Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Regulations in Long Beach
In the City of Long Beach, an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is permitted on any lot developed with one existing detached single-family dwelling, provided the lot area is at least 4,800 square feet. These units are limited to a maximum size of 800 square feet or 50 percent of the primary dwelling's floor area, and they must adhere to specific height limits of 25 feet or two stories, whichever is less. While one parking space is generally required for a new ADU, the City of Long Beach provides several exemptions, such as for units located within a half-mile of public transit.
Overview of Accessory Dwelling Units
In the City of Long Beach, an Accessory Dwelling Unit is defined as an attached or detached residential dwelling unit that provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons on the same lot as a primary single-family dwelling [Section 21.15.045]. These units must include permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation, and they must have a separate exterior entrance [Section 21.15.045].
The City of Long Beach recognizes two primary categories of ADUs:
- Limited ADU: These are created solely from the existing floor area of a primary dwelling or an accessory structure, such as a garage. They do not allow for the expansion of the building footprint [Section 21.51.276.B.1].
- Conforming ADU: These involve the construction of new floor area or the expansion of an existing structure and must comply with more stringent development standards [Section 21.51.276.B.2].
Development Standards for ADUs
Every ADU in the City of Long Beach must comply with specific lot and building standards. These requirements ensure that the additional unit remains subordinate to the primary residence and fits the character of the neighborhood.
| Standard | Limited ADU Requirement | Conforming ADU Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Number of ADUs | 1 per lot | 1 per lot |
| Minimum Lot Size | N/A | 4,800 sq. ft. |
| Minimum Lot Width | N/A | 27 ft. |
| Front Setback | N/A | Same as zoning district |
| Side Setback | N/A | Same as district or 5 ft. (whichever is less) |
| Rear Setback (Attached) | N/A | Same as zoning district |
| Rear Setback (Detached) | N/A | 5 ft. |
| Height Limit | N/A | 25 ft. and 2 stories (whichever is less) |
| Maximum Unit Size | N/A | 50% of primary dwelling or 800 sq. ft. (whichever is less) |
| Min. Size (Studio) | 180 sq. ft. | 300 sq. ft. |
| Min. Size (1 Bedroom) | 180 sq. ft. | 450 sq. ft. |
| Min. Size (2+ Bedrooms) | 180 sq. ft. | 750 sq. ft. |
[Table 51.276-1]
Size and Location Exceptions
If the primary dwelling on a lot in the City of Long Beach is less than 1,280 square feet, the maximum size of the ADU is capped at 640 square feet [Table 51.276-1, Note j]. Additionally, if an ADU is built above a second story, the City of Long Beach requires specific design techniques to preserve the privacy of adjacent residents, such as obscured glazing or window placement above eye level [Section 21.51.276.D.3.c].
Parking Requirements and Exemptions
The City of Long Beach requires one parking space for an ADU in addition to the parking required for the primary dwelling [Table 51.276-2]. However, the City of Long Beach provides several critical exemptions where no additional parking is required for the ADU.
| Unit Type | Parking Requirement |
|---|---|
| Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) | 1 space |
| Primary Dwelling | Same as existing number of spaces |
[Table 51.276-2]
Parking Exemptions: An ADU is exempt from parking requirements in the City of Long Beach if:
- It is located within one-half mile of public transit.
- It is located within an architecturally and historically significant historic district.
- It is part of the proposed or existing primary residence or an existing accessory structure.
- There is a car-share vehicle located within one block of the ADU [Table 51.276-2, Note b].
Occupancy and Ownership Rules
The City of Long Beach mandates that the owner of the property must reside in either the primary dwelling or the ADU [Section 21.51.276.E.1]. Both units cannot be rented to separate parties unless the owner lives on-site. Additionally, ADUs in the City of Long Beach cannot be sold separately from the primary residence and may only be rented for terms longer than 30 days; short-term rentals are prohibited [Section 21.51.276.E.1].
Before a building permit is issued for an ADU, the City of Long Beach requires the owner to record a deed restriction that formalizes these size, ownership, and occupancy limitations [Section 21.51.276.E.1.f].
Conversion of Existing Structures
The City of Long Beach allows for the conversion of existing nonconforming structures (such as old garages) into ADUs. In these cases, the developer may rebuild the structure as necessary to comply with building and safety codes without losing the right to maintain nonconforming setbacks [Section 21.51.276.E.3].
Sections Cited
- Section 21.15.045 - Accessory dwelling unit.
- Section 21.15.935 - Dwelling, primary.
- Section 21.31.245 - Accessory structures.
- Section 21.51.276 - Accessory Dwelling Units.
- Table 31-1 - Uses in Residential Zones.
- Table 51.276-1 - Accessory Dwelling Unit Development Standards.
- Table 51.276-2 - Required Parking for Limited and Conforming Accessory Dwelling Units and Primary Dwellings.