R-4-M District: Subdivided Mobile Home Park Regulations in Long Beach
The R-4-M district in the City of Long Beach is a moderate-density residential zone specifically designated for the subdivision of existing mobile home parks to encourage resident ownership [Section 21.31.020]. Primary permitted uses include manufactured housing units and transitional housing, while new subdivisions of existing parks require a Conditional Use Permit [Table 31-1]. Development in this district is governed by a minimum lot area of 3,100 square feet and a maximum building height of 20 feet [Table 31-2A].
Purpose and Intent of the R-4-M District
The City of Long Beach established the R-4-M (Moderate Density Subdivided Mobile Home Park Development District) to provide a mechanism for mobile home owners in rental parks to purchase and own the space where their home is situated. This zoning designation is encouraged by the State of California as a method of preserving the stock of low-income housing [Section 21.31.020.S].
Allowed and Prohibited Uses
The Long Beach Municipal Code utilizes a specific use table to designate which activities are permitted by right, require conditional or administrative approval, or are prohibited within the R-4-M District [Table 31-1].
Permitted Residential Uses
In the R-4-M District, residential uses are strictly limited to housing types compatible with mobile home park environments.
| Use Type | Permission Status |
|---|---|
| Modular or manufactured housing unit on a permanent foundation | Permitted (Y) |
| Mobile home park (as to unsold spaces) | Permitted (Y) |
| Transitional Housing | Permitted (Y) |
| Supportive Housing | Permitted (Y) |
| Subdivision of an existing mobile home park | Conditional Use Permit (C) |
| Single-family detached or attached dwellings | Prohibited (N) |
| Duplex, Triplex, or Multi-family dwellings | Prohibited (N) |
| Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) | Prohibited (N) |
Permitted Accessory and Temporary Uses
The City of Long Beach allows several accessory uses within the R-4-M District, provided they remain subordinate to the primary residential use [Section 21.15.060].
| Use Type | Permission Status |
|---|---|
| Home occupations | Accessory Use (A) |
| Child daycare home (Small or Large: 1—14 persons) | Accessory Use (A) |
| Safe parking site | Accessory Use (A) |
| Storage of chattel | Accessory Use (A) |
| Vehicle parking and storage | Accessory Use (A) |
| Construction trailer | Temporary Use (T) |
| Temporary activating uses | Temporary Use (T) |
| Trailer or dwelling unit used as a home sales office | Temporary Use (T) |
Public and Institutional Uses
While primarily residential, the R-4-M District allows for community-oriented spaces and specific infrastructure.
| Use Type | Permission Status |
|---|---|
| Urban Agriculture | Permitted (Y) |
| Common recreational facilities (for the development) | Permitted (Y) |
| Community gardens, Passive parks, and Playgrounds | Interim Park Use Permit (IP) |
| Recreational parks | Interim Park Use Permit (IP) |
| Wireless telecommunications facilities | Conditional Use Permit (C) |
| Churches or Religious assembly | Prohibited (N) |
| Schools (Public, Private, or Vocational) | Prohibited (N) |
| Emergency Shelters | Prohibited (N) |
Prohibited Commercial and Industrial Uses
The following uses are expressly prohibited in the R-4-M District of Long Beach:
- Retail and Restaurants: All eating places and general retail sales [Table 31-1].
- Automobile Services: Gas stations, car washes, and auto repair shops [Table 31-1].
- Professional Offices: Banks, medical offices, and general professional services [Table 31-1].
- Industrial Activity: Any manufacturing, wholesale trade, or storage yards [Table 31-1].
- Entertainment: Arcades, theaters, and nightclubs [Table 31-1].
Development Standards
All construction and use of land within the R-4-M District must comply with the following technical standards established by the City of Long Beach.
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 3,100 sq. ft. |
| Minimum Lot Width | 32 ft. |
| Maximum Building Height | 20 ft. |
| Minimum Front Yard Setback | 0 ft. |
| Minimum Side Yard Setback | 5 ft. |
| Minimum Rear Yard Setback | 3 ft. |
| Maximum Lot Coverage | 75% |
| Minimum Usable Open Space | 10% of total lot area |
[Sources: Table 31-2A, Table 31-2B]
Sections Cited
- Section 21.15.060 - Accessory use.
- Section 21.30.010 - Districts designated.
- Section 21.31.020 - Districts established.
- Table 30-1 - Zoning Districts Established.
- Table 31-1 - Uses in Residential Zones.
- Table 31-2A - Residential Development Standards.
- Table 31-2B - Residential Densities For Multi-family Districts.