Division 13A.1 — AUTHORITIES

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This Division (Authorities) recognizes or identifies the agencies involved in administering the Zoning

Code, this Chapter and Chapter I. (General Provisions and Zoning) of this Code. This Division

(Authorities) also describes how the agencies are composed, and their powers and duties. If the

agency is established by another body of law, such as the City Charter, cross-references to those laws

are provided. All City Charter provisions still apply.

A. Establishment

See Sec. 200 (City Officers) of the City Charter .

B. Composition

See Sec. 201 (City Offices) of the City Charter .

C. General Authority

See Sec. 230 (Mayor) and 231 (Powers and Duties) of the City Charter .

D. Specific Authority

Consistent with the duties set forth in the City Charter, the Mayor exercises the following specific

authority:

1. Review and submit recommendations pertaining to an amendment, in whole or in part, of the

General Plan.

2. Approve or veto pursuant to the City Charter :

a. A Specifc Plani ;

b. A Zoning Code Amendment; and

c. A Zone Change (including Supplemental Use Districts).

3. Exercise any other authority delegated by this Code or the City Charter .

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Sec. 13A.1.1. (Mayor) Established by Ord. 187,712, Eff. 01/23/2023, Oper. 07/22/2023

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Administration | ARTICLE 13 Div. 13A.1. (Authorities)

A. Establishment

See Sec. 200 (City officers) of the City Charter .

B. Composition

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See Sec. 204 (Election and City Council Members; Redistricting), 205 (Term of office), 206 (Term

Limits), and 241 (Council Size) of the City Charter .

C. General Authority

See Sec. 240 – 254 (Legislative Branch) of the City Charter .

D. Specific Authority

Consistent with the duties set forth in the City Charter, the City Council exercises the following specific authority:

1. Adopt or amend the General Plan;

2. Adopt or amend a Specifc Plani ;

3. Adopt or amend the Zoning Code, this Chapter or Chapter I. (General Provisions and Zoning)

of this Code;

4. Adopt or amend a Zone Change (including Supplemental Use Districts);

5. Approve, conditionally approve, or deny a Class 3 Conditional Use Permit on appeal from the

City Planning Commission;

6. Approve, conditionally approve, or deny a project exception on appeal from an Area Planning

Commission;

7. Approve, conditionally approve, or deny a Nuisance Abatement/Revocation on appeal from

the Zoning Administrator;

8. Accept fnal mapi s and dedications pursuant to a fnal mapi ;

9. Accept final parcel maps and dedications pursuant to a final parcel map;

10. Adopt or amend a Historic Preservation Overlay Zone (“HPOZ”) designation or boundary

change;

11. Approve, conditionally approve, or deny a Certifcate of Appropriatenessi (Demolition, Removal,

or Relocation) on appeal from an Area Planning Commission; and

12. Exercise any other authority delegated by the Zoning Code, this Chapter or Chapter I. (General

Provisions and Zoning) of this Code, or the City Charter .

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Sec. 13A.1.2. (City Council) Last Amended by Ord. No. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

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Administration | ARTICLE 13 Div. 13A.1. (Authorities)

A. Establishment

See Sec. 551 (City Planning Commission) of the City Charter .

B. Composition

See Sec. 551 (City Planning Commission) of the City Charter .

C. General Authority

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See Sec. 551 (City Planning Commission) and 559 (Delegation of Authority) of the City Charter .

D. Specific Authority

Consistent with the duties set forth in the City Charter, the City Planning Commission exercises the following specific authority:

1. Review and submit recommendations to the City Council on:

a. The adoption or amendment of the General Plan;

b. The adoption or amendment of a Specifc Plani ;

c. The adoption or amendment of the Zoning Code, this Chapter or Chapter I. (General

Provisions and Zoning) of this Code;

d. Any Zone Change (including Supplemental Use Districts); and

e. Any Historic Preservation Overlay Zone (“HPOZ”) designation or boundary change.

2. To render a final decision on any:

a. Class 3 Conditional Use Permit;

b. Preservation Plan Adoption / Amendment; and

c. Guidelines or Standards Adoption / Amendment.

3. To approve or deny, on appeal, any:

a. Project Review relating to a Density Bonus;

b. Specifc Plani interpretation (which affects an entire Specifc Plani area or any of its

subareas);

c. Appeals of Department of City Planning action on LADBS Appeal (which have a Citywide

impact);

d. Subdivision Approval, as provided in Div. 13B.7. (Division of Land) ; and

e. Zoning Administrator interpretation.

Sec. 13A.1.3. (City Planning Commission) Last amended by Ord. 188,418 (Resolution), Eff. 06/18/2025

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Administration | ARTICLE 13 Div. 13A.1. (Authorities)

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4. Make decisions on any matter that would otherwise be heard by an Area Planning Commission

if the matter involves a project, which crosses the boundaries of the area served by more than

one Area Planning Commission.

5. Adopt guidelines for the administration of the provisions of this Chapter or Chapter I. (General

Provisions and Zoning) of this Code if it determines that guidelines are necessary and

appropriate. Authority to adopt guidelines for the administration of the provisions of these

Chapters may be delegated to others by adoption of a resolution by City Council. Existing

provisions of these Chapters that delegate authority for the adoption of guidelines to others

shall continue to apply with respect to those provisions.

6. No ordinance, order or resolution referred to in Sec. 554 (General Plan – Purpose and

Contents) or 558 (Procedure for Adoption, Amendment or Repeal of Certain ordinances,

orders and Resolutions) of the City Charter shall be adopted by the City Council, unless it shall have first been submitted to the City Planning Commission or the Area Planning Commission

for report and recommendation, in the manner set forth in those Sections. The report and

recommendation shall indicate whether the proposed ordinance, order, or resolution is in

conformance with the General Plan, any applicable Specifc Plani s, any plans being prepared by

the Department of City Planning, and any other applicable requirement set forth in those City

Charter Sections.

7. Exercise any other authority delegated by the Zoning Code, this Chapter or Chapter I. (General

Provisions and Zoning) of this Code, or the City Charter .

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Sec. 13A.1.3. (City Planning Commission) Last amended by Ord. 188,418 (Resolution), Eff. 06/18/2025

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Administration | ARTICLE 13 Div. 13A.1. (Authorities)

A. Establishment

1. Creation of Area Planning Commissions

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

In accordance with Sec. 552 (Area Planning Commissions) of the City Charter, there are

established seven Area Planning Commissions as set out in Subsection A.2 (Boundaries) below.

2. Boundaries

The Area Planning Commissions and their boundaries are as follows:

Sec. 13A.1.4. (Area Planning Commission) Last Amended by Ord. No. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

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City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

Article 13. Administration Article Publication Update | July 23, 2025

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Administration | ARTICLE 13 Div. 13A.1. (Authorities)

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3. Change in Boundaries

If the boundaries of any community plan or Specifc Plani mentioned in Subsection A.2 (Boundaries) above are changed, that change will not affect the boundaries of the areas to

be served by each Area Planning Commission as prescribed by this Section . A change in the boundaries of the area to be served by any Area Planning Commission are affected only by a specific amendment or repeal of this Section .

B. Composition

See Sec. 552 (Area Planning Commissions) of the City Charter .

C. General Authority

See Sec. 552 (Area Planning Commissions) of the City Charter .

D. Specific Authority

Consistent with the duties set forth in the City Charter, an Area Planning Commission exercises the following specific authority:

1. Review and submit recommendations to the City Council on a Zone Change (including

Supplemental Use Districts).

2. To render a final decision on any:

a. Project exception; and

b. Certifcate of Appropriatenessi (Demolition, Removal, or Relocation).

3. To approve or deny, on appeal, any:

a. Class 2 Conditional Use Permit;

b. Project Review;

c. Project compliance;

d. Project compliance (Design Review Board);

e. Project adjustment;

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Sec. 13A.1.4. (Area Planning Commission) Last Amended by Ord. No. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

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Administration | ARTICLE 13 Div. 13A.1. (Authorities)

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f. Specifc Plani interpretation (which is applicable only on a site specific basis);

g. Alternative Compliance;

h. Adjustment;

i. Variance;

j. Certifcate of Appropriatenessi (Construction, Addition, Alteration, or Reconstruction);

k. Certificate of Compatibility for non-contributing elements;

l. Appeals of Department of City Planning action on LADBS Appeal (which do not have a

Citywide impact);

m. Subdivision Approval, as provided in Div. 13B.7. (Division of Land) ;

n. Coastal Development Permit; and

o. Zoning Administrator interpretation on a site specific issue.

4. Despite the above provisions, the City Planning Commission shall make decisions on any

matter that would otherwise be heard by an Area Planning Commission if the matter involves

a project which crosses the boundaries of the area served by more than one Area Planning

Commission.

5. Exercise any other authority delegated by the Zoning Code, this Chapter or Chapter I. (General

Provisions and Zoning) of this Code, or the City Charter .

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Sec. 13A.1.4. (Area Planning Commission) Last Amended by Ord. No. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

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Administration | ARTICLE 13 Div. 13A.1. (Authorities)

See Sec. 22.171 (Purpose of the Commission) of the LAAC.

Sec. 13A.1.5. (Cultural Heritage Commission) Established by Ord. 187,712, Eff. 01/23/2023, Oper. 07/22/2023

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

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Administration | ARTICLE 13 Div. 13A.1. (Authorities)

A. Establishment

See Sec. 553 (Director of Planning) of the City Charter .

B. Composition

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See Sec. 508 (Appointment and Removal of Chief Administrative officers) of the City Charter .

C. General Authority

See Sec. 553 (Director of Planning) of the City Charter .

D. Specific Authority

Consistent with the duties set forth in the City Charter, the Director exercises the following specific

authority:

1. Review and submit recommendations on:

a. The adoption or amendment of the General Plan;

b. The adoption or amendment of a Specifc Plani ;

c. A Zoning Code Amendment;

d. A Zone Change (including Supplemental Use Districts);

e. The adoption or amendment of a Preservation Plan; and

f. Any other decision within the original jurisdiction of the City Planning Commission or an

Area Planning Commission.

2. To render a decision on any:

a. Project Review;

b. Director Determination;

c. Administrative Review;

d. Project compliance;

e. Project compliance (Design Review Board);

f. Project adjustment;

g. Specifc Plani interpretation;

h. Alternative Compliance;

i. Adjustment;

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Sec. 13A.1.6. (Director of Planning) Last Amended by Ord. No. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

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Administration | ARTICLE 13 Div. 13A.1. (Authorities)

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j. Reasonable Accommodation - Fair Housing Protections for individuals with Disabilities;

k. Private street map;

l. Review of Conforming Work in an Historic Preservation Overlay Zone, where delegated by

a Preservation Plan;

m. Certifcate of Appropriatenessi (Construction, Addition, Alteration, Reconstruction) in an

Historic Preservation Overlay Zone;

n. Certificate of Compatibility for Non-Contributing Elements in an Historic Preservation

Overlay Zone;

o. Appeals from LADBS Determinations; and

p. Coastal Development Permit.

3. Interpret the meaning of the General Plan and Specifc Plani s in instances when there is a lack

of clarity in the meaning of those regulations, subject to appellate review.

4. Appoint a designee to act on his or her behalf, in which case references in this Code and other

land use ordinances to Director shall include this designee, unless otherwise stated.

5. Require the modification, discontinuance, or revocation of any conditional use or other similar

   quasi judicial approval granted in accordance with the procedures in Sec. 13B.2.1. (Class 1

Conditional Use Permit), Sec. 13B.2.2. (Class 2 Conditional Use Permit), or Sec. 13B.2.3. (Class

3 Conditional Use Permit) in the manner prescribed in Sec. 13B.6.2. (Nuisance Abatement/ Revocation) . In the event of a revocation, the property affected by the revocation shall be

subject to all the regulations of the zone in which the property is located.

6. Exercise any other authority delegated by the Zoning Code, this Chapter or Chapter I. (General

Provisions and Zoning) of this Code, or the City Charter .

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Sec. 13A.1.6. (Director of Planning) Last Amended by Ord. No. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

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Administration | ARTICLE 13 Div. 13A.1. (Authorities)

A. Establishment

See Sec. 561 (Office of Zoning Administration) of the City Charter .

B. Composition

See Sec. 561 (Office of Zoning Administration) of the City Charter .

C. General Authority

See Sec. 561 (Office of Zoning Administration) of the City Charter .

D. Specific Authority

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

Consistent with the duties set forth in the City Charter, the Zoning Administrator exercises the following specific authority:

1. To render a decision on any:

a. Variance;

b. Class 1 Conditional Use Permit;

c. Class 2 Conditional Use Permit;

d. Evaluation of Non-Compliance; and

e. Nuisance Abatement/Revocation.

2. Zoning Administrator Interpretation

a. The Zoning Administrator has the authority to determine the appropriate use definition

and interpret specific uses for each lot subject to this Chapter, in accordance with this

Paragraph (Zoning Administrator Interpretation) .

b. The Zoning Administrator shall also have authority to interpret zoning regulations when

the meaning of the regulation is not clear, either in general or as it applies to a specific

property or situation.

c. The Zoning Administrator shall also have authority to adopt general interpretations

determining the proper application of the yard regulations to groups of lots located in hillside districts or affected by common problems. The Zoning Administrator shall also

have authority to interpret zoning regulations when the meaning of the regulation is not clear, either in general or as it applies to a specific property or situation.

d. Anyone aggrieved by the Zoning Administrator’s determination may file an appeal within 15

days of the issuance of the written decision.

Sec. 13A.1.7. (Zoning Administrator) Last Amended by Ord. No. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

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Administration | ARTICLE 13 Div. 13A.1. (Authorities)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

e. The City Planning Commission shall hear appeals on Zoning Administrator interpretations

where there is no site specific issue. The Area Planning Commission shall hear appeals on site specific Zoning Administrator interpretations.

f. For lots subject to Chapter I. (General Provisions and Zoning), the Zoning Administrator

shall have authority to determine other uses, in addition to those listed in Chapter I.

(General Provisions and Zoning), which may be permitted in each of the various zones,

when in the Zoning Administrator's judgment, the other uses are similar to and no more

objectionable to the public welfare than those listed.

g. For lots subject to Chapter I. (General Provisions and Zoning), in no instance shall the

Zoning Administrator determine, nor shall these regulations be so interpreted, that a use may be permitted in a zone when that use is specifically listed as first permissible in a less

restrictive zone.

3. Exercise any other authority delegated by the Zoning Code, this Chapter or Chapter I. (General

Provisions and Zoning) of this Code, or the City Charter .

Sec. 13A.1.7. (Zoning Administrator) Last Amended by Ord. No. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

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Administration | ARTICLE 13 Div. 13A.1. (Authorities)

A. Establishment

See Sec. 22.12 (Creation of the Department) of the LAAC.

B. Specific Authority

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

Consistent with the powers established in Chapter II. (Department of Building and Safety) of Div.

22 (Departments, Bureaus and Agencies Under the Control of the Mayor and Council) of the LAAC,

and Chapter IX. (Building Regulations) of this Code, the Department of Building and Safety has the

powers listed below of its authority and jurisdiction for purposes of the Zoning Code, this Chapter

and Chapter I. (General Provisions and Zoning) of this Code.

1. Enforcement

The Department of Building and Safety is granted the power to enforce the zoning ordinances

of the City.

2. Zoning information

The Department of Building and Safety shall maintain a public information bureau relative to

zoning matters.

3. Nonconforming Use

The Department of Building and Safety has the authority to issue an order to comply to

an owner of any building or structure who is in violation of Chapter I. (General Provisions

and Zoning), Sec. 12.23. (Nonconforming Building and Uses) of this Code or Article 12.

(Nonconformities) of this Chapter and advise the owner of the required discontinuance of the

nonconforming use of the building or structure.

a. A provision advising the owner of the right to apply to the Department of City Planning

within 90 days for permission to continue the nonconforming use of the building or

structure as provided in this Subdivision shall be included in the order, but the failure to

include that provision does not nullify the order or provide a basis for the continued use of

the building or structure.

b. The Department of Building and Safety shall record a notice of any order issued pursuant

to this Subsection with the office of the Los Angeles County Recorder, but the failure to so

record does not nullify the order or provide a basis for the continued use of the building or

structure by any owner, purchaser, or lessee who was not aware of the order.

4. Issuance of Citations by Designated Employees

Employees of the Department of Building and Safety specified in Chapter IX. (Building

Regulations), Sec. 98.0408. (Issuance of Citations by Designated Employees) of this Code shall

have the powers, duties, and immunities as set forth in said Section.

Sec. 13A.1.8. (Department of Building and Safety) Last Amended by Ord. No. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

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Administration | ARTICLE 13 Div. 13A.1. (Authorities)

See Div. 13B.7. (Division of Land) .

Sec. 13A.1.9. (Advisory Agency) and Sec. 13A.1.10. (Subdivision Committee) Established by Ord. 187,712, Eff. 01/23/2023, Oper. 07/22/2023

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

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Administration | ARTICLE 13 Div. 13A.1. (Authorities)

A. Establishment

1. Formation

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Certain Specifc Plani s call for design review boards. A design review board shall only be

established for Specifc Plani s that expressly provide for one.

2. Name of Board

Each design review board shall have, as part of its name, words linking it to its area of

administration and distinguishing it from other similar associations and boards.

B. Composition

1. Number of Members

Design review boards shall consist of a minimum of five and maximum of seven voting

members.

2. Appointment of Members

With the exception of the Mulholland Specifc Plani, the members of design review boards shall

be appointed by the Councilmember(s) of the Council District(s) in which the Specifc Plani

area is located.

3. Qualifications of Membership

a. Unless otherwise specifically required by a Specifc Plani, to the maximum extent

practicable, each design review board shall be composed of two architects and two professionals from the following or related fields: planning, urban design, and landscape

architecture. The remaining member or members need not be design professionals. All

members shall reside, operate a business, or be employed within the Specifc Plani area. If

no eligible person is known to be available for appointment in the designated disciplines

who resides, operates a business, or is employed within the Specifc Plani area, then the

Councilmember(s) may make the appointment from the community plan area(s) in which

the Specifc Plani area is located. If a Specifc Plani is located in more than one community

plan area, then the members may be chosen from any of those community plan areas.

b. If the design review board area is represented by more than one Councilmember, then the

President of the City Council shall determine the number of members appointed by the

Councilmember of each Council District, based on the percentage of design review board

area located in each Council District.

4. Terms of Membership

a. A term of office of a member of a design review board is four years.

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Sec. 13A.1.11. (Design Review Board) Last Amended by Ord. No. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

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Administration | ARTICLE 13 Div. 13A.1. (Authorities)

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b. The members of design review boards shall be appointed to staggered terms so that at

least one term becomes vacant on each successive year.

c. The chairperson and vice-chairperson shall be elected annually by a majority of the design

review board members.

d. Upon expiration of the term of any member of the design review board, the appointment

for the next succeeding term shall be made by the appointing authority. Appointments

are limited to two consecutive four-year terms. Members of the board whose terms have

expired shall remain members until their replacements have been appointed.

5. Vacancies

In the event of a vacancy occurring during the term of a design review board member, the

Councilmember(s) who appointed the member, or the Councilmember(s)’ successor, shall

make an appointment to serve the unexpired term of that member. Where the member is required to have specific qualifications, the vacancy shall be filled by a person having similar qualifications.

6. Organization

a. Design review boards shall schedule regular meetings at fixed times within the month with

a minimum of two meetings a month.

b. Meetings may be canceled if no applications which have been deemed complete are

received at least 14 calendar days prior to the next scheduled meeting.

7. Quorum

The presence of a simple majority of the appointed members shall constitute a quorum. If

a design review board cannot obtain a quorum for action within the stated time limits, the

application shall be transferred to the Director for action with no recommendation from the

design review board. An action by the board requires a majority vote of the members of the

board. An action by the board cannot be made by a simple majority of those members present.

C. Specific Authority

Design review boards shall review applications and accompanying materials in relation to

compliance with the design components and criteria set forth in Sec. 13B.4.3. (Project Compliance

(Design Review Board)), any applicable Specifc Plani, and adopted design guidelines, and provide

their recommendations to the Director.

D. Conflict of interest

No design review board member shall discuss with anyone the merits of any matter either pending

or likely to be pending before the board other than during a duly called meeting of the board or

subcommittee of the board. No member shall accept professional employment on a case that has

been acted upon by the board in the previous 12 months or is reasonably expected to be acted

upon by the board in the next 12 months.

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Sec. 13A.1.11. (Design Review Board) Last Amended by Ord. No. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

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Administration | ARTICLE 13 Div. 13A.1. (Authorities)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

See Div. 13B.8. (Historic Preservation) .

Sec. 13A.1.12. (Historic Preservation Overlay Zone (HPOZ) Board) Established by Ord. 187,712, Eff. 01/23/2023, Oper. 07/22/2023

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