CCR: Community R-4-R Commercial District Regulations in Long Beach
The CCR: Community R-4-R Commercial District in the City of Long Beach is a mixed-use zone intended to support community-scale commercial activities alongside moderate-density residential development. While most retail and professional services are permitted by right, higher-impact uses such as car washes, bars, and car title loans require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), and high-density residential uses must follow R-4-R density standards [Section 21.32.020]. The district generally restricts building heights to 38 feet and three stories, while maintaining a 15-foot front street setback for commercial structures [Table 32-2].
Purpose and Intent of the CCR District
The CCR: Community R-4-R Commercial District is established in the City of Long Beach to provide medium-scale community uses that serve an entire neighborhood. These districts are typically located on major or minor arterials and are designed with larger lot sizes that allow for buffering from adjacent smaller-scale residential neighborhoods. The CCR District specifically permits moderate-density residential development at R-4-R densities in addition to community auto-oriented commercial uses [Section 21.32.020.C].
Development Standards for the CCR District
All structures and uses in the Long Beach CCR District must adhere to specific spatial and dimensional requirements to ensure compatibility with the surrounding community.
| Development Standard | CCR District Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Size | 10,000 square feet |
| Maximum Building Height | 38 feet and 3 stories |
| Front Street Setback (Building) | 15 feet |
| Side Street Setback (Building) | 10 feet |
| Setback Adjacent to Residential Side Yard | 10 feet |
| Setback Adjacent to Residential Rear Yard | 20 feet |
| Setback Adjacent to Nonresidential District | 5 feet |
| Maximum Flagpole Height | 25 feet |
Note: In all cases, a minimum setback of 10 feet from the curb face is required [Table 32-2].
Allowed and Permitted Uses
Uses in the CCR: Community R-4-R Commercial District are categorized by their level of impact, with some permitted by right (Y), some as accessory (A), and others requiring administrative (AP) or conditional (C) approval.
Permitted by Right or Accessory Use
The following activities are generally permitted in the Long Beach CCR District:
- Residential: Single-family and multi-family residential, supportive housing, and group homes for six or fewer persons [Table 32-1].
- Retail & Services: Basic retail sales, grocery stores, restaurants without drive-throughs, bank and credit unions, accounting, legal, and medical offices [Table 32-1].
- Industrial/Manufacturing: Alcohol beverage manufacturing and manufacture of products sold on-site (as accessory uses) [Table 32-1].
- Institutional: Churches/Religious assembly (up to 25,000 sq. ft.), public libraries, professional schools, and daycare centers [Table 32-1].
- Parks: Passive parks, urban agriculture, and community gardens [Table 32-1].
Uses Requiring Administrative or Conditional Approval
Certain uses require extra oversight in the Long Beach CCR District to mitigate impacts on traffic or neighborhood character:
- Administrative Use Permit (AP): Minor auto repair (tune-ups, lubrication), funeral mortuaries, social service offices, and tutoring centers greater than 2,500 sq. ft. [Table 32-1].
- Conditional Use Permit (C): Car washes, drive-through facilities (including restaurants and banks), car title loans, payday loans, nightclubs, and residential care facilities for seven or more persons [Table 32-1].
Prohibited Uses
The City of Long Beach expressly prohibits several high-intensity or incompatible uses within the CCR District to protect the community-oriented nature of the zone. Prohibited uses include:
- Automotive: General auto repair (bodywork, painting), motorcycle or jet ski sales and repair, and recreational vehicle storage [Table 32-1].
- Service/Industrial: Commercial laundry for industrial customers, recycling centers (stand-alone), self-storage facilities, and termite/pest control businesses [Table 32-1].
- Entertainment: Drive-in theaters and mock boxing or wrestling [Table 32-1].
- Transportation: Bus terminals, cab stands, and heliports [Table 32-1].
Residential Development Standards in CCR
When the CCR District is utilized for residential purposes, it must follow the R-4-R density and usable open space requirements.
| Residential Standard | CCR District Requirement |
|---|---|
| Density | Same as R-4-R Zone |
| Usable Open Space | Same as R-4-R Zone |
| Permitted Location | No restrictions within the building |
| Garages | Must conform to parking standards in Table 32-2 |
Source: [Table 32-3]
Sections Cited
- Section 21.15.2332 - Ready-to-eat food
- Section 21.32.020 - Districts established
- Section 21.32.235 - Residential uses in commercial districts
- Table 30-1 - Zoning Districts Established
- Table 31-1 - Uses in Residential Zones
- Table 32-1 - Uses in All Other Commercial Zoning Districts
- Table 32-2 - Commercial Development Standards
- Table 32-3 - Residential Uses in Commercial Districts