Long Beach CT: Tourist and Entertainment Commercial District Regulations
The CT: Tourist and Entertainment Commercial District in the City of Long Beach is intended for high-intensity uses that support the regional tourism and entertainment industry. Development in this district requires a minimum lot size of 20,000 square feet and allows building heights up to 60 feet, while maintaining a strict 0-foot front street setback to encourage pedestrian-oriented environments [Table 32-2A]. Many high-impact uses, such as nightclubs, hotels, and drive-through facilities, require a Conditional Use Permit to ensure compatibility with the surrounding urban fabric [Table 32-1].
Purpose and Scope of the CT District
The City of Long Beach established the CT: Tourist and Entertainment Commercial District to create and preserve areas specifically for major tourist and entertainment development. This district is characterized by intense and unique land uses that require specific aesthetic standards and robust transportation linkages to accommodate high volumes of visitors [Section 21.32.020.A.3].
Allowed and Prohibited Land Uses
Land uses in the City of Long Beach CT District are classified as Permitted (Y), Accessory (A), Administrative Use Permit required (AP), Conditional Use Permit required (C), or Prohibited (N).
1. General Commercial and Service Uses
Most standard commercial services that cater to tourists and local entertainment needs are permitted by right or through an administrative process.
| Use Type | Permission Level | Additional Requirements/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gasoline Sales | Y | Permitted by right [Table 32-1] |
| Minor Auto Repair | Y | Includes tune-ups and lubrication [Section 21.15.290] |
| Bank or Credit Union | Y | Permitted by right [Table 32-1] |
| Professional Services | Y | Includes law, accounting, and medical offices [Table 32-1] |
| Tattoo Parlor | Y | Subject to special standards [Section 21.45.166] |
| Car Wash | AP | Administrative Use Permit required [Table 32-1] |
| Diesel Fuel Sales | AP | Administrative Use Permit required [Table 32-1] |
| General Auto Repair | C | Includes bodywork and painting [Section 21.15.280] |
| Veterinary Clinic | C | Conditional Use Permit required [Table 32-1] |
| Self-Storage (Indoor) | N | Prohibited in the CT District [Table 32-1] |
2. Entertainment and Hospitality Uses
Given the focus of the City of Long Beach on tourism within this zone, entertainment uses are highly regulated through the discretionary permit process.
| Use Type | Permission Level | Additional Requirements/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant (no drive-thru) | Y | Permitted by right [Table 32-1] |
| Restaurant with Entertainment | Y | Requires City Council hearing for business license [Table 32-1] |
| Indoor Amusement (<6000 sf) | Y | Includes arcades and escape rooms [Table 32-1] |
| Movie Theater (small) | AP | Up to 100 fixed seats [Table 32-1] |
| Hotel or Motel | C | Subject to site-by-site analysis [Section 21.52.235] |
| Nightclub or Private Club | C | Conditional Use Permit required [Table 32-1] |
| Drive-through Facilities | C | Subject to queuing and noise standards [Section 21.45.130] |
| Drive-in Theater | N | Prohibited in the CT District [Table 32-1] |
3. Alcohol and Retail Sales
The City of Long Beach requires a Conditional Use Permit for nearly all alcohol-related sales in the CT District, regardless of their proximity to residential zones.
- Alcoholic Beverage Sales (On-premises or Off-premises): Required Conditional Use Permit (C) [Table 32-1].
- Basic Retail Sales: Permitted (Y) by right [Table 32-1].
- Pawn Shops: Required Conditional Use Permit (C) [Table 32-1].
- Secondhand Stores: Permitted (Y) by right [Table 32-1].
4. Residential Uses
Residential development is restricted in the CT District to specific formats that do not interfere with the primary commercial purpose.
- Allowed: Artist studios with residence (AP), Caretaker residences (AP), Group homes of 6 or fewer (Y), and Live-Work units (Y) [Table 32-1].
- Prohibited: Single-family detached dwellings, standard multifamily apartments, and senior housing are generally Prohibited (N) unless part of a specific re-purposing project [Table 32-3A].
Development Standards for the CT District
All construction within the CT: Tourist and Entertainment Commercial District must adhere to the physical parameters established by the City of Long Beach to maintain the district's character.
| Development Standard | CT District Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Size | 20,000 square feet |
| Maximum Building Height | 60 feet (High-rise overlay may apply) |
| Front Street Setback | 0 feet |
| Side Street Setback | 5 feet |
| Interior Side Setback | 5 feet (10 feet if adjacent to residential) |
| Rear Setback | 20 feet if adjacent to residential |
| Parking Setback (Front) | 30 feet |
| Maximum Flagpole Height | 60 feet |
[Source: Table 32-2A]
Special Prohibitions
The City of Long Beach explicitly prohibits certain activities and structures in the CT District to prevent blight and maintain the area's aesthetic appeal:
- Outdoor Storage: Open storage of materials or merchandise is prohibited [Section 21.32.225].
- Recreational Vehicle Storage: Principal use storage of RVs is prohibited [Table 32-1].
- Non-conforming Billboards: New billboards are generally prohibited, and existing ones are subject to strict amortization and removal rules [Section 21.54.110].
Sections Cited
- Section 21.32.020 - Districts established
- Section 21.15.280 - Auto repair, major
- Section 21.15.290 - Auto repair, minor
- Section 21.32.225 - Screening required
- Section 21.45.130 - Drive-through facilities
- Section 21.45.166 - Tattoo parlors
- Section 21.52.235 - Hotels/motels
- Section 21.54.110 - Use regulations (Billboards)
- Table 32-1 - Uses In All Other Commercial Zoning Districts
- Table 32-2A - Commercial Development Standards
- Table 32-3A - Residential Uses In Commercial Districts