Long Beach R-4-R Moderate-Density Multiple Residential District Guide
The R-4-R district in the City of Long Beach is designed for moderate-density multifamily housing that maintains a scale consistent with established older and lower-density residential neighborhoods [Section 21.31.020.N]. Building heights are restricted to two stories and 28 feet, while the required lot area per dwelling unit ranges from 1,450 to 1,500 square feet for larger developments [Table 31-2A, Table 31-2B]. Permitted uses in the R-4-R district encompass a wide range of residential types, including single-family homes, duplexes, townhouses, and multi-family apartments, provided they meet a minimum lot size of 18,000 square feet for new subdivisions [Table 31-1, Table 31-2A].
Purpose and General Character
The R-4-R: Moderate-Density Multiple Residential district is established by the City of Long Beach to facilitate the development of multifamily housing that remains compatible in height and mass with existing residential contexts [Section 21.31.020.N]. The district is specifically intended to:
- Encourage full development in established moderate-density neighborhoods within the City of Long Beach.
- Maintain a scale consistent with existing older and lower-density developments through building height restrictions.
- Provide for a variety of dwelling types, ranging from single-family houses to multi-unit apartment buildings [Table 31-1].
Permitted Land Uses
The R-4-R district allows for various residential and limited non-residential uses, subject to specific approval types (Y = Permitted by right, A = Accessory, C = Conditional Use Permit, AP = Administrative Use Permit, IP = Interim Park Use Permit).
Residential Uses
- Single-Family (Detached and Attached): Permitted (Y).
- Duplex and Townhouses: Permitted (Y).
- Three-Family and Four-Family Dwellings: Permitted (Y).
- Multi-Family Dwellings: Permitted (Y).
- Transitional and Supportive Housing: Permitted (Y).
- Conforming Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Permitted as an accessory use (A).
- Special Group Residences (Dormitories, Convents, etc.): Requires a Conditional Use Permit (C).
Non-Residential and Interim Uses
- Urban Agriculture: Permitted (Y).
- Passive Parks: Permitted (Y).
- Safe Parking Sites: Permitted as an accessory use (A).
- Office Commercial: Requires a Conditional Use Permit (C).
- Bed and Breakfast Inns: Requires an Administrative Use Permit (AP).
- Playgrounds: Requires an Interim Park Use Permit (IP).
Technical Development Standards
The City of Long Beach applies specific physical constraints to the R-4-R district to ensure moderate density. These standards differ for properties located within the Coastal Zone [Table 31-2A].
Lot and Intensity Standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 18,000 sq. ft. |
| Minimum Lot Width | 120 ft. |
| Maximum Building Height | 28 ft. and 2 Stories |
| Minimum Usable Open Space | 150 sq. ft. per unit |
| Front Yard Setback | 15 ft. |
| Side Yard Setback (Interior) | 10% of lot width (not to exceed 10 ft.) |
| Side Yard Setback (Street Side) | 15% of lot width |
| Rear Yard Setback | 20 ft. |
Permitted Density
The number of units allowed in the City of Long Beach R-4-R district is determined by the size of the site area:
| Site Area (Sq. Ft.) | Permitted Density |
|---|---|
| 0 — 3,200 | 1 unit per lot |
| 3,201 — 15,000 | 1 unit per 1,500 sq. ft. |
| 15,001 or more | 1 unit per 1,450 sq. ft. |
Additional Requirements
- Site Plan Review: Any residential project in the City of Long Beach proposing five or more units requires a Site Plan Review [Section 21.31.030].
- Privacy Standards: Privacy standards apply to all residential developments of five or more units to ensure adequate distance between windows and property lines [Section 21.31.240].
- Garages: All required residential parking in the City of Long Beach must be provided within an enclosed garage [Section 21.41.213].
Sections Cited
- Section 21.15.1330 (Building Height Definitions)
- Section 21.31.020 (Districts Established)
- Section 21.31.030 (Site Plan Review)
- Table 31-1 (Uses in Residential Zones)
- Table 31-2A (Residential Development Standards)
- Table 31-2B (Residential Densities for Multi-family Districts)
- Section 21.31.220 (Height Limits)
- Section 21.31.230 (Usable Open Space)
- Section 21.31.240 (Privacy Standards)
- Section 21.41.213 (Garage Required)