R-3-S: Low-density Multi-family Residential Small Lot Standards for the City of Long Beach

The R-3-S District in the City of Long Beach is established as a three-family residential zone designed to accommodate low-density multi-family housing on small lots while protecting the character of adjacent single-family neighborhoods [Section 21.31.020]. Primary permissions allow for up to three units per lot with a maximum building height of 25 feet or two stories, provided the lot meets a minimum area requirement of 6,300 square feet [Table 31-2A].

Permitted Primary Uses in the R-3-S District

In the City of Long Beach, the R-3-S District primarily supports low-intensity residential living. The following uses are permitted by right:

Detached or Attached Single-Family Dwellings: Traditional one-unit homes [Table 31-1].
Duplexes: Two-family residential structures [Table 31-1].
Three-Family Dwellings: The maximum density allowed by right for this specific district [Table 31-1].
Manufactured Housing: Units placed on a permanent foundation [Table 31-1].
Transitional and Supportive Housing: Residential facilities providing long-term housing with support services [Table 31-1].
Group Homes: Limited to facilities serving six or fewer persons [Table 31-1].
Urban Agriculture: The use of land for agricultural purposes, subject to specific city standards [Section 21.52.260].

Accessory and Temporary Uses

The R-3-S District allows several secondary uses and structures that support the primary residential function:

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Both limited and conforming ADUs are permitted as accessory to a primary single-family residence [Section 21.51.276].
Home Occupations: Low-impact businesses conducted within a dwelling unit, such as professional offices or home crafts, provided no more than two residents are employed [Section 21.51.235].
Detached Accessory Structures: These include workshops or storage sheds, provided they do not exceed 300 square feet or five percent of the lot area [Section 21.31.245].
Temporary Events: Short-term activities like carnivals or religious exhibitions (up to 10 days) and construction trailers are permitted temporarily [Section 21.53.100].

Prohibited Uses

The City of Long Beach explicitly prohibits the following within the R-3-S District to prevent over-intensification of land use:

Higher Density Residential: Four-family dwellings, multi-family dwellings (4+ units), and townhouses are not permitted [Table 31-1].
Commercial and Industrial Uses: Office commercial, retail services, and restaurants are prohibited [Table 31-1].
Institutional Facilities: Most institutional uses, such as churches and hospitals, are restricted unless specifically approved through a discretionary process [Table 31-1].
Emergency Shelters: These are not permitted within the R-3-S District [Table 31-1].

Residential Development Standards

Development in the R-3-S District must adhere to specific spatial and bulk requirements as outlined in the City of Long Beach Municipal Code.

Standard	Requirement
Maximum Units Per Lot	3 units [Table 31-2A]
Minimum Lot Area	6,300 sq. ft. [Table 31-2A]
Minimum Lot Width	50 ft. [Table 31-2A]
Minimum Front Setback	15 ft. [Table 31-2A]
Minimum Side Setback	10% of lot width (max 10 ft.) [Section 21.31.215]
Minimum Rear Setback	20 ft. [Table 31-2A]
Maximum Height	25 ft. / 2 Stories [Table 31-2A]
Minimum Usable Open Space	250 sq. ft. per unit [Table 31-2A]

Off-Street Parking Requirements

The City of Long Beach requires on-site parking for all residential developments in the R-3-S District to be provided within an enclosed garage [Section 21.41.213].

Unit Type/Bedroom Count	Required Spaces Per Unit
0 Bedrooms (Studio)	1.00 space [Table 41-1A]
1 Bedroom (up to 450 sq. ft.)	1.00 space [Table 41-1A]
1 Bedroom (over 450 sq. ft.)	1.50 spaces [Table 41-1A]
2 or more Bedrooms	2.00 spaces [Table 41-1A]
Guest Parking	1 space per 4 units [Table 41-1A]

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