R-4-R Moderate-Density Multiple Residential District Regulations in Long Beach
In the City of Long Beach, the R-4-R district is designated for moderate-density multifamily housing, permitting a variety of residential types including single-family dwellings, duplexes, and apartment complexes. Most developments in this district are restricted to a maximum height of 28 feet (two stories) and must comply with density standards ranging from one unit per 1,500 square feet to one unit per 1,450 square feet depending on lot size [Section 21.31.020].
Purpose of the R-4-R District
The R-4-R district is established by the City of Long Beach to provide for moderate-density multifamily residential areas. These regulations are intended to ensure that new developments remain consistent with the scale and intensity of older, established neighborhoods while allowing for more diverse housing choices [Section 21.31.020.N].
Allowed Residential Uses
The following residential uses are permitted by right in the R-4-R district within the City of Long Beach:
- Single-Family Dwellings: Both detached and attached units [Table 31-1].
- Duplexes: Two-family residential units [Table 31-1].
- Multifamily Dwellings: Including three-family, four-family, and larger apartment buildings or condominiums [Table 31-1].
- Townhouses: Attached single-family units with shared walls [Table 31-1].
- Transitional and Supportive Housing: Housing linked to supportive services for those experiencing homelessness [Table 31-1].
- Group Homes: Facilities providing care for six or fewer persons [Table 31-1].
- Daycare Centers: Facilities serving 15 or more persons [Table 31-1].
Accessory and Administrative Uses
Certain uses are permitted only as accessory to a primary residential use or require an Administrative Use Permit (AUP) in the City of Long Beach R-4-R zone:
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Permitted as accessory uses on lots with an existing single-family home [Section 21.51.276].
- Home Occupations: Low-impact business activities conducted within a dwelling [Section 21.51.235].
- Child Daycare Homes: Small or large family daycare facilities (1–14 persons) [Table 31-1].
- Safe Parking Sites: Managed parking for persons experiencing homelessness, permitted as an accessory use [Section 21.45.163].
- Caretaker Residences: Requires an Administrative Use Permit [Table 31-1].
- Recreational Parks: Permitted subject to an Administrative Use Permit [Table 31-1].
Conditional Use Permits
The following uses require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to operate within the R-4-R district of the City of Long Beach:
- Churches and Religious Assembly: Facilities for worship and religious instruction [Table 31-1].
- Hospitals and Convalescent Homes: Institutional medical and nursing facilities [Table 31-1].
- Schools: Including private elementary and secondary schools [Table 31-1].
- Wireless Telecommunications Facilities: Monopoles and roof-mounted antennas [Section 21.56.030].
- Through-Block Commercial: Specific commercial developments crossing a residential block [Table 31-1].
Prohibited Uses
The City of Long Beach explicitly prohibits the following uses within the R-4-R district:
- Commercial Sales: General retail, auto sales, and pawn shops [Table 31-1].
- Industrial Uses: Manufacturing, wholesaling, and salvage yards [Table 33-2].
- Adult Entertainment: Bookstores, theaters, or cabarets [Section 21.45.110].
- Mobile Home Parks: New construction or placement is generally prohibited unless related to existing unsold spaces [Table 31-1].
- Sandwiched Lot Development: Specific narrow-lot configurations that do not meet standard requirements [Table 31-1].
Development Standards for R-4-R
All structures within the R-4-R district must adhere to the following technical specifications:
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 18,000 sq. ft. |
| Minimum Lot Width | 120 ft. |
| Maximum Building Height | 28 ft. (2 Stories) |
| Front Yard Setback | 15 ft. |
| Rear Yard Setback | 20 ft. |
| Side Yard Setback | 10% of lot width (min. 3 ft.) |
| Usable Open Space | 150 sq. ft. per unit |
[Table 31-2A]
Residential Density
The density allowed in the R-4-R district is calculated based on the site area and width:
| Site Area | Site Width | Permitted Density |
|---|---|---|
| 3,201—15,000 sq. ft. | 26—120 ft. | 1 unit per 1,500 sq. ft. |
| 15,001 or more sq. ft. | 121 or more ft. | 1 unit per 1,450 sq. ft. |
[Table 31-2B]
Parking Requirements
The City of Long Beach mandates the following off-street parking ratios for the R-4-R district:
| Unit Type | Required Spaces |
|---|---|
| 0 Bedrooms (Studio) | 1.00 space per unit |
| 1 Bedroom | 1.50 spaces per unit |
| 2 or More Bedrooms | 2.00 spaces per unit |
| Guest Parking | 1 space per 4 units |
[Table 41-1A]
Sections Cited
- Section 21.15.020 - Rules of Construction
- Section 21.31.020 - Districts Established
- Section 21.31.215 - Yard Requirements
- Section 21.41.216 - Required Number of Parking Spaces
- Section 21.45.110 - Adult Entertainment Businesses
- Section 21.51.235 - Home Occupations
- Section 21.51.276 - Accessory Dwelling Units
- Section 21.56.030 - Permit Requirements for Wireless Facilities
- 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
- Table 41-1A - Required Number of Parking Spaces for Residential Uses