Local code · Los Angeles

Los Angeles — Districts & Zoning System

The Los Angeles Districts & Zoning System, explained in plain English with the controlling citations.

Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

Los Angeles’ updated zoning framework in the Los Angeles Municipal Code Chapter 1A uses a modular “zone string” to assign development rules to each lot. The string is split into brackets that separately govern the built environment and the allowed activities, with a third bracket for supplemental layers. This page explains each component district in the zone string and how to read and apply them under the City’s current Chapter 1A system, with direct citations to the code. See the full Los Angeles Zoning Code (Chapter 1A) for the complete context.

The Chapter 1A zone string separates the built form from the use of a site: [FORM–FRONTAGE–STANDARDS] [USE–DENSITY], plus a possible third bracket for specific plans/supplemental districts. Each district is independent, even if it references others. See § 1.3.1.

How the Chapter 1A “zone string” works

A lot’s zoning is expressed as a combined string of districts in two main bracket sets: the first set controls the built environment; the second set controls the activity on the lot. A third bracket can list any applied Specific Plan or Supplemental Districts.
The five district components are: Form District (Part 2B), Frontage District (Part 3B), Development Standards District (Part 4B), Use District (Part 5B), and Density District (Part 6B).
Articles 2–6 of Chapter 1A explain what each component regulates; Article 8 provides the third-bracket layers for Specific Plans and Supplemental Districts; Article 7 (Alternate Typologies) provides limited, situation‑specific overrides.

Where districts apply: All districts are applied through the City’s Zoning Map (see § 1.5.2 referenced in Article 6 orientation). Verify mapping for any given parcel with the City.

What each component regulates (at a glance)

Zone string component	What it controls in plain English	Key cross‑rules you’ll consult	Code reference
Form District	Building placement, scale, FAR, massing, setbacks, height, building width	Uses are regulated separately by the Use District; Form rules live in Part 2C	§ 2A.1.1–2A.1.2; Part 2B; Part 2C
Frontage District	How the building meets the street: entrances, transparency, build‑to, streetscape interface	General and Character Frontage rules in Parts 3C–3D	§ 1.3.1 (Frontage overview); § 7C.1.2; Part 3B–3D
Development Standards District	Site design: access, parking, landscaping, screening, loading	Development rules live in Part 4C	§ 1.3.1 (Article 4 purpose); § 7C.1.3; Part 4B–4C
Use District	What activities/uses are allowed and at what permission level (P, *, CU, S, A+/A−)	“Use Permissions” in Div. 5A.3; Use tables in Part 5B; Use rules in Part 5C	§ 5A.1.1–5A.1.2; § 5A.3.1–5A.3.3; Part 5B–5D
Density District	How many housing units (household or efficiency units) may be built	Density rules in Part 6C; independent from Use	§ 6A.1.1–6A.1.2; Part 6B–6C

Also check the third bracket for any Overlay Districts or Specific Plans that can add or supersede standards (Article 8).

District-by-district breakdown

Form Districts

Purpose and scope. Form Districts are the first component of the zone string and set the physical envelope: lot parameters, setbacks, FAR, height, and building massing. Each Form District page in Part 2B points you to the operative Form Rules in Part 2C.

Relationship to uses. Form does not determine what uses are allowed; uses are controlled by the Use District and must also meet Frontage and Development Standards.

Below are the Form District families and the key dimensional ranges Chapter 1A assigns to them. Where specifics are not visible in the retrieved material, they are noted.

Very Low-Rise Full (VF1)

Purpose. Very small-scale, full‑width forms.
Key standards. Max FAR 1.5; no maximum height in the retrieved excerpt; building coverage 25%; sample setbacks show 0 ft in several yard locations in the excerpt; see the VF1 table and linked Form Rules for exact applicability.
Where it applies. Where mapped by the Zoning Map; verify parcel mapping.

Low-Rise Narrow (LN1)

Purpose. Low-rise buildings with narrow building‑width limits.
Key standards. Family has max FAR 1.6–4.0 and building width 25–75 ft (narrow). Specific LN sections define the exact table.
Where it applies. Verify mapping.

Low-Rise Medium (LM1–LM2)

Purpose. Low-rise buildings with medium building‑width limits.
Key standards. Family has max FAR 1.6–4.0 and building width 100–210 ft. See LM1 and LM2 for exact values.
Where it applies. Verify mapping.

Low-Rise Broad

Not found in retrieved materials.

Mid-Rise Medium (MM1)

Purpose. Mid-rise buildings with medium building‑width limits.
Key standards. Family has max FAR 4.1–6.0 and building width 100–210 ft.
Where it applies. Verify mapping.

Mid-Rise Broad (MB1–MB2)

Purpose. Mid-rise buildings with broad building‑width allowances.
Key standards. Family has max FAR 4.1–6.0 and building width 280–490 ft.
Where it applies. Verify mapping.

Mid-Rise Full

Not found in retrieved materials.

Moderate-Rise Medium (DM3–DM5)

Purpose and standards. Not found in retrieved materials. (The code shows DM3–DM5 section headings.)

Moderate-Rise Broad

Purpose. Moderate-rise buildings with broad width allowances.
Key standards. Family has max FAR 6.1–8.5 and building width 280–490 ft.
Where it applies. Verify mapping.

Moderate-Rise Full (DF1)

Purpose. Moderate-rise buildings with no maximum width.
Key standards. Family has max FAR 6.1–8.5 and no maximum building width.
Where it applies. Verify mapping.

High-Rise Medium (HM1–HM2)

Purpose. High-rise buildings with medium width.
Key standards. Family has max FAR 8.6–13.0 and building width 100–210 ft. See HM1/HM2 sections.
Where it applies. Verify mapping.

High-Rise Broad (HB1–HB6)

Purpose. High-rise buildings with broad width allowances.
Key standards. Family has max FAR 8.6–13.0 and building width 280–490 ft; see HB1–HB6.
Where it applies. Verify mapping.

High-Rise Full

Purpose and standards. Family has max FAR 8.6–13.0 and no maximum building width; sections reserved in retrieved excerpt.

Tip: Detailed standards such as building width caps are enforced by Form Rules (e.g., Building Width standards in Part 2C), which explain intent and measurement.

Frontage Districts

Purpose and scope. Frontage Districts shape the building’s relationship to the street—entry, transparency, and build‑to expectations—to ensure a high‑quality public realm. The code notes a spectrum from minimal “Warehouse Frontage” to robust “Shopfront Frontage.”

How to apply. Consult the assigned Frontage District page in Part 3B; the operative rules appear in Part 3C (General) and 3D (Character).
Interaction with other districts. If another table says “Set by Frontage District,” look to the mapped Frontage District for the controlling spec.
Key standards. Not found in retrieved materials for specific Frontage District names or numeric build‑to/ground‑story transparency values; verify on the applied Frontage District page. Not found in retrieved materials.

Development Standards Districts

Purpose and scope. These districts regulate site design—such as access, parking, landscaping, and other site features—so that different contexts (city center, suburban, hillsides) can be addressed.

How to apply. Find the specific Development Standards District in Part 4B, then use the detailed rules in Part 4C. If a table says “Set by Development Standards District,” that district controls.
District names/menus. Not found in retrieved materials.

Use Districts

Purpose and scope. The Use District is the fourth component in the zone string. Its table in Part 5B tells you which uses are allowed, and whether they are permitted outright (P), need to meet a use standard (*), require a conditional approval (CU1/CU2/CU3), participate in a special program (S), or are contingent on the most permissive/most restrictive adjacent zone (A+/A−).

How to apply.
- Identify the lot’s Use District (fourth component of the zone string).
- Read the Use table in Part 5B for permission levels, and then the cross‑referenced Use Rules in Part 5C and Use Definitions in Part 5D.
Relationship to other districts. Use permissions must still fit the Form, Frontage, and Development Standards; for example, a permitted eating & drinking use could still be subject to site rules that prohibit a drive‑through.
Example Use Districts in Chapter 1A excerpts:
- Public 2 (P2) — broad set of commercial, institutional, retail and service uses with many A+ or conditional permissions; see the key at the bottom of the P2 table.
- Industrial‑Mixed Use — allows many retail/service/office uses P, some by program or conditional review; see use‑by‑use symbols and references to Special Use Programs (e.g., Alcohol Sales Program).
Full list of Use District families and their codes. Not found in retrieved materials.

Density Districts

Purpose and scope. Density Districts regulate the number of dwelling units (household or efficiency units) allowed on a lot. They are the fifth component of the zone string and operate independently of the Use District.

How to apply. Identify the assigned Density District (fifth component) in Part 6B, then apply the specific Density Rules in Part 6C that the District page references.
Examples of Density District labels visible in Chapter 1A materials: 2L, 3L, 4L, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, FA (as referenced in Article 7 eligibility tables). Verify their definitions and metrics in Part 6B.
Note. Specific numeric unit caps or formulas per Density District are not in the retrieved excerpts. Not found in retrieved materials.

Specific Plans & Supplemental Districts (third bracket)

When applied, these appear in a third bracket (e.g., [FORM–FRONTAGE–STANDARDS] [USE–DENSITY] [—SP/OD…]) and can supplement or supersede base districts. See Article 8 for these layers and confirm applicability on the zoning map/ordinance for your site.

Alternate Typologies (Article 7) — targeted overrides

Article 7 contains purpose‑built typologies that, when eligible and applied, override specific parts of the base zoning (Form/Frontage/Development/Use/Density) according to 7C.1.1–7C.1.5. Use only where the code allows and per the assigned rules.

Key Form District families — ranges you’ll see in Chapter 1A

Form family	Typical scale	FAR range	Max building width	Notes	Code reference
Very Low‑Rise Full (VF1)	Very small‑scale	up to 1.5	Not shown; see table	25% building coverage shown; see Part 2C rules	§ 2B.7.1; Part 2C refs on page
Low‑Rise Narrow (LN)	Low‑rise, fine‑grain	1.6–4.0	25–75 ft	Exact LN section specifies project standards	§ 2B.8.1; Div. 2B.8 overview
Low‑Rise Medium (LM)	Low‑rise, medium grain	1.6–4.0	100–210 ft	See LM1–LM2 tables	§ 2B.9.1–2B.9.2
Mid‑Rise Medium (MM)	Mid‑rise	4.1–6.0	100–210 ft	See MM1 table	§ 2B.13.1; Div. 2B.13 overview
Mid‑Rise Broad (MB)	Mid‑rise, larger floorplates	4.1–6.0	280–490 ft	See MB1–MB2 tables	§ 2B.14.1–2B.14.2; Div. 2B.14 overview
Moderate‑Rise Broad	Moderate rise, broad	6.1–8.5	280–490 ft	Family overview provided	Div. 2B.17 overview
Moderate‑Rise Full (DF)	Moderate rise, no width cap	6.1–8.5	None	See DF1	§ 2B.18.1; Div. 2B.18 overview
High‑Rise Medium (HM)	High‑rise	8.6–13.0	100–210 ft	See HM1–HM2	§ 2B.19.1–2B.19.2; Div. 2B.19 overview
High‑Rise Broad (HB)	High‑rise, broad	8.6–13.0	280–490 ft	See HB1–HB6	§ 2B.20.1–2B.20.6; Div. 2B.20 overview
High‑Rise Full	High‑rise, no width cap	8.6–13.0	None	Sections reserved in excerpt	Div. 2B.21 overview

Practical tip. When a district table says “Set by Form District,” “Set by Frontage District,” or “Set by Development Standards District,” jump to that mapped district for the controlling numbers.

Checklist

Identify the full zone string on the parcel, including any third‑bracket layers (Specific Plans/Supplemental Districts).
From the first bracket, read the applied Form District in Part 2B and its referenced Form Rules in Part 2C.
Read the applied Frontage District page in Part 3B; then apply the General/Character Frontage Rules in Parts 3C–3D.
Read the Development Standards District page in Part 4B and any cross‑referenced rules in Part 4C; coordinate with Los Angeles Development Standards and Los Angeles Parking & Loading as applicable.
From the second bracket, use the Use District table in Part 5B to confirm permitted uses, then check Use Rules (Part 5C) and Definitions (Part 5D).
Confirm the Density District in Part 6B and apply the referenced Density Rules in Part 6C to determine max units.
If pursuing an Alternate Typology, confirm eligibility and the specific overrides in Article 7.
Coordinate early with Los Angeles Processes & Procedures and Los Angeles Plan Check & Review.
All construction remains subject to the California Building Standards Code.
If housing is involved, also check applicable California housing laws and potential ADUs options.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Missing district specifics	Some district tables/names are not fully visible in the excerpted materials	Confirm the exact district page in Part 2B/3B/4B/5B/6B for your site. Not found in retrieved materials where noted.
Frontage details	Street‑interface rules can drive design cost and feasibility	Check the applied Frontage District and the applicable Part 3C–3D rules.
Use vs. Form conflicts	A use may be permitted, but site/form rules can still prohibit certain features (e.g., drive‑throughs)	Cross‑check Use District permissions with Development Standards rules.
Unit count	Unit yield is not set by the Use District and must track the Density District	Confirm Density District and apply Part 6C rules.
Specific Plans/Supplemental Districts	These can add or supersede base zoning	Read the third bracket, then apply Article 8 provisions where mapped.
Alternate Typologies	May override parts of base zoning when eligible	Verify eligibility and the exact overrides in 7C.1.1–7C.1.5.
Nonconforming uses	Some existing uses may not meet current Use District standards	Reductions in conformance are generally not allowed absent an exception. See Div. 5A.2 and Use Exceptions.

Plain-English Summary

Los Angeles’ Chapter 1A expresses zoning as a string of districts: the first bracket sets the building’s size and street‑fit, the second bracket sets what you can do there and how many homes are allowed, and a third bracket lists any extra plan layers. To use it, read each district component in order—Form, Frontage, Development Standards, Use, then Density—and apply any overlays or special programs that show up for your site.

Source References

§ 1.3.1 (Zone String; bracket sets; Articles overview; Specific Plans & Supplemental Districts) — City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A.
§ 2A.1.1–2A.1.2 (Form District orientation and how to use) — Part 2B and cross‑references to Part 2C.
§ 2B.7.1 (Very Low‑Rise Full 1 (VF1) table excerpt).
§ 2B.8.1; Div. 2B.8 overview (Low‑Rise Narrow family ranges).
§ 2B.9.1–2B.9.2; Div. 2B.9 overview (Low‑Rise Medium family ranges).
§ 2B.13.1; Div. 2B.13 overview (Mid‑Rise Medium family ranges).
§ 2B.14.1–2B.14.2; Div. 2B.14 overview (Mid‑Rise Broad family ranges).
Div. 2B.17 overview; § 2B.18.1 (Moderate‑Rise Broad; Moderate‑Rise Full DF1).
§ 2B.19.1–2B.19.2; Div. 2B.19 overview (High‑Rise Medium).
§ 2B.20.1–2B.20.6; Div. 2B.20 overview (High‑Rise Broad); Div. 2B.21 overview (High‑Rise Full).
§ 5A.1.1–5A.1.2 (Use District orientation and how to read the Use tables).
Div. 5A.2 (General Rules: relationship to Form/Frontage/Development and Density).
Div. 5A.3 (Use Permissions: P, *, CU, S); example key in § 5B.8.2 (P2).
§ 6A.1.1–6A.1.2 (Density orientation and how to use).
§ 7C.1.1–7C.1.5 (Alternate Typology Rules cross‑references to each district component).
§ 7B.6.1 (Opportunity Corridors 1A — example list of eligible Density District labels).

Information Gaps

Specific Frontage District names and numeric standards: Not found in retrieved materials.
Full list of Development Standards Districts and their labels: Not found in retrieved materials.
Full menu of Use District families and their codes beyond examples (P2, Industrial‑Mixed Use): Not found in retrieved materials.
Detailed numeric unit allowances for each Density District in Part 6B: Not found in retrieved materials.
Parcel mapping details (which parcels have Chapter 1A districts applied): Verify with the jurisdiction.

Sources

Retrieved passages

Los Angeles Zoning Code (Chapter 1A) High relevance
Los Angeles Zoning Code (Chapter 1A) High relevance
Los Angeles Zoning Code (Chapter 1A) High relevance
Los Angeles Zoning Code (Chapter 1A) High relevance
Los Angeles Zoning Code (Article 8.) High relevance
Los Angeles Zoning Code (Chapter 1A) High relevance
Los Angeles Zoning Code (Chapter 1A) High relevance
Los Angeles Zoning Code (ARTICLE 7) High relevance

Cited sections

Official Los Angeles code library

Frequently asked questions

How do I read a Chapter 1A zone string in Los Angeles?

Read it in brackets: the first bracket controls form, frontage, and site standards; the second controls use and density; a third shows any Specific Plans/Supplemental Districts. Each district is independent but can reference others for standards. Start with Form (Part 2B), then Frontage (Part 3B), Development Standards (Part 4B), Use (Part 5B), and Density (Part 6B). See § 1.3.1.

Which part of Chapter 1A controls how many residential units I can build?

The number of units is set by the assigned Density District (Part 6B), not the Use District. Use the Density District page and its cross‑referenced Density Rules (Part 6C) to determine the maximum unit count. See § 5A.2.4 and § 6A.1.2.

Which part sets my setbacks, height, and FAR?

Those are established by the Form District (first component), with measurements and methods in the Form Rules (Part 2C). If another table says “Set by Form District,” the Form page controls. See § 2A.1.2 and § 7C.1.1.

Where do street‑facing design rules (like shopfront windows) come from?

From the Frontage District and the General/Character Frontage Rules in Parts 3C–3D. The code notes a range from minimal Warehouse to robust Shopfront standards—check the mapped Frontage District for your site. See § 1.3.1 and § 7C.1.2.

What do the use table symbols (P, *, CU1/CU2/CU3, S, A+/A−) mean?

They are Use Permissions: P = permitted; * = must meet a use standard; CU1–CU3 = conditional approvals; S = special program; A+/A− = depends on adjoining zones. Read Div. 5A.3 for the definitions and each Use District table’s key. See § 5A.3.1–5A.3.3 and the key in § 5B.8.2 (P2).

How do High‑Rise districts differ (HM vs. HB vs. High‑Rise Full)?

They share higher FAR ranges but differ by max building width: HM = 100–210 ft; HB = 280–490 ft; High‑Rise Full has no max building width. See Div. 2B.19, 2B.20, and 2B.21.

If a use is allowed, can site rules still block parts of my project?

Yes. Use permissions don’t override Form, Frontage, or Development Standards—for instance, a permitted restaurant could still be barred from adding a drive‑through by Development Standards. See § 5A.2.3.

Do Specific Plans or overlays change my base zoning?

They can supplement or supersede the base districts and appear in a third bracket of the zone string. Check Article 8 and your parcel’s mapping for any applicable layers. See § 1.3.1(C).

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