Long Beach R-4-M District Setback and Development Standards

In the City of Long Beach, the R-4-M District (Moderate density subdivided mobile home park development district) requires a minimum front yard setback of 0 feet, a side yard setback of 5 feet, and a rear yard setback of 3 feet. This residential district is designed specifically to facilitate the transition of mobile home parks to resident ownership, allowing for a maximum building height of 20 feet and up to 75% lot coverage [Section 21.31.020.S and Table 31-2A].

R-4-M District Purpose and Intent

The R-4-M District is established within the Long Beach Municipal Code as a "moderate density subdivided mobile home park development district." The primary intent of this zoning classification is to respect the desires of mobile home owners in rental parks to eventually own the space on which their mobile home is located. This resident ownership approach is encouraged by the State of California as a valid method for preserving the City's low-income housing stock [Section 21.31.020.S].

Setback and Development Requirements

Development within the Long Beach R-4-M District must adhere to specific spatial requirements to ensure adequate light, air, and safety within the subdivided park environment. Unlike many other residential zones in the City, the R-4-M district allows for a 0-foot front yard setback, maximizing the usable area for the placement of mobile home units.

The following table outlines the technical development standards for the R-4-M District:

Standard Type	Requirement
Front Yard Setback	0 feet
Side Yard Setback	5 feet
Rear Yard Setback	3 feet
Maximum Building Height	20 feet
Maximum Lot Coverage	75% of lot area
Minimum Lot Area	3,100 sq. ft.
Minimum Lot Width	32 feet
Minimum Usable Open Space	10% per unit
Units Per Lot	1
Floor Area Ratio (FAR)	N/A

[Table 31-2A and Table 31-2B]

Yard and Setback Regulations

Setbacks in the R-4-M District are measured after any required dedications or reservations for public rights-of-way have been made [Section 21.31.215.A].

Front Yard Specifics

The 0-foot front yard setback is the standard for the R-4-M District as listed in the development standards table. However, general City regulations specify that if a garage door faces the street, the garage itself must be set back at least 20 feet from the street property line to allow for vehicle queuing [Table 31-2A, Note (l)].

Usable Open Space

Long Beach requires that 10% of the lot area in the R-4-M District be designated as usable open space. This space is intended for the use of residents and must not be enclosed within a building. It can include yards, balconies, or patios, but generally excludes driveways or parking areas less than eight feet in width [Section 21.31.230 and Table 31-2A].

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