Los Angeles’s Zoning Code identifies the decision makers who are responsible for reviewing project applications. The type of planning entitlements requested in the application determine the decision makers in the case.
Advisory Agency (AA/TT)
The Advisory Agency considers application requests that involve the subdivision of land under the California Subdivision Map Act. These applications include requests for tract maps, parcel maps, and private street applications. The Advisory Agency consists of City employees.
Area Planning Commission (APC)
The Area Planning Commissions (APC) represent seven regions of the City (North Valley, South Valley, West Los Angeles, Central Los Angeles, East Los Angeles, South Los Angeles, and the Harbor). Each APC hears cases from its assigned geography. These cases range from the appeal of quasi-judicial determinations to smaller-scale zone change requests.
City Planning Commission (CPC)
The City Planning Commission (CPC) makes recommendations to the Mayor and City Council on project-related legislative land use applications, such as General Plan Amendments, Zone Changes, and Height District Changes. The CPC also makes recommendations on other considerations, including proposed land use policies that require Mayoral and City Council approval.
Cultural Heritage Commission (CHC)
The Cultural Heritage Commission (CHC) oversees the designation and protection of local landmarks, in addition to managing the City’s local historic districts program (i.e., the Historic Preservation Overlay Zones). The CHC also reviews select project applications.
Director of Planning (DIR)
The Director of Planning, or the Director’s designee, considers land use applications, such as Density Bonus, Specific Plan Project Permit Compliance, Site Plan Review, Transit Oriented Community project requests, and fulfills other duties pertaining to planning and land use.
Zoning Administrator (ZA)
The Zoning Administrator considers quasi-judicial land use applications, such as Conditional Use permits, Zone Variances, Zoning Administrator Adjustments, and Zoning Administrator Determinations. Additionally, the ZA considers nuisance complaints and revocation requests.
Hearing Officers and Boards
Besides the formal decision makers, the City’s boards and hearing officers also consider planning matters. These boards are composed of residents or, in the case of hearing officers, Department staff who review, recommend, or approve planning entitlements.
Design Review Board (DRB)
Design Review Boards (DRBs) are made up of appointed members from the neighborhood under consideration. They review planning applications to ensure compliance with local design standards. DRBs make recommendations to the Director of Planning, who then issues a decision on an application.
Hearing Officer
The Cultural Heritage Commission offers guidance on issues related to historic preservation, overseeing both the designation and protection of local landmarks.
Historic Preservation Overlay Zone (HPOZ) Board
Historic Preservation Overlay Zone (HPOZ) Boards are composed of residents with knowledge of and interest in the culture, history, and architecture of the historic district in which they reside. While not decision makers, they review planning applications within a specified geographic area for exterior work including landscaping, alterations, additions, and new construction.
