R-2-N Two-family Residential District in Long Beach
The R-2-N District in the City of Long Beach is designed for two-family dwellings on standard-sized lots with a minimum area of 6,000 square feet and a minimum width of 50 feet. This zoning district allows for a maximum of two units per lot and maintains a moderate-density residential character with a building height limit of 25 feet or two stories. Development in the R-2-N District requires a floor area ratio (FAR) of 0.60 and a minimum of two parking spaces for units with two or more bedrooms.
Purpose and General Character
The primary intent of the R-2-N District is to provide for two-family, moderate-density housing that includes adequate outdoor living space [Section 21.31.020.H]. It is one of several residential districts in the City of Long Beach created to preserve the character of existing neighborhoods while allowing for the maintenance and rehabilitation of residences [Section 21.31.010]. Specifically, the R-2-N District implements Land Use District No. 2 of the Long Beach General Plan [Section 21.31.020.H].
Permitted Land Uses
The R-2-N District primarily allows for low-to-moderate density residential uses. According to the City of Long Beach use tables, the following permissions apply:
Residential Uses
- Single-family detached and attached: Permitted by right [Table 31-1].
- Duplex: Permitted by right [Table 31-1].
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Permitted as an accessory use [Table 31-1].
- Group Homes (6 or fewer persons): Permitted by right [Table 31-1].
- Transitional and Supportive Housing: Permitted by right [Table 31-1].
Other Uses
- Home Occupations: Permitted as an accessory use subject to specific performance standards [Table 31-1, Section 21.51.235].
- Community Gardens and Passive Parks: Permitted by right [Table 31-1].
- Child Daycare (Small or Large): Permitted as an accessory use [Table 31-1].
- Religious Assembly: Permitted by right for facilities up to 2,500 square feet [Table 31-1].
Uses such as multi-family dwellings (three or more units), townhouses, and most commercial or industrial activities are strictly prohibited in the R-2-N District [Table 31-1].
Development Standards
The City of Long Beach enforces specific density, bulk, and placement requirements to maintain the "standard lot" character of the R-2-N District.
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Maximum Units Per Lot | 2 units [Table 31-2A] |
| Minimum Lot Area | 6,000 sq. ft. [Table 31-2A] |
| Minimum Lot Width | 50 ft. [Table 31-2A] |
| Maximum Building Height | 25 ft. and 2 stories [Table 31-2A] |
| Maximum Lot Coverage | 60% of the lot [Table 31-2A] |
| Floor Area Ratio (FAR) | 0.60 [Table 31-2A] |
| Minimum Usable Open Space | 6% of lot area per unit [Table 31-2A] |
Required Setbacks
Setbacks in the R-2-N District ensure adequate separation between buildings and provide for sunlight and fresh air.
| Setback Location | Minimum Distance Required |
|---|---|
| Front Yard | 15 ft. [Table 31-2A] |
| Side Yard (Interior) | 4 ft. [Table 31-2A] |
| Side Yard (Street Side) | 15% of lot width (minimum 3 ft., maximum 15 ft.) [Table 31-2A, Note q] |
| Rear Yard | 20 ft. [Table 31-2A] |
Parking Requirements
Residential projects in the R-2-N District must provide off-street parking, typically within an enclosed garage [Section 21.41.213].
| Unit Type | Required Parking Spaces |
|---|---|
| 0 Bedrooms (up to 450 sq. ft.) | 1.0 space per unit [Table 41-1A] |
| 1 or more Bedrooms | 1.5 spaces per unit [Table 41-1A] |
| 2 or more Bedrooms | 2.0 spaces per unit [Table 41-1A] |
| Guest Parking | 1 space per 4 units [Table 41-1A] |
Sections Cited
- Section 21.31.010 - Purpose (Residential Districts)
- Section 21.31.020 - Districts established
- Table 31-1 - Uses in Residential Zones
- Table 31-2A - Residential Development Standards
- Section 21.41.213 - Parking—Garage required
- Table 41-1A - Required Number of Parking Spaces for Residential Uses
- Section 21.51.235 - Home occupations