R-4-N: Medium-Density Multiple Residential District in Long Beach
The R-4-N Medium-Density Multiple Residential District in the City of Long Beach is designed to provide a wide range of multi-family housing options, including apartments, townhouses, and duplexes, with a standard height limit of 38 feet or three stories [Section 21.31.020]. While primarily residential, the district allows for some institutional and community uses via conditional or administrative permits, but strictly prohibits most commercial and industrial activities [Table 31-1].
Allowed and Prohibited Uses in the R-4-N District
The City of Long Beach Municipal Code utilizes Table 31-1 to designate the permissibility of uses within residential zones. The following classifications are used: Y (Permitted by right), N (Not permitted/Prohibited), C (Conditional Use Permit required), A (Accessory use), T (Temporary use), AP (Administrative Use Permit required), and IP (Interim Park Use Permit required).
Residential Uses
The City of Long Beach permits a high density of housing types in the R-4-N district to meet diverse population needs [Section 21.31.020].
| Use Category | Permission in R-4-N |
|---|---|
| Single-family detached | Y |
| Single-family attached | Y |
| Duplex | Y |
| Three-family dwelling | Y |
| Four-family dwelling | Y |
| Multi-family dwelling | Y |
| Townhouse | Y |
| Modular or manufactured housing unit | N |
| Mobile home park (as to unsold spaces) | C |
| Accessory dwelling unit (Limited or Conforming) | A |
| Special group residence (Fraternities, dormitories, etc.) | C |
| Transitional Housing | Y |
| Supportive Housing | Y |
Commercial and Professional Uses
Most commercial uses are restricted in the R-4-N district to maintain the residential character of the neighborhood [Section 21.31.110].
| Use Category | Permission in R-4-N |
|---|---|
| Bed and breakfast inns | AP |
| Office commercial | C |
| Residential historic landmark buildings (commercial use) | AP |
| Restaurant | N |
| Retail commercial | N |
| Through-block commercial | C |
Community and Institutional Uses
The City of Long Beach allows for various community services within the R-4-N district, often requiring special permits to ensure compatibility with residential neighbors.
| Use Category | Permission in R-4-N |
|---|---|
| Church | C |
| Child daycare home (small or large facility) | A |
| Daycare center (15 or more persons) | C |
| Public Library | Y |
| Publicly run post-secondary school | Y |
| Private school (elementary) | C |
| Religious assembly uses (up to 2,500 sq. ft. GFA) | Y |
| Social service facility (with food distribution) | C |
| Hospital | C |
Parks and Recreation
| Use Category | Permission in R-4-N |
|---|---|
| Passive parks | Y |
| Community gardens | N |
| Playgrounds | IP |
| Recreational parks | AP |
Miscellaneous and Temporary Uses
| Use Category | Permission in R-4-N |
|---|---|
| Home occupation | A |
| Temporary activating use | T |
| Construction trailer | T |
| Special events (carnivals, etc.) | T |
| Vehicle parking and storage (accessory) | A |
| Safe parking site | A |
| Wireless telecommunications facilities | C |
R-4-N Development Standards
The City of Long Beach imposes specific density and dimensional standards for the R-4-N district to ensure appropriate "Medium-density" scaling [Table 31-2A].
| Standard | R-4-N Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 18,000 sq. ft. |
| Minimum Lot Width | 120 ft. |
| Front Yard Setback | 15 ft. |
| Side Yard Setback | 10% of lot width |
| Rear Yard Setback | 20 ft. |
| Maximum Height | 38 ft. / 3 Stories |
| Min. Usable Open Space | 150 sq. ft. per unit |
Density Ratios
The number of units permitted in the R-4-N district is determined by the size and width of the lot [Table 31-2B]:
- 0 to 3,200 sq. ft. site: 1 unit per lot.
- 3,201 to 15,000 sq. ft. site: 1 unit per 1,500 sq. ft. of site area.
- 15,001 to 22,500 sq. ft. site: 1 unit per 1,200 sq. ft. of site area.
- 22,501 sq. ft. or more: 1 unit per 975 sq. ft. of site area.
Special Prohibitions
The City of Long Beach explicitly prohibits certain activities in all residential districts, including the R-4-N district:
- Recreational vehicles may not be occupied as a dwelling unit [Section 21.31.120].
- No more than two (2) inoperative, dismantled, or wrecked vehicles may be stored on-site, and they must be screened from public view in the rear 50 percent of the lot [Section 21.41.283].
- Commercial storage and industrial manufacturing are strictly prohibited [Table 31-1].
Sections Cited
- Section 21.15.020 - Rules of Construction
- Section 21.15.2530 - Sign Area
- Section 21.30.010 - Districts Designated
- Section 21.31.020 - Districts Established
- Section 21.31.110 - Permitted Uses
- Section 21.31.120 - Prohibited Uses
- Section 21.41.283 - Parking and storage of inoperative, dismantled or wrecked vehicles—Residential districts
- Table 31-1 - Uses in Residential Zones
- Table 31-2A - Residential Development Standards
- Table 31-2B - Residential Densities For Multi-family Districts