Los Angeles Zoning Code — LAMC Chapter 1A Div. 4C.12 Site Elements

A. Intent

the intent of the standards of this Section (Roof-Mounted Equipment) is to ensure roof-mounted equipment is designed to minimize effects on surrounding properties and the public realm and to ensure roof-mounted equipment is obscured from view on the city skyline.

B. Applicability

roof-mounted equipment standards apply to new construction, a major remodel, a site modification, an exterior modification, or a use modification. When roof-mounted equipment standards apply, the standards apply to all mechanical equipment or utility equipment located on a roof. in addition to the screening standards in this Section (Roof-Mounted Equipment) , utilities: wireless facility, rooftop uses shall be designed according to Sec. 4C.12.4. (Wireless Telecommunication Facilities) .

c. Standards

1. roof-mounted equipment (including but not limited to, compressors, condensers, conduits, pipes, vents, and ducts) shall be screened on all sides by a parapet or screening structure that:

   • a. Has an opacity of at least 75 percent;

   • b. Has a minimum height six inches greater in height than the topmost point of the equipment; and

   • c. encloses the equipment 100 percent up to the minimum height of the screening structure.

2. the screening structure shall meet Sec. 4C.7.3. (Fence/Wall Design & Installation) .

[Figure]

D. Measurement

1. For measurement of opacity see Sec. 14.2.13. (Opacity (%)) .

2. For measurement of enclosure see Sec. 14.2.4. (Enclosure) .

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Sec. 4C.12.1. (Roof-Mounted Equipment) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

[ FOrM - FrONtAGe - STANDARDS ] [ USe - DeNSitY ] Div. 4C.12. (Site Elements)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

3. Height from topmost point of the equipment is measured to the top of the screening structure at its lowest height.

e. Exceptions

the following are exempt from the standards in this Section (Roof-Mounted Equipment) :

1. Sustainable energy systems;

2. los Angeles Fire Department equipment;

3. Helipads;

4. Window cleaning systems; and

5. Solar panels and their required appurtenances.

F. Relief

1. Alternative compliance to roof-mounted equipment screening standards may be granted in accordance with Sec. 13B.5.1. (Alternative Compliance) .

2. A deviation from any roof-mounted equipment screening dimensional standard of 15 percent or less may be granted in accordance with Sec. 13B.5.2. (Adjustment) .

3. Deviation from any roof-mounted equipment screening standard may be granted as a variance in accordance with Sec. 13B.5.3. (Variance) .

| 4-181

Sec. 4C.12.1. (Roof-Mounted Equipment) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

[ FOrM - FrONtAGe - STANDARDS ] [ USe - DeNSitY ] Div. 4C.12. (Site Elements)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

A. Intent

the intent of the standards of this Section (Ground-Mounted Equipment) is to minimize visibility of - ground mounted equipment from the public realm and support the intent of the applied Frontage District (Part 3B.) .

B. Applicability

1. Ground-mounted equipment standards apply to new construction, a major remodel, a site modification, an exterior modification, or a use modification. When ground-mounted equipment standards apply, the standards apply to mechanical equipment or utility equipment, either publicly or privately owned, subject to the following:

   • a. Ground-mounted equipment standards apply when located at an elevation within six feet of the surrounding grade, serving five or more dwelling units or at least 5,000 square feet of floor area.

c. Standards

1. Location

• a. Ground-mounted equipment located in a frontage yard shall be installed entirely below finished grade in a vault.

• b. Ground-mounted equipment may be located within a building or structure, such as a utility room or parking garage, provided no portion of the equipment faces a frontage yard unobstructed.

• c. Ground-mounted equipment may be located outdoors and above-grade provided that it meets the following standards:

  • i. No portion of the equipment is located in a frontage yard.

  • ii. When located on a corner lot, the equipment shall not be located in the parking setback specified by the applied Frontage District (Part 3B.) .

  • iii. equipment is screened with a fence or wall screen that meets the requirements of Paragraph 2. (Fence/Wall Screen) below, or a landscape screen that meets the requirements of Paragraph 3. (Landscape Screen) below. Fence,wall, or landscape screens may be combined to achieve full screening of the subject equipment.

2. Fence/Wall Screen

Fences or walls used to meet ground-mounted equipment screening requirements shall meet the following standards:

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Sec. 4C.12.2. (Ground-Mounted Equipment) Last amended by Ord. 189,007, Eff. 08/20/2026

[ FOrM - FrONtAGe - STANDARDS ] [ USe - DeNSitY ] Div. 4C.12. (Site Elements)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

a. General

• i. landscape screens shall be composed of hedges meeting the requirements of Subparagraph b. (Hedges) below, or screening plants meeting the requirements of Subparagraph c. (Screening Plants) below. landscape screens may be composed of a combination of screening plants and hedges.

• ii. All required screening plants and hedges shall have a minimum height at maturity no lower than the height of the topmost point of the equipment subject to screening.

• iii. All required screening plants and hedges shall comply with Sec. 4C.6.4. (Plant Design & Installation) .

• iv. Areas within the landscape screen shall be maintained free of trash and debris.

• v. All plants provided in a landscape screen shall be planted and maintained so as to ensure a minimum three-foot clearance between all portions of the equipment and the plants, based on spread at maturity.

• vi. Screening may need to comply with additional access and clearance standards as may be required by lADWP.

b. Hedges

• i. A continuous perimeter of hedge shall surround 100 percent of the subject equipment. A maximum gap of three feet breaking the continuous perimeter is permitted to allow for equipment access, provided that the access gap does not face a frontage lot line.

• ii. Hedges shall meet the requirements of Sec. 4C.6.4.C.3.d. (Hedges) .

c. Screening Plants

• i. Screening plants shall be planted in a planting area no less than three feet in depth that creates a contiguous perimeter surrounding 100 percent of the subject equipment. A maximum gap of three feet breaking the contiguous perimeter is permitted to allow for equipment access, provided that the access gap is not facing a frontage lot line.

• ii. A minimum of 20 screening plants shall be planted for every 50 linear feet of planting area, measured at the outside perimeter of the planting area.

• iii. Screening plants shall meet the requirements of Sec. 4C.6.4.C.3.b. (Screening Plants) .

D. Measurement

1. For measurement of opacity see Sec. 14.2.13. (Opacity (%)) .

2. Height from topmost point of the equipment is measured to the top of the screen and gate at their lowest point.

| 4-184

Sec. 4C.12.2. (Ground-Mounted Equipment) Last amended by Ord. 189,007, Eff. 08/20/2026

[ FOrM - FrONtAGe - STANDARDS ] [ USe - DeNSitY ] Div. 4C.12. (Site Elements)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

3. For measurement of plant and hedge height at maturity, see Sec. 4C.6.4.D.11. (Height at Maturity) .

4. For measurement of plant and hedge spread at maturity, see Sec. 4C.6.4.D.3. (Canopy Diameter, Spread, & Height at Maturity) .

5. For measurement of planting area width, see Sec. 4C.6.4.D.1. (Planting Area Width) .

6. For measurement of parking setback see Sec. 3C.2.1.D. (Measurement) .

7. For measurement of building width see Sec. 2C.5.1.D. (Measurement) .

e. Exceptions

1. Ground-mounted equipment standards do not apply to Water and Power assets, as defined in Sec. 672. (Possession, Management and Control of Water and Power Assets) of the lAAc on lots owned or leased by the los Angeles Department of Water and Power.

2. Ground-mounted equipment standards do not apply to fire hydrants.

3. charging equipment that facilitates the charging of electric vehicles serving electric vehicle parking stalls is exempt from this Section (Ground-Mounted Equipment) .

F. Relief

1. Where los Angeles Department of Water and Power determines that mechanical equipment or utility equipment must be located in the frontage yard and that locating the equipment in a below grade vault is infeasible for reasons not related to cost, the city may grant an Alternative compliance to the ground-mounted equipment location standards in accordance with Sec. 13B.5.1. (Alternative Compliance) allowing for the equipment to be located above-grade and in a frontage yard.

2. A deviation from any ground-mounted equipment screening dimensional standard of 15 percent or less may be granted in accordance with Sec. 13B.5.2. (Adjustment) .

3. Deviation from any ground-mounted equipment screening standard may be granted as a variance in accordance with Sec. 13B.5.3. (Variance) .

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Sec. 4C.12.2. (Ground-Mounted Equipment) Last amended by Ord. 189,007, Eff. 08/20/2026

[ FOrM - FrONtAGe - STANDARDS ] [ USe - DeNSitY ] Div. 4C.12. (Site Elements)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

A. Intent

the intent of the standards of this Section (Wall-Mounted Equipment) is to ensure wall-mounted equipment is concealed to minimize effects on the public realm.

B. Applicability

1. Wall-mounted equipment standards apply to new construction, a major remodel, a site modification, a use modification, or an exterior modification. When the wall-mounted equipment standards apply, the standards apply to mechanical equipment or utility equipment attached or being attached to the exterior wall of a building or structure.

c. Standards

1. Location

Wall-mounted electrical meters, gas meters, cable boxes and other utility equipment shall not be attached to a building facade facing a frontage yard and shall not be located in a frontage yard unless it is fully screened with a screening structure meeting the standards in Paragraph 2. (Screening Enclosure) below, and that screening structure complies with the frontage yard fence & wall type standards allowed in the applied Frontage District (Part 3B.) .

2. Screening Enclosure

Wall-mounted equipment located on a building or structure facade abutting a frontage yard shall be screened with a screening structure that meets the following requirements:

• a. Has a minimum of 75 percent enclosure for a height of at least six inches taller than the topmost point of the equipment. For wall-mounted equipment located more than three feet above the base of the wall, the screening structure shall have a minimum of 75 percent enclosure for no less than six inches below the bottommost point of the equipment.

• b. Has a minimum opacity of 75 percent.

• c. Any access gates provided in the screening structure shall meet the following standards:

  • i. Shall have a height no less than six inches taller than the topmost point of the equipment and, where located more than three feet above the base of the wall, shall continue no less than six inches below the bottommost point of the equipment.

  • ii. Where a screening structure is taller than the minimum height, gates may differ no more than one foot from the height of the wall or fence provided.

  • iii. Gates shall not exceed the height of the screening structure by more than one foot.

  • iv. Shall have a minimum opacity of 90 percent.

• d. the screening structure shall comply with Sec. 4C.7.3. (Fence/Wall Design & Installation) .

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Sec. 4C.12.3. (Wall-Mounted Equipment) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

[ FOrM - FrONtAGe - STANDARDS ] [ USe - DeNSitY ] Div. 4C.12. (Site Elements)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

D. Measurement

1. For measurement of opacity see Sec. 14.2.13. (Opacity (%)) .

2. For measurement of enclosure see Sec. 14.2.4. (Enclosure) .

3. Height from topmost point of the equipment is measured to the top of the screen and gate at their lowest height.

e. Exceptions

1. Wall-mounted equipment standards do not apply to fire alarms.

F. Relief

1. An alternative to wall-mounted equipment screening standards may be granted in accordance with Sec. 13B.5.1. (Alternative Compliance) .

2. A deviation from any wall-mounted equipment screening dimensional standard of 10 percent or less may be granted in accordance with Sec. 13B.5.2. (Adjustment) .

3. Deviation from any wall-mounted equipment screening standard may be granted as a variance in accordance with Sec. 13B.5.3. (Variance) .

| 4-187

Sec. 4C.12.3. (Wall-Mounted Equipment) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

[ FOrM - FrONtAGe - STANDARDS ] [ USe - DeNSitY ] Div. 4C.12. (Site Elements)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

A. Intent

the intent of the standards of this Section (Wireless Telecommunication Facilities) is to minimize visual impacts, make the installation, operation, and appearance of wireless telecommunication facilities as inconspicuous as possible, to prevent the facility from visually dominating the surrounding area, and to hide the facility from predominant views visible from surrounding properties.

B. Applicability

this Section (Wireless Telecommunication Facilities) , applies to new construction, a major remodel, or an exterior modification, involving all wireless telecommunications uses.

c. Standards

Wireless telecommunications facilities shall meet the following standards.

1. General

• a. All wireless telecommunications facilities shall meet the minimum siting distances to habitable structures required for compliance with Federal communications commission (Fcc) regulations and standards governing the environmental effects of radio frequency emissions.

• b. New wireless telecommunication equipment shall be installed at an approved existing facility, when co-location is feasible.

• c. For modifications involving the removal or replacement of transmission equipment or the collocation of new transmission equipment on existing wireless telecommunication facilities subject to 47 U.S.C § 1455(a) (Section 6409(a) of the Spectrum Act) , see Sec. 4C.12.5. (Existing Wireless Telecommunications Facilities Spectrum Act Compliance Handbook) .

• d. existing utilities: wireless facility, rooftop, in which new wireless telecommunication equipment is installed that exceeds the scope of the Spectrum Act, shall be subject to the standards included in Paragraph 2. (Rooftop Wireless Telecommunications Facilities) below.

• e. existing utilities: wireless facility, freestanding, in which new wireless telecommunication equipment is installed that exceeds the scope of the Spectrum Act, shall be subject to the standards included in Paragraph 3. (Freestanding Wireless Facilities) below.

• f. All wireless telecommunication facilities shall be removed within 90 days of discontinuance of use.

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Sec. 4C.12.4. (Wireless Telecommunication Facilities) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

[ FOrM - FrONtAGe - STANDARDS ] [ USe - DeNSitY ] Div. 4C.12. (Site Elements)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

2. Rooftop Wireless Telecommunications Facilities

Utilities: wireless facility, rooftop, including antennas and any associated equipment shall meet the following standards:

• a. Utilities: wireless facility, rooftop are only allowed where they are a permitted use in the applied Use District (Part 5B.) .

• b. Where located on the rooftop of a designated historic resource or a surveyed historic resource, utilities: wireless facility, rooftop require review and approval pursuant to Sec. 13B.2.2. (Class 2 Conditional Use Permit) .

• c. Shall be located on rooftops no less than 40 feet above grade.

• d. Shall be screened on all sides by a parapet or screening structure that meet the standards provided in Sec. 4C.12.1. (Roof-Mounted Equipment) or Sec. 4C.12.3. (Wall-Mounted Equipment) .

• e. the structure covering the antenna and any equipment cabinet shall be painted and textured to match the exterior walls of the building.

• f. Any wireless antenna structures and associated equipment shall have a height no greater than 10 feet, measured from rooftop surface at the base of the structures or equipment.

• g. Where mounted on the walls of a rooftop enclosure for mechanical equipment or vertical circulation, wireless antenna structures and associated equipment cabinets shall not exceed the height of the rooftop enclosure.

• h. the cumulative area occupied by all utilities: wireless facility, rooftop and associated equipment shall not exceed 10 percent of the total area of the rooftop.

3. Freestanding Wireless Facilities

Utilities: wireless facility, freestanding, including antennas and any associated equipment shall meet the following standards:

• a. the footing of an antenna shall be structurally designed to support a freestanding wireless facility which is at least 15 feet higher than the freestanding wireless facility under review in order to allow a future wireless network to replace an existing freestanding wireless facility with a new freestanding wireless facility capable of supporting equipment co-location.

• b. Freestanding wireless facilities shall not exceed the maximum height specified in the applied Form District (Part 2B.) .

• c. Freestanding wireless facilities shall be set back a minimum distance equal to 20 percent of the freestanding wireless facility height or 35 feet, whichever is greater, from the following lot lines:

  • i. Primary street lot lines and side street lot lines;

| 4-189

Sec. 4C.12.4. (Wireless Telecommunication Facilities) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

[ FOrM - FrONtAGe - STANDARDS ] [ USe - DeNSitY ] Div. 4C.12. (Site Elements)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

• ii. lot lines shared with a lot that includes a sensitive use; and

• iii. lot lines shared with a lot with an applied Residential Use District (Div. 5B.3.) or Agricultural Use District (Div. 5B.2.) .

• d. Freestanding wireless facilities shall be screened on all sides with a planting area meeting the following standards:

  • i. Has a minimum width of five feet;

  • ii. Provides screening plants at a frequency of 30 per 50 feet of planting area; and

  • iii. Provides large species trees at a frequency of three per 50 feet of planting area.

• e. All utilities: wireless facility, freestanding uses shall use surfacing and camouflaging techniques that satisfy the following criteria:

  • i. exterior colors, textures, and shapes are visually compatible with the surrounding built or natural environment;

  • ii. exterior finish is non-reflective, unless otherwise required by the Federal Aviation Administration; and

• iii. Situated so as to utilize existing natural or man-made features including topography, vegetation, buildings, or other structures to provide the greatest amount of visual screening.

• f. the approving authority may require additional measures designed to camouflage a utilities: wireless facility, freestanding, including placing the facility entirely within a vertical screening structure. Suitable architectural features include, but are not limited to, clock towers, bell towers, church steeples, icon signs, lighthouses, flagpoles, utility poles, or faux trees. All facility components, including the antennas, shall be mounted inside said structure.

• g. Freestanding wireless facilities that are not designed according to Subparagraph f. above shall be of tapered design (three-foot diameter at the base up to 1.5-foot diameter at the top).

4. Existing Wireless Facilities

For the modification of existing wireless telecommunication facilities pursuant to the Spectrum Act, see Sec. 4C.12.5. (Existing Wireless Telecommunications Facilities Spectrum Act Compliance Handbook) .

D. Measurement

1. Setbacks from lot lines are measured according to Sec. 2C.2.2.D. (Measurement) .

2. Planting area width is measured according to Sec. 4C.6.4.D.1. (Planting Area Width) .

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Sec. 4C.12.4. (Wireless Telecommunication Facilities) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

[ FOrM - FrONtAGe - STANDARDS ] [ USe - DeNSitY ] Div. 4C.12. (Site Elements)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

3. Planting frequency is measured according to Sec. 14.2.8. (Frequency) .

4. Screening plants are measured as provided or not provided, based on the presence of screening plants that comply with Sec. 4C.6.4.C.3.b. (Screening Plants) and all other applicable provisions of Sec. 4C.6.4. (Plant Design & Installation) .

5. large species trees are measured as provided or not provided, based on the presence of large species trees that comply with Sec. 4C.6.4.C.3.a. (Trees) and all other applicable provisions of Sec. 4C.6.4. (Plant Design & Installation) .

e. Exceptions

Wireless telecommunication facilities standards do not apply to satellite dish antennae, radio and television transmitters, and antennae incidental to residential uses.

F. Relief

1. Alternative compliance to wireless telecommunication facilities standards may be granted in accordance with Sec. 13B.5.1. (Alternative Compliance) .

2. A deviation from any wireless telecommunication facilities dimensional standard of 10 percent or less may be granted in accordance with Sec. 13B.5.2. (Adjustment) .

3. Deviation from any wireless telecommunication facilities standard may be granted as a variance in accordance with Sec. 13B.5.3. (Variance) .

| 4-191

Sec. 4C.12.4. (Wireless Telecommunication Facilities) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

[ FOrM - FrONtAGe - STANDARDS ] [ USe - DeNSitY ] Div. 4C.12. (Site Elements)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

A. Intent

the intent of the standards of this Section (Existing Wireless Telecommunications Facilities Spectrum Act Compliance Handbook) is to ensure the city’s wireless standards, procedures, and timelines are consistent with Sec. 6409(a) of Title VI. of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (Spectrum Act) .

B. Applicability

the Existing Wireless Telecommunication Facilities Spectrum Act Compliance Handbook

(Handbook) applies to existing wireless facilities that are applying for Spectrum Act approval.

c. Adoption and Maintenance of the Existing Wireless Telecommunications Facilities Spectrum Act Compliance Handbook

the Director of Planning, as they deem necessary and appropriate, shall have the authority to prepare, maintain, amend, and adopt the Handbook . this Handbook explains the standards, procedures, and timelines of the review of existing wireless telecommunication facilities. the Director may, as they deem appropriate, use technical consultants or a consultant advisory panel to update the Handbook in order to comply with changes in federal and state laws.

D. Noncompliance

Failure to comply with the Handbook or any condition or commitments made in compliance with it is a violation of the code, subject to all available administrative, criminal and civil remedies.

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Sec. 4C.12.5. (Existing Wireless Telecommunications Facilities Spectrum Act Compliance Handbook) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

[Figure]

[ FOrM - FrONtAGe - STANDARDS ] [ USe - DeNSitY ] Div. 4C.12. (Site Elements)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

• c. Outdoor waste receptacle enclosures located on a lot in a residential or Agricultural Use District (Part 5B.) or located on a lot abutting a residential or Agricultural Use District (Part 5B.) shall be sheltered. the sheltering structure shall meet the following standards:

  • i. Have a slope of no less than five degrees;

  • ii. Be made of non-pervious material to ensure runoff; and

  • iii. Provide a minimum clear height of eight feet under the structure.

• d. Wheel stops with a minimum height of eight inches shall be installed a minimum of six inches from interior walls of waste receptacle screening structures to prevent damage to walls.

• e. Access gates provided in the screening structure shall meet the following standards:

  • i. Have a height of no less than six feet;

  • ii. Where a screening structure is seven feet or greater in height, gates may be no more than one foot shorter than the height of the screening enclosure provided;

  • iii. in no case shall gates exceed the height of the screening structure by more than one foot; and

  • iv. Have a minimum opacity of 90 percent.

• f. All provided screening enclosures shall comply with Sec. 4C.7.3. (Fence/Wall Design & Installation) .

D. Measurement

1. For frontage yard designation, see Sec. 14.2.16.C.1. (Frontage Yard) .

2. For measurement of height, see Sec. 4C.7.1.D. (Measurement) .

3. For measurement of enclosure, see Sec. 14.2.4. (Enclosure) .

4. For measurement of opacity, see Sec. 14.2.13. (Opacity (%)) .

e. Exceptions

1. Waste receptacles standards do not apply to lots containing only residential uses and four or fewer dwelling units.

2. Use modification project activities on a site having less than 2,500 square feet of lot area shall be exempt from waste receptacle screening and enclosure standards in this Section (Waste Receptacles) .

| 4-194

Sec. 4C.12.6. (Waste Receptacles) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

[ FOrM - FrONtAGe - STANDARDS ] [ USe - DeNSitY ] Div. 4C.12. (Site Elements)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

F. Relief

1. Alternative compliance to waste receptacle standards may be granted in accordance with Sec. 13B.5.1. (Alternative Compliance) .

2. A deviation from any waste receptacle dimensional standard of 15 percent or less may be granted in accordance with Sec. 13B.5.2. (Adjustment) .

3. Deviation from any waste receptacle standard may be granted as a variance in accordance with Sec. 13B.5.3. (Variance) .

| 4-195

Sec. 4C.12.6. (Waste Receptacles) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

[ FOrM - FrONtAGe - STANDARDS ] [ USe - DeNSitY ] Div. 4C.12. (Site Elements)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

A recycling area is an outdoor enclosure or a room within a building which is designated for the collection of recyclable materials generated by the use(s) on a lot.

A. Intent

the intent of the standards of this Section (Recycling Areas) is to ensure that adequate facilities for collecting and loading recyclable materials are provided in order to divert solid waste, address source reduction, and facilitate recycling and composting activities by users, tenants, and residents.

B. Applicability

1. recycling area standards apply to new construction or a site modification which introduces or modifies a recycling area on a lot and results in any of the following:

   • a. A 25 percent increase in floor area for residential projects with four or more dwelling units, or a 30 percent increase of floor area for non-residential projects;

   • b. Marinas where the floor area includes the space dedicated to the docking or mooring of marine vessels; or

   • c. Any site where multiple building permits are issued within a 12-month period that result in the addition of floor area beyond the above thresholds.

c. Standards

1. General

• a. recycling areas shall be equipped with recycling receptacle containers that are sheltered, durable, waterproof, rustproof, and of incombustible construction, and that either provide protection against the environment or are located in a building or structure that is sheltered and enclosed. containers must be clearly labeled to indicate the type of material to be deposited, and all recyclable materials must be placed or stored in such containers.

• b. When a project provides a trash chute, including adding a trash chute to an existing development, a recycling chute shall also be provided. recycling chutes shall be clearly marked "recycling only" at every point of entry.

• c. Outdoor recycling areas shall be constructed with a concrete floor sloped to drain, and a water faucet for hose attachment shall be located adjacent to or within the enclosure.

• d. the recycling area shall be clearly identified by one or more signs with a minimum dimension of 16 inches by 20 inches that designate the area for recycling collection and loading.

• e. the recycling area shall be available for use by persons residing or employed on the property.

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Sec. 4C.12.7. (Recycling Areas) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

[ FOrM - FrONtAGe - STANDARDS ] [ USe - DeNSitY ] Div. 4C.12. (Site Elements)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

• f. No payment shall be made to persons depositing recycling materials in the recycling area and no processing of recycling materials shall be permitted within the recycling area. For recyclable materials deposited or redeemed for monetary value, see Sec. 5D.9.4.A. (Collection) . For sorting or processing of recyclable materials from off-site sources, see Sec. 5D.9.4.B. (Sorting & Processing) .

• g. each property owner or lessee shall contract with a recycler or hauler for the pick-up of recyclable materials, separate from trash collection, when receptacles are full or every week, whichever occurs first.

• h. to encourage active participation in recycling to the maximum extent possible, each property owner, manager, or lessee shall inform all tenants and/or employees living or working on the property of the availability and location of the recycling area(s), the types of materials that are collected for recycling, and that the recycling collection facilities are located on the property pursuant to state law requiring the diversion of a substantial portion of solid waste.

• i. No toxic or hazardous material shall be stored in recycling areas or receptacles.

• j. recycling areas shall be kept free of litter, debris, spillage, bugs, rodents, odors, and other similar undesirable hazards.

• k. recycling receptacle containers shall be covered, durable, waterproof, rustproof, and of incombustible construction, and shall provide protection against the environment or be in completely enclosed indoor recycling areas. containers shall be clearly labeled to indicate the type of material to be deposited.

2. Location

• a. Outdoor recycling areas and their screening enclosures shall not be located in a frontage yard.

• b. recycling areas may be located within a building or structure provided they have 100 percent enclosure.

• c. recycling areas shall be placed within 10 feet of waste receptacles or waste receptacle service areas or rooms wherever feasible. Where multiple recycling areas are provided, at least one recycling area must be placed within 10 feet of at least one waste receptacle or waste receptacle service area or room.

• d. recycling areas may be located in the same area, room, or enclosure as waste receptacles as long as the area, room, or enclosure meets both the recycling area standards in this Section and the waste receptacle standards outlined in Sec. 4C.12.6. (Waste Receptacles) .

• e. recycling areas shall not diminish the required number of automobile parking stalls or bicycle parking spaces or impair traffic flow.

| 4-197

Sec. 4C.12.7. (Recycling Areas) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

[Figure]

[ FOrM - FrONtAGe - STANDARDS ] [ USe - DeNSitY ] Div. 4C.12. (Site Elements)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

• i. Have a height of no less than six feet;

• ii. Where a screening structure is seven feet or greater in height, any gate is no more than one foot shorter than the height of the screening structure provided;

• iii. Does not exceed the height of the screening structure by more than one foot; and

  • iv. Have a minimum opacity of 90 percent.

• d. All provided screening structures shall comply with Sec. 4C.7.3. (Fence/Wall Design & Installation) .

D. Measurement

1. For frontage yard designation, see Sec. 14.2.16.C.1. (Frontage Yard) .

2. For measurement of height, see Sec. 4C.7.1.D. (Measurement) .

3. For measurement of enclosure, see Sec. 14.2.4. (Enclosure) .

4. For measurement of opacity, see Sec. 14.2.13. (Opacity (%)) .

e. Relief

1. Alternative compliance to recycling receptacle standards may be granted in accordance with Sec. 13B.5.1. (Alternative Compliance) .

2. A deviation from any recycling receptacle dimensional standard of 15 percent or less may be granted in accordance with Sec. 13B.5.2. (Adjustment) .

3. Deviation from any recycling receptacle standard may be granted as a variance in accordance with Sec. 13B.5.3. (Variance) .

| 4-199

Sec. 4C.12.7. (Recycling Areas) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

[ FOrM - FrONtAGe - STANDARDS ] [ USe - DeNSitY ] Div. 4C.12. (Site Elements)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

A. Intent

the intent of the standards of this Section (Shopping Cart Containment) is to prevent or reduce the accumulation of abandoned shopping carts in the city, which may obstruct pedestrian and vehicular traffic, and constitute a hazard to the health, safety, and general welfare of the public.

B. Applicability

Shopping cart containment requirements apply to projects involving new construction, site modification, use modification, and renovation for commercial uses established in Div. 5D.1.5. (General Commercial Uses) that provide six or more shopping carts.

c. Standards

1. General

a. Shopping Cart Noticing

every shopping cart owned or provided by any business establishment in the city shall have a notice permanently affixed to it that:

• i. identifies the owner of the shopping cart or the name of the business establishment, or both;

• ii. Notifies the public of the procedure to be utilized for authorized removal of the shopping cart from the business premises;

• iii. Notifies the public that the unauthorized removal of the shopping cart from the premises or parking area of the business establishment is a violation of state and city law;

• iv. lists a telephone number to contact to report the location of the abandoned shopping cart; and

• v. lists an address for returning the shopping cart to the owner or business establishment.

b. Shopping Cart Collection Areas

Shopping cart corrals and/or storage areas shall be provided with a minimum width of five feet and minimum depth of 15 feet, but shall not be located within a required frontage yard.

c. Signs

Signs that warn customers that shopping cart removal is prohibited and constitutes a violation of California Business and Professions Code, Sec. 22435.1. (Identification of Shopping and Laundry Carts) and Chapter IV. (Public Welfare), Sec. 41.45. (Unauthorized

| 4-200

Sec. 4C.12.8. (Shopping Cart Containment) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

[ FOrM - FrONtAGe - STANDARDS ] [ USe - DeNSitY ] Div. 4C.12. (Site Elements)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

Removal, Use Or Possession of Shopping Carts) of this code shall be installed and maintained at exits, shopping cart collection areas, and any vehicular or pedestrian accessways. Signs shall be no less than 16 inches by 20 inches, and placed at a minimum height of three feet and a maximum height of six feet.

2. Containment Methods

A project shall include a practical containment approach with one or more of the following containment methods to ensure that shopping carts remain on the premises.

a. Wheel Locking or Stopping Mechanisms

Shopping carts shall be equipped with a wheel locking or stopping mechanism that is used in conjunction with an electronic magnetic barrier along the perimeter of the commercial use or lot, including customer entrances, loading areas, basements, landscaped areas, along crossings and access points required for driveways, drive aisles, pedestrian accessways, and pedestrian passageways, or any other perimeter identified on a shopping cart containment plan. the wheel locking or stopping mechanism must activate when the shopping cart crosses the electronic or magnetic barrier.

b. Screening Plants

An F-Screen 1 (Sec. 4C.8.1.C.2.a.) shall be provided along the perimeter of the commercial use or lot, or any other perimeter identified on a shopping cart containment plan.

c. Bollards

Bollards shall be installed at customer entrances, or within 10 feet of the entrances, and shall be spaced at a maximum distance of 17 inches from each other or nearby enclosed space.

d. Other Methods

Other methods for shopping cart containment may be used, so long as the Department of Public Works, Bureau of Sanitation has approved the system or method as effectively containing or controlling shopping carts on the premises.

3. Performance Standards

Owners shall do all of the following and execute and record a covenant to the satisfaction of the Department of Public Works, Bureau of Sanitation to ensure compliance by the owner and any leasee:

a. Daily After Hours Cart Containment

Prepare and maintain a plan for securing shopping carts whenever the store is not open for business.

| 4-201

Sec. 4C.12.8. (Shopping Cart Containment) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

[ FOrM - FrONtAGe - STANDARDS ] [ USe - DeNSitY ] Div. 4C.12. (Site Elements)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

b. Shopping Cart Retrieval

retrieve their carts or provide evidence of a contract with a shopping cart retrieval service with terms requiring collection of abandoned shopping carts within 24 hours of notification of an abandoned shopping cart.

c. Employee Training

implement and maintain a periodic training program for its new and existing employees designed to educate employees about the abandonment and retrieval of shopping carts of the retail.

d. Shopping Cart Containment Plan

A shopping cart containment plan shall be prepared that identifies areas on a lot where shopping carts can be removed from the lot and identifies the proposed containment method for each area.

D. Measurement

[reserved].

e. Relief

1. Alternative compliance to the shopping cart containment standards established in this Section (Shopping Cart Containment) may be granted in accordance with Sec. 13B.5.1. (Alternative Compliance) .

2. A deviation from any shopping cart containment dimensional standard of 10 percent or less may be granted in accordance with Sec. 13B.5.2. (Adjustment) .

3. A deviation from any shopping cart containment standard may be granted as a variance in accordance with Sec. 13B.5.3. (Variance) .

F. Enforcement

regardless of Div. 13B.10. (Department of Building and Safety) , the Department of Public Works, Bureau of Sanitation shall have the authority and responsibility to enforce the provisions of this Section (Shopping Cart Containment) .

| 4-202

Sec. 4C.12.8. (Shopping Cart Containment) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

[ FOrM - FrONtAGe - STANDARDS ] [ USe - DeNSitY ] Div. 4C.13. (Environmental Protection)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A