Long Beach R-4-H: Dense Multiple Residential Setback Requirements
In the City of Long Beach, the R-4-H: Dense Multiple Residential, high-rise district requires a standard front yard setback of 10 feet and a rear yard setback of 20 feet. Side yard setbacks are variable, calculated as a percentage of the lot width, while significantly increased "buffer" setbacks ranging from 20 to 40 feet are mandatory whenever the R-4-H: Dense Multiple Residential, high-rise district adjoins lower-density R-1, R-2, or R-3 residential zones.
Standard Setback Requirements
The development standards for the R-4-H: Dense Multiple Residential, high-rise district are established to encourage a high-density urban living environment while maintaining essential open space and light [Section 21.31.020.P]. Under the general provisions of the Long Beach Zoning Regulations, the following minimum setbacks apply to the R-4-H: Dense Multiple Residential, high-rise district:
| Setback Type | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Yard | 10 Feet |
| Side Yard (Interior) | 10% of lot width (minimum 3 ft; maximum 10 ft) |
| Side Yard (Street Side) | 15% of lot width (minimum 3 ft; maximum 15 ft) |
| Rear Yard | 20 Feet |
[Table 31-2A]
Side Yard Calculation for the R-4-H District
In the R-4-H: Dense Multiple Residential, high-rise district, side yard setbacks are not fixed numbers but are determined by the width of the specific parcel. For interior side yards, the City of Long Beach requires a setback equal to 10 percent of the lot width, though this is capped at a maximum of 10 feet. For street-side yards on corner lots, the requirement increases to 15 percent of the lot width, capped at 15 feet. In all instances, the side setback in the R-4-H: Dense Multiple Residential, high-rise district cannot be less than 3 feet [Table 31-2A, Footnote q].
Special Buffer Setbacks
The Long Beach Zoning Regulations impose strict "buffer" setbacks for the R-4-H: Dense Multiple Residential, high-rise district when it is adjacent to, abutting, or adjoining R-1, R-2, or R-3 districts. These setbacks are intended to protect the privacy and environment of lower-density neighborhoods from high-rise structures [Section 21.31.215.D.3].
The minimum building setbacks facing these lower-density districts are graduated based on the number of stories:
| Building Story / Height | Minimum Buffer Setback |
|---|---|
| Two-story or less (not to exceed 25 ft) | 20 Feet |
| Third story (and 2nd story mezzanine) | 30 Feet |
| Fourth story or more | 40 Feet |
Note: These setbacks are measured from the property line or the centerline of an abutting alley where one exists [Section 21.31.215.D.3, Section 21.31.215.E.3].
Additional Setback Provisions
- Corner Cutoffs: At all intersections of streets, driveways, or alleys, the R-4-H: Dense Multiple Residential, high-rise district requires a triangular "corner cutoff" area. This area must be at least 6 feet by 6 feet and kept clear of obstructions to ensure visibility [Section 21.31.215.G].
- Commercial Uses: For R-4-H properties utilizing the allowance for ground-floor commercial uses, specific setbacks are governed by Special Development Standards [Section 21.45.160].
- Projections: Certain architectural features, such as chimneys or balconies, may project into required yards by limited distances (typically 2 feet 6 inches to 3 feet) as long as they maintain minimum required distances from property lines [Table 31-3].
Sections Cited
- Section 21.31.020 - Districts established.
- Section 21.31.215 - Yard requirements.
- Table 31-2A - Residential Development Standards.
- Table 31-3 - Permitted Projections and Structures in Required Yards.
- Section 21.45.160 - Retail/office commercial uses and parking structures in the R-4-H Zone.