Land Use & Zoning
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Land Use Policy
How communities use land within their boundaries is referred to as land use policy. Land use policy establishes the basic type and intensity of uses permitted by the General Plan for each land use category, including the overall maximum density for residential development and maximum intensity of development for commercial and industrial uses. Effective land use policy adapts to fast-changing environmental, social and economic conditions. The General Plan is the foundation for all of the land uses that occur in the unincorporated County, and provides the framework for how the County will plan for and address the numerous land use challenges it faces. The Land Use Element in the General Plan also utilizes short-term programs and long-term strategies to provide flexible and comprehensive guidelines for dealing with County land use decisions and future development scenarios.
In accordance with Section 65302(a) of the Government Code, the Land Use Element of the General Plan identifies the goals and policies that guide the distribution, general location, and extent of uses of land for housing, business, industry, open space, and other uses of land in unincorporated Los Angeles County. The Land Use Element ensures a compatible balance of land uses to meet the diverse needs of the unincorporated communities in the County. Equally important, the Land Use Element provides planning tools, such as land use policy maps, as well as land use policy strategies, that will coordinate future development and revitalization efforts in the County. The Element’s principal intent is to be visionary, flexible, and sustainability-focused.
Land Use Plans
In addition to the General Plan, land use policy is established through any of the several types of community-based plans that comprise the General Plan. They are: Area Plans, Community Plans, Neighborhood Plans, Local Plans, Local Coastal Plans, and Specific Plans.
Zoning Ordinance Summary
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This is a SUMMARY ONLY of the Los Angeles County Zoning Ordinance (unincorporated area). The information herein is NOT ALL-INCLUSIVE.
One other thing to also keep in mind --USES MUST BE CONSISTENT WITH THE GENERAL PLAN, LOCAL PLANS, AND/OR COMMUNITY STANDARDS DISTRICTS. THESE MAY LIMIT THE TYPE AND INTENSITY OF USE.
For more complete information, see Title 22 (Planning and Zoning) of the Los Angeles County Code, or stop by the office of the Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning, Room 1360 Hall of Records, 320 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA 90012. Phone: (213) 974-6411.