Local zoning · West Hollywood

West Hollywood — Development Standards

Development Standards under the West Hollywood local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes the development standards in the City of West Hollywood Zoning Ordinance (Title 19 of the Municipal Code as retrieved), focused on setbacks, height, lot coverage, density, and floor area ratio (FAR). It explains by district what the code actually requires, where the rules live in the ordinance, and practical items applicants must confirm. For procedural topics (design review, parking, ADUs, etc.) the first natural mention below links to the City menu page for that topic.

How to read this page

  • When you see a code reference it uses the ordinance § number (for example, § 19.06.050) and a file citation to the source excerpt retrieved. Verify parcel-specific details with the City; where the ordinance text did not provide an answer I note that explicitly.

Citywide rules that apply to most districts (quick list)

  • Zoning districts and permit types (which uses are permitted, which require administrative or discretionary permits): see § 19.04.040 .
  • Setback measurement and allowed projections (how to measure and what may project into yards): see § 19.20.150 and related tables for projections (Tables 3‑2, etc.) .
  • Height measurement, exceptions, and rooftop features: see § 19.20.080 (height measurement and allowed rooftop projections) .
  • Rules when a parcel sits in more than one zone and conflict rules: see § 19.04.040(C) and § 19.36.170 (subterranean parking exception) .
  • For citywide planning context and links to procedures see the West Hollywood Zoning overview.

Note on terminology: the local ordinance material retrieved is organized under Title 19 (Zoning). Searches for a "Title 17" zoning code returned no ordinance text in the provided materials; Title 19 is the controlling zoning title in the retrieved files. Not found in retrieved materials: a City Title 17 zoning code. Verify with the jurisdiction.

District-by-district breakdown (purpose, typical uses, key dimensional standards, where it applies)

Note: Bolded district names and standards are the scanning cues. Each district entry cites the ordinance § where the standard or table appears.

Residential — R1-A, R1-B, R1-C

  • Purpose and uses: The R1 district is single‑family or two‑unit low‑density residential; three suffixes (A, B, C) reflect localized density/lot standards and appear on the zoning map. See § 19.06.020 for district purpose.
  • Typical permit regime: Permitted uses/permits follow Article 19‑2; accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are governed by § 19.36.310 where referenced in the density table. See Table 2‑4.
  • Density: Maximum dwelling counts for the R1 subtypes are shown in Table 2‑4 / § 19.06.050 (for example R1‑A: 1 unit per lot; R1‑B: 2 units on smaller lots, scaling up on larger lots). See § 19.06.050.
  • Setbacks: Front, side, and rear setbacks are required (measurement rules at § 19.20.150). In WHWNOD-overlayed R1‑B properties front-yard rules may be adjusted per the overlay (see WHWNOD below). See § 19.20.150 and § 19.14.120.
  • Height and lot coverage: Typical primary-structure height caps in low‑density R1 areas are low (example: many R1 primary structures limited to 25 ft., 2 stories in WHWNOD tables), with accessory heights lower (see WHWNOD Table 2‑7). See Table 2‑7 / § 19.14.120.E.

Where it applies: R1 suffix is shown on the Zoning Map; check parcel zoning for the exact suffix. See § 19.04.030 for map reference.

Residential — R2

  • Purpose/uses: Low density multi‑unit allowed; see § 19.06.020 and Table 2‑4 for permitted density per lot size.
  • Density: Table 2‑4 lists R2 maximum units by lot area (for example 2 units for lots <4,000 sq ft, increasing with larger lot area). See § 19.06.050.
  • Setbacks/height/FAR: Standard site planning and general development standards in Article 19‑3 apply, including setback measurement § 19.20.150 and height rules § 19.20.080; open space and FAR rules are referenced in Article 19‑3 and the residential density chapters. See § 19.20.150 and § 19.20.080.

Residential — R3 and R4

  • Purpose/uses: Medium‑ to higher‑density residential; maximum permitted density and other standards are in § 19.06.040 (Table 2‑3) and related Article 19‑3 standards. For legalization of illegal units and density exceptions see § 19.36.270 and related subsections.
  • FAR: FAR limits and how to count floor area (including treatment of garages, mezzanines, excluded spaces) are described in specific plan sections and Article 19‑3; review the FAR definition where used by a specific plan or zone. See for example the Movietown and Beverly specific-plan FAR rules § 19.16.010(C) and Beverly Specific Plan excerpts § 19.?? in the retrieved files.
  • Setbacks and building separations: Side and rear setbacks are in Article 19‑3; two‑unit projects have special inter‑building distance/setback references at § 19.36.325.

Commercial / Mixed‑use — CN, CC (including CC2) and Specific Plans

  • Purpose/uses: Commercial districts allow a range of retail, office and mixed‑use residential/commercial consistent with Chapter 19.10 and the applicable specific plan. See § 19.10 and § 19.16 specific‑plan rules.
  • FAR and height: Commercial FAR and height are often controlled by specific plans or overlay districts; e.g., the Movietown Specific Plan caps FAR at 4:1 in the plan area and sets height bands (examples: 55 ft, 65 ft, and 132 ft in banding from Santa Monica Blvd) in § 19.16.010(D) and (C). The 8899 Beverly Specific Plan uses differing FAR caps (e.g., 2.6:1 for some subareas; subarea caps of 0.5:1 for Subarea 2) and height caps (e.g., 120.5 ft in Subarea 1; 25 ft in Subarea 2) in the plan text. See § 19.16.010 and the Beverly excerpts.
  • Bonuses and incentives: The Avenues Bonus Overlay (-AB / Avenues) and Gateway Mixed‑Use Incentive (-GMU) allow specific height and FAR increases if findings are met (for instance up to +0.5 FAR or +10–20 ft of height in certain cases). See § 19.10.050 and § 19.14.110 / § 19.14.100.
  • Parking: Commercial parking minimums (and shared parking allowances) are addressed in Chapter 19‑2/19‑3 and in specific plans; Movietown sets a minimum of 256 spaces with potential shared parking and adjustments by director action. See § 19.16.010(H). Link for practical parking guidance is the West Hollywood Parking menu.

Overlay districts and design standards — -WHWNOD, -GMU, Avenues (-AB) and others

  • Overlays modify base-zone standards (permitted uses stay those of the base zone but development standards may be tightened or supplemented). See § 19.14.120 for the West Hollywood West Neighborhood Overlay District (-WHWNOD), § 19.14.110 for -GMU, and § 19.14.xx series for other overlays. Overlays explicitly state that where they conflict they control over Title 19. See § 19.14.120(E).
  • Example: WHWNOD (applies to R1‑B parcels in a defined neighborhood) sets specific FAR = 0.5, front‑yard rules (15 ft. min, 30 ft. max, with Norma Triangle exceptions), interior side 5 ft., and height caps (primary structures 25 ft., 2 stories) among other rules (see Table 2‑7). See § 19.14.120 and Table 2‑7.
  • Design review and discretionary approvals: Design, massing, and neighborhood fit requirements are enforced through development permits and design‑review processes; see the development permit chapters and the City's West Hollywood Design Review menu. The general permit framework is in § 19.04.040 (permit types) and development permits in Chapter 19.48.

Quick reference table — most decision‑relevant standards (excerpt)

District / Standard Typical numeric standard (example) Code reference
R1‑B (WHWNOD rules apply where overlay present) — FAR 0.5 (WHWNOD default) Table 2‑7; § 19.14.120
R1‑B — Front setback (1st story) 15 ft. min., 30 ft. max. (10 ft. min in Norma Triangle exception) Table 2‑7; § 19.14.120 / § 19.20.150
R1 primary structure height (WHWNOD example) 25 ft., 2 stories (accessories lower) Table 2‑7; § 19.14.120
R2 density 2 units per lot (lots < 4,000 sq ft) (scales per Table 2‑4) Table 2‑4 / § 19.06.050
Movietown Specific Plan — FAR 4:1 max in plan area (definition of floor area and excluded spaces included) § 19.16.010(C)
8899 Beverly Specific Plan — Subarea FAR & height Subarea examples: FAR 2.6:1 (plan), Subarea 2 0.5:1; heights 120.5 ft (Subarea 1), 25 ft (Subarea 2) Beverly plan provisions, see § 19.16. excerpt
Allowed projections into setbacks (balconies, eaves, bay windows) Balconies above 1st floor may project up to 48 in. into front setback (varies by yard) Table 3‑2 / § 19.20.150
Vertical projections above height limit (mechanical, parapets) Parapets/guardrails up to 4 ft above roofline; rooftop features limited by % roof area (e.g., 25% for non‑occupiable features) § 19.20.080 and Table A excerpts

(These are representative — many zones and specific plans contain variations. Always check the parcel zoning and the applicable specific plan/overlay.)

Checklist

An applicant should confirm and include the following in a pre‑application or permit package:

  • Confirm the parcel's zoning symbol and any overlays (e.g., R1‑B + -WHWNOD, CC2 + -GMU) — see § 19.04.030 / § 19.14.120.
  • Apply the correct density table (Table 2‑4 for R1/R2; Table 2‑3 for R3/R4) to determine maximum units — § 19.06.050 / § 19.06.040.
  • Calculate FAR using the applicable zone or specific‑plan FAR definition; confirm which spaces are excluded (mezzanines, parking, etc.) — see specific plan FAR text § 19.16.010(C) and the WHWNOD notes on FAR.
  • Verify setbacks and projection allowances (front/side/rear, second‑story stepbacks) per § 19.20.150 and any overlay modifications (WHWNOD table).
  • Apply height measurement rules and rooftop‑feature allowances per § 19.20.080; if proposing rooftop amenities check setback/stepback language.
  • Prepare parking plan consistent with Chapter 19 parking rules and any specific plan parking provisions (e.g., Movietown minimums) — see West Hollywood Parking and § 19.16.010(H) for plan examples.
  • Confirm whether design review or a discretionary development permit is required and route materials to Planning per § 19.04.040 and Chapter 19‑48; consult West Hollywood Design Review.
  • If proposing ADUs, confirm ADU-specific allowances and state ADU constraints; see local ADU section references (e.g., § 19.36.310), the City ADU guidance, and California ADU law.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Which Title controls (Title 17 vs Title 19) Many stakeholders expect "Title 17" as zoning; the retrieved material uses Title 19 (Zoning). Relying on the wrong title risks applying obsolete rules. Verify with the City which Title is current; the retrieved excerpts indicate zoning lives in Title 19. Verify with the jurisdiction.
Parcel with multiple zoning districts Standards (setbacks, density, height) may differ on different portions of the parcel; mis‑application can cause noncompliance. Confirm whether parcel has multiple zones and apply each district's standards to the portion in that district; subterranean parking may be allowed to cross zone lines (§ 19.04.040(C)).
FAR counting rules (garages, mezzanines) Inclusion or exclusion of spaces (detached garages under 400 sq ft, mezzanines, parking) changes allowable building area. Check the applicable FAR definition in the zone/specific plan; WHWNOD and specific plans spell out exceptions (see WHWNOD notes and Movietown FAR text).
Overlay vs base zone conflicts Overlays may control and override base‑zone rules. Missing an overlay requirement will trigger redesign. Always consult overlay language (e.g., WHWNOD § 19.14.120) and note that overlay controls in a conflict.
Allowed projections and measurement conventions Projection allowances (bay windows, eaves, balconies) reduce required yard depths effectively. Use § 19.20.150 Table 3‑2 to confirm allowable projections by yard.
Density legalization and nonconforming units Special rules allow legalization of illegal units but limit counting toward density. See legalization rules and limits under § 19.36.270 and related subsections; verify whether proposed unit counts exceed legalization allowances.

Plain‑English summary

West Hollywood’s zoning ordinance (found in the Title 19 excerpts retrieved) sets district‑by‑district limits on how big and tall buildings can be (height and FAR), how many homes fit on a lot (density tables), and how far buildings must sit back from property lines (setbacks and allowed projections). Overlays and specific plans often change those baseline numbers (sometimes lowering or increasing FAR or height), so always check the parcel’s base zone plus overlays/specific plan before designing. See the cited code sections for the exact numeric limits.

Source References

  • West Hollywood Zoning Ordinance excerpts (Title 19): general zoning district rules and permit framework — § 19.04.040
  • Residential districts and density tables — § 19.06.020, § 19.06.040, § 19.06.050 (Table 2‑3 / Table 2‑4)
  • West Hollywood West Neighborhood Overlay District (WHWNOD) and Table 2‑7 (development standards including FAR = 0.5, setbacks, height examples) — § 19.14.120, Table 2‑7
  • Setback measurement and allowed projections into yards (Tables 3‑2 etc.) — § 19.20.150 and Table 3‑2
  • Height measurement, rooftop exceptions and allowed projections above height limit — § 19.20.080 (and Table A examples)
  • Specific plans: Movietown Specific Plan (FAR and banded heights) — § 19.16.010(C–D, H)
  • Specific plan: 8899 Beverly Specific Plan (FAR, heights, setbacks) — Beverly excerpt in Title 19 materials; see plan text excerpts (FAR caps and Subarea heights)
  • Legalization and unit conversion rules, ADU cross‑references — § 19.36.270, § 19.36.310 (ADU reference in density table)

Other useful City menus:

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • West Hollywood Zoning Code High relevance
  • West Hollywood Zoning Code (Section 19.36.280) High relevance
  • West Hollywood Zoning Code High relevance
  • CBC § 4 (section are) High relevance
  • West Hollywood Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • West Hollywood Zoning Code (Article 19-3) High relevance
  • West Hollywood Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • CFC § 150 (section shall) High relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an R1 lot in West Hollywood?

Use the R1 subtype that appears on the parcel (for example R1‑A, R1‑B, R1‑C) and apply the maximum units from Table 2‑4. R1‑A typically allows 1 unit per lot, R1‑B starts at 2 units on small lots with additional units scaling by lot size; accessory dwelling units are subject to § 19.36.310 and state ADU law. See § 19.06.050.

What are West Hollywood setback requirements?

Setbacks are measured per § 19.20.150 (measurement rules) and vary by zone and overlay. The WHWNOD example sets a 15 ft. minimum front yard (30 ft. max in some places) and interior side yards commonly 5 ft.; consult Table 2‑7 for neighborhood‑specific numbers. See § 19.20.150 and § 19.14.120.

How is building height measured in West Hollywood?

Height measurement and exceptions (including allowable rooftop features and projection limits) are set out in § 19.20.080. The code allows certain rooftop appurtenances to exceed the height limit within defined limits (e.g., parapets, mechanicals, limited vertical projections). See § 19.20.080.

How does West Hollywood count FAR (floor area ratio)?

FAR is defined and applied in specific plan text or zone‑specific rules. For example, the Movietown Specific Plan defines FAR and caps it at 4:1 for the plan area in § 19.16.010(C); WHWNOD notes FAR = 0.5 in Table 2‑7 for R1‑B within that overlay. Always use the FAR definition in the controlling plan/zone to determine what is excluded (mezzanines, parking, etc.).

Do overlay districts change base-zone development standards?

Yes. Overlays such as the WHWNOD or -GMU explicitly modify or supplement base‑zone standards; the overlay language controls in the event of conflict. See § 19.14.120(E) and the overlay chapters.

Will my detached garage count toward FAR?

That depends on the zone/overlay. WHWNOD notes that detached garages up to 400 sq ft shall not be included in FAR, but attached garages may be included. See the WHWNOD notes and FAR rules in Table 2‑7 and related text. Verify in the applicable zone or specific plan. See § 19.14.120 notes.

When can I get a height or FAR bonus?

Certain overlays and incentive programs (Avenues Bonus, Gateway Mixed‑Use Incentive) allow increases in height or FAR if the project meets findings (design quality, public benefits, open space requirements). See § 19.10.050 and § 19.14.110 for bonus parameters and required findings.

How do permitted uses and permit types get determined?

Allowed uses and whether they require administrative or discretionary permits are set out in the zoning district tables and explained in § 19.04.040; permitted uses are shown as "P", administrative as "AP", etc. See § 19.04.040.

Are there special rules for lots split across two zoning districts?

Yes — each portion must comply with its applicable district standards (density, height, setbacks), though subterranean parking may be constructed across district boundaries under § 19.04.040(C) and § 19.36.170. Confirm by parcel.

Do projections like bay windows or eaves reduce required setbacks?

Yes. Tables of allowed projections (Table 3‑2 and related text) list maximum projections by yard (e.g., balconies, bay windows, eaves) and minimum clearances from the property line; see § 19.20.150 and Table 3‑2 for the exact allowances.

Do I always need design review for changes to massing or second‑story additions?

Many projects that alter massing, exceed certain thresholds, or are in overlays will be subject to a development permit or design review; the permit types and criteria are explained in § 19.04.040 and the development‑permit chapters. See § 19.04.040 and consult Planning. ---

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