Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Off-Street Parking Requirements in the City of Long Beach
In the City of Long Beach, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are generally required to provide one dedicated off-street parking space in addition to the parking required for the primary dwelling [Table 51.276-2]. However, the City of Long Beach grants full exemptions from this requirement if the Accessory Dwelling Unit meets specific criteria, such as being located within one-half mile of public transit or being converted from an existing legal structure [Section 21.51.276]. Furthermore, when parking is required for an Accessory Dwelling Unit in the City of Long Beach, it may be provided in a tandem configuration [Section 21.41.233].
Mandatory Parking Standards for ADUs
According to the City of Long Beach Zoning Regulations, parking requirements differ based on the category of the Accessory Dwelling Unit. While the standard requirement is one space, this space is intended to serve the needs of the ADU occupant without reducing the parking available to the primary residence.
Required Parking Table
| Unit Type | Required Parking Spaces |
|---|---|
| Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) | 1 space |
| Primary Dwelling | Same as existing number of spaces |
Note: The parking required for an Accessory Dwelling Unit in the City of Long Beach is in addition to that required for the primary dwelling [Section 21.51.276, Table 51.276-2, Note (a)].
Parking Exemptions for Accessory Dwelling Units
The City of Long Beach provides several scenarios where the one-space requirement is waived. If any of the following criteria are met, the developer is not required to provide a new off-street parking space for the Accessory Dwelling Unit:
| Exemption Category | Criteria for Exemption |
|---|---|
| Public Transit | The Accessory Dwelling Unit is located within one-half (1/2) mile of public transit. |
| Historic Districts | The Accessory Dwelling Unit is located within an architecturally and historically significant historic district. |
| Existing Structures | The Accessory Dwelling Unit is part of the proposed or existing primary residence or an existing accessory structure. |
| Car Share | There is a car share vehicle located within one block of the Accessory Dwelling Unit. |
[Section 21.51.276, Table 51.276-2, Note (b)]
Configuration and Replacement Parking
The City of Long Beach allows for flexibility in how required parking is situated on a residential lot.
Tandem Parking
Tandem parking (where two or more cars are parked one behind the other) is generally prohibited for residential uses in the City of Long Beach, but an explicit exception is made for Accessory Dwelling Units. For an Accessory Dwelling Unit in the City of Long Beach, up to three (3) spaces may be placed in a tandem arrangement [Section 21.41.233.C].
Conversion of Existing Parking
If a resident of the City of Long Beach chooses to convert an existing garage or other parking structure into an Accessory Dwelling Unit, the City requires that all "required" on-site parking for the property remain available for the residents of both the primary dwelling and the Accessory Dwelling Unit [Section 21.51.276.E.1.c]. However, the City of Long Beach specifies that no new parking shall be required to replace the spaces lost due to the conversion of a garage, carport, or covered parking structure into an ADU [Section 21.51.276.E.4.c].
Nonresidential and Special Prohibitions
In the City of Long Beach, an Accessory Dwelling Unit is legally classified as an "accessory use" and not a "principal use of land" [Section 21.15.045]. Additionally, the City of Long Beach prohibits Accessory Dwelling Units from being used as short-term rentals; any Accessory Dwelling Unit or primary dwelling unit on a lot containing an ADU must be rented for terms longer than thirty (30) days [Section 21.51.276.E.1.d].
Sections Cited
- Section 21.15.045 - Accessory dwelling unit (Definition)
- Section 21.41.170 - Established uses (Parking)
- Section 21.41.233 - Tandem parking—Residential uses
- Section 21.51.276 - Accessory Dwelling Units (General Requirements)
- Table 51.276-2 - Required Parking for Limited and Conforming Accessory Dwelling Units and Primary Dwellings