CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS AND ZONING

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1 CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS AND ZONING Article General Planning Department Information 1 General Provisions 1.5 Planning Comprehensive Planning Program 2 Specific Planning Zoning Comprehensive Zoning Plan 2.9 Condominiums, Community Apartments and Stock Cooperatives 3 Specific Plan Zoning Supplemental Use Districts 4 Public Benefit Projects 4.3 Eldercare Facility Unified Permit Process 4.4 Sign Regulations 4.5 Transfer of Floor Area Rights Central City Community Plan and City Center Redevelopment Project Areas 5 Referrals Land for Public Use 6 Temporary Regulations Relating to Land Use Approvals for Properties Damaged in a Local Emergency 6.1 Review of Development Projects 7 Division of Land Regulations 8 Private Street Regulations 9 Fees GENERAL PLANNING DEPARTMENT INFORMATION HISTORY The City Council originally established the City Planning Department by ordinance, adopted on April 9, The Department included a Commission of 51 members, serving without salary, and one paid secretary. At that time, the City had an area of 364 square miles and a population of 576,000. In 1925, when the citizens adopted the original City Charter, the City Planning Commission, together with all other Commissions of City Government, was changed to five members. The new City Charter adopted in June of 1999, operative in July 2000, expanded the City Planning Commission to nine members. The new City Charter also created seven area planning commissions each covering different areas of the City. Over the years, the Department has grown to a total of over 260 staff members. During this same period, the City has grown to an area of 467 square miles with a population of about 3.9 million people. FUNCTIONS The Department is charged with the responsibility of preparing, maintaining and implementing a General Plan for the development of the City. The General Plan consists of the Framework Element, which provides overall guidance for the future of the City, various other citywide elements including the state-mandated elements such as the Transportation, Open Space and the Land Use among others. The Land Use Element is largely made up of the community plans that fall for a range of allowable land uses and intensities of uses as well as other matters relating to the use of land unique to each of the City s many communities. The Department periodically updates these plans as needed.

2 The Planning Department implements the General Plan utilizing a variety of tools, mainly through the application of zoning regulations and the division of land into separate parcels. Traditional zones, specific plans, overlay districts, special use permits, such as conditional uses, and a variety of other instruments all regulate the use of land. The zoning portion of the Municipal Code, specific plans and other regulatory tools establish development standards applicable to matters such as heights of structures, setbacks, lot coverage, open space, parking, design and the like. Those seeking relief from the strict application of these regulations, apply to the Department, which can grant that relief, when justified, through use of variances or other similar tools tailored for specific purposes. The Department of City Planning in conjunction with other City Agencies regulates the division of land into separate lots in accordance with the State Subdivision Map Act. The Department also reports on the acquisition or development of land for public use. ORGANIZATION The CITY PLANNING COMMISSION is composed of nine private citizens who serve without salary, except for a small attendance fee. The Planning Commission is responsible for giving advice and making recommendations to the Mayor, Council, Director of Planning, and other City departments and agencies with respect to zoning ordinances, amendments to the General Plan and related activities, including legislation. The Commission studies planning policy matter and makes reports and recommendations to other governmental officers or agencies as may be necessary to implement and secure compliance with the General Plan; and performs other functions prescribed by the Charter or ordinance. The Commission holds public hearings to hear evidence that forms the basis of its decisions. The AREA PLANNING COMMISSIONS each consist of five private citizens who serve without salary, except for a small attendance fee. These commissions largely serve as appeals boards for actions taken by the Department or the Zoning Administrator on such matters as, conditional uses and variances. When authorized to do so by ordinance, the Area Planning Commissions also act as original decision makers on some zoning matters and advise the City Planning Commission and the Department on changes to the General Plan affecting their geographical areas. The Commission holds public hearings to hear evidence that forms the basis of its decisions. The DIRECTOR OF PLANNING is the chief administrative officer of the Department and is responsible for the appointment and removal of all employees, annual departmental budget preparation and the expenditure of funds. The Director is responsible for preparing the General Plan of the City and amendments to the General Plan; all zoning and other land use regulations and requirements, including maps of all districts and zones; investigating and acting on thedesign and improvement of all subdivisions of land as the advisory agency under the State Subdivision Map Act; and having those additional powers and duties as provided by ordinance. The Director is assisted by three Deputy Directors who take responsibility for overseeing the various operations of the Planning Department. The professional staff is grouped functionally into the following divisions: a. Three COMMUNITY PLANNING DIVISIONS; the Valley, West/Coastal and Metro community planning divisions; prepare and revise plans for various sections of the City and recommend changes in zoning, site plan review applications and other matters involving specific plans and other special zoning tools to the Area and City Planning Commissions and the City Council. b. The DEPARTMENT SYSTEMS AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS) DIVISION is responsible for the orderly development and coordination of automated equipment and systems applications. The division is responsible for developing and maintaining the City s Zoning Map Automation System (ZMAS) and the Department s case tracking system as well as providing systems and GIS support to the Department. c. The CITYWIDE PLANNING DIVISION prepares and revises the citywide elements of the General Plan and is responsible for the Department s Annual Report on growth and infrastructure. d. The OFFICE OF ZONING ADMINISTRATION is responsible for investigating and making determinations on allapplications for variances from zoning ordinances, many conditional uses and other special zoning permits. A determination made by a Zoning Administrator is final unless appealed. Another function of the Office of Zoning Administration is performed within the Code Studies Section which is responsible for conducting comprehensive studies resulting in amendments to the Planning and Zoning Code. The Office includes the Division of Land, which administers the State Subdivision Map Act including the processing of applications for tract and parcel maps as well as other related minor procedures. The Department s environmental review function for private applications is also located in this division. The division also operates the public office located at 201 North Figueroa Street in downtown Los Angeles. e. The ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DIVISION is responsible for the administrative management of the Department handling its accounting, personnel, and supply needs; providing its general graphics, drafting and clerical services; assisting the Director of Planning in preparing the Department s annual budget requests and providing management information services. PROCEDURES Requests for action by the Department of City Planning are made in the form of applications filed at the Department s two publicoffices. At the time an application is filed and accepted, a fee must be paid by the applicant dependent on the type of action requested and in accordance with current fee schedules established by the City Council. Cases are usually set for hearing before a Zoning Administrator, hearing officer or one of the Planning Commissions. A recommendation to a Planning Commission or a decision is rendered and distributed. APPEALS

3 In many instances, applicants or persons aggrieved by a decision may appeal that action. On matters acted upon by the City Planning Commission, an appeal may be made to the City Council. On matters acted upon by a Zoning Administrator or the Director of Planning, an appeal may be made to Area Planning Commissions or City Planning Commission as prescribed by law and, thereafter, in certain cases, to the City Council. Details on these and other appealable decisions can be obtained from a Department office. For an appeal, the appellant must file an appeal, together with the appropriate fee imposed by ordinance, at the Department s public counters. ARTICLE 1 GENERAL PROVISIONS Section Provisions Applicable to Code Definitions and Interpretation Inconsistent Permits and Licenses Post War Renewal of Licenses of Craftsmen and Others Delinquent Accounts Uncollectible Cancellation Effect of Renumbering or Redesignation of Provisions or Sections in Statutes or Codes of the State of California Which Are Referred to in the Los Angeles Municipal Code Violation of Municipal Ordinances Citation in Lieu of Taking Arrested Person Before Magistrate Bad Check Collection Fees City Departments Exempt from Paying Fees or Charges Required by this Code Administrative Determinations Notice Judicial Review Exemptions Relating to the Los Angeles 200th Anniversary Celebration Use of the Metric System of Measure as an Alternative System of Measurement Summary of Fees for Bureau of Engineering Services Provided Pursuant to the Provisions of this Chapter. SEC PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO CODE. (Amended by Ord. No. 175,676, Eff. 1/11/04.) (a) Short Title. Reference to Code in Prosecutions. Designation in Ordinances. This Code, which consists of criminal or regulatory ordinances of this City, shall be known as the Official Los Angeles Municipal Code, and it shall be sufficient to refer to the Code as the Los Angeles Municipal Code in any prosecution for the violation of any of its provisions; it shall also be sufficient to designate any ordinance adding to, amending or repealing this Code or a portion of this Code as an addition or amendment to or a repeal of the Los Angeles Municipal Code. (b) Existing Law Continued. The provisions of this Code, to the extent they are substantially the same as existing provisions relating to the same subject matter, shall be construed as restatements and continuations of the Code and not as new enactments. (c) Construction. The provisions of this Code and all proceedings under it are to be construed with a view to effect its objectives and to promote justice. (d) Effect of Code on Past Actions and Obligations Previously Accrued. Neither the adoption of this Code nor the repeal of any ordinance of this City shall in any manner affect the prosecution for violation of ordinances, which violations were committed prior to the effective date of the ordinance, nor be construed as a waiver of any license or penalty at the effective date due and unpaid under the ordinance, nor be construed as affecting any of the provisions of the ordinance relating to the collection of any license or penalty or the penal provisions applicable to any violation, nor to affect the validity of any bond or cash deposit in lieu of a bond, required to be posted, filed or deposited pursuant to any ordinance or its violation, and all rights and obligations associated with the ordinance shall continue in full force and effect. (e) References to Specific Ordinances. The provisions of this Code shall not in any manner affect deposits or other matters of record which refer to, or are otherwise connected with ordinances that are specially designated by a number or otherwise and which are included within this Code, but those references shall be construed to apply to the corresponding provisions contained within this Code. (f) Heading, Effect of. Division, chapter, article and section headings contained in this Code shall not be deemed to govern, limit, modify or in any manner affect the scope, meaning or intent of the provisions of any division, chapter, article or section. (g) Reference to Acts or Omissions Within This City. This Code shall refer only to the omission or commission of acts within the territorial limits of the City of Los Angeles and that territory outside of this City over which the City has jurisdiction or control by virtue of the Constitution, Charter or any law, or by reason of ownership or control of property. (h) Proof of Notice. Proof of giving any notice may be made by the certificate of any officer or employee of this City or by affidavit of any person over

4 the age of 18 years, which shows service in conformity with this Code or other provisions of law applicable to the subject matter concerned. (i) Notices, Service of. Whenever a notice is required to be given under this Code, unless different provisions in this Code are otherwise specifically made applicable, the notice may be given either by personal delivery to the person to be notified or by deposit in the United States Mail in a sealed envelope, postage prepaid, addressed to the person to be notified at his or her last known business or residence address as it appears in the public records or other records pertaining to the matter to which the notice is directed. Service by mail shall be deemed to have been completed at the time of deposit in the mail. (j) Prohibited Acts; Include Causing, Permitting, Suffering. Whenever in this Code any act or omission is made unlawful it shall include causing, permitting, aiding, abetting, suffering or concealing the fact of the act or omission. (k) Validity of Code. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of this Code is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, that decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Code. The Council of this City hereby declares that it would have adopted this Code and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of the Code, irrespective of the fact that any one portion or more sections, subsections clauses, phrases or portions are declared invalid or unconstitutional. (l) In addition to any other remedy or penalty provided by this Code, any violation of any provision of this Code is declared to be a public nuisance and may be abated by the City or by the City Attorney on behalf of the people of the State of California as a nuisance by means of a restraining order, injunction or any other order or judgment in law or equity issued by a court of competent jurisdiction. The City or the City Attorney, on behalf of the people of the State of California, may seek injunctive relief to enjoin violations of, or to compel compliance with, the provisions of this Code or seek any other relief or remedy available at law or equity. (Amended by Ord. No. 177,103, Eff. 12/18/05.) Violations of this Code are deemed continuing violations and each day that a violation continues is deemed to be a new and separate offense and subject to a maximum civil penalty of $2,500 for each and every offense. As part of any civil action, the court may require posting of a performance bond to ensure compliance with this Code, applicable state codes, court order or judgment. (m) It shall be unlawful for any person to violate any provision or fail to comply with any of the requirements of this Code. Any person violating any of the provisions or failing to comply with any of the mandatory requirements of this Code, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor unless that violation or failure is declared in this Code to be an infraction. An infraction shall be tried and be punishable as provided in Section 19.6 of the Penal Code and the provisions of this section. Any violation of this Code that is designated as a misdemeanor, may be charged by the City Attorney as either a misdemeanor or an infraction. Every violation of this Code is punishable as a misdemeanor unless provision is otherwise made, and shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $1, or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period of not more than six months, or by both a fine and imprisonment. Every violation of this Code that is established as an infraction, or is charged as an infraction, is punishable by a fine as set forth in this Code section, or as otherwise provided in this Code, not to exceed $ for each violation. Each person shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day during any portion of which any violation of any provision of this Code is committed, continued or permitted by that person, and shall be punishable accordingly. (n) Pursuant to Government Code Section 38773, the City may summarily abate any nuisance at the expense of the persons creating, causing, committing, or maintaining it and the expense of the abatement of the nuisance may be a lien against the property on which it is maintained and a personal obligation against the property owner. (o) Pursuant to Government Code Section , upon entry of a second or subsequent civil or criminal judgment within a two-year period that finds an owner of property responsible for a condition that may be abated in accordance with California Government Code Section , a court may order the owner to pay treble the costs of the abatement. These costs shall not include conditions abated pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Section SEC DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION. (a) The following words and phrases whenever used in this Code shall be construed as defined in this section unless from the context a different meaning is intended, or unless a different meaning is specifically defined and more particularly directed to the use of such words or phrases: City shall mean the area within the territorial city limits of the City of Los Angeles and such territory outside of this City over which the City has jurisdiction or control by virtue of any Constitutional or Charter provision, or any law, Council shall mean the City Council of this City. Oath includes affirmation. "Find" or "Finding" shall mean a written finding. (Added by Ord. No. 182,095, Eff. 5/7/12.) Health Department or Department of Health, after 6/30/64, shall mean the Los Angeles County Health Department. (Added by Ord. No. 127,508, Eff. 6/29/64.)

5 Health Officer or Health Authority or Board of Health Commissioners, after 6/30/64, shall mean the County Health Officer of the County of Los Angeles, or his duly authorized representative (Added by Ord. No. 127,508, Eff. 6/29/64.) Office. The use of the title of any officer, employee, or any office or ordinance or Charter shall mean such officer, employee, office, ordinance or Charter of the City of Los Angeles unless otherwise specifically designated. Person shall mean natural person, joint venture, joint stock company, partnership, association, club, company, corporation, business trust, or organization, or the manager, lessee, agent, servant, officer or employee of any of them. Planning Committee shall mean the Planning and Land Use Management Committee of the City Council. (Added by Ord. No. 164,740, Eff. 5/27/89, Oper. 7/1/89.) Shall and May. Shall is mandatory; May is permissive. Street shall include all streets, highways, avenues lanes, alleys, courts places, squares, curbs or other public ways in this City which have been or may hereafter he dedicated and open to public use, or such other public property so designated in any law of this State. There is nothing in the context of the Los Angeles Municipal Code... which justifies holding that the word streets is used therein to designate a roadway exclusive of is sidewalks. Unless it is associated with language restricting its meaning, the term street in its ordinary acceptation, includes sidewalks. People v. Noble. Cr.A See also Note 11(a) 44 C.J. p 883; Bonnett v San Francisco, 65 Cal 230; Marini v. Graham, 67 Cal l30, 132; Ex parte Taylor, 87 Cal. 91, 94; Vanderhurst v. Tholcke, 113 Cal. 147, 150. Written shall include printed, typewritten, mimeographed or multigraphed. (b) Grammatical Interpretation. Genders. Any gender includes the other genders. Singular and Plural. The singular number includes the plural, and the plural, the singular. Tenses. Words used in the present tense include the past and future tenses and vice versa Use of Words and Phrases. Words and phrases used in this Code and not specifically defined shall be construed according to the context and approved usage of the language (c) Civil Code Provisions. The provisions of Sections 13 and 1645 of the Civil Code of the State of California are hereby adopted in the interpretation of words and phrases, unless otherwise provided herein. SEC INCONSISTENT PERMITS AND LICENSES. (Amended by Ord. No. 134,358, Eff. 6/8/67.) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Code or any other ordinance of the City of Los Angeles, no permit or license shall be issued in violation of any provisions of this Code or any other ordinance of the City of Los Angeles; if any permit or license is issued in violation of any provision of this Code or any other ordinance of the City of Los Angeles the same shall be void. Any permit or license issued, which purports to authorize the doing of any act prohibited by any other provision of this Code or any other ordinance of the City of Los Angeles, shall be void. Provided, however, that upon publication of a zone change, height district or building line ordinance the Superintendent of Building may issue a permit for a building or structure which will comply with all of the requirements of the new zone, height district or building line. No such permit shall be issued unless the applicant has first executed and filed with the Superintendent of Building a notarized agreement assuming all risk and agreeing to remove all buildings or structures authorized by the permit in the event the zone change, height district or building line ordinance should become effective. SEC POST WAR RENEWAL OF LICENSES OF CRAFTSMEN AND OTHERS. (a) Whenever by any provision of this Code, any license, permit or certificate of qualification is required for carrying on any business, trade, craft, profession or occupation and as a prerequisite the issuance thereof any examination fee shall be required in any case where the applicant for the license, permit or certificate was previously the holder of a similar one, provided the applicant shows that his failure to renew the former license, permit or certificate, or to keep it in full force and effect, resulted from his induction or entrance into the armed forces of the United States or of any allied nation, and provided the application for renewal is made within six months after the applicant s honorable discharge from service, and provided proof satisfactory to the issuing board or officer of the city is furnished by the applicant that he has not been physically or mentally incapacitated to properly carry on the business, trade, craft, profession or occupation in question.

6 (b) Whenever, as to any such license, permit or certificate of qualification, a fee is charged both for the original issuance and for the annual renewal thereof, any application made as provided in Subsection (a) shall be deemed an application for a renewal, and the current renewal fee only shall be charged therefor, to be prorated for the unexpired portion of the license year; except that in no case shall the required renewal fee be less than $1.00. (c) This section shall be construed to apply as to licenses required under Article I of Chapter 2 of this Code. SEC DELINQUENT ACCOUNTS UNCOLLECTIBLE CANCELLATION. (Added by Ord. No. 107,216, Eff. 5/5/56.) If any board, commission, or head of any department finds that any money is due, or believed to be due the City as and for fees for permits, or resulting from the issuance of any permit, or as the result of the contemplated issuance of a permit, or resulting from any services performed by the City at the special instance and request of the debtor, or resulting from any act of the debtor, and is uncollectible, or that efforts to collect any such sum would be disproportionately costly with relation to the probable outcome of the collecting efforts, such board, commission, or head of a department, may prepare a report setting forth the findings and reasons therefor and submit said findings and reasons to a Board of Review consisting of the Controller, the City Treasurer and the City Attorney, or the duly appointed representative of each. Upon unanimous approval of the findings by the Board of Review, the board, commission or head of the department concerned, may remove from the active accounts receivable of such board, commission or department any unpaid sum owing, or believed to be owing to the City from any person, when the account involved is less than the sum of $ If the report relates to an obligation or claim owing, or believed to be owing to the City, which amounts to $ or more, the Board of Review shall make its recommendations upon the findings, and if the Board of Review unanimously approved the findings it shall submit them to the Council together with the findings of the Board, Commission or head of a department. If the Board of Review does not unanimously approve the findings, the matter shall be returned to the board, commission or head of the department. Upon the approval of the findings by the Council, the board, commission or head of the department concerned may remove from the active accounts receivable the amount so approved. The removal from the active accounts receivable of any board, commission or head of a department of any unpaid obligation as hereinabove provided, shall not preclude the City from collection or attempting to collect any such sum that later proves to be collectible. Should any such sum so owing to the City not be collected within the period of the Statute of Limitations of the State of California, and applicable to any such obligation, then the board, commission or head of a department may write off and cancel said obligation. (Amended by Ord. No. 157,016, Eff. 9/24/82.) SEC EFFECT OF RENUMBERING OR REDESIGNATION OF PROVISIONS OR SECTIONS IN STATUTES OR CODES OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA WHICH ARE REFERRED TO IN THE LOS ANGELES MUNICIPAL CODE. (Added by Ord. No. 116,431, Eff. 7/30/60.) Whenever in this Code reference is made to any designation or numbered provision of any Statute or Code of the State of California, such reference shall be deemed to be to such provision or section as it may be redesignated or renumbered from time to time by act of the Legislature of the State of California in amending or recodifying such Statute, Code or provision or section thereof, to the extent that by such legislative act the intent and meaning of the provision or section remains substantially unchanged. SEC VIOLATION OF MUNICIPAL ORDINANCES CITATION IN LIEU OF TAKING ARRESTED PERSON BEFORE MAGISTRATE. (Amended by Ord. No. 142,214, Eff. 8/23/71.) (a) In any case in which a person is arrested for the violation of any provision of this Code, or any ordinance of this City, by a regularly appointed, salaried officer of the Los Angeles Police Department, or by any peace officer, and such person does not demand to be taken before a magistrate, such arresting officer may prepare a written notice to appear and release the person on his promise to appear, as prescribed by Chapter 5C (commencing with Section 853.6) of the Penal Code. The provision of such chapter shall thereafter apply with reference to any proceeding based upon the issuance of a written notice to appear pursuant to this authority. (b) In any case in which a person is arrested for the violation of any provision of this Code, or any ordinance of this City, by any officer or employee of this City who is not a peace officer, but who has been authorized by ordinance pursuant to Penal Code Section to make such arrests, and such person does not demand to be taken before a magistrate, such arresting officer or employee shall prepare a written notice to appear and release the person on his promise to appear as prescribed by Chapter 5C (commencing with Section 853.6) of the Penal Code. The provisions of such code shall thereafter apply with reference to any proceeding based upon the issuance of a written notice to appear pursuant to this authority. SEC BAD CHECK COLLECTION FEES. (Added by Ord. No. 124,508, Eff. 6/6/63.) (a) (Amended by Ord. No. 143,860, Eff. 10/30/72.) Whenever any person pays any fee, charge, deposit, or amount due the City by check, and said check proves to be non-negotiable or is unhonored, the following fee can be charged to and collected from such person in addition to the full amount of the fee, charge, deposit, or amount otherwise due: $10.00 for each nonnegotiable or unhonored check. (Amended by Ord. No. 157,613, Eff. 5/26/83.) $25.00 per hour or fraction thereof for any investigation which is made necessary in order to collect or receive an money due after seven calendar days

7 from the date said check was received. EXCEPTIONS: 1. Any department, division, office or bureau of this City may, by resolution of its board of commissioners, or if none, by order of its general manager, decline to enforce the provisions of this section with respect to those fees, charges deposits, or other amounts which it has the duty of collecting if it determines that collection of the fees provided for in this section is unreasonable or unnecessary. The controller shall be promptly notified of each such action. 2. The chief accounting employee of each department, division, office or bureau of this City enforcing this section may waive the fees provided for herein if he determines that such fees are not collectible without unreasonable cost to the City, and the full amount of all fees, charges, deposits, or other amounts for which the non-negotiable or unhonored check has been written has been collected. The Controller shall be promptly notified of each such action. (Amended by Ord. No. 157,202, Eff. 12/11/82.) (b) This section shall not apply to checks which are returned or unhonored due solely to acknowledged bank error and the check is made good within three days after its original return. (c) Any person who presents a non-negotiable or unhonored check in payment of fees or charges established by this Code may be placed on a cash-only payment basis by the enforcing department, office, division or bureau for that payment and future payments. (Amended by Ord. No. 157,613, Eff. 5/26/83.) (d) All fees imposed and collected under the provisions of this section shall be deposited in the General Fund. (e) There shall be no implementation of Exceptions 1 or 2 of this section unless the concerned department head has approved and caused to be filed and kept current with the Controller a statement of departmental policies and procedures wherein collection of fees under this section shall not be required and may be waived. The procedures shall require that the department head notify the Controller in each instance of any waiver of fee and identify in that notice to the Controller the specific policy or procedure applicable in the instance involved. (Amended by Ord. No. 157,202, Eff. 12/11/82.) SEC CITY DEPARTMENTS EXEMPT FROM PAYING FEES OR CHARGES REQUIRED BY THIS CODE. (a) Notwithstanding any other Provision of this Code to the contrary, no budgetary department, bureau or office of the City shall pay any fee or charge required by this Code for any license or permit, or for the performance of any official service provided for in this Code; nor shall any fee or charge otherwise imposed by this Code be required in connection with the relocation or restoration of buildings or structures determined pursuant to Article 5 of Chapter 7 of Division 22 of the Los Angeles Administrative Code to be historical or cultural monuments, and which have been, or are in the process of being, permanently located at a site or facility approved by the City Council for the purposes of preserving, maintaining, and exhibiting such monuments. (Amended by Ord. No. 147,994, Eff. 2/21/76. ) (b) This section shall not apply to any department, bureau or office of this City which has control of its own funds, except the Library and Recreation and Parks Departments; or to fees or charges which are reimbursable from any of the following Funds: Revolving, Trust, Bond or Capital Improvement Projects. (c) In order to receive such exemption, however, an such exempt departments, bureaus or offices shall attach to each permit or license application a written certification signed by the administrative head of the department, bureau or office that such permit or license is not to be reimbursed from a Revolving, Trust, Bond or Capital Improvement Project Fund. Provided further that any permittee or license exempt under the provisions of Section (a) hereof because such permit or license is sought in connection with the relocation or restoration of buildings or structures determined to be cultural or historical monuments, as provided for herein, shall attach to each permit or license application a written certification by the Cultural Heritage Board that such building or structure is a cultural or historical monument and is being relocated to or improved upon a site or facility approved by the City Council for the purposes of preserving, maintaining and exhibiting such monuments. (Amended by Ord. No. 147,994, Eff. 2/21/76.) SEC ADMINISTRATIVE DETERMINATIONS NOTICE JUDICIAL REVIEW. The provisions of Section of the Code of Civil Procedure of the State of California shall be applicable in the City of Los Angeles to decisions by the City, or by any officer, employee, board, commission or other agency of the City. As used in this section, decision means an adjudicatory administrative decision made, after hearing, suspending, demoting, or dismissing an officer or employee, revoking or denying an application for a permit or a license, or denying an application for any retirement benefit or allowance. (Added by Ord. No. 152,078, Eff. 4/22/79.) SEC EXEMPTIONS RELATING TO THE LOS ANGELES 200TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code to the contrary, no non-profit organization heretofore established to plan the Los Angeles 200th Anniversary Celebration, and formally so recognized by the City of Los Angeles, shall pay any fee or charge required by this Code for any license or permit required in connection with the Los Angeles 200th Anniversary Celebration. (Added by Ord. No. 154,677, Eff. 12/29/80.)

8 SEC USE OF THE METRIC SYSTEM OF MEASURE AS AN ALTERNATIVE SYSTEM OF MEASUREMENT (Added by Ord. No. 171,464, Eff. 2/6/97.) (a) Scope. This section shall apply to any activity or work of any Bureau or Department of the City engaged in administering or enforcing any City ordinances, State or Federal enactments or any regulations where units of distance, weight or force are used in any regulatory, enforcement, design or control activity or posting of limits. (b) Use of Metric System of Measure Authorized. 1. Notwithstanding any provision of this Code to the contrary, commencing with the effective date of this ordinance, any Bureau or Department of the City may use the metric system of measure in enforcing any enactments, statutes, ordinances, codes or regulations subject to its jurisdiction; provided, however, that such use is not contrary to any applicable State of California or Federal regulations or enactments. 2. The metric system of measure authorized by this section is that system of units and measurements defined and described in the Federal Metric Conversion Act of 1975 (15 U.S.C. 2056) and commonly referred to as the System Internationale d Unites. 3. It is intended that whenever any City code or ordinance contains an Imperial unit of measure that the equivalent unit in metric measure may be used and that the conversion shall be made using nationally recognized conversion factors. Where metric units are used, all metric values shall be direct conversions of the values expressed in the official enactment, ordinance, code or regulation. In the case of linear measurements, conversion shall be based on the Standard U.S. Survey Foot defined as parts of a meter. Converted values may be rounded to a reasonable number of decimal places; provided however that no such rounding shall result in any increase in any fee collected or dedication or taking of land, any increase in any upper or lower limit of speed or any reduction in any standard of minimum clearance. (c) Public Notice. Prior to commencing the use of the metric system of measure a public notice of intent to do so shall be approved by the governing officer or body of the Department. The notice shall identify the Department or Bureau proposing the use of the metric system of values and shall enumerate the provisions containing the numeric values and measurements that will be converted. The notice shall further state whether or not a dual system of measurement will be permitted. After approval by the Department, the notice shall be transmitted to the City Council which may approve or disapprove the notice by resolution. After approval by the City Council the notice shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation for a period not less than 30 days or for such longer period as may be applicable where a longer notice period is specified for an amendment to any code. SEC SUMMARY OF FEES FOR BUREAU OF ENGINEERING SERVICES PROVIDED PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS CHAPTER. (Added by Ord. No. 182,237, Eff. 9/28/12.) The following table is a summary of fees for Bureau of Engineering services provided pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter. If there is any discrepancy between the provisions of this summary and the Sections of this Code imposing the fees, the provisions of the Sections of this Code imposing the fees shall prevail. Additional charges may be imposed pursuant to the provisions of Sections and of this Code. Permit / Service Description LAMC Section Fee Highway dedication investigation [1] F.1. $530 Highway dedication processing [1] F.2. $3,100 Appeal of dedication requirements [1] F.3. $250 Appeal of improvement requirements [1] F.4. $1,000 Survey monument bond processing [1] E.3. $430 Private street name processing [1] G.2. $4,200 Tentative subdivision map < 20 lots [1] [2] A.1.(g) $8,000 Tentative subdivision map 20 lots [1] [2] A.1.(g) Actual Modification or revision of tentative subdivision map [1] [2] A.1.(g) $1,800 Final subdivision map < 20 lots [1] [2] A.2.(a) $8,000 Final subdivision map 20 lots [1] [2] A.2.(a) Actual Final subdivision map airspace subdivision [1] [2] A.2.(a) Actual Final subdivision map Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone surcharge [1] [2] A.2.(b) 50% Final subdivision map resubmission [1] [2] A.2.(c) $800 Final subdivision map reversion to acreage surcharge [1] [2] A.2.(d) $2,475 Preliminary parcel map [1] [2] B.1.(f) $8,000 Preliminary parcel map revision or modification [1] [2] B.1.(f) $800 Parcel map exemption [1] [2] B.1.(f) $1,225 Certificate of compliance [1] [2] B.2. $1,225 Final parcel map [1] [2] B.3.(a) $8,000 Final parcel map airspace subdivision [1] [2] B.3.(a) Actual Final parcel map Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone surcharge [1] [2] B.3.(b) 50%

9 Final parcel map resubmission [1] [2] B.3.(c) $800 Final parcel map reversion to acreage surcharge [1] [2] B.3.(d) $1,800 Final parcel map waiver [1] [2] B.3.(e) $1,225 Private street map [1] [2] C.1.(c) $6,120 Private street map revision or modification [1] [2] C.1.(c) $612 Flood hazard compliance basic review [1] [2] A. $265 Elevation certificate processing [1] [2] A. $265 Floodproofing certificate processing [1] [2] A. $265 Letter of map change / conditional letter of map change processing [1] [2] A. $265 Flood hazard compliance additional review up to 16 hours [1] [2] B. $145/hour Flood hazard compliance additional review more than 16 hours [1] [2] C. Actual Footnotes: [1] A surcharge of 7% or $1, whichever is greater will be added to the listed fee pursuant to LAMC Section [2] A surcharge of 2% or $1, whichever is greater will be added to the listed fee pursuant to LAMC Section ARTICLE 1.5 PLANNING COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING PROGRAM (Added by Ord. No. 138,800, Eff. 6/13/69, Oper. 6/23/69.) Section Title Area Planning Commissions Director of Planning (Director) City Planning Commission Mandatory Referrals Authority of Commission Requirements General Plan Specific Plan Procedures Withdrawal of Application Withdrawal of Appeal. SEC TITLE. This article shall be known as the Comprehensive Planning Program of the City of Los Angeles. SEC AREA PLANNING COMMISSIONS. (Amended by Ord. No. 173,492, Eff. 10/10/00.) A. Boundaries. In accordance with Charter Section 552, there are hereby established seven Area Planning Commissions. The Area Planning Commissions, and their boundaries are as follows: 1. North Valley Area Planning Commission: To serve those areas included within the boundaries of the following community plans: (a) Arleta - Pacoima Community Plan, as adopted on November 6, 1996, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in Council File No. (b) Chatsworth - Porter Ranch Community Plan, as adopted on July 14, 1993, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in Council File No (c) Granada Hills - Knollwood Community Plan, as adopted on July 10, 1996, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in Council File No (d) Mission Hills -Panorama City - North Hills Community Plan, as adopted on June 9, 1999, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in Council File No (e) Northridge Community Plan, as adopted on February 24, 1998, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in Council File No. 98-

10 0027. (f) Sun Valley - La Tuna Canyon Community Plan, as adopted on August 13, 1999, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in Council File No (g) Sunland - Tujunga - Lakeview Terrace - Shadow Hills - East La Tuna Canyon Community Plan, as adopted on November 18, 1997, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in Council File No (h) Sylmar Community Plan, as adopted on August 6, 1997, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in Council File No South Valley Area Planning Commission: To serve those areas included within the boundaries of the following community plans: (a) Canoga Park - Winnetka - Woodland Hills - West Hills Community Plan, as adopted on August 17, 1999, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in Council File No (b) Encino - Tarzana Community Plan, as adopted on December 16, 1998, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in Council File No. (c) North Hollywood - Valley Village Community Plan, as adopted on May 14, 1996, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in Council File No (d) Reseda - West Van Nuys Community Plan, as adopted on November 17, 1999, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in Council File No (e) Sherman Oaks - Studio City - Toluca Lake - Cahuenga Pass Community Plan, as adopted on May 13, 1998, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in Council File No (f) Van Nuys - North Sherman Oaks Community Plan, as adopted on September 9, 1998, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in Council File No The South Valley Area Planning Commission shall also serve those areas included within the boundaries of the Mulholland Scenic Parkway Specific Plan, as adopted by Ordinance No. 167,943 on June 29, 1992, the boundaries of which are shown in the map attached to that ordinance. To the extent any area included within the boundaries of the Mulholland Scenic Parkway Specific Plan is also included within a community plan, that area shall be served by the South Valley Commission, and not by any other Area Planning Commission that would otherwise be authorized to serve that area under this subsection. 3. West Los Angeles Area Planning Commission: To serve those areas included within the boundaries of the following community plans: (a) Bel Air - Beverly Crest Community Plan, as adopted on November 6, 1996, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in Council File No ; except for that area within the boundaries of the Mulholland Scenic Parkway Specific Plan, which area shall be served by the South Valley Area Planning Commission as provided in Subdivision 2 of this subsection. (b) Brentwood - Pacific Palisades Community Plan, as adopted on June 17, 1998, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in Council File No ; except for that area within the boundaries of the Mulholland Scenic Parkway Specific Plan, which area shall be served by the South Valley Area Planning Commission as provided in Subdivision 2 of this subsection. (c) Palms - Mar Vista - Del Rey Community Plan, as adopted on September 17, 1998, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in Council File No (d) Venice Community Plan, as adopted on October 14, 1970, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in Council File No (e) West Los Angeles Community Plan, as adopted on July 27, 1999, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in Council File No (f) Westchester - Playa Del Rey Community Plan, as adopted on June 13, 1974, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in Council File No (g) Westwood Community Plan, as adopted on July 27, 1999, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in Council File No The West Los Angeles Area Planning Commission shall also serve those areas included within the boundaries of the Interim Plan for the Los Angeles International Airport, as adopted by the City Council on January 12, 1981, the boundaries of which are shown on the map in Council File No S1. 4. Central Area Planning Commission: To serve those areas included within the boundaries of the following community plans: (a) Central City Community Plan, as adopted on May 2, 1974, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in Council File No

11 (b) Central City North Community Plan, as adopted on February 5, 1985, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in Council File No (c) Hollywood Community Plan, as adopted on December 13, 1988, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in Council File No S1; except for that area within the boundaries of the Mulholland Scenic Parkway Specific Plan, which area shall be served by the South Valley Area Planning Commission as provided in Subdivision 2 of this subsection. (d) Westlake Community Plan, as adopted on September 16, 1997, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in Council File No (e) Wilshire Community Plan, as adopted on May 17, 1976, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in Council File No S1. 5. East Area Planning Commission: To serve those areas included within the boundaries of the following community plans: (a) (b) Boyle Heights Community Plan, as adopted on November 10, 1998, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in Council File No. Northeast Los Angeles Community Plan, as adopted on June 15, 1999, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in Council File No. (c) Silver Lake - Echo Park Community Plan, as adopted on February 17, 1984, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in Council File No South Los Angeles Area Planning Commission: To serve those areas included within the boundaries of the following community plans: (a) South Central Los Angeles Community Plan, as adopted on March 22, 2000, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in Council File No (b) Southeast Los Angeles Community Plan, as adopted on March 22, 2000, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in Council File No (c) West Adams - Baldwin Hills - Leimert Community Plan, as adopted on May 6, 1998, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in Council File No Harbor Area Planning Commission: To serve those areas included within the boundaries of the following community plans: (a) Harbor Gateway Community Plan, as adopted on December 6, 1995, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in Council File No. (b) San Pedro Community Plan, as adopted on March 24, 1999, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in Council File No (c) Wilmington - Harbor City Community Plan, as adopted on July 14, 1999, the boundaries of which are shown on a map in Council File No The Harbor Area Planning Commission shall also serve those areas included within the boundaries of the Port of Los Angeles Plan, as adopted by the City Council on September 28, 1982, the boundaries of which are shown on the map in Council File No B. Change in Boundaries. If the boundaries of any community plan or specific plan mentioned in subsection (a) of this section are changed, that change will not affect the boundaries of the areas to be served by each Area Planning Commission as prescribed by this section. A change in the boundaries of the area to be served by any Area Planning Commission shall be effected only by specific amendment or repeal of this section. SEC DIRECTOR OF PLANNING (DIRECTOR). (Amended by Ord. No. 173,455, Eff. 9/22/00.) In addition to the duties set forth in the Charter, the Director of Planning shall have the authority to interpret the meaning of the General Plan and specific plans in instances when there is a lack of clarity in the meaning of those regulations, subject to appellate review. The Director may appoint a designee to act on his or her behalf, in which case, references in this article to Director shall include this designee, unless stated otherwise. SEC CITY PLANNING COMMISSION. (Amended by Ord. No. 173,268, Eff. 7/1/00, Oper. 7/1/00.) In addition to the duties set forth in the Charter, the City Planning Commission shall adopt guidelines for the administration of the provisions of this chapter if

12 it determines that guidelines are necessary and appropriate. Authority to adopt guidelines for the administration of the provisions of this chapter may be delegated to others by adoption of a resolution by Council. Existing provisions of this chapter that delegate authority for the adoption of guidelines to others shall continue to apply with respect to those provisions. SEC MANDATORY REFERRALS AUTHORITY OF COMMISSION REQUIREMENTS. (Amended by Ord. No. 173,268, Eff. 7/1/00, Oper. 7/1/00.) No ordinance, order or resolution referred to in Charter Sections 555 or 558 shall be adopted by the Council, unless it shall have first been submitted to the City Planning Commission or the Area Planning Commission for report and recommendation, in the manner set forth in those sections. The report and recommendation shall indicate whether the proposed ordinance, order or resolution is in conformance with the General Plan, any applicable specific plans, any plans being prepared by the Department of City Planning, and any other applicable requirement set forth in those Charter sections. SEC GENERAL PLAN. (Amended by Ord. No. 173,268, Eff. 7/1/00, Oper. 7/1/00.) Pursuant to Charter Section 555, the City s comprehensive General Plan may be adopted, and amended from time to time, either as a whole, by complete subject elements, by geographic areas or by portions of elements or areas, provided that any area or portion of an area has significant social, economic or physical identity. A. Amendments. Amendments to the General Plan of the City shall be initiated, prepared and acted upon in accordance with the procedures set forth in Charter Section 555 and this section. B. Initiation of Plan Amendment. As provided in Charter Section 555, an amendment to the General Plan may be initiated by the Council, the City Planning Commission or the Director of Planning. Initiations by the Council or City Planning Commission shall be by majority vote. If an amendment is initiated by the Council or City Planning Commission, then it shall be transmitted to the Director for report and recommendation to the City Planning Commission. Whether initiated by the Director, the Council or the City Planning Commission, the Director shall prepare the amendment and a report recommending action by the City Planning Commission. The report shall contain an explanation of the reasons for the action recommended. After the Director prepares a Plan amendment and report, the Director shall transmit the file to the City Planning Commission for its action. C. Action by City Planning Commission on Proposed Amendments. 1. Notice and Hearing. Before the City Planning Commission acts on a proposed Plan amendment and the Director s recommendation, the matter shall be set for a public hearing. The City Planning Commission may hold the hearing itself or may direct the Director to hold the hearing. In either event, notice of the time, place and purpose of the hearing shall be given by at least one publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the City (designated for this purpose by the City Clerk), at least ten days prior to the date of the hearing. Notice shall also be mailed to any person requesting notice of the hearing. At the time of the hearing, the City Planning Commission or the Director shall hear public testimony from anyone wishing to be heard on the matter. The City Planning Commission or the Director may continue the hearing to another date announced publicly at the hearing being continued; no additional notice of the continued hearing need be given. If the hearing is conducted by the Director, he or she shall submit a report to the City Planning Commission summarizing the information received. The report may also contain a recommendation to the City Planning Commission regarding its action on the proposed amendment. The Director shall file his or her report with the City Planning Commission after the close of the hearing. 2. City Planning Commission Action. After receiving the Director s report, or after the close of a public hearing conducted by the City Planning Commission, the City Planning Commission shall recommend to the Mayor and the Council that the proposed amendment be approved or disapproved in whole or in part. The City Planning Commission s report to the Mayor and the Council shall set forth the Commission s reasons for its recommendation. The City Planning Commission shall act within 90 days after receiving the Director s report pursuant to Subsection B. If the City Planning Commission fails to do so, the City Planning Commission s failure to act shall be deemed a recommendation for approval of the Plan amendment. If the City Planning Commission recommends approval of any proposed Plan amendment or disapproval of either a proposed amendment initiated by the Director or the Council, the Commission shall transmit as soon as possible those actions to the Mayor for consideration and report to the Council. If the City Planning Commission recommends the disapproval of a Plan Amendment initiated by it, the City Planning Commission shall report its decision to the Council and Mayor. D. Action by the Mayor on Proposed Amendments. Within 30 days after receipt of the City Planning Commission s recommendation, the Mayor shall make a recommendation to the Council on the proposed Plan amendment. The Mayor s report to the Council shall set forth the Mayor s reasons for his

13 or her recommendation. If the Mayor does not act within the 30-day period, the Mayor s inaction shall be deemed a recommendation for approval of the Plan amendment. E. Action by the Council on Proposed Amendments. After receiving the recommendations of the City Planning Commission and the Mayor, or at the expiration of the 30-day period for the Mayor to act, the Council shall hold a public hearing on the proposed Plan amendment. After the close of the public hearing, the Council may do either of the following: (Amended by Ord. No. 177,103, Eff. 12/18/05.) 1. Approve or disapprove the Plan amendment in whole or in part in accordance with Charter Section 555(e); or 2. Propose changes to the Plan amendment. The Council shall take either of these actions within 75 days after receiving the recommendation of the Mayor, or within 75 days after the expiration of the Mayor's time to act if the Mayor has not made a timely recommendation. The failure of the Council to act within that 75-day period shall constitute a disapproval of the Plan amendment. (Amended by Ord. No. 177,103, Eff. 12/18/05.) In accordance with Charter Section 555(e), if both the City Planning Commission and the Mayor recommend approval of a proposed amendment, the Council may adopt the amendment by a majority vote. If either the City Planning Commission or the Mayor recommends the disapproval of a proposed amendment, the Council may adopt the amendment only by at least a two-thirds vote. If both the City Planning Commission and the Mayor recommend the disapproval of a proposed amendment, the Council may adopt the amendment only by at least a three-fourths vote. F. Proposed Changes by the Council. If the Council proposes changes to the Plan amendment that differ from the amendment as initiated or the recommendation of the City Planning Commission, the matter shall be returned simultaneously to the City Planning Commission and the Mayor for their recommendations on the proposed changes. In acting on those changes, the City Planning Commission and the Mayor shall follow the procedures set forth above for their initial action. The City Planning Commission shall act within 60 days of receipt of the Council s proposed change. The Mayor shall act within 30 days of the receipt of the City Planning Commission s recommendation on the proposed change, or the expiration of the time for the City Planning Commission to act if the Commission fails to make a timely recommendation. If either the City Planning Commission or the Mayor does not act within the time period, that inaction shall be deemed a recommendation of approval of the proposed changes. The recommendations of the Commission and the Mayor on any changes made by the Council shall affect only those changes. The Council shall act to approve or disapprove, in whole or in part, the Plan amendment, including the Council s changes, within 120 days after receiving both the City Planning Commission s and the Mayor s recommendations on the Council s proposed changes, or the expiration of their time to act on those changes. SEC SPECIFIC PLAN PROCEDURES. (Amended by Ord. No. 173,455, Eff. 9/22/00.) A. Definition, Purpose and Objectives. (Amended by Ord. No. 173,492, Eff. 10/10/00.) 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 Plan and shall provide for public needs, convenience and general welfare. Except as otherwise provided by this section, procedures for the establishment, amendment or repeal of specific plans are set forth in Section The objectives of this section are as follows: 1. To establish uniform citywide procedures for review of applications for projects within specific plan areas in accordance with applicable specific plan requirements and the City Charter; and 2. To establish uniform citywide standards and criteria for processing applications for exceptions from, amendments to and interpretations of specific plans. B. Relationship To Provisions of Specific Plans. If any procedure established in a specific plan conflicts with any procedure set forth in this section, the provisions of this section shall prevail. 1. Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following words and phrases are defined as follows: Project Permit Compliance shall mean a decision by the Director that a project complies with the regulations of the applicable specific plan, either as submitted or with conditions imposed to achieve compliance. Project Permit Adjustment shall mean a decision on a project by the Director granting a minor adjustment from certain specific plan regulations, subject to the limitations specified by this section. 2. Application Procedure. (a) Application, Form and Contents. To apply for a Project Permit Compliance, a Project Permit Adjustment, modification of a Project Permit Compliance, specific plan exception, or to request a specific plan amendment or specific plan interpretation, an applicant shall file an

14 application with the Department of City Planning, on a form provided by the Department, and include all information required by the instructions on the application and any applicable adopted guidelines. Prior to deeming the application complete, the Director shall determine and, if necessary, advise the applicant of the processes to be followed and fees to be paid. (b) Application Fees. The application fees for a Project Permit Compliance, Project Permit Adjustment, specific plan exception, request for a specific plan amendment and specific plan interpretation shall be as set forth in Section 19.01J. C. Project Permit Compliance Review - Director of Planning With Appeal to the Area Planning Commission. 1. Director s Authority. The Director shall have the initial decision-making authority to decide whether an application for a project within a specific plan area is in conformance with the regulations established by this subsection and in compliance with applicable regulations of the specific plan. In addition, the Director shall have the authority to determine what type of projects are exempt from these Project Permit Compliance procedures based on exemption provisions and other regulations contained in individual specific plans. (a) The Director shall review and approve, disapprove or approve with conditions an application for a Project Permit Compliance. (b) In granting a Project Permit Compliance, the Director shall require compliance with the applicable regulations of the specific plan and mitigation of significant adverse effects of the project on the environment and surrounding areas. 2. Findings. The Director shall grant a Project Permit Compliance upon written findings that the project satisfies each of the following requirements: (a) That the project substantially complies with the applicable regulations, findings, standards and provisions of the specific plan; and (Amended by Ord. No. 177,103, Eff. 12/18/05.) (b) That the project incorporates mitigation measures, monitoring measures when necessary, or alternatives identified in the environmental review which would mitigate the negative environmental effects of the project, to the extent physically feasible. 3. Limitations. The granting of a Project Permit Compliance shall not imply compliance with any other applicable provisions of the Los Angeles Municipal Code. Any corrections and/or modifications to project plans made subsequent to a Director s Project Permit Compliance that are deemed necessary by the Department of Building and Safety for Building Code compliance, and which involve a change in floor area, parking, building height, yards or setbacks, building separation or lot coverage, shall require a referral of the revised plans back to the Department of City Planning (and the Department of Transportation in cases where there are corrections and/or modifications that may affect the calculation of vehicle trips generated, project floor area or parking) for additional review and sign-off prior to the issuance of any permit in connection with those plans. 4. Director s Decision. (a) Time Limit. The Director shall make a written decision approving, disapproving or approving with conditions a Project Permit Compliance application within 75 days after: (1) the date the application is deemed complete; or (2) when an environmental impact report (EIR) is required, the date the EIR is certified as complete consistent with State law. This time limit may be extended by mutual consent of the Director and the applicant. The time limit may also be extended as provided in Section A. (b) Transmittal of Written Decision. Upon making a written decision, the Director shall transmit a copy by First Class Mail to the applicant. Copies shall also be provided to: the Department of Building and Safety; the Councilmember(s) having jurisdiction over the specific plan area in which the property is located; the Department of Transportation, where appropriate; owners of all properties abutting, across the street or alley from, or having a common corner with the subject property; the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment; the chairperson of any design review or plan review board having jurisdiction over the specific plan area in which the property is located; and interested parties who have filed written requests with the City Planning Department. (c) Effective Date of Initial Decision. The Director s Project Permit Compliance shall become effective after an elapsed period of 15 calendar days from the date of mailing of the written decision, unless an appeal is filed on the decision within that period pursuant to Subdivision 6. of this subsection. (d) Applicant s Compliance with Project Permit Compliance Terms and Conditions. Once a Project Permit Compliance is utilized, the applicant shall comply with the terms and conditions of the Project Permit Compliance that affect the construction and/or operational phases of the project. For purposes of this subsection, utilization of a Project Permit Compliance shall mean that a building permit has been issued and construction work has begun and been carried on diligently. (e) (Deleted by Ord. No. 182,106, Eff. 5/20/12.)

15 (f) Site Plan Review Regulations. Project review pursuant to the Site Plan Review regulations in Section shall not be required for projects in those specific plan areas, as determined by the Director, where similar project site planning regulations are established by the specific plan and significant project environmental impacts, if any, are mitigated by the measures imposed in the Project Permit Compliance. (g) Mini-Shopping Center and Commercial Corner Development Regulations. Project review pursuant to the Mini-Shopping Center Commercial Corner Development regulations in Section 12.22A23 shall not be required for projects in those specific plan areas, as determined by the Director, where similar mini-shopping center or commercial corner development regulations are established by the specific plan and significant project environmental impacts, if any, are mitigated by the measures imposed in the Project Permit Compliance. 5. Failure to Act - Transfer of Jurisdiction. (a) If the Director fails to act on an application within 75 days from the date of filing a complete application, or within a mutually agreed upon extension of time, the applicant may file a request for a transfer of jurisdiction to the Area Planning Commission for decision. (b) When the Area Planning Commission receives the applicant s request for a transfer of jurisdiction, the Director shall lose jurisdiction. However, the Area Planning Commission may remand the matter to the Director, who shall regain jurisdiction for the time and purpose specified in the remand action. In addition, upon receipt of a written request by the applicant for withdrawal of the transfer of jurisdiction prior to the matter being considered by the Area Planning Commission, the matter shall be remanded to the Director. (c) If the matter is not remanded, the Area Planning Commission shall consider the application following the same procedures and subject to the same limitations as are applicable to the Director, except that the Area Planning Commission shall act within 45 days of the transfer of jurisdiction. The Department of City Planning shall make investigations and furnish any reports requested by the body to which the matter has been transferred. 6. Appeals. (a) Filing of an Appeal. An applicant or any other person aggrieved by the Director s decision may appeal the decision to the Area Planning Commission. The appeal shall be filed within 15 days of the date of mailing of the Director s decision on forms provided by the Department. The appeal shall set forth specifically the points at issue, the reasons for the appeal, and the basis upon which the appellant claims there was an error or abuse of discretion by the Director. Any appeal not filed within the 15-day period shall not be considered by the Area Planning Commission. The filing of an appeal stays proceedings in the matter until the Area Planning Commission has made a decision. Once an appeal is filed, the Director shall transmit the appeal and the file to the Area Planning Commission, together with any reports responding to the allegations made in the appeal. (b) Appellate Decision - Public Hearing and Notice. Before acting on any appeal, the Area Planning Commission shall set the matter for hearing, with written notice of the hearing sent by First Class Mail at least 15 days prior to the meeting date to: the applicant; the owner(s) of the property involved; owners of properties within 100 feet of the exterior boundaries of the property involved; the Councilmember(s) having jurisdiction over the specific plan area in which the property is located; the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment; the chairperson of any design review or plan review board having jurisdiction over the specific plan area in which the property is located; and interested parties who have requested notice in writing. (c) Time for Appellate Decision. The Area Planning Commission shall act within 75 days after the expiration of the appeal period or within any additional period mutually agreed upon by the applicant and the Area Planning Commission. The failure of the Area Planning Commission to act within this time period shall be deemed a denial of the appeal. (d) Appellate Decision. The Area Planning Commission may reverse or modify, in whole or in part, a decision of the Director. The Area Planning Commission shall make the same findings required to be made by the Director, supported by facts in the record, and indicate why the Director erred in determining a project s compliance with the applicable regulations of the specific plan. (e) Effective Date of Appellate Decision. The appellate decision of the Area Planning Commission shall be final and effective as provided in Charter Section 245. D. Modification of a Project Permit Compliance - Director of Planning With Appeals to the Area Planning Commission. Once a Project Permit Compliance becomes effective, any subsequent proposed modification to the project shall require a review by the Director, who shall grant approval of the modification if he or she finds the modification to be substantially in conformance with the original Project Permit Compliance. 1. Modification Procedure. To modify an approved project, an applicant shall file an application with the Department of City Planning pursuant to the application procedure set forth in Paragraph (a) of Subdivision 2 of Subsection B. The application shall include an illustrated description of the proposed modification and a narrative justification. Written proof of any modification required by a public agency shall be submitted with the application. 2. Limitations. Modification applications and approvals shall only be valid for Project Permit Compliance decisions which have not expired. Unless the Director has granted an extension of time to utilize a Project Permit Compliance pursuant to Paragraph (e) of Subdivision 4 of Subsection C of this section, modifications shall not suspend or extend the authorization period of the original Project Permit Compliance.

16 3. Transfers of Jurisdiction - Appeals. The procedures for processing transfers of jurisdiction and appeals of Director s decisions on modifications shall be the same as those set forth for Project Permit Compliance decisions in Subdivisions 5 and 6 of Subsection C of this section. E. Project Permit Adjustments - Director of Planning With Appeals to the Area Planning Commission. 1. Director s Authority. The Director shall have initial decision-making authority to grant a Project Permit Adjustment for minor adjustments from certain specific plan regulations. The procedures for reviewing applications shall be in Subsection C in addition to those set forth below. (a) In granting a Project Permit Adjustment, the Director may impose project conditions as the Director deems necessary in order to achieve substantial conformance with the specific plan regulations. (b) If an application requests more than one Project Permit Adjustment, the Director may determine and advise the applicant, prior to the application being deemed complete, that the request be filed and processed as a specific plan exception pursuant to Subsection F of this section. 2. Project Permit Adjustments shall be limited to: (a) Adjustments permitting project height to exceed the designated height limitation on the property involved by less than ten percent; (b) When the calculation of the maximum number of permitted multiple- family dwelling units results in a fraction, the number of total dwelling units may be rounded up to the next whole number, if the lot area remaining after calculating the maximum number of permitted dwelling units is at least 90 percent of the lot area required by the specific plan regulation to permit one additional dwelling unit; (c) Adjustments permitting portions of buildings to extend into a required yard, setback or other open space a distance of less than 20 percent of the minimum width or depth of the required yard, setback or open space; (d) materials; (e) Adjustments to minimum landscaped area requirements of less than 20 percent, or minor adjustments to required types of landscape Adjustments to permitted signs that: (1) exceed the maximum sign size (area) limitation by less than 20 percent; (2) exceed the limit on the maximum number of signs by no more than 20 percent; or (3) exceed the maximum sign height by no more than two feet; (f) Adjustments from the minimum or maximum number of required parking spaces associated with a project of less than ten percent; and (g) Minor adjustments from other specific plan development regulations, which do not substantially alter the execution or intent of those specific plan regulations to the proposed project, and which do not change the permitted use, floor area, density or intensity, height or bulk, setbacks or yards, lot coverage limitations, or parking standards regulated by the specific plan. 3. Findings. The Director shall grant a Project Permit Adjustment upon a written finding that the project satisfies each of the following requirements, in addition to any other required specific plan findings that may pertain to the Project Permit Compliance: (a) That there are special circumstances applicable to the project or project site which make the strict application of the specific plan regulation(s) impractical; (b) That in granting the Project Permit Adjustment, the Director has imposed project requirements and/or decided that the proposed project will substantially comply with all applicable specific plan regulations; (c) That in granting the Project Permit Adjustment, the Director has considered and found no detrimental effects of the adjustment on surrounding properties and public rights-of-way; and (d) That the project incorporates mitigation measures, monitoring of measures when necessary, or alternatives identified in the environmental review which would mitigate the negative environmental effects of the project, to the extent physically feasible. F. Exceptions from Specific Plans - Area Planning Commission With Appeals to the City Council. 1. Authority of the Area Planning Commission. The Area Planning Commission shall have initial decision-making authority for granting exceptions from specific plan regulations. In accordance with Subsection D of Section 12.24, the Area Planning Commission shall hold a hearing at which evidence is taken.

17 (a) In granting an exception from a specific plan, the Area Planning Commission shall impose conditions to remedy any resulting disparity of privilege and that are necessary to protect the public health, safety, welfare and assure compliance with the objectives of the general plan and the purpose and intent of the specific plan. An exception from a specific plan shall not be used to grant a special privilege, nor to grant relief from selfimposed hardships. (b) If an application for an exception would potentially impact a specific plan policy or a regulation affecting the entire specific plan area or any of its subareas, the Director shall advise the applicant, prior to the application being deemed complete, to request the City to initiate a specific plan amendment pursuant to Subsection G in lieu of processing the application for an exception. (c) Exception for Relief from a Specific Plan Regulation and the Same Type of Regulation With the Same Standard in Chapter I of this Code. (Added by Ord. No. 173,492, Eff. 10/10/00.) If a specific plan contains a regulation that is the same type of regulation with the same standard as one contained in an applicable provision of Chapter I of this Code, an applicant seeking relief from those regulations need only apply for and receive an exception to the specific plan. In this situation, the specific plan regulation is considered to supersede the Code provision and thus a variance is not required. (d) Exception for Relief from Specific Plan Regulation and the Same Type of Regulation With a Different Standard in Chapter I of this Code Where Specific Plan Supersedes the Code. (Added by Ord. No. 173,492, Eff. 10/10/00.) If a specific plan contains a regulation that conflicts with the same type of regulation but with a different standard contained in an applicable provision of Chapter I of this Code and the specific plan supersedes the Code by its terms, then an applicant seeking relief from that specific plan regulation need only apply for and receive an exception to the specific plan. In this situation, a variance is not also required. (e) Exception for Relief from Specific Plan Regulation and the Same Type of Regulation With a Different Standard in Chapter I of this Code Where Specific Plan Does Not Supersede the Code. (Added by Ord. No. 173,492, Eff. 10/10/00.) If a specific plan contains a regulation that conflicts with the same type of regulation but with a different standard contained in an applicable provision of Chapter I of this Code and the specific plan does not supersede the Code by its terms, then an applicant seeking relief from those regulations must apply for and receive both an exception to the specific plan and a variance for relief from those Code provisions. (f) Exception for Wireless Telecommunications Facilities. Notwithstanding the provisions of the first unnumbered paragraph of this subdivision, the installation of wireless antennas and associated equipment cabinets on the rooftops of buildings in the C and M Zones when established in conformance with the standards contained in Section A.21. do not need a specific plan exception, except that rooftop antennas located within a scenic parkway specific plan, scenic corridor specific plan, or a roadway designated as a scenic highway within a specific plan area shall be subject to a specific plan exception. Any application involving the use, height, installation or maintenance of wireless telecommunication facilities that do not comply with the provisions of Section A.21. and which are located within specific plan areas shall be filed pursuant to Section W.49. of this Code and considered by the Zoning Administrator as the initial decision-maker, except that applications located within a scenic parkway specific plan, scenic corridor specific plan, or a roadway designated as a scenic highway within a specific plan area shall be subject to a specific plan exception. (Amended by Ord. No. 177,120, Eff. 12/26/05.) (g) Eldercare Facilities. An applicant who files an application involving Eldercare Facilities seeking relief from specific plan regulations need not apply for a specific plan exception pursuant to Subsection F. of this section but need only apply for and receive an approval pursuant to Section of this Code. (Added by Ord. No. 178,063, Eff. 12/30/06.) 2. Findings. The Area Planning Commission may permit an exception from a specific plan if it makes all the following findings: (a) That the strict application of the regulations of the specific plan to the subject property would result in practical difficulties or unnecessary hardships inconsistent with the general purpose and intent of the specific plan; (b) That there are exceptional circumstances or conditions applicable to the subject property involved or to the intended use or development of the subject property that do not apply generally to other property in the specific plan area; (c) That an exception from the specific plan is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of a substantial property right or use generally possessed by other property within the specific plan area in the same zone and vicinity but which, because of special circumstances and practical difficulties or unnecessary hardships is denied to the property in question; (d) That the granting of an exception will not be detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to the property or improvements adjacent to or in the vicinity of the subject property; and (e) That the granting of an exception will be consistent with the principles, intent and goals of the specific plan and any applicable element of the general plan. 3. Decision by Area Planning Commission. (a) The Area Planning Commission shall render a decision on an application for an exception from a specific plan within 75 days after filing unless the applicant and Area Planning Commission consent in writing to a longer period.

18 (b) Decisions by the Area Planning Commission shall be supported by written findings of fact based on evidence in the record. Upon making a decision upon an application for an exception from a specific plan, the Area Planning Commission shall place a copy of its written findings, where required, and decision on file in the City Planning Department and provide a copy to: the Department of Building and Safety; the Councilmember(s) having jurisdiction over the specific plan area in which the property is located; and the Department of Transportation, where appropriate. Copies of the decision shall also be provided by First Class Mail to: the applicant; the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment; the chairperson of any design review or plan review board having jurisdiction over the specific plan area in which the property is located; and interested parties who have filed written requests with the City Planning Department. 4. Effective Date of Decision. The Area Planning Commission s decision shall become final after an elapsed period of 15 calendar days from the date of mailing of the written decision, unless an appeal is filed on the decision within that period pursuant to this subsection. 5. (Deleted by Ord. No. 182,106, Eff. 5/20/12.) 6. Failure to Act - Transfer of Jurisdiction from the Area Planning Commission. If the Area Planning Commission fails to act on an application for an exception from a specific plan within the time limit specified in this subsection, the applicant may file a request for a transfer of jurisdiction to the City Council for a decision upon the original application, in which case, the Area Planning Commission shall lose jurisdiction. A request for transfer of jurisdiction may be filed in any public office of the Department of City Planning. The Council may approve the application subject to making the findings contained in Subdivision 2. of this subsection, and may impose upon the approval conditions it deems necessary in accordance with those findings. The action of the Council shall be adopted by a majority vote of the whole Council within 45 days of the date the City Clerk receives the request for the transfer. 7. Appeal of Area Planning Commission Decision. An applicant or any other person aggrieved by a decision of the Area Planning Commission may appeal the decision to the City Council. The appeal shall be filed within 15 days of the date of mailing of the decision on forms provided by the Planning Department. The appeal shall set forth specifically the points at issue, the reasons for the appeal, and the basis upon which the appellant claims there was an error or abuse of discretion by the Area Planning Commission. Any appeal not filed within the 15-day period shall not be considered by the City Council. The filing of an appeal stays proceedings in the matter until the City Council has made a decision. Once an appeal is filed, the Area Planning Commission shall transmit the appeal and the file to the City Council, together with any report responding to the allegations made in the appeal. The Council may reverse or modify, in whole or in part, any decision of the Area Planning Commission only by a two-thirds vote of the whole Council. The decision must contain a finding of fact showing why the proposed exception to a specific plan complies or fails to comply with the requirements of this section. Any vote of the Council in which less than two-thirds of the whole Council vote to reverse or modify the decision of the Area Planning Commission shall be deemed to be an action denying the appeal. The failure of the Council to vote upon an appeal within 90 days after the expiration of the appeal period, or within any additional period agreed upon by the applicant and the Council, shall also be deemed a denial of the appeal. 8. Hearing by Council. (Amended by Ord. No. 173,992, Eff. 7/6/01.) Before acting on any appeal, or on any matter transferred to it because of a failure to act, the City Council or its Committee shall set the matter for hearing, giving the same notice as provided in Subdivision 1. of this subsection. G. Amendments to Specific Plans - City Planning Commission Recommendation With City Council Decision. The City Planning Commission shall have the authority for making recommendations for amendments to specific plans. The procedures for amending specific plans are set forth in Subsections A., C. and E. of Section 12.32, except that the publication and mailing of the hearing notice indicating the time, place and purpose of the City Planning Commission hearing shall be given at least 24 days prior to the date of the hearing. An amendment to a specific plan shall be required for any of the following proposals: 1. To permit establishment of a new principal use or a change of use that the specific plan specifically identifies as a prohibited use (Note: a specific plan exception shall be required for alteration or enlargement of an existing legal nonconforming use.); 2. To permit a use which exceeds the maximum number of permitted establishments or the maximum permitted occupant load for that use within the specific plan area or any of its subareas; 3. To permit a sign which the specific plan specifically identifies as a prohibited sign; 4. To deviate from the requirements of a plan map footnote; 5. To make significant changes to environmental mitigation measures which were adopted as part of the environmental clearance for the specific plan; 6. To make changes to impact fees which affect implementation of the specific plan or planned improvements; 7. To make boundary changes to the specific plan area or its subareas; 8. To change highway/street designations; 9. Any request which causes an inconsistency with the applicable community plan(s) and necessitates a community plan amendment; or

19 10. Other significant policy changes or modifications to specific plan regulations which affect the entire specific plan area or any of its subareas, as determined by the Director. H. Interpretations of Specific Plans. The Director shall have authority to interpret specific plans when there is a lack of clarity in the meaning of their regulations. 1. Application Procedure. To request a specific plan interpretation, an applicant shall file an application with the Department of City Planning pursuant to the application procedure set forth in Paragraph (a) of Subdivision 2 of Subsection B of this section. The application shall include a reference to the specific plan regulation(s) for which clarification is requested and a narrative description of why a clarification is necessary for the project or subject property involved. 2. Director s Decision. Upon receipt of a deemed complete application, the Director s written interpretation shall be subject to the same time limit to act, transmittal requirement and effective date of decision as set forth in Paragraphs (a) through (c) of Subdivision 4 of Subsection C. 3. Appeals. The City Planning Commission shall hear appeals on Director interpretations which affect an entire specific plan area or any of its subareas, and the Area Planning Commission shall hear appeals on Director interpretations which are applicable only on a site specific basis. The procedures for filing and processing appeals of Director interpretations shall otherwise be the same as those set forth in Subdivision 6 of Subsection C of this section. I. Optional Public Informational Meeting. When provided for in individual specific plans, the Director may hold a public informational meeting in connection with the Planning Department s review of a proposed project pursuant to the specific plan procedures set forth in Subsections C, D or E of this section, if the Director decides that the proposed project may have a potentially significant effect on adjoining properties or on the immediate neighborhood, or that it is likely to evoke public controversy, or that it would be in the public interest to conduct the meeting. In those cases, written notice of the meeting shall be sent by First Class Mail at least 15 days prior to the meeting date to: the applicant; the owner(s) of the property involved; owners of properties within 100 feet of the exterior boundaries of the property involved; the Councilmember(s) having jurisdiction over the specific plan area in which the property is located; to the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment; the chair of any design review or plan review board having jurisdiction over the specific plan area in which the property is located; and interested parties who have requested notice in writing. J. Decision-Makers and Appellate Bodies for Other Specific Plan Provisions. For those specific plan provisions which are not addressed elsewhere in this section, the initial decision-maker and appellate bodies responsible for implementing those provisions shall be the Area Planning Commission and Council, respectively, unless otherwise identified in the following table. Notwithstanding the provisions of any specific plan to the contrary, there shall be only one level of appeal from any initial decision. DECISION / APPELLATE BODIES FOR OTHER SPECIFIC PLAN PROVISIONS SPECIFIC PLAN PROVISION ALAMEDA DISTRICT Project Plan Compliance - Phase II CENTRAL CITY WEST TFAR/Resid. Density CENTRAL CITY WEST Phasing-Annual Report CENTURY CITY NORTH Project Permit (Second Phase) CENTURY CITY NORTH Alternate Trip Generation Calcs CENTURY CITY NORTH Public Uses CENTURY CITY NORTH Changes to Pedestrian Corridor COASTAL TRANSPORTATION CORRIDOR Trip Generation Calcs COASTAL TRANSPORTATION CORRIDOR Transportation Provisions Location Ord. No. 171,139 Sec 5A3 Ord. No. 167,944 Sec 7 Ord. No. 167,944 Sec 16C Ord. No. 156,122 Sec 3C Ord. No. 156,122 Sec 6 Ord. No. 156,122 Sec 7E Ord. No. 156,122 Sec 10B9 Ord. No. 168,999 Sec 5C1 Ord. No. 168,999 CPC APC CPC CPC APC APC APC APC Decision Body DOT Decision or Appeal Body CCL CCL CCL CCL CCL CCL CCL CCL APC

20 5 COASTAL TRANSPORTATION CORRIDOR Project Phasing Program COASTAL TRANSPORTATION CORRIDOR Public Pedestrian Facilities HOLLYWOODLAND Project Design Approval 6 LAX/ EL SEGUNDO DUNES OXFORD TRIANGLE Density Allowance PLAYA VISTA AREA B Time Limits PLAYA VISTA AREA B Plot Plan Review PLAYA VISTA AREA C Time Limits PLAYA VISTA AREA C Plot Plan Review PLAYA VISTA AREA D Time Limits PLAYA VISTA AREA D Plot Plan Review PORTER RANCH Landscape Plans, Uses, Height VENTURA/CAHUENGA BLVD Phasing-Certification of Compliance WARNER CENTER Transportation Requirements WARNER CENTER Phasing Program WARNER CENTER Traffic Mitigation Plan WARNER CENTER Residential Neighborhood Protection Program Ord. No. 168,999 Sec 8A Ord. No. 168,999 Sec 8B Ord. No. 168,121 Sec 9F Ord. No. 167,904 Sec 4 Ord. No. 170,155 Sec 6, 7 Ord. No. 160, , 638 Sec 12 Ord. No. 160, , 638 Sec 7, 13 Ord. No. 165,639 Sec 12 Ord. No. 165,639 Sec 7, 13 Ord. No. 160, ,785 Sec 10 Ord. No. 160, ,785 Sec 7, 11 Ord. No. 166,068 Sec 13 Ord. No. 171,240 Sec 6J Ord. No. 168, ,984, 171,529 Sec 11 Ord. No. 168, ,984, 171,529 Sec 16 Ord. No. 168, ,984, 171,529 Sec 11F Ord. No. 168, ,984, 171,529 Sec 11K Ord. No. Director/DOT Director/ DOT/ City Engineer Director Director APC Director Director Director Director Director Director Director CPC DOT/ Director B&S CPC DOT, Director APC APC APC APC APC CCL APC APC APC APC APC APC APC CCL APC CCL APC CCL