Guide to Drive-Through Business Zoning in Long Beach
In the City of Long Beach, drive-through businesses are permitted only in specific Commercial and all Industrial zoning districts, provided the applicant obtains a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). These facilities are strictly prohibited in the Neighborhood Pedestrian-Oriented (CNP), Neighborhood Commercial and Residential (CNR), and Commercial Storage (CS) districts to protect pedestrian-oriented environments. All approved drive-through operations must meet rigorous standards for vehicle queuing, noise buffering, and proximity to residential zones, schools, and parks [Section 21.32.110, Section 21.45.130].
Permitted Zoning Districts
The Long Beach Municipal Code classifies drive-through facilities under both "Automobile (Vehicle) Uses" and "Restaurants and Ready-to-Eat Foods." In nearly all instances where they are allowed, they require a Conditional Use Permit, meaning they are not permitted "by right" and must undergo a discretionary review process [Section 21.33.060].
Commercial and Industrial Permissions
The following table outlines the specific permissions for drive-through facilities across the various districts in the City of Long Beach:
| District Category | Zoning District Name | Symbol | Permission Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial | Neighborhood Automobile-Oriented | CNA | Conditional Use Permit (C) |
| Commercial | Community Automobile-Oriented | CCA | Conditional Use Permit (C) |
| Commercial | Community Pedestrian-Oriented | CCP | Conditional Use Permit (C) |
| Commercial | Community R-4-R | CCR | Conditional Use Permit (C) |
| Commercial | Community R-4-N | CCN | Conditional Use Permit (C) |
| Commercial | Regional Highway | CHW | Conditional Use Permit (C) |
| Industrial | Light Industrial | IL | Conditional Use Permit (C) |
| Industrial | Medium Industrial | IM | Conditional Use Permit (C) |
| Industrial | General Industrial | IG | Conditional Use Permit (C) |
| Industrial | Port-Related Industrial | IP | Conditional Use Permit (C) |
| Prohibited | Neighborhood Pedestrian-Oriented | CNP | Not Permitted (N) |
| Prohibited | Neighborhood Commercial and Residential | CNR | Not Permitted (N) |
| Prohibited | Commercial Storage | CS | Not Permitted (N) |
Required Findings for Approval
A decision-maker in the City of Long Beach cannot grant a Conditional Use Permit for a drive-through facility without making specific findings regarding the project's impact on local traffic and safety [Section 21.45.130]:
- Vehicle Queuing: The facility must have adequate queuing distance. This includes clear public right-of-way and a determination that the drive-through will not create vehicular or pedestrian travel hazards.
- Residential Protections: If a drive-through is located within 150 feet of a residential zone, the City may impose limits on the hours of operation for the drive-through portion of the business.
- Sensitive Receptors: The facility must not be located in an area of existing overconcentration of drive-throughs and generally must not be within a 500-foot radius of a school or park unless mitigating factors are present.
- Environmental Impact: The project must include sufficient emission controls to prevent idling vehicles from impacting nearby sensitive receptors.
Operational Standards and Layout
The City of Long Beach mandates specific design requirements to ensure these businesses do not interfere with standard site circulation [Section 21.41.243, Section 21.52.231]:
| Feature | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Queuing Lanes | No parking space may be located such that it is accessible only via a drive-thru queuing lane. |
| Ordering Systems | Order board speakers must be oriented and directed away from any adjacent residential uses to mitigate noise. |
| Visibility | Interior and exterior lighting must provide pedestrian interest during non-operational hours in specific districts like the CNA. |
Sections Cited
- Section 21.15.2332 - Ready-to-eat food
- Section 21.32.110 - Permitted uses (Commercial)
- Section 21.33.060 - Permitted uses (Industrial)
- Section 21.41.243 - Parking lot layout
- Section 21.45.130 - Drive-through facilities (Special Development Standards)
- Section 21.52.208 - Bank, credit union, savings and loan
- Section 21.52.231 - Fast-food restaurants