Per the City of Hawthorne Residential Development Standards, the maximum building height is 22 feet in the R-1, R-2, and R-3 residential zones. The R-4 maximum-density zone allows up to 50 feet for multifamily, and the Mixed-Use Overlay allows the lesser of 60 feet or 5 stories.
Building height limits in Hawthorne's residential and mixed-use zones are summarized in the City of Hawthorne Residential & Mixed-Use Development Standards Summary Table, sourced from the zoning chapters of the Hawthorne Municipal Code. In the low-density R-1 zone (Chapter 17.14), the medium-density R-2 zone (Chapter 17.16), and the high-density R-3 zone (Chapter 17.18), the maximum height is 22 feet. In the maximum-density R-4 zone (Chapter 17.19), multifamily buildings may reach 50 feet. In the Mixed-Use Overlay (Chapter 17.87), height is limited to the lesser of 60 feet or 5 stories, with a maximum floor-area ratio of 1.5 (HMC 17.87.060); the R-4 zone has a maximum FAR of 1.3 (HMC 17.19.016). These height limits are distinct from fence/wall heights set in Chapter 17.48 (generally 6 feet). The summary table advises consulting the Hawthorne Municipal Code or the Department of Planning and Community Development before designing a project, as specific projects, overlays, or accessory structures may carry additional height rules. State law, such as ADU statutes, may also permit certain accessory structures at heights set by the California Government Code regardless of these base zone limits.
Exceeding the maximum building height for a zone without a variance can result in plan-check rejection, permit denial, and code-enforcement orders to reduce the building height. Height variances require planning approval.
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See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle structure height limits.
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