Long Beach R-1-M: Single-family Residential, Moderate Lot Zoning District Guide
The Long Beach R-1-M District is a single-family residential zone requiring a minimum lot area of 3,600 square feet and a minimum lot width of 40 feet. This district permits one detached single-family dwelling per lot with a maximum height of 25 feet (two stories) and a maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 0.67 [Table 31-2A].
Purpose and Intent of the R-1-M District
The primary intent of the R-1-M District is to create, preserve, and enhance residential areas within the City of Long Beach for single-family living. According to the Long Beach Municipal Code, the R-1-M District specifically recognizes the difficulties inherent in developing odd-sized or shaped parcels that do not meet the criteria for "standard" lots [Section 21.31.020.B].
By allowing for moderate-sized lots, the R-1-M District aims to:
- Increase the availability of affordable homeownership opportunities by reducing the required lot size compared to larger standard districts [Section 21.31.020.B].
- Implement Land Use District No. 1 of the Long Beach General Plan [Section 21.31.020.B].
- Minimize conflicts between incompatible land uses while maintaining the character of existing neighborhoods [Section 21.31.010].
Permitted Land Uses
The R-1-M District is strictly regulated to maintain its residential character. The primary permitted use is a single-family detached dwelling. Other uses are permitted only if they are accessory to the residential use or provided as temporary or conditional services.
Residential and Primary Uses
- Single-Family Detached: Permitted by right as the primary use of the lot [Table 31-1].
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Permitted as an accessory use, subject to the specific development standards for either "Limited" or "Conforming" ADUs [Section 21.51.276].
- Transitional and Supportive Housing: Permitted by right [Table 31-1].
- Group Homes: Permitted for six or fewer persons [Table 31-1].
Accessory and Temporary Uses
- Home Occupations: Permitted as an accessory use, provided the business is incidental to the residential use and does not change the residential character of the dwelling [Section 21.51.235].
- Family Daycare Homes: Small and large family daycare homes are permitted as accessory uses [Section 21.51.230].
- Passive Parks: Permitted by right [Table 31-1].
- Urban Agriculture: Permitted through an Administrative Use Permit (AUP) [Table 31-1].
Development Standards
The City of Long Beach enforces specific density and dimensional standards for the R-1-M District to ensure uniform neighborhood aesthetics and adequate open space.
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Units Per Lot | 1 Unit [Table 31-2A] |
| Minimum Lot Area | 3,600 sq. ft. [Table 31-2A] |
| Minimum Lot Width | 40 ft. [Table 31-2A] |
| Maximum Building Height | 25 ft. (2 Stories) [Table 31-2A] |
| Floor Area Ratio (FAR) | 0.67 [Table 31-2A] |
| Minimum Usable Open Space | 6% of lot area per unit [Table 31-2A] |
Setback Requirements
Setbacks in the R-1-M District are measured from the property lines to the building wall.
| Yard Location | Minimum Setback |
|---|---|
| Front Yard | 8 ft. [Table 31-2A] |
| Side Yard | 4 ft. [Table 31-2A] |
| Rear Yard | 8 ft. [Table 31-2A] |
Note: Front yard setbacks may be subject to "front yard averaging" if one or both adjoining lots encroach into the standard setback [Section 21.31.215.C.3].
Off-Street Parking Requirements
The Long Beach Municipal Code requires that all residential parking in the R-1-M District be provided within an enclosed garage [Section 21.41.213].
| Unit Type | Required Parking Spaces |
|---|---|
| 0 Bedrooms (Studio < 450 sq. ft.) | 1.00 space per unit [Table 41-1A] |
| 1 or more Bedrooms (or Studio > 450 sq. ft.) | 1.50 spaces per unit [Table 41-1A] |
| 2 or more Bedrooms | 2.00 spaces per unit [Table 41-1A] |
General Character
The R-1-M District is characterized by detached single-family homes on moderate-sized parcels. The regulations prohibit the construction of duplexes, triplexes, or attached townhomes to ensure a low-density environment [Table 31-1]. The 25-foot height limit ensures that new construction remains at a scale compatible with traditional two-story residential neighborhoods in Long Beach [Table 31-2A].
Sections Cited
- Section 21.15.276
- Section 21.30.040
- Section 21.31.010
- Section 21.31.020
- Section 21.31.215
- Section 21.41.213
- Section 21.51.230
- Section 21.51.235
- Section 21.51.276
- Table 30-1
- Table 31-1
- Table 31-2A
- Table 41-1A