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…, Zoning Information and Map Access System (ZIMAS), : 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, The zoning information will typically include a combination of letters and numbers that represent the specific zoning regulations that apply to the property., 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…

You can find the zoning for a property by using the, 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, 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, [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, 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, [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 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)., New Zoning Code (Chapter 1A):, 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., 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:, 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 Zoning Code, it will inform you of that fact and refer…, 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…

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.

Questions regarding the New Zoning Code can be answered through a variety of resources:, Interactive Web-Based 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), 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., 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.

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…

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,…, 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…, 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.

Applicability This Section establishes procedures to modify, discontinue, or revoke any discretionary zoning approval where needed to remedy non-compliance with the conditions of any conditional use or similar Quasi-judicial approvals. Initiation The Director, […

Applicability This Section applies to exceptions from Specific Plan regulations, as follows: Description A project exception grants relief from a Specific Plan ’s regulations on the basis of particular standards or criteria established in this Section ,…

Applicability This Section applies to the following situations where this Code expressly allows an Adjustment: Adjustments and modifications from zoning regulations if expressly allowed in the relief allowances of this Chapter; Adjustments and modifications from zoning regulations as described in…