Chapter 19.10 — COMMERCIAL AND PUBLIC ZONING DISTRICTS

This chapter provides regulations applicable to development of land uses in the commercial and public zoning districts established by Section 19.04.020 (Zoning Districts Established). These regulations are intended to encourage appropriate commercial, public and other compatible land uses in commercial and public zoning districts that are suitable, convenient, and meet community needs. Each zoning district is intended to ensure that commercial development preserves and enhances the integrity of that zoning district. All commercial zoning districts in West Hollywood are intended to provide and continue the sense of an urban village. (Ord. 01-594 § 2, 2001)

• A. CN1 (Commercial, Neighborhood 1) District. The CN1 zoning district identifies areas appropriate for low-intensity commercial land uses. The intent of the CN1 zoning district is to allow land uses that are small-scale, and that serve local residents. Appropriate land uses include neighborhood convenience uses and specialty shops. Mixed-use developments with residential uses on the second story above commercial uses are encouraged. The CN1 zoning district is consistent with the CN1 land use designation of the General Plan.

• B. CN2 (Commercial, Neighborhood 2) District. The CN2 zoning district identifies areas appropriate for low-intensity commercial land uses. The intent of the CN2 zoning district is to allow land uses that are small-scale, and that serve local residents. Appropriate land uses include neighborhood convenience uses and specialty shops. Residential uses are prohibited in this district. The CN2 zoning district is consistent with the CN2 land use designation of the General Plan.

• C. CC1 (Commercial, Community 1) District. The CC1 zoning district is intended to provide a wide variety of commercial opportunities to serve local community needs, as well as broader market areas. The CC1 zoning district identifies areas appropriate for a variety of commercial uses including: retail; professional offices; business support and personal services; entertainment uses; restaurants; specialty shops; overnight accommodations; cultural uses; and small-scale manufacturing uses related to design furnishings, galleries, motion pictures, television, music or design-related uses. Mixed-use developments with residential and office uses above businesses are encouraged, except in the commercial-only overlay district (19.14.090). The CC1 zoning district is consistent with the CC1 land use designations of the General Plan.

• D. CC2 (Commercial, Community 2) District. The CC2 zoning district is intended to provide a wide variety of commercial opportunities to serve local community needs, as well as broader market areas. The CC2 zoning district identifies areas appropriate for a variety of commercial uses including: retail; professional offices; business support and personal services; entertainment uses; restaurants; specialty shops; overnight accommodations; cultural uses; and small-scale manufacturing uses related to design furnishings, galleries, motion pictures, television, music or design-related uses. Mixed-use developments with residential and office uses above businesses are encouraged, except in the commercial-only overlay district (19.14.090). The CC2 zoning district is consistent with the CC2 land use designation of the General Plan.

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City of West Hollywood, CA

ZONING ORDINANCE

§ 19.10.020

§ 19.10.030

• E. CA (Commercial, Arterial) District. The CA zoning district identifies a full range of commercial uses appropriate for the primary, regional arterial streets through West Hollywood. These areas include "entryways" into the city. Appropriate uses include specialty retail and service businesses, restaurants, cultural, and entertainment-related uses. The CA zoning district is consistent with the C3 land use designation of the General Plan.

• F. CR (Commercial, Regional Center) District. The CR zoning district identifies areas that are principal commercial activity centers. Land uses in these areas may serve local, as well as regional market areas. The CR zoning district is consistent with the C4 land use designation of the General Plan.

• G. PDCSP (Pacific Design Center Specific Plan) District. The PDCSP zoning district identifies areas that are principal activity centers, including a regional destination for design-related industries. Land uses in these areas may serve local, as well as regional market areas. The PDCSP zoning district is consistent with the C4 land use designation of the General Plan.

• H. SSP (Sunset Specific Plan) District. The SSP zoning district identifies the areas along Sunset Boulevard which are included within the Sunset Specific Plan.

• I. PF (Public Facilities) District. The PF zoning district is intended to accommodate a wide range of public and quasi-public uses distributed throughout the community (e.g., schools, child care centers, transportation facilities, public buildings and facilities, museums, hospitals, cultural and recreational facilities and activities), and similar compatible uses. The PF zoning district is consistent with the P (Public) land use designation of the General Plan.

(Ord. 01-594 § 2, 2001; Ord. 12-882 § 7, 2012)

Table 2-5 identifies the uses of land allowed by this Zoning Ordinance in the commercial and public zoning districts, and the land use permit required to establish each use, in compliance with Section 19.04.040 (Zoning District Regulations). Permit requirements for additions to existing structures are determined by floor area; see Chapters 19.42 (Zone Clearances), 19.44 (Administrative Permits), and 19.48 (Development Permits).

Note: where the last column in the table ("Specific Use Regulations") includes a section number, the regulations in the referenced section apply to the use; however, provisions in other sections of this Zoning Ordinance may also apply.

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City of West Hollywood, CA

WEST HOLLYWOOD CODE

§ 19.10.030

§ 19.10.030

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TABLE 2-5
ALLOWED USES AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMERCIAL AND PUBLIC ZONING DISTRICTS
P Use Permitted1 CUP Conditional Use Permit Required
MCUP Minor Conditional Use Permit Required PCR Project Conformity Review
RI Rehabilitation Incentives — Use Not Allowed
[Explanatory Notes Follow at the End of the Table]
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PERMIT REQUIRED BY ZONE
Specific Use
LAND USES2 CN CC/SSP CA CR PDCSP PF3 Regulations
Accessory dwelling units P1, 14 P1, 14 P1, 14 P1, 14 — — 19.36.310
Accessory manufacturing — P1 P1 P1 PCR — 19.36.030
Accessory retail uses P1 P1 P1 P1 PCR P1 19.36.030
Adaptive reuse — Historic structure RI RI RI RI PCR RI Chapter 19.58
Adult businesses — P1 P1 P1 — — 19.36.050
Adult day care facilities MCUP MCUP MCUP MCUP — MCUP 19.36.040
Alcoholic beverage sales, off-site consumption CUP CUP CUP CUP CUP — 19.36.060
(retail or wholesale establishments)
Alcoholic beverages sales, on-site consumption4 P1 P1 P1 P1 P1 P1 19.36.060
Art galleries P1 P1 P1 P1 PCR P1
Artisan/handcraft shops P1 P1 P1 P1 PCR —
Artisan/craft product manufacturing AP P1 P1 P1 P1 PCR —
Auto parts sales — P1 P1 — — —
Automated teller machines (ATMs), exterior P1 P1 P1 P1 — P1 19.36.080
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City of West Hollywood, CA

§ 19.10.030

ZONING ORDINANCE

§ 19.10.030

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PERMIT REQUIRED BY ZONE
Specific Use
LAND USES2 CN CC/SSP CA CR PDCSP PF3 Regulations
Banks and financial services P1 P1 P1 P1 PCR — 19.36.085 (applicable
to SSP only)
Banquet facility — — — — PCR —
Bed and breakfast inns (B&Bs) CUP CUP CUP CUP — — 19.36.090
Broadcasting studios P1 P1 P1 P1 PCR —
Building material stores — P1 P1 P1 — —
Business support services P1 P1 P1 P1 PCR —
Cannabis adult-use retail P1 P1 P1 P1 — — 19.36.091 Chapter
5.70
Cannabis commercial cultivation (ancillary to P1 P1 P1 P1 — — Chapter 5.70
adult-use retail and medical-use dispensary)
Cannabis commercial cultivation (stand-alone — — — — — —
indoor facility)
Cannabis commercial cultivation (outdoor) — — — — — —
Cannabis consumption area (edible products only) P1 P1 P1 P1 — — 19.36.092 Chapter
with on-site adult-use retail (edible products for on- 5.70
site consumption only)
Cannabis consumption area (smoking, vaping, and P1 P1 P1 P1 — — 19.36.092 Chapter
edible products) with on-site adult-use retail 5.70 7.08.030
(smoking, vaping, and edible products for on-site
consumption only)
Cannabis delivery service (ancillary to adult-use P1 P1 P1 P1 — — 19.36.093
retail and medical-use dispensary)
Cannabis delivery service (office only) P1 P1 P1 P1 — — Chapter 5.70
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City of West Hollywood, CA

§ 19.10.030

§ 19.10.030

WEST HOLLYWOOD CODE

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PERMIT REQUIRED BY ZONE
Specific Use
LAND USES2 CN CC/SSP CA CR PDCSP PF3 Regulations
Cannabis distributor (ancillary to adult-use retail P P P P — —
and medical-use dispensary)
Cannabis distributor (stand-alone facility) — — — — — —
Cannabis manufacturer (ancillary to adult-use retail P P P P — — Chapter 5.70
and medical-use dispensary)
Cannabis manufacturer (stand-alone facility) — — — — — —
Cannabis medical-use dispensary P1 P1 P1 P1 — — 19.36.093 Chapter
5.70 19.36.030
Cannabis microbusiness — — — — — —
Cannabis mobile consumption lounges — — — — — —
Cannabis temporary use — — — — — —
Cannabis testing laboratory P1 P1 P1 P1 — —
Cardrooms CUP CUP CUP CUP — CUP
Caretaker housing P1, 12 P1, 12 P1 P1 — P1
Child day care centers MCUP MCUP MCUP MCUP MCUP MCUP 19.36.040
Clubs, lodges, and meeting halls CUP CUP CUP CUP PCR CUP
Common interest developments, new projects and P1, 12 P1, 12 P1 P1 PCR — 19.36.100
conversions
Community care facilities (6 or fewer clients) P P P P P —
Community care facilities (7 or more clients) CUP CUP CUP CUP CUP —
Community centers CUP CUP CUP CUP PCR CUP
Community gardens P1 P1 P1 P1 P1 P1
Convention centers — CUP CUP CUP CUP CUP
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ects and P1, 12 P1, 12 P1 P1 PCR — 19.36.100
conversions
Community care facilities (6 or fewer clients) P P P P P —
Community care facilities (7 or more clients) CUP CUP CUP CUP CUP —
Community centers CUP CUP CUP CUP PCR CUP
Community gardens P1 P1 P1 P1 P1 P1
Convention centers — CUP CUP CUP CUP CUP
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City of West Hollywood, CA

§ 19.10.030

§ 19.10.030

ZONING ORDINANCE

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PERMIT REQUIRED BY ZONE
Specific Use
LAND USES2 CN CC/SSP CA CR PDCSP PF3 Regulations
Conversion of commercial to residential uses P1 P1 P1 P1 P1 P1 19.36.400
(excluding hotels and motels)
Conversion of mixed-use residential units to CUP CUP CUP CUP — CUP 19.36.290
commercial
Corporate housing — — — — — — 19.36.100(B),
19.48.060
Electric vehicle charging site P1 — — — — — 19.36.392
Emergency shelters — P1,13,15 — — — — 19.36.125
Extended hour businesses P P P P P1 P 5.52
Farmers markets — P1 P1 P1 — P1
Firearm sales — CUP CUP CUP — — 19.36.134
General retail stores P1 P1 P1 P1 PCR11 P1,5
Grocery stores, 10,000 sq. ft. or more of floor area CUP CUP CUP CUP — —
Grocery stores, less than 10,000 sq. ft. of floor area P1 P1 P1 P1 — —
Hazardous materials storage requiring Fire Code — CUP CUP CUP — CUP 19.20.070
permit
Health/fitness facilities CUP CUP CUP CUP PCR11 CUP
Health/fitness facilities, personal training P1 P1 P1 P1 PCR11 P1
Heliports — CUP CUP CUP — CUP
Home businesses P1 P1 P1 P1 — — 19.36.140
Hotels — CUP10 CUP CUP — — 19.36.150
Indoor amusement/entertainment facilities — CUP CUP CUP — —
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City of West Hollywood, CA

§ 19.10.030

§ 19.10.030

WEST HOLLYWOOD CODE

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PERMIT REQUIRED BY ZONE
Specific Use
LAND USES2 CN CC/SSP CA CR PDCSP PF3 Regulations
Junior accessory dwelling units P1, 14 P1, 14 P1, 14 P1, 14 — — 19.36.310
Kiosks — P1 P1 P1 P1 P1 19.36.155
Laundries and dry cleaning plants — CUP CUP CUP — —
Libraries and museums P1 P1 P1 P1 PCR P1
Live/work units P1, 12 P1, 12 P1 P1 — 19.36.160
Low barrier navigation centers P P P P — — 19.36.165
Media production — P1 P1 P1 PCR — 19.36.180
Medical services — Clinics, offices and P1 P1 P1 P1 PCR P1
laboratories
Medical services — Hospitals CUP CUP CUP CUP — CUP
Microbreweries in conjunction with on-site sales — CUP CUP CUP — CUP
Mixed-use projects P1, 12 P1, 12 P1 P1 — — 19.36.170
Mortuaries and funeral homes CUP CUP CUP CUP — —
Newsstands and flower stands P1 P1 P1 P1 PCR P1 19.36.185
Nightclubs and bars CUP CUP CUP CUP — — 19.36.200
Nonconforming use or sign, extension of CUP CUP CUP CUP — — 19.72.040.D
amortization
Offices — Administrative/business/production/ P1 P1, 6 P1 P1 PCR —
professional
Offices - Government P1 P1 P1 P1 PCR P1
Organizational houses CUP CUP CUP CUP — CUP
Outdoor commercial recreation — CUP CUP CUP — CUP
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City of West Hollywood, CA

§ 19.10.030

§ 19.10.030

ZONING ORDINANCE

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PERMIT REQUIRED BY ZONE
Specific Use
LAND USES2 CN CC/SSP CA CR PDCSP PF3 Regulations
Outdoor storage — P1 P1 P1 PCR P1 19.36.230
Palm readers, fortune tellers, psychics, etc. P1 P1 P1 P1 — —
Parking — Mechanical lifts P1 P1 P1 P1 P1 P1 19.28.090
Parking — Automated structures (accessory retail P1 P1 P1 P1 P1 P1 19.28.090
required)
Parking structures (accessory retail required) P1 P1 P1 P1 PCR P1 Chapter 19.28
Parks and playgrounds CUP CUP CUP CUP — P1
Pawn shops — CUP7 — — — — 19.36.240
Personal services P1 P1 P1 P1 PCR P1
Pet shops — P1, 16 P1, 16 P1, 16 — P1, 16
Pharmacies — P1 P1 P1 — P1
Plant nurseries and garden supply stores MCUP MCUP MCUP MCUP — —
Printing and publishing — CUP CUP CUP PCR —
Public safety facilities CUP CUP CUP CUP — CUP 19.36.250
Recycling facilities — Reverse vending machines — P1 P1 P1 — P1 19.36.260
Recycling facilities — Small collection facility — CUP CUP CUP — CUP 19.36.260
Religious facilities/places of worship CUP CUP CUP CUP CUP —
Research and development (R&D) — CUP CUP CUP PCR —
Residential care facilities, 6 or fewer clients P1 P1 P1 P1 P1 —
Residential care facilities, 7 to 12 clients MCUP MCUP MCUP MCUP MCUP —
Residential care facilities, more than 12 clients CUP CUP CUP CUP CUP —
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ious facilities/places of worship CUP CUP CUP CUP CUP —
Research and development (R&D) — CUP CUP CUP PCR —
Residential care facilities, 6 or fewer clients P1 P1 P1 P1 P1 —
Residential care facilities, 7 to 12 clients MCUP MCUP MCUP MCUP MCUP —
Residential care facilities, more than 12 clients CUP CUP CUP CUP CUP —
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City of West Hollywood, CA

§ 19.10.030

§ 19.10.030

WEST HOLLYWOOD CODE

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PERMIT REQUIRED BY ZONE
Specific Use
LAND USES2 CN CC/SSP CA CR PDCSP PF3 Regulations
Restaurants P1 P1 P1 P1 PCR P1 19.36.210
Restaurants with alcoholic beverage sales, on- and P1 P1 P1 P1 PCR P1 19.36.210, 19.36.060
off-site consumption with appropriate ABC License
Restaurants — Outdoor dining P1 P1 P1 P1 PCR P1 19.36.210
Schools — Public and private CUP CUP CUP CUP CUP CUP
Schools — Specialized education and training CUP CUP CUP CUP CUP —
Service stations, electric vehicle (EV) CUP CUP CUP CUP — — 19.36.394
Service stations, internal combustion engine vehicle — — — — — — 19.36.330
(ICEV)
Service stations – Modifications or expansion of — CUP CUP CUP — — 19.36.330, 19.72.050
existing
Shared housing building P1, 14 P1, 14 P1, 14 P1, 14 — — 19.36.328
Short-term rental for five days or more of up to CUP in SSP 19.36.275
30% of units within a building that received an only
administrative permit for rental of dwelling units
for 31 days or more pursuant to Section 19.36.275
Short-term rental of a dwelling unit, or any portion — — — — — — 19.36.331
thereof, for a period of 30 consecutive calendar
days or less
Single room occupancy housing — CUP1, 13, 14 — — — — 19.36.335
Smoking areas — Outdoor, accessory to any use, P1 P1 P1 P1 PCR P1, 10 19.36.340
without the consumption of alcohol
Smoking areas — Outdoor, accessory to any use, CUP CUP CUP CUP MCUP CUP10 19.36.340
with the consumption of alcohol
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City of West Hollywood, CA

§ 19.10.030

§ 19.10.030

ZONING ORDINANCE

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PERMIT REQUIRED BY ZONE
Specific Use
LAND USES2 CN CC/SSP CA CR PDCSP PF3 Regulations
Special events (8) (8) (8) (8) PCR (8) (8) Chapter 19.54
Studios — Art, dance, music, photography, etc. P1 P1 P1 P1 PCR —
Supper clubs MCUP MCUP MCUP MCUP — — 19.36.345
Supportive housing P1,12,14 P1,12,14 P1,12,14 P1,12,14 — —
Supportive housing — Multifamily structure, 50 P12,14 P12,14 P12,14 P12,14 — — 19.36.280, Gov't Code
units or less § 65651.
Nonresidential floor
area dedicated for
services satisfies any
mixed-use
requirement.
Supportive housing — Multifamily structure, more P1,12,14 P1,12,14 1,12,14 1,12,14 — — 19.36.280, Gov't Code
than 50 units § 65651.
Nonresidential floor
area dedicated for
services satisfies any
mixed-use
requirement.
Telecommunications facilities P1 P1 P1 P1 PCR P1 19.36.350
Temporary uses (8) (8) (8) (8) PCR (8) (8) Chapter 19.54
Theaters — CUP CUP CUP PCR CUP
Tobacco product shops — CUP CUP CUP — — 19.36.354
Transitional housing P1,12,14 P1,12,14 P1,12,14 P1,12,14 — —
Transit stations and terminals — — — — — P1
Transit stop shelters P1 P1 P1 P1 PCR P1
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City of West Hollywood, CA

§ 19.10.030

§ 19.10.030

WEST HOLLYWOOD CODE

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PERMIT REQUIRED BY ZONE
Specific Use
LAND USES2 CN CC/SSP CA CR PDCSP PF3 Regulations
Urban inns CUP9 CUP9 CUP9 — — —
Utility facilities CUP CUP CUP CUP — CUP
Utility infrastructure P1 P1 P1 P1 PCR P1
Vehicle maintenance and repair — CUP CUP CUP — — 19.36.370
Vehicle sales/rental — P1 P1 — — — 19.36.380
Veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, kennels, CUP CUP CUP CUP — —
boarding
Warehousing, wholesaling and distribution, P1 P1 P1 P1 PCR —
accessory
Wholesale design showroom P1 P1 P1 P1 PCR —
Zero emission vehicle (ZEV) showroom P1 P1 P1 P1 P1 P1 19.36.390
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Notes:
(1) Zone clearance or development permit may be required; see Chapters 19.42, 19.44 and 19.48 or regulated by another chapter of the municipal code as referenced.
(2) See Section 19.03.020(E) regarding uses not listed. See Article 19-6 for definitions of the listed uses.
(3) See Municipal Code Chapter 11.12 regarding uses in public parks.
(4) Accessory to a restaurant, coffee house and live theater.
(5) Use prohibited within city parks.
(6) Ground floor office use not permitted in certain areas of the SSP district by the Sunset Specific Plan.
(7) Use not allowed within the SSP (Sunset Specific Plan) district.
(8) See Chapter 19.54 for requirements and procedures for Special Event Permits and Temporary Use Permits.
(9) Allowed on San Vicente Boulevard only, except within the Sherbourne Triangle site.
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§ 19.10.030 ZONING ORDINANCE § 19.10.030
Notes:
(10) Not allowed within the Sherbourne Triangle site.
(11) See the Pacific Design Center Specific Plan for details.
(12) Not allowed in the CN2 district or in the commercial-only overlay district.
(13) Allowed only on properties with frontage on Santa Monica Boulevard, outside the commercial-only overlay district.
(14) As part of a mixed-use development only.
(15) A conditional use permit may be required if the city's demonstrated need has been met. See Section 19.36.125.
(16) No pet shop shall display, sell, deliver, offer for sale, barter, auction, give away, or otherwise transfer or dispose of dogs or cats in the City of West Hollywood.
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City of West Hollywood, CA § 19.10.030

WEST HOLLYWOOD CODE

§ 19.10.040

(Ord. 01-594 § 2, 2001; Ord. 02-643 §§ 3, 4, 5, 2003; Ord. 03-657 § 5 (2), 2003; Ord. 03-670 § 5, 2003; Ord. 04-677 § 4, 2004; Ord. 06-734 § 7 [Att. C], 2006; Ord. 06-741 § 6 [Att. A], 2006; Ord. 07-743 § 7, 2007; Ord. 09-829 § 4, 2009; Ord. 09-833 § 6, 2009; Ord. 12-882 § 7, 2012; Ord. 12-903 § 6, 2012; Ord. 13-914 § 2, 2013; Ord. 14-940 § 10, 2014; Ord. 15-958 § 3, 2015; Ord. 15-965 § 7, 2015; Ord. 17-1014 §§ 9, 10, 2017; Ord. 17-1016 § 10, 2017; Ord. 17-999 § 7, 2017; Ord. 19-1097 § 7, 2020; Ord. 20-1112 § 11, 2020; Ord. 22-1186 § 7, 2022; Ord. 22-1190 § 11, 2022; Ord. 23-27, 1/22/2024; Ord. 25-12, 7/7/2025; Ord. 25-19, 8/18/2025; Ord. 25-27, 12/15/2025; Ord. 25-28, 12/15/2025)

• A. General Requirements. Proposed land uses and structures, and alterations to existing land uses and structures, shall be designed, constructed, and/or established in compliance with the requirements in Table 2-6, in addition to the applicable development standards (e.g., landscaping, parking and loading, etc.) in Article 19-3 (Site Planning and General Development Standards).

• B. Requirements for the SSP (Sunset Specific Plan) District. Standards for development and land uses within the SSP (Sunset Specific Plan) zoning district shall be determined by the Sunset Specific Plan. Floor area ratio (FAR) and height incentive bonuses may be allowed in addition to the FARs and maximum structure heights allowed by the Sunset Specific Plan in compliance with Section 19.10.050 (Commercial Development Incentives).

• C. Requirements for the PDCSP (Pacific Design Center Specific Plan) District. Standards for development and land uses within the PDCSP zoning district shall be determined by the Pacific Design Center Specific Plan.

• D. Additional Requirements. The development standards in Table 2-6 are supplemented by Sections 19.10.050 (Commercial Development Incentives), and 19.10.060 (Commercial Building Façade Standards).

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TABLE 2-6
COMMERCIAL AND PUBLIC ZONING DISTRICT GENERAL DEVELOPMENT
STANDARDS
The following are the minimum setbacks required. See Section 19.20.150 for setback
measurement. See Table 3-2 for projections allowed into setbacks.
Requirement by Zoning District
Development
Feature CN CC CA CR PF
Minimum lot area 5,000 sq. ft.
Residential floor Determined through land use permit process based on allowable
1 FAR.
area
Floor area ratio 2 CN1 and CC1: 1.5 2.5 3.0 N/A
CN2: 1.0 maximum maximum maximum
maximum
CC2: 2.0
maximum
4 The following are the minimum setbacks required. See Section
Setbacks required
19.20.150 for setback measurement.
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City of West Hollywood, CA

ZONING ORDINANCE

§ 19.10.040

§ 19.10.040

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TABLE 2-6
COMMERCIAL AND PUBLIC ZONING DISTRICT GENERAL DEVELOPMENT
STANDARDS
The following are the minimum setbacks required. See Section 19.20.150 for setback
measurement. See Table 3-2 for projections allowed into setbacks.
Requirement by Zoning District
Development
Feature CN CC CA CR PF
Front See Section 19.10.060 (Commercial Building Façade Standards).
Sides 10 ft. if adjacent to a parcel in a residential zoning district, or more
as necessary to provide a minimum separation of 15 ft. between
commercial and residential structures; none required otherwise.
Street side, corner No minimum required; a maximum of 25 ft. is allowed.
lot
Rear 10 ft. if adjacent to a parcel in a residential zoning district, or more
as necessary to provide a minimum separation of 15 ft. between
commercial and residential structures; none required otherwise.
Upper floor See Section 19.10.060 (Commercial Building Façade Standards).
Between structures As required by Section 19.20.040 (Distance Between Structures).
3 CN1 and CC1: 35 ft., 60 ft., 5 90 ft., 8 N/A
Height limit
CN2: 25 ft., 3 stories stories stories
2 stories
CC2: 45 ft.,
4 stories
Landscaping As required by Chapter 19.26 (Landscaping Standards).
Outdoor activities All sales, displays and storage shall be conducted within an
enclosed building, except for newsstands and flower stands in
compliance with Section 19.36.185.
Parking and loading As required by Chapter 19.28 (Off-Street Parking and Loading
Standards)
Safety and seismic For new construction and building additions, as required by
safety Chapter 19.32 (Seismic Safety) in fault precaution zones and
liquefaction areas. Critical facilities (such as police stations or
hospitals), sensitive facilities (such as nursing homes or day care
facilities) and high occupancy facilities (such as hotels, nightclubs
or restaurants) are also subject to Chapter 19.32 (Seismic Safety).
Sidewalks Sidewalks shall be provided at a minimum width of 10 ft. See
Section 19.20.160.
Signs As required by Chapter 19.34 (Sign Standards)
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Notes:

• (1) Maximum floor area that may be occupied by dwellings. See also Chapter 19.22 (Affordable Housing Requirements and Incentives) for possible density bonuses.

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City of West Hollywood, CA § 19.10.040

WEST HOLLYWOOD CODE

§ 19.10.050

• (2) Maximum FAR allowed, except as otherwise provided by Section 19.10.050 (Commercial Development Incentives).

• (3) Maximum allowable height for structures, except as otherwise provided by Section 19.10.050 (Commercial Development Incentives). See Section 19.20.080 (Height Measurement and Exceptions).

• (4) The review authority may grant deviations from required setbacks where the review authority finds, based on substantial evidence, that the combination of height and setbacks or similar standards for a code compliant development triggers requirements for life safety access methods that would conflict with city plans or policies that have been adopted by the City Council. The deviation shall be to the minimum extent necessary to avoid the conflict with city plans or policies. By way of example only, when the combination of height and setbacks triggers the need for installation of a new fire lane or the removal of mature trees to provide fire department access to the development, the applicable setback may be reduced by the review authority to the minimum extent necessary to site the building closer to the street for the fire department to safely access the building without having to create a new fire lane or require removal of the mature trees.

(Ord. 01-594 § 2, 2001; Ord. 02-619 § 3, 2002; Ord. 12-882 § 7, 2012; Ord. 17-1007 § 6, 2017; Ord. 19-1084 § 7, 2019)

This section provides incentives in the form of bonus increases in allowable FAR, building height, and floor area, to encourage commercial projects to provide certain features desired by the city. These incentives may be granted by the review authority where a proposed project complies with the criteria provided for each incentive by this section; provided that no bonus incentives are permitted for a project that proposes the demolition of a cultural resource.

• A. Mixed-Use Development Incentives. FAR and height bonuses may be granted by the review authority as follows for mixed-use projects that include both commercial and residential development. The additional allowed floor area shall be developed exclusively with residential units, except where otherwise provided by this subsection.

  1. Mixed-Use Incentive Overlay Zone. In the mixed-use incentive overlay zone (Section 19.14.080), FAR of up to 0.5 may be granted in addition to the base FAR for a project that incorporates residential units into a commercial project. Except as provided below, a height bonus of up to 10 feet may accompany a FAR bonus of up to 0.5 for residential uses provided that:

     • a. If the proposed project is adjacent to an R1, R2, R3, or R4 residential zoning district, the 25 feet of the structure located closest to the residential zoning district, not including projections into setbacks, shall be limited to 35 feet in height, and the impact of the structure shall be mitigated to the satisfaction of the Planning Commission with architectural, or additional landscape elements; and

     • b. Any square footage of the building where the height bonus is utilized shall be developed exclusively with residential units, except that the Planning Commission may authorize a hotel use in the height bonus area as part of the

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City of West Hollywood, CA

ZONING ORDINANCE

§ 19.10.050

§ 19.10.050

conditional use permit for the hotel. If hotel use is authorized in the height bonus area, the square footage that is allocated for hotel use shall be replaced with an equivalent square footage of residential uses elsewhere in the project.

• B. Sunset Specific Plan Area Commercial Development Bonuses. The following development incentive bonuses in FAR, building height, and floor area may be granted within the SSP zoning district, in the locations noted.

==> picture [400 x 413] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
SUNSET SPECIFIC PLAN
AREA COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT BONUSES TABLE
SSP Site Allowable FAR Bonus and Project Requirements
1B, 1C, 2B, 3B, 3C 0.5 for residential uses
4A 0.5 for consolidated development; 0.2 for provision of a park
4C, 4D, 4F 0.5 for residential uses; 0.2 for theater use
7A 0.1 for structure renovation
7C 0.5 for residential uses; 0.2 for a landmark design
7D 0.1 for structure renovation
8D 0.1 for a landmark design
SSP Site Allowable Height Bonus and Project Requirements
1A 50 ft., to a maximum height of 85 ft. for a landmark design
3D, 3E 10 ft., to a maximum height of 45 ft. for remodeling of existing
structures
4A 50 ft., to a maximum height of 85 ft. for a landmark design
6B 15 ft., to a maximum height of 60 ft. for consolidated development
6E 60 ft., to a maximum height of 100 ft. for the integrated
development of several parcels
SSP Site Allowable FAR Bonus and Project Requirements
SSP Site Allowable Floor Area Bonus and Project Requirements
2B, 3A, 3D, 3E A bonus of 6,500 square ft., with no additional parking
requirement, for the development of pedestrian oriented uses
7A An FAR bonus of 0.1, with no additional parking requirement, for
the development of pedestrian-oriented uses
----- End of picture text -----

• C. Avenues Commercial Development Bonuses.

  1. Floor area and building height bonuses may be granted by the review authority to qualifying commercial projects in the Avenues Bonus Overlay District (19.14.100). The following development bonuses are permitted for projects which satisfy the findings in subsection (C)(2):

     • a. An increase of up to 10 feet in height; and

     • b. An increase of up to 0.5 FAR; or

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City of West Hollywood, CA

WEST HOLLYWOOD CODE

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§ 19.10.060

  - c. For projects on the north side of Melrose Avenue between Robertson and San Vicente Boulevards, immediately adjacent to the West Hollywood Park Library and Parking Garage, an increase of up to 20 feet in height and 0.75 FAR may be allowed. 

2. The Avenues Commercial Development Bonuses may be approved, only if the review authority first finds all of the following:

   • a. The development is consistent with the city's General Plan;

   • b. The height, floor area ratio, modulation, and setbacks create a development that is compatible with the character of Melrose Avenue;

   • c. The development will contribute to and enhance the character of the neighborhood and foster an appropriate mix of uses including a pedestrian friendly environment in the vicinity of the development;

   • d. The development does not result in detrimental impacts to existing or anticipated residential or commercial development in the vicinity of the project;

   • e. The development incorporates quality architecture to enhance the arts, fashion, and design focus of the Avenues District; and

   • f. The development includes public benefits.

• D. Gateway Mixed-Use Incentive.

1. Floor area and building height bonuses may be granted by the review authority to qualifying commercial projects on the parcels bounded by Santa Monica Boulevard, Almont Drive, and Melrose Avenue. The following bonuses are permitted for projects which satisfy the criteria set forth in subsection (D)(2) below:

   • a. An increase of up to 15 feet in height; and

   • b. An increase of up to 0.5 FAR.

   2. The Gateway Mixed-Use Incentive bonuses may be approved only if the review authority first finds that all of the following criteria are satisfied:

      • a. The project maintains at least 20 percent of the total site area as open space, of which 40 percent is maintained as pedestrian open space or pedestrian walkthroughs open to the sky;

      • b. The project provides a double row of trees along Santa Monica Boulevard; and

      • c. The portions of the project exceeding 55 feet in height are located within 250 feet of the centerline of Santa Monica Boulevard.

(Ord. 01-594 § 2, 2001; Ord. 05-698 § 4, 2005; Ord. 07-756 § 6 [Att. A], 2007; Ord. 07-780 § 7, 2007; Ord. 08-802 § 2, 2009; Ord. 12-882 § 7, 2012; Ord. 12-890 § 7, 2012; Ord. 14-943 § 6, 2014; Ord. 17-1007 § 7, 2017; Ord. 19-1058 § 12, 2019)

The following standards shall apply to new structures and alterations to existing structures

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City of West Hollywood, CA

ZONING ORDINANCE

§ 19.10.060

§ 19.10.060

involving a change in the level of the first story or a change in the façade at the street frontage, in all commercial zoning districts. The review authority may approve minor variations to these standards as appropriate, provided that the general spirit and intent of the standards are implemented to the satisfaction of the Community Development Director. (See also Commercial and Public Use Design Guidelines, Chapter G-12 [1] .)

• A. Limitation on the Location of Allowable Land Uses. The uses of land allowed in the commercial zoning districts by Table 2-5 shall be located as follows.

  1. The ground floor of any commercial block shall be limited to pedestrian-oriented uses. Pedestrian uses may include walk-in uses such as restaurants, retail stores, health/fitness facilities, personal services, community service organizations, and similar uses. The review authority may modify this requirement when existing structures are reused for different tenants or uses, or when this standard is infeasible.

  2. Offices and media production facilities are permitted if the review authority determines that the use will not impair the pedestrian character of the street, provided that:

     • a. Properties on the block occupied by these uses constitute less than 50 percent of the block frontage;

     • b. The remainder of the block is characterized primarily by retail and restaurant uses; and

     • c. The façade design contributes to the visual interest of the street and conspicuously expresses the nature of the use.

  3. Nonprofit clinics or related uses may occupy properties with a total of less than 50 percent or 150 feet, whichever is less, of block frontage.

• B. Building Placement. Commercial building façades parallel to the street shall be located within 10 feet of the public sidewalk, except that:

  1. The façade may be set back a maximum of one-third of the parcel depth or a maximum of 60 feet from the street property line, whichever is less, along 50 percent of its length; and

  2. An additional setback of 16 feet from the street property line may be allowed along an additional 50 percent of the façade length to accommodate plazas, landscape, public art, water fountains, benches, outdoor dining, and other pedestrian amenities.

• C. First Floor Elevation. A minimum of 75 percent of the first occupiable floor of the street frontage of a commercial structure shall be located no more than two vertical feet above or below the sidewalk elevation at any point along the street property line.

• D. Architectural Treatment. Building design shall comply with the following requirements.

1. Façade Articulation. To encourage the continuity of visual and pedestrian services, at least 60 percent of the total street frontage ground floor width of any new or reconstructed building shall be differentiated architecturally by recessed windows and

1. Editor's Note: Chapter G-12, Commercial and Public Use Design Guidelines, is included as an attachment to this title.

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City of West Hollywood, CA § 19.10.060

WEST HOLLYWOOD CODE

§ 19.10.060

entries, display windows, offset surfaces, differentiated piers and columns, offset planes, textured materials, awnings, and compatibility landscaping or other details, or other displays which are of interest to pedestrians. Where a substantial length of windowless wall is determined by the review authority to be unavoidable, eyelevel display, a contrast in wall treatment, an offset wall line, decorative features, outdoor seating or landscaping shall be used to enhance visual interest and pedestrian orientation.

2. Parapets. Parapet extensions of a storefront façade shall be incorporated and integrated into the design of the entire building on all façades and frontages, and shall not be limited to street front façades.

3. Windows. Clear, untinted glass shall be used at and near the street level to allow maximum visual interaction between sidewalk areas and the interior of buildings. Mirrored, reflective glass or tinted glass shall not be used except as an architectural or decorative accent.

4. Railings and Decorative Grilles. Any decorative railings or decorative grille work that is placed in front of or behind street level windows, shall be at least 75 percent open to perpendicular view and no more than six feet in height above grade. Security gates and grilles shall not be installed on the exterior of any structures.

5. Upper Story Design Features. A minimum of 50 percent of the building frontage width above the first story shall be differentiated by recessed windows, balconies, offset planes, or other architectural details which provide dimensional relief.

6. Signage. Signs shall be designed in compliance with a Comprehensive Sign Program when required by Section 19.34.070.

7. Banks and Financial Services in the Sunset Specific Plan Area (SSPA). The use of reflective or obscured glass windows, and permanent window coverings that do not allow for a visual connection between the sidewalk and the interior of the building, is prohibited on the ground-floor for all banks or financial service institutions in the SSPA.

• E. Pedestrian Access. The primary entrance to all ground floor stores shall be recessed a minimum of three feet when accessed from the public right-of-way. Walk-up facilities and entries shall be recessed and provide adequate queuing space to avoid interruption of the pedestrian flow.

• F. Driveways. Driveways shall be designed and located to adequately serve parking facilities without unnecessarily interrupting the pedestrian sidewalk.

(Ord. 01-594 § 2, 2001; Ord. 02-643 §§ 6, 7, 2003; Ord. 12-903 § 7, 2012; Ord. 19-1058 § 13, 2019; Ord. 24-16, 6/24/2024)

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City of West Hollywood, CA