What does the Los Angeles County zoning code allow on a lot?
Ike Mbelu, Principal Partner · Last checked
On this page: The short answer · What Title 22 says · Inside a city
The short answer
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Title 22
It only governs unincorporated land.
The Los Angeles County zoning code is Title 22 of the County Code, and it applies only in unincorporated LA County. On those lots, the R-1, R-2 and R-3 zones cap height at 35 feet and set fixed front, side and rear yards. A lot inside a city follows that city's code instead. LACC 22.02.030.
Have a lot in LA County? Send us the address and we'll tell you what it holds.
What Title 22 says
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01
Start with the Zoning Map
Your zone comes from the County's GIS Zoning Map, not the parcel's current use. Nothing gets built or enlarged except as Title 22 permits. LACC 22.06.070, 22.02.030(B).
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02
Read the zone name
R-1 is Single-Family, R-2 Two-Family, R-3 Limited Density Multiple, R-4 Medium Density Multiple. R-5 allows up to 150 units per net acre. LACC 22.18.020, 22.18.010(B)(1).
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Height: 35 feet through R-3
R-A, R-1, R-2 and R-3: 35 feet above grade. R-5: 65 feet. LACC 22.18.040(D).
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Yards
R-1 and R-2: 20 feet front, 5 feet side, 15 feet rear. R-3: 15 feet front, 5 side, 15 rear. On a 50 by 120 foot R-3 lot that leaves roughly a 40 by 90 foot footprint (approximate). Table 22.18.040-A.
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Then Division 6
Every residential lot must also meet the Development Standards in Division 6. LACC 22.18.040(A).
Inside a city, the R-3 means something else
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01
Hawthorne
R-3 height: 45 feet. HMC 17.20c.020. Building in Hawthorne.
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02
Bellflower
R-3: three stories or 40 feet, whichever is less. BMC 17.32.070. Building in Bellflower.
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03
Gardena, Lawndale, Torrance
R-3: 35 feet. Gardena caps it at three stories; Torrance sends anything over two stories to Chapter 5 of its zoning division. GMC 18.16.050(F), LMC 17.48.200, TMC 91.7.2. Gardena · Lawndale · Torrance.
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Redondo Beach
R-3: 30 feet. RBMC 10-2.514(c). Building in Redondo Beach.
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What else can go on the lot
Read the LA County ADU rules or SB 9 lot splits.
This is a summary of the Los Angeles County Code and six city codes, not legal advice. Confirm the current code for your site.
Buy the site knowing what goes on it.
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