R-2-N Two-family Residential District Use Regulations in Long Beach

In the City of Long Beach, the R-2-N Two-family Residential District is designed to provide moderate-density housing on standard-sized lots, allowing for a maximum of two dwelling units per property. The district maintains a residential character with a maximum building height of 25 feet (two stories) and requires at least 6,000 square feet of total lot area for new developments [Section 21.31.020 and Table 31-2A]. While it permits single-family homes and duplexes, nearly all commercial, industrial, and high-density multi-family uses are strictly prohibited.

Allowed Principal Uses

According to the Long Beach Municipal Code, the following uses are permitted by right in the R-2-N Two-family Residential District:

Single-family Dwellings: Both detached and attached single-family homes are permitted [Table 31-1].
Two-family Dwellings (Duplexes): Properties are permitted to contain a maximum of two dwelling units [Table 31-1].
Group Homes: Small group homes serving 1 to 6 persons are permitted [Table 31-1].
Transitional and Supportive Housing: These residential uses are permitted to provide long-term habitation [Table 31-1].
Passive Parks: Publicly owned natural and open areas for informal relaxation and play are permitted [Table 31-1].

Accessory and Temporary Uses

The Long Beach Municipal Code allows certain uses in the R-2-N district only when they are subordinate to the primary residential use or conducted on a temporary basis:

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Both limited and conforming ADUs are allowed as accessory uses to an existing single-family dwelling [Section 21.51.276].
Home Occupations: Low-impact business activities conducted by residents within a dwelling unit are permitted as accessory uses [Section 21.51.235].
Child Daycare: Small or large family daycare homes serving up to 14 children are permitted as accessory uses [Section 21.51.230].
Vehicle Parking and Storage: The parking of personal vehicles and recreational vehicles (subject to weight and size limits) is allowed as an accessory use [Sections 21.41.276 and 21.41.281].
Room Rentals: The rental of rooms within a dwelling unit is permitted as an accessory use [Section 21.51.270].
Temporary Events: Short-term activities such as carnivals or festivals (limited to twice a year) and construction trailers are permitted for up to 10 consecutive days with written approval [Section 21.53.100 and 21.53.109].

Conditional and Administrative Permits

Certain uses within the R-2-N Two-family Residential District require additional oversight and may be permitted only after a public hearing or administrative review:

Administrative Use Permits (AP): Required for residential historic landmark buildings, recreational parks, and urban agriculture uses [Table 31-1].
Conditional Use Permits (C): Required for daycare centers serving 15 or more persons, courtesy parking for nonresidential uses, and wireless telecommunications facilities [Table 31-1].
Interim Park Use Permits (IP): Specifically required for the establishment of playgrounds on vacant lots [Table 31-1].
Sandwiched Lot Development: The development of a "sandwiched lot" (a small lot between two taller buildings) requires a Conditional Use Permit [Section 21.52.270].

Prohibited Uses

The R-2-N Two-family Residential District in Long Beach prohibits any use that would conflict with its moderate-density residential character. Prohibited uses include, but are not limited to:

High-Density Housing: Three-family, four-family, and multi-family dwellings, as well as townhomes, are not allowed [Table 31-1].
Commercial and Industrial Uses: All forms of retail trade, office use, restaurants, and industrial manufacturing are prohibited [Table 31-1].
Adult Entertainment: Businesses defined as adult entertainment, arcades, or tattoo parlors are prohibited [Table 31-1].
Institutional Uses: Hospitals, private schools, and churches are generally not permitted in this residential zone [Table 31-1].
Specific Storage: Mobile home parks, commercial storage, and the storage of inoperative, dismantled, or wrecked vehicles in public view are prohibited [Section 21.31.120 and 21.41.283].

Technical Development Standards

The following table outlines the technical requirements for development within the R-2-N Two-family Residential District in Long Beach [Table 31-2A].

Standard	Requirement
Max Units Per Lot	2 units
Minimum Lot Area	6,000 sq. ft.
Minimum Lot Width	50 ft.
Front Yard Setback	15 ft.
Side Yard Setback	4 ft. (subject to narrow lot exceptions)
Rear Yard Setback	20 ft.
Maximum Height	25 ft. / 2 stories
Maximum Lot Coverage	60% of lot
Floor Area Ratio (FAR)	0.60
Minimum Usable Open Space	6% of lot area per unit

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