Long Beach CCR: Community R-4-R Commercial District Guide
The CCR (Community R-4-R Commercial) zoning district in the City of Long Beach is a mixed-use designation that provides for medium-scale commercial services while permitting moderate-density residential development. The district requires a minimum lot size of 10,000 square feet and limits building height to 28 feet or two stories [Table 32-2, Table 32-3].
Purpose and Intent of the CCR District
The City of Long Beach established the Community Commercial zoning districts, including the CCR district, to serve the needs of the entire community, particularly for residents who arrive by automobile [Section 21.32.020.C]. These districts are typically located on major or minor arterials and utilize larger lot sizes than neighborhood-oriented commercial zones.
The specific intent of the CCR district is to provide a community auto-oriented commercial environment that is integrated with residential uses at a density equivalent to the R-4-R (Moderate-density Multiple Residential) district [Section 21.32.020.C.3, Table 32-3]. This allows for a compatible interaction between commercial consumers and residential occupants within the same corridor.
General Character
The general character of the Long Beach CCR district is defined by its placement along significant traffic corridors. Because it is a "Community" district, it is often buffered from lower-density residential areas and features more substantial building setbacks than neighborhood pedestrian zones [Section 21.32.020.C].
Key characteristics include:
- Auto-Orientation: Designed to accommodate vehicle traffic with specific standards for driveways and parking setbacks.
- Mixed-Use Integration: It allows for standalone commercial buildings, standalone residential buildings, or residential units located above commercial storefronts [Table 32-3].
- Moderate Intensity: While it serves a large area, the two-story height limit ensures the scale remains compatible with surrounding moderate-density neighborhoods [Table 32-2].
Permitted Land Uses
The CCR district allows a broad array of uses, ranging from standard retail to specialized service industries.
Residential Uses
Residential development in the CCR district must conform to the density and usable open space standards of the R-4-R zone [Table 32-3]. Permitted housing types include:
- Single-family detached and attached dwellings.
- Duplexes and townhomes.
- Multiple-family dwellings (apartments and condominiums).
- Community care facilities and group homes (6 or fewer persons).
Commercial and Service Uses
The district supports various business activities, including:
- Retail: Basic retail sales, book and video stores, and apparel shops [Table 32-1].
- Professional Services: Banks, medical offices, and general professional offices [Table 32-1].
- Restaurants: Eating places with or without drive-through facilities (drive-through requires a Conditional Use Permit) [Table 32-1].
- Automotive: Auto detailing (accessory to a primary use) and limousine services [Table 32-1].
- Institutions: Churches, public libraries, and museums [Table 32-1].
Development Standards
Development in the Long Beach CCR district is governed by specific dimensional requirements to maintain a consistent streetscape and protect adjacent residential properties.
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Size | 10,000 sq. ft. [Table 32-2] |
| Maximum Building Height | 28 ft. (2 stories) [Table 32-2] |
| Front Street Setback | 15 ft. [Table 32-2] |
| Side Street Setback | 10 ft. [Table 32-2] |
| Setback (Adjacent to Residential Side Yard) | 10 ft. [Table 32-2] |
| Setback (Adjacent to Residential Rear Yard) | 20 ft. [Table 32-2] |
| Parking Setback (Front Street) | 15 ft. [Table 32-2] |
| Residential Density | Same as R-4-R District [Table 32-3] |
Specialized Standards
- Screening: If a commercial use in the CCR district adjoins a residential district, it must be screened by a solid fence or wall between 3 and 6.5 feet in height [Section 21.32.225].
- Design: New and remodeled buildings must use architectural themes and modules across all facades, and each side of a building must include both a primary and an accent material [Section 21.32.230].
- Driveways: Two-way driveways for lots with 125 feet or more of frontage must be located at least 90 feet from any intersection [Section 21.41.251].
Sections Cited
- Section 21.31.110 - Permitted uses (Residential)
- Section 21.32.010 - Purpose (Commercial)
- Section 21.32.020 - Districts established
- Section 21.32.110 - Permitted uses (Commercial)
- Section 21.32.225 - Screening required
- Section 21.32.230 - Design of buildings
- Section 21.41.251 - Driveways and curb cuts
- Table 31-1 - Uses in Residential Zones
- Table 32-1 - Uses In All Other Commercial Zoning Districts
- Table 32-2 - Commercial Development Standards
- Table 32-3 - Residential Uses In Commercial Districts