Project Adjustments vs. Project Exceptions

Where a Mulholland project does not meet a Specific Plan development regulation, two relief pathways exist. A Project Adjustment is available for narrow percentage variances within fixed thresholds. A Project Exception is required for any relief beyond those thresholds. The two pathways have different filing requirements, different review depth, and different decision standards. The choice of pathway is dictated by the type and percentage of variance, not by the applicant’s preference.

Project Adjustments and Project Exceptions are handled under LAMC §13B.4 of Chapter 1A. Cite the source language as written; verify the section numbering before publishing.

Project Adjustments are limited to:

• Project height exceeding the designated height limitation by less than 10 percent.
• Multifamily dwelling-unit fractions rounded up where lot area remaining is at least 90 percent of what is required for the next unit.
• Building portions extending into a required yard, setback, or open space by less than 20 percent of the minimum width or depth.
• Minimum landscaped area reductions of less than 20 percent, or minor adjustments to required landscape materials.
• Sign adjustments under specified percentage limits.
• Minimum or maximum required parking spaces by less than 10 percent.
• Minor adjustments from other Plan development regulations that do not substantially alter execution or intent.

• Wireless telecommunications facilities have a narrow rooftop carve-out under LAMC §12.21 A.21, except that rooftop antennas located within a scenic parkway specific plan are subject to a Project Exception.
• Eldercare Facilities seeking specific-plan relief proceed under LAMC §14.3.1 rather than through Project Exception.

• Identification of the specific Specific Plan provision being relieved.
• Calculation of the variance as a percentage of the regulated value.
• Confirmation the variance fits within the Adjustment thresholds, or the choice of Exception pathway with supporting findings.
• For Eldercare Facilities, the §14.3.1 pathway rather than Exception.
• For wireless rooftop, the Project Exception pathway in the scenic parkway.

• Calculate variance percentages early. A 9 percent height variance is an Adjustment; 12 percent is an Exception with substantially different review.
• Where multiple variances are stacked, evaluate each against its threshold. Multiple Adjustments are possible; multiple Exceptions raise the burden.
• Build the variance narrative into the Project Description. The Plan’s purposes — scenic preservation, ecological balance, parkway character — are the reference points for any finding.
• Consider redesign before pursuing an Exception. Trimming a height variance from 12 percent to 9 percent often saves significant time and cost.

Source: Los Angeles Municipal Code §13B.4 (Specific Plan Implementation, Chapter 1A) — Project Adjustments and Project Exceptions. Wireless carve-out at LAMC §12.21 A.21. Eldercare relief at LAMC §14.3.1. Source language cited as written; legacy LAMC numbering may differ from current Chapter 1A references and should be verified before reliance.