Wildlife Ordinance | Draft Ordinance

The most recent version of the Draft Wildlife Ordinance is available here. This version reflects proposed changes to the draft ordinance that were requested by the Planning and Land Use Management Committee on June 20, 2023.

The most recent version of the draft Zone Change Ordinance is available here. This version reflects technical corrections incorporated by LA City Planning.

The Draft Wildlife Ordinance Resource Buffer interactive map is available here.

Proposed Regulations

The overall goal of the proposed regulations is to balance wildlife habitat and connectivity with private property development thereby achieving more sustainable outcomes in the hillsides and habitats of Los Angeles.

By ensuring that such development takes place in a more sustainable manner, the City can help to address and support other essential goals such as biodiversity, climate resilience, fire safety and watershed health.

Together, these goals create a more livable city for everyone.

wildlife chart

The proposed standards would affect:

  • Lot Coverage & Residential Floor Area
  • Vegetation & Landscaping
  • Fencing & Walls
  • Lighting, Windows, & Solid Waste Enclosures
  • Grading
  • Wildlife Resources & Wildlife Resources Buffers
  • Height

Key Points

Regulations proposed in the ordinance would apply within the Wildlife District boundary.

The set of regulations being proposed is intended to work together holistically to provide the strongest protection in areas most sensitive in the hillsides and most important for the health of habitats and associated wildlife.

City Planning has based its recommendations on research of best practices, evaluation of existing regulations and expertise from environmental and academic leaders and has included coordination with city departments including Sanitation and Environment, Fire, Building and Safety, StreetsLA, Water and Power, and the Bureau of Engineering.

The proposed regulations are meant to guide site development and complement existing City regulations including the Baseline Hillside Ordinance, the Hillside Construction Regulations, the Mulholland Specific Plan, and regulations associated with underlying zones.