Article 3 — FRONTAGE›Part 3C — GENERAL FRONTAGE RULES
Los Angeles Zoning Code — LAMC Chapter 1A Div. 3C.4 Transparency
Los Angeles Zoning Code — LAMC Chapter 1A · 2026-08 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · Los Angeles
Cite as: Los Angeles Zoning Code — LAMC Chapter 1A § 3C.4 · Text as of 2026-10-04
Sec. 3C.4.1. TRANSPARENT AREA¶
Transparent area is defined as the amount of transparent area on a building facade.
A. Intent
The intent of the standards of this Section (Transparent Area) is to provide visual interest along the public realm by encouraging visual connections between the public realm and the interior of a building.
B. Applicability
Transparent area standards apply to the following project activities when "transparent area" is required by the applied Frontage District (Part 3B.) : new construction, a major remodel, and an exterior modification. When the transparent area standards apply, the standards apply pursuant to Sec. 3A.2.2.B.3. (Frontage Applicable Facades) and Sec. 3A.2.2.B.4. (Frontage Applicable Building Depth) .
C. Standards
Each applicable facade shall provide at least the minimum transparency specified by the applied Frontage District (Part 3B.) .
Window and door openings meeting the following requirements count toward transparent area:
a. No walls, shelving, facade screens, or other interior or exterior visual obstructions shall be located within five feet of any ground story transparent area with the exception of visual obstructions allowed in subparagraph d below.
b. Exterior visual obstructions shall not be located within five feet of any upper story transparent area with the exception of visual obstructions allowed in subparagraph d below.
c. visual obstructions may be located five feet or greater from a facade area counting toward transparent area.
[Figure]
| 3-74
Sec. 3C.4.1. (Transparent Area) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025
[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 3C.4. (Transparency)
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
d. The following visual obstructions may be located less than five feet from facade area counting toward transparent area:
- i. Windows obscured by interior security gates and window displays may count toward transparent area, provided no more than 25 percent of the transparent area of any individual window is visually obstructed for any individual window counting toward transparent area. For measuring visual obstruction, see Sec. 14.2.13. (Opacity (%)) .
[Figure]
ii. Windows obscured by fixed exterior facade screens may count toward transparent area, provided no more than 25 percent of the total transparent area is visually obstructed for any individual window opening counting toward transparent area. Percentage of visual obstruction is measured as opacity.
iii. Transparent area covered by window signs may count toward transparent area provided the window signs are permitted by the applied Development Standards District (Part 4B.) .
iv. Areas of transparency may be made temporarily opaque by operable window treatments, such as curtains or blinds.
e. Distance from transparent area is measured perpendicular to the exterior face of the transparent area.
f. To be considered transparent, window and door glazing shall meet the following requirements:
| TRANSP | ARENT AREA ST |
ANDARDS |
|---|---|---|
| Visible Light Transmittance |
External Reflectance |
|
| Ground story | More than 60% | less than 20% |
| Upper stories | More than 30% | less than 40% |
| 3-75 |
Sec. 3C.4.1. (Transparent Area) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025
[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 3C.4. (Transparency)
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
- g. Muntins, mullions, window sashes, window frames, and door frames, no more than three inches wide may be considered transparent area when contained within a window opening or door opening occupied by a window or glazed door assembly where all included glazing meets the transparent area requirements above.
[Figure]
D. Measurement
Ground Story
a. Ground story transparency is a percentage, calculated as the sum of all ground story facade area meeting the standards for transparent area divided by the total ground story facade area.
b. In calculating ground story transparency, ground story facade area is measured in the following ways:
- i. Ground story facade area is measured as the above-grade facade area between zero and 12 feet above the top of the finished floor of the ground story.
[Figure]
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Sec. 3C.4.1. (Transparent Area) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025
[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 3C.4. (Transparency)
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
ii. If the ground story height is less than 12 feet, the ground story facade area is measured as the total above-grade portion of a facade between the top of the finished floor of the ground story and the top of the finished floor above. When there is no story above, ground story height is measured to the top of the uppermost surface of the ceiling structure above.
iii. No portion of a ground story located below finished grade is included in ground story facade area.
[Figure]
2. Upper Stories
a. The facade area along each upper story shall meet the required transparency standard. .
b. Upper story transparency is a percentage, calculated as the sum of all upper story facade area meeting the standards for transparent area divided by the total upper story facade area for each story.
c. In calculating upper story transparency, the upper story facade area is measured as the portion of a facade area between the top of the finished floor for that story to the top of the finished floor above, regardless of story height. When there is no story above, it is measured to the top of the uppermost surface of the ceiling structure above.
[Figure]
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Sec. 3C.4.1. (Transparent Area) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025
[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 3C.4. (Transparency)
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
E. Exceptions
Transparent area standards do not apply to portions of building facades that enclose a parking structure except where parking structures are required to be wrapped by the applied Development Standards District (Part 4B.) .
F. Relief
Up to a 10 percent reduction from the total required transparent area may be granted in accordance with Sec. 13B.5.2. (Adjustment) .
A deviation from required transparent area standards may be granted as a variance in accordance with Sec. 13B.5.3. (Variance) .
| 3-78
Sec. 3C.4.1. (Transparent Area) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025
[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 3C.4. (Transparency)
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
SEC. 3C.4.2. ACTIVE WALL SPACING¶
Active wall spacing is defined as the horizontal distance between widths of ground story facade and foundation wall with window or door openings.
A. Intent
The intent of the standards of this Section (Active Wall Spacing) is to provide visual interest and activation along the public realm by limiting areas without visual or physical connections between the public realm and the interior of a building.
B. Applicability
Active wall spacing standards apply to new construction, a major remodel, or an exterior modification.
Active wall spacing standards apply to the following facades:
- a. All portions of ground story frontage applicable facades pursuant to Sec. 3A.2.2.B.3. (Frontage Applicable Facades) located between three feet and eight feet from the ground floor elevation measured vertically.
[Figure]
- b. All portions of foundation walls on frontage applicable facades pursuant to Sec. 3A.2.2.B.3. (Frontage Applicable Facades) that are exposed four feet in height or greater above sidewalk grade. If foundation walls are set back more than 10 feet from a sidewalk, exposed height is measured from the lowest elevation of finished grade within five feet, measured from and perpendicular to the foundation wall.
[Figure]
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Sec. 3C.4.2. (Active Wall Spacing) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025
[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 3C.4. (Transparency)
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
C. Standards
- Active Wall Spacing on Ground Story Facade
Window and door openings meeting Sec. 3C.4.1. (Transparent Area) on ground story facades shall be separated by a distance no greater than the maximum active wall spacing. For exceptions to this standard, see Subsection E. (Exceptions) below.
- Active Wall Spacing on Foundation Wall
Applicable portions of foundation walls shall be no wider than the maximum active wall spacing specified by the applied Frontage District (Part 3B) . For exceptions to this standard, see Subsection E. (Exceptions) below.
D. Measurement
- Active Wall Spacing on Ground Story Facade
Active wall spacing is measured horizontally and parallel to the frontage lot line from edge of transparent area to edge of transparent area, and edge of transparent area to edge of ground story facade.
[Figure]
2. Active Wall Spacing on Foundation Wall
Active wall spacing is measured horizontally for any individual width of applicable foundation wall that does not include transparent area.
[Figure]
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Sec. 3C.4.2. (Active Wall Spacing) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025
[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 3C.4. (Transparency)
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
E. Exceptions
1. Inapplicable Facades
a. Active wall spacing standards do not apply to upper story facades.
b. Active wall spacing standards do not apply to portions of building facades enclosing a parking structure except where parking structures are required to be wrapped or fenestrated by the applied Development Standards District (Part 4B).
2. Inactive Wall Treatment Alternatives
a. Ground story facades that exceed the maximum allowed active wall spacing may apply one or more ground story inactive wall treatment alternatives to the applicable facade area between door or window openings and increase the active wall spacing by 50 percent per Paragraph 3. (Ground Story Inactive Wall Treatment Alternatives) below.
b. Facades designed with foundation walls that exceed the maximum allowed active wall spacing may apply one or more foundation inactive wall treatment alternatives to the facade area between active foundation walls and double the allowed active wall spacing per Paragraph 4. (Foundation Inactive Wall Treatment Alternatives) below.
c. Plants provided to meet the requirements of Paragraph 3. (Ground Story Inactive Wall Treatment Alternatives) and Paragraph 4. (Foundation Inactive Wall Treatment Alternatives) below shall also comply with Div. 4C.6. (Plants) .
| 3-81
Sec. 3C.4.2. (Active Wall Spacing) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025
[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 3C.4. (Transparency)
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
3. Ground Story Inactive Wall Treatment Alternatives
Permanent design improvements located between segments of ground story active wall and the public realm, designed to improve visual interest and the pedestrian experience.
a. Small Trees
Small trees planted between a ground story facade with no window or door openings and the public realm.
b. Large Trees
large trees planted between a ground story facade with no window or door openings and the public realm.
[Figure]
[Figure]
DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
| A Treatment width(min portion of inactive wall) |
100% |
|---|---|
| Tree type | Small species |
| B Plantingfrequency (min avg.) | 5per 100' |
| C Plantingarea depth(min) | 7' |
| Tree type | large species |
| B Plantingfrequency (min avg.) | 3per 100' |
| C Plantingarea depth(min) | 15' |
See Div. 4C.6. (Plants) for additional standards.
See Div. 4C.6. (Plants) for additional standards.
| 3-82
Sec. 3C.4.2. (Active Wall Spacing) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025
[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 3C.4. (Transparency)
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
c. Living Wall
A permanently fixed assembly located between a ground story facade with no window or door openings and the public realm that supports plants, their growing medium, and irrigation.
[Figure]
| For measurement see_Sec. 3C.4.2.E.5._ |
|---|
DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
| A Treatment area(min % of ground storyfacade with inactive walls) |
75% |
|---|---|
| Plantingarea depth(min) | n/a |
See Div. 4C.6. (Plants) for additional standards.
d. Colonnade
A sequence of columns located between a ground story facade with no window or door openings and the public realm, providing an exterior occupiable space along the inactive wall.
[Figure]
| DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS | For measurement see_Sec. 3C.4.2.E.5._ |
|---|---|
| A Treatment width(min portion of inactive wall) |
100% |
| B Column frequency (min avg.) | 1per 20' |
| C Clear depth(min) | 6' |
| Enclosure(max) | 60% |
| 3-83 |
Sec. 3C.4.2. (Active Wall Spacing) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025
[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 3C.4. (Transparency)
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
4. Foundation Inactive Wall Treatment Alternatives
Permanent design improvements located between exposed foundation walls and the public realm, designed to improve visual interest and the pedestrian experience.
a. Foundation Planting
Screening plants located between a foundation wall with no window or door openings and the public realm.
b. Planter
Permanent structure containing plants and their growing medium located between a foundation wall with no window or door openings and the public realm.
[Figure]
[Figure]
| DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS | For measurement see_Sec. 3C.4.2.E.5._ |
|---|---|
| A Treatment width(min portion of inactive wall) |
75% |
| Plant type | ScreeningPlant |
| Plantingfrequency (min avg.) | 3per 10' |
| Plantingarea depth(min) | 3' |
See Div. 4C.6. (Plants) for additional standards.
| DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS | For measurement see_Sec. 3C.4.2.E.5._ |
|---|---|
| A Treatment width(min) | 75% |
| Plant coverage(min) | 75% |
| Plantingarea depth(min) | 2.5' |
| B Height above sidewalk(max) | 4' |
| C Foundation wall reveal(max) | 2' |
See Div. 4C.6. (Plants) for additional standards.
| 3-84
Sec. 3C.4.2. (Active Wall Spacing) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025
[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 3C.4. (Transparency)
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
c. Green wall
A structure permanently attached to a foundation wall with no window or door openings that supports climbing plants.
[Figure]
| DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS | For measurement see_Sec. 3C.4.2.E.5._ |
|---|---|
| A Treatment area(min) | 75% |
| Plantingarea depth(min) | 1.5' |
See Div. 4C.6. (Plants) for additional standards.
d. Pedestrian Access
Stairs or ramps providing pedestrian access to a street- facing entrance located between a foundation wall with no window or door openings and the public realm.
[Figure]
| DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS | For measurement see_Sec. 3C.4.2.E.5._ |
|---|---|
| A Treatment width(min) | 75% |
| B Height above sidewalk(max) | 4' |
| Additional access standards | See_Div. 4C.1._ |
See Div. 4C.1. (Pedestrian Access) for additional standards.
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Sec. 3C.4.2. (Active Wall Spacing) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025
[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 3C.4. (Transparency)
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
e. Seating
A permanent structure designed and intended for public seating located between a foundation wall with no window or door openings and the public realm.
[Figure]
| DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS | For measurement see_Sec. 3C.4.2.E.5._ |
|---|---|
| A Treatment width(min) | 75% |
| B Height above sidewalk(min/ |
1.5'/3' |
| C Foundation wall reveal(max) | 3' |
| Seat depth(min) | 2' |
| 3-86 |
Sec. 3C.4.2. (Active Wall Spacing) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025
[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 3C.4. (Transparency)
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
5. Inactive Wall Treatment Measurement
a. Treatment Width
Minimum treatment width percentage is calculated as the cumulative width of the provided inactive wall treatments divided by the total width of the provided active wall spacing.
b. Treatment Area
Minimum treatment area percentage is calculated as the cumulative area of the provided inactive wall treatments divided by the total applicable facade area within the provided active wall spacing.
c. Tree type
Tree type is measured as small or large species according to Sec. 4C.6.4.C.3.a.ii. (Tree Types) .
d. Plant type
Plant type is measured as screening plants, groundcover, and turf plants, hedges, living walls, or climbing plants according to Sec. 4C.6.4. (Plant Design & Installation) .
e. Plant Coverage
Minimum plant coverage is measured according to Sec. 4C.6.4.D.2. (Plant Coverage) .
f. Planting Frequency
Planting frequency is a ratio of the minimum number of plants required over a specified width of active wall spacing. A minimum of one plant of the required plant type shall be provided regardless of the width of inactive wall treatment.
g. Column Frequency
Minimum column frequency is a ratio of the minimum number of columns required over a specified width of treated inactive wall treatment. A minimum of two columns shall be provided regardless of the inactive wall treatment width.
h. Planting Area Depth
Minimum planting area depth is measured as the horizontal dimension of growing medium at the narrowest point, measured perpendicular to the applicable street lot line. The planting area shall be open to the sky for at least the required planting area depth.
i. Clear Depth
Minimum clear depth is measured as the horizontal dimension of the occupiable portion of an architectural element at the narrowest point.
| 3-87
Sec. 3C.4.2. (Active Wall Spacing) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025
[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 3C.4. (Transparency)
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
j. Height Above Sidewalk
i. Height above sidewalk is measured vertically from adjacent sidewalk grade to the topmost point of the inactive wall treatment.
ii. For foundation walls located more than 10 feet from a sidewalk, maximum height above sidewalk is measured from the lowest elevation of finished grade within five feet, measured from and perpendicular to the foundation wall, to the topmost point of the inactive wall treatment.
k. Foundation Wall Reveal
Foundation wall reveal is measured vertically from the top of an inactive wall treatment to the ground floor elevation along the entire treated portion of an inactive foundation wall.
l. Seat Depth
Minimum seat depth is measured as the narrowest horizontal dimension of the area designed for public seating.
m. Enclosure
Maximum enclosure is measured according to Sec. 14.2.4. (Enclosure) .
F. Relief
Deviation from inactive wall treatment standards may be granted in accordance with Sec. 13B.5.1. (Alternative Compliance) .
An increase in allowed active wall spacing up to 20 percent may be granted in accordance with Sec. 13B.5.2. (Adjustment) .
An increase in allowed active wall spacing and inactive wall treatment standards may be granted as a variance in accordance with Sec. 13B.5.3. (Variance) .
| 3-88
Sec. 3C.4.2. (Active Wall Spacing) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025
[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 3C.5. (Entrances)
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
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