In 1977, the City Council adopted the Hillside Overlay to provide development standards, design review criteria, and limitations for hillside and coastal development.  The Hillside Overlay recognizes there are development difficulties due to topography of the area, and the need for development review criteria to prevent adverse impacts upon the view, light, air and privacy of other properties in the vicinity.  Since its adoption, the Hillside Overlay has evolved from general guidelines into a formal development review and permitting process.  Projects located in the Coastal Zone may be subject to review by the California Coastal Commission.  For more information on the Hillside Overlay and development review process, please refer to the links below: 

• Coastal Zone Development Standards
• Hillside Overlay Applications and Forms
• Hillside Overlay Development Standards
• Hillside Overlay Frequently Asked Questions 
• Hillside Overlay Flowchart
• Hillside Overlay Map

For questions regarding the Hillside Overlay, please contact the Planning Division at (310) 618-5990.