Community Commercial Pedestrian-Oriented (CCP) Zoning in Long Beach
The Community Commercial Pedestrian-Oriented (CCP) district in Long Beach is designed to foster pedestrian-friendly retail and service hubs on major or minor arterials. Key standards for the CCP district include a minimum lot size of 10,000 square feet, a primary building height limit of 28 feet (2 stories), and a requirement that parking be situated to the side or rear of buildings to prioritize street-level pedestrian engagement [Section 21.32.020, Table 32-2].
Purpose and General Character
The City of Long Beach established the Community Commercial Pedestrian-Oriented (CCP) district to provide medium-scale retail and service uses that serve the entire community [Section 21.32.020.C]. These districts are typically located on major or minor arterials and are often situated on larger lot sizes.
The defining character of the CCP district is its emphasis on the pedestrian experience. Unlike auto-oriented commercial zones, development in the CCP district is intended to have buildings constructed near or at the street property line, with vehicular parking relegated to the side or rear of the site [Section 21.32.020.C.2]. This layout reduces the visual impact of parking lots and creates a continuous, engaging storefront environment for walkers.
Permitted Land Uses
The Long Beach Municipal Code allows a broad range of commercial, professional, and limited residential uses within the CCP district.
Commercial and Service Uses
Most standard retail and service activities are permitted by right, while more intensive uses require discretionary approval.
- Retail Sales: Basic retail sales, book and video stores, and apparel shops are permitted by right (Y) [Table 32-1].
- Restaurants: Eating places without drive-throughs are permitted by right (Y), while those with drive-through facilities require a Conditional Use Permit (C) [Table 32-1].
- Financial Services: Banks, credit unions, and insurance offices are generally permitted (Y). "Click and collect" facilities are also supported [Table 32-1, Section 21.15.875].
- Personal Services: Barber/beauty shops, dry cleaners, and fitness centers are permitted (Y) [Table 32-1].
- Automobile-Related: While the district is pedestrian-oriented, certain vehicle services like auto detailing and gasoline sales are permitted (Y), though car washes require a Conditional Use Permit (C) [Table 32-1].
Residential and Institutional Uses
- Residential: Mixed-use developments are encouraged. Residential uses in the CCP district follow the density standards of the R-4-R district [Table 32-3].
- Institutional: Daycare centers, public libraries, and religious assembly (up to 2,500 sq. ft.) are permitted by right (Y) [Table 32-1].
Development Standards
All construction within the CCP district in the City of Long Beach must adhere to specific intensity and setback requirements to maintain the community's character.
Bulk and Intensity Standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Size | 10,000 sq. ft. |
| Maximum Building Height | 28 feet (2 stories) |
| Maximum Flagpole Height | 25 feet |
Building Setbacks
Setbacks in the CCP district are measured from the property line to the building wall.
| Location | Minimum Setback |
|---|---|
| Front Street | 10 feet |
| Side Street | 10 feet |
| Adjacent to Residential (Side Yard) | 10 feet |
| Adjacent to Residential (Rear Yard) | 20 feet |
| Adjacent to Nonresidential District | 5 feet |
Parking and Loading Standards
Off-street parking in the CCP district must be screened and is subject to the following setbacks to prevent interference with the pedestrian realm.
| Parking Setback Area | Minimum Distance |
|---|---|
| Front Street | 10 feet |
| Side Street | 6 feet |
| Alley | 14 feet |
| Adjacent to Residential District | 5 feet |
| Adjacent to Nonresidential District | 5 feet |
[Table 32-2, Section 21.32.225]
Special Performance Standards
The City of Long Beach requires that all commercial buildings in the CCP district follow architectural themes where modules and materials are consistent across all facades. Each side of a building must utilize both a primary and an accent material, with the accent material covering at least 10 percent of the facade [Section 21.32.230.B]. Additionally, rooftop mechanical equipment must be screened from public view on all sides [Section 21.32.225.B.1].
Sections Cited
- Section 21.15.875 - Drive-through facilities.
- Section 21.30.010 - Districts designated.
- Section 21.32.020 - Districts established.
- Section 21.32.110 - Permitted uses.
- Section 21.32.210 - Building height.
- Section 21.32.225 - Screening required.
- Section 21.32.230 - Design of buildings.
- 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.