R-1-N Single-family Residential (Standard Lot) District in Long Beach
The R-1-N district in the City of Long Beach is designed for single-family residences on standard lots with a minimum area of 6,000 square feet and a minimum width of 50 feet. This district prioritizes the traditional Southern California outdoor lifestyle by limiting density to one primary unit per lot, capping building height at 25 feet (2 stories), and requiring at least 16 percent of the lot be dedicated to usable open space [Section 21.31.020]. The regulations for the R-1-N district are specifically established to protect neighborhoods from overcrowding and the conversion of properties to higher densities [Section 21.31.020].
Purpose and General Character
The primary intent of the R-1-N district is to create and maintain high-quality residential environments for single-family living within the City of Long Beach [Section 21.31.010]. The "N" designation refers to "standard" lots, which are larger than those found in the small-lot (R-1-S) or moderate-lot (R-1-M) districts [Section 21.30.040].
The character of the R-1-N district is defined by its consistency with Land Use District No. 1 of the Long Beach General Plan. It emphasizes low-density development and the preservation of existing neighborhood aesthetics, ensuring that new housing remains an asset to the surrounding community [Section 21.31.010].
Permitted Land Uses
The City of Long Beach strictly regulates uses in the R-1-N district to maintain its single-family character. While the primary use is a detached single-family home, certain accessory and institutional uses are allowed [Table 31-1].
Residential Uses
- Single-family Detached: Permitted as the primary residential use [Table 31-1].
- Single-family Attached and Duplexes: Strictly prohibited [Table 31-1].
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Permitted as accessory uses, including both "Limited ADUs" and "Conforming ADUs" [Table 31-1].
- Transitional and Supportive Housing: Permitted by right [Table 31-1].
Community and Other Uses
- Religious Assembly: Small-scale facilities (up to 2,500 sq. ft. of gross floor area and 100 or fewer occupants) are permitted by right [Table 31-1].
- Home Occupations: Permitted as an accessory use within a dwelling unit, subject to the standards in Section 21.51.235 [Table 31-1].
- Interim Parks: Passive parks are permitted by right, while playgrounds require an Interim Park Use Permit [Table 31-1].
- Child Daycare: Small or large family daycare homes (1–14 persons) are permitted as accessory uses [Table 31-1].
Development Standards
The City of Long Beach enforces specific dimensional standards in the R-1-N district to regulate building bulk, height, and placement on the lot.
| Standard | R-1-N District Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 6,000 sq. ft. |
| Minimum Lot Width | 50 ft. |
| Minimum Front Setback | 20 ft. |
| Minimum Side Setback | 4 ft. |
| Minimum Rear Setback | 10 ft. (1st Story); 30 ft. (2nd Story) |
| Maximum Building Height | 25 ft. and 2 Stories |
| Maximum Lot Coverage | 50% of the lot |
| Floor Area Ratio (FAR) | 0.60 |
| Minimum Usable Open Space | 16% of the lot area |
[Source: Table 31-2A]
Parking Requirements
Residential projects within the R-1-N district of the City of Long Beach must provide off-street parking based on the size of the dwelling unit.
| Unit Type | Required Parking Spaces |
|---|---|
| Studio (0 bedrooms) | 1.00 space per unit |
| 1-Bedroom or Zero-Bedroom > 450 sq. ft. | 1.50 spaces per unit |
| 2 or More Bedrooms | 2.00 spaces per unit |
| Guest Parking | 1 space per 4 units (applies to projects with 4+ detached units) |
[Source: Table 41-1A]
Sections Cited
- 21.30.040 - District boundary determination
- 21.31.010 - Purpose (Residential Districts)
- 21.31.020 - Districts established
- 21.31.110 - Permitted uses
- Table 31-1 - Uses in Residential Zones
- Table 31-2A - Residential Development Standards
- 21.41.216 - Parking—Required number of spaces
- Table 41-1A - Required Number of Parking Spaces for Residential Uses
- 21.51.235 - Home occupations
- 21.51.276 - Accessory Dwelling Units