for determination.

5. Action of the Director

a. Within 10 calendar days following the receipt of the design review board’s recommendation or of the design review board’s failure to act, the Director shall approve a project as presented to the board if it is in compliance with the specific regulations of the applicable Specific Plan.
b. if the project does not comply with specific regulations in the Specific Plan and cannot be made to be so by imposition of conditions, the Director shall disapprove the project.
c. For sign approvals, the Director may grant minor adjustments to permitted signs in accordance with the adjustment criteria and findings set forth in Sec. 13B.4.4. (Project Adjustment) . Any requests for minor adjustments to permitted signs shall be filed in accordance with the application procedures set forth in Chapter I. (General Provisions and Zoning) Sec. 16.50 C. (Design Review Procedure) .
d. in addition, if the Director requests changes or additional information, copies of all materials submitted in connection with the request shall be transmitted to the design review board for its information.

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Sec. 13B.4.3. (Project Compliance (Design Review Board)) Last Amended by Ord. No. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

Administration | Article 13 Div. 13B.4. (Specific Plan Implementation)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

6. Transmittal

A copy of all decisions shall be forwarded to the applicant, the design review board, the councilmember(s) in whose district(s) the Specific Plan area is located, the Department of Building and Safety, and any interested parties who make a written request for notice.

e. Standards for Review and Required Findings

in making a determination on a project compliance (Design review Board), the Director or Area Planning commission (on appeal) shall make findings consistent with the Specific Plan criteria for any approval or disapproval.

F. Scope of Decision

See Sec. 13A.2.7. (Scope of Decision) .
A design review board’s advice on an optional preliminary application is valid for 24 months.
No building permit shall be issued until a copy of the plans for the proposed project, stamped by the Department of city Planning as approved by the Director, is made available to the Department of Building and Safety to be included with the field set of approved plans.

G. Appeals

1. General Procedures

See Sec. 13A.2.8. (Appeals) .

2. Decision Maker

the Area Planning commission is the appellate decision maker.

3. Filing

a. An applicant or any other person aggrieved by the Director’s decision may file an appeal.
b. A board member may not appeal any design review determination of the Director unless they are the applicant.

4. Appellate Decision

a. Before acting on any appeal, the Area Planning commission shall set the matter for hearing, giving notice in the manner specified in Subsection C. ( Notice) of this Section .
b. the Area Planning commission shall act on the appeal within 75 days after the expiration of the appeal period.

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Sec. 13B.4.3. (Project Compliance (Design Review Board)) Last Amended by Ord. No. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

Administration | Article 13 Div. 13B.4. (Specific Plan Implementation)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

H. Modification of Approved Plans or Materials Before Issuance of Building Permit or Certificate of Occupancy
1. the Director or Area Planning commission on appeal may, prior to the issuance of a building permit or certificate of Occupancy, approve exterior changes to a proposed project from that which was approved in the design review board only if these changes were required by a public agency.
2. Unless otherwise specifically required in a Specific Plan, at the discretion of the Director or Area Planning commission on appeal, these modifications may be transmitted to the design review board for its review at the next available meeting provided that the appropriate materials were received 14 days prior to that meeting.
3. An applicant requesting approval of a proposed modification to a project shall do so in writing. the request shall include an illustrated description of the proposed modification and a narrative justification. Written proof that a modification is required by a public agency shall be submitted with the request. copies of all materials submitted in connection with the request shall be transmitted to the design review board for its information at the time the request is submitted to the Planning Department. there shall be no fee for a review of a modification required by a public agency. An applicant may also request a minor modification which is not required by a public agency. in that case, a fee shall be paid pursuant to Chapter I. (General Provisions and Zoning), Sec. 16.50 C. (Design Review Procedures) .
4. in reviewing any modification, the Director (or Area Planning commission on appeal) shall limit its review and reconsideration to those areas identified as changed or influenced by the changes.

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Sec. 13B.4.3. (Project Compliance (Design Review Board)) Last Amended by Ord. No. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

Administration | Article 13 Div. 13B.4. (Specific Plan Implementation)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

Exceptions & meaning →

Sec. 13B.4.4. Project Adjustment¶

A. Applicability

this Section applies to requests for minor adjustments from certain Specific Plan regulations.
Project adjustments are limited to the list described in Chapter I. (General Provisions and Zoning), Sec. 11.5.7 E. (Specific Plan Procedures; Project Adjustments) .
if an application requests more than one project adjustment, the Director may determine that the request be filed and processed as a project exception (see Sec. 13B.4.5. ). the Director shall advise the applicant of this determination before the application is deemed complete.

B. Initiation

An application for a project adjustment is filed with the Department.

c. Notice

[Figure]

1. Notice of Public Hearing

a. there is no public hearing required for the initial decision on a project adjustment, and therefore no notice of a public hearing is required.
b. However, a public information meeting may be held and notice given pursuant to Sec. 13B.4.1.D. (General Provisions; Public information Meeting) .

2. Notice of Public Hearing on Appeal

a. the following notice is required for the public hearing on the appeal:

Type of Notice	When	Where / To Whom / Additional Requirements
Mail	24 days	• the applicant; • the owner(s) of the property involved; • the owners of all properties abutting, across the street or alley from, or having a common corner with the subject property; • the councilmember(s) having jurisdiction over theSpecifc Plan area in which the property is located; • the Department of Neighborhood empowerment; • the chairperson of any design review or plan review board having jurisdiction over theSpecifc Planarea in which the property is located; • the certified Neighborhood council representing the area in which the property is located; and • interestedparties who have requested in writingto be notified
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Sec. 13B.4.4. (Project Adjustment) Last Amended by Ord. No. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

Administration | Article 13 Div. 13B.4. (Specific Plan Implementation)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

D. Decision

1. General Procedures

See Sec. 13A.2.5. (Decisions) .

2. Decision Maker

the Director is the initial decision maker.

3. Decision

a. the Director shall render the initial decision within 75 days of the date the application is deemed complete.
b. in granting a project adjustment, the Director may impose project conditions as the Director deems necessary in order to achieve substantial conformance with the Specific Plan regulations.
c. the remainder of the Specific Plan provisions for which the project does not need a project adjustment shall be reviewed concurrently with a project compliance.
d. if the Director fails to make a timely decision, the applicant may file a request for transfer of jurisdiction to the Area Planning commission pursuant to Sec. 13A.2.6. (Transfer of Jurisdiction) .

4. Transmittal

the Director shall transmit a copy of the decision by email, electronic transmission, or mail to the applicant, the Department of Building and Safety, the councilmember(s) having jurisdiction over the Specific Plan area in which the property is located, the Department of transportation (where appropriate), owners of all properties abutting, across the street or alley from, or having a common corner with the subject property; and interested parties who have filed written requests with the city Planning Department.

e. Standards for Review and Required Findings

in approving a project adjustment, the Director or Area Planning commission (on appeal) shall find that:
- a. there are special circumstances applicable to the project or project site which make the strict application of the Specific Plan regulation(s) impractical;
- b. that in granting the project adjustment, the Director has imposed project requirements and/or determined that the proposed project will substantially comply with all applicable Specific Plan regulations;
- c. the project adjustment, if granted, will not have detrimental effects on surrounding properties and public right-of-ways;
- d. the project complies with ceQA; and

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Sec. 13B.4.4. (Project Adjustment) Last Amended by Ord. No. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

Administration | Article 13 Div. 13B.4. (Specific Plan Implementation)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

the decision maker shall also find that the project adjustment complies with any other required Specific Plan findings that may pertain to the project compliance.

F. Scope of Decision

See Sec. 13A.2.7. (Scope of Decision) .

2. Limitations

the granting of a project adjustment shall not imply compliance with any other applicable provisions of this code. Any corrections and/or modifications to project plans made subsequent to a project adjustment that are deemed necessary by the Department of Building and Safety for Building code compliance, and which involve a change in floor area, parking, building height, yards or setbacks, building separation or lot coverage, shall require a referral of the revised plans back to the Department of city Planning (and the Department of transportation in cases where there are corrections and/or modifications that may affect the ingress, egress, circulation, project floor area or parking) for additional review and sign-off prior to the issuance of any permit in connection with those plans.

G. Appeals

1. General Procedures

See Sec. 13A.2.8. (Appeals) .

2. Decision Maker

the Area Planning commission is the appellate decision maker.

3. Filing

An applicant or any other person aggrieved by the Director’s decision may file an appeal.

4. Appellate Decision

a. Before acting on any appeal, the Area Planning commission shall set the matter for hearing, giving notice in the manner specified in Subsection C. (Notice) above.
b. the Area Planning commission shall act within 75 days after the expiration of the appeal period.

H. Modification of Entitlement

No modification is available.

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Sec. 13B.4.4. (Project Adjustment) Last Amended by Ord. No. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

Administration | Article 13 Div. 13B.4. (Specific Plan Implementation)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

Exceptions & meaning →

Sec. 13B.4.5. Project Exception¶

A. Applicability

this Section applies to exceptions from Specific Plan regulations, as follows:

1. Description

A project exception grants relief from a Specific Plan’s regulations on the basis of particular standards or criteria established in this Section , or in a particular section of a Specific Plan. like a variance, a project exception application must show a hardship. However, a project exception typically includes relief from additional standards that relate to the purposes of the Specific Plan.

Project Exception Relationship to Other Entitlements
- a. Exception for Relief from a Specific Plan Regulation and the Same Type of Regulation With the Same Standard in Chapter I. of this Code

if a Specific Plan contains a regulation that is the same type of regulation with the same standard as one contained in an applicable provision of Chapter I. (General Provisions and Zoning) of this code, an applicant seeking relief from those regulations need only apply for and receive a project exception. in this situation, the Specific

[Figure]

Plan regulation is considered to supersede the code provision and thus a variance is not required.

b. Exception for Relief from Specific Plan Regulation and the Same Type of Regulation With a Different Standard in Chapter I. of this Code Where Specific Plan Supersedes the Code

if a Specific Plan contains a regulation that conflicts with the same type of regulation but with a different standard contained in an applicable provision of Chapter I. (General Provisions and Zoning) of this code and the Specific Plan supersedes the code by its terms, then an applicant seeking relief from that Specific Plan regulation need only apply for and receive a project exception. in this situation, a variance is not also required.

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Sec. 13B.4.5. (Project Exception) Last Amended by Ord. No. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

Administration | Article 13 Div. 13B.4. (Specific Plan Implementation)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

c. Exception for Relief from Specific Plan Regulation and the Same Type of Regulation With a Different Standard in Chapter I. of this Code Where Specific Plan Does Not Supersede the Code

if a Specific Plan contains a regulation that conflicts with the same type of regulation but with a different standard contained in an applicable provision of Chapter I. (General Provisions and Zoning) of this code and the Specific Plan does not supersede the code by its terms, then an applicant seeking relief from those regulations must apply for and receive both a project exception and a variance for relief from those code provisions.

d. Additional Exceptions

the exceptions described in Chapter I. (General Provisions and Zoning), Sec. 11.5.7 F (1) (Exception for Wireless Telecommunications Facilities) and Sec. 11.5.7 F(2) (Eldercare Facilities) of this code apply as appropriate.

B. Initiation

An application for a project exception is filed with the Department.
if an application for a project exception potentially impacts a Specific Plan policy or a regulation affecting the entire Specific Plan area or any of its subareas, the Director shall advise the applicant to request the city to initiate a Specific Plan Amendment in lieu of processing the application for a project exception. this shall occur before the application is deemed complete.

c. Notice of Public Hearing
1. Notice of Public Hearing
  - a. the following notice is required for the public hearing on the initial decision:

Type of Notice	When	Where / To Whom / Additional Requirements
Publication Mail Posting	24 days 24 days 10 days	• in a newspaper of general circulation in the city, designated for thatpurpose bythe cityclerk • the applicant; • the owner(s) of the property involved; • the owners and occupants of all property within and outside the city within 500 feet of the exterior boundaries of the area subject to theapplication(or the expanded area described below); and • the certified Neighborhood council representing the area in which thepropertyis located • the applicant will post notice in a conspicuous place on the property • if aHearing Ofceris designated to conduct the public hearing, then the applicant, in addition to posting notice of the public hearing, will also post notice of the initial meeting of the decision makingbodyon the matter
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Sec. 13B.4.5. (Project Exception) Last Amended by Ord. No. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

Administration | Article 13 Div. 13B.4. (Specific Plan Implementation)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

b. Where all property within the 500 foot radius is under the same ownership as the property involved in the application, the owners of all property that adjoins that ownership, or is separated from it only by a street, alley, public right-of-way or other easement, will also be notified.
c. if the mailed notice within the required radius does not result in notice to at least 20 different owners of at least 20 different lots other than the subject property, then the notification radius will increase in increments of 50 feet until that number of owners and lots are within the expanded area.

2. Notice of Public Hearing on Appeal

a. the following notice is required for the public hearing on the appeal:

Type of Notice	When	Where / To Whom / Additional Requirements
Publication Mail	24 days 24 days	• in a newspaper of general circulation in the city, designated for thatpurpose bythe cityclerk • the applicant; • the owner(s) of the property involved; • the owners and occupants of all property within and outside the city within 500 feet of the exterior boundaries of the area subject to theapplication(or the expanded area described below); and • the certified Neighborhood council representing the area in which thepropertyis located
Posting	10 days	• the applicant will post notice in a conspicuous place on the property

b. Where all property within the 500 foot radius is under the same ownership as the property involved in the application, the owners of all property that adjoins that ownership, or is separated from it only by a street, alley, public right-of-way or other easement, will also be notified.
c. if the mailed notice within the required radius does not result in notice to at least 20 different owners of at least 20 different lots other than the subject property, then the notification radius will increase in increments of 50 feet until that number of owners and lots are within the expanded area.

D. Decision

1. General Procedures

See Sec. 13A.2.5. (Decisions) .

2. Decision Maker

the Area Planning commission is the initial decision maker.

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Sec. 13B.4.5. (Project Exception) Last Amended by Ord. No. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

Administration | Article 13 Div. 13B.4. (Specific Plan Implementation)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

3. Public Hearing

a. Upon receipt of a complete application, the Area Planning commission shall set the matter for public hearing, giving notice in the manner specified in Subsection C. (Notice) above.
b. the Area Planning commission may conduct the hearing itself or designate the Director to conduct the hearing.

4. Decision

a. if the Director conducts the public hearing, the Director shall transmit their findings and recommendation to the Area Planning commission.
b. After the Director or Area Planning commission’s hearing is closed, the Area Planning commission shall render the initial decision at a public meeting.
c. the Area Planning commission shall render the initial decision within 75 days of the date the application is deemed complete.
d. if the city Planning commission fails to make a timely decision, the applicant may file a request for transfer of jurisdiction to the city council pursuant to Sec. 13A.2.6. (Transfer of Jurisdiction) .

5. Conditions

in granting a project exception, the Area Planning commission shall impose conditions to remedy any resulting disparity of privilege and that are necessary to protect the public health, safety, welfare and assure compliance with the objectives of the General Plan and the purpose and intent of the Specific Plan. A project exception shall not be used to grant a special privilege, nor to grant relief from self-imposed hardships.

6. Transmittal

a. Where required, the Area Planning commission shall transmit a copy of the decision to: the Department of Building and Safety; the councilmember(s) having jurisdiction over the Specific Plan area in which the property is located; and the Department of transportation, where appropriate.
b. copies of the decision shall also be provided to: the applicant; the Department of
- Neighborhood empowerment; the chairperson of any design review or plan review board having jurisdiction over the Specific Plan area in which the property is located; and interested parties who have filed written requests with the city Planning Department.

e. Standards for Review and Required Findings

in approving a project exception, the Area Planning commission or city council (on appeal) shall find that:

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Sec. 13B.4.5. (Project Exception) Last Amended by Ord. No. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

Administration | Article 13 Div. 13B.4. (Specific Plan Implementation)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

the strict application of the regulations of the Specific Plan to the subject property would result in practical difficulties or unnecessary hardships inconsistent with the general purpose and intent of the Specific Plan;
there are exceptional circumstances or conditions applicable to the subject property involved or to the intended use or development of the subject property that do not apply generally to other property in the Specific Plan area;
An exception from the Specific Plan is necessary to preserve and enjoy a substantial property right or use generally possessed by other property within the Specific Plan area or zoning district in the same vicinity but which, because of special circumstances and practical difficulties or unnecessary hardships is denied to the property in question;
the granting of the exception is not detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to the property or improvements adjacent to or in the vicinity of the subject property; and
the granting of an exception is consistent with the principles, intent and goals of the Specific Plan, zoning district, and any applicable element of the General Plan.

F. Scope of Decision

See Sec. 13A.2.7. (Scope of Decision) .

G. Appeals

1. General Procedures

See Sec. 13A.2.8. (Appeals) .

2. Decision Maker

the city council is the appellate decision maker.

3. Filing

a. Any person aggrieved by an initial decision of the Area Planning commission concerning a project exception may appeal the decision to the city council.
b. After an appeal is filed, the Area Planning commission shall transmit the appeal and the file to the city council, together with any report responding to the points made in the appeal.

4. Appellate Decision

a. Before acting on any appeal, the city council shall set the matter for hearing, giving notice in the manner specified in Subsection C. (Notice of Public Hearing) above.
b. A decision to reverse or modify the Area Planning commission’s decision, in whole or in part, shall only be adopted by at least a two-thirds vote of the whole city council. the decision must contain a finding of fact showing why the proposed exception to a Specific Plan complies or fails to comply with the requirements of this Section . Any vote of the city

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Sec. 13B.4.5. (Project Exception) Last Amended by Ord. No. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

Administration | Article 13 Div. 13B.4. (Specific Plan Implementation)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

council in which less than two-thirds of the whole city council vote to reverse or modify the decision of the Area Planning commission shall be deemed to be an action denying the appeal.

c. the failure of the city council to vote upon an appeal within 90 days after the expiration of the appeal period, or within any additional period agreed upon by the applicant and the city council, shall be deemed a denial of the appeal.

H. Modification of Entitlement

No modification is available.

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Sec. 13B.4.5. (Project Exception) Last Amended by Ord. No. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

Administration | Article 13 Div. 13B.4. (Specific Plan Implementation)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

Exceptions & meaning →

Sec. 13B.4.6. SPECIFIC PLAN INTERPRETATION¶

Sec. 13B.4.6. Specific Plan Interpretation¶

the Director shall have authority to interpret Specific Plans when there is a lack of clarity in the meaning of their regulations.

B. Initiation

the Director may consider an interpretation on his or her own initiative, or in response to an application (see Subdivision 2. below).
to request a Specific Plan interpretation, an applicant shall file an application with the Department. the application shall include a reference to the Specific Plan regulation(s) for which clarification is requested and a narrative description of why a clarification is necessary for the project or subject property involved.

c. Notice

1. Notice of Public Hearing

[Figure]

a. there is no public hearing required for the initial decision on a Specific Plan interpretation, and therefore no notice of a public hearing is required.
b. the Director may hold a public information meeting, if the Director decides that the proposed project may have a potentially significant effect on adjoining properties or on the immediate neighborhood, or that it is likely to evoke public controversy, or that it would be in the public interest to conduct the meeting. Notice for the public information meeting shall be given pursuant to Sec. 13B.4.1.D. (General Provisions; Public information Meetings) .

2. Notice of Public Hearing on Appeal

a. the following notice is required for the public hearing on the appeal:

Type of Notice	When	Where / To Whom / Additional Requirements
Mail	24 days	• the applicant (when initiated by applicant); • the owner(s) of the property involved (when initiated by applicant); • the owners of all properties abutting, across the street or alley from, or having a common corner with the subject property (when initiated by applicant); • the councilmember(s) having jurisdiction over theSpecifc Planarea in which the property is located; • the Department of Neighborhood empowerment; • the chairperson of any design review or plan review board having jurisdiction over theSpecifc Planarea in which the property is located; • the certified Neighborhood council representing the area in which the property is located; and • interestedparties who have requested in writingto be notified

Sec. 13B.4.6. (Specific Plan Interpretation) Last Amended by Ord. No. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

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Administration | Article 13 Div. 13B.4. (Specific Plan Implementation)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

D. Decision

1. General Procedures

See Sec. 13A.2.5. (Decisions) .

2. Decision Maker

the Director is the initial decision maker.

3. Decision

a. the Director shall make a determination within 75 days after the application is deemed complete.
b. if the Director fails to render a timely decision, the interpretation is deemed denied.

4. Transmittal

the Director shall transmit a copy of the decision to the applicant, the Department of Building and Safety, the councilmember(s) having jurisdiction over the Specific Plan area in which the property is located, the Department of transportation (where appropriate), owners of all properties abutting, across the street or alley from, or having a common corner with the subject property; the chairperson of any design review or plan review board having jurisdiction over the Specific Plan area in which the property is located; and interested parties who have filed written requests with the Department of city Planning.

e. Standards for Review

in rendering a Specific Plan interpretation, the Director or city or Area Planning commission (on appeal) shall consider:

Any General Plan, community plan, or Specific Plan policies that relate to the regulation subject to interpretation;
the purpose statements or other official city policies relating to the regulation; and
the context of the regulation and its relationship to similar regulations.

F. Appeals

1. General Procedures

See Sec. 13A.2.8. (Appeals) .

2. Decision Maker

a. the city Planning commission is the appellate decision maker for interpretations which affect an entire Specific Plan area or any of its subareas.
b. the Area Planning commission is the appellate decision maker for interpretations that apply only to a specific site.

Sec. 13B.4.6. (Specific Plan Interpretation) Last Amended by Ord. No. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

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Administration | Article 13 Div. 13B.4. (Specific Plan Implementation)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

3. Filing

An applicant or any other interested person aggrieved by the decision may file an appeal.

4. Appellate Decision

a. Before acting on any appeal, the city or Area Planning commission shall set the matter for hearing, giving notice in the manner specified in Subsection C. (Notice) above.
b. the city or Area Planning commission shall render its decision within 75 days from the last day of the appeal period.
c. the city or Area Planning commission may reverse or modify, in whole or in part, a decision of the Director, and may issue its own interpretation of the Specific Plan.
d. Failure to timely act is deemed a denial of the appeal, and the initial decision becomes final.

Sec. 13B.4.6. (Specific Plan Interpretation) Last Amended by Ord. No. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

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Administration | Article 13 Div. 13B.5. (Quasi-Judicial Relief)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

Exceptions & meaning →