Off-Street Parking Requirements for the R-4-H Dense Multiple Residential District in Long Beach
In the R-4-H: Dense Multiple Residential, high-rise district of the City of Long Beach, residential projects generally require between 1.0 and 2.0 parking spaces per unit based on the number of bedrooms, plus additional guest parking at a ratio of one space per every four units. Commercial developments within the R-4-H district are restricted to those uses permitted in the CL (Limited Commercial) zone and must adhere to standard commercial ratios, such as 4.0 spaces per 1,000 square feet for general retail and professional offices. Significant parking exemptions or reductions may be available for projects located within the Parking Exempt Area or those utilizing the Enhanced Density Bonus for affordable housing [Section 21.41.175, Section 21.68.090].
Residential Parking Ratios
The Long Beach Municipal Code establishes specific parking counts for residential developments in the R-4-H district based on the size and configuration of the dwelling units.
| Unit Type or Bedroom Count | Standard Requirement (Spaces per Unit) | Coastal Zone Requirement (Spaces per Unit) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 Bedrooms (not more than 450 sq. ft.) | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| 1 Bedroom (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 |
Note: In the R-4-H district, guest parking is required when four or more detached or attached units are proposed as a single development [Table 41-1A].
Commercial and Mixed-Use Parking in R-4-H
Commercial uses in the R-4-H district are limited to those permitted in the CL Zone [Section 21.45.160]. Parking for these components is calculated based on the gross floor area (GFA).
| Commercial Use Type | Required Number of Spaces |
|---|---|
| General Retail or Personal Services | 4 per 1,000 sq. ft. GFA |
| Professional Office (First 20,000 sq. ft.) | 4 per 1,000 sq. ft. GFA |
| Professional Office (Above 20,000 sq. ft.) | 2 per 1,000 sq. ft. GFA |
| Restaurants (No drive-through) | 4 per 1,000 sq. ft. GFA |
| Medical or Dental Office | 4 per 1,000 sq. ft. GFA |
[Table 41-1C]
Garage and Parking Structure Standards
For projects in the R-4-H district with three or more units, specialized standards apply to the placement and design of parking facilities.
| Type of Garage | Front/Side Street Setback | Maximum Height |
|---|---|---|
| On Grade | 30 ft. from street property line; must be screened by residential use | 13 ft. within required yard; same as principal structure outside yard |
| Semi-subterranean | Within required yard area | Not to exceed 4 ft. above grade |
| Subterranean | No minimum setback | Below grade |
[Table 31-7]
In the R-4-H district, parking structures are permitted to project into a required yard area fronting a street, provided that the entire street frontage at the ground level is occupied by a commercial use, building entrances, or approved landscape areas [Section 21.45.160.B].
Parking Exemptions and Reductions
Parking Exempt Area
No minimum number of vehicular parking spaces is required for any lot or parcel within the "Parking Exempt Area" of the City of Long Beach, provided the project is not a hotel, motel, or other transient lodging [Section 21.41.175].
Enhanced Density Bonus (EDB)
Projects in the City of Long Beach that provide on-site restricted affordable units may qualify for the following reduced parking ratios:
| Bedrooms in Unit | EDB Parking Ratio |
|---|---|
| 0 — 1 Bedrooms | 1 space per unit |
| 2 — 3 Bedrooms | 1.25 spaces per unit |
| 4+ Bedrooms | 2 spaces per unit |
| Commercial Parking | First 6,000 sq. ft. exempt (Outside Coastal Zone) |
[Table 21.68-6]
Sections Cited
- Section 21.31.020 (Districts Established)
- Section 21.41.175 (Exemption from parking minimums)
- Section 21.41.216 (Required number of spaces)
- Section 21.45.160 (Retail/office commercial uses and parking structures in the R-4-H Zone)
- Section 21.68.090 (EDB Parking requirements)
- Table 31-7 (Garages in R-3 and R-4 Zone Districts)
- 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 21.68-6 (EDB Parking Ratio Table)