New Zoning Code

Dear Stakeholders,

Los Angeles will soon have a New Zoning Code and it will be going into effect in Downtown Los Angeles on Jan. 27, 2025. To help you prepare, we have previously released key resources and application forms, following a pair of public webinars. Additional resources and information is available below:

VIRTUAL OFFICE HOURS

City Planning is offering Virtual Office Hours to help answer any questions you might have regarding the New Zoning Code on the following dates: 

Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. 

Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

You may register for a 15-minute time slot here.

NEW ZONING CODE AND MAPS

Final adopted ordinances related to the New Zoning Code and Downtown Community Plan are located in the Council File. In addition, links to individual articles of the New Zoning Code can be accessed on our Department’s website. Information about the Downtown Community Plan’s Zoning Map can be accessed in a couple of different formats:

• Interactive - Searchable by address and provides property specific zoning regulations that can be downloaded

• Printable - pdf maps showing proposed zoning string by subarea

WEBINAR RECORDING AND SLIDES

Missed our recent webinar on the New Zoning Code? No problem! You can catch the recording and download the slides here:

• You can access the recording on our Department of City Planning YouTube channel.

• You can access the presentation slides here.

Thank you to everyone who attended our recent webinar on the implementation of the New Zoning Code!

If you have specific questions about the New Zoning Code you would like to discuss with staff, please email us at planning.NewZoningCode@lacity.org or stay tuned for a future invite to staff office hours.

APPLICATION FORMS

As of today, you can access the application filing forms for the New Zoning Code (Chapter 1A of the LAMC), alongside the versions of our forms for the Original Zoning Code (Chapter 1 of the LAMC), on our Forms webpage. The New Zoning Code will go into effect in Downtown Los Angeles (formerly known as the Central City and Central City North Community Plan Areas) starting on Jan. 27, 2025.

Please be aware that projects will not be subject to the provisions of this ordinance if a complete application was filed and fees were paid prior to Jan. 27, 2025 (the effective date) pursuant to LAMC Section 1.4.4. (Successional Rights) of Chapter 1A:

Any project with an entitlement application that was filed and for which all applications fees were paid prior to the effective date of this Zoning Code (Chapter 1A), where applied, may continue to use the zoning that was in effect at the time of application, provided that approvals are granted and used within the time limits established in Sec. 13A.2.7. (Scope of Decision), unless the applicant elects to utilize the provisions of Chapter 1A. Projects subject to Chapter I. (General Provisions and Zoning) shall be subject to any subsequent amendments to Chapter I. (General Provisions and Zoning) of this Code unless the application has been vested pursuant to Sec. 1.4.5. (Vested Rights).

• When applicable, modifications of the entitlements outlined above may be granted, provided that approvals are granted and are effectuated and utilized within the time limits established in Sec. 13A.2.7. (Scope of Decision).

• Any project with approved entitlements that cannot be effectuated and utilized within the time limits established in Sec. 13A.2.7. (Scope of Decision) shall proceed in accordance with the regulations of this Zoning Code (Chapter 1A).

The New Zoning Code application forms offered on our Forms webpage will not be accepted until the January 27 Effective Date; this early release is intended to allow applicants to begin preparing their materials in advance of this date and allow additional time for pre-filing questions and consultation.

Depending on where in the City of Los Angeles you intend to file a case, click on the form number in one of the two columns to access the appropriate version of the form you would like to use.