R-3-T: Multi-family Residential, Townhouse District in Long Beach
The Long Beach R-3-T: Multi-family Residential, Townhouse district is tailored for row house developments on small, narrow lots, often serving as an urban transition zone. The district limits buildings to a maximum height of 28 feet (2 stories) and permits residential densities of up to one unit per 2,400 square feet on larger parcels. Key allowed uses in the Long Beach R-3-T include attached single-family units, duplexes, three-family dwellings, and townhouses. [Sections 21.31.020, 21.31.205, 21.31.110]
Purpose and General Character
The Long Beach R-3-T district is established as a townhouse or row house residential zone specifically designed for small, especially shallow, lots. The City of Long Beach intends for this district to accommodate residential lots located along significant traffic arteries where high lot coverage and "inward-oriented" dwellings are appropriate [Section 21.31.020].
The general character of the Long Beach R-3-T district is defined by its role as a transitional zone, helping areas shift from commercial uses to residential neighborhoods. It implements Land Use District No. 3A of the Long Beach General Plan, promoting a higher intensity of housing while maintaining a scale compatible with surrounding residential environments [Section 21.31.020].
Permitted Land Uses
The Long Beach R-3-T district focuses primarily on attached residential forms. While detached single-family homes are generally not permitted, various forms of attached and multi-unit housing are allowed by right.
Residential Uses
- Single-family attached: Permitted (Y)
- Duplex: Permitted (Y)
- Three-family dwelling: Permitted (Y)
- Townhouse: Permitted (Y)
- Transitional and Supportive Housing: Permitted (Y)
- Group Home (6 or fewer persons): Permitted (Y)
Accessory and Temporary Uses
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Permitted as an accessory use [Section 21.51.276].
- Home Occupations: Permitted as an accessory use [Section 21.51.235].
- Passive Parks: Permitted (Y).
- Playgrounds: Permitted through an Interim Park Use Permit (IP) [Section 21.31.110, Table 31-1].
Prohibited Uses
- Detached single-family homes
- Four-family and larger multi-family dwellings
- Mobile home parks
- Commercial uses (except those explicitly allowed as accessory uses)
Development Standards
Developments in the Long Beach R-3-T district must adhere to specific standards regarding lot size, height, and setbacks to maintain the intended row house character.
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 3,000 sq. ft. |
| Minimum Lot Width | 25 ft. (New subdivisions must orient lots to the side street) |
| Maximum Building Height | 28 ft. (Maximum 2 stories) |
| Minimum Front Yard Setback | 15 ft. |
| Minimum Side Yard Setback | 10% of lot width (Min. 3 ft. / Max. 10 ft.) |
| Minimum Rear Yard Setback | 20 ft. |
| Usable Open Space | 250 sq. ft. per unit |
[Sections 21.31.205 (Table 31-2A), 21.31.215]
Residential Density
The allowable density in the Long Beach R-3-T district depends on the size and width of the site.
| Site Area (Sq. Ft.) | Site Width (Ft.) | Permitted Density |
|---|---|---|
| 0 — 3,200 | 0 — 25 | 1 unit per lot |
| 3,201 — 15,000 | 26 — 120 | 1 unit per 3,000 sq. ft. |
| 15,001 or more | 121 or more | 1 unit per 2,400 sq. ft. |
[Section 21.31.205 (Table 31-2B)]
Special Regulations
Specific design and placement rules apply to the Long Beach R-3-T district to maximize the efficiency of small lots:
- Zero Side Yard: One zero side yard is permitted in the Long Beach R-3-T district, provided the opposite side yard is equal to or greater than twice the required width for the zone. Adjoining structures must be at least eight feet from the zero lot line structure [Section 21.31.215.E.1].
- Double Zero Side Yard: This is permitted in the Long Beach R-3-T district if no principal use structure on an adjoining lot lies within six feet of the proposed zero lot line. Additionally, continuous buildings parallel to the front lot line cannot exceed 150 feet in length [Section 21.31.215.E.2].
- Pedestrian Access: Every building must have a covered front entryway. This entry must face either the front property line or, in the case of a corner lot, the side street property line. A decorative paved walkway of at least eight feet in width must connect the entry to the public right-of-way [Section 21.31.250].
Parking Requirements
Off-street parking in the Long Beach R-3-T district is determined by the number of bedrooms per unit.
| Unit Type | Required Parking Spaces |
|---|---|
| 0 Bedrooms | 1.0 space per unit |
| 1 Bedroom | 1.5 spaces per unit (2.0 in Coastal Zone) |
| 2 or more Bedrooms | 2.0 spaces per unit |
| Guest Parking | 1 space per 4 units |
[Section 21.41.216 (Table 41-1A)]
Sections Cited
- 21.30.040 - District boundary determination (Table 30-1)
- 21.31.020 - Districts established
- 21.31.110 - Permitted uses (Table 31-1)
- 21.31.205 - Units per lot and lot area per unit (Tables 31-2A and 31-2B)
- 21.31.215 - Yard requirements
- 21.31.230 - Usable open space
- 21.31.250 - Pedestrian access
- 21.41.216 - Parking—Required number of spaces
- 21.51.235 - Home occupations
- 21.51.276 - Accessory Dwelling Units