Industrial and Manufacturing Zoning Districts in Long Beach
In the City of Long Beach, heavy manufacturing and intensive industrial activities are primarily centered in the General Industrial (IG) and Medium Industrial (IM) districts. The General Industrial (IG) district serves as the City of Long Beach’s "industrial sanctuary," specifically preserving land for heavy industrial uses that may be incompatible with non-industrial neighbors, while the Medium Industrial (IM) district accommodates intensive manufacturing and large-scale operations often involving frequent truck traffic [Section 21.33.020].
Industrial Zoning District Classifications
The City of Long Beach establishes four distinct industrial zones, each defined by the intensity of use and the nature of the operations allowed.
General Industrial (IG)
The Long Beach Municipal Code defines the General Industrial (IG) district as an "industrial sanctuary." This district is intended to promote and protect areas for industry and manufacturing that are not desirable in other districts due to their operating characteristics. This zone focus includes large construction yards, chemical manufacturing plants, rail yards, and food processing plants [Section 21.33.020.C].
Medium Industrial (IM)
The Medium Industrial (IM) district in Long Beach allows for intensive operations and industrial processes that are typically conducted on a larger scale than those in light industrial areas. This district is characterized by manufacturing operations that involve significant truck traffic and often include outdoor storage yards [Section 21.33.020.B].
Port-Related Industrial (IP)
The Port-Related Industrial (IP) district is characterized primarily by maritime industry and marine resources. This zone includes water-dependent uses and facilities serving the general public. All new industrial uses within the IP district must maintain consistency with the Port of Long Beach Master Plan [Section 21.33.020.D].
Light Industrial (IL)
The Light Industrial (IL) district is reserved for clean, non-nuisance industries. Operations in the IL district must generally occur entirely within enclosed structures and are regulated to ensure limited secondary impacts regarding noise, odors, and glare on neighboring properties [Section 21.33.020.A].
Manufacturing Use Permissions
Manufacturing uses are categorized by Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes. The level of permission (Permitted by Right "Y," Administrative Use Permit "AP," or Conditional Use Permit "C") varies by the intensity of the specific manufacturing type.
| Manufacturing Use Category | IL District | IM District | IG District |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food Processing (SIC 20) | C | Y/C | Y/C |
| Apparel & Finished Products (SIC 23) | Y | Y | Y |
| Chemicals & Allied Products (SIC 28) | Y | Y | Y |
| Petroleum Refining (SIC 29) | N | N | C |
| Primary Metal Industries (SIC 33) | N | N | C |
| Transportation Equipment (SIC 37) | Y | Y | Y |
| Miscellaneous Manufacturing (SIC 39) | Y | Y | Y |
Note: "N" indicates the use is prohibited in that district [Table 33-2].
Industrial Development Standards
All industrial construction in the City of Long Beach must adhere to specific intensity and height standards to ensure safety and compatibility.
| Development Standard | Light Industrial (IL) | Medium Industrial (IM) | General Industrial (IG) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Size | 15,000 sq. ft. | 20,000 sq. ft. | 20,000 sq. ft. |
| Max Lot Coverage | 55% | 60% | 80% |
| Max Building Height | 4 stories or 60 ft.* | 45 ft. | 65 ft. |
| Max Non-Building Height | 45 ft. | 45 ft. | No restriction |
*Whichever is more restrictive [Table 33-3].
Setback and Yard Requirements
Industrial sites in Long Beach must maintain setbacks to provide separation from public rights-of-way and residential areas.
| Required Setback Area | IL District | IM District | IG District |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front (Minor Arterial) | 10 ft. | 10 ft. | 10 ft. |
| Front (Local/Collector) | 6 ft. | 0 ft. | 0 ft. |
| Abutting Alley | 10 ft. from CL* | 10 ft. from CL* | 10 ft. from CL* |
| Abutting Residential | 20 ft. | 45 ft. | 45 ft. |
| Abutting Non-Residential | 0 ft. | 0 ft. | 0 ft. |
*CL = Centerline of the alley [Table 33-4].
Performance Standards
The City of Long Beach enforces performance standards across all industrial districts to protect public health. These include:
- Noise: Operations must comply with Long Beach Municipal Code Chapter 8.80. Between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., noise levels cannot exceed those permitted at the nearest residential or hospital property line [Section 21.33.090.C-D].
- Vibration and Emissions: No land use may generate noise, vibration, smoke, or particulate matter that constitutes a substantial risk to public health or acts as a nuisance to adjacent properties [Section 21.10.020.N].
- Mechanical Equipment: Rooftop equipment in all industrial zones must be screened on all sides by devices at least as high as the equipment itself [Section 21.33.180].
Sections Cited
- 21.10.020 - Purpose
- 21.30.040 - District boundary determination
- 21.33.020 - Districts established
- 21.33.060 - Permitted uses
- 21.33.090 - Performance standards
- 21.33.130 - Maximum building and structure height
- 21.33.140 - Setbacks and yards
- 21.33.180 - Rooftop equipment screening