Visibility Study Standards

The Visibility Study determines whether a project is Visible from Mulholland Drive within the project’s three-quarter-mile Visibility Arc. It is required for all DRB Project Compliance packets. A minimum of seven lines of sight must be documented, with photographs and a reference map. The study cannot be limited to a perpendicular angle of view. Each photograph is annotated as Visible or Not Visible, with the obstructing feature labeled where applicable.

The Visibility Study determines what protections apply. A Visible Inner Corridor project carries the full Building Standards (height bands, materials, viewshed protection) and triggers the Viewshed Analysis (Exhibit E-13). A Not Visible project on the same corridor carries a different burden.

• A minimum of seven lines of sight from Mulholland Drive within the project’s three-quarter-mile Visibility Arc.
• Photographs from each line of sight, with directional reference.
• A reference map showing each photo’s vantage point and view direction.
• Per-photo annotation: visible with the project marked, or not visible due to [intervening hill / building / vegetation].
• Cannot be limited to a single perpendicular angle of view.

• Single perpendicular vantage point (rejected on its own).
• Fewer than seven lines of sight.
• No directional reference on photographs.
• “Not visible” annotation without identifying the obstructing feature.
• Limited arc that does not capture the full three-quarter-mile Visibility Arc.

• Seven or more lines of sight, distributed across the Visibility Arc.
• A reference map keyed to each photograph.
• Per-photograph annotation noting Visible or Not Visible status.
• Where Not Visible, identification of the obstructing feature (intervening hill, structure, vegetation).
• For Visible projects on Inner Corridor lots, a Viewshed Analysis as a follow-on deliverable.

• Take the Visibility Study photographs early — at the schematic stage if possible. The result drives whether a Viewshed Analysis is required and the depth of subsequent design work.
• Use a wide distribution of vantage points, not just the most prominent. Plan check looks for arc coverage, not single-direction proof.
• For projects that are clearly Visible, lead with the Viewshed Analysis. The Visibility Study becomes confirmation rather than discovery.
• For projects on the boundary of Visibility, document obstructing features carefully. A future change in the obstructing feature (vegetation removal, neighbor construction) can change the project’s Visibility status.

Source: Mulholland Scenic Parkway Specific Plan, §4 (Visibility Arc definition). Visibility Study requirements per Mulholland Specific Plan Project Compliance Filing Instructions (CP13-3618), Submittal Material S-3.