Permitted and Prohibited Uses in the Long Beach R-2-I District
In the City of Long Beach, the R-2-I District (Two-family Residential, intensified development) is designed for two-family residential use at an intensity appropriate for areas in immediate proximity to public open space [Section 21.31.020.G]. This Long Beach zoning designation primarily permits single-family homes and duplexes on lots with a minimum area of 4,800 square feet and a minimum width of 40 feet [Table 31-2A]. Most commercial and high-density multi-family uses are strictly prohibited within the R-2-I District to maintain its residential character [Table 31-1].
Allowed Residential Uses
The Long Beach R-2-I District primarily supports low-to-moderate density housing. The following residential uses are permitted by right or as accessory uses:
- By Right (Y): Single-family detached dwellings, single-family attached dwellings, duplexes, modular or manufactured housing units on permanent foundations, and transitional or supportive housing [Table 31-1].
- Accessory Use (A): Conforming accessory dwelling units (ADUs), room rentals, and home occupations [Table 31-1].
- Conditional Use (C): Mobile home parks (limited to unsold spaces) [Section 21.52.243].
Permitted Community and Other Uses
The City of Long Beach allows specific non-residential uses in the R-2-I District, often requiring special permits or specific conditions:
- Public/Parks: Passive parks are permitted by right. Recreational parks and urban agriculture require an Administrative Use Permit (AP). Playgrounds are permitted via an Interim Park Use Permit (IP) [Table 31-1].
- Care and Services: Group homes (6 or fewer persons) and small child daycare homes (1–14 persons) are allowed. Daycare centers for 15 or more persons require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) [Table 31-1].
- Temporary Uses (T): Carnivals, fiestas, construction trailers, and temporary activating uses are permitted for limited durations [Table 31-1, Section 21.53.100].
Prohibited Uses in the R-2-I District
To preserve the intensified two-family nature of the neighborhood, Long Beach prohibits the following uses in the R-2-I District:
- Higher Density Housing: Three-family, four-family, and multi-family dwellings, as well as townhouses and special group residences (such as dormitories or fraternity houses) [Table 31-1].
- Commercial Uses: Professional offices, retail stores, restaurants, bed and breakfast inns, and through-block commercial developments [Table 31-1].
- Institutional/Industrial: Churches (Religious Assembly), community gardens, private schools, and electrical distribution stations [Table 31-1].
- Cannabis: Adult-use cannabis businesses of all subcategories are prohibited [Note (g) to Table 31-1].
Development and Parking Standards
Development in the Long Beach R-2-I District must adhere to specific spatial and parking requirements:
R-2-I Dimensional Standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 4,800 sq. ft. |
| Minimum Lot Width | 40 ft. |
| Front Yard Setback | 3 ft. (permitted structures may extend to within 6 in. of the front property line) |
| Side Yard Setback | 3 ft. |
| Rear Yard Setback | 8 ft. |
| Maximum Building Height | 32 ft. to 35 ft. (limit of 3 stories) |
| Usable Open Space | 2% of the lot area per unit |
Sources: [Table 31-2A], [Section 21.31.215 (Footnote a)]
R-2-I Parking Requirements
| Unit Type | Required Off-Street Spaces |
|---|---|
| 0 Bedrooms (Studio) | 1.00 space |
| 1 or More Bedrooms | 1.50 spaces |
| 2 or More Bedrooms | 2.00 spaces |
| Guest Parking | 1 space per 4 units |
Sources: [Table 41-1A]
Sections Cited
- Section 21.15.045: Accessory Dwelling Unit
- Section 21.31.020.G: R-2-I District Definition
- Table 31-1: Uses in Residential Zones
- Table 31-2A: Residential Development Standards
- Section 21.31.215: Yard Requirements
- Section 21.52.243: Mobile Home Park Standards
- Section 21.53.100: Temporary Use Regulations
- Table 41-1A: Required Number of Parking Spaces for Residential Uses