Article 13

Division 13A.2 — GENERAL PROCEDURAL ELEMENTS

Los Angeles Zoning Code — LAMC Chapter 1A · 2025 edition · ingested 2026-07-08 · Los Angeles

Sec. 13A.2.1. APPLICABILITY

A. General

This Article (Administration) applies to any application for:

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City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

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  1. An amendment to any part of the Zoning Code (Chapters I. and 1A of the LAMC), including the

text or Zoning Map;

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

  2. 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 Specifc Plani, and other ordinances. These may involve a new policy or rule, or a change in

land use regulation and development regulation.

  1. 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).

  1. 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

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

Sec. 13A.2.2. PROCESS ELEMENTS

A. Overview

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

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

Element Description
Applicability The type of development or situation that is subject to the process.
Initiation This is how theapplication process begins, where theapplication is fled and the
department or ofcial who conducts initial processing (such as completeness
review).
Notice This describes the type of notice, and how it is provided.
Decision This states who approves theapplication and the type of proceeding that leads
to the decision.
Review Criteria These are any particular standards or fndings that determine whether the
application is approved. Allapplications are subject to this Chapter or_Chapter I.
(General Provisions and Zoning)_ and the applicable zoning regulations.
Appeals This provides a way to review anapplication that is approved, denied, or that has
conditions disputed by the applicant or a party with standing to appeal.
Scope of Decision This refers to the activities that theapplication authorizes. For example, some
approvals send the applicant to the next step in the overall process or only
require compliance review, while others authorize construction or use.
Modifcation This describes how the decision can be revised, changed, amended, or modifed
after fnal approval or conditional approval.
Note: Flowcharts illustrating the general steps for each procedure are included in this Article. In the case of a
confict between the text of the Article and any illustration or fowchart, the text controls.
Note: Flowcharts illustrating the general steps for each procedure are included in this Article. In the case of a
confict between the text of the Article and any illustration or fowchart, the text controls.

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

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

The processes established in this Chapter are summarized below.

Table 2 - Process Summary

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

Entitlement Review Ministerial Director Zoning Administrator Subdivision Committee City Engineer Hearing O if fcer Area Planning Commission City Planning Commission City Council Mayor Design Review Board HPOZ Board Cultural Heritage Commission
Legislative Action Legislative Action Legislative Action Legislative Action Legislative Action Legislative Action Legislative Action Legislative Action Legislative Action Legislative Action Legislative Action Legislative Action Legislative Action Legislative Action
General Plan Adoption /
Amendment
R † [R]
[D]
R/
SV
Specifc Plan Adoption /
Amendment
R [R]
[D]
SV
Zoning Code Amendment R [R]
D † SV
Zone Change R [R] [R]* [D]
SV
Guidelines or Standards Adoption /
Amendment
R [D]
Land for Public Use R D
Quasi-Judicial Review Quasi-Judicial Review Quasi-Judicial Review Quasi-Judicial Review Quasi-Judicial Review Quasi-Judicial Review Quasi-Judicial Review Quasi-Judicial Review Quasi-Judicial Review Quasi-Judicial Review Quasi-Judicial Review Quasi-Judicial Review Quasi-Judicial Review Quasi-Judicial Review
Class 1 Conditional Use Permit [A]
Class 2 Conditional Use Permit [D]
[A]
Class 3 Conditional Use Permit [R]
[D]
[A]
Project Review [A]
Director Determination D [A] [A]
Ministerial Action Ministerial Action Ministerial Action Ministerial Action Ministerial Action Ministerial Action Ministerial Action Ministerial Action Ministerial Action Ministerial Action Ministerial Action Ministerial Action Ministerial Action Ministerial Action
Administrative Review D
Expanded Administrative Review
Specifc Plan Implementation Specifc Plan Implementation Specifc Plan Implementation Specifc Plan Implementation Specifc Plan Implementation Specifc Plan Implementation Specifc Plan Implementation Specifc Plan Implementation Specifc Plan Implementation Specifc Plan Implementation Specifc Plan Implementation Specifc Plan Implementation Specifc Plan Implementation Specifc Plan Implementation
Project Compliance [A]
Project Compliance (Design Review
Board)
D [A] [R]
Project Adjustment [A]
Project Exception [D] [A]
Specifc Plan Interpretation [A] [A]

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

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

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

Entitlement Review Ministerial Director Zoning Administrator Subdivision Committee City Engineer Hearing O if fcer Area Planning Commission City Planning Commission City Council Mayor Design Review Board HPOZ Board Cultural Heritage Commission
Quasi-Judicial Relief Quasi-Judicial Relief Quasi-Judicial Relief Quasi-Judicial Relief Quasi-Judicial Relief Quasi-Judicial Relief Quasi-Judicial Relief Quasi-Judicial Relief Quasi-Judicial Relief Quasi-Judicial Relief Quasi-Judicial Relief Quasi-Judicial Relief Quasi-Judicial Relief Quasi-Judicial Relief
Alternative Compliance D [A]
Adjustment [A]
Variance [D]
[A]
[A]
Modifcation of Entitlement ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔
Reasonable Accommodation D [A]
Non-Compliance Non-Compliance Non-Compliance Non-Compliance Non-Compliance Non-Compliance Non-Compliance Non-Compliance Non-Compliance Non-Compliance Non-Compliance Non-Compliance Non-Compliance Non-Compliance
Evaluation of Non-Compliance [D] [A] [D] [A]
Nuisance Abatement/Revocation [D] [A]
Division of Land Division of Land Division of Land Division of Land Division of Land Division of Land Division of Land Division of Land Division of Land Division of Land Division of Land Division of Land Division of Land Division of Land
Parcel Map Exemption/ Lot Line
Adjustment
D [A] [A]
TentativeTract Map [D] R [A] [A]
FinalTract Map C D
PreliminaryParcel Map [D] R [A] [A]
FinalParcel Map C D
Private Street Map R [A] [A]
Subdivision Appeal [D] [D]
Historic Preservation Historic Preservation Historic Preservation Historic Preservation Historic Preservation Historic Preservation Historic Preservation Historic Preservation Historic Preservation Historic Preservation Historic Preservation Historic Preservation Historic Preservation Historic Preservation
Historic Preservation Overlay Zone
Designation
[R] [D] C
Preservation Plan Adoption /
Amendment
R [R]
[D] [R]
Review of Conforming Work D D
Certifcate of Appropriateness
(Construction, Addition, Alteration,
or Reconstruction)
D [A] [R]
Certifcate of Appropriateness
(Demolition, Removal, or
Relocation)
D [A] [R]

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

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

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

Entitlement Review Ministerial Director Zoning Administrator Subdivision Committee City Engineer Hearing O if fcer Area Planning Commission City Planning Commission City Council Mayor Design Review Board HPOZ Board Cultural Heritage Commission
Certifcate of Compatibility for Non-
Contributing Elements
D [A] [R]
Coastal Development Coastal Development Coastal Development Coastal Development Coastal Development Coastal Development Coastal Development Coastal Development Coastal Development Coastal Development Coastal Development Coastal Development Coastal Development Coastal Development
Coastal Development Permit
(Pre-Certifcation)
↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔
Coastal Development Permit
(Post-Certifcation)
[A]
Department of Building and Safety Department of Building and Safety Department of Building and Safety Department of Building and Safety Department of Building and Safety Department of Building and Safety Department of Building and Safety Department of Building and Safety Department of Building and Safety Department of Building and Safety Department of Building and Safety Department of Building and Safety Department of Building and Safety Department of Building and Safety
Appeals from LADBS Determination [A] [A]
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Provisions California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Provisions California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Provisions California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Provisions California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Provisions California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Provisions California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Provisions California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Provisions California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Provisions California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Provisions California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Provisions California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Provisions California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Provisions California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Provisions
CEQA Appeal D
Redevelopment Plan Procedures Redevelopment Plan Procedures Redevelopment Plan Procedures Redevelopment Plan Procedures Redevelopment Plan Procedures Redevelopment Plan Procedures Redevelopment Plan Procedures Redevelopment Plan Procedures Redevelopment Plan Procedures Redevelopment Plan Procedures Redevelopment Plan Procedures Redevelopment Plan Procedures Redevelopment Plan Procedures Redevelopment Plan Procedures
Redevelopment Plan Project
Administrative Review
Redevelopment Plan Project
Compliance
[A]
Modifcation of Entitlement for a
Redevelopment Plan Project
↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔ ↔
Redevelopment Plan Project
Adjustment
[A]
Redevelopment Plan Amendment R [R]
D † SV

Key

C Certification Optional or where directed by decision maker

R Review & Recommendation Blank Cell Not required

D Decision or Acceptance Required by City Charter

SV Signature / Veto Italics

Action only under certain conditions (such as project size, type, or transfer from another agency, etc.)

A Appeal Varies with underlying process

***** If filed by application and CPC recommends

[ ] Public Hearing 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.

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

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

B. Time Limits

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

  1. This Article establishes a number of time limits for action by the City, agencies, the applicant or

appellant.

  1. Unless otherwise designated, all time limits prescribed in this Article run from the date that the

application is deemed complete by the City.

  1. Unless otherwise stated, time limits may be extended where mutually agreed upon in writing

by the applicant and the decision-making official or agency.

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

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

Sec. 13A.2.3. APPLICATIONS

A. General Requirements

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

  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.

  1. 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).

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

Sec. 13A.2.3. (Applications) 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)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

  1. 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.

Sec. 13A.2.3. (Applications) 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)

Sec. 13A.2.4. NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

A. Public Hearing Purpose

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City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

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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.

  1. The time period required for a notice of public hearing is the minimum number of days

preceding commencement of the applicable public hearing.

  1. If a Hearing Ofcerfi conducts a public hearing on behalf of the Area or City Planning

Commission, the notice requirements apply to only the Hearing Ofcerfi hearing.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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

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

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

Table 3 - Notice of Public Hearing

Type of
Notice
Description
Publication This requirement is satisfed when the public hearing notice is published in a
newspaper of general circulation in the City designated for this purpose by the City
Clerk.
Mail This requirement is satisfed when the public hearing notice is placed in the mail,
directed to the applicant or person receiving notice at their designated address, and
bearing the proper postage. Notice is mailed to any person requesting notice of the
hearing, unless a specifc notifcation area is designated for the individual process. If
a notifcation distance is prescribed, the distance is measured from the boundaries of
the area subject to theapplication as shown upon the records of theCity Engineer or
the County Assessor. A mailed notice requirement can be met by mailing the notice
to property owner and current resident. Notice by delivery satisfes the requirement
for notice by mail.
Posting This requirement is satisfed when public hearing notice is posted in a conspicuous
place on the property. TheDepartment may prescribe requirements for the size,
materials, font, font size, or similar requirements for the notice, and may distribute a
standard notice.
Email Thereviewing agency may (at its option)transmit the public hearing notice via an
email to:
• The Applicant; and,
• Parties who request email notifcation.
Online The City may provide information about the permit or proceeding available on its
website.

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 :

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

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

Table 4 - Summary of Notice Requirements

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

Action Reference Publication Mail Posting
Legislative Action Div. 13B.1. Div. 13B.1. Div. 13B.1. Div. 13B.1.
General Plan Adoption / Amendment Sec. 13B.1.1. ¢ ¢
Specifc Plan Adoption / Amendment Sec. 13B.1.2. ¢
Zoning Code Amendment Sec. 13B.1.3. ¢
Zone Change Sec. 13B.1.4. ¢
Guidelines or Standards Adoption / Amendment Sec. 13B.1.5. ¢
Land for Public Use Sec. 13B.1.6.
Quasi-Judicial Review Div. 13B.2. Div. 13B.2. Div. 13B.2. Div. 13B.2.
Class 1 Conditional Use Permit Sec. 13B.2.1. ¢ ¢
Class 2 Conditional Use Permit Sec. 13B.2.2. ¢ ¢ ¢
Class 3 Conditional Use Permit Sec. 13B.2.3. ¢ ¢ ¢
Project Review Sec. 13B.2.4. ¢ ¢
Director Determination Sec. 13B.2.5.
Ministerial Action Div. 13B.3. Div. 13B.3. Div. 13B.3. Div. 13B.3.
Administrative Review Sec. 13B.3.1.
Expanded Administrative Review Sec. 13B.3.2. ¢ ¢
Specifc Plan Implementation Div. 13B.4. Div. 13B.4. Div. 13B.4. Div. 13B.4.
Project Compliance Sec. 13B.4.2.
Project Compliance (Design Review Board) Sec. 13B.4.3. ¢ ¢
Project Adjustment Sec. 13B.4.4.
Project Exception Sec. 13B.4.5. ¢ ¢ ¢
Specifc Plan Interpretation Sec. 13B.4.6.
Quasi-Judicial Relief Div. 13B.5. Div. 13B.5. Div. 13B.5. Div. 13B.5.
Alternative Compliance Sec. 13B.5.1.
Adjustment Sec. 13B.5.2. ¢ ¢
Variance Sec. 13B.5.3. ¢ ¢
Modifcation of Entitlement Sec. 13B.5.4.
Reasonable Accommodation Sec. 13B.5.5.
Non-Compliance Div. 13B.6. Div. 13B.6. Div. 13B.6. Div. 13B.6.
Evaluation of Non-Compliance Sec. 13B.6.1. ¢ ¢
Nuisance Abatement/Revocation Sec. 13B.6.2. ¢ ¢

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

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

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

Action Reference Publication Mail Posting
Division of Land Div. 13B.7. Div. 13B.7. Div. 13B.7. Div. 13B.7.
Parcel Map Exemption/ Lot Line Adjustment Div. 13B.7.2.
TentativeTract Map Div. 13B.7.3. ¢ ¢ ¢
FinalTract Map Div. 13B.7.4.
PreliminaryParcel Map Div. 13B.7.5. ¢ ¢ ¢
FinalParcel Map Div. 13B.7.6.
Private Street Map Div. 13B.7.7. ¢ ¢
Subdivision Appeal Div. 13B.7.8. ¢
Historic Preservation Div. 13B.8. Div. 13B.8. Div. 13B.8. Div. 13B.8.
Historic Preservation Overlay Zone Designation Sec. 13B.8.2. ¢ ¢
Preservation Plan Adoption / Amendment Sec. 13B.8.3. ¢
Review of Conforming Work Sec. 13B.8.4.
Certifcate of Appropriateness (Construction, Addition,
Alteration, or Reconstruction)
Sec. 13B.8.5. ¢ ¢
Certifcate of Appropriateness (Demolition, Removal, or
Relocation)
Sec. 13B.8.6. ¢ ¢
Certifcate of Compatibility for Non-Contributing Elements Sec. 13B.8.7. ¢ ¢
Coastal Development Div. 13B.9. Div. 13B.9. Div. 13B.9. Div. 13B.9.
Coastal Development Permit (Pre-Certifcation) Div. 13B.9.1. ¢
Coastal Development Permit (Post-Certifcation) Div. 13B.9.2. ¢
Department of Building and Safety Div. 13B.10. Div. 13B.10. Div. 13B.10. Div. 13B.10.
Appeals from LADBS Determination Div. 13B.10.2. ¢
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
Provisions
Div. 13B.11. Div. 13B.11. Div. 13B.11. Div. 13B.11.
CEQA Appeal Div. 13B.11.1. ¢
Redevelopment Plan Procedures Div. 13B.12. Div. 13B.12. Div. 13B.12. Div. 13B.12.
Redevelopment Plan Project Administrative Review Sec. 13B.12.2.
Redevelopment Plan Project Compliance Sec. 13B.12.3.
Modifcation of Entitlement for a Redevelopment Plan
Project
Sec. 13B.12.4.
Redevelopment Plan Project Adjustment Sec. 13B.12.5.
Redevelopment Plan Amendment Sec. 13B.12.6. ¢

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

Key Col2 Col3
¢ = initial decision
= site specifc only (not City-initiated)
= appeal only
= varies with underlying application

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

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

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

Sec. 13A.2.5. DECISIONS

A. Decision Time Period

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

  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) .

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. The date of transmittal is the date the decision is mailed (as shown by the date stamp), unless

otherwise provided.

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

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

E. Effective Date

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

  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.

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

Council

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

  1. Legislative Actions

A legislative action is final pursuant to Charter Section 252 .

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

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

Sec. 13A.2.6. TRANSFER OF JURISDICTION

A. Applicability

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

Sec. 13A.2.6. (Transfer of Jurisdiction) Established by Ord. 187,712, Eff. 01/23/2023, Oper. 07/22/2023

| 13-37

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

Sec. 13A.2.7. SCOPE OF DECISION

A. Discretionary Project Approvals Time Limits

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

  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.

  1. 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:

Approvals Granted in
Conjunction With
Expiration
Quasi-judicial
Approvals
Legislative
Approvals
Expires with the Legislative Approval, not to
exceed six years unless the initial decision
maker extends the time period (see_Subsection_
C.1. of this_Section_).
Quasi-judicial
Approvals
Subdivision
Approval
Expires with theSubdivision Approval pursuant
to Div. 13B.7 (Division of Land) of this_Article_. If
the expiration date on aSubdivision Approval
is extended pursuant toDiv. 13B.7 (Division of
Land) or by amendment to theSubdivision Map
Act, the Quasi-judicial Approval~~ is automatically~~
extended for the same time period.
Legislative Approvals Subdivision
Approval
Extended for the full time limit of the
Subdivision Approval, including time extensions
pursuant to Div. 13B.7 (Division of Land), as
needed to record an approved map.

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.

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

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

C. Utilizing the Grant

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

  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.

  1. 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.

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

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

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

  1. 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.

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

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

Sec. 13A.2.8. APPEALS

A. Filing of Appeals

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

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

  1. An appeal shall specifically state the points at issue and the reasons why the decision should

be overturned.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

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

  2. 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.

Sec. 13A.2.8. (Appeals) 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)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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

Sec. 13A.2.8. (Appeals) 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)

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.

  1. 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.

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

Sec. 13A.2.8. (Appeals) Established by Ord. 187,712, Eff. 01/23/2023, Oper. 07/22/2023

| 13-43

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

Sec. 13A.2.9. PERMITS ISSUED IN ERROR

A. Void Permits

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

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.

Sec. 13A.2.9. (Permits Issued in Error) Established by Ord. 187,712, Eff. 01/23/2023, Oper. 07/22/2023

| 13-44

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

Sec. 13A.2.10. MULTIPLE APPROVALS

A. Applicability

  1. General

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

This Section applies to applications for projects that require multiple Legislative and/or Quasi judicial Approvals.

  1. 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.

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

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

Table 5 - Classification of Actions for Multiple Approvals

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

Action Reference Legislative Quasi-judicial Subdivision Ministerial
Legislative Action Div. 13B.1. Div. 13B.1. Div. 13B.1. Div. 13B.1. Div. 13B.1.
General Plan Adoption / Amendment Sec. 13B.1.1. ¢
Specifc Plan Adoption / Amendment Sec. 13B.1.2. ¢
Zoning Code Amendment Sec. 13B.1.3. ¢
Zone Change Sec. 13B.1.4. ¢
Guidelines or Standards Adoption/Amendment Sec. 13B.1.5. ¢
Land for Public Use Sec. 13B.1.6. ¢
Quasi-Judicial Review Div. 13B.2. Div. 13B.2. Div. 13B.2. Div. 13B.2. Div. 13B.2.
Class 1 Conditional Use Permit Sec. 13B.2.1. ¢
Class 2 Conditional Use Permit Sec. 13B.2.2. ¢
Class 3 Conditional Use Permit Sec. 13B.2.3. ¢
Project Review Sec. 13B.2.4. ¢
Director Determination Sec. 13B.2.5. ¢
Ministerial Action Div. 13B.3. Div. 13B.3. Div. 13B.3. Div. 13B.3. Div. 13B.3.
Administrative Review Sec. 13B.3.1.
Expanded Administrative Review Sec. 13B.3.2.
Specifc Plan Implementation Div. 13B.4. Div. 13B.4. Div. 13B.4. Div. 13B.4. Div. 13B.4.
Project Compliance Sec. 13B.4.2. ¢
Project Compliance (Design Review Board) Sec. 13B.4.3. ¢
Project Adjustment Sec. 13B.4.4. ¢
Project Exception Sec. 13B.4.5. ¢
Specifc Plan Interpretation Sec. 13B.4.6.
Quasi-Judicial Relief Div. 13B.5. Div. 13B.5. Div. 13B.5. Div. 13B.5. Div. 13B.5.
Alternative Compliance Sec. 13B.5.1. ¢
Adjustment Sec. 13B.5.2. ¢
Variance Sec. 13B.5.3. ¢
Modifcation of Entitlement Sec. 13B.5.4. ¢
Reasonable Accommodation Sec. 13B.5.5.
Non-Compliance Div. 13B.6. Div. 13B.6. Div. 13B.6. Div. 13B.6. Div. 13B.6.
Evaluation of Non-Compliance Sec. 13B.6.1.
Nuisance Abatement/Revocation Sec. 13B.6.2.

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

| 13-46

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

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

Action Reference Legislative Quasi-judicial Subdivision Ministerial
Division of Land Div. 13B.7. Div. 13B.7. Div. 13B.7. Div. 13B.7. Div. 13B.7.
Parcel Map Exemption/ Lot Line Adjustment Sec. 13B.7.2.
TentativeTract Map Sec. 13B.7.3. ¢
FinalTract Map Sec. 13B.7.4.
PreliminaryParcel Map Sec. 13B.7.5. ¢
FinalParcel Map Sec. 13B.7.6.
Private Street Map Sec. 13B.7.7. ¢
Subdivision Appeal Sec. 13B.7.8.
Historic Preservation Div. 13B.8. Div. 13B.8. Div. 13B.8. Div. 13B.8. Div. 13B.8.
Historic Preservation Overlay Zone Designation Sec. 13B.8.2.
Preservation Plan Adoption / Amendment Sec. 13B.8.3. ¢
Review of Conforming Work Sec. 13B.8.4.
Certifcate of Appropriateness (Construction, Addition,
Alteration, or Reconstruction)
Sec. 13B.8.5. ¢
Certifcate of Appropriateness (Demolition, Removal, or
Relocation)
Sec. 13B.8.6. ¢
Certifcate of Compatibility for Non-Contributing Elements Sec. 13B.8.7. ¢
Coastal Development Div. 13B.9. Div. 13B.9. Div. 13B.9. Div. 13B.9. Div. 13B.9.
Coastal Development Permit
(Pre-Certifcation)
Sec. 13B.9.1. ¢
Coastal Development Permit
(Post-Certifcation)
Sec. 13B.9.2. ¢
Department of Building and Safety Div. 13B.10. Div. 13B.10. Div. 13B.10. Div. 13B.10. Div. 13B.10.
Appeals from LADBS Determination Sec. 13B.10.2.
Annual inspection Monitoring (Recycling) Sec. 13B.10.3.
Annual inspection Monitoring (Automotive) Sec. 13B.10.4.
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
Provisions
Div. 13B.11. Div. 13B.11. Div. 13B.11. Div. 13B.11. Div. 13B.11.
CEQA Appeal Sec. 13B.11.1.
Redevelopment Plan Procedures Div. 13B.12. Div. 13B.12. Div. 13B.12. Div. 13B.12. Div. 13B.12.
Redevelopment Plan Project Administrative Review Sec. 13B.12.2.
Redevelopment Plan Project Compliance Sec. 13B.12.3. ¢
Modifcation of Entitlement for a Redevelopment Plan
Project
Sec. 13B.12.4. ¢
Redevelopment Plan Project Adjustment Sec. 13B.12.5. ¢
Redevelopment Plan Amendment Sec. 13B.12.6. ¢

Sec. 13A.2.10. (Multiple Approvals)

Key Col2 Col3
¢ = qualifes for multiple approval
= varies with underlying application

Last amended by Ord. 188,648, Eff. 06/20/2025

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

B. Initiation

i

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

i

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

necessary to complete the project.

  1. 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, Specifc i

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.

  1. 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

i

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

i

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

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

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 .

  1. 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 .

  1. 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).

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

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

a. Procedures

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

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

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

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

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.

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

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Administration | ARTICLE 13 Contents

Part 13B. PROCESSES &

PROCEDURES

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

Div. 13B.1. Legislative Action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-55

Sec. 13B.1.1. General Plan Adoption/Amendment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-55

Sec. 13B.1.2. Specific Plan Adoption/Amendment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-61

Sec. 13B.1.3. Zoning Code Amendment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-66

Sec. 13B.1.4. Zone Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-69

Sec. 13B.1.5. Guidelines or Standards Adoption/Amendment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-81

Sec. 13B.1.6. Land for Public Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-83

Div. 13B.2. Quasi-Judicial Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-86

Sec. 13B.2.1. Class 1 Conditional Use Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-86

Sec. 13B.2.2. Class 2 Conditional Use Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-91

Sec. 13B.2.3. Class 3 Conditional Use Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-99

Sec. 13B.2.4. Project Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-108

Sec. 13B.2.5. Director Determination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-113

Div. 13B.3. Ministerial Action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-116

Sec. 13B.3.1. Administrative Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-116

Sec. 13B.3.2. Expanded Administrative Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-118

Div. 13B.4. Specific Plan Implementation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-121

Sec. 13B.4.1. General Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-121

Sec. 13B.4.2. Project Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-123

Sec. 13B.4.3. Project Compliance (Design Review Board) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-126

Sec. 13B.4.4. Project Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-133

Sec. 13B.4.5. Project Exception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-136

Sec. 13B.4.6. Specific Plan Interpretation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-142

Div. 13B.5. Quasi-Judicial Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-145

Sec. 13B.5.1. Alternative Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-145

Sec. 13B.5.2. Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-148

Sec. 13B.5.3. Variance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-151

Sec. 13B.5.4. Modification of Entitlement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-159

Sec. 13B.5.5. Reasonable Accommodation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-162

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

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Administration | ARTICLE 13 Contents

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

Div. 13B.6. Non-Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-166

Sec. 13B.6.1. Evaluation of Non-Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-166

Sec. 13B.6.2. Nuisance Abatement/Revocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-170

Sec. 13B.6.3. Building Permit Revocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-179

Div. 13B.7. Division of Land . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-182

Sec. 13B.7.1. General Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-182

Sec. 13B.7.2. Parcel Map Exemption/Lot Line Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-185

Sec. 13B.7.3. Tentative Tract Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-187

Sec. 13B.7.4. Final Tract Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-198

Sec. 13B.7.5. Preliminary Parcel Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-202

Sec. 13B.7.6. Final Parcel Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-210

Sec. 13B.7.7. Private Street Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-214

Sec. 13B.7.8. Subdivision Appeal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-218

Div. 13B.8. Historic Preservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-220

Sec. 13B.8.1. General Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-220

Sec. 13B.8.2. Historic Preservation Overlay Zone Designation . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-232

Sec. 13B.8.3. Preservation Plan Adoption/Amendment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-238

Sec. 13B.8.4. Review of Conforming Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-241

Sec. 13B.8.5. Certificate of Appropriateness (Construction, Addition, Alteration, or Reconstruction) . . . . . . . . 13-246

Sec. 13B.8.6. Certificate of Appropriateness (Demolition, Removal, or Relocation) 13-252

Sec. 13B.8.7. Certificate of Compatibility for Non-Contributing Elements . . . . . 13-258

Div. 13B.9. Coastal Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-264

Sec. 13B.9.1. Coastal Development Permit (Pre-Certification) . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-264

Sec. 13B.9.2. Coastal Development Permit (Post-Certification) . . . . . . . . . . . 13-276

Div. 13B.10. Department of Building and Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-299

Sec. 13B.10.1. General Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-299

Sec. 13B.10.2. Appeals From LADBS Determinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-302

Sec. 13B.10.3. Annual Inspection Monitoring (Type 1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-306

Sec. 13B.10.4. Annual Inspection Monitoring (Type 2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-311

Div. 13B.11. California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Provisions . . . 13-317

Sec. 13B.11.1. Environmental Review Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-317

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Administration | ARTICLE 13 Contents

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

Div. 13B.12. Redevelopment Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-332

Sec. 13B.12.1. General Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-332

Sec. 13B.12.2. Redevelopment Plan Project Administrative Review . . . . . . . . . . 13-338

Sec. 13B.12.3. Redevelopment Plan Project Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-339

Sec. 13B.12.4. Modification of Entitlement for a Redevelopment Plan Project . . . . 13-342

Sec. 13B.12.5. Redevelopment Plan Project Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-345

Sec. 13B.12.6. Redevelopment Plan Amendment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-348

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

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Administration | ARTICLE 13 Div. 13B.1. (Legislative Action)

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