Off-Street Parking Standards for the RM (Mobile Home) District
In the RM: Mobile homes, modular and manufactured residential district of Long Beach, residential projects are subject to a specific cap of 1.5 parking spaces per dwelling unit regardless of the number of bedrooms. Guest parking for these residential developments is required at a rate of one space for every four units. While most purely commercial projects are prohibited in the RM district, any permitted or conditional non-residential uses must adhere to the standard ratios set forth in the city's general parking schedules.
Residential Parking Requirements in the RM District
The City of Long Beach establishes off-street parking requirements for the RM district based on the number of bedrooms and the specific type of unit. A critical provision for the RM district is that the total requirement cannot exceed 1.5 spaces per unit, providing a specific ceiling for high-occupancy manufactured housing [Table 41-1A].
All residential units in the RM district must provide on-site parking [Section 21.41.221].
Residential Parking Ratios
| Unit Type / Bedroom Count | Number of Spaces per Unit | Guest Parking Required |
|---|---|---|
| 0 Bedrooms (not more than 450 sq. ft.) | 1.00 | 1 space per 4 units |
| 1 or more Bedrooms (or 0 BR > 450 sq. ft.) | 1.50 | 1 space per 4 units |
| 2 or more Bedrooms | 1.50 (capped by RM-specific rule) | 1 space per 4 units |
Note on RM District Ceiling: Per Table 41-1A, Note (a), in the RM district, not more than 1.5 spaces per unit shall be required, even if standard residential tables for other districts would require 2.0 spaces for larger units [Table 41-1A].
Commercial and Non-Residential Parking in the RM District
According to the Long Beach Residential Use Table, most standard commercial uses (such as retail stores or offices) are prohibited (N) within the RM district [Table 31-1]. However, certain non-residential uses are permitted as accessory (A) or conditional (C) uses. Parking for these uses is determined by Table 41-1C, which applies to "All Other Uses" in the City of Long Beach.
Ratios for Permitted/Conditional Non-Residential Uses
| Use Type | Required Number of Spaces |
|---|---|
| Home Occupation | No additional spaces required beyond residential use [Section 21.51.235] |
| Daycare Center | 1 space per 10 children, plus 2 loading/unloading spaces [Table 41-1C] |
| Mobile Home Park (Unsold Spaces) | Determined by Conditional Use Permit (CUP) [Section 21.25.201] |
| Vehicle Parking and Storage | 4 spaces per 1,000 SF-GFA (if processed as a principal use) [Table 41-1C] |
General Development Standards for Parking
The City of Long Beach requires that all parking areas in the RM district meet specific dimensional and maintenance standards to ensure safety and accessibility.
Parking Space Dimensions
| Type of Space | Minimum Size | Aisle Width (90° Parking) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 8 feet 6 inches by 18 feet | 24 feet |
| Compact | 8 feet by 15 feet | 21 feet |
| Handicapped | 14 feet by 18 feet | 24 feet |
- Proportion of Compact Spaces: In residential projects, not more than 50 percent of the required parking may be provided as compact spaces [Table 41-2].
- Tandem Parking: Tandem parking is generally prohibited in the RM district for standard residential projects unless specifically approved for valet parking via site plan review [Section 21.41.233].
- Accessibility: Each parking space, with the exception of tandem and valet spaces, must be independently accessible [Section 21.41.246].
Adjustments and Exceptions
The Zoning Administrator of Long Beach may grant adjustments to the required number of parking spaces through an Administrative Use Permit (AUP). This requires a finding that adequate parking, circulation, and access are provided for customers and residents through alternative means, such as a Parking Management Plan [Section 21.41.223].
For buildings that are more than ten years old, no new parking is required for changes of use within the existing square footage [Section 21.41.165].
Sections Cited
- Section 21.15.2580 (Freestanding sign)
- Section 21.25.201 (Conditional Use Permits)
- Section 21.31.020 (Districts established)
- 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)
- Section 21.41.165 (Change of use for building more than ten years old)
- Section 21.41.221 (On-site parking required—Residential uses)
- Section 21.41.223 (Adjustment of parking requirements)
- Section 21.41.233 (Tandem parking—Residential uses)
- Section 21.41.246 (Parking—Access)
- Section 21.51.235 (Home occupations)