Long Beach R-4-M: Moderate Density Subdivided Mobile Home Park Development District
The R-4-M district in the City of Long Beach is a specialized residential zone intended to facilitate the conversion of existing rental mobile home parks into resident-owned subdivisions. It permits one manufactured housing unit per lot with a minimum lot area of 3,100 square feet and maintains a maximum building height of 32 feet to preserve low-income housing stock and neighborhood character.
Purpose and Intent
The primary purpose of the R-4-M district is to provide a regulatory framework for moderate-density subdivided mobile home parks. The City of Long Beach established this district to recognize the desire of mobile home owners in rental parks to transition into resident ownership [Section 21.31.020.S].
By encouraging the subdivision of existing parks into individual lots, the City aims to implement State of California goals for preserving affordable, low-income housing options. This district focuses on stabilizing these communities while ensuring they meet basic safety and development standards suitable for manufactured housing [Section 21.31.020.S].
Permitted and Prohibited Land Uses
The R-4-M district is strictly limited to manufactured housing and supporting community uses. Standard stick-built residential types, such as single-family detached houses, duplexes, and multi-family apartments, are generally prohibited [Table 31-1].
Principal and Conditional Uses
- Permitted (Y): Modular or manufactured housing units placed on a permanent foundation, mobile home parks (as to unsold spaces), and urban agriculture [Table 31-1].
- Conditional (C): The subdivision of an existing mobile home park requires a Conditional Use Permit [Table 31-1].
- Interim Use (IP): Playgrounds, community gardens, passive parks, and recreational parks may be allowed via an Interim Park Use Permit [Table 31-1].
Accessory Uses (A)
Several secondary uses are permitted as accessory to the primary manufactured home:
- Child Daycare: Small or large facilities (1–14 persons) [Table 31-1].
- Home Occupations: Business activities conducted within the dwelling unit, subject to performance standards [Table 31-1].
- Storage: The storage of chattel and the parking/storage of personal vehicles [Table 31-1].
General Character and Development Standards
The character of the R-4-M district in Long Beach is defined by individual manufactured homes on subdivided lots. Unlike higher-density residential zones, the R-4-M district limits development to a single unit per lot to maintain a moderate-density environment [Table 31-2A].
Technical Development Standards
The following table outlines the specific requirements for development within the R-4-M district:
| Development Criteria | Standard Requirement |
|---|---|
| Maximum Units Per Lot | 1 Unit |
| Minimum Lot Area | 3,100 sq. ft. |
| Minimum Lot Width | 32 ft. |
| Maximum Building Height | 32 ft. |
| Maximum Lot Coverage | 75% |
| Minimum Usable Open Space | 10% of lot area |
| Floor Area Ratio (FAR) | Not Applicable (N/A) |
[Source: Table 31-2A and Table 31-2B]
Required Yard Setbacks
Setbacks in the R-4-M district are designed to accommodate the unique footprint of manufactured housing while ensuring fire safety and privacy:
| Yard Type | Minimum Setback |
|---|---|
| Front Yard | 0 ft. |
| Interior Side Yard | 5 ft. |
| Street Side Yard | 3 ft. |
| Rear Yard | 20 ft. |
[Source: Table 31-2A]
Sections Cited
- Section 21.31.010 - Purpose (Residential Districts)
- Section 21.31.020 - Districts established
- Table 31-1 - Uses in Residential Zones
- Table 31-2A - Residential Development Standards
- Table 31-2B - Residential Densities For Multi-family Districts