Off-Street Parking Requirements for the R-1-N Single-Family Residential District in Long Beach
In the City of Long Beach R-1-N: Single-family Residential, standard lot district, residential units require a minimum of one to two parking spaces based on the number of bedrooms, and all such spaces must be provided within an enclosed garage. Because standard commercial uses like retail and offices are prohibited in this district, no commercial parking ratios are assigned; however, specific technical standards for dimensions and turning radii apply to all permitted projects.
Residential Parking Space Ratios
The number of required off-street parking spaces in the R-1-N district is determined by the number of bedrooms and whether the property is located within the Coastal Zone. In the City of Long Beach, fractional parking requirements must be rounded up to the nearest whole number [Section 21.41.216].
Table 41-1A: Parking Ratios for R-1-N Residential Units
| Number of Units/Bedrooms | Standard Requirement (per unit) | Coastal Zone Only (per unit) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 Bedrooms (Studio < 450 sq. ft.) | 1.00 space | 1.00 space |
| 1 or more Bedrooms (or 0 BR > 451 sq. ft.) | 1.50 spaces (Rounds to 2) | 2.00 spaces |
| 2 or more Bedrooms | 2.00 spaces | 2.00 spaces |
Note: Guest parking (1 space per 4 units) is only required when four or more detached or attached dwelling units are proposed as a single development [Table 41-1A].
Garage and Enclosure Requirements
The City of Long Beach mandates that in all residential districts, including the R-1-N district, all required parking spaces must be provided within an enclosed garage [Section 21.41.213].
- Access: Each parking space must be independently accessible [Section 21.41.246].
- Location: If a garage takes direct access from a street, it must be set back at least 20 feet from the street property line [Section 21.41.245.A.1.a].
- Existing Buildings: For buildings more than ten years old, no new parking is required for changes of use involving existing square footage [Section 21.41.165].
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Parking
Accessory Dwelling Units are permitted as an accessory use in the R-1-N district. While they generally require one parking space, they are often exempt based on specific criteria.
- Standard Requirement: 1 space per unit [Table 51.276-2].
- Exemptions: No parking is required for an ADU if it is located within one-half mile of public transit, is part of an existing primary residence or accessory structure, or is located within an architecturally or historically significant historic district [Section 21.51.276.E.1.b].
Commercial and Non-Residential Projects
The R-1-N district is primarily intended for single-family detached housing. Standard commercial projects, such as retail stores, offices, and restaurants, are explicitly prohibited (marked as "N" in the use table) [Table 31-1].
However, certain non-residential projects are allowed via a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) or as accessory uses:
- Home Occupations: Permitted as an accessory use; they must not displace or block required residential parking spaces [Section 21.51.235.B.10].
- Daycare Centers: Requiring a CUP, these projects must provide 2 parking spaces per classroom plus 2 loading and unloading spaces [Table 41-1C, Table 41-7].
- Churches: Requiring a CUP, parking is calculated at 1 space per every 3.3 fixed seats [Table 41-1C].
Technical Standards for Parking Spaces
All parking provided in the R-1-N district must meet the City's technical specifications for size and maneuverability.
Table 41-2: Minimum Parking Space Dimensions
| Type of Space | Width | Length | Aisle Width (90° Parking) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 8 ft. 6 in. | 18 ft. | 24 ft. |
| Compact | 8 ft. 0 in. | 15 ft. | 21 ft. |
| Handicapped | 14 ft. 0 in. | 18 ft. | 24 ft. |
Note: Residential projects may utilize compact spaces for up to 50% of the required parking [Table 41-2].
Maneuverability and Access
- Turning Radii: For standard spaces using 90-degree parking, a minimum turning radius of 24 feet is required [Table 41-3].
- Driveway Width: For residential projects with 0 to 4 parking spaces, the minimum driveway width is 9 feet [Table 41-4].
- Curb Cuts: For lots with a width between 0 and 120 feet, the City allows one curb cut with a maximum width of 20 feet [Table 41-5].
Sections Cited
- Section 21.31.020 - Districts established
- Section 21.31.213 - Parking—Garage required
- Section 21.41.165 - Change of use for building more than ten years old
- Section 21.41.213 - Parking—Garage required
- Section 21.41.216 - Parking—Required number of spaces
- Section 21.41.245 - Accessory structures
- Section 21.41.246 - Parking—Access
- Section 21.51.235 - Home occupations
- Section 21.51.276 - Accessory Dwelling Units
- Table 31-1 - Uses in Residential Zones
- Table 41-1A - Required Number of Parking Spaces for Residential Uses
- Table 41-1C - Required Number of Parking Spaces for Commercial, Industrial/Manufacturing and All Other Uses
- Table 41-2 - Minimum Parking Space Sizes
- Table 41-3 - Required Turning Radii
- Table 41-4 - Minimum Driveway Widths
- Table 41-5 - Maximum Number and Width of Driveways and Curb Cuts
- Table 51.276-2 - Required Parking for Limited and Conforming ADUs