Long Beach R-1-S: Single-Family Residential, Small Lot District Guide
The R-1-S District in Long Beach is a single-family residential zone specifically designed for small lot configurations, requiring a minimum lot area of only 2,400 square feet and a minimum width of 30 feet. Located primarily within high-amenity areas like the Coastal Zone, the Long Beach R-1-S District limits density to one detached dwelling unit per lot while allowing for a relatively high Floor Area Ratio of 1.2.
Purpose and General Character
The primary intent of the R-1-S District is to recognize and accommodate existing subdivision patterns in Long Beach where smaller lots are prevalent. By providing a framework for modern home construction on these reduced footprints, the R-1-S District ensures that residential development remains compatible with the surrounding neighborhood character, particularly in areas with significant open space amenities [Section 21.31.020]. The Long Beach R-1-S District implements Land Use District No. 1 of the City’s General Plan [Section 21.31.020.A].
Permitted Land Uses
The R-1-S District is strictly limited to low-density residential uses and compatible supporting activities. The following table summarizes the primary permissions for land use in the Long Beach R-1-S District:
| Use Category | Permission Level |
|---|---|
| Single-family detached dwellings | Permitted (Y) |
| Single-family attached dwellings | Not Permitted (N) |
| Duplexes | Not Permitted (N) |
| Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) | Accessory (A) |
| Group Homes (6 or fewer persons) | Permitted (Y) |
| Transitional and Supportive Housing | Permitted (Y) |
| Home Occupations | Accessory (A) |
| Urban Agriculture | Administrative Permit (AP) |
| Passive Parks | Permitted (Y) |
| Community Gardens | Not Permitted (N) |
[Table 31-1]
R-1-S Development Standards
To maintain the residential scale of the R-1-S District, Long Beach enforces specific requirements regarding building size, height, and placement.
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 2,400 sq. ft. |
| Minimum Lot Width | 30 ft. |
| Maximum Building Height | 24 ft. (midpoint) / 28 ft. (peak) |
| Floor Area Ratio (FAR) | 1.2 |
| Maximum Units Per Lot | 1 |
| Front Yard Setback | 8 ft. (averaging may apply) |
| Side Yard Setback | 3 ft. |
| Rear Yard Setback | 8 ft. |
| Minimum Usable Open Space | 6% of lot area |
[Table 31-2A]
Setback and Height Nuances
In the Long Beach R-1-S District, front yard setbacks may be adjusted based on "front yard averaging" if one or both adjoining lots already encroach into the required 8-foot setback [Section 21.31.215.C.3]. Building height is generally measured to the midpoint of the roof, though the R-1-S District allows for a peak height of 28 feet to accommodate roof pitches [Table 31-2A].
Parking Requirements
Parking requirements in the R-1-S District are determined by the number of bedrooms and the location of the property. Because the R-1-S District is often situated within the Long Beach Coastal Zone, specific coastal standards typically apply.
| Unit Type | Standard Parking (Per Unit) | Coastal Zone Only (Per Unit) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 Bedrooms (under 450 sq. ft.) | 1.0 space | 1.0 space |
| 1 or more Bedrooms | 1.5 spaces | 2.0 spaces |
| 2 or more Bedrooms | 2.0 spaces | 2.0 spaces |
| Guest Parking | 1 space / 4 units* | 1 space / 4 units* |
*Guest parking is only required when four or more detached units are proposed as one development on the site. [Table 41-1A]
In all cases, required parking spaces in the R-1-S District must be provided within a fully enclosed garage [Section 21.41.213].
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
Long Beach allows for the creation of Accessory Dwelling Units on R-1-S District lots that contain an existing single-family home. These units can be "Limited" (created from existing space) or "Conforming" (new construction) [Section 21.51.276].
- Maximum Unit Size: For Conforming ADUs, the size is limited to 50% of the primary dwelling's GFA or 800 sq. ft., whichever is less [Table 51.276-1].
- Setbacks: Conforming ADUs must follow the same front and side setbacks as the primary R-1-S structure, though the rear setback is reduced to 5 feet for detached units [Table 51.276-1].
Fencing and Walls
Fences and garden walls in the R-1-S District are subject to height limitations to ensure visibility and neighborhood aesthetics [Section 21.43.010].
- Front Yard: Maximum 3 feet in height [Table 43-1].
- Side/Rear Yard: Maximum 6 feet 6 inches in height [Table 43-1].
- Corner Cutoffs: Fences within the triangular corner cutoff area at intersections must not exceed 3 feet in height to maintain traffic visibility [Table 43-1].
Sections Cited
- Section 21.15.045 - Accessory dwelling unit
- Section 21.31.020 - Districts established
- Section 21.31.213 - Parking—Garage required
- Section 21.31.215 - Yard requirements
- Section 21.41.213 - Parking—Garage required
- Section 21.43.010 - Permitted
- Section 21.51.276 - Accessory Dwelling Units
- Table 31-1 - Uses in Residential Zones
- Table 31-2A - Residential Development Standards
- Table 41-1A - Required Number of Parking Spaces for Residential Uses
- Table 43-1 - Fence and Garden Wall Height Limits
- Table 51.276-1 - Accessory Dwelling Unit Development Standards