R-4-H: Dense Multiple Residential High-Rise District in Long Beach
The R-4-H District in the City of Long Beach is designed for high-density, high-rise residential development, primarily allowing for multi-family dwellings, townhouses, and supportive housing. This Long Beach zoning designation permits building heights ranging from five to 24 stories based on lot width and specific density incentives. While primarily a residential zone, it allows for limited at-grade commercial and retail activities that are compatible with a dense urban living environment [Section 21.31.020].
Allowed and Prohibited Uses
The following categories outline the permissions for various land uses within the R-4-H District of Long Beach.
Residential Uses
Residential development in the R-4-H district is intended to create a distinctive urban living environment [Section 21.31.020.P].
- Permitted by Right (Y): Single-family (detached and attached), Duplex, Three-family dwelling, Four-family dwelling, Multi-family dwelling, Townhouse, Transitional Housing, and Supportive Housing.
- Accessory Uses (A): Conforming Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Home Occupations, and Room Rentals.
- Conditional Use Permit Required (C): Mobile home parks, Special group residences (such as fraternities or sororities), and Emergency Shelters.
- Prohibited (N): Modular or manufactured housing units and Limited Accessory Dwelling Units [Table 31-1].
Commercial and Office Uses
Commercial uses in the R-4-H district are generally restricted to the ground floor or must be associated with high-rise developments.
- Permitted by Right (Y): Retail commercial (subject to Section 21.45.160 and excluding adult-use cannabis).
- Administrative Use Permit Required (AP): Bed and breakfast inns and Residential historic landmark buildings.
- Conditional Use Permit Required (C): Office commercial, Restaurants, and Through-block commercial [Table 31-1].
Institutional and Public Uses
- Permitted by Right (Y): Daycare centers (15 or more persons), Urban Agriculture, and Passive parks.
- Conditional Use Permit Required (C): Churches, Electrical distribution stations, Private schools, and Wireless telecommunications facilities.
- Temporary Uses (T): Carnivals, fiestas, and construction trailers [Table 31-1].
Technical Development Standards
The scale of development in the Long Beach R-4-H district is regulated by lot dimensions and density requirements.
General Lot Standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Size | 18,000 sq. ft. |
| Minimum Lot Width | 120 ft. |
| Maximum Lot Coverage | 50% |
| Standard Building Height | 30 ft. (midpoint) or 20 ft. (eave) |
| Minimum Usable Open Space | 150 sq. ft. per unit |
[Table 31-2A]
High-Rise Height Incentives
The R-4-H district offers significant height incentives for developers who meet specific lot width requirements [Table 31-3A].
| Lot Width (ft.) | Minimum Height | Maximum Height |
|---|---|---|
| 0—180 | N/A | 5 stories (65 ft.) |
| 181—250 | 8 stories | 14 stories |
| 251—300 | 14 stories | 17 stories |
| 301—375 | 17 stories | 20 stories |
| 376+ | 20 stories | 24 stories |
Residential Density Limits
Density in R-4-H is determined by the width and area of the project site [Table 31-2B].
| 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 1,500 sq. ft. |
| 15,001—22,500 | 121—180 | 1 unit per 1,200 sq. ft. |
| 22,501 or more | 181 or more | See Table 31.3A |
Parking Requirements
Parking in the Long Beach R-4-H district is calculated based on the number of bedrooms per unit.
| Unit Type | Required Spaces per Unit |
|---|---|
| 0 Bedrooms (Studio) | 1.00 space |
| 1 Bedroom | 2.00 spaces |
| 2 or more Bedrooms | 2.00 spaces |
| Guest Parking | 1 space per 4 units |
[Table 41-1A]
Special Conditions for R-4-H
At-grade commercial uses are permitted in the R-4-H district if they are located at the property lines fronting the street. These uses are limited to those permitted in the CL (Local Commercial) district. If a parking structure is used, it must be shielded by a street-level commercial use along the street frontage [Section 21.45.160].
Sections Cited
- Section 21.15.045 - Accessory dwelling unit
- Section 21.31.020 - Districts established
- Section 21.31.110 - Permitted uses (Table 31-1)
- Section 21.31.205 - Units per lot and lot area per unit (Table 31-2A)
- Section 21.31.220 - Height limits (Table 31-3A)
- Section 21.41.216 - Required number of parking spaces (Table 41-1A)
- Section 21.45.160 - Retail/office commercial uses and parking structures in the R-4-H Zone