R-4-N Medium-Density Multiple Residential District in Long Beach
The Long Beach R-4-N district is a residential zone designed for medium-density multi-family housing, permitting a density of up to one unit per 975 square feet of lot area on large parcels. Buildings within the R-4-N district of Long Beach are generally limited to three stories and a height of 38 feet, while requiring a minimum lot area of 18,000 square feet for new subdivisions. This district serves as a high-density environment intended to meet the demand of a broad segment of the population by providing a wide diversity of housing choices [Section 21.31.020].
Purpose and General Character
The R-4-N district in Long Beach is established as a medium-density multiple residential zone that implements Land Use District No. 4 of the City's General Plan [Table 30-1]. The primary intent of the R-4-N district is to create, preserve, and enhance residential areas that accommodate a diverse range of housing types and lifestyles. The Long Beach Municipal Code specifies that the R-4-N district is a high-density area meant to satisfy the housing needs of a broad segment of the community through a variety of residential options [Section 21.31.010, Section 21.31.020].
Permitted Land Uses
The R-4-N district allows for a broad spectrum of residential and community-oriented uses. The following table summarizes key permissions within the district:
| Use Category | Permission Status |
|---|---|
| Single-family (detached and attached) | Permitted (Y) |
| Duplex | Permitted (Y) |
| Three-family and Four-family dwellings | Permitted (Y) |
| Multi-family dwellings | Permitted (Y) |
| Townhouses | Permitted (Y) |
| Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) | Permitted as Accessory (A) |
| Transitional and Supportive Housing | Permitted (Y) |
| Group Home (6 or fewer persons) | Permitted (Y) |
| Community Assembly | Permitted (Y) |
| Religious Assembly | Permitted (Y/AP) |
| Daycare/Preschool | Permitted (Y) |
| Schools (Public or Private) | Permitted (Y) |
Residential uses such as mobile homes and manufactured housing are not permitted within the R-4-N district of Long Beach. Additionally, commercial uses like office and retail are generally prohibited unless specific conditions are met, such as through-block commercial applications or the use of historic landmarks [Table 31-1].
Development Standards
Development in the Long Beach R-4-N district is governed by specific standards regarding lot size, building dimensions, and density to maintain the intended character of the neighborhood.
Density and Intensity
The R-4-N district utilizes a sliding scale for density based on the total area and width of the 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 | 1 unit per 975 sq. ft. |
Building Standards and Setbacks
Standard building requirements for the R-4-N district of Long Beach include [Table 31-2A]:
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 18,000 sq. ft. |
| Minimum Lot Width | 120 ft. |
| Maximum Building Height | 38 ft. / 3 stories |
| Minimum Front Setback | 15 ft. |
| Minimum Side Setback | 10% of lot width |
| Minimum Rear Setback | 20 ft. |
| Minimum Usable Open Space | 150 sq. ft. per unit |
Parking Requirements
All residential developments in the Long Beach R-4-N district must provide off-street parking based on the number of bedrooms per unit. Guest parking is also required for projects with four or more detached or attached units [Table 41-1A].
| Unit Type | Parking Spaces Required |
|---|---|
| 0 Bedrooms (Studio) | 1.0 space per unit |
| 1 Bedroom | 1.5 spaces per unit |
| 2 or more Bedrooms | 2.0 spaces per unit |
| Guest Parking | 1 space per 4 units |
Parking in the R-4-N district of Long Beach must generally be provided within an enclosed garage for residential uses [Section 21.41.213]. However, exceptions may be granted through site plan review for projects at densities of 29 units per acre or less [Section 21.41.213.B].
Sections Cited
- Section 21.15.045
- Section 21.31.010
- Section 21.31.020
- Section 21.31.213
- Section 21.41.216
- Table 30-1
- Table 31-1
- Table 31-2A
- Table 31-2B
- Table 31-4
- Table 41-1A