Residential Lot Coverage Standards in Long Beach
Maximum lot coverage for residential properties in the City of Long Beach is determined by the specific zoning district, with limits ranging from 40% in large-lot districts like R-1-L to 75% in the R-4-M district. These calculations exclude certain projections like balconies and eaves, and the Long Beach Municipal Code provides a significant exemption for garage areas up to 700 square feet for single-family dwellings [Section 21.31.225].
Definition and Calculation of Lot Coverage
In the City of Long Beach, "lot coverage" is defined as the percentage of the total area of a lot that is covered by a building at all levels [Section 21.15.1620]. This measurement includes the perimeter of the building as viewed from a plan view, along with all accessory buildings and structures. However, for the purpose of calculating this percentage, certain projections such as balconies and eaves are not included in the coverage total [Section 21.15.1620].
Maximum Allowable Lot Coverage by District
The City of Long Beach establishes maximum lot coverage limits in Table 31-2A of the residential development standards. Many higher-density or specialized residential districts do not have a specific numerical percentage limit for lot coverage, relying instead on other standards like floor area ratio or open space requirements.
| Residential Zoning District | District Classification | Maximum Lot Coverage (% of Lot) |
|---|---|---|
| R-1-N | Single-family Residential, standard lot | 50% |
| R-1-L | Single-family Residential, large lot | 40% |
| R-2-N | Two-family Residential, standard lot | 60% |
| R-2-A | Two-family Residential, accessory second unit | 60% |
| R-2-L | Two-family Residential, large lot | 40% |
| R-4-H | Dense Multiple Residential, high-rise | 50% |
| RM | Mobile homes, modular and manufactured | 65% |
| R-4-M | Moderate density subdivided mobile home park | 75% |
| R-1-S, R-1-M, R-1-T | Various Single-family districts | N/A |
| R-2-S, R-2-I | Various Two-family districts | N/A |
| R-3-S, R-3-4, R-3-T | Various Low-density Multi-family districts | N/A |
| R-4-R, R-4-N, R-4-U | Various Multiple Residential districts | N/A |
[Table 31-2A]
Exemptions and Special Provisions
The City of Long Beach provides specific exemptions that allow property owners to build more on a lot than the percentage limits might initially suggest.
Garage Area Exemptions
One of the most critical provisions in the Long Beach Municipal Code is the exemption for parking structures. When calculating lot coverage, the City of Long Beach excludes the following:
- Single-Family Dwellings: Up to 700 square feet of actual garage area is exempt from lot coverage calculations.
- Multi-Family Dwellings: All garage area is exempt from lot coverage calculations [Section 21.31.225].
Projections and Open Space
Because lot coverage is intended to measure the physical footprint and massing of buildings, open projections that do not provide enclosed floor area are generally excluded. As noted in the definitions, balconies and eaves do not count toward the lot coverage percentage [Section 21.15.1620].
Planned Unit Developments (PUD)
For projects classified as a Residential Planned Unit Development (PUD), the standard lot coverage percentages typically found in the Long Beach residential tables do not apply. Instead, development is guided by the specific standards established for that PUD or the underlying Specific Plan [Table 31-8].
Sections Cited
- Section 21.15.1620 - Lot coverage.
- Section 21.31.205 - Units per lot and lot area per unit.
- Section 21.31.225 - Lot coverage.
- Table 31-2A - Residential Development Standards.
- Table 31-8 - PUD Building Development Standards.