Off-Street Parking Standards for the CS: Commercial Storage District in Long Beach
In the City of Long Beach, the CS: Commercial Storage district is primarily designed to encourage storage uses in areas with unique parcel shapes or environmental challenges, though it also permits specific residential uses such as transitional and supportive housing. Off-street parking for commercial projects in the CS: Commercial Storage district is determined by the specific use, with wholesale operations generally requiring 3 spaces per 1,000 square feet, while permitted residential units require between 1 and 2 spaces depending on the number of bedrooms. Furthermore, any parking area in the CS: Commercial Storage district must maintain specific setbacks, including a 6-foot minimum from any front or side street [Section 21.32.020 and Table 32-2].
Residential Parking Requirements in the CS District
While the CS: Commercial Storage district is primarily non-residential, certain residential uses such as transitional housing, supportive housing, and mobile home parks are permitted [Table 31-1]. In the City of Long Beach, residential projects located within commercial zones must provide parking according to the standard residential parking tables [Section 21.41.229].
Standard Residential Ratios
| Number of Units / Bedrooms | Number of Spaces Per Unit |
|---|---|
| 0 Bedrooms (under 450 sq. ft.) | 1.00 space |
| 1 or more Bedrooms (or 0 BR over 451 sq. ft.) | 1.50 spaces |
| 2 or more Bedrooms | 2.00 spaces |
| Guest Parking | 1 space per 4 units |
Note: For projects in the Coastal Zone, the ratio for 1-bedroom units increases to 2.00 spaces per unit [Table 41-1A].
Special Residential Ratios
For affordable, senior, or handicapped housing projects that may be permitted in the CS: Commercial Storage district, the following ratios apply:
| Use Type | Required Number of Spaces |
|---|---|
| Senior/Handicapped (Low Rent) | 1 space per 2 bedrooms |
| Senior/Handicapped (Market Rent) | 1 space per 1 bedroom |
| Residential Care Facility | 1 space per bed |
| Monastery / Convent / Religious Home | 1 space per 2 beds |
[Source: Table 41-1B]
Commercial and Industrial Parking Requirements in the CS District
The CS: Commercial Storage district is most frequently utilized for industrial-adjacent commerce and storage facilities. The Long Beach Municipal Code provides specific ratios for these use types [Section 21.41.216].
| Commercial / Industrial Use Type | Required Number of Spaces |
|---|---|
| Mini-warehouse (Personal Storage) | 3 spaces, plus 1 per 100 units |
| Wholesale Sales and Distribution | 3 per 1,000 sq. ft. of Gross Floor Area (GFA) |
| Service, Storage, and Contractor Yards | 1 per 5,000 sq. ft. of yard area, plus office area requirement (minimum 2 spaces) |
| Research Laboratories | 3 per 1,000 sq. ft. GFA |
| Warehouse/Airplane Hanger | 1 per 1,000 sq. ft. GFA |
| Manufacturing and Processing | 2 per 1,000 sq. ft. GFA |
[Source: Table 33-2 and Table 41-1C]
Parking Area Design and Setbacks
In the CS: Commercial Storage district of Long Beach, parking lots must be designed to minimize impact on the public right-of-way and adjacent properties.
Required Setbacks for Parking Areas
Parking areas in the CS: Commercial Storage district are subject to the following minimum distances between the parking facility and the property lines:
| Adjoining Boundary Type | Required Minimum Setback |
|---|---|
| Front Street | 6 feet |
| Side Street | 6 feet |
| Alley | 14 feet from centerline |
| Adjacent to Residential District | 5 feet |
| Adjacent to Nonresidential District | 0 feet |
[Source: Table 32-2]
Off-Site Parking Provisions
The Long Beach Municipal Code allows commercial and industrial users in the CS: Commercial Storage district to provide required parking off-site, provided it is located within 600 feet of the use it serves. This distance is measured from the middle of the parking facility to the main entrance of the building or parcel. Off-site parking must be secured via a deed restriction to ensure "Guaranteed Permanence" and must be clearly identified with illuminated signs [Section 21.41.222].
Sections Cited
- Section 21.31.110 - Permitted Uses (Residential)
- Section 21.32.020 - Districts Established (Commercial)
- Section 21.32.220 - Yards
- Section 21.41.170 - Established Uses
- Section 21.41.216 - Parking—Required number of spaces
- Section 21.41.222 - Off-site parking
- Section 21.41.229 - Parking—Residential uses in commercial zones
- Table 31-1 - Uses in Residential Zones
- Table 32-2 - Commercial Development Standards
- Table 33-2 - Uses in Industrial Districts
- Table 41-1A - Required Number of Parking Spaces for Residential Uses
- Table 41-1B - Required Number of Parking Spaces for Special Residential Uses
- Table 41-1C - Required Number of Parking Spaces for Commercial, Industrial/Manufacturing and All Other Uses