Long Beach R-4-U Dense Multiple Residential Urban District Guide
The R-4-U district in Long Beach is a high-density multifamily residential zone with a maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 3.0 and allowable building heights up to 65 feet or five stories. This district is specifically designed to support the Long Beach downtown activity center by providing intense housing opportunities in an urban design style, allowing densities as high as one dwelling unit per 400 square feet of lot area for large parcels [Section 21.31.020.R].
Purpose and General Character
The R-4-U (Dense Multiple Residential, urban) district is established to facilitate high-density residential development that complements the employment hub of the Long Beach downtown area. The district emphasizes an "urban context," prioritizing higher population densities and a design style suited for a metropolitan environment [Section 21.31.020.R]. It implements Land Use District No. 5 of the City of Long Beach General Plan [Section 21.31.020.R].
Permitted Land Uses
The R-4-U district primarily permits a wide range of residential housing types, with limited allowances for commercial and institutional uses intended to serve the high-density population [Table 31-1].
Residential Uses
- Permitted by Right (Y): Single-family detached and attached dwellings, duplexes, three-family dwellings, four-family dwellings, multi-family dwellings, townhouses, and transitional/supportive housing [Table 31-1].
- Accessory (A): Conforming accessory dwelling units (ADUs) [Table 31-1].
- Conditional Use Permit Required (C): Mobile home parks (as to unsold spaces) and special group residences (such as fraternities, sororities, or residential care facilities with 7 or more persons) [Table 31-1].
Commercial and Other Uses
- Permitted (Y): Retail commercial uses are permitted, provided they are subject to the development standards specified in Section 21.45.160, and do not involve adult-use cannabis [Table 31-1, Note (a)(g)].
- Conditional Use Permit Required (C): Restaurants and emergency shelters [Table 31-1].
- Prohibited (N): Office commercial uses and most industrial uses [Table 31-1].
Development Standards
The R-4-U district maintains strict development standards to manage the high-density character of the urban environment.
General Site Standards
The following table outlines the base requirements for development within the Long Beach R-4-U district [Table 31-2A].
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 22,500 sq. ft. |
| Minimum Lot Width | 180 ft. |
| Maximum Building Height | 65 ft. / 5 Stories |
| Floor Area Ratio (FAR) | 3.0 |
| Minimum Usable Open Space | 150 sq. ft. per unit |
| Minimum Front Setback | 10 ft. |
| Minimum Side Setback | 10% of lot width (max 10 ft.) |
| Minimum Rear Setback | 20 ft. |
Residential Density Tiers
In the R-4-U district, the allowable density (lot area required per unit) varies significantly based on the size and width of the development site [Table 31-2B].
| Site Area (Sq. Ft.) | Site Width (Ft.) | Permitted Density |
|---|---|---|
| 0—3,200 | 0—25 | 1 unit per lot |
| 3,201—15,000 | 26—120 | 1 unit per 1,500 sq. ft. |
| 15,001—22,500 | 121—180 | 1 unit per 975 sq. ft. |
| 22,501—30,000 | 181—240 | 1 unit per 500 sq. ft. |
| 30,001 or more | 241 or more | 1 unit per 400 sq. ft. |
Parking Requirements
Off-street parking for residential uses in the R-4-U district is calculated based on the number of bedrooms per unit. Standards differ slightly if the project is located within the Coastal Zone [Table 41-1A].
| Unit Type | Standard Parking (Spaces/Unit) | Coastal Zone Only (Spaces/Unit) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 Bedrooms (up to 450 sq. ft.) | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| 1 or more Bedrooms (or 0 br > 451 sq. ft.) | 1.50 | 2.00 |
| 2 or more Bedrooms | 2.00 | 2.00 |
| Guest Parking | 1 space per 4 units | 1 space per 4 units |
Sections Cited
- Section 21.30.010 - Districts designated
- Section 21.31.020 - Districts established
- Section 21.31.205 - Units per lot and lot area per unit
- Section 21.31.215 - Yard requirements
- Section 21.31.220 - Height limits
- Section 21.31.230 - Usable open space
- Section 21.31.235 - Floor area ratio
- Table 31-1 - Uses in Residential Zones
- Table 31-2A - Residential Development Standards
- Table 31-2B - Residential Densities For Multi-family Districts
- Table 41-1A - Required Number of Parking Spaces for Residential Uses