Long Beach R-3-T: Multi-family Residential, Townhouse Zoning Guide

Within the R-3-T: Multi-family Residential, Townhouse district of Long Beach, the primary focus is the development of townhouses and row houses on small or shallow lots, often located near significant traffic arteries. This designation permits high-density residential options like attached single-family units and duplexes while strictly limiting commercial activities and standard multi-family apartment complexes. Development is governed by a standard minimum lot size of 3,000 square feet per unit and a maximum building height of 28 feet [Section 21.31.020 and Table 31-2A].

Purpose and Character of the R-3-T District

The Long Beach R-3-T: Multi-family Residential, Townhouse district is specifically intended to accommodate residential developments that utilize high lot coverage and inward-oriented designs, making it suitable for parcels that are otherwise constrained by depth. This district implements Land Use District No. 3A of the Long Beach General Plan, seeking to provide a transition from commercial to residential areas while maintaining an urban neighborhood aesthetic [Section 21.31.020.M].

Allowed and Prohibited Uses in the R-3-T District

The following classifications determine the use of property within the R-3-T: Multi-family Residential, Townhouse district. Uses are categorized as Permitted (Y), Accessory (A), Conditional (C), Administrative (AP), Temporary (T), Interim (IP), or Not Permitted (N) [Table 31-1].

Permitted Residential Uses (Y)

Single-family attached: Permitted by right.
Duplex: Permitted by right, subject to parking availability. If 4 independently accessible parking spaces cannot be provided, units are limited to 450 square feet as zero-bedroom units.
Townhouse: Permitted as the primary intended use for the district.
Group home (6 or fewer persons): Permitted by right.
Transitional and Supportive Housing: Permitted by right.

Accessory and Administrative Uses (A/AP)

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU): Permitted as an accessory use for conforming units.
Child daycare home (1—14 persons): Permitted as an accessory use.
Home occupation: Permitted as an accessory use.
Room rentals: Permitted as an accessory use.
Residential historic landmark buildings: Allowed with an Administrative Use Permit.
Recreational parks: Allowed with an Administrative Use Permit.

Conditional and Interim Uses (C/IP/T)

Mobile home park: Requires a Conditional Use Permit.
Daycare center (15 or more persons): Requires a Conditional Use Permit.
Wireless telecommunications facilities: Requires a Conditional Use Permit.
Sandwiched lot development: Requires a Conditional Use Permit.
Playgrounds: Requires an Interim Park Use Permit.
Temporary events (Carnivals/Fiestas): Permitted on a temporary basis (up to 10 days, twice per year).
Temporary activating uses: Allowed on vacant lots subject to specific standards.

Prohibited Uses (N)

Single-family detached dwellings.
Three-family, Four-family, and standard Multi-family dwellings (not in townhouse form).
Modular or manufactured housing placed on a permanent foundation.
Emergency Shelters.
Churches and Religious Assembly uses (unless in an approved subarea).
Public and private schools (elementary, vocational, or secondary).
Most Commercial Uses: This includes offices, restaurants, retail stores, and bed and breakfast inns.
Industrial Uses: All manufacturing and wholesale activities are prohibited.

Development Standards for the R-3-T District

Projects in the Long Beach R-3-T: Multi-family Residential, Townhouse district must adhere to specific spatial requirements to ensure consistency with the neighborhood's density and design goals.

Development Standard	Requirement
Minimum Lot Area	3,000 sq. ft.
Minimum Lot Width	25 ft.
Minimum Front Yard Setback	15 ft.
Minimum Side Yard Setback	10% of lot width (min. 3 ft. / max. 10 ft.)
Minimum Rear Yard Setback	20 ft.
Maximum Building Height	28 ft. (not to exceed 2 stories)
Min. Usable Open Space	250 sq. ft. per unit
Maximum Units Per Lot	Varies based on site area (See Table 31-2B)

Specific Use Standards

Townhouse Structure: Dwellings must have common walls and separate private yards with no common floors or ceilings between units [Section 21.15.3060].
Accessory Structures: Detached accessory rooms are permitted provided they do not contain bathing or cooking facilities [Section 21.31.245].
Parking: Residential parking must be provided in an enclosed garage. The R-3-T district typically requires the provision of at least one garage space per unit, though specific ratios depend on the number of bedrooms [Section 21.41.213 and Table 41-1A].

Sections Cited

Section 21.15 - Definitions
Section 21.30 - Districts Established
Section 21.31 - Residential Districts
Table 31-1 - Uses in Residential Zones
Table 31-2A - Residential Development Standards
Table 31-2B - Residential Densities For Multi-family Districts
Section 21.41 - Off-Street Parking and Loading Requirements
Section 21.45 - Special Development Standards