Long Beach CHW: Regional Highway Commercial District Guide
The CHW: Regional Highway Commercial District in the City of Long Beach is established for large-scale, mixed-use commercial developments situated along major arterial streets and regional traffic corridors. Residential uses are strictly prohibited within the CHW District, which maintains a minimum lot size of 20,000 square feet and a maximum building height of 28 feet or two stories [Section 21.32.020.D.1, Table 32-2].
Purpose and Character
The CHW District is classified as a Regional Commercial Zoning District within the City of Long Beach. Its primary objective is to accommodate mixed commercial uses on large sites within activity centers, specifically targeting locations that border major regional transportation routes [Section 21.32.020.D]. Unlike many other commercial zones in the Long Beach Municipal Code, the CHW District does not permit residential integration, focusing entirely on commercial, service-oriented, and industrial-adjacent activities [Section 21.32.020.D.1].
Permitted Land Uses
Land uses in the CHW District are governed by the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes and specific permissions outlined in the City of Long Beach use tables.
Commercial and Professional Services
The CHW District allows for a broad range of high-intensity commercial activities:
- Retail and Service: Most basic retail sales and personal services are permitted by right (Y), including adult-use cannabis dispensaries and tattoo parlors [Table 32-1].
- Professional Offices: Accounting, architecture, engineering, and medical offices are permitted [Table 32-1].
- Financial Services: Banks, credit unions, and money transfer services are generally permitted [Table 32-1].
- Alcoholic Beverage Manufacturing: Both manufacturing and associated accessory tasting rooms are allowed [Table 32-1].
Automotive and Industrial-Adjacent Uses
Because the CHW District is located along regional highways, it provides significant accommodations for vehicle-related services:
- Permitted (Y): Minor auto repair (tune-ups, lubrication), gasoline sales, and vehicle parts sales without installation [Table 32-1].
- Administrative Use Permit (AP): Required for car washes and vehicle parts sales with installation [Table 32-1].
- Conditional Use Permit (C): Required for drive-through facilities, pawnshops, and veterinary clinics [Table 32-1].
- Prohibited (N): General auto repair involving bodywork or painting is specifically prohibited in the CHW District [Table 32-1].
Development Standards
The City of Long Beach enforces specific physical requirements for the CHW District to maintain its regional commercial character and ensure appropriate buffering from sensitive neighboring areas.
Site and Building Requirements
| Development Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Size | 20,000 square feet |
| Maximum Building Height | 28 feet / 2 stories |
| Maximum Flagpole Height | 25 feet |
| Minimum Building Setback (Front Street) | 10 feet |
| Minimum Building Setback (Side Street) | 10 feet |
| Setback Adjacent to Residential (Side Yard) | 10 feet |
| Setback Adjacent to Residential (Rear Yard) | 20 feet |
| Setback Adjacent to Nonresidential District | 5 feet |
Parking and Loading Standards
All parking areas within the CHW District must adhere to specific setbacks and ratio requirements to ensure safe traffic flow and aesthetic consistency [Section 21.41.110].
| Parking Feature | Minimum Setback Requirement |
|---|---|
| Parking Area from Front Street | 6 feet |
| Parking Area from Side Street | 6 feet |
| Parking Area from Alley | 14 feet |
| Parking Area from Residential District | 5 feet |
| Parking Area from Nonresidential District | 0 feet |
Off-street parking ratios are determined by use. For example, general retail requires 4 spaces per 1,000 square feet of Gross Floor Area (GFA), while professional offices exceeding 20,000 square feet require 2 spaces per 1,000 square feet of GFA [Table 41-1C].
Sections Cited
- Section 21.15.2530 - Sign area
- Section 21.30.010 - Districts designated
- Section 21.32.020 - Districts established (Commercial)
- Section 21.32.110 - Permitted uses
- Section 21.32.120 - Prohibited uses
- Section 21.41.110 - Purpose (Parking)
- Table 30-1 - Zoning Districts Established
- Table 32-1 - Uses in Commercial Zoning Districts
- Table 32-2 - Commercial Development Standards
- Table 41-1C - Required Number of Parking Spaces