Allowed and Prohibited Uses in the IL: Light Industrial District of Long Beach
The IL: Light Industrial District in the City of Long Beach is reserved for clean, non-nuisance industrial operations such as research and development, flex space, and assembly that function entirely within enclosed structures. Most manufacturing, wholesale, and professional office uses are permitted by right or through an Administrative Use Permit (AP), while heavy industrial activities, residential dwellings (with limited exceptions), and high-nuisance businesses are strictly prohibited.
Purpose of the IL: Light Industrial District
The IL: Light Industrial District is established by the City of Long Beach to accommodate industries characterized by minimal impacts regarding noise, hazardous materials, odors, dust, and glare [Section 21.33.020.A]. These businesses typically operate in low-scale, older structures or modern industrial complexes in park-like settings. Examples of intended uses within the IL: Light Industrial District include office/sales/warehouse combinations, small-scale incubator industries, and assembly operations [Section 21.33.020.A].
Permitted and Conditional Uses
Use permissions in the City of Long Beach are categorized as Permitted by Right (Y), Not Permitted (N), Administrative Use Permit required (AP), or Conditional Use Permit required (C). In some instances, a use is permitted by right (Y) unless it is located within 300 feet of a residential district, in which case it requires an Administrative Use Permit (Y/AP) or a Conditional Use Permit (Y/C) [Section 21.33.080].
Industrial and Manufacturing Uses
| Use Category | Permission in IL District | Special Conditions/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing (SIC 23, 27, 283, 284, 31, 36, 38, 39) | Y | Includes apparel, printing, drugs, and electronics [Table 33-2] |
| Manufacturing (SIC 25, 26, 30) | Y/C | Furniture, paper, and plastics; C required if near residential [Table 33-2] |
| Manufacturing (SIC 37) | Y | Transport equipment; limited to enclosed structures [Table 33-2] |
| Food Processing (SIC 20) | C | Most categories require a Conditional Use Permit [Table 33-2] |
| Bakery Products (SIC 205) | Y | Permitted by right [Table 33-2] |
| Wholesale Trade (SIC 50, 51, 422) | Y | Includes durable and nondurable goods [Table 33-2] |
| Research Laboratories | Y | Permitted by right [Table 33-2] |
| Warehouse and Hangers | Y | Permitted by right [Table 33-2] |
Commercial and Service Uses
| Use Category | Permission in IL District | Special Conditions/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Office and Institutional | Y | Permitted by right [Table 33-2] |
| Retail Trade (Basic) | Y | Intended to serve nearby industries and employees [Table 33-2] |
| Eating Places (No drive-through) | Y | Includes restaurants [Table 33-2] |
| Eating Places (With drive-through) | C | Requires a Conditional Use Permit [Table 33-2] |
| Adult-Use Cannabis Dispensary | Y or C | Y if ≤ 750 sq. ft. of GFA; C if > 750 sq. ft. [Table 33-2] |
| Laundry and Cleaning Services | Y | Permitted by right [Table 33-2] |
| General Auto Repair | N | Prohibited in the IL district [Table 33-2] |
| Minor Auto Repair (Tune-ups/Lube) | N | Prohibited in the IL district [Table 33-2] |
Institutional and Other Uses
| Use Category | Permission in IL District | Special Conditions/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Shelter | Y | Subject to special standards [Section 21.45.132] |
| Caretaker's Residence | AP | Only in conjunction with a permitted use [Table 33-2] |
| Urban Agriculture | Y | Permitted by right [Table 33-2] |
| Schools (Vocational) | Y | Permitted by right [Table 33-2] |
| Community Gardens | IP | Interim Park Use Permit required [Table 33-2] |
| Wireless Telecommunications | C | Requires a Conditional Use Permit [Table 33-2] |
Prohibited Uses
The City of Long Beach explicitly prohibits several uses within the IL: Light Industrial District to maintain the "light" industrial character and protect the public welfare:
- Residential Uses: General residential housing (single-family or multi-family) is not permitted, except for specific accessory uses like caretaker quarters or emergency shelters [Table 33-2].
- Heavy Manufacturing: Highly impactful processes, such as those involving petroleum refining (SIC 29), chemicals (SIC 28), or primary metal industries (SIC 33), are generally prohibited or restricted to heavier industrial zones [Table 33-2].
- Tattoo and Massage Parlors: These uses are not permitted in the IL: Light Industrial District [Table 33-2].
- Personal Storage (SIC 4225): Standard mini-warehouses and personal storage are not permitted [Table 33-2].
- Funeral and Crematorium Services: These institutional services are prohibited [Table 33-2].
Development Standards for the IL District
Developments within the IL: Light Industrial District of the City of Long Beach must adhere to specific technical requirements regarding lot size, height, and density.
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Size | 15,000 sq. ft. |
| Maximum Lot Coverage | 55% |
| Maximum Building Height | 4 stories or 60 ft. (whichever is more restrictive) |
| Max Accessory Office Space (Tenant space ≥ 5,000 sq. ft.) | 25% of gross floor area |
| Max Accessory Office Space (Tenant space < 5,000 sq. ft.) | 45% of gross floor area |
| Yard Fronting Minor Arterial | 10 ft. |
| Yard Fronting Local Street | 6 ft. |
| Yard Abutting Residential District | 20 ft. |
[Table 33-3, Table 33-4]
Sections Cited
- Section 21.33.020 - Districts established
- Section 21.33.080 - Meaning of the Y/AP and Y/C designations
- Section 21.45.132 - Emergency shelters
- Table 33-2 - Uses In Industrial Districts
- Table 33-3 - General Development Standards
- Table 33-4 - Minimum Required Setbacks/Yards Areas