Off-Street Parking Requirements for the Long Beach R-3-4 Low-Density Multi-Family Residential District
In the City of Long Beach R-3-4: Low-density Multi-family Residential district, residential parking is generally required at a ratio of 1.0 to 2.0 spaces per unit based on the number of bedrooms, with all required spaces for residential uses being mandatory within enclosed garages [Section 21.41.213]. While most commercial uses are prohibited in this district, permitted non-residential uses such as daycare centers and religious assemblies are subject to specific parking standards based on capacity or floor area. Projects located within a designated "Parking Exempt Area" may be eligible for a total waiver of vehicular parking minimums under the City's implementation of state housing laws [Section 21.41.175].
Residential Parking Ratios
The City of Long Beach calculates required off-street parking for the R-3-4: Low-density Multi-family Residential district based on the size and bedroom count of each dwelling unit. These requirements are divided into standard requirements and those specifically for the Coastal Zone.
Standard Residential Parking Ratios (Table 41-1A)
| Unit Type | Standard Requirement (per unit) | Coastal Zone Requirement (per unit) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 Bedrooms (not more than 450 sq. ft.) | 1.00 space | 1.00 space |
| 1 or more Bedrooms (or 0 BR > 450 sq. ft.) | 1.50 spaces | 2.00 spaces |
| 2 or more Bedrooms | 2.00 spaces | 2.00 spaces |
| Guest Parking (for 4+ detached/attached units) | 1 space per 4 units | 1 space per 4 units |
In the R-3-4: Low-density Multi-family Residential district, if a unit contains one living room, one dining room, and one kitchen, any additional rooms are calculated as bedrooms for the purpose of these ratios [Section 21.41.216, Note (e)].
Garage and Access Requirements
The City of Long Beach maintains strict standards for the housing of required vehicles in residential zones. In the R-3-4: Low-density Multi-family Residential district, all required parking spaces must be provided within an enclosed garage [Section 21.41.213].
Tandem parking is generally prohibited for required residential parking in the R-3-4: Low-density Multi-family Residential district, except in specific cases such as valet parking (subject to site plan review) or for units designated for low-income households when the project includes at least ten percent on-site low-income units [Section 21.41.233].
Non-Residential and Commercial Parking Ratios
While the R-3-4: Low-density Multi-family Residential district is primarily reserved for residential development, certain institutional or "other" uses are permitted by right or via a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). These uses must adhere to the parking standards found in Table 41-1C.
Institutional and Public Assembly Ratios (Table 41-1C)
| Use | Required Number of Spaces |
|---|---|
| Daycare centers (15 or more persons) | 1 space per every 10 children, plus 2 loading/unloading spaces |
| Elementary Schools | 2 per classroom, plus 2 loading/unloading spaces and auditorium/stadium requirements |
| Religious Assembly | 1 space per every 3.3 fixed seats |
| Professional Offices (if allowed) | 4 per 1,000 GFA |
Parking Exemptions and Reductions
Developments within the R-3-4: Low-density Multi-family Residential district may be eligible for significant reductions or exemptions from these requirements under specific City of Long Beach programs:
- Parking Exempt Areas: No minimum vehicular parking is required for projects located within the "Parking Exempt Area" as defined by the City to implement state-level housing legislation (AB 2097), provided the use is not a hotel or other transient lodging [Section 21.41.175].
- Affordable Housing: Projects providing very-low or low-income housing may utilize reduced parking ratios under the City's density bonus or incentive programs [Section 21.68.090].
- Unbundled Parking: For residential buildings containing 16 or more units with an initial certificate of occupancy issued on or after January 1, 2025, the City of Long Beach requires parking to be "unbundled" (rented separately from the unit), with specific exceptions for units with individual garages [Section 21.41.170.B].
Sections Cited
- Section 21.15.2332 - Ready-to-eat food (Definition)
- Section 21.41.165 - Change of use for buildings more than ten years old
- Section 21.41.170 - Established uses and unbundled parking
- Section 21.41.175 - Exemption from parking minimums
- Section 21.41.213 - Parking—Garage required
- Section 21.41.216 - Parking—Required number of spaces
- Section 21.41.233 - Tandem parking—Residential uses
- Section 21.68.090 - Parking requirements (Enhanced Density Bonus)