Alcoholic Beverage Manufacturing and Tasting Room Regulations in the City of Long Beach
The City of Long Beach permits alcoholic beverage manufacturing (ABM), including breweries and micro-distilleries, by right in nearly all commercial and industrial zoning districts, provided they include an accessory tasting room in commercial areas. These facilities are generally restricted from locating within 500 feet of a residential property line or a school and are limited to a production capacity of 15,000 barrels per year when located within a commercial district [Section 21.45.114].
Permitted Zoning Districts
In the City of Long Beach, Alcoholic Beverage Manufacturing and their associated accessory tasting rooms are classified as permitted uses in the following districts:
Commercial Districts
The following Neighborhood, Community, and Regional commercial districts allow these uses [Table 32-1]:
- Neighborhood Commercial: CNP, CNA, CNR.
- Community Commercial: CCA, CCP, CCR, CCN.
- Regional/Other Commercial: CHW, CS.
Industrial Districts
The following industrial districts allow these uses [Table 33-2]:
- Industrial: IL (Light Industrial), IM (Medium Industrial), IG (General Industrial).
- Note: These uses are explicitly prohibited in the IP (Port-Related Industrial) district.
Definitions and Use Classifications
The City of Long Beach Municipal Code provides specific definitions for the manufacturing of beer, wine, and distilled spirits:
- Alcoholic Beverage Manufacturing (ABM): A facility used for the production of alcoholic beverages in accordance with a valid California alcohol production license. This classification includes an optional accessory tasting room [Section 21.15.135].
- Accessory Tasting Room: A space dedicated to the purchase and consumption of beer, wine, or spirits produced on-site. It cannot exceed 30 percent of the facility's gross floor area (GFA). While ready-to-eat food may be sold, a full-service kitchen is prohibited [Section 21.15.055].
Development Standards for ABM Facilities
Facilities in the City of Long Beach must adhere to rigorous standards regarding size, location, and operational conduct.
| Standard Category | Commercial District Requirement | Industrial District Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Facility Size | 6,000 sq. ft. GFA (unless an AUP is granted) | Governed by District Lot Coverage |
| Production Limit | 15,000 barrels per year | No specific limit listed |
| Tasting Room | Required component | Optional component |
| Proximity Restriction | 500 feet from residential zones or schools | 500 feet from residential zones or schools |
| Hours of Operation | 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Sun-Thu); 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Fri-Sat) | 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Sun-Thu); 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Fri-Sat) |
Locational Restrictions
ABM facilities and tasting rooms cannot be located within 500 feet of a school or the property line of any residential zone. However, this restriction is waived if the facility is located within the PD-30 (Downtown Plan) or if the applicant obtains a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) [Section 21.45.114].
Operating Conditions
- Security: A video surveillance system (DVR) must be maintained for 30 days. High-quality lighting must be provided at all entrances and exits [Section 21.45.114].
- Public Communication: A 24-hour complaint telephone number must be posted at the entrance. No exterior pay telephones are allowed on the premises [Section 21.45.114].
- Odor Control: Facilities adjacent to residential areas must utilize natural ventilation practices that do not negatively impact neighbors and may be required to install mechanical air filtration [Section 21.45.114].
Off-Street Parking Requirements
The City of Long Beach mandates specific parking ratios for different areas of an ABM facility. These requirements are calculated cumulatively for the entire site [Table 41-1C].
| Component | Required Parking Spaces |
|---|---|
| Accessory Tasting Room | 10 spaces per 1,000 sq. ft. GFA |
| Brewing/Manufacturing (Commercial) | None |
| Brewing/Manufacturing (Industrial) | 2 spaces per 1,000 sq. ft. GFA |
| Office Space (if ≥ 25% of GFA) | 4 spaces per 1,000 sq. ft. GFA |
Sections Cited
- Section 21.15.055 – Accessory tasting room.
- Section 21.15.135 – Alcoholic beverage manufacturing.
- Section 21.15.2332 – Restaurant, ready-to-eat food.
- Section 21.32.110 – Permitted uses (Commercial).
- Table 32-1 – Uses In All Other Commercial Zoning Districts.
- Table 33-2 – Uses In Industrial Districts.
- Table 41-1C – Required Number of Parking Spaces for Commercial, Industrial/Manufacturing and All Other Uses.
- Section 21.45.114 – Alcohol beverage manufacturing and accessory tasting rooms.