Residential Building Height Standards in the City of Long Beach
In the City of Long Beach, the maximum allowable height for a residential house is generally determined by its specific zoning district, with most standard single-family districts (R-1-M, R-1-N, R-1-L) restricted to 25 feet and 2 stories. Multi-family and high-density districts allow for increased heights, ranging from 28 feet in R-4-R zones to as high as 24 stories in R-4-H zones when specific lot width and high-rise package requirements are met. Height is typically measured to the midpoint of the highest sloped roof or to the top of the railing or parapet for buildings with flat roofs [Section 21.15.1330].
Measurement of Building Height
The City of Long Beach defines building height based on the type of roof construction:
- Sloped Roofs: Height is the vertical distance from the "grade" to the midpoint height of the highest sloped roof (including shed, hip, gable, gambrel, mansard, or curved roofs) [Section 21.15.1330.A].
- Flat Roofs: Height is the vertical distance from the "grade" to the top of the railing, parapet, or coping, whichever is higher [Section 21.15.1330.B].
- Stepped or Terraced Buildings: The height is considered the maximum height of any segment of the building [Section 21.15.1330.C].
"Grade" is defined as the average elevation at the front top of the curbline [Section 21.15.1190].
Maximum Height by Residential District
The following table outlines the height standards established by the City of Long Beach for various residential zoning districts.
| Residential Zone District | Maximum Height (Feet) | Maximum Stories |
|---|---|---|
| R-1-S (Single-family, small lot) | 24 ft. / 28 ft. | N/A |
| R-1-M (Single-family, moderate lot) | 25 ft. | 2 Stories |
| R-1-N (Single-family, standard lot) | 25 ft. | 2 Stories |
| R-1-L (Single-family, large lot) | 25 ft. | 2 Stories |
| R-1-T (Single-family, townhomes) | 25 ft. | 2 Stories |
| R-2-S (Two-family, small lot) | 24 ft. / 28 ft. | 2 Stories |
| R-2-I (Two-family, intensified) | 32 ft. / 35 ft. | 3 Stories |
| R-2-N (Two-family, standard lot) | 25 ft. | 2 Stories |
| R-2-A (Two-family, accessory unit) | 25 ft. | 2 Stories |
| R-2-L (Two-family, large lot) | 35 ft. | 2 Stories |
| R-3-S (Low-density multi-family) | 25 ft. | 2 Stories |
| R-3-4 (Four-family residential) | 25 ft. | 2 Stories |
| R-3-T (Multi-family, townhouse) | 28 ft. | 2 Stories |
| R-4-R (Moderate-density multi-family) | 28 ft. | 2 Stories |
| R-4-N (Medium-density multi-family) | 38 ft. | 3 Stories |
| R-4-H (Dense multi-family, high-rise) | See High-Rise Table Below | See High-Rise Table Below |
| RM (Mobile homes/modular) | 30 ft. | 2 Stories |
| R-4-U (Dense multi-family, urban) | 65 ft. | 5 Stories |
| R-4-M (Subdivided mobile home park) | 32 ft. | N/A |
[Table 31-2A]
High-Rise Height Incentives (R-4-H District)
In the R-4-H District, the City of Long Beach provides height incentives based on the width of the lot. To exceed R-4-N densities, the building must utilize a full high-rise package of features required by the Uniform Building Code [Section 21.31.220.B.6].
| Lot Width (Feet) | Minimum Height | Maximum Height |
|---|---|---|
| 0—180 | N/A | 5 Stories (65 ft.) |
| 181—250 | 8 Stories | 14 Stories |
| 251—300 | 14 Stories | 17 Stories |
| 301—375 | 17 Stories | 20 Stories |
| 376+ | 20 Stories | 24 Stories |
[Table 31-3A]
Permitted Height Exceptions
The City of Long Beach allows certain structures to exceed the established district height limits:
- Chimneys and Vents: These may exceed the height limit by up to two feet [Section 21.31.220.B.1].
- Flagpoles: Roof-mounted flagpoles may exceed the building height by 10 feet. Ground-mounted flagpoles are generally limited to 60 feet [Section 21.31.220.B.2].
- Rooftop Equipment (R-4 Zones): In R-4 zones, stair and elevator penthouses, heating/air conditioning equipment, and safety rails may extend up to 10 feet above the building height [Section 21.31.220.B.5].
- Accessory Structures: Detached garages and other accessory structures in residential districts may not exceed one story and 13 feet in height [Section 21.31.245.A.3].
- Fences: Standard residential front yard fences are limited to 3 feet, while other yard areas are generally limited to 6 feet 6 inches [Table 43-1].
Sections Cited
- Section 21.15.1190 - Grade.
- Section 21.15.1330 - Height of building.
- Section 21.31.220 - Height limits.
- Section 21.31.245 - Accessory structures.
- Table 31-2A - Residential Development Standards.
- Table 31-3A - R-4-H Height Incentive.
- Table 43-1 - Fence and Garden Wall Height Limits.