Long Beach R-1-L Single-Family Residential, Large Lot District Guide
The R-1-L: Single-family Residential, large lot district in Long Beach requires a minimum lot area of 12,000 square feet and a minimum lot width of 60 feet. Building height is strictly limited to 25 feet (two stories), and the Long Beach Municipal Code mandates a unique 50-foot street property line setback for garages within this specific district [Section 21.31.210, Section 21.31.245].
Purpose of the R-1-L District
The R-1-L district is established as a single-family residential zone specifically intended for large lots. The primary objective of this district is to address the need for an open, uncrowded living environment within the metropolitan centers of the City of Long Beach [Section 21.31.020.D].
More broadly, as a residential zone in Long Beach, the R-1-L district aims to minimize land use conflicts, protect the character of the neighborhood, and ensure that new housing remains an asset to the surrounding community [Section 21.31.010].
Permitted Land Uses
In the City of Long Beach, the R-1-L district is primarily reserved for detached single-family dwellings. The following table summarizes the permissions for common uses within this district:
| Use Type | Permission Level |
|---|---|
| Single-family detached dwelling | Permitted (Y) |
| Single-family attached dwelling | Prohibited (N) |
| Duplex / Multi-family | Prohibited (N) |
| Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) | Permitted as Accessory (A) |
| Group Home (6 or fewer persons) | Permitted (Y) |
| Transitional and Supportive Housing | Permitted (Y) |
| Home Occupation | Permitted as Accessory (A) |
| Child Daycare Home (up to 14 persons) | Permitted as Accessory (A) |
| Daycare Center (15 or more persons) | Conditional Use Permit Required (C) |
| Community Gardens | Prohibited (N) |
| Passive Parks | Permitted (Y) |
[Table 31-1]
Residential Development Standards
Development in the R-1-L district of Long Beach is governed by specific density and bulk requirements to maintain its "large lot" character.
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 12,000 sq. ft. |
| Minimum Lot Width | 60 ft. |
| Maximum Density | 1 Unit per Lot |
| Minimum Front Yard Setback | 25 ft. |
| Minimum Side Yard Setback | 6 ft. |
| Minimum Rear Yard Setback | 30 ft. |
| Maximum Building Height | 25 ft. / 2 Stories |
| Maximum Lot Coverage | 40% of lot |
| Maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) | 0.6 |
| Minimum Usable Open Space | 23% of lot area |
[Table 31-2A]
Special Garage Setbacks
While most residential districts in Long Beach follow standard garage placement rules, the R-1-L district has a unique requirement. In the R-1-L zone, any garage must be set back at least fifty feet (50') from the street property line [Section 21.31.245.A.1.c].
Design Standards for Large Dwellings
Long Beach enforces additional design requirements for new construction or major rebuilds in the R-1-L district that exceed 5,000 square feet in total size or come within 10 percent of the maximum allowed Floor Area Ratio (FAR). These projects must adhere to the following:
- Four-Sided Architecture: Design treatments and architectural details must be consistent on all elevations of the building.
- Wall Articulation: Any wall 25 feet or longer must provide an inset or offset at least 2 feet deep and 10 feet long.
- Facade Orientation: Primary facades must face the street, and entrances must be clearly visible and obvious.
- Privacy Protections: Second-story windows on an interior side property line must be positioned so they do not look directly into the second-story bedroom windows of an adjacent structure.
[Section 21.31.255]
Sections Cited
- 21.30.010 - Districts designated.
- 21.31.010 - Purpose.
- 21.31.020 - Districts established.
- 21.31.110 - Permitted uses (Table 31-1).
- 21.31.205 - Units per lot and lot area per unit (Table 31-2A).
- 21.31.210 - Minimum lot area and lot width.
- 21.31.245 - Accessory structures.
- 21.31.255 - Design, treatment and finish.