City of Los Angeles · Mulholland Specific Plan
Yard Requirements for Right-of-Way-Abutting Lots
Code Citation
MSPSP §5 D 3
MSPSP §5 D 3
Definition
A specific yard requirement applies only to lots that abut the Mulholland Drive right-of-way and are 100 feet or more in depth. The front yard must be at least 20 percent of lot depth (need not exceed 40 feet). Each side yard must be at least 10 percent of lot width (need not exceed 20 feet).
These requirements layer on top of the LAMC zone yard requirements for the underlying zone. The more restrictive standard governs.
When the Rule Applies
Both conditions must be met:
- The lot abuts the Mulholland Drive right-of-way (any lot boundary touching the right-of-way).
- The lot is 100 feet or more in depth, measured perpendicular to the abutting boundary.
A lot that abuts the right-of-way but is under 100 feet deep falls back to the LAMC zone yards. A lot 100 feet or more in depth that does not abut the right-of-way also falls back to LAMC zone yards.
Ordinance ExcerptOn a lot which abuts the Mulholland Drive right-of-way, and which is 100 feet or more in depth, the front yard shall be at least 20 percent of lot depth (need not exceed 40 feet); each side yard shall be at least 10 percent of lot width (need not exceed 20 feet).
What Plan Check Looks For
- ZIMAS confirmation of right-of-way abutment and lot depth.
- Front yard depth on the Plot/Site Plan against 20 percent of lot depth, capped at 40 feet.
- Each side yard against 10 percent of lot width, capped at 20 feet.
- Comparison against the LAMC zone yard requirement; the more restrictive standard governs.
- For lots not meeting the 100-foot depth or right-of-way abutment thresholds, application of the LAMC zone yard.
Upstream Decisions
- Confirm whether the lot abuts the Mulholland Drive right-of-way and meets the 100-foot depth threshold before locking the building footprint.
- Compare the Specific Plan yards against the LAMC zone yards for the underlying zone. The more restrictive applies.
- For lots near the 100-foot depth threshold, verify dimensions on the topographic survey rather than relying on assessor records.
Worked ExampleA 150-foot-deep lot abutting the Mulholland Drive right-of-way is in an R1 zone with 25-foot front yard and 5-foot side yard requirements. The Specific Plan yards calculate as: front yard 30 feet (20 percent × 150 feet, under the 40-foot cap), side yards 9 feet each (10 percent × 90-foot lot width, under the 20-foot cap).
The Specific Plan yards are more restrictive and govern. The building footprint must respect 30-foot front and 9-foot side yards. A reduction in front yard depth below 30 feet would require a Project Adjustment (under 20 percent encroachment) or Project Exception (20 percent or more) per LAMC §13B.4.
Source: Mulholland Scenic Parkway Specific Plan, §5 D 3 (Yards on lots abutting the right-of-way). LAMC zone yards apply on top; the more restrictive standard governs.
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