Article 3 — FRONTAGE

Division 3D.5 — STORY HEIGHT

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

Sec. 3D.5.1. GROUND STORY HEIGHT

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

For the intent, applicability, standards, measurement, and relief of ground story height see Sec. 3C.6.1.

(Ground Story Height) .

Sec. 3D.5.1. (Ground Story Height) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

| 3-94

[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 3D.5. (Story Height)

Sec. 3D.5.2. UPPER STORY HEIGHT

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

Upper story height is defined as the floor-to-floor height of any story of a building located above the

ground story.

A. Intent

The intent of the standards of this Section (Upper Story Height) is to ensure upper story spaces and

their facades are scaled and proportioned to contribute to the established architectural character

of surrounding neighborhoods or districts.

B. Applicability

  1. Upper story height standards apply to new construction of multi-story buildings or structures.

When upper story height standards apply, the standards apply to each story located above the ground story and all build-to applicable stories specified by the applied Frontage District (Part

3B.) .

C. Standards

All occupiable space located in applicable portions of upper stories shall have a floor-to-floor

height of no less than the upper story height minimum.

D. Measurement

  1. Upper story height is measured vertically from the top of the finished floor to the top of the

finished floor above.

  1. Where no story exists above an upper story, upper story height is the shortest vertical distance

from the top of the finished floor to the top of the ceiling or roof structure above.

E. Exceptions

Portions of upper stories located beyond the first 15 feet of a frontage applicable facade, measured

inward and perpendicular to the facade are not required to meet upper story height standards.

F. Relief

  1. A reduction in required upper story height of up to one foot may be granted in accordance

with Sec. 13B.5.2. (Adjustment) .

  1. Deviations from upper story height standards may be granted as a variance in accordance with

Sec. 13B.5.3. (Variance) .

Sec. 3D.5.2. (Upper Story Height) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

| 3-95

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

Div. 3D.6. (Articulation)

GoCodebook provides limited public access, search, citation, multilingual explanation, and practical interpretation of legally adopted building regulations. It is not a substitute for the official ICC or California code publications.