Local zoning · West Hollywood

West Hollywood — Zoning

Zoning 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 what the West Hollywood Zoning Ordinance (Title 19) actually requires about zoning districts, the official Zoning Map, overlay districts, and the key dimensional standards that drive what you can build in each district. The ordinance formally establishes the list of base zoning districts in § 19.04.020 and adopts the City Zoning Map in § 19.04.030 . For how individual projects proceed through ministerial clearances and discretionary permits see the permit chapters referenced below; use this page only for zoning (not building code, habitability, or tenant law).

This page links to related West Hollywood reference pages where the code refers to them: the city's Development Standards for measurement rules, Parking for vehicle requirements, Design Review where design approvals are required, the Overlay Districts page for supplemental rules, ADUs and the California Building Standards Code (Title 24) as they are referenced by the zoning code.

How the ordinance defines zoning in West Hollywood

  • The Zoning Ordinance establishes the list of base zoning districts and overlay districts and requires that those district boundaries be shown on the adopted Zoning Map; see § 19.04.020 and § 19.04.030 .
  • The ordinance assigns allowed/conditional/administrative uses by zoning district and specifies whether a use is allowed as a permitted use (zone clearance/development permit), administrative permit, minor CUP, or full CUP; see § 19.04.040(B) and the land-use tables referenced in that section .
  • Overlay districts modify or add standards to the primary district on a site and are appended as suffixes on the Zoning Map (for example R4-NC or R1B-WHWNOD); see § 19.14.020 .
  • When a parcel contains more than one base district, each portion must generally meet the requirements of its respective district (with a narrow exception for connected subterranean parking); see § 19.04.040(C) .

District-by-district breakdown

Below are the ordinance-defined base districts. Each subsection gives the stated purpose, the typical allowed uses, the most decision-relevant dimensional/scale standards the ordinance provides, and where that district is applied or described in the code.

Residential districts (overview)

The residential districts are established in § 19.04.020 and are regulated in Chapters 19.06 and related tables. The residential districts include R1, R2, R3, and R4 (with suffixes such as R1-A/B/C, R3-A/B/C/C-C, R4-A/B/B-C) . The table of residential development standards (Table 2-3) summarizes parking, height, setbacks, FAR and other controls; see the table and associated notes in the ordinance (Table 2-3 and text) and height measurement rules in § 19.20.080 .

R1 — Residential, Single-Family or Two-Unit Low Density

  • Purpose: Maintain single-family/low density neighborhood character; the R1 symbol is subdivided into R1-A, R1-B, R1-C with location-specific density and standards indicated by suffix on the Map (Zoning Map suffixes) § 19.06.020 .
  • Typical permitted uses: single-family homes, up to two units where allowed; accessory uses consistent with Chapter rules (see permit tables).
  • Key standards: maximum structure heights vary by suffix — R1-A/R1-B/R2: 25 ft., 2 stories; R1-C: 15 ft., 1 story (height measurement rules in § 19.20.080) .
  • Where it applies: mapped residential neighborhoods noted on the Zoning Map; special neighborhood overlay like the WHWNOD can combine with R1-B to add rules (see WHWNOD discussion below) .

R2 — Residential, Low Density

  • Purpose: Low-density residential areas consistent with the General Plan; see § 19.06.020 .
  • Typical permitted uses: small multi-family or duplexes depending on sub-area rules.
  • Key standards: referenced in Table 2-3; heights follow the R1/R2 standards in the table (e.g., 25 ft., 2 stories for many R2 areas) .

R3 — Residential, Multi-Family Medium-Density (suffixes R3-A, R3-B, R3-C, R3C-C)

  • Purpose: Allow medium-density multi-family housing while maintaining neighborhood compatibility; see § 19.06.020 .
  • Typical permitted uses: apartments, condominiums, and mixed residential types; some R3 districts permit live/work units where the zoning suffix allows.
  • Key standards (examples from Table 2-3): R3-A: 25 ft., 2 stories; R3-B: 35 ft., 3 stories; R3-C / R3C-C: 45 ft., 4 stories; setbacks, parking and FAR follow Table 2-3 and Article 19-3 rules .

R4 — Residential, Multi-Family High-Density (suffixes R4-A, R4-B, R4B-C)

  • Purpose: Encourage high-density residential development compatible with the area’s scale; see § 19.06.020 .
  • Typical permitted uses: higher-density apartments/condominiums and related residential mixed-use where allowed.
  • Key standards: R4-A: 35 ft., 3 stories; R4-B: 45 ft., 4 stories; R4B-C: 48 ft., 4 stories (see Table 2-3 and § 19.20.080 for height measurement) .

Commercial / Public districts (Chapter 19.10)

The commercial districts are established in § 19.04.020 and described in Chapter 19.10; the ordinance explains each district's purpose and typical uses in § 19.10.020 .

CN1 — Commercial, Neighborhood 1

  • Purpose: Areas appropriate for low-intensity, neighborhood-serving commercial land uses; mixed-use with residential above ground-floor commercial is encouraged. See § 19.10.020(A) .
  • Typical uses: neighborhood convenience stores, specialty shops, small services.
  • Key standards: development standards are governed by Chapter 19.10 and Article 19-3 development standards (setbacks, parking) .

CN2 — Commercial, Neighborhood 2

  • Purpose: Similar to CN1 but in some CN2 areas residential is prohibited; see § 19.10.020(B) .
  • Typical uses: neighborhood-serving commerce; some CN2 lots are eligible for avenue bonuses via the -AB overlay described in § 19.14.100 .

CC1 / CC2 — Commercial, Community 1 & 2

  • Purpose: Provide a broader variety of commercial uses serving local and regional needs; CC1 and CC2 describe differing intensity and mix of uses (retail, offices, restaurants, hotels, cultural uses) § 19.10.020(C) .
  • Typical uses: retail, professional offices, entertainment, visitor-serving uses; mixed-use projects with residential or offices above are encouraged in many CC districts (subject to specific overlays such as the -CO commercial-only overlay) .

CA — Commercial, Arterial and CR — Commercial, Regional Center

  • Purpose: CA focuses on arterial commercial corridors; CR supports the city’s regional center activities and larger commercial/entertainment uses; see § 19.10.020 .
  • Typical uses: higher intensity commercial, hospitality and entertainment; development standards and height/FAR depend on sub-area rules and applicable overlays.

PF — Public Facilities

  • Purpose: Sites used for public or quasi-public facilities and civic uses; treated under Chapter 19.10 and mapped in § 19.04.020 .
  • Typical uses: schools, municipal buildings, public utilities and related uses.

Special / Specific Plan districts

  • PDCSP — Pacific Design Center Specific Plan and SSP — Sunset Specific Plan are listed as zoning map symbols and implement specific plan rules; when a site is in these areas the specific plan provisions and the primary zoning rules apply per § 19.04.020 and Chapter 19.14 (overlays / specific plans) .

Overlay districts (how they change the base rules)

Overlay districts are additive and control where special rules apply; they are shown as suffixes on the Zoning Map and the overlay chapter controls conflicts (overlay rules control if they conflict) § 19.14.020 . Key overlays in the code:

  • -CDP (Comprehensive Development Plan) — site-specific plan rules; see § 19.14.030 .
  • -DA (Development Agreement) — site-specific requirements from a development agreement; § 19.14.040 (zoning map notation and application rules) .
  • -H (Historic) — combines cultural heritage review in Chapter 19.58 with the primary zoning district § 19.14.050 .
  • -NC (Neighborhood Conservation) — identifies consistent historic or architectural neighborhood areas where additional standards apply § 19.14.060 (see ordinance for boundaries) .
  • -PK (Parking Overlay), -AB (Avenue Bonus) and incentive overlays like -MUIOZ and -GMU (Gateway Mixed-Use) appear in the ordinance and specify where bonuses, restrictions (e.g., -CO commercial-only), or additional parking rules apply; see § 19.14.090–120 and specific overlay sections (for example -CO and -AB) .
  • Example: the West Hollywood West Neighborhood Overlay (-WHWNOD) is applied to all R1-B parcels within specific boundaries and imposes front setback rules and other local standards in Table 2‑7 — see § 19.14.120 and Table 2‑7 .

For practical guidance on how overlays look on the map and where they apply, consult the city's Overlay Districts page.

Quick reference table — decision-relevant standards and uses

District Typical Permitted Uses (decision-relevant) Key Dimensional Standards Code Reference
R1 (R1-A/B/C) Single‑family, limited duplex/2‑unit situations Heights: 25 ft., 2 stories (R1‑A/B); 15 ft., 1 story (R1‑C); setbacks per Table 2‑3/Article 19‑3 § 19.06.020; Table 2‑3; § 19.20.080
R2 Low‑density multi/residential Heights per Table 2‑3 (25 ft., 2 stories common); parking per Chapter 19‑28 § 19.06.020; Table 2‑3
R3 (R3‑A/B/C/C‑C) Medium‑density multi‑family Heights: 25–45 ft. depending on suffix (see Table 2‑3); density limits in § 19.06.040 § 19.06.020; Table 2‑3
R4 (R4‑A/B/B‑C) High‑density residential Heights: 35–48 ft. depending on suffix; FAR and parking rules apply § 19.06.020; Table 2‑3
CN1 / CN2 Neighborhood‑serving retail / services (CN2 may prohibit residential) Lower intensity, mixed‑use encouraged in CN1; standards set in Chapter 19‑10 & Article 19‑3 § 19.10.020; § 19.04.020
CC1 / CC2 / CA / CR Community/regional commercial, entertainment, hotels, cultural uses Higher FAR/height allowed in parts of CC/CR; specific plan or overlay bonuses may apply § 19.10.020; Chapter 19‑10
PF / PDCSP / SSP Public facilities / specific-plan areas Specific plans or public facility rules control standards § 19.04.020; specific plan sections

Note: Many dimensional specifics (setbacks, stepbacks, FAR, lot coverage, parking counts) are provided in Article 19‑3 (Site Planning and General Development Standards), the development standard tables (Table 2‑3, Table 2‑7), and measurement rules (see § 19.20.150 for setback measurement and § 19.20.080 for height) — consult those code sections for parcel‑level calculations .

How uses and permits are shown in the code

The ordinance’s land-use tables mark uses as:

  • P — permitted subject to zone clearance or development permit,
  • AP — administrative permit required,
  • MCUP — minor conditional use permit required,
  • CUP — conditional use permit required.

These rules and the process for zone clearance / administrative permit / development permit / CUP are described in the ordinance (see the permit-chapter cross‑references in § 19.04.040(B)) .

Checklist (what an applicant must verify/submit for zoning review)

  • Confirm the site's base zoning symbol on the adopted Zoning Map (§ 19.04.030) and any overlay suffixes (e.g., -H, -WHWNOD) .
  • Identify the allowable land use category in the district land-use table and the required entitlement type (P / AP / MCUP / CUP) per § 19.04.040(B) .
  • Confirm applicable height limit, story limit, setbacks, FAR/lot coverage in Table 2‑3 or the overlay table (e.g., Table 2‑7 for WHWNOD) and measurement rules in § 19.20.080/§ 19.20.150 .
  • Check parking requirements in Chapter 19.28 and include off‑street parking calculations with the application .
  • Determine whether the project triggers design review and include applicable materials per the Design Review page and Chapter rules .
  • If an overlay applies (Historic, NC, CDP, AB, CO, MUIOZ, WHWNOD, etc.), add the overlay standards and any map‑based conditions to the submittal § 19.14.020–120 .
  • For additional dwelling units, check ADU rules and state law applicability on the city's ADUs and the California ADU law pages; zoning may allow ADUs but state law creates separate allowances — verify both the local ordinance and state standards (local ADU rules are in the zoning code and in related ordinances) .
  • Confirm whether the parcel is subject to a Development Agreement or Specific Plan (DA or CDP overlays) as this can limit allowed uses or add conditions § 19.14.030–040 .
  • Verify nonconforming-use or legalization rules (Chapter 19.72) if existing uses/structures predate the current code .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Multiple zoning symbols on one parcel The ordinance says each portion is treated as a separate site for development standards, which can create conflicting height/setback requirements on the same parcel § 19.04.040(C) Verify exact zoning map lines on the adopted Zoning Map (ask for a zoning confirmation letter) and whether subterranean parking exception is intended to connect floor plates § 19.04.040(C)
Overlay controls (e.g., -H, -WHWNOD, -AB) Overlay provisions can override base district rules; omissions in a site plan can lead to denial or redesign § 19.14.020 Confirm every overlay suffix on the property and read the overlay section for site‑specific standards (e.g., Table 2‑7 for WHWNOD § 19.14.120)
Measurement rules (height vs. FAR vs. stories) Height exceptions and measurement rules change what fits on a lot; inconsistent application can lead to appeal § 19.20.080 and Table 2‑3 notes Verify applicable measurement section referenced in the district table (e.g., § 19.20.080 for height) and request a zoning interpretation if ambiguous
Uses not listed in district tables The ordinance forbids uses not listed except in narrow rules; assuming a similar city's practice risks unauthorized uses § 19.04.040(B) Confirm the exact code use category and entitlement type in the district land‑use tables; if not listed, seek a formal interpretation or amendment request
ADU vs. local zoning conflicts State ADU law can supersede some local limits, but the municipal code also contains ADU provisions — mismatch creates uncertainty Cross‑check local ADU provisions vs. California ADU law and the city's ADU page; when in doubt, verify with the Community Development Director

Plain-English Summary

West Hollywood’s zoning ordinance (Title 19) lists a fixed set of base districts (residential R1/R2/R3/R4, commercial CN1/CN2/CC1/CC2/CA/CR, public PF, and specific‑plan districts) and a set of overlay zones that modify where and how development happens; find your parcel's symbol on the adopted Zoning Map and then read the matching district rules for permitted uses, height, setbacks and parking — key provisions are in § 19.04.020, the residential chapter 19.06, the commercial chapter 19.10, and the overlay chapter 19.14 .

Source References

  • West Hollywood Zoning Ordinance (Title 19) — Zoning Districts Established § 19.04.020 and Zoning Map Adopted § 19.04.030 .
  • Residential District Purposes and Rules (Ch. 19.06) including § 19.06.020 (R1–R4 descriptions) .
  • Commercial and Public Districts, purposes (Ch. 19.10) including § 19.10.020 (CN1, CN2, CC1, CC2 descriptions) .
  • Overlay districts and general overlay rules (Ch. 19.14), including § 19.14.020 and special overlays § 19.14.090 (‑CO), § 19.14.100 (‑AB), § 19.14.120 (WHWNOD) .
  • Development standards, measurement and the residential Table 2‑3 (height, stories, parking cross‑references) and height measurement § 19.20.080 (Table excerpts shown in ordinance) .
  • Rules on zoning determinations and how uses/permits are assigned § 19.04.040(B) and permit chapter cross‑references (zone clearance, administrative permit, CUP) .
  • West Hollywood Development Standards page (for practical measurement rules and examples): West Hollywood Development Standards.
  • West Hollywood Parking guidance (parking chapter referenced by district tables): West Hollywood Parking.
  • West Hollywood Design Review guidance (design approvals referenced by district/overlay rules): West Hollywood Design Review.
  • West Hollywood ADU info and state ADU law references: West Hollywood ADUs and California ADU law.

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • West Hollywood Zoning Code (§ 7) High relevance
  • West Hollywood Zoning Code (chapter establishes) High relevance
  • West Hollywood Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • West Hollywood Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • West Hollywood Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • West Hollywood Zoning Code (§ 19.06.020.) High relevance
  • West Hollywood Zoning Code (Article 19-3) High relevance
  • West Hollywood Zoning Code (Article 19-3) High relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an R-1 lot in West Hollywood?

On an R-1 lot the ordinance expects single‑family development or limited two‑unit situations as defined by the R1-A/B/C suffix that appears on the Zoning Map; dimensional limits and density are set by the R1 subcategory and the applicable neighborhood overlays (see § 19.06.020 and Table 2‑3 for height and setback rules) .

What are West Hollywood setback requirements?

Setbacks are specified in the district tables and measured according to the measurement rules in the development standards; see the residential Table 2‑3 and setback measurement in § 19.20.150 and Table notes for front/side/rear minima and averaging rules (the WHWNOD has its own front‑setback rules in Table 2‑7) .

Do I need design review in West Hollywood?

Whether you need design review depends on the district, overlay, and the permit type; many commercial and multi‑family projects (and projects in overlays like Historic or NC) will trigger the city’s design review procedures — see the design review chapter and Chapter cross‑references in the district rules for specifics § 19.04.040 and overlay sections .

What is the difference between CN1 and CN2?

Both CN1 and CN2 are neighborhood commercial districts; CN1 is intended for low‑intensity neighborhood‑serving uses and encourages mixed‑use with residential above the ground floor, while CN2 is also low‑intensity but in some mapped areas expressly prohibits residential uses — see § 19.10.020(A–B) for the ordinance distinctions .

How do overlay districts change what I can build?

An overlay suffix (for example -H, -NC, -WHWNOD, -AB) applies in addition to the primary district; the overlay’s provisions control in case of conflict and may add stricter standards, bonus allowances, or site‑specific rules — see § 19.14.020 and the specific overlay section that applies to your parcel .

Can I add an ADU on a multi‑family lot?

Local ADU provisions appear in the zoning ordinance and the city also must comply with state ADU law; ADU allowances may still be subject to zoning measurement (setbacks, height) and parking rules, so check the city’s ADU rules and the state ADU law in parallel — city ADU rules and ADU‑related zoning citations are in the code (see ADU pages and relevant zoning sections) .

What are the height limits for R3 and R4 districts?

Height limits are set by suffix and listed in the residential development table: typical examples are R3-A: 25 ft., 2 stories; R3-B: 35 ft., 3 stories; R3-C: 45 ft., 4 stories; R4-A: 35 ft., 3 stories; R4-B: 45 ft., 4 stories; R4B-C: 48 ft., 4 stories — see Table 2‑3 and height measurement rules § 19.20.080 .

My lot spans two different zones — how are the rules applied?

When a parcel is split across zoning districts each portion is generally treated as a separate site for density, setbacks, height and other development standards. There is a narrow exception allowing connected subterranean parking to cross district boundaries (see § 19.04.040(C)) .

Are there commercial‑only areas where I can't add residential?

Yes — the -CO (Commercial‑Only) overlay prohibits new residential uses and mixed‑use development in mapped nightlife/entertainment areas; see § 19.14.090 for where and how this overlay is used .

Where is the official Zoning Map adopted?

The Zoning Map is formally adopted and incorporated into the ordinance in § 19.04.030; always check the adopted map for your parcel’s base zoning and any overlay suffixes .

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