Long Beach R-3-4 Zoning Guide: Low-Density Multi-Family Residential
The R-3-4 district in Long Beach is a residential zone specifically designed for low-density multi-family housing, allowing a maximum of four dwelling units per lot. This district maintains a small-scale residential character by limiting building heights to 25 feet (two stories) and requiring a minimum lot area of 1,700 square feet for every unit provided [Table 31-2A].
Purpose of the R-3-4 District
The primary intent of the Long Beach R-3-4 district is to provide for the development of triplexes and fourplexes while recognizing the physical constraints of lot sizes. According to the Long Beach Municipal Code, the R-3-4 district is established to manage the transition between higher-density developments and existing single-family neighborhoods, ensuring that the intensity of land use does not negatively impact the character and livability of the surrounding area [Section 21.31.020.L].
General Character
The character of the Long Beach R-3-4 district is defined as "Low-density Multi-family Residential." It is intended to offer a diverse range of housing types—including townhomes and small apartments—that are compatible in scale and style with detached houses [Section 21.31.010]. Development standards are structured to prevent overcrowding while encouraging the maintenance and rehabilitation of the City’s neighborhood assets [Section 21.31.010].
Permitted Land Uses
The Long Beach R-3-4 district primarily permits residential uses up to a four-unit maximum. Commercial activities are strictly limited, and industrial uses are generally prohibited.
| Use Category | Permission Status |
|---|---|
| Single-family detached | Permitted (Y) |
| Single-family attached | Permitted (Y) |
| Duplex | Permitted (Y) |
| Three-family dwelling | Permitted (Y) |
| Four-family dwelling | Permitted (Y) |
| Multi-family dwelling (5+ units) | Not Permitted (N) |
| Townhouse | Permitted (Y) |
| Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) | Permitted as Accessory (A) |
| Transitional and Supportive Housing | Permitted (Y) |
| Religious Assembly (up to 2,500 sq. ft. GFA) | Permitted (Y) |
| Urban Agriculture | Permitted (Y) |
| Home Occupation | Permitted as Accessory (A) |
[Table 31-1]
Development Standards
Construction within the Long Beach R-3-4 district must adhere to specific requirements regarding lot size, building dimensions, and spacing to preserve the open-air quality of the neighborhood.
| Development Criteria | Standard Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 4,500 sq. ft. |
| Minimum Lot Width | 50 ft. |
| Lot Area Per Dwelling Unit | 1,700 sq. ft. |
| Maximum Building Height | 25 ft. (Maximum 2 stories) |
| Front Yard Setback | 15 ft. |
| Side Yard Setback (Interior) | 10% of lot width (Max 10 ft.) |
| Rear Yard Setback | 20 ft. |
| Min. Usable Open Space | 200 sq. ft. per unit |
[Table 31-2A]
Setback and Spacing Details
- Side Yards: The side yard setback in the R-3-4 district must be at least 10 percent of the total lot width, though this requirement is capped at 10 feet. Regardless of the percentage, the setback cannot be less than 3 feet [Table 31-2A, Footnote q].
- Usable Open Space: The required 200 square feet of open space per unit must follow the City's dimensions for common or private areas to ensure residents have adequate access to sunlight and fresh air [Section 21.31.230].
Off-Street Parking Requirements
The Long Beach R-3-4 district requires that all residential parking be provided on-site, typically within an enclosed garage [Section 21.41.213].
| Unit Type | Required Parking Spaces |
|---|---|
| 0 Bedrooms (Studio) | 1.0 space per unit |
| 1 Bedroom | 1.5 spaces per unit |
| 2+ Bedrooms | 2.0 spaces per unit |
| Guest Parking | 1 space per 4 units (for projects with 4 units) |
[Table 41-1A]
Sections Cited
- Section 21.30.010 - Districts designated.
- Section 21.31.010 - Purpose (Residential Districts).
- Section 21.31.020 - Districts established.
- Section 21.31.215 - Yard requirements.
- Section 21.31.230 - Usable open space.
- Section 21.41.213 - Parking—Garage required.
- Table 30-1 - Zoning Districts Established.
- Table 31-1 - Uses in Residential Zones.
- Table 31-2A - Residential Development Standards.
- Table 41-1A - Required Number of Parking Spaces for Residential Uses.