Long Beach R-4-H: Dense Multiple Residential High-Rise District Guide
The R-4-H district in the City of Long Beach is designed for high-density, high-rise multifamily housing intended to create a distinctive urban living environment. Development in the R-4-H district allows for extreme verticality, with maximum heights reaching up to 24 stories and densities up to 250 units per acre for lots meeting specific width and structural criteria. All high-rise developments in this district must incorporate the full high-rise safety and structural package required by the Uniform Building Code.
Purpose and General Character
The R-4-H district is established by the City of Long Beach to facilitate dense residential development in a high-rise format. The primary intent is to provide a distinctive urban living environment that maximizes land use efficiency in targeted areas of the city [Section 21.31.020.P]. This district implements Land Use District No. 6 of the Long Beach General Plan, signaling its role as a hub for the city's most intense residential activity [Section 21.31.020.P].
Permitted Land Uses
The R-4-H district permits a wide range of residential and supporting uses, primarily focused on high-density living.
Primary Residential Uses
According to the City of Long Beach use tables, the following residential types are permitted by right (Y):
- Multifamily Dwellings: Including apartment houses and condominiums [Section 21.31.110].
- Single-Family, Duplex, and Triplex Dwellings: Permitted, though the district is optimized for larger complexes [Section 21.31.110].
- Townhouses: Permitted [Section 21.31.110].
- Transitional and Supportive Housing: Permitted by right to support housing equity [Section 21.31.110].
Institutional and Special Residential Uses
- Special Group Residences: Including fraternity/sorority houses and dormitories, are permitted subject to a Conditional Use Permit (C) [Section 21.31.110].
- Emergency Shelters: Permitted with a Conditional Use Permit [Section 21.31.110].
- Religious Assembly: Permitted by right for facilities up to 2,500 square feet; larger facilities require an Administrative Use Permit (AP) or Conditional Use Permit (C) [Section 21.31.110].
Residential Development Standards
Development within the R-4-H district is governed by strict area, coverage, and setback requirements to manage the impact of high-density structures.
| Standard | R-4-H District Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 18,000 sq. ft. |
| Minimum Lot Width | 120 ft. |
| Maximum Lot Coverage | 50% |
| Floor Area Ratio (FAR) | 1.3 (Base); higher may be approved by the approval body |
| Front Setback (Building) | 15 ft. |
| Side Setback (Building) | 10% of lot width |
| Rear Setback (Building) | 20 ft. |
| Usable Open Space | 150 sq. ft. per unit |
Height Incentives and Maximums
The City of Long Beach provides a specific height incentive schedule for the R-4-H district based on the width of the lot. Increased height is granted as a trade-off for larger, more cohesive development sites.
| Lot Width (Feet) | Density | Minimum Height | Maximum Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0—180 | 1 unit / 1,200 sq. ft.* | N/A | 5 stories (65 ft.) |
| 181—250 | 140 units / acre | 8 stories | 14 stories |
| 251—300 | 175 units / acre | 14 stories | 17 stories |
| 301—375 | 215 units / acre | 17 stories | 20 stories |
| 376+ | 250 units / acre | 20 stories | 24 stories |
| *Note: Density varies for smaller lots per Table 31-2B [Section 21.31.205]. |
Specific Requirements for High-Rise Structures
The R-4-H district imposes unique requirements for high-density living and vertical circulation:
- Elevators: At least one elevator must be provided in any multifamily building containing 21 or more units if those units have primary access only at the third story or higher [Section 21.31.250.B].
- Open Space Distribution: In R-4 zones, 50% of the required usable open space must be provided as common open space and 50% as private open space (such as balconies) [Section 21.31.230].
- Mechanical Equipment: All rooftop-mounted equipment must be screened from public view at grade and from higher buildings in the vicinity [Section 21.32.225.B].
- High-Rise Features: Any density exceeding that of the R-4-N district is only permitted if the building utilizes the full high-rise package of features required by the Uniform Building Code [Section 21.31.220.B.6].
Sections Cited
- Section 21.30.040 (Districts established)
- Section 21.31.020 (Purpose of districts)
- Section 21.31.110 (Permitted uses)
- Section 21.31.205 (Units per lot and lot area)
- Section 21.31.220 (Height limits)
- Section 21.31.230 (Usable open space)
- Section 21.31.250 (Pedestrian access)
- Section 21.32.225 (Screening required)