R-4-U Dense Multiple Residential Urban Zoning Guide
The R-4-U district in the City of Long Beach is a high-density multifamily residential zone designed to support downtown activity centers by providing intense housing opportunities. Within this district, residential densities can reach as high as one unit per 400 square feet for large parcels, with maximum building heights generally capped at 65 feet or five stories [Table 31-2A, Table 31-2B].
Purpose of the R-4-U District
The R-4-U: Dense Multiple Residential, urban district is established by the City of Long Beach to provide housing opportunities in an urban context and design style [Section 21.31.020.R]. The primary intent of this zoning designation is to support the employment centers of the downtown area by allowing for a high concentration of residents in the immediate vicinity [Section 21.31.020.R].
Allowed Uses in the R-4-U District
The City of Long Beach Municipal Code classifies uses into several categories of permission: Permitted (Y), Accessory (A), Conditional (C), Administrative (AP), and Temporary (T) [Section 21.31.110].
Residential Uses
- Permitted (Y): Single-family detached, single-family attached, duplexes, three-family dwellings, four-family dwellings, multi-family dwellings, townhouses, and group homes (6 or fewer persons) [Table 31-1].
- Accessory (A): Conforming accessory dwelling units (ADUs), detached accessory rooms, and room rentals [Table 31-1].
- Conditional (C): Mobile home parks (unsold spaces), special group residences (such as fraternities, sororities, or dormitories), and emergency shelters [Table 31-1].
Institutional and Public Uses
- Permitted (Y): Passive parks and urban agriculture [Table 31-1].
- Administrative (AP): Recreational parks [Table 31-1].
- Conditional (C): Churches/Religious assembly, daycare centers (15 or more persons), elementary schools (private), and electrical distribution stations [Table 31-1].
- Temporary (T): Temporary activating uses, such as sporadic special events on vacant lots [Section 21.53.115].
Commercial and Other Uses
The City of Long Beach allows limited commercial activity in the R-4-U district, primarily through discretionary permits.
- Conditional (C): Office commercial uses, through-block commercial developments, and restaurants [Table 31-1].
- Accessory (A): Common recreational facilities (permitted for developments with 21 or more units) and storage of chattel [Table 31-1].
Prohibited Uses
The City of Long Beach explicitly prohibits several uses in the R-4-U district to maintain the residential character of the urban zone:
- Retail Commercial: Generally not permitted unless part of a specific through-block or mixed-use approval [Table 31-1].
- Industrial Uses: All manufacturing and industrial activities are prohibited [Table 33-2].
- Specific Residential Types: Modular or manufactured housing units placed on permanent foundations are not allowed in this specific district [Table 31-1].
- Sandwiched Lot Development: Prohibited within the R-4-U designation [Table 31-1].
Development Standards for R-4-U
The City of Long Beach enforces strict development standards for the R-4-U district regarding density, setbacks, and building scale.
Density and Intensity
The allowable density in the R-4-U district is tiered based on the total area of the development site.
| Site Area (Sq. Ft.) | Permitted Density (Site Area Per Unit) |
|---|---|
| 0 — 3,200 | 1 unit per lot |
| 3,201 — 15,000 | 1 unit per 1,500 sq. ft. |
| 15,001 — 22,500 | 1 unit per 975 sq. ft. |
| 22,501 — 30,000 | 1 unit per 500 sq. ft. |
| 30,001 or more | 1 unit per 400 sq. ft. |
Source: [Table 31-2B]
Building Standards
Building dimensions and site placement in the R-4-U district must adhere to the following requirements:
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 22,500 sq. ft. |
| Minimum Lot Width | 180 ft. |
| Maximum Building Height | 65 ft. (5 stories) |
| Floor Area Ratio (FAR) | 3.0 |
| Front Yard Setback | 10 ft. |
| Rear Yard Setback | 20 ft. |
| Interior Side Yard Setback | 10% of lot width |
| Minimum Usable Open Space | 150 sq. ft. per unit |
Source: [Table 31-2A]
Off-Street Parking Requirements
The City of Long Beach requires parking based on the number of bedrooms per unit. In the R-4-U district, these requirements are standardized for residential uses.
| Unit Type | Required Parking Spaces |
|---|---|
| 0 Bedrooms (Studio) | 1.00 space per unit |
| 1 Bedroom | 2.00 spaces per unit |
| 2 or More Bedrooms | 2.00 spaces per unit |
| Guest Parking | 1 space per 4 units |
Source: [Table 41-1A]
Sections Cited
- Section 21.15.045 - Accessory dwelling unit
- Section 21.15.2530 - Sign area
- Section 21.31.020 - Districts established
- Section 21.31.110 - Permitted uses
- Table 31-1 - Uses in Residential Zones
- Table 31-2A - Residential Development Standards
- Table 31-2B - Residential Densities For Multi-family Districts
- Section 21.41.110 - Parking Purpose
- Table 41-1A - Required Number of Parking Spaces for Residential Uses
- Section 21.53.115 - Temporary activating uses