Long Beach Accessory Structure and Shed Development Standards
In Residential Districts within the City of Long Beach, detached accessory buildings such as sheds are restricted to a maximum size of 300 square feet or five percent of the total lot area, whichever is smaller. These structures are limited to a height of 13 feet and one story and must be located within the rear half of the lot. Under the Long Beach Zoning Regulations, construction of any project generally requires a building permit to ensure compliance with these specific size, height, and location standards.
Permit Requirements for Construction
The City of Long Beach requires a building permit for the construction of structures to ensure they conform to the Zoning Regulations and the Building Code. While a foundation permit may be treated as a building permit in specific administrative contexts, the Long Beach Zoning Regulations specify that grading, demolition, and various utility permits do not substitute for a primary building permit [Section 21.10.060.A].
Residential Development Standards
In the City of Long Beach, the permitted size and height for sheds and other accessory buildings vary depending on the zoning of the property. In several small-lot residential zones, such as the R-1-S, R-1-M, R-2-S, and R-2-I districts, detached accessory buildings are explicitly prohibited [Section 21.31.245.C.5].
For districts where they are permitted, the following standards apply:
| Standard Category | Requirement for Accessory Buildings in Long Beach |
|---|---|
| Maximum Floor Area | 300 square feet or 5% of the lot area (whichever is smaller) [Section 21.31.245.C.3] |
| Maximum Height | 13 feet and one story [Section 21.31.245.C.4] |
| Permitted Location | Must be located only in the rear half of the lot [Section 21.31.245.C.2] |
| Minimum Setback (Side) | At least 3 feet wide from the side property line [Section 21.31.245.C.2] |
| Minimum Setback (Rear) | May be built on the rear property line (with specific exceptions) [Section 21.31.245.C.2] |
Use and Infrastructure Restrictions
The City of Long Beach imposes strict limitations on how accessory structures may be utilized and equipped:
- Prohibited Uses: Accessory buildings cannot be used as dwelling units. Specifically, they must not contain bathing or cooking facilities [Section 21.31.245.C.1].
- Permitted Activities: Allowed uses include storage, workshops for noncommercial hobbies, or other similar purposes customarily related to a residential use [Section 21.31.245.C.1].
- Attics: Accessory buildings are permitted to have an attic for storage purposes, provided it meets the definition of an uninhabitable area [Section 21.31.245.C.4].
Zoning District Applicability
Not all areas of the City of Long Beach allow for detached accessory structures. Per the "Uses in Residential Zones" table, detached accessory rooms are subject to the following permissions:
| Residential District Type | Permission for Detached Accessory Room |
|---|---|
| R-1-S, R-1-M, R-2-S, R-2-I | Prohibited (N) |
| R-1-L, R-1-N, R-1-T | Permitted as Accessory Use (A) |
| R-2-L, R-2-N, R-2-A | Permitted as Accessory Use (A) |
| R-3, R-4 Zones | Permitted as Accessory Use (A) |
[Table 31-1; Section 21.31.245.C.5]
Sections Cited
- Section 21.10.060 - Applicability and effect of prior permits
- Section 21.15.050 - Accessory building, accessory structure
- Section 21.15.260 - Attic
- Section 21.31.245 - Accessory structures
- Table 31-1 - Uses in Residential Zones