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MUNICIPAL CODE
FOREWORD
CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS AND ZONING
CHAPTER 1A CITY OF LOS ANGELES ZONING CODE
CHAPTER II* LICENSES, PERMITS, BUSINESS REGULATIONS
CHAPTER III PUBLIC HEALTH CODE
CHAPTER IV PUBLIC WELFARE
CHAPTER V PUBLIC SAFETY AND PROTECTION
CHAPTER VI PUBLIC WORKS AND PROPERTY
CHAPTER VII TRANSPORTATION
CHAPTER VIII TRAFFIC
CHAPTER IX BUILDING REGULATIONS
ARTICLE 1 BUILDINGS [BUILDING CODE]
DIVISION 1 ADMINISTRATION
DIVISION 2 DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
DIVISION 3 USE OR OCCUPANCY
DIVISION 4 SPECIAL USE AND OCCUPANCY
DIVISION 5 GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS
DIVISION 6 TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION
DIVISION 7 FIRE-RESISTANT MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION
DIVISION 8 INTERIOR FINISHES
DIVISION 9 FIRE-PROTECTION SYSTEMS
DIVISION 10 MEANS OF EGRESS
DIVISION 11 ACCESSIBILITY
DIVISION 12 INTERIOR ENVIRONMENT
DIVISION 13 ENERGY CONSERVATION
DIVISION 14 EXTERIOR WALL COVERINGS
DIVISION 15 ROOFS AND ROOF STRUCTURES
DIVISION 16 STRUCTURAL DESIGN
DIVISION 17 STRUCTURAL TESTS AND SPECIAL INSPECTIONS
DIVISION 18 SOILS AND FOUNDATIONS
DIVISION 19 CONCRETE
DIVISION 20 ALUMINUM
DIVISION 21 MASONRY
DIVISION 22 STEEL
DIVISION 23 WOOD
DIVISION 24 GLASS AND GLAZING
DIVISION 25 GYPSUM BOARD AND PLASTER
DIVISION 26 PLASTIC
DIVISION 27 ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
DIVISION 28 MECHANICAL SYSTEMS
DIVISION 29 PLUMBING SYSTEMS
DIVISION 30 ELEVATORS AND CONVEYING SYSTEMS
DIVISION 31 SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION
DIVISION 32 ENCROACHMENTS INTO THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY
DIVISION 33 SAFEGUARDS DURING CONSTRUCTION
DIVISION 34 EXISTING STRUCTURES
DIVISION 35 REFERENCED STANDARDS
DIVISION 61 SPECIAL HAZARD AREAS
DIVISION 62 SIGNS
DIVISION 63 ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS FOR SPECIFIC USES
DIVISION 67 SECURITY PROVISIONS
DIVISION 70 GRADING, EXCAVATIONS AND FILLS
DIVISION 71 METHANE SEEPAGE REGULATIONS
DIVISION 72 FIRE DISTRICT REGULATIONS
DIVISION 81 EXISTING BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
DIVISION 82 CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY, USE AND RATING CLASSIFICATION
DIVISION 83 RELOCATION PERMIT
DIVISION 85 ALTERNATIVE BUILDING STANDARDS FOR JOINT LIVING AND WORK QUARTERS
DIVISION 86 SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS
DIVISION 88 EARTHQUAKE HAZARD REDUCTION IN EXISTING BUILDINGS
DIVISION 89 ABATEMENT OF BUILDINGS, STRUCTURES, PREMISES AND PORTIONS THEREOF WHICH CONSTITUTE A NUISANCE OR ARE HAZARDOUS, OR SUBSTANDARD
DIVISION 90 NUISANCE ABATEMENT AND DISCONTINUANCE OF LAND USE AND DISCRETIONARY ZONING APPROVALS; RELOCATION ASSISTANCE; ENFORCEMENT
DIVISION 91 EARTHQUAKE HAZARD REDUCTION IN EXISTING TILT-UP CONCRETE WALL BUILDINGS
DIVISION 92 VOLUNTARY - EARTHQUAKE HAZARD REDUCTION IN EXISTING WOOD FRAME RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS WITH WEAK CRIPPLE WALLS AND UNBOLTED SILL PLATES
DIVISION 93 MANDATORY EARTHQUAKE HAZARD REDUCTION IN EXISTING WOOD-FRAME BUILDINGS WITH SOFT, WEAK OR OPEN-FRONT WALLS
DIVISION 94 VOLUNTARY - EARTHQUAKE HAZARD REDUCTION IN EXISTING HILLSIDE BUILDINGS
DIVISION 95 MANDATORY EARTHQUAKE HAZARD REDUCTION IN EXISTING NON-DUCTILE CONCRETE BUILDINGS
DIVISION 96 VOLUNTARY - EARTHQUAKE HAZARD REDUCTION IN EXISTING REINFORCED CONCRETE AND REINFORCED MASONRY WALL BUILDINGS WITH FLEXIBLE DIAPHRAGMS
DIVISION 97 EXISTING BUILDINGS ENERGY AND WATER EFFICIENCY PROGRAM
ARTICLE 1.2 EXISTING BUILDING CODE
ARTICLE 1.5 LOS ANGELES RESIDENTIAL CODE
ARTICLE 2 ELEVATOR CODE
ARTICLE 3 ELECTRICAL CODE
ARTICLE 4 PLUMBING CODE
ARTICLE 5 MECHANICAL CODE
ARTICLE 6 MISCELLANEOUS
ARTICLE 7 BOILERS, UNFIRED PRESSURE VESSELS AND OTHER EQUIPMENT
ARTICLE 8 GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
ARTICLE 9 GREEN BUILDING CODE
CHAPTER X BUSINESS REGULATIONS
CHAPTER XI NOISE REGULATION
CHAPTER XII THE WATER CONSERVATION PLAN OF THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES
CHAPTER XIII THE EMERGENCY ENERGY CURTAILMENT PLAN OF THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES
CHAPTER XV RENT STABILIZATION ORDINANCE
CHAPTER XVI HOUSING REGULATIONS
CHAPTER XVII RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE USE OF THE LOS ANGELES AIRPORTS
CHAPTER XVIII EMPLOYEE WAGES AND PROTECTIONS
CHAPTER XIX ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
CHAPTER XX COVID-19 PROTECTION AND RECOVERY*
TABLES
Los Angeles Planning and Zoning
Chapter 1A City of Los Angeles Zoning Code
Table of Amending Legislation for Chapter 1A
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SEC. 91.8112. RESIDENTIAL PLUMBING.
   (Added by Ord. No. 171,175, Eff. 7/25/96.)
 
   When existing water heaters serving rental or lease residential units are replaced, they shall be replaced with units which will provide an overall equivalency or greater in water heater gallon capacity and rate of heat recovery to the replaced units.
 
   Any water heater which is relocated, reinstalled or newly installed from the interior of the building to a location outside the building shall be installed in an approved enclosure. Any new water heater which is installed outside the building shall be installed in an approved enclosure.
 
 
SEC. 91.8113. ROD BRACING SYSTEMS.
   (Added by Ord. No. 171,175, Eff. 7/25/96.)
 
   Buildings constructed with adjustable steel rod bracing systems designed to transfer horizontal forces shall be subject to inspection after completion of the building or structure for the purpose of maintaining proper adjustments of the bracing assembly. The owner shall be duly notified if adjustments are found necessary and, upon the receipt thereof, shall cause adjustments to be made satisfactory to the Department.
 
 
SEC. 91.8114. PARAPETS AND APPENDAGES.
   (Amended by Ord. No. 185,587, Eff. 7/16/18.)
 
   No building shall have any parapet or appendage attached to or supported by an exterior wall of the building and located adjacent to a public way or to a way set apart for exit from a building or passage of pedestrians, if such parapet or appendage is not so adequately constructed, anchored or braced as to remain wholly in its original position in event of an earthquake having the effect designated by Division 16, Article 1, Chapter IX of the LAMC.
 
   Whenever the Department determines by inspection that an existing parapet or appendage is not so adequately constructed, anchored or braced as to remain wholly in its original position, the Department shall, by written notice addressed to the owner, person or agent in control of the building, designate and describe the hazards and inadequacies of construction, anchorage or bracing determined by such inspection and direct that the necessary corrections be made to ensure that all of the parapet or appendage remain in its original position. Upon receipt of such notice, the owner, person or agent in control of the building where such parapet or appendage exists, shall, within one year from the date of such notice:
 
   1.   Submit to the Department suitable corrective plans;
 
   2.   Obtain the necessary alteration permit; and
 
   3.   Complete all the work necessary or ordered. All the plans thus submitted shall have the intent of eliminating the parapet or appendage, or reconstructing such parapet or appendage so that it will conform structurally with requirements of this Code, or strengthening such parapet or appendage by bracing or other means so that it will resist the forces of an earthquake and remain in its original position.
 
   Any person receiving a notice as set out in this section may appeal from the notice of the Department in the manner provided by LAMC Sections 98.0403.1 and 98.0403.2.
 
 
SEC. 91.8115. SANDBLASTING.
   (Added by Ord. No. 171,175, Eff. 7/25/96.)
 
   No building or other structure shall be sandblasted except by a wet process precluding the creation of dust and dry debris.
 
   Inspection shall be made by the Department after scaffolding and protective enclosure are in place and before work is started.
 
   EXCEPTION: Dry sandblasting may be permitted by the Department only when evidence is submitted that this process is necessary for the proper cleaning of the building or structure. No permission may be granted unless it can be shown that the use of this process will not be detrimental to adjoining property or public welfare.
 
 
SEC. 91.8116. SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR LIGHT-HOUSEKEEPING ROOMS.
   (Added by Ord. No. 171,175, Eff. 7/25/96.)
 
91.8116.1. General. (Amended by Ord. No. 186,488, Eff. 12/27/19.) This division does not prevent the use of a room as a light-housekeeping room in any building, provided that such room fully complies with the provisions of this section.
 
   A light-housekeeping room is any room which is designed and used both as a sleeping room and for the cooking or preparation of food.
 
91.8116.2. Special Provisions.
 
91.8116.2.1. (Amended by Ord. No. 186,488, Eff. 12/27/19.) Light-housekeeping rooms shall contain not less than 150 square feet in area and shall be occupied by not more than two people. The cooking appliance therein, if any, shall be used solely for the cooking or preparation of meals for consumption by the occupants of the room. The use of cooking appliances, existing in rooms prior to September 20, 1963, shall be in accordance with the provisions of LAMC Subsections 91.8116.2.2 through 91.8116.2.10.
 
   EXCEPTION: A room having a superficial floor area of not less than 120 square feet may be used for light-housekeeping if it is occupied by only one person.
 
91.8116.2.2. The cooking appliances used therein, if any, shall have no more than two burners. If electric appliances are used, they shall have been tested and approved by the Underwriters Laboratories. If gas appliances are used, they shall have been tested and approved by the American Gas Association.
 
91.8116.2.3. The installation, maintenance or use of said cooking appliance shall not be hazardous to life, health or property.
 
91.8116.2.4.1. Said cooking appliance shall rest upon its own legs, or shall be an approved, built-in unit of fixed installation. Said appliance shall be set not closer than six inches from any wall or projection thereof, and shall rest upon an impervious surface.
 
91.8116.2.4.2. The walls behind and adjacent to said cooking appliance shall be lined or back-flashed with noncombustible material equivalent to 1/4–inch asbestos mill board. The back-flashing shall extend from 12 inches below to 24 inches above the base of the appliance. There shall be clear and unobstructed space of 36 inches above the surface of the cooking appliance.
 
   EXCEPTION: Approved prefabricated kitchen units.
 
91.8116.2.5.1. Gas-burning appliances shall be connected to the gas supply piping by approved metal piping with an approved gas shutoff valve readily accessible within the room, and maintained in accordance with the provisions of the Plumbing Code.
 
   Electrical appliances and serving circuits shall be installed and maintained in accordance with the provisions of the Electrical Code.
 
91.8116.2.5.2. Guest rooms, other than those legally converted for light-housekeeping purposes, shall not contain a fuel-gas-burning or electrically energized cooking appliance.
 
91.8116.2.6. The room shall contain an approved sink with hot and cold running water.
 
91.8116.2.7. An approved storage cabinet shall be installed in the room. All food, dishes and cooking and eating utensils shall be stored therein when not in use.
 
91.8116.2.8. The bed in such a room, or any drapes, curtains or other readily combustible material shall be so located that they do not come in contact with the cooking appliances, if any.
 
91.8116.2.9. Any toilet room opening directly into such a room shall have a tight-fitting door.
 
91.8116.2.10. An approved method of heating shall be installed in each such room. Cooking appliances shall not be used for the purpose of heating such rooms. No cooking appliance shall be installed within a closet in such a room.
 
91.8116.3. Bath and Water Closet Facilities. In any building containing six or more light-housekeeping rooms, there shall be one water closet and one bath facility for each five units or fraction thereof. In any building containing five or less light-housekeeping rooms, there shall be one water closet and one bath facility which may be in the same room for each three light-housekeeping units in the building. Such toilet and bath facilities shall be accessible to and from a public hallway.
 
 
SEC. 91.8117. FIRE WATCH.
   (Added by Ord. No. 171,175, Eff. 7/25/96.)
 
   Whenever the Department of Building and Safety determines by inspection that a violation affecting life safety from threat of fire exists in an occupied building, the Department may require that a fire watch be assigned to the building. The fire watch shall be a licensed uniformed person chosen by the owner and approved by the Department and shall perform duties in accordance with the Department’s fire watch procedures. The fire watch shall remain in effect until all fire safety work is completed and approved by the Department. Any person who fails to comply with a Department fire watch order shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
 
 
SEC. 91.8118. POOL WATER CLARITY.
   (Amended by Ord. No. 185,587, Eff. 7/16/18.)
 
   The recirculation and purification system of any swimming pool, fish pond, or any other body of water which is required to be fenced by LAMC Section 91.6109, shall be operated and maintained so as to keep the water in such pool or other body of water clean and of reasonable clarity.
 
   In order to define reasonable clarity of the water in such pool, pond or body of water, the following standard shall be applied: A painted black disk, 6 inches in diameter on a 12 inch by 12 inch (304.8 mm x 304.8 mm) white tile, placed at the bottom of the pool at its deepest point, shall be clearly visible from the sidewalks around the pool from all distances up to 10 yards (9.14 m) from such disk, or the water is determined to not be of reasonable clarity.
 
 
SEC. 91.8119. HISTORICAL BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES.
(Amended by Ord. No. 179,324, Eff. 12/10/07, Oper. 1/1/08.)
 
   Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Code to the contrary, the following provisions shall apply in addition to the provisions of Title 24, Part 8 of the California Code of Regulations, the State Historical Building Code.
 
91.8119.1. Additions, Alterations and Repairs. (Amended by Ord. No. 185,587, Eff. 7/16/18.) Additions, alterations and repairs shall be made in accordance with the nonconforming rights of LAMC Subsection 91.8101.2 and Section 91.8103.
 
91.8119.2. Change of Use or Occupancy. (Amended by Ord. No. 185,587, Eff. 7/16/18.) Change of use or occupancy shall comply with LAMC Sections 91.8203 and 91.8204.
 
91.8119.3. Earthquake Hazard Buildings. (Amended by Ord. No. 185,587, Eff. 7/16/18.) Where the requirements of Division 88, Article 1, Chapter IX of the LAMC are more restrictive than the requirements of this division, the requirements of Division 88, Article 1, Chapter IX of the LAMC shall apply.
 
91.8119.4. Preservation of Historical Buildings.
 
91.8119.4.1. If the Department determines that any building, structure, premises or portion thereof, (1) has been designated an historical monument or (2) is being considered as a historical monument by the Cultural Heritage Commission, and (3) is subject to vandalism, or unlawful entry, or has become a hazardous building, nuisance or substandard building, then the Department may cause the building, structure, or premises or any portion thereof, to be immediately barricaded and protected by such means as the Department may deem advisable, including the use of a Department awarded contract.
 
91.8119.4.2. (Amended by Ord. No. 185,587, Eff. 7/16/18.) The Department may cause the building, structure or premises, or any portion of the building, structure or premises, to be immediately barricaded or protected from further deterioration. The barricading or protection may be accomplished by any City department with the forces to perform the work, upon receipt of a request from the Department, or by any forces under contract to the City. Where the work is accomplished by other than City forces, the cost shall be paid from the "Repair and Demolition Fund" as established in LAMC Section 91.8906. All costs incurred pursuant to this section shall be a personal obligation against the owner of the property upon which the particular building or structure or any portion is located, recoverable by the City in an action before any court of competent jurisdiction. These costs shall include an amount equal to 40 percent of the cost to perform the actual work, but not less than the sum of $100.00, to cover the City’s costs for administering any contract and supervising the work required. In addition to this personal obligation and all other remedies provided by law, the City may collect any judgment, fee, cost, or charge, including any permit fees, fines, late charges, or interest, incurred in relation to the provisions of this section as provided in Los Angeles Administrative Code Sections 7.35.1 through 7.35.8.
 
91.8119.4.3. The administrative fee of 40 percent of the costs shall not be included in the calculation of costs incurred for or arising out of any barricading, or protecting, resulting from an event or course of events that prompted a declaration of a state of emergency, local emergency, war emergency or major disaster by the Mayor, the Governor of the State, or by the President of the United States. (Amended by Ord. No. 175,596, Eff. 12/7/03.)
 
91.8119.4.4. (Amended by Ord. No. 185,587, Eff. 7/16/18.) If the Department determines that the building, structure, or premises or portion thereof is not in danger of imminent deterioration or vandalism, then the Department may, in lieu of the above, require the building, structure or premises or any portion thereof to be secured, repaired or protected pursuant to the provisions of Division 89, Article 1, Chapter IX of the LAMC.
 
91.8119.5. Vandalism of Historical Buildings. The Department shall have the authority to issue an Order to Comply to an owner of any building that has been designated an historical monument or is being considered as an historical monument by the Cultural Heritage Commission if the Department determines that the building has become subject to vandalism or constitutes a public nuisance. In such circumstances, the Department shall have the authority to issue any order it deems appropriate to keep the property from being further vandalized or from becoming a public nuisance including, but not limited to, ordering that the building be secured and fenced.
 
   For the purposes of this provision, any building which has been designated an historical monument or is being considered as an historical monument by the Cultural Heritage Commission shall include the interiors and exteriors of any accessory building located on an historic site.
 
91.8119.5.1. Security measures that the Department may order shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
 
   1.   The installation of the maximum allowed height under this Code of chain- link perimeter fencing with top mounted horizontal pipe and razor wire, and at least one securely-locked pedestrian gate and the posting of “NO TRESPASSING” signs, pursuant to Section 41.24 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, at 25-foot intervals.
 
   2.   Steel or plywood closures, with one-inch diameter air holes, installed at all doors and windows. (Sandwich panel installation shall be used so as to avoid drilling into window frames and sashes, doors, ornament or masonry units.)
 
   3.   The removal of all debris from the premises, including but not limited to wood, paper, cans, bottles and fecal matter.
 
   Any temporary modifications required to be made to secure the building shall be reversible.
 
91.8119.5.2. (Amended by Ord. No. 185,587, Eff. 7/16/18.) Any plans or proposals for work required to be performed pursuant to an Order to Comply to secure any building from being further vandalized or from becoming a public nuisance must first be reviewed by the Cultural Affairs Department to ensure that any work done to secure the building will not damage or alter the historic character of the building. This review by the Cultural Affairs Department must be completed within ten working days from the date any request for review is submitted. The Cultural Affairs Department shall only disapprove a plan or proposal to secure a building if the work will significantly damage or alter the historic character of the building. If the work to be performed includes substantial alteration, the procedures set forth in Los Angeles Administrative Code Section 22.171.12 shall be utilized for review by the Cultural Affairs Department.
 
   Failure to act upon a request for review within the time periods set forth herein shall constitute a waiver by the Cultural Affairs Department of the right to review plans or proposals for the work to be performed. Work ordered to be performed immediately pursuant to an Order to Comply, as determined by the Department of Building and Safety, may be commenced and completed without prior review by the Cultural Affairs Department.
 
   Nothing herein shall be interpreted to prohibit an owner from taking immediate temporary measures to secure a building from unauthorized entry.
 
91.8119.5.3. 91.8119.5.3.(Amended by Ord. No. 185,587, Eff. 7/16/18.) It shall be unlawful for any property owner to fail to comply with any Order to Comply issued by the Department under this provision and every failure shall be punishable as a misdemeanor.
 
91.8119.5.4. Additional Remedies – Notice Of Intention. (Amended by Ord. No. 185,587, Eff. 7/16/18.) In addition to the remedies provided by this Code, should an owner fail to comply with an Order to Comply, the Department may take the necessary measures, including those authorized under LAMC Sections 91.8903, 91.8904 and 91.8905, to immediately secure the property against vandalism or prevent it from becoming a public nuisance. Prior to taking these measures, the Department shall send a Notice of Intention to the owner pursuant to the provisions set forth in LAMC Subdivisions 91.8903.3.3 and 91.8903.3.4.
 
   Except for measures taken pursuant to LAMC Section 91.8905, when a Notice of Intention is issued under this section, the provisions of LAMC Subdivision 91.8903.3.5, through and including Subdivision 91.8903.4.3, shall also apply.
 
   This provision is in addition to the remedies provided in LAMC Sections 91.8903, 91.8904, and 91.8905.
 
   All costs incurred pursuant to this section shall be a personal obligation against the owner of the property, recoverable by the City in an action before any court of competent jurisdiction. These costs shall include an amount equal to 40% of the cost to perform the actual work, but not less than the sum of $100.00, to cover the City's costs for administering any contract and supervising the work required. In addition to this personal obligation and all other remedies provided by law, the City may collect any judgment, fee, cost, or charge, including any permit fees, fines, late charges, or interest, incurred in relation to the provisions of this section as provided in Los Angeles Administrative Code Sections 7.35.1 through 7.35.8.
 
 
 
DIVISION 82
CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY, USE AND RATING CLASSIFICATION
 
(Division 82 Added by Ord. No. 159,068, Eff. 7/29/84, Oper. 1/29/85)
 
 
Section
91.8201   General.
91.8202   Change of Rating Classification.
91.8203   Change of Occupancy Group or Group Division.
91.8204   Change of Use.
91.8205   Certificate of Building Compliance.
 
 
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