Long Beach CH Highway Commercial District Guide
The CH Highway Commercial District in the City of Long Beach is designed to accommodate automobile-oriented commercial uses that require high visibility and large frontages along major highways. Key development standards include a maximum building height of 40 feet, a minimum lot size of 10,000 square feet, and a required 10-foot building setback from front streets [Section 21.32.020; Table 32-2A]. While many retail and professional services are permitted by right, certain high-impact uses such as drive-through facilities and large-scale hospitals require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) [Table 32-1].
Purpose and General Character
The primary intent of the Long Beach CH Highway Commercial District is to preserve and enhance areas specifically suited for commercial activities that cater to the motoring public. According to the Long Beach Municipal Code, this district recognizes that highway-adjacent businesses have unique needs for high visibility and significant road frontage [Section 21.32.020].
The general character of the CH Highway Commercial District is defined by:
- Highway Orientation: Development is focused on regional traffic corridors and major highways.
- Automobile Focus: The district permits a high concentration of vehicle-related services, including gasoline sales, auto detailing, and parking services [Table 32-1].
- Metropolitan Integration: It implements Land Use District No. 8A of the Long Beach General Plan, acting as a regional center for commerce [Section 21.32.020].
Permitted Land Uses
The City of Long Beach classifies uses in the CH Highway Commercial District into several categories, ranging from "Permitted by Right" (Y) to those requiring "Administrative" (AP) or "Conditional" (C) approval.
Commercial and Retail Uses
| Use Type | Permission Status |
|---|---|
| Basic Retail Sales (Clothing, books, etc.) | Permitted (Y) |
| Banks and Credit Unions | Permitted (Y) |
| Restaurants (without drive-through) | Permitted (Y) |
| Restaurants (with drive-through) | Conditional (C) |
| Adult-Use Cannabis Dispensary | Permitted (Y) |
| Secondhand Stores / Thrift Shops | Permitted (Y) |
| Pawn Shops | Conditional (C) |
Vehicle-Related Services
| Use Type | Permission Status |
|---|---|
| Gasoline Sales | Permitted (Y) |
| Auto Detailing (Primary Use) | Permitted (Y) |
| Minor Auto Repair (Tune-ups, oil changes) | Administrative (AP) |
| Diesel Fuel Sales | Administrative (AP) |
| Car Wash | Conditional (C) |
| Towing Services | Accessory (A) |
Professional and Institutional Uses
| Use Type | Permission Status |
|---|---|
| Professional Offices (Law, Accounting, etc.) | Permitted (Y) |
| Medical Offices | Permitted (Y) |
| Religious Assembly (up to 2,500 sq. ft.) | Permitted (Y) |
| Hospitals and Medical Centers | Conditional (C) |
| Public Library | Permitted (Y) |
Development Standards
The City of Long Beach mandates specific intensity and bulk regulations for the CH Highway Commercial District to ensure orderly development along major thoroughfares.
Core Building Standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Size | 10,000 sq. ft. |
| Maximum Building Height | 40 ft. |
| Maximum Flagpole Height | 25 ft. |
| Building Setback: Front Street | 10 ft. (min 10 ft. from curb face) |
| Building Setback: Side Street | 5 ft. |
| Building Setback: Adjacent to Residential Side Yard | 10 ft. |
| Building Setback: Adjacent to Residential Rear Yard | 20 ft. |
| [Source: Table 32-2A] |
Off-Street Parking Standards
Parking facilities in the CH Highway Commercial District must adhere to strict setbacks and ratios to prevent interference with public rights-of-way.
| Parking Location Setback | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Parking Setback: Front Street | 5 ft. |
| Parking Setback: Side Street | 5 ft. |
| Parking Setback: Alley | 14 ft. from centerline |
| Parking Setback: Adjacent to Nonresidential | 3 ft. |
| [Source: Table 32-2A; Table 33-4] |
Specific Parking Ratios
| Use | Minimum Required Spaces |
|---|---|
| Retail / Personal Service | 4 per 1,000 sq. ft. GFA |
| Professional Office | 4 per 1,000 sq. ft. GFA |
| Banks | 5 per 1,000 sq. ft. GFA |
| Tavern / Bar | 20 per 1,000 sq. ft. GFA |
| [Source: Table 41-1C] |
Special Requirements
- Design Review: Site plan review is required for new construction and additions in the CH Highway Commercial District to ensure compatibility with neighborhood goals [Section 21.25.501; Section 21.32.030].
- Landscaping: A minimum 5-foot wide landscaping strip is required where a parking area abuts a property line adjacent to a street [Section 21.33.145].
- Screening: Rooftop mechanical equipment must be screened from public view on all sides by a device at least as high as the equipment itself [Section 21.32.225].
Sections Cited
- Section 21.15.2332 (Ready-to-eat food)
- Section 21.25.501 (Site Plan Review Purpose)
- Section 21.30.010 (Districts Designated)
- Section 21.32.020 (Commercial Districts Established)
- Section 21.32.030 (Site Plan Review Required)
- Section 21.32.110 (Permitted Uses)
- Section 21.32.225 (Screening Required)
- Section 21.33.145 (Parking Areas Abutting Streets)
- Table 32-1 (Uses in Commercial Zoning Districts)
- Table 32-2A (Commercial Development Standards)
- Table 33-4 (Minimum Required Setbacks)
- Table 41-1C (Required Number of Parking Spaces)