Los Angeles Zoning Code — LAMC Chapter 1A Div. 3C.2 Parking

Parking setback is defined as an area on a lot along a frontage lot line where motor vehicle use areas are prohibited, including primary street parking setbacks, side street parking setbacks, and special lot line parking setbacks.

A. Intent

The intent of the standards of this Section (Parking Setback) is to minimize the impact of motor vehicle dominated areas on the public realm and to promote a comfortable, safe, engaging, and attractive streetscape with active uses and landscaping along the public realm.

B. Applicability

Parking setback standards apply to new construction, a major remodel, or a site modification. When parking setback standards apply, the standards apply to any areas of a lot designed and designated for a parking area or motor vehicle use area.

C. Standards

All applicable areas designated for motor vehicle use shall be located at or behind the required parking setback unless specifically stated as an exception in Subsection E. (Exceptions) below.

D. Measurement

All parking setbacks are measured perpendicular to the frontage lot line.

1. A primary street parking setback is measured from the minimum primary street setback and continues inward away from the frontage lot line.

2. A side street parking setback is measured from the minimum side street setback and continues inward away from the frontage lot line.

| 3-65

Sec. 3C.2.1. (Parking Setback) Last amended by Ord. 189,007, Eff. 08/20/2026

[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 3C.2. (Parking)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

3. A special parking setback is measured from the minimum setback associated with a special lot line and continues inward away from the special lot line.

[Figure]

4. For a lot affected by a public access easement, see Sec. 14.2.17.B.5. (Parking Setback) .

E. Exceptions

1. A driveway may provide access through a parking setback if:

   • a. The automobile access package specified by the applied Development Standards District (Part 4B.) allows automobile access through the frontage lot line associated with a parking setback, then a driveway may be permitted in the parking setback, and

   • b. The driveway is no wider than the minimum required width. See Div. 4C.2. (Automobile Access) .

2. Motor vehicle use areas dedicated to electric vehicle charging facilities are exempt from this Section (Parking Setback).

F. Relief

1. A reduction in the required parking setback up to 20 percent may be granted in accordance with Sec. 13B.5.2. (Adjustment) .

2. A reduction in the required parking setback may be granted as a variance in accordance with Sec. 13B.5.3. (Variance) .

| 3-66

Sec. 3C.2.1. (Parking Setback) Last amended by Ord. 189,007, Eff. 08/20/2026

[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 3C.3. (Landscaping)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A