Local zoning · El Segundo

El Segundo — Zoning

Q: Do overlays change the base zone standards?

Yes. Overlays like the Housing Overlay (H‑O) and Mixed‑Use Overlay (MU‑O) add or alter development rules inside their footprints; the Code directs you to treat overlay articles together with the base zone (see § 15-7D-2 for H‑O standards and § 15-7C-6 for MU‑O access rules) — always read both the base zone and the overlay article that applies to your parcel .

Q: What are the R‑1 urban lot split and two‑unit rules?

Article 15‑4G implements state law (Gov. Code §§ 65852.21 and 66411.7) for ministerial approval of two‑unit developments and urban lot splits in R‑1. It sets minimum parcel sizes (no less than 1,200 sq ft per new parcel), a limit of two units per lot, and parking and access rules — see § 15-4G-3 and related subsections for the full standards .

Q: How does El Segundo apply density bonuses and parking concessions?

Chapter 15‑35 implements state density‑bonus law (Gov. Code § 65915). The City will grant the state‑required density bonus amounts and may allow parking reductions consistent with state law; see § 15-35-4 and § 15-35-5 for application and waiver rules .

Q: Where are permitted uses summarized for the residential zones?

Permitted uses for R‑1 , R‑2 and R‑3 are compiled in Article 15‑4A (Table No. 1) which indicates Permitted (P), Accessory (A), Administrative Use Permit (AUP) or Conditional Use Permit (CUP) status — see § 15-4A-1 and Table No. 1 in the Code .

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the El Segundo Zoning Code (Title 15 of the El Segundo Municipal Code) actually says about zoning: how zones and specific plans are named and mapped, what the principal districts and overlays are for development, and the key dimensional and use controls that drive decisions. Always verify parcel‑specific rules with the City — zoning boundaries and specific‑plan rules control allowable uses and standards. See the City’s zoning map and the code for authoritative text; the zoning map is integrated into the Title as part of the Code (§ 15-3-3) .

How El Segundo organizes zoning (short)

Zoning is Title 15 (the Zoning Code) and it establishes named use zones (for example R-1, R-2, R-3, C-2, C-3, CO, MU-N, MU-S, C-4, M-1, M-2, plus overlays like MU-O, H-O, MDR) and Specific Plan zones (Downtown DSP, Smoky Hollow, Pacific Coast Commons, etc.) (§ 15-3-1, § 15-3-2) .
The location and boundaries are fixed by the official zoning map adopted into Title 15; boundary uncertainty rules are in the Code (§ 15-3-3, § 15-3-4) .
Permitted uses for residential districts are compiled in Article 15-4A (Table of uses); commercial/industrial permitted uses are in the Article for each commercial/industrial zone (§ 15-4A-1 and the applicable zone articles) .

District-by-district reference (purpose, typical permitted uses, key standards, where it applies)

Note: each district name below is the City’s actual code designation and the short analysis cites the controlling local section(s). For permitted-use lists, the Code frequently points to centralized use tables (Article 15-4A) or to the individual Article for that zone.

R-1 (Single‑Family Residential Zone)

Purpose: preserves single‑family neighborhoods consistent with the General Plan (§ 15-4B-1) .
Typical permitted uses: single‑family dwellings and accessory uses listed in Article 15-4A (see Table No. 1 for detailed lists) (§ 15-4B-2) .
Key dimensional standards: pitch‑roof height max 32 ft / two stories, flat‑roof 26 ft / two stories; minimum lot area 5,000 sq ft; front setback 22 ft for lots wider than 25 ft (with specific small‑lot rules for lots ≤25 ft) (§ 15-4B-3) .
Where it applies: city parcels designated Single‑Family on the General Plan and shown as R-1 on the zoning map (§ 15-4B-1; § 15-3-3) .

R-2 (Two‑Family Residential Zone)

Purpose & uses: allows duplex/two‑unit residential forms where the General Plan so designates; permitted uses are listed in Article 15-4A (§ 15-4A-1) .
Standards: development standards are in the R‑2 article (lot area, setbacks, height) — consult the R‑2 article for parcel‑level numbers (§ 15-4A / Article for R‑2) .
Where: shown as R-2 on the zoning map (§ 15-3-3) .

R-3 (Multi‑Family Residential Zone)

Purpose & uses: multi‑unit housing; permitted/mixed residential uses per Article 15-4A and the R‑3 article (§ 15-4A-1) .
Standards: density and site standards are set in the R‑3 article; micro‑units are explicitly allowed under Chapter 15-13C with size and concentration limits when the project elects that path (§ 15-13C-2 to § 15-13C-5) .
Where: areas shown R-3 on zoning map (§ 15-3-3) .

C-2 (Neighborhood Commercial Zone) and C-3 (General Commercial Zone)

Purpose & uses: retail, services, restaurants and other commercial uses; permitted uses and accessory uses are in the commercial articles and the city use tables (see Article 15-5 and use Table) (§ 15-5C / Article 15-5 and Table No.1) .
Standards: C‑zone site development standards (setbacks, FAR, parking references) are in the Article for each commercial zone; off‑street parking is required per Chapter 15 parking rules (§ 15-5C-3; off‑street parking chapters) .
Where: designated commercial parcels on the zoning map (§ 15-3-3) .

CO (Corporate Office Zone)

Purpose: office and corporate campus uses; the CO article defines permitted office uses and standards (see the CO zone article) (§ 15-3-1 / CO article) .
Standards: refer to the CO zone article for height, setbacks and FAR.

MU‑N and MU‑S (Urban Mixed‑Use North and South)

Purpose: mixed‑use urban development; MU zones regulate commercial/residential integration and require residential above street level in many cases (§ 15-5B and MU articles) .
Typical uses: ground‑floor commercial, upper‑story housing; residential must generally be above street level for some mixed‑use zones (§ 15-5B-7) .
Standards & special rules: site development standards include building area limits, parking and design rules; rooftop projections and architectural exceptions are handled in the applicable MU article (§ 15-5B and related sections) .

C-4 (Commercial Center Zone)

Purpose: larger commercial center uses; see C‑4 article for allowed uses and site standards.

M-1 (Light Industrial) and M-2 (Heavy Industrial)

Purpose & uses: manufacturing, warehousing, industrial uses; permitted uses in the M‑zone articles.
Standards: FAR/building area caps and setback rules are in the industrial articles; the Code allows certain nonconforming expansions in industrial zones subject to limits (§ 15-21-6) .

Specific Plan Zones (examples)

The Zoning Code uses specific‑plan zones that function as the zoning rules within their areas: Smoky Hollow (SH‑W, SH‑E), Downtown Specific Plan districts (MSD, RSD, GAD, CCD), Pacific Coast Commons subzones (PCC MU‑1, PCC COM‑1, etc.), El Segundo South Campus Specific Plan (ESSCSP), 888 NSBSP, The Lakes (TLSP), among others (§ 15-3-2) .
Where a specific plan applies, its own zone classes govern uses and standards; the Code explicitly says specific plans "function as the Zoning Code for specific areas" (§ 15-3-2) .

Overlays (important examples)

Housing Overlay (H‑O): created to allow higher densities to meet RHNA goals; height up to 47 ft (pitched) / 41 ft (flat) and minimum lot area 7,000 sq ft for parcels subject to H‑O; front setback generally 15 ft (exceptions apply) (§ 15-7D-2) .
Mixed‑Use Overlay (MU‑O) and Medium Density Residential (MDR) overlays: impose additional rules for mixed uses, access and incentives for affordable housing; vehicular access rules for MU‑O are in § 15-7C-6 (§ 15-7C-6, § 15-7D) .
Overlays are additive to the base zone; consult the overlay article for development standards and where they apply (§ 15-7 series) . See the City’s overlay map for parcel applicability (§ 15-3-3) .

Other special zones

P (Automobile Parking Zone) and P‑F (Public Facilities Zone) are special purpose districts listed in § 15-3-1 and in the specific plan listings (§ 15-3-1, § 15-3-2) .
O‑S (Open Space) exists for public recreation/open space parcels in specific plans such as The Lakes (§ 15-3-2) .

Quick standards table (most decision‑relevant at first review)

Zone	Typical height limit	Typical min lot area	Typical front setback	Key program note	Code Reference
R-1	32 ft (pitched)/26 ft (flat); 2 stories	5,000 sq ft	22 ft	Small‑lot variants for ≤25 ft lots; ADU and two‑unit rules in other articles	§ 15-4B-3
H‑O (Housing Overlay)	47 ft (pitched)/41 ft (flat); 3 stories	7,000 sq ft	15 ft (Franklin Ave exception)	High‑density overlay; affordable housing incentives by right in some cases	§ 15-7D-2
MU (MU‑N / MU‑S)	See MU article; varies by subdistrict	Varies by MU subarea	Varies; residential commonly above street level	Mixed-use; residential above ground-floor commercial often required (§ 15-5B-7)	§ 15-5B-7, MU articles
M‑1 (Light Industrial)	Varies; building area caps	Varies	Varies	FAR/building area often controlled (e.g., FAR 1.0 in some commercial zones)	See M‑zone article; example commercial FAR § 15-5B
Specific Plans (DSP, Smoky Hollow, PCC, etc.)	Specific plan controls	Specific plan controls	Specific plan controls	Specific plan zones “function as the Zoning Code” inside their boundaries	§ 15-3-2

Practical guidance / interpretation notes

The zoning map is the legal map. If a boundary is ambiguous, the Code gives rules for resolving it (streets, lot lines, map scale) — don’t rely on third‑party maps alone (§ 15-3-4) .
Use tables in Article 15-4A and the specific Article for your base zone to check whether a proposed use is Permitted (P), Accessory (A), Administrative Use Permit (AUP), or Conditional Use Permit (CUP) — the Code uses those symbols consistently in the use tables (§ 15-4A-1; Table No. 1) .
Overlays and Specific Plans trump or supplement the base zone inside their footprint — always read the overlay / specific plan article as part of the zoning for that parcel (§ 15-3-2; overlay articles) .
Density bonus and state‑mandated housing accommodations (e.g., Government Code § 65915 concessions) are implemented in Chapter 15‑35; the City will grant the state‑required density bonus and consider parking reductions per state law (§ 15-35-4) .
Urban lot splits and two‑unit ministerial approvals in R‑1 are handled by Article 15‑4G and specifically reference state statutes (Gov Code §§ 66411.7 and 65852.21) — those rules add detailed lot‑split and two‑unit standards (minimum parcel sizes, parking, prohibition on ADUs in some cases) (§ 15-4G) .

Inline links for related procedures and technical lists you will use while applying:

For dimensional checklists and lot rules see the development standards page (development standards) [/us/california/el-segundo/development-standards].
Parking requirements are enforced per the Code’s off‑street parking chapter and summarized on the parking page (parking) [/us/california/el-segundo/parking].
Many projects trigger design review; check the design review guidance (design review) [/us/california/el-segundo/design-review].
Overlays and where they apply are summarized at the overlay districts page (overlay districts) [/us/california/el-segundo/overlay-districts].
ADU rules interact with zoning and with the urban lot split article — see the ADU page (ADUs) [/us/california/el-segundo/adu].
Sign requirements are handled by the Code and summarized on the signage page (signage) [/us/california/el-segundo/signage].
Structural work still needs to comply with the state building code (California Building Standards Code) [/us/california/building-codes].

(Each of the links above points to GoCodebook topic pages that collect the city rules referenced by the Zoning Code and related chapters.)

Checklist (what an applicant must verify before applying)

Confirm the parcel’s base zone and any overlay/specific‑plan designation on the City’s official zoning map (§ 15-3-3) .
Confirm whether the proposed use is Permitted/Accessory/AUP/CUP in Article 15‑4A or the relevant zone article (use table) (§ 15-4A-1; zone articles) .
Verify applicable development standards (height, setbacks, lot area, FAR) in the parcel’s zone article and any overlay article (e.g., § 15-4B-3 for R‑1, § 15-7D-2 for H‑O) .
Check off‑street parking requirements (Chapter 15 parking rules) and if a density bonus request is planned, whether a parking reduction is allowed (§ 15-35-4) .
If in a specific plan area (Downtown, Smoky Hollow, PCC, etc.), pull the specific‑plan zoning article because it is the controlling zoning for that parcel (§ 15-3-2) .
For lot splits or two‑unit projects in R‑1, verify compliance with Article 15‑4G (parcel minimums, parking, ADU restrictions) (§ 15-4G-3) .
If proposing an expansion of a legal nonconforming use/structure, confirm the nonconforming rules that limit expansions and remodels (§ 15-21-5, § 15-21-6) .
Review public‑hearing triggers (CUP, zone changes, density bonus agreements) and prepare to meet noticing/hearing requirements (§ 15-28-2; § 15-27-1) .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Zoning map boundary ambiguity	Zoning boundaries determine allowable uses; vague boundaries can change what is allowed	Use the official zoning map in Title 15 and resolve ambiguities per § 15-3-4; confirm with City GIS / planning staff (§ 15-3-3, § 15-3-4)
Overlay vs. base zone conflicts	Overlays can add or supersede standards; missing the overlay rules leads to noncompliance	Read the overlay article (e.g., H‑O, MU‑O) in addition to the base zone; overlay articles are in Title 15 (§ 15-7 series)
Specific plan controls	Specific plans "function as the Zoning Code" inside their footprint — they frequently change setbacks, uses, parking	Pull the specific plan article (DSP, Smoky Hollow, PCC, ESSCSP) and apply its standards instead of the base zone (§ 15-3-2)
State law vs local code (housing/state ADU rules)	State law (density bonus, ADU ministerial approvals) can mandate concessions not obvious from local text	For density bonus consult Chapter 15‑35; for ADUs consult Article 15‑4G and state ADU law — verify with the jurisdiction and State law (verify with jurisdiction; § 15-35-4; § 15-4G)
Nonconforming expansions	Code limits how and when existing nonconforming structures/uses can expand	Read § 15-21 articles closely; verify whether the proposed expansion is allowed and whether a CUP is required (§ 15-21-5, § 15-21-6)

Plain-English Summary

El Segundo’s Zoning Code (Title 15) lists named base zones (R‑1, R‑2, R‑3, C‑2, C‑3, CO, MU‑N, MU‑S, M‑1, M‑2, etc.), overlays (H‑O, MU‑O, MDR) and specific‑plan zones; the official zoning map adopted into Title 15 controls which rules apply to a parcel, and each zone’s Article states permitted uses, setbacks, heights and lot requirements — e.g., R‑1 requires a 22 ft front setback and a 5,000 sq ft lot minimum with a 32 ft pitched‑roof height cap (§ 15-4B-3) . Always read overlay or specific‑plan articles for parcels inside those areas because those documents govern inside their footprints (§ 15-3-2; § 15-7D-2) .

Source References

El Segundo Zoning Code (Title 15) — general purpose and definitions: § 15-1-1, § 15-1-2, § 15-1-6 .
Zoning map, boundaries and amendments: § 15-3-3, § 15-3-4 .
List of zones and specific plan zones: § 15-3-1, § 15-3-2 .
R‑1 standards (height, setbacks, lot area): § 15-4B-3 .
Use tables and permitted‑use guidance (residential): § 15-4A-1; Table No. 1 .
Urban lot split / two‑unit ministerial rules (R‑1): Article 15-4G (§ 15-4G-1 through § 15-4G-5) .
Mixed‑Use and Housing Overlay standards: § 15-5B (mixed‑use), § 15-7C-6 (MU‑O vehicle access), § 15-7D-2 (H‑O development standards) .
Density bonus procedures and waivers (state law implementation): Chapter 15-35 (§ 15-35-3 to § 15-35-6) .
Nonconforming uses and expansion rules: Chapter 15-21 (§ 15-21-5, § 15-21-6) .
Specific plans: Smoky Hollow, Downtown DSP, Pacific Coast Commons, ESSCSP, 888 NSBSP, The Lakes (listed in § 15-3-2) .
Primary code source used for this page: City Zoning Code as compiled in the uploaded El Segundo Zoning Code file (ElSegundo_ZoningCode.md) .
See GoCodebook’s El Segundo pages for procedural guides: El Segundo zoning & planning overview [/us/california/el-segundo], development standards [/us/california/el-segundo/development-standards], parking [/us/california/el-segundo/parking], design review [/us/california/el-segundo/design-review], overlay districts [/us/california/el-segundo/overlay-districts], ADUs [/us/california/el-segundo/adu], signage [/us/california/el-segundo/signage], nonconforming uses [/us/california/el-segundo/nonconforming-uses] (internal topic links).

Sources

Retrieved passages

El Segundo Zoning Code (title when) High relevance
El Segundo Zoning Code High relevance
El Segundo Zoning Code (section 11362.2) High relevance
El Segundo Zoning Code (Chapter to) High relevance
El Segundo Zoning Code (section 65915.) High relevance
El Segundo Zoning Code (Article 15-4B) High relevance
El Segundo Zoning Code (chapter 2) High relevance
El Segundo Zoning Code Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official El Segundo code library

Frequently asked questions

What is the legal zoning map for El Segundo and how do I read it?

The official zoning map is part of Title 15; the Code makes the zoning map a legal portion of the Title and gives rules for resolving boundary uncertainty (for example, follow lot and street lines where shown) — see § 15-3-3 and § 15-3-4 for the legal status and rules for interpreting boundaries .

What can I build on an R-1 lot in El Segundo?

R‑1 is for single‑family homes; permitted uses are listed in Article 15‑4A and the R‑1 article requires a minimum lot area 5,000 sq ft, front setback 22 ft, and height limits 32 ft pitched / 26 ft flat (two stories) under § 15-4B-3; check Article 15‑4A for accessory uses and Table No. 1 for the full permitted‑use list .

Do overlays change the base zone standards?

Yes. Overlays like the Housing Overlay (H‑O) and Mixed‑Use Overlay (MU‑O) add or alter development rules inside their footprints; the Code directs you to treat overlay articles together with the base zone (see § 15-7D-2 for H‑O standards and § 15-7C-6 for MU‑O access rules) — always read both the base zone and the overlay article that applies to your parcel .

What are the R‑1 urban lot split and two‑unit rules?

Article 15‑4G implements state law (Gov. Code §§ 65852.21 and 66411.7) for ministerial approval of two‑unit developments and urban lot splits in R‑1. It sets minimum parcel sizes (no less than 1,200 sq ft per new parcel), a limit of two units per lot, and parking and access rules — see § 15-4G-3 and related subsections for the full standards .

If my building is nonconforming, can I expand it?

The Zoning Code allows limited remodeling or expansion of legal nonconforming structures but limits how much and under what conditions; see the nonconforming use/structure rules in Chapter 15‑21 (for instance § 15-21-5, § 15-21-6) for permitted expansions and restrictions .

How does El Segundo apply density bonuses and parking concessions?

Chapter 15‑35 implements state density‑bonus law (Gov. Code § 65915). The City will grant the state‑required density bonus amounts and may allow parking reductions consistent with state law; see § 15-35-4 and § 15-35-5 for application and waiver rules .

Where do specific plans fit in the zoning hierarchy?

Specific plans (for example Smoky Hollow, Downtown DSP, Pacific Coast Commons, ESSCSP) act as the zoning rules inside their geographic area — the Code states that specific plan zones "function as the Zoning Code for specific areas" (see § 15-3-2) so the specific plan text and zone classes control uses and standards within those areas .

Do I need a conditional use permit for wireless facilities or minor facilities in residential zones?

Wireless communications permits are regulated; minor facilities not exempt need an administrative WCFP and in residential zones a minor facility generally requires a Planning Commission CUP per § 15-19-6 (the code restricts placement in residential zones without a CUP) — consult Chapter 15‑19 for full wireless rules .

Where are permitted uses summarized for the residential zones?

Permitted uses for R‑1, R‑2 and R‑3 are compiled in Article 15‑4A (Table No. 1) which indicates Permitted (P), Accessory (A), Administrative Use Permit (AUP) or Conditional Use Permit (CUP) status — see § 15-4A-1 and Table No. 1 in the Code .

What happens if the Code and the General Plan give different densities?

For density bonus calculation the Code says the "maximum allowable residential density" is the maximum allowed under the zoning ordinance or the General Plan; where inconsistent, the General Plan maximum prevails — see § 15-35-4(B) for the method used by the City . ---

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