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Plan Check Language Library

The Language of Plan Check,
Defined.

Plan Check Language defines the terms that come up when a Los Angeles area project goes through historic or scenic review, where plans are measured against a district plan or design standards and not only the zoning code. The entries cover Historic Preservation Overlay Zones in the City of Los Angeles, from Certificates of Appropriateness to contributing structures and HPOZ Board review; historic review and ADU design standards in South Pasadena; and the Mulholland Scenic Parkway Specific Plan, from viewshed and ridge rules to grading and height limits.

Each entry gives the code citation, what triggers it and what reviewers look for, in plain language. For the zoning terms LADBS plan check uses on most projects, see the Plan Check Library. Questions about a term on your project? Call (626) 214-8651.

Plan Check Language

Los Angeles HPOZ

20% Building Coverage Threshold Certificate of Appropriateness Certificate of Compatibility Conforming Work Contributing vs. Non-Contributing Delegated Conforming Work Exempt Work Historic Resources Survey HPOZ Appeal Process HPOZ Board Period of Significance Pre-Application Board Consultation Secretary of the Interior’s Standards Street Visible Area
Plan Check Language

South Pasadena

24-Month CoA Life 180-Day Pendency Moratorium ADUs on Historic Properties Appeals and Council Review Certificate of Appropriateness Findings Certificate of Appropriateness Requirement Character-Defining Features Demolition Findings: Finding (xi) Five-Year Permit Ban Imminent-Threat Carve-Out Inventory vs. Register Two 45-Year Rules Visibility Test
Plan Check Language

Mulholland Scenic Parkway

900-Square-Foot Cumulative Threshold Archaeological and Paleontological Trigger Design Review Board Notification Requirements Inner Corridor Building Heights Inner Corridor Grading Cap Oak Tree Protection Standards Outer Corridor 40-Foot Height Limit Outer Corridor Grading Cap Project Adjustments vs. Project Exceptions Prominent Ridge Construction Rules Public Parkland 200-Foot Setback Section 3 D Exemption Interpretation Site Permeability 50 Percent Maximum Skylight 4-Square-Foot Cap Slope Band Analysis Form Stream Protection Buffer Viewshed Analysis Methodology Visibility Study Standards Visible-from-Mulholland Materials Standards Yard Requirements for Right-of-Way-Abutting Lots