IM: Medium Industrial District Use Guide for Long Beach
The IM: Medium Industrial District in the City of Long Beach is designated for intensive industrial processes and manufacturing operations, allowing for a mix of indoor and outdoor activities provided they are sufficiently buffered from non-industrial uses. While many industrial and manufacturing uses are permitted by right, any project located within 300 feet of a residential district or involving specific outdoor activities is subject to discretionary review through an Administrative Use Permit (AUP) or Conditional Use Permit (CUP) [Section 21.33.080].
Purpose of the IM: Medium Industrial District
The IM District is intended to accommodate industrial and manufacturing operations on a larger scale than the Light Industrial (IL) District [Section 21.33.020.B]. The City of Long Beach allows for more intensive operations in this zone, including those with frequent truck traffic and outdoor storage yards, provided they meet specific performance standards regarding noise, light, and vibration to protect the quality of life in the surrounding municipality [Section 21.33.090].
Permitted and Prohibited Uses in the IM District
The following table detail the allowance of specific land uses within the IM: Medium Industrial District of Long Beach based on the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes and local regulations.
Permitted, Discretionary, and Prohibited Uses Table
| Use Category | Permission Level | Notes and Exceptions |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial & Manufacturing | ||
| Contractor's office with limited outdoor storage | Permitted (Y) | [Table 33-2, 2.2] |
| Manufacturing (SIC 23, 27, 283, 284, 31, 36, 38, 39) | Permitted (Y) | [Table 33-2, 4.1] |
| Manufacturing (SIC 25, 26, 30) | Discretionary (Y/C) | CUP required if within 300' of residential [Table 33-2, 4.2] |
| Manufacturing (SIC 22, 24, 289, 32, 34, 35) | Conditional (C) | [Table 33-2, 4.3] |
| Manufacturing (SIC 37) | Permitted (Y) | [Table 33-2, 4.5] |
| Alcoholic Beverage Manufacturing | Permitted (Y) | Subject to Section 21.45.114 [Table 33-2, 15] |
| Wholesale & Storage | ||
| Wholesale Trade (SIC 50, 51, 422) | Permitted (Y) | Except motor vehicle parts and scrap [Table 33-2, 6] |
| Personal storage/Mini-warehouse | Prohibited (N) | [Table 33-2, 6.1] |
| Outdoor storage as principal use | Discretionary (Y/AP) | AUP required if within 300' of residential [Table 33-2, 2.1] |
| Commercial & Retail | ||
| Eating places (no drive-through) | Permitted (Y) | [Table 33-2, 7.1] |
| Eating places with drive-through | Conditional (C) | [Table 33-2, 7.2] |
| Adult-Use Cannabis Dispensary (up to 750 sq. ft.) | Permitted (Y) | Subject to Section 21.45.700 [Table 33-2, 7.5] |
| Adult-Use Cannabis Dispensary (over 750 sq. ft.) | Conditional (C) | [Table 33-2, 7.5] |
| Book and video stores | Permitted (Y) | [Table 33-2, 7.3] |
| Services & Institutional | ||
| Professional Office | Administrative (AP) | [Table 33-2, 9] |
| Emergency Shelters | Permitted (Y) | Subject to Section 21.45.132 [Table 33-2, 9.1] |
| Safe Parking Site | Permitted (Y) | [Table 33-2, 9.2] |
| Vocational Schools | Permitted (Y) | [Table 33-2, 14.3] |
| Caretaker/Night Watchman Quarters | Administrative (AP) | Only with permitted nonresidential use [Table 33-2, 14.1] |
| Transportation & Communication | ||
| Air Transportation (SIC 45) | Prohibited (N) | [Table 33-2, 5.3] |
| Helipads | Conditional (C) | [Table 33-2, 5.4] |
| Communication Facilities | Permitted (Y) | [Table 33-2, 11] |
| Recreation | ||
| Passive Parks / Community Gardens | Permitted (Y/IP) | [Table 33-2, 13.5] |
| Movie Theaters | Permitted (Y) | [Table 33-2, 13.2] |
| Outdoor Recreation (Racetracks, etc.) | Prohibited (N) | [Table 33-2, 13.1] |
Prohibited Uses
In the IM District of Long Beach, the following uses are strictly prohibited:
- Residential Uses: Generally prohibited, except for caretaker residences [Table 33-2, 14.1].
- Personal Storage: Mini-warehouses are not allowed [Table 33-2, 6.1].
- Specific Transportation: Standard air transportation services under SIC 45 [Table 33-2, 5.3].
- Specific Recreation: Health clubs and outdoor recreation facilities like racetracks or golf driving ranges [Table 33-2, 13.1, 13.4].
- Unlisted Uses: Any use or activity not identified by an SIC code in Table 33-2, or not explicitly interpreted as permitted by the Zoning Administrator, is prohibited [Section 21.33.070].
Development and Performance Standards
All industrial activities in the IM District must be conducted in accordance with the City of Long Beach performance standards.
Outdoor Storage and Activity
- Screening: Outdoor storage must be fully screened from public view by solid materials at least the same height as the stored items, up to a maximum of 12 feet [Section 21.33.150.B.1].
- Location: Storage is prohibited in required front street and side street yard setbacks [Section 21.33.150.B.1].
- Surfacing: All outdoor activity and storage areas must be surfaced with paving materials and maintained in good condition [Section 21.33.150.E].
Operating Constraints
- Noise: Businesses must discontinue operations that produce noise levels higher than those permitted at the nearest residential or hospital property line between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. [Section 21.33.090.D].
- Light and Glare: All lighting must be shielded at lot lines to prevent visibility from any adjoining residential district [Section 21.33.090.E].
Sections Cited
- Section 21.33.020 - Districts established.
- Section 21.33.060 - Permitted uses.
- Section 21.33.070 - Prohibited uses.
- Section 21.33.080 - Meaning of the Y/AP and Y/C designations.
- Section 21.33.090 - Performance standards.
- Section 21.33.150 - Outdoor storage and activities.
- Section 21.45.114 - Alcohol beverage manufacturing and accessory tasting rooms.
- Section 21.45.132 - Emergency shelters.
- Section 21.45.700 - Adult-use cannabis delivery-only dispensaries.
- Table 33-2 - Uses In Industrial Districts.