A Primer on Types of Zoning Codes

As Los Angeles prepares to rewrite its zoning code for the first time since 1964, the city's Planning Department offers an introduction to types of zoning: "In the early twentieth century, American cities looked much different than they do today. In heavily urbanized areas, houses, shops, and factories could often be found on the same block, and many city-dwellers spent their time in overcrowded buildings that suffered from poor natural lighting."

"While mixed-uses meant that most cities were more walkable than they are today, that same proximity created health and safety hazards for urban residents...The tool these planners, developers, and architects ultimately created was the zoning code."

"Because zoning is a local process, tailored to the unique needs, circumstances, and aspirations of each municipality, numerous varieties of codes have developed over the years as communities have independently attempted to address these concerns. Despite these variations, most zoning codes may be classified into one or more of the following broad categories: Euclidean Zoning, Performance/Impact Zoning, Incentive Zoning, Form-based Zoning and Hybrid Zoning."