The zoning information will typically include a combination of letters and numbers that represent the specific zoning regulations that apply to the property. For example, a property might be zoned as, Zoning Information and Map Access System (ZIMAS), :   Go to ZIMAS . Enter the property address. Select, "Planning and Zoning", from the drop-down menu. Check the "Zone" field. Click on the zone to view the zoning information., Understanding the Zoning Information, is the Supplemental District in Article 8 of the New Zoning Code. However, the zoning information may also be a shorter combination of letters and numbers as the zoning for the property. For example, a property might be zoned as, [MB3-SH1-1[CX3-4[CPIO, , where:  , MB3, is the Form District in Article 2 of the New Zoning Code., SH1, is the Frontage District in Article 3 of the New Zoning Code., 1, is the Development Standards District in Article 4 of the New Zoning Code., CX3, is the Use District in Article 5 of the New Zoning Code., 4, is the Density District in Article 6 of the New Zoning Code., CPIO, You can find the zoning for a property by using the, [FWY[CPIO, , where:  , FWY, is the Special Zone in Article 8 of the New Zoning Code., CPIO, is the Supplemental District in Article 8 of the New Zoning Code., Important Notes:, If the zone is represented as a combination of letters and numbers in brackets (e.g.,, [MB3-SH1-1[CX3-4[CPIO, ), then the property is in an area governed by the, New Zoning Code, . If the zone is represented as a combination of letters and numbers without brackets (e.g.,, [QC2-2D-CDO, ), then the property is in an area governed by the, Original Zoning Code, . The, New Zoning Code, is being implemented gradually through the Community Plan Update Program , starting with the Downtown Community Plan. During this transition period, both the, New Zoning Code, and the, Original Zoning Code, will be in effect in different parts of the City. For properties subject to the, New Zoning Code, , it is important to note that it introduces new concepts and terminology.

The zoning information will typically include a combination of letters and numbers that represent the specific zoning regulations that apply to the property., The Interactive Web-Based Zoning Code  has a property report function that streamlines how to find the zoning regulations that apply to a specific property. Go to the Report function on the Interactive Web-Based Zoning Code . Enter the property…, : Go to the ZIMAS . Enter the property address. Select, "Planning and Zoning", from the drop-down menu. Check the, "Zone", field. Click on the zone to view the zoning information., Understanding the Zoning Information, Zoning Information and Map Access System (ZIMAS), New Zoning Code, If the zone is represented as a combination of letters and numbers in brackets (e.g.,, [MB3-SH1-1[CX3-4[CPIO, ), then the property is in an area governed by the New Zoning Code. The bracketed letters and numbers represent the following:  , MB3, is the Form District, which regulates the building's form, such as its height, setbacks, and lot coverage., SH1, is the Frontage District, which regulates the building's frontage, such as the transparency and articulation of the facade., 1, is the Development Standards District, which regulates the development standards, such as parking, landscaping, and access., CX3, is the Use District, which regulates the uses that are allowed on the property., 4, is the Density District, which regulates the density of development on the property., CPIO, is the Supplemental District, which provides additional regulations that supplement the zoning., Original Zoning Code, If the zone is represented as a combination of letters and numbers without brackets (e.g.,, [QC2-2D-CDO, ), then the property is in an area governed by the Original Zoning Code. To find those regulations by going to ZIMAS and clicking on the zone for the property which will take you to the Original Zoning Code (Chapter 1 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code)., Important Notes:, The New Zoning Code is being implemented gradually, starting with the Downtown Community Plan. Other Community Plans will be updated over time, expanding the areas subject to the New Zoning Code. During this transition period, both the New Zoning Code and the Original Zoning Code will be in effect…

This Interactive Web-Based Zoning Code has a property report function that allows you to enter the property's address, and generate a report that provides a summary of the relevant regulations. If the property address is not subject to the New…, New Zoning Code (Chapter 1A):, The Zoning Code that applies to a property depends on whether the property is located within a Community Plan that has been updated to use the New Zoning Code (Chapter 1A of the LAMC)., Original Zoning Code (Chapter 1):, Applies to properties in areas where Community Plans have not yet been updated. You can determine which Zoning Code applies to a property by:, Using the Zoning Information and Map Access System (ZIMAS):, Utilizing ZIMAS and entering the subject property’s address, then selecting the “Planning and Zoning” drop-down and checking the “Zoning” field. Clicking on the zone will either send you to the Original Zoning Code or the New Zoning Code. The New Zoning Code’s new zoning string (ex:, [MB3-SH1-1 [CX3-4, ) is distinct from the Original Zoning Code’s zone string (ex:, [QC2-2D-CDO, ), and is also a good indication as to which Zoning Code applies., Using the Interactive Web-Based Zoning Code:, Applies to properties within Community Plans that have been updated as part of the City's ongoing Community Plan Update Program . The New Zoning Code features a streamlined and user-friendly structure, with a focus on clarity and flexibility., Important Notes:, The New Zoning Code is being implemented gradually, starting with the Downtown Community Plan. Other Community Plans will be updated over time, expanding the areas subject to the New Zoning Code. During this transition period, both the New Zoning Code and the Original Zoning Code will be in effect…

Questions regarding the New Zoning Code can be answered through a variety of resources:, Interactive Web-Based Zoning Code, ZIMAS is a powerful tool that allows users to: Determine the zoning for a specific property. View zoning maps and other relevant planning information. Access links to the New Zoning Code and the Original Zoning Code., The Interactive Web-Based Zoning Code  provides comprehensive information about the code, including: An overview of the code and its key features. A digital version of the code with a user-friendly interface and search functionality. Answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs).…, Zoning Information and Map Access System (ZIMAS), Department of Building and Safety Staff (before April 2026), For general zoning questions regarding a specific project for which you will be applying for permits, first contact the , Department of Building and Safety, by contacting the call center at 311 or (213) 473-3231 or , visit the same day Virtual Counter, with LADBS. For specific zoning questions regarding a specific project prior to submitting for a permit, you may apply to meet with a Case Manager with the , Development Services Case Management (DSCM), by filling out a Service Request Form; a fee may apply., Department of City Planning (DCP) Staff (April 2026 and beyond), For general zoning questions regarding a specific project for which you will be applying for permits or other City Planning review, please , schedule an appointment, with our , Development Services Centers, staff, or , visit the same day Virtual Counter, . For specific zoning questions regarding a specific project prior to submitting for a permit, you may apply to meet with a Case Manager with the , Development Services Case Management (DSCM), by filling out a Service Request Form; a fee may apply.

Final Parcel Map Requirements A final parcel map shall be prepared and filed with the City Engineer in compliance with the provisions of this Article (Division of Land) . The map shall conform substantially to the approved preliminary parcel map, or the…

If your building or use existed legally before the New Zoning Code went into effect for a property, it might be considered a, nonconformity, . Generally, nonconformities are allowed to continue, but there are rules about how they can be changed, expanded, or discontinued., Key Points, Continuation:, You can generally continue your nonconforming building or use., No Expansion:, You cannot expand the nonconformity beyond its original size or scope., Maintenance and Repair:, You can do normal maintenance and repair., Change of Use:, Changing to a less impactful or permitted use might be allowed., Rebuilding After Damage:, There are special rules for rebuilding after damage, such as from a fire or earthquake., Example, Nonconforming Structure, Let's say your property has a detached garage that was built closer to the property line than what is currently allowed by the New Zoning Code. Because the garage was built legally under the older regulations, it is a nonconforming structure. You can continue to…, Nonconforming Use, Imagine you operate a small bakery in a building that was constructed before the New Zoning Code took effect. The area is now zoned for residential use, making your bakery a nonconforming use. You are allowed to continue operating the bakery as it was originally established. You can also perform…, Recommendation, Check the Nonconformities Article (Article 12) for detailed information and specific rules.

Intent The following parcel map regulations are intended to: ensure compliance with the Subdivision Map Act, this Zoning Code (Chapter 1A), and the City’s General Plan; to assure lots of acceptable subdivision…

Each project is unique and the process may vary. However, the general process for obtaining a building permit can be summarized as follows:, Confirm Zoning Compliance:, Ensure your project complies with the zoning regulations for your property. You can find the zoning regulations using ZIMAS and the Interactive Web-Based Zoning Code ., Submit Application:, Submit a building permit application to the, Department of Building and Safety (LADBS), . The application must include all required information, plans, and fees., Application Screening and Submittal:, LADBS screen your application for completeness. If your application is complete, an invoice for plan check submittal fees will be sent. Once fees are paid, it will route the application to the , Department of City Planning (DCP), for a Zoning Plan Check and will be added to a queue to be assigned., Zoning Plan Check:, Once your project is assigned, DCP will review your plans for compliance with all applicable codes and regulations., Corrections:, If any corrections or clearances are needed, you will be notified and must resubmit corrected plans and obtain clearance approvals.., Permit Issuance:, Once your plans are approved, LADBS will issue a building permit., Inspections:, During construction, LADBS will conduct inspections for compliance with approved plans., Certificate of Occupancy:, After final inspection approval, LADBS will issue a Certificate of Occupancy for new buildings, additions, and conversions. Remodels/repair of existing buildings do not require a new Certificate of Occupancy., Important Notes, Visit the LADBS website for additional details on how to obtain a building permit. The specific requirements and fees for a building permit vary depending on the type and scope of your project. It's highly recommended to consult with LADBS staff before submitting your application to ensure you have…

Purpose A Specific Plan is a regulatory land use ordinance specifically designated in the ordinance as a Specific Plan. A Specific Plan shall provide by ordinance regulatory controls or incentives for the systematic execution of the General…

Applicability The Director shall have authority to interpret Specific Plans when there is a lack of clarity in the meaning of their regulations. Initiation The Director may consider an interpretation on his or her own initiative, or in response to an […