Long Beach R-3-4: Low-density Multi-family Residential Zoning Guide
The R-3-4 district in the City of Long Beach is a four-family residential zone intended to integrate small-scale multi-family housing into established neighborhoods. This designation allows a maximum of four dwelling units per lot with a height limit of 25 feet or two stories and requires a minimum of 200 square feet of usable open space per unit [Section 21.31.020].
Purpose of the R-3-4 District
The R-3-4: Low-density Multi-family Residential district is established by the City of Long Beach to provide for four-family residential development. The regulations for the R-3-4 district recognize the constraints that lot size and density place on multi-family uses in areas traditionally characterized by single-family neighborhoods. The goal is to allow for moderate increases in density while preserving the architectural scale and residential character of the surrounding community [Section 21.31.020.L].
Allowed and Prohibited Uses
The City of Long Beach utilizes Table 31-1 to dictate the permissibility of land uses within the R-3-4 district. Uses are categorized as permitted by right (Y), permitted via an Administrative Use Permit (AP), permitted via a Conditional Use Permit (C), or as an accessory use (A).
Residential Uses
Within the R-3-4 district, the following residential permissions apply:
- Permitted by Right (Y): Single-family detached dwellings, single-family attached dwellings, duplexes, three-family dwellings, four-family dwellings, transitional housing, and supportive housing [Table 31-1].
- Accessory Uses (A): Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), provided they meet the standards set forth in Section 21.51.276 [Table 31-1].
- Conditional Use Permit Required (C): Mobile home parks, subject to the provisions of Section 21.52.243 [Table 31-1].
- Prohibited (N): High-density multi-family dwellings (more than four units), special group residences (such as fraternities or sororities), and emergency shelters [Table 31-1].
Commercial and Institutional Uses
The R-3-4 district is primarily residential; therefore, most commercial activities are restricted:
- Administrative Use Permit Required (AP): Use of residential historic landmark buildings for commercial purposes [Table 31-1].
- Conditional Use Permit Required (C): Churches (subject to religious assembly standards), daycare centers serving 15 or more persons, and wireless telecommunications facilities [Table 31-1].
- Prohibited (N): Professional offices, retail sales, bed and breakfast inns, and private elementary schools [Table 31-1].
Other Allowed Uses
- Permitted by Right (Y): Passive parks and urban agriculture [Table 31-1].
- Accessory (A): Home occupations, small or large child daycare homes (up to 14 persons), and the storage of personal recreational vehicles [Table 31-1].
- Temporary (T): Construction trailers, carnivals or special events (limited to 10 days), and temporary activating uses [Table 31-1].
R-3-4 Development Standards
The City of Long Beach imposes specific bulk and massing requirements to ensure that R-3-4 developments remain compatible with the neighborhood.
| Development Standard | R-3-4 Requirement |
|---|---|
| Maximum Units Per Lot | 4 units |
| Minimum Lot Area | 4,500 sq. ft. |
| Minimum Lot Width | 50 ft. |
| Minimum Front Setback | 15 ft. |
| Minimum Side Setback | 10% of lot width |
| Minimum Rear Setback | 20 ft. |
| Maximum Building Height | 25 ft. and 2 stories |
| Minimum Usable Open Space | 200 sq. ft. per unit |
Source: [Table 31-2A] and [Table 31-2B]
Special Considerations for the R-3-4 District
- Site Plan Review: Any project in the R-3-4 district proposing five or more units (if combined with adjacent lots) or any residential project utilizing a wing wall requires a Site Plan Review [Section 21.25.502].
- Parking: While residential uses generally require on-site parking, the City of Long Beach provides exemptions for the creation of additional bedrooms in single-family residences within the R-3-4 district under specific conditions [Section 21.27.065].
- Nonconformities: Existing structures that do not meet the R-3-4 standards are governed by the City's nonconformity rules. For example, a nonconforming residential use in the R-3-4 district cannot be expanded by more than 250 square feet per unit after July 1, 1989 [Section 21.27.060.C].
Sections Cited
- Section 21.15.045 - Accessory dwelling unit
- Section 21.15.920 - Dwelling, multiple-family
- Section 21.25.502 - Applicability (Site Plan Review)
- Section 21.31.020 - Districts established
- Section 21.31.110 - Permitted uses
- Section 21.31.201 - General provisions
- Section 21.27.060 - Expansion (Nonconformities)
- Section 21.27.065 - Interior alteration to residential uses
- Section 21.51.276 - Accessory Dwelling Units