Off-Street Parking Standards for the R-4-R District in Long Beach
In the City of Long Beach, the R-4-R (Moderate-density Multiple Residential) district is primarily designed for multi-family residential use with specific height and density restrictions [Section 21.31.020]. Off-street parking for residential projects in this district is based on the number of bedrooms, with a requirement that all spaces be provided within an enclosed garage [Section 21.41.213]. While the district is residential, limited commercial uses allowed by permit (such as professional offices or bed and breakfasts) must also meet specific parking ratios based on floor area or guestroom count [Table 31-1].
Residential Parking Ratios
For all residential developments in the R-4-R Moderate-density Multiple Residential district, the City of Long Beach requires parking based on the size of the units. A unique rule for calculating these requirements is that every room in a unit—excluding one living room, one dining room, one kitchen, and bathrooms—is legally counted as a bedroom for parking purposes [Table 41-1A, Note (e)].
| Unit Type | Standard Requirement (per unit) | Coastal Zone Requirement (per unit) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 Bedrooms (450 sq. ft. or less) | 1.00 space | 1.00 space |
| 1 Bedroom (or 0-BR over 451 sq. ft.) | 1.50 spaces | 2.00 spaces |
| 2 or More Bedrooms | 2.00 spaces | 2.00 spaces |
| Guest Parking | 1 space per 4 units | 1 space per 4 units |
Commercial Use Parking Requirements
The R-4-R Moderate-density Multiple Residential district strictly limits commercial activity. However, certain "commercial-adjacent" uses are permitted by Administrative Use Permit (AP) or Conditional Use Permit (C) and must adhere to the following parking standards [Table 41-1C]:
- Professional Office: 4 spaces per 1,000 square feet of Gross Floor Area (GFA) for the first 20,000 square feet [Table 41-1C].
- Bed and Breakfast Inn: 2 spaces for the resident operator, plus 1 space for each guestroom [Table 41-1C].
- Daycare Centers (15+ persons): 1 space per 10 children, plus 2 designated loading and unloading spaces [Table 41-1C].
- Religious Assembly: 1 space per every 3.3 fixed seats [Table 41-1C].
Parking Facility Design and Location
The City of Long Beach mandates strict design standards for parking facilities within the R-4-R district to maintain neighborhood character and functionality.
Garage and Tandem Requirements
In the R-4-R district, all required residential parking spaces must be located within an enclosed garage [Section 21.41.213]. Tandem parking (one car parked behind another) is generally prohibited for required residential parking, except when approved through a site plan review for valet parking or for specific low-income housing projects [Section 21.41.233].
Dimensions and Turning Radii
Parking spaces and driveways must meet the following minimum dimensions [Table 41-2, Table 41-3]:
- Standard Stall: 8 feet 6 inches by 18 feet.
- Compact Stall: 8 feet by 15 feet (limited to a maximum of 50% of total residential parking).
- Turning Radius: 24 feet is required for 90-degree parking configurations (reduced to 23 feet in certain specific lot layouts).
- Driveway Width: For 15 or more spaces, the minimum driveway width is 20 feet for residential projects.
Setbacks and Screening
- Street Frontage: On-grade garages must be set back at least 30 feet from the street property line and must be screened by the residential use [Table 31-7].
- Landscape Buffers: Parking lots abutting a residential district must be screened by a solid masonry wall between 3 feet and 6 feet 6 inches in height, depending on the location relative to the front yard [Section 21.41.266].
Sections Cited
- Section 21.31.020 - Districts established
- Section 21.31.110 - Permitted uses (Table 31-1)
- Section 21.41.213 - Parking—Garage required
- Section 21.41.216 - Parking—Required number of spaces
- Section 21.41.231 - Parking—Size of spaces
- Section 21.41.233 - Tandem parking—Residential uses
- Section 21.41.243 - Parking lot layout
- Section 21.41.266 - Parking areas—Screening
- Table 41-1A - Required Number of Parking Spaces for Residential Uses
- Table 41-1C - Required Number of Parking Spaces for Commercial, Industrial, and Other Uses