LA SHRA Planning: Make a ZIMAS Question Sheet Before Your First Call
Thinking about a lot split in the City of Los Angeles? Start with a short question sheet. It can help you explain what you found and what still needs an answer, without treating an online map as a promise.
Start with the City’s own tools
Los Angeles City Planning points readers to its Zone Information and Map Access System, called ZIMAS, to assess whether a site may qualify for the Starter Home Revitalization Act (SHRA). That is the City’s SB 684 and SB 1123 planning pathway. Start with the City’s SHRA page and follow its ZIMAS link.
This guide is about the City of Los Angeles. If a property is outside the City, start with the planning agency that serves that location.
Keep facts and questions in separate lines
Use the template below as your own note. Copy labels exactly as they appear. If a field is unclear, write “needs an answer” instead of filling the gap with a guess.
Property I searched: Check that the map shows the place you meant to look up.
Date and source: Record when you looked and save the page or report.
Zoning label shown: Copy the full label. Ask which zoning rules apply.
SHRA information shown: Note the wording and any linked checklist. Ask what still needs review.
Open question: Write one clear question for each item you do not understand.
Follow-up: Record who answered, the date, and any document they asked you to provide.
Use a clear first-call script
Try this: “I am exploring an SHRA lot split. I saved the City information on this date. Can you help me confirm which rules and checklist apply, and what I should gather next?”
For example, a note can say: “I copied the zoning label, but I do not know which part controls my idea.” That is more useful than writing “approved” beside a map screenshot.
Know what your notes can tell you
The City says its zoning regulations summary is only a starting reference. Site-specific rules may also apply, and readers should consult ZIMAS and the zoning code. Source: LA City Planning’s regulations summary.
Your sheet is a way to organize the conversation. It does not settle a property’s eligibility, replace a professional review, or give permission to build. Keep unanswered questions visible until the right agency or professional addresses them.
Published by Nshanyan Enterprises. Prepared with AI assistance using the linked City sources, checked October 9, 2026. General planning information only; no property-specific legal, design, or engineering advice.
