Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Permissibility in Long Beach Zoning Districts
In the City of Long Beach, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are permitted as accessory uses on lots containing only one existing single-family dwelling within most residential zoning districts. Conforming ADUs are generally allowed in all R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4 residential districts, while "Limited ADUs" (created solely from existing floor area) are permitted in R-1 districts and designated Planned Development or Specific Plan areas [Table 31-1, Section 21.51.276]. Additionally, the R-2-A district is specifically designed to allow a single-family dwelling with one small accessory unit [Section 21.31.020].
Permitted Residential Districts
The Long Beach Municipal Code classifies ADUs into two categories: "Limited ADUs" and "Conforming ADUs." Their permissibility depends on the specific residential zone.
ADU Permissibility by Residential Zone
The following table outlines the districts in the City of Long Beach where ADUs are permitted (A) or not permitted (N).
| Residential Zone District | Limited ADU | Conforming ADU |
|---|---|---|
| R-1-S (Single-family, small lot) | A | A |
| R-1-M (Single-family, moderate lot) | A | A |
| R-1-L (Single-family, large lot) | A | A |
| R-1-N (Single-family, standard lot) | A | A |
| R-1-T (Single-family, townhomes) | A | A |
| R-2-S (Two-family, small lot) | N | A |
| R-2-I (Two-family, intensified) | N | A |
| R-2-L (Two-family, large lot) | N | A |
| R-2-N (Two-family, standard lot) | N | A |
| R-2-A (Two-family, accessory unit) | N | A |
| R-3-S (Low-density Multi-family, small lot) | N | A |
| R-3-4 (Low-density Multi-family) | N | A |
| R-3-T (Multi-family, Townhouse) | N | A |
| R-4-R (Moderate-density Multi-family) | N | A |
| R-4-N (Medium-density Multi-family) | N | A |
| R-4-H (Dense Multiple Residential, high-rise) | N | A |
| R-4-U (Dense Multiple Residential, urban) | N | A |
| RM (Mobile homes) | N | N |
| R-4-M (Moderate-density mobile home park) | N | N |
| RP (Residential Planned Unit Development) | N | N |
[Source: Table 31-1]
Definitions and Special Conditions
Limited vs. Conforming ADUs
- Limited ADU: These units are located in one of the zoning districts where they are an allowable accessory use. They are created solely from the existing floor area of the primary dwelling or an accessory structure, and no addition of floor area or expansion of the building footprint is allowed [Section 21.51.276.B.1].
- Conforming ADU: These units may involve the construction of new floor area (either as an addition or a new detached structure). They are permitted in any residential zoning district that is not limited to a single-family residential district (such as R-2, R-3, and R-4 zones) [Section 21.51.276.B.2].
Specific District Intent: R-2-A
The R-2-A District in Long Beach is specifically identified as a two-family residential district with standard lots that restricts the second unit to a "small accessory unit." The intent of this district is to maintain the existing single-family character of a community while allowing for a second unit to be added to the rear [Section 21.31.020.I].
Planned Development (PD) and Specific Plan (SP) Districts
In Planned Development or Specific Plan areas, ADUs are allowed if the subarea permits residential use at a single-family density. The Long Beach Zoning Administrator is authorized to determine if a specific PD or SP subarea allows for the development of an ADU [Section 21.51.276.A.2].
Prohibited Areas and Structures
The Long Beach Municipal Code prohibits the following regarding ADUs:
- ADUs are not permitted in the RM (Mobile Home), R-4-M (Subdivided Mobile Home Park), or RP (Planned Unit Development) districts unless otherwise determined by the Zoning Administrator [Table 31-1].
- The legalization of any existing structure as an ADU is prohibited if it cannot first be brought into legal conforming status under the provisions of Title 21 [Section 21.51.276.E.6].
- Existing unpermitted dwelling units located in the IG (General Industrial) and IP (Port-related Industrial) zones are not eligible for the Unpermitted Dwelling Unit Amnesty Program [Section 21.66.040].
Sections Cited
- Section 21.15.045 (Accessory dwelling unit definition)
- Section 21.31.020 (Districts established)
- Table 31-1 (Uses in Residential Zones)
- Section 21.51.276 (Accessory Dwelling Units)
- Section 21.66.040 (Eligibility for Unpermitted Dwelling Unit Amnesty Program)