R-1-L Single-Family Residential (Large Lot) Zoning in Long Beach
The R-1-L: Single-family Residential, large lot district in the City of Long Beach is established to provide an open, uncrowded living environment with a required minimum lot area of 12,000 square feet. This designation strictly limits residential density to one primary detached dwelling unit per lot and maintains a low floor area ratio of 0.6 to preserve the spacious character of the municipality's suburban neighborhoods [Section 21.31.020.D].
Allowed Residential Uses in the R-1-L District
The City of Long Beach permits a specific range of residential uses within the R-1-L zone, primarily focusing on low-density habitation.
- Permitted by Right (Y): Single-family detached dwellings, modular or manufactured housing placed on a permanent foundation, group homes (serving 6 or fewer persons), and transitional or supportive housing [Table 31-1].
- Permitted as Accessory Uses (A): Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), home occupations, room rentals, safe parking sites, and the storage or parking of recreational vehicles [Table 31-1].
- Permitted with Administrative or Conditional Approval (AP/C): Residential historic landmark buildings may be used for specified purposes via an Administrative Use Permit, while mobile home parks and daycare centers (serving 15 or more persons) require a Conditional Use Permit [Table 31-1].
Prohibited Uses in the R-1-L District
To maintain the low-density integrity of the R-1-L district, the City of Long Beach prohibits more intensive residential and commercial activities.
- Prohibited Residential: Single-family attached units, duplexes, triplexes, multi-family dwellings, townhomes, and special group residences (such as fraternities or sororities) [Table 31-1].
- Prohibited Commercial/Institutional: Office commercial uses, restaurants, retail stores, churches, and private elementary or vocational schools [Table 31-1].
- Other Prohibitions: Electrical distribution stations, rail yards, and most industrial activities are not allowed within R-1-L zoned areas [Table 31-1].
R-1-L Development Standards
All structures within the R-1-L district must adhere to specific dimensions regarding lot size, setbacks, and height to ensure consistency with the Long Beach General Plan.
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 12,000 sq. ft. |
| Minimum Lot Width | 60 ft. |
| Maximum Density | 1 unit per lot |
| Minimum Front Yard Setback | 25 ft. |
| Minimum Side Yard Setback | 6 ft. |
| Minimum Rear Yard Setback | 30 ft. |
| Maximum Building Height | 25 ft. (2 Stories) |
| Maximum Lot Coverage | 40% of lot |
| Floor Area Ratio (FAR) | 0.6 |
| Minimum Usable Open Space | 23% of lot |
[Table 31-2A]
Special Regulations for the R-1-L Zone
Large Single-Family Dwellings
In the R-1-L zone, any new construction or rebuild of a dwelling that exceeds 5,000 square feet in total size and is within 10 percent of the maximum FAR must follow "four-sided architecture" requirements. This ensures building details and design treatments are consistent on all elevations to maintain visual interest for the City of Long Beach [Section 21.31.255.E].
Garage Setbacks
While standard residential setbacks apply to most structures, any garage in the R-1-L zone must be set back at least 50 feet from the front street property line [Section 21.31.245.A.1.c].
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
ADUs are allowed on R-1-L lots with an existing single-family home. For "Conforming ADUs" (those involving new floor area), the minimum lot size required is 4,800 square feet, which R-1-L lots naturally exceed. A Conforming ADU in this district may not exceed 50% of the GFA of the primary dwelling or 800 square feet, whichever is less [Section 21.51.276].
Sections Cited
- Section 21.15.1070 - Floor area, gross (GFA)
- Section 21.25.1201 - Interim Park Use Permit Purpose
- Section 21.31.020 - Districts established
- Section 21.31.245 - Accessory structures
- Section 21.31.255 - Design, treatment and finish
- Section 21.51.235 - Home occupations
- Section 21.51.276 - Accessory Dwelling Units
- Table 31-1 - Uses in Residential Zones
- Table 31-2A - Residential Development Standards