The New Zoning Code (Chapter 1A of the Los Angeles Municipal Code) provides mechanisms for increased Floor Area Ratio (FAR) and Height beyond the base regulations when a project provides specified public benefits., What are FAR and Height?, FAR, is the measurement of the total Floor Area of all buildings on a lot in relation to the size of the lot., Height, is the vertical dimension of a building., Base FAR and Height, The base FAR and height are the maximum amounts allowed in a given Form District without providing public benefits. A lot cannot exceed these base maximums without meeting the requirements of an incentive program., Bonus FAR and Height, Bonus FAR and height represent the maximum additional amounts permitted beyond the base regulations in exchange for providing public benefits. , Division 2C.4 (Floor Area Ratio & Height), establishes a tiered bonus structure:, Tier 1 Bonus:, A project may exceed the base FAR or height up to the maximum Tier 1 bonus by fulfilling the requirements of an applicable incentive program (such as providing required restricted affordable housing units)., Tier 2 Bonus:, A project may exceed the base FAR or height up to the maximum Tier 2 bonus by providing required restricted affordable units AND additional public benefits from the Public Benefits Menu., Public Benefits that May Grant Bonus FAR and Height, Bonus FAR and Height may be granted for the provision of various public benefits, including, but not limited to: Affordable Housing Specific Community and Civic Facilities (e.g., Childcare Facilities, Full-Service Grocery Stores, Health Centers, Social Service…, How to Determine and Obtain Bonus FAR and Height, The , maximum bonus FAR and bonus height, allowed for a specific lot are determined by the applied Form District (, Part 2B., ) as detailed in , Division 2C.4 (Floor Area Ratio & Height), . The , specific requirements and procedures for earning bonus FAR and height, are established in , Article 9 (Public Benefit Systems), or an applicable Community Plan Implementation Overlay (CPIO) or Specific Plan. Article 9 outlines various incentive programs, such as: Citywide Housing Incentive Programs (, Div. 9.2., ) Community Benefits Program (, Div. 9.3., ) General Incentive Programs (, Div. 9.4., ) Accessory Dwelling Unit Incentive Program (, Div. 9.5., ), Important Notes:, Bonus FAR and height are , not automatically granted, . A project must meet the specific requirements of the applicable incentive program within , Article 9, or other relevant overlays/plans to qualify for the bonus. Bonus FAR and height may be granted in addition to other incentives, such as density bonuses and parking reductions. For further details on Floor Area Ratio and Height regulations, please…, Division 2C.4. (Floor Area Ratio & Height), . For comprehensive information on public benefit systems and incentive programs, consult  , Article 9. (Public Benefit Systems), on the official New Zoning Code website.

The New Zoning Code is implemented by various City Agencies, with the, Department of City Planning (DCP), and the, Department of Building and Safety (DBS), playing the primary roles. Other departments involved in the implementation process, such as the Department of Transportation and Public Works Department, each with specific responsibilities for certain regulations.  , Department of City Planning (DCP):, DCP is the primary authority for interpreting the Zoning Code and reviewing projects for compliance., Zoning Review & Implementation:, Through its new Development Services Bureau, DCP performs "Zoning Plan Check" to ensure projects comply with regulations concerning building forms, frontages, development standards, uses, and density. This includes verifying compliance for setbacks, lot sizes, floor area ratios, building heights,…, Planning & Policy:, DCP manages long-range planning, zone changes, General Plan amendments, and Specific Plan adoptions. DCP also oversees affordable housing incentives (e.g., Density Bonus, TOC) and issues determinations on discretionary projects and zoning appeals., Department of Building and Safety (DBS):, LADBS ensures that buildings are safe and habitable., Permitting & Safety:, LADBS retains responsibility for permit application intake, fee collection, and the issuance of building permits. They review plans for compliance with the Building Code (structural, fire, life safety) regulations., Enforcement:, LADBS handles code enforcement and coordinates with DCP on the enforcement of zoning regulations., Department of Transportation (DOT):, DOT's primary focus is on transportation-related aspects of the New Zoning Code. They review and approve automobile access packages, ensuring adequate and safe access for vehicles. They may also be involved in reviewing traffic studies and issuing permits for projects with significant…, Department of Public Works:, The Department of Public Works manages the dedication and improvement of streets, including setting street standards, reviewing exceptions, and overseeing the improvement process. They also handle matters related to private streets, ensuring they meet necessary standards. In addition to these…, Department of Recreation and Parks:, Ensures sufficient recreational space for communities by reviewing and approving park fees and land dedications associated with new developments., Department of Housing:, Responsible for specific housing-related programs and regulations within the New Zoning Code, including the preservation and development of affordable housing., Department of Water and Power:, Ensures that new developments have adequate water and power infrastructure., Police Department:, Plays a role in reviewing and approving certain uses, such as those involving alcohol sales. The implementation of the New Zoning Code is a collaborative effort among these departments and agencies, ensuring the planned and sustainable development of the City.

The General Plan is the City’s comprehensive framework that sets forth policies, goals, and objectives to guide the physical development of the City, while outlining the vision and priorities of the City. It consists of 11 citywide…

Title This Chapter of the Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC) is the City of Los Angeles Zoning Code, and is referred to or cited as "this Zoning Code (Chapter 1A)" or "this Chapter" throughout the LAMC. Intent This Zoning Code (Chapter 1A) regulates the development and […

Affordable housing incentive program is defined as an incentive program established in Div. 9.2. (Affordable Housing Incentive Programs) to increase the production of affordable housing, consistent with City policies.

Pursuant to California Government Code Sec. 65589.5(d)(2) , specific adverse impact is defined as a significant, quantifiable, direct, and unavoidable impact, based on objective, identified written public health or safety standards, policies, or conditions as they existed on the…

For the purposes of Sec. 13B.5.5. (Reasonable Accommodation) , reasonable accommodation is defined as providing an individual with a disability or developers of housing for an individual with a disability, flexibility in the application of land use and…

For the purposes of Sec. 13B.9.1. (Coastal Development Permit (Pre-Certification)) , Local Coastal Program is the City's land use plans and other applicable general plan elements, zoning ordinances, zoning district maps, and proposed implementing actions, which when taken together,…

Intent This Section (Community Design Overlay (CDO)) provides a method for maintaining guidelines and standards in existing Community Design Overlays (CDOs) that were established prior to January 1, 2020. The intent of the CDO is a Supplemental District, to…

Transportation demand management is defined as the modification of travel behavior through programs of incentives, services, and policies, including encouraging the use of alternatives to single-occupant vehicles such as public transit, cycling, walking, [glossary:…