Long Beach R-2-L Two-family Residential, Large Lot District Guide
The R-2-L District in the City of Long Beach is a residential zone that permits a maximum of two dwelling units on lots with a minimum area of 8,000 square feet. This district is specifically designed to preserve the character of older neighborhoods by requiring spacious lot sizes (4,000 square feet per unit) and a maximum building height of 35 feet or two stories [Section 21.31.020].
Purpose and General Character
The R-2-L District is designated as the "Two-family Residential, large lot" zone within the City of Long Beach [Table 30-1]. According to the Long Beach Municipal Code, the primary intent of this district is to recognize and maintain the existing development patterns found in older, large-lot subdivisions.
The general character of the R-2-L District is defined by:
- Preservation: It encourages the protection of established neighborhood aesthetics while allowing for the development of spacious, well-designed two-family residences [Section 21.31.020].
- Low Density: By requiring large minimum lot sizes, the City ensures that the intensity of land use remains consistent with Land Use District No. 2 of the Long Beach General Plan [Section 21.31.020].
- Spaciousness: The regulations emphasize lower lot coverage and significant yard areas compared to other two-family zones in Long Beach.
Permitted Land Uses
The R-2-L District primarily serves residential needs but allows for certain accessory and community-related uses. Under the Long Beach Municipal Code, uses are categorized as permitted by right (Y), accessory (A), or conditional (C).
Residential Uses
- Single-family Detached: Permitted by right.
- Single-family Attached: Permitted by right.
- Duplex: Permitted by right.
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU): Permitted as an accessory use [Table 31-1].
- Transitional and Supportive Housing: Permitted by right [Table 31-1].
Institutional and Public Uses
- Passive Parks: Permitted by right.
- Playgrounds and Recreational Parks: Permitted subject to specific administrative or park use permits [Table 31-1].
- Religious Assembly: Permitted by right for facilities up to 2,500 square feet of Gross Floor Area (GFA) with 100 or fewer occupants [Table 31-1].
Accessory Uses
- Home Occupations: Permitted as an accessory use subject to the standards in Section 21.51.235.
- Garage Sale Signs: Permitted as a temporary accessory use [Table 44-4].
Development Standards
Development within the Long Beach R-2-L District must adhere to strict dimensional and density requirements to maintain its "large lot" character.
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Maximum Units Per Lot | 2 units [Table 31-2A] |
| Minimum Lot Area | 8,000 sq. ft. [Table 31-2A] |
| Minimum Lot Area Per Unit | 4,000 sq. ft. [Table 31-2A] |
| Minimum Lot Width | 50 ft. [Table 31-2A] |
| Maximum Building Height | 35 ft. and 2 stories [Table 31-2A] |
| Maximum Lot Coverage | 40% of lot area [Table 31-2A] |
| Minimum Front Yard Setback | 15 ft. [Table 31-2A] |
| Minimum Side Yard Setback | 4 ft. [Table 31-2A] |
| Minimum Rear Yard Setback | 10 ft. [Table 31-2A] |
| Minimum Usable Open Space | 8% of lot area per unit [Table 31-2A] |
Parking Requirements
Residential projects in the R-2-L District must provide off-street parking. While specific counts depend on the number of bedrooms, the general standards for Long Beach residential uses apply.
| Unit Type | Required Parking Spaces |
|---|---|
| 0 Bedrooms (Studio) | 1.00 space per unit [Table 41-1A] |
| 1 or more Bedrooms | 1.50 to 2.00 spaces per unit [Table 41-1A] |
| Guest Parking | 1 space per 4 units [Table 41-1A] |
Note: In the City of Long Beach, all required parking spaces in residential districts must be provided within an enclosed garage [Section 21.41.213].
Sections Cited
- Section 21.30.040 – District boundary determination and Table 30-1.
- Section 21.31.020 – Districts established (Residential).
- Section 21.31.110 – Permitted uses and Table 31-1.
- Section 21.31.205 – Units per lot and lot area per unit (Table 31-2A).
- Section 21.31.215 – Yard requirements.
- Section 21.41.213 – Parking—Garage required.
- Section 21.41.216 – Parking—Required number of spaces (Table 41-1A).
- Section 21.51.235 – Home occupations.