22.408.050, 22.408.060, 22.408.070, 22.408.080
Dimensional standards
Height & bulk
Servicing
- Geographic extent
- Universal Studios Specific Plan area, Los Angeles County, CA
Uses
Permitted by right15
Prohibited1
Extracted standards
45 individual requirements pulled out of this section’s prose, each with the sentence it came from.
Fencing & walls
- Eastern boundary fence heightMaximum heightThe tallest a building may be, given in feet, in storeys, or both — whichever binds first.12 ft
A new painted metal fence, 12 feet in height including a security section, shall be installed and maintained along the Specific Plan eastern boundary...
- Maximum fence heightMaximum heightThe tallest a building may be, given in feet, in storeys, or both — whichever binds first.15 ft
The height of any non-structural fence shall be permitted up to 15 feet in height above highest Finished Grade.
Grading
- GradingGrading (cut & fill)Reshaping land by removing earth (cut) or adding it (fill), often capped by volume. exemption threshold100,000 cubic yardscubic yard (cy)A unit of earth volume used in grading limits — roughly one dump-truck scoop.
Grading activities involving: The movement of less than or equal to 100,000 cubic yards of earth material related to Projects within the boundaries of the Universal Studios Specific Plan area (i.e. not an On-Site Grading Project)...
- Off-site gradingGrading (cut & fill)Reshaping land by removing earth (cut) or adding it (fill), often capped by volume. exemption threshold10,000 cubic yardscubic yard (cy)A unit of earth volume used in grading limits — roughly one dump-truck scoop.
The movement of less than or equal to 10,000 cubic yards of graded materials related to Projects within the boundaries of the Universal Studios Specific Plan area and which graded materials are imported into or exported out of the combined boundaries of the Universal Studios Specific Plan area and the adjacent City [Q]C2 Area (i.e. not an Off-Site Transport Grading Project)
- Off-Site Transport GradingGrading (cut & fill)Reshaping land by removing earth (cut) or adding it (fill), often capped by volume. Project threshold10,000 cubic yardscubic yard (cy)A unit of earth volume used in grading limits — roughly one dump-truck scoop.
Off-Site Transport Grading Project. The movement of over 10,000 cubic yards of dirt, soil, sand, gravel, rock, clay, decomposed granite, or other minerals related to Projects within the boundaries of the Universal Studios Specific Plan area and which graded materials are imported into or exported out of the combined boundaries...
- On-Site GradingGrading (cut & fill)Reshaping land by removing earth (cut) or adding it (fill), often capped by volume. Project threshold100,000 cubic yardscubic yard (cy)A unit of earth volume used in grading limits — roughly one dump-truck scoop.
On-Site Grading Project. Grading activities (excavation or fill) within the boundaries of the Universal Studios Specific Plan area involving movement of over 100,000 cubic yards of dirt, soil, sand, gravel, rock, clay, decomposed granite, or other minerals related to Projects.
Lighting
- Outdoor Special Light Effects defined
Outdoor Special Light Effects. On-site lighting effects intended primarily for entertainment of visitors, which may include, but are not limited to, sky beacons, floodlights of Thematic Elements and structures, search lights, laser lights, laser light shows, lighting included in parades, pyrotechnic special effects, xenon lights, or future technological advances in special light effects.
Noise
- Sound emissions regulated
A Thematic Element may be static or kinetic, may create sound subject to Section 22.408.170 of this Specific Plan, and may be internally or externally illuminated.
Other
- Construction debris recycling65 pct
During new construction, a minimum of 65 percent of the non-hazardous construction and demolition debris from construction of new Project buildings shall be recycled and/or salvaged for reuse.
- Drought-Tolerant Landscaping regulations apply
All Projects shall comply with the Drought-Tolerant Landscaping design regulations, as applicable, in Sections 22.52.2200—22.52.2270 of the Zoning Code...
- Energy efficiency exceed Title 2415 pct
All new buildings shall be designed to exceed Title 24, Part 6 of the California Code of Regulations (2005) energy requirements by at least 15 percent.
- Building façade articulation required40 ft
Building façades within 40 feet of and facing public rights-of-way shall include articulation of building plane; use of varying building materials to create visual interest, and/or the regular placement of windows, or other similar architectural treatments.
- Green Building regulations apply
All Projects shall comply with Green Building regulations, as applicable, in Sections 22.52.2100—22.52.2160 of the Zoning Code...
- Greenspace area along eastern boundary
A greenspace area shall be maintained along the eastern boundary of the Universal Studios Specific Plan area adjacent to the Existing Off-Site Residential Uses to the east as shown on Exhibit 2-C.
- Greenspace boundary marker interval300 ft
The western boundary of the greenspace area shall be marked approximately every 300 feet and the boundary markers shall be maintained.
- HeightMaximum heightThe tallest a building may be, given in feet, in storeys, or both — whichever binds first. Exception maximum floorplate25,000 sqftsq ftSquare feet. An acre is 43,560 sq ft; a typical suburban lot is 7,000–10,000.
There shall be no more than 25,000 square feet of total building floorplate(s) utilizing the Height Exception.
- HeightMaximum heightThe tallest a building may be, given in feet, in storeys, or both — whichever binds first. Exception maximum1,000 ft MSL
A Height Exception is the Height, measured in terms of feet above MSL, in which buildings... may exceed the maximum Height of the 890-foot Height Zone up to the maximum stated Height of 1000-feet above MSL...
- HeightMaximum heightThe tallest a building may be, given in feet, in storeys, or both — whichever binds first. Zones (feet above MSL)
Within the Universal Studios Specific Plan area, nine Height Zones are designated that establish the maximum permitted Height of buildings and structures measured in terms of feet above Mean Sea Level (MSL) as shown on Exhibit 3-A...
- Highly Reflective Building Materials prohibitedProhibitedNot allowed in the district at all, short of rezoning or a variance.
Projects shall not utilize mirrored glass or other Highly Reflective Building Materials as defined by this Specific Plan.
- HistoricHistoric districtAn area where exterior changes need design review to protect its character. Preservation Plan applies
Universal Studios Historic District. The portion of the Universal Studios Specific Plan area identified on Exhibit 5 that is subject to the Historic Preservation Plan.
- Lankershim Streetscape Plan required
With each Substantial Conformance Review application for a Project facing Lankershim Boulevard, the Applicant shall prepare and submit to the Director for review and approval a landscape design plan in substantial conformance with the Conceptual Lankershim Streetscape Plan in the Specific Plan Guidelines.
- Low Impact Development regulations apply
All Projects shall comply with Low Impact Development regulations, as applicable, in Section 22.52.2310 of the Zoning Code...
- Maximum Land Use Equivalency transfer10 pct
The combined Total Permitted Floor Area of all Land Use Categories as adjusted pursuant to these Land Use Equivalency procedures shall not exceed 10 percent of the overall Total Permitted Floor Area set forth in Table 5-1 or Table 5-2...
- Maximum Sets/Façades heightMaximum heightThe tallest a building may be, given in feet, in storeys, or both — whichever binds first.35 ft
Sets/Façades shall be limited to a maximum height of 35 feet.
- Maximum Studio Use Equivalency transfer30 pct
The Total Permitted Floor Area for each individual Land Use Category shall not exceed 10 percent of the Total Permitted Floor Area set forth in Table 5-1 or Table 5-2, as applicable, except for Studio Use that shall not exceed 30 percent of the Total Permitted Floor Area for Studio Use...
- Oak Tree regulations apply
The following uses and activities shall be permitted, shall not be subject to Substantial Conformance Review under this Specific Plan, and are not otherwise subject to the Zoning Code, except that in each case such activities shall comply with the Oak Tree regulations contained in Section 22.408.120 of this Specific Plan to the extent applicable
- Outdoor storage screening500 ft
With the exception of Sets/Façades and Production Activities, all outdoor storage shall be screened, to the satisfaction of the Director, from the view of public pedestrian locations within 500 feet of the combined boundaries of the Universal Studios Specific Plan area and the adjacent City [Q]C2 Area.
- Reclaimed water for irrigation
Project landscaping shall include: Use of reclaimed water for landscape irrigation; Installation of the infrastructure to deliver the reclaimed water, if necessary; and Use of high efficiency irrigation systems...
- Screening along Los Angeles River Flood Control Channel
Any new buildings within the 625-foot Height Zone located along the Los Angeles River Flood Control Channel... shall incorporate, to the satisfaction of the Director, visual treatment along the north-facing building plane...
- Rooftop equipment screening500 ft
All rooftop equipment, including Communication Facilities, shall be vertically screened from the view of public pedestrian locations within 500 feet of the combined boundaries of the Universal Studios Specific Plan area and the adjacent City [Q]C2 Area...
- Solid waste diversion target65 pct
During occupancy and operations, the Project shall have a solid waste diversion target of 65 percent of the non-hazardous waste generated.
- Sound wall heightMaximum heightThe tallest a building may be, given in feet, in storeys, or both — whichever binds first. along Donald O'Connor Drive10 ft
Prior to the Universal Studios Specific Plan area property owner using Donald O'Connor Drive after 11:00 p.m. or prior to 7:00 a.m., a 10-foot high painted block sound wall shall be constructed along the eastern edge of Donald O'Connor Drive...
- Southern Landscape Buffer Area
The southern landscape buffer area shown on Exhibit 2-E shall be retained as a landscaped area.
- Transportation Demand Management program
Transportation Demand Management (TDM). A program promoting ridesharing, transit, bicycles, or other measures to reduce the number of vehicles accessing a property.
- Terracing requirement in 720-foot MSL HeightMaximum heightThe tallest a building may be, given in feet, in storeys, or both — whichever binds first. Zone50 ft
For any new building developed within the 720-foot MSL Height Zone, those portions of the building above 696-foot MSL shall be terraced back from the north façade of the building by 50 feet...
- Terracing requirement in 745-foot MSL HeightMaximum heightThe tallest a building may be, given in feet, in storeys, or both — whichever binds first. Zone20 ft
For any new building developed within the 745-foot MSL Height Zone, those portions of the building above 721-foot MSL shall be terraced back from the west façade of the building by 20 feet...
- Transportation Information Center
Transportation Information Center (TIC). A centrally-located information center where employees, patrons, visitors, and guests may obtain information regarding shuttles, transit, metro, ridesharing programs, and real-time information for planning travel without using an automobile.
- Transportation Management Association
Transportation Management Association (TMA). An organization comprised of the Universal Studios Specific Plan area property owner(s) and tenants whose function is to promote and implement the Transportation Demand Management program.
- Universal Studio Tour capacity - seats per tram160 seats
Universal Studio Tour Capacity consists of 23 tram vehicles, with a maximum of 160 seats per tram vehicle, per hour, or the equivalent.
- Universal Studio Tour capacity - trams23 trams
Universal Studio Tour Capacity consists of 23 tram vehicles, with a maximum of 160 seats per tram vehicle, per hour, or the equivalent.
- Warehouse parking/loading dock restriction
For any new warehouse facilities developed at the locations shown on Exhibit 2-D: Parking areas and loading docks shall not be developed on the east side of such new warehouse facilities.
- Warehouse tree screening
New trees shall be installed and maintained as shown on Exhibit 2-D to screen the eastern and southern sides of the new warehouse structure identified as S-22 on Exhibit 2-D prior to the issuance of the certificate of occupancy for that structure.
- Lew R. Wasserman Building heightMaximum heightThe tallest a building may be, given in feet, in storeys, or both — whichever binds first. exception770 ft MSL
The Lew R. Wasserman Building (Building No. 1280), which exists prior to the effective date of this Specific Plan shall be permitted to exceed the Height Zone to its existing Height of approximately 770 feet MSL.
- Wasserman Building horizontal addition limit10 pct
Any horizontal additions or enlargements in excess of 10 percent of Building No. 1280's Floor Area shall be subject to the Height Zone requirements of this Specific Plan.
- YardYardThe open space left between a building and its lot line — the space a setback creates. requirements waived
No front, side or rear yards, limitations on building projections or building separations shall be required for any lot or building within the Universal Studios Specific Plan area, except as required by Titles 26 (Building) and 32 (Fire) of the Los Angeles County Code...
From the ordinance
The Universal Studios Specific Plan creates a regulatory framework for long-term development of the Universal Studios Specific Plan area.