Long Beach R-3-S: Low-density Multi-family Residential Zoning Guide
The R-3-S District in the City of Long Beach is a residential zone designed for three-family dwellings on small lots, permitting a maximum of three units per project site. This district requires a minimum lot area of 6,300 square feet and maintains a height limit of 25 feet (two stories) to ensure compatibility with adjacent lower-density neighborhoods [Table 31-2A].
Purpose and General Character of the R-3-S District
The R-3-S District is officially classified as the "Low-density Multi-family Residential, small lot" district in the Long Beach Municipal Code [Section 21.30.040]. The primary intent of the R-3-S District is to provide for three-family residential developments while recognizing the physical constraints that smaller lots place on multi-family housing.
According to the City of Long Beach, the R-3-S District is established to prevent the "adverse consequences related to large scale multifamily development" in areas that currently feature single-family characteristics [Section 21.31.020.K]. This district implements Land Use District No. 3B of the Long Beach General Plan, acting as a transitional residential zone that balances increased housing capacity with established neighborhood aesthetics [Section 21.31.020.K].
Permitted Land Uses in the R-3-S District
The City of Long Beach allows a specific range of residential and community-oriented uses within the R-3-S District, while strictly prohibiting most commercial activities.
Residential Uses
- Permitted by Right (Y): Single-family detached and attached dwellings, duplexes, three-family dwellings, transitional housing, and supportive housing [Table 31-1].
- Permitted as Accessory (A): Limited and conforming Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), home occupations, and room rentals [Table 31-1].
- Conditional Use Permit Required (C): Mobile home parks (as to unsold spaces) [Table 31-1].
Institutional and Other Uses
- Permitted by Right (Y): Group homes (serving 6 or fewer persons) [Table 31-1].
- Permitted as Accessory (A): Child daycare homes (small or large), detached accessory rooms, and unattended donation boxes [Table 31-1].
- Administrative Use Permit Required (AP): Recreational parks, urban agriculture, and secondary schools (conceptual) [Table 31-1].
- Interim Park Use Permit Required (IP): Playgrounds and community gardens [Table 31-1].
- Conditional Use Permit Required (C): Daycare centers (serving 15 or more persons) [Table 31-1].
Development Standards for the R-3-S District
The City of Long Beach applies rigorous development standards to the R-3-S District to control building mass and ensure adequate open space for residents.
| Standard | R-3-S Requirement |
|---|---|
| Maximum Units Per Lot | 3 units [Table 31-2A] |
| Minimum Lot Area | 6,300 sq. ft. [Table 31-2A] |
| Minimum Lot Area Per Unit | 2,100 sq. ft. [Table 31-2A] |
| Minimum Lot Width | 50 ft. [Table 31-2A] |
| Maximum Building Height | 25 ft. / 2 stories [Table 31-2A] |
| Minimum Front Setback | 15 ft. [Table 31-2A] |
| Minimum Side Setback | 10% of lot width [Section 21.31.215.D.2] |
| Minimum Rear Setback | 20 ft. [Table 31-2A] |
| Minimum Usable Open Space | 250 sq. ft. per unit [Table 31-2A] |
Parking Requirements
Parking in the R-3-S District is determined by the number of bedrooms per unit. In the "Coastal Zone Only" portion of the R-3-S District, different standards may apply to units with one or more bedrooms.
| Unit Type | Required Spaces per Unit (Citywide) | Required Spaces (Coastal Zone Only) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 Bedrooms (up to 450 sq. ft.) | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| 1 Bedroom | 1.50 | 2.00 |
| 2+ Bedrooms | 2.00 | 2.00 |
| Guest Parking | 1 space per 4 units | 1 space per 4 units |
Note: In calculating required parking, any unit with a living room, dining room, and kitchen is considered to have at least one bedroom [Section 21.41.216, Note (e)].
Sections Cited
- Section 21.15.045 – Accessory Dwelling Unit
- Section 21.30.040 – District Boundary Determination (Table 30-1)
- Section 21.31.020 – Districts Established
- Section 21.31.110 – Permitted Uses (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 21.41.216 – Required Number of Parking Spaces (Table 41-1A)