Related Entries
City of Los Angeles
Slope Band Analysis
Code Reference
LAMC 12.21C10(b)(1)
Table 12.21C10-3
LADBS Form PC/STR/Corr.Lst.107A, Part II.A
Definition
A slope band analysis is a topographic study that divides a hillside lot into bands based on slope percentage. The portions of the lot with slopes of zero to fifteen percent are counted at the highest contribution to allowable floor area. Steeper bands contribute less. The analysis is the input to the calculation of Maximum Residential Floor Area for any lot in a designated Hillside Area.
The City Planning Department reviews and approves the slope band analysis on a Joint Referral Form. Once approved, the original Slope Analysis Survey and Slope Band Analysis Maximum Residential Floor Area Verification Form must be attached to the final permitted set of plans, with a second copy provided for final permitting.
The output of the analysis, multiplied by the lot area in each band per Table 12.21C10-3, sets the maximum allowable Residential Floor Area on the lot. This number is the controlling cap for any new construction, addition, or major remodel in the Hillside Area.
What flags it in plan check
A slope band analysis is required for almost every hillside project. The exceptions are narrow: projects that comply with the “Guaranteed Minimum Residential Floor Area” under LAMC 12.21C10(b)(2), and small additions that meet the exception under 12.21C10(l).
A common timeline issue: the slope analysis adds weeks to the front end of the project. City Planning reviews the analysis before the building department reviews the plans. Owners who do not know this may interpret the early delay as the project not moving. The fix is to set the expectation at the start: slope analysis first, then design.
The accuracy of the survey matters. A survey that misclassifies a slope band — particularly the steeper bands — can give the design a falsely generous RFA target. The plan checker will catch the discrepancy at submittal, and the correction may push the project beyond what is actually buildable.
Connected Terms
Sources. Sources: LAMC Section 12.21C10(b)(1); Table 12.21C10-3; City of Los Angeles Department of Building & Safety, Plan Check Correction Sheet PC/STR/Corr.Lst.107A (Baseline Hillside Ordinance).
Plan check questions?
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