Frequently Asked Questions

The New Zoning Code (Chapter 1A of the Los Angeles Municipal Code) provides a comprehensive framework for determining permitted uses. Here's a breakdown of the process:  

1. Identify the Use District

• Locate the property on the Zoning Information and Map Access System (ZIMAS) or through the Interactive Web-Based Zoning Code.
• The zone designation will include the Use District in brackets, such as [MB3-SH1-1][CX3-4].
• The Use District is a component of the New Zoning Code that regulates land use. In the [MB3-SH1-1][CX3-4] example, "CX3" is the Use District.

2. Consult the Use District Table

• Find the Use District Table for the corresponding Use District in Part 5B (Use Districts).
• Locate the use in the "Use" column.
  • If you are having trouble finding your proposed use, please review and determine the most relevant Use Definition in Part 5D (Use Definitions).
    • Helpful Hint: Find the Use Definition that most closely describes the nature of the specific use in question. Use Definitions will often include a short list of specified uses as examples to support the definition.
  • For a more exhaustive list of Specified Uses (past uses that have been sorted into their corresponding Code Uses) please reference the Use Finder Tool in the navigation tab on the left.
• Check the corresponding "Permission" column to determine if the use is permitted.
• If the use is listed as "P", it means it is allowed (permitted), but may still be subject to standards as established in the applicable use table.
• If the use is listed as "CU1", "CU2", or "CU3", it means the use requires a conditional use permit.
• If the use is listed as "S", it means the use is subject to a Special Use Program.
• If the use is listed as "A-" or "A+", it means the use is dependent on the zoning of the adjoining lot.
• If the use is listed as "--", it means the use is not permitted.
• If the use is listed with a "Use Standard" or "Specification", review those sections for any applicable standards or limitations as established in the applicable use table.

3. Specified Uses

When filing for a use determination, you will be required to identify the Code Use along with your Specified Use (past uses that have been sorted into their corresponding Code Uses).

• An exhaustive list of over 1,400 Specified Uses have been uploaded to our Use Finder Tool for your reference in the navigation tab on the left when browsing the New Zoning Code.
  • Begin typing your Specified Use into the search field and the Use Finder Tool will begin offering options based on what you begin typing.  Select the relevant Specified Use to find out what Code Use it has been sorted under.
• If your use is not listed in the Use Finder Tool, it may be considered an Unlisted Use and may require a determination by the Zoning Administrator.
• If your proposed use is an Unlisted Use, the Zoning Administrator will determine the appropriate Code Use for the unlisted use after filing a Use Specification Form and all applicable fees are paid.
• When a Code Use is identified for the Unlisted Use, it will then be added to the Use Finder Tool database.

Important Notes

• Always refer to the most recent version of the New Zoning Code and Use District Tables for accurate and up-to-date information.
• If you do not have a specific property and you are just trying to see where a particular Code Use is allowed across all Use Districts, please refer to the Use Permission Reference Table. Please keep in mind that this table does not include any applicable Use Standards; however, the presence of an asterisk “*” indicates that one or more Use Standard(s) applies.