Tom Rothmann explains how and why Los Angeles is updating antiquated language governing land use in the city.
Los Angeles' zoning code—the second-oldest in the country for a major city, dating back to 1946—is known to be near-indiscernible, filled with confusing overlays, supplemental use districts, "Q Conditions," and "D limitations" added over the decades.
The city of Los Angeles is in the midst of a five-year process to clarify this complex language through its re:code LA effort, led by the Department of City Planning. Senior City Planner Tom Rothmann spoke with The Planning Report to provide an overview of re:code LA’s objectives, funding, timeframe, and challenges. He also details issues with zoning as-is and notes other municipalities' codes that can serve as examples for LA:
"The model we like is Raleigh, North Carolina. People say, 'That’s a completely different city!' But the ideas are the same, although obviously LA is going to be a little more complex. It’s a really great code. We all seem to like the way that it looks. It makes things simple, relying on charts, graphics, and simple language that helps get the point across of what we’re requiring—rather than pages-long columns of prose text that numbs the brain."
This is Part I in a TPR series on the Los Angeles Zoning Code, with the publication's March issue carrying the next installment.
FULL STORY: LA City’s re:code—Pitched as Simplifying City’s Complex & Opaque Zoning Code
Better Zoning Codes for Better Quality of Life
As Los Angeles continues the five-year process of re-writing its zoning code for clarity, one Zoning Advisory Committee member considers who should really care.
Strategies for Big Cities to Streamline Development Services
Kevin Keller, Director of Planning and Housing Policy under Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, provides insight into the city's development services reform.
New Community Plan Poises Downtown L.A. for Transformation
In addition to a contemporary vision for Downtown, the plan debuts a new approach to zoning that could help transform the entire city.
What ‘The Brutalist’ Teaches Us About Modern Cities
How architecture and urban landscapes reflect the trauma and dysfunction of the post-war experience.
‘Complete Streets’ Webpage Deleted in Federal Purge
Basic resources and information on building bike lanes and sidewalks, formerly housed on the government’s Complete Streets website, are now gone.
The VW Bus is Back — Now as an Electric Minivan
Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz reimagines its iconic Bus as a fully electric minivan, blending retro design with modern technology, a 231-mile range, and practical versatility to offer a stylish yet functional EV for the future.
Healing Through Parks: Altadena’s Path to Recovery After the Eaton Fire
In the wake of the Eaton Fire, Altadena is uniting to restore Loma Alta Park, creating a renewed space for recreation, community gathering, and resilience.
San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule
The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.
Electric Vehicles for All? Study Finds Disparities in Access and Incentives
A new UCLA study finds that while California has made progress in electric vehicle adoption, disadvantaged communities remain underserved in EV incentives, ownership, and charging access, requiring targeted policy changes to advance equity.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Albany
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research