Religious Assembly and Church Zoning in the City of Long Beach
In the City of Long Beach, religious assembly and church uses are permitted as of right in the Institutional (I) District and in various Commercial districts, although larger facilities often require an Administrative Use Permit (AP) or a Conditional Use Permit (C). Within most multi-family Residential districts, these uses are categorized as conditional and require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), with specific restrictions regarding the expansion of existing facilities on residential lots. Primary parking requirements for religious assembly halls in the City of Long Beach are based on the number of fixed seats, generally requiring one space for every 3.3 seats [Table 31-1, Table 32-1, Table 34-1, Table 41-1C].
Allowed Zoning Districts
The City of Long Beach Municipal Code provides for religious assembly across three primary categories of zoning districts: Institutional, Commercial, and Residential.
Institutional District
The Institutional (I) District is specifically established to manage and provide for public and institutional land uses. In the City of Long Beach, "Churches" are explicitly listed as a permitted use (Y) within the Institutional (I) District [Table 34-1].
Commercial Districts
Religious assembly is permitted across most commercial zones in the City of Long Beach, though the level of authorization required depends on the square footage of the facility and the number of occupants.
| Zoning District Symbol | facility Size / Occupancy | Authorization Level |
|---|---|---|
| CNP, CNA, CNR, CCA, CCP, CCR, CCN, CHW | Up to 2,500 sq. ft. GFA and 100 or fewer occupants | Permitted (Y) |
| CNP, CNA, CNR, CCP | 2,501 – 25,000 sq. ft. GFA or > 100 occupants | Administrative Use Permit (AP) |
| CCA, CCR, CCN, CHW | 2,501 – 25,000 sq. ft. GFA | Permitted (Y) |
| CNP, CNA, CNR | Over 25,000 sq. ft. GFA | Conditional Use Permit (C) |
| CCA, CCP, CCR, CCN, CHW | Over 25,000 sq. ft. GFA | Administrative Use Permit (AP) |
| CS (Commercial Storage) | All Sizes | Not Permitted (N) |
[Table 32-1, Section 21.52.219.8]
Residential Districts
In the City of Long Beach, "Church" uses are generally not permitted in low-density single-family residential zones (R-1-S, R-1-M, R-1-L) or certain two-family zones. However, they may be allowed in high-density or multi-family districts subject to a Conditional Use Permit (C) [Table 31-1].
Districts where religious assembly is conditionally allowed include:
- R-1-N (Single-family Residential, standard lot)
- R-2-N, R-2-A (Two-family Residential)
- R-3-S, R-3-4, R-3-T (Low-density Multi-family)
- R-4-R, R-4-N, R-4-H, R-4-U (Multiple Residential)
Special Development Standards
The City of Long Beach imposes specific standards on "Community Assembly" uses, which includes religious assembly, to ensure compatibility with surrounding neighborhoods.
Residential Zone Restrictions
In residential zones, a new or expanded religious assembly use must meet the following criteria:
- Expansion Limit: The proposed use in a residential zone may consist only of an expansion of an existing facility on the site or an abutting site [Section 21.52.219.8.A.1].
- Size Limit: The site area is limited to 40,000 square feet unless a long-range development plan is approved [Section 21.52.219.8.A.2].
- Buffer Setback: A buffer at least 20 feet in width must be provided adjacent to the boundary of any residential zone or property line of any residential use [Section 21.52.219.8.D].
RLUIPA Compliance
The City of Long Beach recognizes the Federal Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 (RLUIPA). The Zoning Administrator has the authority to grant exceptions or waivers to local coastal program requirements for religious assembly uses if those requirements would impose a "substantial burden" on religious exercise or violate federal law [Section 21.52.219.8.G].
Off-Street Parking Requirements
The City of Long Beach calculates required parking for religious assembly based on the type of seating provided in the assembly area.
| Type of Assembly Area | Required Number of Spaces |
|---|---|
| With Fixed Seats | 1 space per every 3.3 fixed seats |
| Without Fixed Seats | 20 spaces per 1,000 sq. ft. of Gross Floor Area (GFA)* |
*If the assembly area comprises less than 75% of the total use, separate parking ratios for the non-assembly portions may apply.
[Table 41-1C]
Sections Cited
- Section 21.15.2273 (Definitions - Religious assembly)
- Table 31-1 (Permitted Uses in Residential Zones)
- Table 32-1 (Permitted Uses in Commercial Zones)
- Table 34-1 (Permitted Uses in Institutional District)
- Section 21.52.219.8 (Community assembly uses)
- Table 41-1C (Required Number of Parking Spaces)