Article 2 — FORM

Division 2A.1 — ORIENTATION

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

Sec. 2A.1.1. RELATIONSHIP TO ZONE STRING

A zone string is composed of the following districts:

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ]

The Form District is a separate and independent component of each zone.

Sec. 2A.1.1. (Relationship to Zone String) | 2-4 Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

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Div. 2A.1. (Orientation)

Sec. 2A.1.2. HOW TO USE ARTICLE 2. (FORM)

A. Identify the Applicable Form District

The first component in a zone string is the Form District applied to a property.

B. Determine Applicable Form District Standards

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

  1. Form Districts standards are outlined in Part 2B. (Form Districts) . Each Form District page

identifies the standards specific to that Form District.

  1. Each standard on a Form District page in Part 2B. (Form Districts) provides a reference to

Part 2C. (Form Rules) where the standard is explained in detail. Text in italics below a heading provides a definition of that heading.

Sec. 2A.1.2. (How to Use Article 2. (Form)) | 2-5 Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

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Div. 2A.1. (Orientation)

Form District Exam le: p

Zone String

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

) [ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Form Rule Category Col2 Col3 [ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Col5
DIV. 2C.5.BUILDING MASS
SEC. 2C.5.1.BUILDING WIDTH
Building width is defined as the horizontal dimension of anybuilding or collection ofabutting buildings
on alot.
A.Intent
The intent of the standards of this_Section (Building Width) is to promote fine-grained patterns
of development and prevent longbuildings that are significantly out of context with traditional
patterns by breaking widebuildings into multiple, clearly distinguishedbuilding widths, and to
encourage largerprojects to provideopen space for pedestrians and recreation.
B.Applicability
Building width standards apply tonew construction or anexterior modification of anyfrontage lot
line-facing buildings orstructures. When thebuilding width standards apply, the standards only
apply to those portions of abuilding orstructure located above theground floor elevation.
C.Standards
1.No applicablebuilding or collection ofabutting buildings located on the samelot shall be
wider than the maximumbuilding width specified by the applied_Form District (Part 2B.).
2.In order to establishbuildings on the samelot as separatebuildings for the purpose of
measuring maximumbuilding width, abuilding break shall be provided between thebuildings.
3.Buildings that are located on separatelots, share no interior circulation, and are structurally
independent, are considered separatebuildings for the purpose of measuringbuilding width.
4.A building on acorner lot within thebuild-to zone area of overlap is allowed to exceed the
maximumbuilding width by up to 40 feet along bothprimary street lot lines andside street lot
lines.
For Illustrative Purposes Only		 DIV. 2C.5.BUILDING MASS
SEC. 2C.5.1.BUILDING WIDTH
Building width is defined as the horizontal dimension of anybuilding or collection ofabutting buildings
on alot.
A.Intent
The intent of the standards of this_Section (Building Width) is to promote fine-grained patterns
of development and prevent longbuildings that are significantly out of context with traditional
patterns by breaking widebuildings into multiple, clearly distinguishedbuilding widths, and to
encourage largerprojects to provideopen space for pedestrians and recreation.
B.Applicability
Building width standards apply tonew construction or anexterior modification of anyfrontage lot
line-facing buildings orstructures. When thebuilding width standards apply, the standards only
apply to those portions of abuilding orstructure located above theground floor elevation.
C.Standards
1.No applicablebuilding or collection ofabutting buildings located on the samelot shall be
wider than the maximumbuilding width specified by the applied_Form District (Part 2B.).
2.In order to establishbuildings on the samelot as separatebuildings for the purpose of
measuring maximumbuilding width, abuilding break shall be provided between thebuildings.
3.Buildings that are located on separatelots, share no interior circulation, and are structurally
independent, are considered separatebuildings for the purpose of measuringbuilding width.
4.A building on acorner lot within thebuild-to zone area of overlap is allowed to exceed the
maximumbuilding width by up to 40 feet along bothprimary street lot lines andside street lot
lines.
For Illustrative Purposes Only		 DIV. 2C.5.BUILDING MASS
SEC. 2C.5.1.BUILDING WIDTH
Building width is defined as the horizontal dimension of anybuilding or collection ofabutting buildings
on alot.
A.Intent
The intent of the standards of this_Section (Building Width) is to promote fine-grained patterns
of development and prevent longbuildings that are significantly out of context with traditional
patterns by breaking widebuildings into multiple, clearly distinguishedbuilding widths, and to
encourage largerprojects to provideopen space for pedestrians and recreation.
B.Applicability
Building width standards apply tonew construction or anexterior modification of anyfrontage lot
line-facing buildings orstructures. When thebuilding width standards apply, the standards only
apply to those portions of abuilding orstructure located above theground floor elevation.
C.Standards
1.No applicablebuilding or collection ofabutting buildings located on the samelot shall be
wider than the maximumbuilding width specified by the applied_Form District (Part 2B.).
2.In order to establishbuildings on the samelot as separatebuildings for the purpose of
measuring maximumbuilding width, abuilding break shall be provided between thebuildings.
3.Buildings that are located on separatelots, share no interior circulation, and are structurally
independent, are considered separatebuildings for the purpose of measuringbuilding width.
4.A building on acorner lot within thebuild-to zone area of overlap is allowed to exceed the
maximumbuilding width by up to 40 feet along bothprimary street lot lines andside street lot
lines.
For Illustrative Purposes Only		 oses Only oses Only
) [ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Form Rule Category Col2 Col3 [ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Col5
DIV. 2C.5.BUILDING MASS
SEC. 2C.5.1.BUILDING WIDTH
Building width is defined as the horizontal dimension of anybuilding or collection ofabutting buildings
on alot.
A.Intent
The intent of the standards of this_Section (Building Width) is to promote fine-grained patterns
of development and prevent longbuildings that are significantly out of context with traditional
patterns by breaking widebuildings into multiple, clearly distinguishedbuilding widths, and to
encourage largerprojects to provideopen space for pedestrians and recreation.
B.Applicability
Building width standards apply tonew construction or anexterior modification of anyfrontage lot
line-facing buildings orstructures. When thebuilding width standards apply, the standards only
apply to those portions of abuilding orstructure located above theground floor elevation.
C.Standards
1.No applicablebuilding or collection ofabutting buildings located on the samelot shall be
wider than the maximumbuilding width specified by the applied_Form District (Part 2B.).
2.In order to establishbuildings on the samelot as separatebuildings for the purpose of
measuring maximumbuilding width, abuilding break shall be provided between thebuildings.
3.Buildings that are located on separatelots, share no interior circulation, and are structurally
independent, are considered separatebuildings for the purpose of measuringbuilding width.
4.A building on acorner lot within thebuild-to zone area of overlap is allowed to exceed the
maximumbuilding width by up to 40 feet along bothprimary street lot lines andside street lot
lines.
For Illustrative Purposes Only
DIV. 2C.5.BUILDING MASS
SEC. 2C.5.1.BUILDING WIDTH
Building width is defined as the horizontal dimension of anybuilding or collection ofabutting buildings
on alot.
A.Intent
The intent of the standards of this_Section (Building Width) is to promote fine-grained patterns
of development and prevent longbuildings that are significantly out of context with traditional
patterns by breaking widebuildings into multiple, clearly distinguishedbuilding widths, and to
encourage largerprojects to provideopen space for pedestrians and recreation.
B.Applicability
Building width standards apply tonew construction or anexterior modification of anyfrontage lot
line-facing buildings orstructures. When thebuilding width standards apply, the standards only
apply to those portions of abuilding orstructure located above theground floor elevation.
C.Standards
1.No applicablebuilding or collection ofabutting buildings located on the samelot shall be
wider than the maximumbuilding width specified by the applied_Form District (Part 2B.).
2.In order to establishbuildings on the samelot as separatebuildings for the purpose of
measuring maximumbuilding width, abuilding break shall be provided between thebuildings.
3.Buildings that are located on separatelots, share no interior circulation, and are structurally
independent, are considered separatebuildings for the purpose of measuringbuilding width.
4.A building on acorner lot within thebuild-to zone area of overlap is allowed to exceed the
maximumbuilding width by up to 40 feet along bothprimary street lot lines andside street lot
lines.
For Illustrative Purposes Only		 DIV . 2C.5.BUILDING MAS . 2C.5.BUILDING MAS . 2C.5.BUILDING MAS
DIV. 2C.5.BUILDING MASS
SEC. 2C.5.1.BUILDING WIDTH
Building width is defined as the horizontal dimension of anybuilding or collection ofabutting buildings
on alot.
A.Intent
The intent of the standards of this_Section (Building Width) is to promote fine-grained patterns
of development and prevent longbuildings that are significantly out of context with traditional
patterns by breaking widebuildings into multiple, clearly distinguishedbuilding widths, and to
encourage largerprojects to provideopen space for pedestrians and recreation.
B.Applicability
Building width standards apply tonew construction or anexterior modification of anyfrontage lot
line-facing buildings orstructures. When thebuilding width standards apply, the standards only
apply to those portions of abuilding orstructure located above theground floor elevation.
C.Standards
1.No applicablebuilding or collection ofabutting buildings located on the samelot shall be
wider than the maximumbuilding width specified by the applied_Form District (Part 2B.).
2.In order to establishbuildings on the samelot as separatebuildings for the purpose of
measuring maximumbuilding width, abuilding break shall be provided between thebuildings.
3.Buildings that are located on separatelots, share no interior circulation, and are structurally
independent, are considered separatebuildings for the purpose of measuringbuilding width.
4.A building on acorner lot within thebuild-to zone area of overlap is allowed to exceed the
maximumbuilding width by up to 40 feet along bothprimary street lot lines andside street lot
lines.
For Illustrative Purposes Only		 SEC
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B.
C.		 SEC
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C.		 SEC
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C.		 SEC
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B.
C.

Sec. 2A.1.2. (How to Use Article 2. (Form)) | 2-6 Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

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Div. 2A.1. (Orientation)

Sec. 2A.1.3. FORM DISTRICT DIAGRAMS

A. General

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

This line represents the perimeter of the subject lot, serving as a reference for both lot area

and lot width.

  1. Buildable Area

This shape represents the area on a lot where buildings are allowed, reduced by required

building setbacks, or the lot boundary when no setback is required.

  1. Building Setbacks

The area between a lot boundary and the minimum required setback, represented with a

dotted white line and bounded by the buildable area.

  1. Building Coverage

This shape represents the total building coverage allowed in proportion to the lot area, but does not reflect any requirement as to the location or configuration of any buildings or

structures.

  1. Lot Amenity Space

This shape represents the total lot amenity space required in proportion to the lot area, but does not reflect any requirement as to the location or configuration of any amenity space.

Sec. 2A.1.3. (Form District Diagrams) | 2-7 Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

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Div. 2A.1. (Orientation)

C. Bulk and Mass Diagrams

  1. General

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City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

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a. Bulk and mass diagrams represent the volume where a building is allowed to be located by

showing the maximum height allowed for the entire buildable area. The volume does not

represent the massing of an allowed building. Other standards, such as maximum building coverage and foor area ratiol (FAR), may limit the ability for a building to fill the full volume.

b. Form Districts (Part 2B.) that include a maximum height standard and those that do not

include a height limit are represented differently in the bulk and mass diagram.

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number of stories allowed by the maximum base height in stories.

b. Maximum Base Height

Maximum base height represents the number of stories allowed without providing public benefits in trade for additional height according to Article 9. (Public Benefit Systems) .

c. Minimum Height

Minimum height represents the lowest number of stories required.

Sec. 2A.1.3. (Form District Diagrams) | 2-8 Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

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Div. 2A.1. (Orientation)

  1. Districts with no Maximum Height Standard

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

building based on maximum Base FAR.

b. Likely Height Based on Bonus FAR

This volume represents the likely building height based on the maximum allowed bonus

FAR, in addition to the likely height of the building based on maximum base FAR.

c. Likely Height Based on Base FAR

This volume represents the likely building height based on the maximum allowed base

FAR, in addition to the minimum required height of the building.

d. Minimum Height

This volume represents the minimum number of stories required.

Sec. 2A.1.3. (Form District Diagrams) | 2-9 Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

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Div. 2A.1. (Orientation)

Sec. 2A.1.4. FORM DISTRICT NAMING CONVENTION

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City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

l

There are three different types of naming conventions for Form Districts (Part 2B.) . Each Form District name is composed of a variety of components that are specific to that district.

A. Rural & Estate Form Districts

[Reserved]

B. House Form Districts

[Reserved]

C. All Other Form Districts

All other Form District names are composed of three components:

  1. FAR Category

The first component of each Form District name is a foor area ratiol (FAR) category. FAR

categories group all districts within a range of maximum allowed FAR. FAR categories are

organized as follows:

a. Very Low-Rise (>0.65-1.5 FAR)

b. Low-Rise (>1.5-4.0 FAR)

c. Mid-Rise (>4.0-6.0 FAR)

d. Moderate-Rise (>6.0-8.5 FAR)

e. High-Rise (>8.5-13.0 FAR)

  1. Building Width Category

The second component of each Form District name is a building width category. Building

width categories group all districts within a range of maximum allowed building width. Each

building width category is organized as follows:

a. Narrow (25 feet - 75 feet)

b. Medium (100 feet - 210 feet)

c. Broad (280 feet - 490 feet)

d. Full (no building width maximum)

  1. Variation Number

The last component of each Form District is a variation number. All Form Districts are

numbered in the order they fall within this Article (Form) .

Sec. 2A.1.4. (Form District Naming Convention) | 2-10 Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

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Div. 2A.1. (Orientation)

  1. Example Form District

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

Potential Form District categories are shown below to illustrate the naming convention that

would be applied to new Form Districts that may be added to this Article (Form) through future

code amendments.

VARIATION #

Low-Rise Medium 2 (LM2)

Col1 Col2

FAR

BUILDING WIDTH

Potential Form District Category Form District Category

Sec. 2A.1.4. (Form District Naming Convention) | 2-11 Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

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Div. 2A.2. (General Rules)

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