Parking Requirements for the Midtown (SP-1) District
In the Midtown (SP-1) district, residential parking ranges from 1 space for 0-bedroom units to 2 spaces for units with 2+ bedrooms. Retail and offices typically require 4 spaces per 1,000 sq. ft. Micro-Unit projects must provide 1 bicycle space per 5 units and may reduce vehicular parking through TDM strategies like unbundled parking or transit passes. Lots in the Parking Exempt Area may have no minimum vehicular parking requirements.
In Long Beach, the Midtown (SP-1) district follows the general off-street parking and loading requirements established in Chapter 21.41 of the zoning code, with specific provisions and flexibility offered for Micro-Unit projects and developments within designated parking-exempt areas.
General Parking Standards
For most uses within the SP-1 district, the number of required spaces is determined by the specific land use. If a lot contains multiple uses, the requirements for each use are calculated separately and summed to determine the total requirement. Fractional numbers are always rounded up to the nearest whole number [§ 21.41.216].
Residential Requirements
Residential developments in commercial zones, including Midtown, must provide parking based on the number of bedrooms and unit size [§ 21.41.229]:
| Unit Type | Required Spaces per Unit |
|---|---|
| 0 bedrooms (450 sq. ft. or less) | 1.00 |
| 1 or more bedrooms (or 0 bedrooms > 450 sq. ft.) | 1.50 |
| 2 or more bedrooms | 2.00 |
| Guest Parking (Required for 4+ units) | 1 space per 4 units |
Notes on Residential Parking:
- Bedroom Definition: All rooms other than one living room, one dining room, one kitchen, and bathrooms are calculated as bedrooms [§ 21.41.216, Table 41-1A].
- Guest Parking: On-street parking abutting the lot may count as guest parking if access is from an alley and the site is outside a parking-impacted area, provided the street is not a major or secondary highway [§ 21.41.216, Table 41-1A].
Commercial and Office Requirements
Common non-residential parking ratios include [§ 21.41.216, Table 41-1C]:
- Retail or Personal Service: 4 spaces per 1,000 sq. ft. of Gross Floor Area (GFA).
- Medical or Dental Office: 4 spaces per 1,000 sq. ft. GFA.
- Professional Office: 4 spaces per 1,000 sq. ft. GFA for the first 20,000 sq. ft.; 2 spaces per 1,000 sq. ft. for GFA exceeding 20,000.
- Ready-to-Eat Restaurant: 4 spaces per 1,000 sq. ft. GFA.
- Dinner Restaurant: 10 spaces per 1,000 sq. ft. of dining area, plus additional requirements for tavern or dance floor areas.
Micro-Unit Projects in Midtown (SP-1)
Midtown is part of a pilot program for Micro-Unit projects. While the standard parking regulations of the SP-1 district generally apply, these projects have unique standards and reduction opportunities [§ 21.45.600]:
- Bicycle Parking: Required at a rate of one space for every five Micro-Units.
- TDM Reductions: Projects are eligible for vehicular parking reductions by incorporating Transportation Demand Management (TDM) strategies. These may include:
- Carpool/vanpool programs or garage lifts (stacked parking).
- Unbundled parking (renting/selling spaces separately from units).
- Off-site parking within 1,000 feet or joint-use (shared) parking.
- Providing transit passes to residents or employees.
- Discretion: The Site Plan Review Committee determines the appropriate reduction level; however, a TDM program cannot reduce parking to zero [§ 21.45.600.G].
Parking Exemptions and Reductions
Parking Exempt Area
If a lot in the SP-1 district is located within the "Parking Exempt Area," no minimum number of vehicular parking spaces is required, with the following exceptions [§ 21.41.175]:
- Transient Lodging: Hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts must still provide parking.
- ADA and EV Requirements: Exemptions do not eliminate requirements for disabled-accessible parking or electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.
- Negative Impact Findings: The City may enforce minimums if it finds that the exemption would substantially harm the City's ability to meet housing needs for low-income, elderly, or disabled residents, or negatively impact parking within a half-mile.
Enhanced Density Bonus (EDB)
Projects utilizing the Enhanced Density Bonus may use alternative parking ratios. For projects outside the coastal zone (where much of Midtown is located) that are 100% affordable, no on-site parking is required [§ 21.68.090].
Design and Layout Standards
All parking must meet specific dimensions and layout criteria [§ 21.41.243, Table 41-2]:
- Standard Stall: 8'6" x 18' with a 24' aisle width.
- Compact Stall: 8' x 15'. Residential projects may use compact stalls for up to 50% of required spaces.
- Tandem Parking: Generally prohibited for required parking except for valet service, low-income units (10% or more of project), or accessory dwelling units (ADUs) [§ 21.41.233].