City of Los Angeles - Zoning Code

August 06, 2021

Summary

Chapter I of Los Angeles' Municipal Code, Height of Building or Structures, provides an exemption for solar energy devices, or similar structures. They may be erected above the height limit specified in the district in which the property is located. In all zones, solar devices may exceed the roof surface by 3 feet even if the roof surface is at or above the allowable building height limit. In all zones except R1 and more restrictive zones, solar devices built on a flat roof may exceed the roof surface by up to 15 feet. In the R1 and more restrictive zones, a solar device may exceed the roof surface by up to 15 feet on a flat roof only if the structure is also used for the purpose of shading a habitable rooftop deck or rooftop parking.

Program Overview

Implementing Sector:	Local
Category:	Regulatory Policy
State:	California
Incentive Type:	Solar/Wind Access Policy
Web Site:
Administrator:
Start Date:
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies:	Solar Water Heat Solar Space Heat Solar Photovoltaics

Authorities

Name:	Los Angeles Municipal Code Chapter 1 Section 12.21.1
Date Enacted:	04/19/2012
Effective Date:	05/29/2012

Contact

Name:	Bill Glauz, P.E.
Address:	P.O. Box 111 Los Angeles CA 90051
Phone:	(213) 367-0410
Email:	william.glauz@ladwp.com

This information is sourced from DSIRE; the most comprehensive source of information on incentives and policies that support renewables and energy efficiency in the United States. Established in 1995, DSIRE is operated by the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center at N.C. State University.