Long Beach R-2-I District Setback Standards
The R-2-I: Two-family Residential, intensified development district in the City of Long Beach requires minimum setbacks of 3 feet for the front and sides, and 8 feet for the rear. These standard requirements are subject to specific adjustments, including front yard averaging based on neighboring buildings and a reduction of the rear yard for shallow lots. In certain circumstances within the R-2-I district, permitted structural projections may extend to within 6 inches of the front property line.
Standard Setback Requirements
The City of Long Beach defines the R-2-I district as an intensified development zone typically located in close proximity to public open space [Section 21.31.020]. The following table outlines the minimum yard setbacks required for new construction and additions within this district as established in the Residential Development Standards [Table 31-2A].
| Setback Type | Minimum Required Distance |
|---|---|
| Front Yard | 3 feet (See Adjustments below) |
| Side Yard (Interior) | 3 feet |
| Rear Yard | 8 feet (See Adjustments below) |
Setback Adjustments and Exceptions
The standard distances for the R-2-I district may be modified based on the specific dimensions of the lot or the existing development pattern on the block.
Front Yard Averaging
In the R-2-I district, the 3-foot front setback is subject to "Front Yard Averaging." If one or both of the adjoining lots have buildings that encroach into the required front setback, the required setback for the subject lot is determined by the average setback of those adjoining lots [Section 21.31.215.C.3]. Additionally, specific permitted structures in the R-2-I district are allowed to extend to within 6 inches of the front property line [Table 31-3, Footnote (a)].
Rear Yard Reductions for Shallow Lots
For lots in the R-2-I district that have a depth of less than one hundred feet, the rear setback requirement may be reduced. In these cases, the rear setback can be limited to ten percent of the total lot depth, provided the resulting setback is at least 5 feet [Section 21.31.215.D.2.a].
Special Side Yard Standards for Narrow Lots
If a lot in the R-2-I district is less than twenty-seven feet in width, the City of Long Beach requires the project to undergo a Site Plan Review. This process ensures that the development maintains quality standards regarding light, air, and privacy despite the constrained width [Section 21.31.215.F].
Corner Cutoff Requirements
In all residential districts within the City of Long Beach, including the R-2-I district, a corner cutoff is required at every intersection of streets, driveways, or alleys. This area must remain free of any structure or vegetation that would impede visibility or accessibility up to a height of 8 feet. The minimum dimensions for this cutoff are six feet by six feet [Section 21.31.215.G].
Sections Cited
- Section 21.31.020 - Districts established
- Section 21.31.215 - Yard requirements
- Table 31-2A - Residential Development Standards
- Table 31-3 - Permitted Projections and Structures in Required Yards