Off-Street Parking Standards for the Long Beach R-2-S District
In the City of Long Beach R-2-S (Two-family Residential, small lot) district, residential projects must typically provide between 1.0 and 2.0 parking spaces per unit depending on the number of bedrooms and whether the site is located within the Coastal Zone. A critical restriction for the R-2-S district mandates that if a site cannot provide four independently accessible parking spaces, one of the two allowed units is limited to a 450-square-foot "zero bedroom" unit. While commercial uses are generally prohibited in this residential district, any permitted non-residential uses are subject to specific ratios, such as 1 space per 35 square feet for assembly areas or 4 spaces per 1,000 square feet for general office use.
Residential Parking Requirements
The City of Long Beach calculates off-street parking for the R-2-S district based on the size of the dwelling unit and its bedroom count. Because the R-2-S district is primarily intended for areas with high open space amenities like the Coastal Zone, specific higher ratios often apply [Section 21.31.020].
Unit-Based Ratios
The following table outlines the minimum required parking spaces for residential developments in the R-2-S district:
| Unit Type / Bedroom Count | Required Spaces (Standard) | Coastal Zone Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 0 Bedrooms (450 sq. ft. or less) | 1.00 space per unit | 1.00 space per unit |
| 1 Bedroom (or 0 bedrooms > 450 sq. ft.) | 1.50 spaces per unit | 2.00 spaces per unit |
| 2 or more Bedrooms | 2.00 spaces per unit | 2.00 spaces per unit |
| Guest Parking | 1 space per 4 units | 1 space per 4 units |
Note on Guest Parking: Guest parking is required when four or more detached or attached dwelling units are proposed as a single development [Table 41-1A, Note c].
The R-2-S Duplex Restriction
The City of Long Beach imposes a unique accessibility requirement for duplexes (two-family dwellings) within the R-2-S district. A duplex is permitted only if the site can accommodate four independently accessible parking spaces. If the site is unable to provide these four spaces, the development is restricted: one unit must be limited to 450 square feet and classified as a zero-bedroom unit [Table 31-1, Note b].
Commercial and Non-Residential Parking
Commercial projects such as retail, office, and standard restaurants are generally listed as "N" (Not Permitted) within the R-2-S district [Table 31-1]. However, certain non-residential "Other Uses" are permitted or conditionally permitted (e.g., Daycare Centers). If a non-residential project is approved in the City of Long Beach, the following standards from the general commercial tables apply:
| Use Category | Required Number of Spaces |
|---|---|
| Professional Office | 4 per 1,000 sq. ft. GFA |
| Daycare Center (15+ persons) | 1 space per every 10 children, plus 2 loading spaces |
| Religious Assembly (with fixed seats) | 1 per every 3.3 fixed seats |
| Basic Retail Sales | 4 per 1,000 sq. ft. GFA |
Design and Development Standards
The City of Long Beach requires all parking facilities in the R-2-S district to meet specific dimensional and accessibility standards to ensure proper circulation.
Parking Space Dimensions
| Space Type | Minimum Size | Minimum Aisle Width |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 8 ft. 6 in. x 18 ft. | 24 ft. |
| Compact | 8 ft. x 15 ft. | 21 ft. |
| Handicapped | 14 ft. x 18 ft. | 24 ft. |
Proportion Limits: For residential uses in the City of Long Beach, compact spaces may not exceed 50 percent of the total required parking [Table 41-2].
Access and Tandem Parking
- Independent Access: Each required parking space must be independently accessible, meaning a vehicle must be able to enter and exit a space without moving another vehicle. Tandem parking is generally prohibited for meeting the standard R-2-S requirements [Section 21.41.246].
- Tandem Exceptions: Tandem parking may be allowed for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) or if a project is specifically approved for valet parking through a site plan review [Section 21.41.233].
- Garages: In residential districts, all required parking spaces must be provided within an enclosed garage [Section 21.41.213].
Driveways and Curb Cuts
For lots in the R-2-S district with a width between 0 and 120 feet, the City of Long Beach restricts the property to one curb cut with a maximum width of 20 feet [Table 41-5]. If the garage takes direct access from a street, it must be set back at least 20 feet from the street property line [Section 21.31.245].
Sections Cited
- Section 21.31.020 - Districts established
- Table 31-1 - Uses in Residential Zones
- Section 21.31.245 - Accessory structures
- Section 21.41.213 - Parking—Garage required
- Section 21.41.216 - Parking—Required number of spaces
- 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
- Section 21.41.233 - Tandem parking—Residential uses
- Section 21.41.246 - Parking—Access
- Table 41-5 - Maximum Number and Width of Driveways and Curb Cuts