Duplex and Multi-Family Townhome Zoning in Long Beach
In the City of Long Beach, duplexes are permitted in the R-1-T townhouse district, all R-2 two-family residential districts, and all R-3 and R-4 multi-family districts. Multi-family townhomes are primarily permitted in the R-3 and R-4 high-density districts, as well as the RP Residential Planned Unit Development district and specific neighborhood-oriented commercial districts like CNR, CCR, and CCN [Section 21.31.110, Table 31-1].
Permitted Residential Districts
Long Beach identifies specific districts where duplexes (two-family dwellings) and townhomes are allowed. While "Single-family attached" units (which form townhomes) are allowed in most middle-density zones, projects specifically classified as "Townhomes" or "Multi-family" are restricted to higher-intensity areas [Section 21.31.020].
Residential Use Table
The following table outlines the permissions for duplexes and townhomes across Long Beach residential zoning districts. "Y" indicates the use is permitted by right, and "N" indicates the use is not permitted.
| Zoning District Symbol | District Name | Duplex Permitted | Townhouse Permitted |
|---|---|---|---|
| R-1-T | Single-family Residential, townhomes | Y (b) | N |
| R-2-S | Two-family Residential, small lot | Y (b) | N |
| R-2-I | Two-family Residential, intensified development | Y | N |
| R-2-L | Two-family Residential, large lot | Y | N |
| R-2-N | Two-family Residential, standard lot | Y | N |
| R-2-A | Two-family Residential, accessory second unit | Y (c) | N |
| R-3-S | Low-density Multi-family Residential, small lot | Y | Y |
| R-3-4 | Low-density Multi-family Residential | Y | Y |
| R-3-T | Multi-family Residential, Townhouse | Y | Y |
| R-4-R | Moderate-density Multiple Residential | Y | Y |
| R-4-N | Medium-density Multiple Residential | Y | Y |
| R-4-H | Dense Multiple Residential, high-rise | Y | Y |
| R-4-U | Dense Multiple Residential, urban | Y | Y |
| RP | Residential, Planned Unit Development | Y | Y |
Table Notes:
- (b): In the R-1-T and R-2-S districts, one unit is limited to 450 square feet as a zero-bedroom unit unless the site can provide four independently accessible parking spaces [Table 31-1, Note b].
- (c): In the R-2-A district, the rear unit is limited to 800 square feet or 12 percent of the lot area, whichever is greater [Table 31-1, Note c].
Townhome and Duplex Definitions
The Long Beach Municipal Code provides specific definitions to distinguish these building types:
- Duplex (Two-Family Dwelling): A building containing exactly two dwelling units [Section 21.15.890].
- Townhouse: A dwelling unit with one or two common walls, direct exterior access, private yards, and no common floors or ceilings with other units. This includes projects with two or more units side-by-side [Section 21.15.3060].
- Multiple-Family Dwelling: A permanent building designed for or occupied by three or more families living independently, such as apartment houses or condominiums [Section 21.15.920].
Commercial District Residential Allowances
Certain commercial districts in Long Beach allow for multi-family and duplex residential development by adopting the standards of equivalent residential zones [Section 21.32.130]:
- CNR (Neighborhood Commercial and Residential): Permits residential development at R-3-T (Townhouse) densities [Section 21.32.020.B.3].
- CCR (Community R-4-R Commercial): Permits moderate density residential development at R-4-R densities [Section 21.32.020.C.3].
- CCN (Community R-4-N Commercial): Permits medium density residential development at R-4-N densities [Section 21.32.020.C.4].
Parking Requirements for Residential Units
Off-street parking is required for all new duplex and townhome construction in Long Beach. The number of spaces is determined by the number of bedrooms per unit [Section 21.41.216, Table 41-1A].
| Unit Type | Required Spaces (per unit) | Coastal Zone Only |
|---|---|---|
| 0 Bedrooms (not more than 450 sq. ft.) | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| 1 or more bedrooms (or 0 BR over 451 sq. ft.) | 1.50 | 2.00 |
| 2 or more bedrooms | 2.00 | 2.00 |
| Guest Parking | 1 space per 4 units | 1 space per 4 units |
Sections Cited
- Section 21.15.890 - Duplex (two-family dwelling)
- Section 21.15.920 - Dwelling, multiple-family
- Section 21.15.3060 - Townhouse
- Section 21.30.040 - District boundary determination (Table 30-1)
- Section 21.31.020 - Districts established
- Section 21.31.110 - Permitted uses (Table 31-1)
- Section 21.32.020 - Districts established (Commercial)
- Section 21.32.130 - Transition between defunct and new commercial zones (Table 32-0)
- Section 21.41.216 - Parking—Required number of spaces (Table 41-1A)