Long Beach CCN: Community R-4-N Commercial District Guide
The Long Beach Community R-4-N Commercial (CCN) district is a community-scale zoning designation that integrates auto-oriented commercial services with high-density multifamily residential development. Key technical standards for the CCN district include a minimum lot size of 10,000 square feet and a maximum building height of 38 feet or three stories [Section 21.32.020, Table 32-2].
Purpose and General Character
The Long Beach CCN district is classified as a "Community Commercial Zoning District." These districts are intended to provide medium-scale uses that serve an entire community, typically situated on major or minor arterial streets. These areas are characterized by their location on larger lot sizes and are designed to be compatible with or buffered from adjacent smaller-scale residential neighborhoods [Section 21.32.020.C].
The specific purpose of the CCN designation is to provide a district similar to the Community Auto-Oriented (CCA) district but with the added allowance for high-density multifamily residential development at the R-4-N density level [Section 21.32.020.C.4].
Permitted Land Uses
The Long Beach CCN district allows for a mix of commercial, residential, and institutional uses.
Commercial and Service Uses
- Retail: Most standard retail sales are permitted, including basic retail, grocery stores, and apparel stores [Table 32-1].
- Professional Services: Accounting, legal, medical, and other professional offices are permitted [Table 32-1].
- Dining: Restaurants are permitted; however, those with drive-through facilities require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) [Table 32-1].
- Automobile-Related: Gasoline sales are permitted, while car washes and general auto repair require a CUP [Table 32-1].
- Specialty Uses: Alcoholic beverage manufacturing is permitted subject to special standards [Section 21.45.114]. Adult-use cannabis dispensaries are permitted by right if under 750 square feet and by CUP if larger [Table 32-1].
Residential Uses
Residential development in the CCN district follows the density, open space, and privacy standards of the R-4-N Medium-Density Multiple Residential district [Table 32-3].
- Multifamily Dwellings: Permitted at R-4-N densities.
- Group Housing: Group homes (6 or fewer) are permitted [Table 32-1].
Development Standards
The following standards apply to the construction and placement of structures within the Long Beach CCN district.
Commercial Development Standards
| Standard | CCN District Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Size | 10,000 sq. ft. |
| Maximum Building Height | 38 feet and 3 stories |
| Front Street Setback | 15 feet |
| Side Street Setback | 10 feet |
| Setback Adjacent to Residential (Side Yard) | 10 feet |
| Setback Adjacent to Residential (Rear Yard) | 20 feet |
| Setback Adjacent to Nonresidential | 5 feet |
| Minimum Flagpole Height | 25 feet |
[Table 32-2]
Residential Standards in the CCN District
When the CCN district is utilized for residential development, the following standards from the R-4-N district apply:
| Standard | CCN Requirement for Residential |
|---|---|
| Density | Same as R-4-N Zone |
| Building Height | As per Table 32-2 (38 ft / 3 stories) |
| Setbacks | As per Table 32-2 |
| Lot Coverage | N/A |
| Usable Open Space | Same as R-4-N Zone |
[Table 32-3]
Signage and Parking
The Long Beach CCN district allows for a variety of "Major Signs," including wall signs, projecting signs, monument signs, awning signs, and building identification signs [Table 44-1]. Freestanding "pole" signs are generally not permitted in the CCN district unless specifically authorized through a discretionary process [Table 44-1].
Parking requirements must comply with the general off-street parking standards of the Long Beach Municipal Code. Within the CCN district, parking area setbacks from the front street must be at least 15 feet, and 10 feet from the side street [Table 32-2].
Sections Cited
- Section 21.15.114 - Alcohol beverage manufacturing
- Section 21.32.020 - Districts established
- Section 21.32.235 - Residential uses in commercial districts
- Table 32-1 - Uses In All Other Commercial Zoning Districts
- Table 32-2 - Commercial Development Standards
- Table 32-3 - Residential Uses In Commercial Districts
- Table 44-1 - Zoning Districts for Major Signs