CNR: Neighborhood Commercial and Residential District in Long Beach
The Neighborhood Commercial and Residential (CNR) District in the City of Long Beach is a mixed-use zone designed to permit small-scale commercial uses alongside moderate-density residential development. This district limits structures to a maximum height of 28 feet and two stories while applying specific design standards to ensure pedestrian-oriented storefronts and compatible transitions to adjacent residential neighborhoods [Section 21.32.020].
Purpose and General Character
The primary intent of the CNR District in the City of Long Beach is to create neighborhood-serving centers that support the daily retail and service needs of surrounding residents [Section 21.32.020]. The character of the CNR District is defined by its dual role:
- Small-Scale Commerce: It provides space for low-intensity commercial activities that do not disrupt the tranquility of nearby homes.
- Moderate Density Housing: Residential development within the CNR District is governed by the standards of the R-3-T (Townhome) district, promoting a human-scaled urban environment [Section 21.32.020].
Permitted Land Uses
The CNR District allows for a variety of uses, though many are subject to specific conditions or administrative review to maintain the neighborhood's character [Section 21.32.110].
Residential Uses
Residential development in the CNR District follows the density and usable open space standards of the R-3-T Zone [Table 32-3].
- Permitted (Y): Single-family detached and attached dwellings, duplexes, group homes (6 or fewer persons), and live-work units [Table 31-1, Table 32-1].
- Administrative Use Permit (AP): Artist studios with associated residences and caretaker residences [Table 32-1].
- Prohibited (N): Large residential care facilities (7 or more persons) and senior/disabled housing [Table 32-1].
Commercial and Professional Services
- Retail: Basic retail sales, including book and video stores, florists, and small grocery stores (under 20,000 sq. ft.) are generally permitted by right [Table 32-1].
- Eating and Drinking: Restaurants without drive-through facilities are permitted. Outdoor dining is allowed as an accessory use [Table 32-1].
- Professional Offices: Accounting, architecture, law, and medical offices are permitted [Table 32-1].
- Financial Services: ATMs are permitted, while full-service banks require an Administrative Use Permit [Table 32-1]. Check cashing and payday loan businesses are strictly prohibited [Section 21.45.116].
Prohibited Industrial and Auto Uses
To protect the residential quality of the CNR District, the City of Long Beach prohibits most intensive automotive and industrial activities, including:
- Car washes, gasoline sales, and general auto repair [Table 32-1].
- Tattoo parlors and massage parlors (unless meeting specific primary use exceptions) [Table 32-1].
- Wholesale trade and industrial manufacturing [Table 32-1].
Development and Design Standards
The City of Long Beach enforces specific dimensions and architectural requirements for the CNR District to promote a walkable environment.
Technical Standards Table
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Size | 5,000 square feet [Table 32-2] |
| Maximum Building Height | 28 feet and 2 stories [Table 32-2] |
| Front Street Setback | 0 feet (minimum 10 ft from curb face) [Table 32-2] |
| Side Street Setback | 0 feet (minimum 10 ft from curb face) [Table 32-2] |
| Setback Adjacent to Residential (Side) | 10 feet [Table 32-2] |
| Setback Adjacent to Residential (Rear) | 20 feet [Table 32-2] |
| Maximum Flagpole Height | 25 feet [Table 32-2] |
Architectural Requirements
Specific design criteria apply to all new and remodeled buildings in the CNR District:
- Pedestrian Orientation: Drive-through lanes are strictly prohibited [Section 21.52.247].
- Window Coverage: Ground floor windows must comprise at least two-thirds (2/3) of the area of the ground floor front facade. This glass must be clear with an exterior daylight reflectance of no more than 8% [Section 21.32.230].
- Entrances: Entrances must occupy no more than one-third (1/3) of the width of the ground floor facade and be located no more than 50 feet apart [Section 21.32.230].
- Articulation: Facades wider than 50 feet must use a modular expression, and three-dimensional elements such as cornices or structural bays must be used to break up facade planes [Section 21.32.230].
Sections Cited
- Section 21.32.020 - Commercial Districts Established
- Section 21.32.110 - Permitted Uses
- Section 21.32.230 - Design of Buildings
- Section 21.45.116 - Financial Service Restrictions
- Section 21.52.247 - Building Design in the CNP/CNR Zone
- Table 30-1 - Zoning Districts Established
- Table 31-1 - Uses in Residential Zones
- Table 32-1 - Uses in Commercial Zoning Districts
- Table 32-2 - Commercial Development Standards
- Table 32-3 - Residential Uses in Commercial Districts