High-Density Residential Zoning in Long Beach
In the City of Long Beach, high-density apartment buildings are primarily permitted within the R-4-N (Medium-density Multiple Residential), R-4-H (Dense Multiple Residential, High-rise), and R-4-U (Dense Multiple Residential, Urban) districts. These districts allow for the highest concentration of residents, with the R-4-U district permitting densities as high as one unit per 400 square feet of lot area and the R-4-H district allowing building heights of up to 24 stories under specific incentive programs [Section 21.30.010, Table 31-2A, Table 31-3A].
Primary High-Density Districts
The Long Beach Municipal Code establishes specific residential districts for multiple-family dwellings, which include apartment houses and condominiums [Section 21.15.920]. While several districts allow multi-family use, the following are designated as high-density or high-rise:
- R-4-N (Medium-Density Multiple Residential): This district is intended to meet the demand for high-density housing by providing a broad segment of the population with a diversity of housing choices [Section 21.31.020.O].
- R-4-H (Dense Multiple Residential, High-Rise): This district is intended to encourage residential development with a distinctive urban living environment, allowing for significant vertical scale [Section 21.31.020.P].
- R-4-U (Dense Multiple Residential, Urban): This district is intended to provide high-density housing opportunities in an urban context and design style, specifically to support downtown activity center employment [Section 21.31.020.R].
Permitted Density and Intensity
Density in the City of Long Beach is calculated based on the lot area per dwelling unit. The maximum number of units permitted depends on the lot size and the specific district requirements.
Residential Density Standards
The following table outlines the permitted density for the city's highest-density multiple-family districts based on site area and width.
| District | Minimum Lot Area | Minimum Lot Width | Maximum Density (Lot Area per Unit) |
|---|---|---|---|
| R-4-N | 18,000 sq. ft. | 120 ft. | 1 unit per 975 sq. ft. (for lots > 22,501 sq. ft.) |
| R-4-H | 18,000 sq. ft. | 120 ft. | 1 unit per 175 sq. ft. (maximum incentive level) |
| R-4-U | 22,500 sq. ft. | 180 ft. | 1 unit per 400 sq. ft. (for lots > 30,001 sq. ft.) |
[Table 31-2A, Table 31-2B, Table 31-3A]
Building Height and Scale
Building height limits are strictly regulated to maintain the intended character of each high-density district. The R-4-H district allows for the greatest height in the City of Long Beach through a density and height incentive program.
Height Limits for High-Density Districts
| District | Maximum Building Height (Standard) | Maximum Height (Incentive) |
|---|---|---|
| R-4-N | 38 ft. (3 stories) | N/A |
| R-4-U | 65 ft. (5 stories) | N/A |
| R-4-H | 5 stories (65 ft.) | Up to 24 stories (if lot width is 376+ ft.) |
[Table 31-2A, Table 31-3A]
Building Setbacks
Multiple-family residential structures in these high-density zones must adhere to the following minimum setback requirements to ensure adequate separation and light.
Required Yard Setbacks
| District | Front Yard | Side Yard (Interior) | Rear Yard |
|---|---|---|---|
| R-4-N | 15 ft. | 10% of lot width | 20 ft. |
| R-4-H | 10 ft. (min) | 10% of lot width | 20 ft. |
| R-4-U | 10 ft. | 10% of lot width | 20 ft. |
[Table 31-2A]
Additional Development Standards
Apartment buildings in these districts must also comply with several qualitative and functional standards:
- Site Plan Review: Site plan review is required for all projects in the City of Long Beach involving five (5) or more units [Section 21.31.030].
- Usable Open Space: High-density developments must provide usable open space for residents. In R-3 and R-4 zones, at least 50 percent of the required open space must be common open space, and 50 percent must be private [Section 21.31.230].
- Floor Area Ratio (FAR): The R-4-U district allows a maximum FAR of 3.0, while the R-4-H district's FAR varies depending on whether high-rise incentives are utilized [Table 31-2A].
Sections Cited
- Section 21.15.920 - Dwelling, multiple-family.
- Section 21.30.010 - Districts designated.
- Section 21.31.020 - Districts established.
- Section 21.31.030 - Site plan review.
- Section 21.31.230 - Usable open space.
- Table 31-1 - Uses in Residential Zones.
- Table 31-2A - Residential Development Standards.
- Table 31-2B - Residential Densities For Multi-family Districts.
- Table 31-3A - R-4-H Height Incentive.