Local zoning · El Segundo

El Segundo — Variances and Exceptions

Variances and Exceptions under the El Segundo local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page explains how the City of El Segundo's zoning code handles requests that bend, waive, or adjust zoning rules — commonly called variances, exceptions, adjustments, and waivers. The City's rules live in the Zoning Code (Title 15 of the El Segundo Municipal Code); the code gives different authorities (Director, Planning Commission, City Council) specific powers and required findings for each type of relief. Read this page as a code‑grounded summary (with citations) — verify parcel‑specific limits with the Community Development Director.

First‑mention links to related topics (used in the explanations below): the City zoning overview is at El Segundo Zoning; setbacks and dimensional rules are in El Segundo Development Standards; parking rules and reductions are in El Segundo Parking; design or site changes that trigger discretionary review are handled with El Segundo Design Review; overlay rules are in El Segundo Overlay Districts; accessory dwelling rules are at El Segundo ADUs; and technical building variances (flood/building code matters) refer to the California Building Standards Code.

What the El Segundo code actually provides (high‑level)

The Director can grant targeted administrative waivers/adjustments where the code authorizes it and specific findings are met (examples: public‑improvement waivers, parking adjustments, fence/wall height adjustments) — see § 15-31-5 for public improvement waivers and § 15-15-6 (and related parking subparts) for parking adjustments.
Density‑bonus applicants may request waivers/reductions of development standards under the local density bonus chapter; the City must grant them unless explicit findings (state‑law exceptions) apply — § 15-35-5.
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities are a separate, defined administrative path with its own application, review timeline and specific findings — § 15-36-4 – § 15-36-7.
Long‑standing nonconforming uses and buildings have rules that limit enlargement and require partial retrofit when reconstruction exceeds thresholds (the nonconforming chapter and its retention/expansion limits) — § 15-21-2 – § 15-21-6.
Parking, fence and other technical "exceptions" are implemented by adjustments (Director or Planning Commission depending on the magnitude) and require studies or findings (example: parking demand study) — see § 15-15-6 and related parking exceptions language.
Appeals of Director decisions go to the Planning Commission; Planning Commission decisions are appealable to the City Council — § 15-29-2 – § 15-29-3.

District-by-district: how variances/exceptions commonly play out in key El Segundo zones

Note: the code sets zone‑specific development standards in their articles; variance/adjustment paths are handled by the procedural chapters cited above. Where the code text for a zone is available in the retrieved materials, I list the controlling site‑standards section and the most decision‑relevant dimensions below.

R-1 (Single‑Family Residential) — R-1

Purpose: preserve single‑family neighborhoods; promote safe single‑family development. See § 15-4B-1.
Typical permitted uses: single‑family dwellings and accessory uses; the Article points to the permitted‑use list in Article 15‑4A (see § 15-4B-2).
Key dimensional standards (decision‑relevant): front yard 22 ft, side yards = 10% of lot width (not <3 ft, generally ≤6 ft), minimum lot area 5,000 sq ft, height limits: pitched roof 32 ft / 2 stories, flat roof 26 ft / 2 stories, lot width 50 ft (site standards in § 15-4B-3). These are the standards that any variance/adjustment would have to be measured against.
Where it applies: Single‑family neighborhoods mapped by the General Plan; see the zone table and Article 15‑4B.

R-3 (Multi‑Family Residential) — R-3

Purpose & permitted uses: multi‑family housing (see Article 15-4D).
Key dimensional standards: front yard encumbrances allowed up to 6 ft for porches, side yards typically 10% of lot width (min 3 ft), rear yard frequently 10 ft (varies by sub‑article), lot coverage and FAR rules differ by sub‑article — full site standards at § 15-4D‑3 – § 15-4D‑7. These standards are the baseline for any adjustment or conditional use.

MU‑S (Urban Mixed Use South) — MU‑S

Purpose/where used: mixed‑use locations identified in the General Plan / zoning map (see MU districts in the code); the code contains MU zones such as MU‑N and MU‑S in Article 15‑5.
Decision‑relevant note: The code explicitly allows limited projection of architectural features into required setbacks for nonconforming expansions in MU‑S (architectural features may project up to 5 ft but must maintain 15 ft to a lot line) — this is an example where the nonconforming rules + zone standards intersect when an applicant requests adjustments or expansions; cite § 15-21-6(B)(1).
Permitted uses / full standards: Not exhaustively reproduced here; consult Article 15‑5 MU‑zone sections and the zoning map. Verify with the Community Development Director for parcel‑specific allowable uses. Not found in retrieved materials as a consolidated permitted‑use list excerpt.

M‑2 (Heavy Industrial) — M‑2

Purpose/where used: heavy industrial/service uses (see Article references for industrial zones). Specific code excerpts treat nonconforming‑building vacancy and upgrade timeframes differently in M‑2 — e.g., vacancy triggers for upgrade are shorter in M‑2: see § 15-21-7.
Why this matters for exceptions: the M‑2 zone has stricter nonconforming vacancy/upgrade rules; a variance or exception that allows continued nonconforming operation must account for those time limits.

Quick reference table — decision‑relevant standards and authorities

Topic or relief	What the City rule says (short)	Code reference
Director waivers for public‑improvement dedications	Director may waive right‑of‑way / improvement requirements when seven specific findings are met (e.g., emergency access preserved).	§ 15‑31‑5
Density‑bonus waiver/reduction of development standards	City must grant waivers for density‑bonus projects unless the code/state findings disallow.	§ 15‑35‑5
Reasonable accommodation for disability	Director reviews; approval requires five specific findings (necessity, no fundamental alteration, no undue burden).	§ 15‑36‑4 – § 15‑36‑7
Parking reductions/adjustments	Director can reduce required parking up to 20% (or 20 spaces) with a parking demand study; larger or unusual requests may go to the Planning Commission.	§ 15‑15‑6(C) / § 15‑15‑3(J)
Nonconforming building expansion limits	Additions allowed provided they do not remove > 50% of exterior perimeter wall height; if >50% removed, full compliance required.	§ 15‑21‑3(D) / § 15‑21‑5
Appeals of Director decisions	Appeal to Planning Commission within 10 days; Planning Commission decisions appealable to City Council.	§ 15‑29‑2 – § 15‑29‑3
Technical (flood/building) variances	Building/flood variances are governed by the California Building Code Appendix G variance rules and local amendment processes.	CBC App. G § G106 (2025 CBC excerpt)

How to use the code in practice — Checklist for an applicant

Confirm whether you are requesting an adjustment, waiver, reasonable accommodation, or variance under the code; the requested relief route affects the application form and findings required (see § 15‑31‑5, § 15‑35‑5, § 15‑36‑4 – § 15‑36‑6, § 15‑15‑6).
Prepare the factual support the code asks for: e.g., a parking demand study for parking reductions, documentation showing a development standard physically precludes a density‑bonus building for waiver requests, or disability documentation for reasonable accommodations. See § 15‑15‑6(C) (parking) and § 15‑35‑5(A) (density bonus).
Check zone‑specific development standards that the request would relax (e.g., R‑1 site standards § 15‑4B‑3) and prepare dimensioned drawings showing the proposed condition vs. code standard.
Identify any overlays or specific plans affecting the parcel and whether exceptions are constrained there (see Article 15‑5 MU zones and Overlay references).
Be ready for notice and appeal periods: Director decisions can be appealed to the Planning Commission within 10 days (see § 15‑29‑2).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Which authority should decide (Director vs Planning Commission)?	Different relief types & magnitudes are delegated differently; the wrong application route delays approval.	Confirm the correct procedural path for your exact request (Director adjustment, Planning Commission adjustment, or conditional/variance) — verify with the Community Development Director and reference the specific chapter cited for the relief (e.g., § 15‑15‑6(J) for parking exceptions).
Coastal Zone / CDP overlap	Coastal Zone projects may need a Coastal Development Permit in addition to any variance/adjustment.	If parcel is west of Vista Del Mar or in Coastal Zone, verify CDP applicability under § 15‑26‑2. Not found in the project materials? Confirm with the City’s Coastal Program staff.
Historic resources or listed properties	Waivers or reductions may be denied where they adversely affect properties listed on California Register.	If property is historic, check the cultural resources chapter and the density‑bonus waiver exclusions (see § 15‑35‑5(A)(3) and cultural development/exemption provisions).
Nonconforming status and reconstruction thresholds	Exceeding the 50% exterior perimeter wall rebuild threshold can force full conformance (loss of nonconforming status).	Confirm existing nonconforming status and calculate whether proposed work will exceed § 15‑21‑3(D) thresholds. If uncertain, get a code interpretation from the Director.
Overlap with State law (density/ADU)	State laws (e.g., Government Code density‑bonus, ADU statutes) impose mandatory relief and limit local discretion.	For density bonus waivers and ADU exceptions, use the density‑bonus chapter § 15‑35 and the ADU article 15‑4E; when the local code defers to state law the state law may prevail. Verify interplay with Government Code § 65915 and state ADU law (local ADU article references state law).

Plain‑English summary

If you need the City to bend a rule (smaller setback, fewer parking spots, or a one‑off waiver), El Segundo’s Zoning Code uses several specific paths: Director adjustments (minor technical exceptions), Planning Commission reviews (larger or discretionary adjustments), density‑bonus waivers (for qualifying housing projects), and reasonable accommodation requests (for disability‑related changes). Each path has a short list of findings the City must make; read the relevant § (examples: § 15‑31‑5, § 15‑35‑5, § 15‑36‑6, § 15‑15‑6) and expect to submit the studies or documentation those sections require.

Source References

El Segundo Zoning Code (Title 15 of ESMC), general title and definitions: § 15‑1‑1 – § 15‑1‑6.
Nonconforming uses and structures: § 15‑21‑2 – § 15‑21‑6.
Director waiver (public improvements / dedications): § 15‑31‑5.
Density bonus waivers (waiver/reduction of development standards): § 15‑35‑5.
Reasonable accommodations (for disabilities): § 15‑36‑4 – § 15‑36‑7.
Parking adjustments and required parking tables: § 15‑15‑6 and the parking exceptions/adjustment language § 15‑15‑3(J) / related subsections.
R‑1 site standards (single‑family): § 15‑4B‑1; § 15‑4B‑3 (site development standards).
MU‑S reference in nonconforming expansion rules: § 15‑21‑6(B)(1).
Appeals/procedures: § 15‑29‑2 – § 15‑29‑3.
California Building Code (Appendix G) — flood variance considerations: G106 (excerpted in the retrieved 2025 CBC material).

Sources

Retrieved passages

El Segundo Zoning Code (Section 65915) High relevance
El Segundo Zoning Code (title related) High relevance
El Segundo Zoning Code High relevance
El Segundo Zoning Code (Chapter 4) High relevance
El Segundo Zoning Code (chapter if) High relevance
El Segundo Zoning Code (section 65915.) Medium relevance
El Segundo Zoning Code (title III) Medium relevance
CBC § 15 (article 15-4E) Medium relevance
El Segundo Zoning Code Medium relevance
CBC § 1559 (chapter must) Medium relevance
El Segundo Zoning Code (title related) Medium relevance
El Segundo Zoning Code (Section 15-13-7) Medium relevance
El Segundo Zoning Code (CHAPTER 13B) Medium relevance
El Segundo Zoning Code (section 15-2-3) Medium relevance
El Segundo Zoning Code (title III) Medium relevance
El Segundo Zoning Code (chapter to) Medium relevance
El Segundo Zoning Code (Chapter 29.) Medium relevance
CBC § 15 (section shall) Medium relevance
El Segundo Zoning Code (chapter subject) Medium relevance
El Segundo Zoning Code Medium relevance
El Segundo Zoning Code Medium relevance
CBC § 898 (article 15-4E) Medium relevance
El Segundo Zoning Code (Chapter on) Medium relevance
CEC § 15 (section 15-1-6) Medium relevance
El Segundo Zoning Code Medium relevance
El Segundo Zoning Code (Chapter and) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official El Segundo code library

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a Director adjustment and a variance in El Segundo?

A Director adjustment (often called an administrative adjustment) is a targeted, technical change the Community Development Director can approve (for example, parking reductions up to 20% with a study) — see § 15‑15‑6(C). A variance (or larger discretionary relief) that is not authorized as an adjustment will generally go to the Planning Commission and must meet the findings required for that discretionary path; procedural appeals differ. See § 15‑15‑6 and the appeal procedures § 15‑29‑2.

Can I get a setback reduction for a single‑family lot in the **R‑1** zone?

Setback reductions are handled as adjustments or conditional approvals depending on scope. The R‑1 baseline standards are in § 15‑4B‑3 (front yard 22 ft; side yard = 10% of lot width; etc.); any reduction path must square with the procedural rules for adjustments/review and the specific findings the Director or Planning Commission requires. Consult the Director for whether your request qualifies as a Director adjustment.

Can the City refuse a waiver requested as part of a density‑bonus project?

The City must grant density‑bonus incentives and may approve waivers of development standards unless it makes the specific findings listed in § 15‑35‑5 (e.g., waiver would have a specific adverse impact on health/safety/environment or would adversely affect California Register resources). Read § 15‑35‑5 for the limited circumstances where denial is allowed.

How do parking reductions work in El Segundo?

The Director can approve an adjustment to required parking for single uses up to 20% or 20 spaces, whichever is less, based on a parking demand study; joint/shared use reductions follow similar rules and can require recorded agreements. Larger or more complex requests may be referred to the Planning Commission. See § 15‑15‑6(C) and the parking exceptions language in § 15‑15‑3(J).

If my building is nonconforming and I want to reconstruct part of it, when do I have to bring it into full compliance?

If reconstruction or replacement removes, demolishes, or replaces more than 50% of the existing original exterior perimeter wall height and original foundation, the entire building must be brought into conformity with current development standards; under 50% you may be able to repair or expand consistent with § 15‑21‑3(D). Verify the calculation method with the Director because the measurement method is technical.

Do reasonable accommodations run with the land or follow only the individual?

A reasonable accommodation is generally granted to an individual and does not run with the land unless the code specifically authorizes a land‑run accommodation under the relevant subsection; consult § 15‑36‑4 – § 15‑36‑7 for application, findings, conditions, and expiration rules (e.g., may expire when the accommodated person no longer occupies the unit or if the Director finds it can remain).

If I disagree with a Director’s decision on an adjustment or waiver, how do I appeal?

A Director's decision can be appealed to the Planning Commission by filing a letter of appeal (with fee) within 10 calendar days of the Director’s decision; Planning Commission hearings follow Chapter 28 procedures and their decision may then be appealed to City Council under § 15‑29‑2 – § 15‑29‑3.

Does El Segundo allow variances for building‑code technical requirements like flood elevation?

Building‑code variances (for example, flood plain elevation) are controlled by the California Building Standards Code (CBC) Appendix G and related local amendments. Local building/flood variances follow CBC variance findings (see Appendix G § G106). Consult the Building Division for CBC variance procedures; the zoning code handles land‑use relief separately.

What must I submit to request a parking reduction?

You must submit a parking demand study with specific content (employees, customers, shifts, deliveries, etc.) as described in the parking chapter; the Director can approve up to 20%/20 spaces based on that study (§ 15‑15‑6(C)). The Director may refer applications to the Planning Commission.

Will a variance or adjustment be approved automatically if my property is in a specific overlay district?

Not automatically. Overlay districts carry their own standards and sometimes stricter tests or additional findings; you must check the overlay text (see El Segundo Overlay Districts and the relevant Article) and confirm whether the overlay disallows particular waivers or requires additional review. If the overlay is silent, the general variance/adjustment chapters and applicable zone standards apply.

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