For the first time since 1946, Los Angeles is completely revising its zoning code. Urban Insight, the team behind Planetizen, is pleased to be part of this project. One of our key goals is to create a modern web-based version of the zoning code.
For the first time since 1946, Los Angeles is completely revising its zoning code. This effort is called re:code LA.
Background
The City's zoning code is used to guide where and how we build in Los Angeles. Adopted 67 years ago, the current zoning code has grown from a simple, 84-page pamphlet to an unwieldy, 600+ page book with legal-sounding descriptions that make it difficult to understand what kind of development is allowed, and how to get a project approved. The current code is difficult for an expert to decipher, let alone a member of the public.
The new zoning code will reflect the diversity of Los Angeles, allowing each neighborhood to maintain a distinct sense of place while improving the sustainability, economic vitality, and quality of life for its residents.
Urban Insight is the technical and editorial team behind Planetizen. We're excited to be involved with this historic effort, working alongside lead consultant Code Studio, the LA Department of City Planning, and a variety of other world-class consultants.
Our Goal
One of Urban Insight's goals in this project is to create a modern web-based version of the zoning code. We envision an interactive code that can be personalized for the reader, published as a printed book, displayed in a browser or smartphone, or viewed as an ebook.
One of the key aspects of the new web-based zoning code is to personalize the code for any individual visitor. A resident adding on to her home is likely to need different sections of the zoning code than a business owner interested in opening a new restaurant or a landlord who wants to renovate an apartment complex.
By answering a few simple questions about what you’re trying to achieve, and optionally, your address, we hope to deliver a customized version of the zoning code that offers a streamlined version with just those sections you will need. Of course, you'll still be able to access and search the full zoning code as well.
System Architecture
Technically, our goal is to define a system architecture that will enable the new, beautifully-illustrated zoning code to be printed in its entirety as a book. The architecture will also need to manage discrete units of usable content such as images, interactive elements, tables and charts, so that the content can be dynamically combined to create personalized versions of the document. These units will need to be re-assembled to enable publishing across multiple channels, such as a browser, tablet, mobile device, app, ebook, or — importantly — in formats that we are only beginning to envision — such as Google Glass.
Meet the Historic Oddities of the Los Angeles Zoning Code's Use List
With the city of Los Angeles amidst its first comprehensive overhaul of its Zoning Code since 1946, the Planning Department's outreach efforts include a new post explaining the regulated land uses of yesteryear.
The Los Angeles Conservancy at 40: Looking Back and Ahead
The Los Angeles Conservancy turned 40 on March 20. As it marks four decades of preserving historic places throughout L.A. County, the organization considers the next 40 years of preservation in L.A.
Los Angeles Planners Have Had It Up to Here With Parking Podiums
Above-grade parking garages, also called parking podiums, have become a standard typology across Los Angeles. From Koreatown to Downtown, new residential buildings are separated from the street by several floors of space devoted to parking.
How Smaller Supermarkets Could Transform American Communities
Bigger is not always better.
Research Links Urban Design and Human Happiness
An emerging field of ‘neuroarchitectural’ research is revealing how building facades and urban design impact the human brain and body.
Save Lives on Our Roads Using the Safe System Approach
Prioritizing safety and committing to the SSA framework can make a big impact in the effort to reduce traffic fatalities.
How AI Is Revolutionizing Urban Forestry and Climate Resilience
Tree-D Fusion, an AI-driven tool developed by MIT and Purdue researchers, generates 3D models of urban trees to help city planners visualize future green spaces, address climate challenges, and enhance urban livability and sustainability.
Key Climate and Health Issues to Watch in 2025
The escalating health impacts of climate change, from extreme heat to sea level rise, highlight the urgent need for integrated medical education, proactive communication, and sustainable policy solutions to protect public health.
Rising Temperatures and the Escalating Wildfire Crisis
Rising global temperatures driven by climate change are intensifying and prolonging wildfire seasons worldwide, necessitating improved forest management, public awareness, and urgent action to reduce fossil fuel emissions.
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 Oxford
Caltrans - District 7
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport
