Article 3 — FRONTAGE›Part 3C — GENERAL FRONTAGE RULES
Los Angeles Zoning Code — LAMC Chapter 1A Div. 3C.5 Entrances
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.5 · Text as of 2026-10-04
SEC. 3C.5.1. STREET-FACING ENTRANCE¶
Street-facing entrance is defined as a door providing access from the public realm to the interior of a building.
A. Intent
The intent of the standards of this Section (Street-Facing Entrance) is to provide visual interest along the public realm, orient buildings to the public realm, and promote greater use and activation of the public sidewalk by limiting the width of frontage without physical connections between the public realm and the interior of a building.
B. Applicability
Street-facing entrance standards apply to new construction, a major remodel, or an exterior modification. When the street-facing entrance standards apply, the standards apply to those portions of buildings and structures where frontage standards apply pursuant to Sec. 3A.2.2.B. (Applicable Components of Lots, Buildings, & Structures) .
C. Standards
1. General
a. Where a street-facing entrance is required by the applied Frontage District, street-facing entrances shall be provided at a rate based on the maximum entrance spacing specified in the applied Frontage District. A minimum of one street-facing entrance shall always be provided.
b. To qualify as a street-facing entrance, building entrances shall meet the following standards:
i. Be located on the ground story facade.
ii. Provide both ingress and egress pedestrian access to the ground story of the building.
iii. Remain operable at all times. Access may be controlled and limited to residents or tenants.
iv. Provide no access directly to motor vehicle use areas, utility areas or fire stairs.
| 3-89
Sec. 3C.5.1. (Street-Facing Entrance) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025
[Figure]
[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 3C.5. (Entrances)
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
- ii. Maximum entrance spacing is the greatest horizontal distance from edge of door to edge of door, and edge of door to edge of building, measured parallel to the frontage lot line.
b. Standards
i. Street-facing entrances shall not be separated by a distance greater than the maximum allowed entrance spacing.
ii. The maximum entrance spacing requirements shall be met for each building individually, but are not applicable to adjacent or abutting buildings.
iii. When the applied Frontage District (Part 3B.) specifies that a street-facing entrance is 'not required' but does specify a maximum entrance spacing, a street-facing entrance shall only be required if the building width along the indicated frontage lot line is greater than the specified entrance spacing. Street-facing entrances shall then be required in accordance with the maximum entrance spacing requirement specified.
[Figure]
D. Measurement
Street-facing entrance is measured as "provided" or "not provided" based on the presence of entrances meeting Sec. 3C.5.1.C. (Standards) .
E. Relief
Deviation from street-facing entrance standards may be granted in accordance with Sec. 13B.5.1. (Alternative Compliance) .
An increase in entrance spacing up to 20 percent may be granted in accordance with Sec. 13B.5.2. (Adjustment) .
Deviation from street-facing entrance and entrance spacing standards may be granted as a variance in accordance with Sec. 13B.5.3. (Variance) .
| 3-91
Sec. 3C.5.1. (Street-Facing Entrance) 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
SEC. 3C.5.2. ENTRY FEATURE¶
Entry features are improved design standards applied to each entrance along the public realm.
A. Intent
The intent of the standards of this Section (Entry Feature) is to provide architectural embellishment of entrances that promote inconspicuous wayfinding in the public realm, provide greater shelter and comfort to users, promote visual interest along the public realm, and highlight the connection between the public and private realm to improve walkability.
B. Applicability
Entry feature standards apply to all required street-facing entrances where entry features are required by the applied Frontage District (Part 3B.) .
C. Standards
1. General
a. Each required street-facing entrance shall include an entry feature that meet the standards for one of the allowed entry feature options specified by the applied Frontage District (Part 3B.) .
b. Required entry features shall abut and provide direct access to a street-facing entrance.
c. Required entry features shall provide direct access from the public realm associated with the frontage lot line.
d. For building setback encroachment regulations, see Sec. 2C.2.2.E. (Exceptions) .
e. For encroachments into the public right-of-way, see Chapter IX. (Building Regulations), Sec. 91.32 (Encroachments into the Public Right-of-Way) of this Code.
f. In complying with entry feature standards, outdoor spaces such as landings and yards required by an entry feature count as occupiable space.
| 3-92
Sec. 3C.5.2. (Entry Feature) 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
2. Entry Feature Options
Packages of design standards applied to each entrance along the public realm.
a. Porch
A wide, raised platform, projecting in front of a street- facing entrance, that is entirely covered but not enclosed.
b. Raised Entry
A raised platform accessed from an exterior staircase, providing covered access to a street-facing entrance.
| C | |
|---|---|
| DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS | For measurement see_Sec. 3C.5.2.D._ |
| A Clear depth(min) | 4.5' |
| B Clear width(min) | 12' |
| Clear height(min) | 7.5' |
| Covered area(min) | 100% |
| C Finished floor elevation(min/ |
2'/5' |
| Enclosure(max) | 50% |
| C | |
|---|---|
| DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS | For measurement see_Sec. 3C.5.2.D._ |
| A Clear depth(min) | 3' |
| B Clear width(min) | 4' |
| Clear height(min) | 7.5' |
| Covered entrance | Required |
| C Finished floor elevation(min/ |
2'/5' |
| Enclosure(max) | 50% |
| 3-93 |
Sec. 3C.5.2. (Entry Feature) 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
c. Forecourt
A yard screened with a short wall, fence or hedge that provides significant privacy for tenants located on the ground story, near sidewalk grade.
[Figure]
| DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS | For measurement see_Sec. 3C.5.2.D._ |
|---|---|
| A Clear depth(min) | 8' |
| B Clear width(min) | 10' |
| Clear height(min) | Open to sky |
| Covered entrance | Required |
| C Finished floor elevation(min/ |
-2'/2' |
| Fence or wall height(min/ |
2.5'/4' |
d. River Yard
A yard located between a building and a river trail with direct pedestrian access from inside the building to the river trail.
| C | |
|---|---|
| DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS | For measurement see_Sec. 3C.5.2.D._ |
| A Clear depth(min) | 15' |
| B Clear width(min) | 15' |
| Clear height(min) | Open to sky |
| C Finished floor elevation(min/ |
-2'/2' |
| Fence or wall height(max) | 6' |
| 3-94 |
Sec. 3C.5.2. (Entry Feature) 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
e. Recessed Entry
A space set behind the building face plane providing sheltered access to a street-facing entrance.
[Figure]
| DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS | For measurement see_Sec. 3C.5.2.D._ |
|---|---|
| A Clear depth(min) | 3'/15' |
| B Clear width(min) | 5' |
| Clear height(min) | 7.5' |
| Covered entrance |
Required |
| C Finished floor elevation(min/ |
-2'/2' |
| Enclosure(max) | 75% |
f. Covered Entry
A space that provides sheltered access to an at-grade street-facing entrance with an overhead projecting structure.
[Figure]
| DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS | For measurement see_Sec. 3C.5.2.D._ |
|---|---|
| Clear height(min) | 7.5' |
| A Covered entrance | Required |
| B Finished floor elevation(min/ |
-2'/2' |
| Enclosure(max) | 50% |
For encroachments into the public right-of-way, see Chapter IX. (Building Regulations), Sec. 91.32. (Encroachments into the Public Right-of-Way) of this Code.
| 3-95
Sec. 3C.5.2. (Entry Feature) 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
g. Storefront Bay
A facade area with a high level of contiguous transparency accentuating an at-grade street-facing entrance.
[Figure]
| DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS | For measurement see_Sec. 3C.5.2.D._ |
|---|---|
| A Transparent area height(min) | 9' |
| B Transparent area width(min) | 8' |
| Covered entrance | Required |
| C Finished floor elevation(min/ |
-2'/2' |
| D Transparency (min) | 90% |
| Fence or wall height(max) | 0' |
h. Market Stall
A facade area equipped with an overhead door or operable facade that is open to the public realm during hours of operation.
[Figure]
For measurement see Sec. 3C.5.2.D.
DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
| Clear depth(min) | 10' |
|---|---|
| A Clear height(min) | 9' |
| B Clear width(min) | 6' |
| C Finished floor elevation(min/ |
-2'/5' |
| Fence or wall height(max) | 0' |
A market stall does not count toward transparency unless it meets the standards for transparent area when shut.
| 3-96
Sec. 3C.5.2. (Entry Feature) 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
D. Measurement
1. General
a. Entry feature is measured as "provided" or "not provided" for each required street-facing entrance based on whether the design of a street-facing entrance meets the standards of an allowed entry feature specified by the applied Frontage District (Part 3B.) .
b. In complying with entry feature standards, outdoor spaces such as landings and yards required by an entry feature count as occupiable space.
2. Clear Depth
Clear depth is measured as the shallowest horizontal dimension of the occupiable space immediately abutting or surrounding each required street-facing entrance, measured perpendicular to the applicable building facade to the interior of the occupiable space.
3. Clear Width
Clear width is measured as the narrowest horizontal dimension of the occupiable space immediately abutting or surrounding each required street-facing entrance, measured parallel to the applicable street lot line.
4. Clear Height
a. Clear height is measured vertically at the shortest point between the finished floor elevation or the finished grade of the occupiable space immediately abutting or surrounding each required street-facing entrance to the bottom of the surface of any solid overhead structure creating covered space within the occupiable space.
b. Where a minimum clear height is specified as 'open to sky', the occupiable space immediately abutting each required street-facing entrance shall be uncovered.
5. Covered Entrance
a. When required as part of an entry feature, a canopy, roof or other sheltering structure, the covered entrance shall cover the occupiable exterior area immediately abutting the associated street-facing entrance.
b. The minimum depth of the covered area shall be the clear height of the covered area divided by three.
| 3-97
Sec. 3C.5.2. (Entry Feature) 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
- c. The minimum width of the covered area shall be the clear height of the covered area divided by two.
[Figure]
6. Covered Area
Covered area is measured as the occupiable space of an entry feature that is covered by a canopy, roof or other sheltering structure, divided by the total occupiable entry feature area.
7. Finished Floor Elevation
Finished floor elevation is measured from the average sidewalk grade along the adjacent sidewalk to the top of the finished floor surface or ground surface of the entry feature. Where no sidewalk exists within 10 feet of the entry feature, finished floor elevation is measured perpendicular from the average finished grade within five feet of the entry feature, to the entry feature area.
8. Transparency
a. Transparency is the percentage of area meeting the transparent area standards of Sec. 3C.4.1.C. (Standards) provided for each street-facing entrance, divided by the required transparent area.
b. Required transparent area is calculated by multiplying the specified transparent area height by transparent area width. For the measurement of ground story transparency, see Sec. 3C.4.1.D.1. (Ground Story) .
9. Transparent Area Height
Transparent area height is measured vertically from the top of the finished floor of the ground story to the shortest height of the transparent area provided.
10. Transparent Area Width
Transparent area width is measured horizontally from the outer edges of the transparent area provided along the narrowest width.
| 3-98
Sec. 3C.5.2. (Entry Feature) 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
11. Enclosure
For the measurement of enclosure, see Sec. 14.2.4. (Enclosure) .
12. Fence or Wall Height
Fence or wall height is measured according to Sec. 3C.3.2.D.2. (Fence & Wall Height) .
E. Relief
A deviation from entry feature dimensional standard up to 15 percent may be granted in accordance with Sec. 13B.5.2. (Adjustment) .
Deviation from any entry feature standard may be granted as a variance in accordance with Sec. 13B.5.3. (Variance) .
| 3-99
Sec. 3C.5.2. (Entry Feature) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025
[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 3C.6. (Ground Story)
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
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