RM District: Mobile Homes and Manufactured Residential Zoning in Long Beach
In the City of Long Beach, the RM district is established as a single-family residential zone specifically intended for mobile homes and manufactured housing, typically located on large sites to encourage housing diversity [Section 21.31.020]. Primary permitted uses include single-family detached dwellings and modular or manufactured housing units on permanent foundations, while mobile home parks are allowed only through a Conditional Use Permit [Table 31-1]. Technical standards for the RM district require a significant minimum lot area of 18,000 square feet and a maximum building height of 30 feet or two stories [Table 31-2A].
Allowed Uses in the RM District
The City of Long Beach Title 21 Zoning Regulations categorize allowed uses into those permitted by right, those allowed as accessory to a primary use, temporary uses, and those requiring special permits.
Primary Residential Uses
The following residential uses are allowed by right (Y) or by Conditional Use Permit (C) in the RM district:
- Single-Family Detached Dwellings: Permitted by right (Y).
- Modular or Manufactured Housing: Specifically, units placed on a permanent foundation are permitted by right (Y).
- Mobile Home Parks: Permitted only upon the granting of a Conditional Use Permit (C) [Table 31-1].
- Transitional and Supportive Housing: Permitted by right (Y).
Accessory and Home-Based Uses
Accessory uses (A) are permitted when they are subordinate to a primary residential use on the same lot:
- Home Occupations: Allowed as an accessory use (A) subject to the standards in Section 21.51.235.
- Common Recreational Facilities: Permitted for the use of residents (A).
- Child Daycare: Small or large family daycare homes are permitted (A).
- Room Rentals: Allowed as an accessory use (A).
- Vehicle Parking and Storage: Includes standard vehicle parking and recreational vehicle parking/storage as accessory uses [Table 31-1].
Community and Institutional Uses
- Urban Agriculture: Permitted by right (Y) [Table 31-1].
- Playgrounds: Permitted as an interim park use through a specific permit process (IP).
- Residential Historic Landmark Buildings: Allowed through an Administrative Use Permit (AP).
- Wireless Telecommunications Facilities: May be permitted with a Conditional Use Permit (C) [Table 31-1].
Temporary Uses
Certain uses are allowed on a short-term basis (T):
- Special Events: Such as carnivals or fiestas (T).
- Construction Trailers: Allowed during the duration of an active project (T).
- Temporary Activating Uses: Permitted for community benefits on vacant lots (T).
Prohibited Uses in the RM District
The City of Long Beach explicitly prohibits several uses in the RM district to maintain its character as a manufactured housing residential zone:
- Multi-Family Housing: This includes duplexes, triplexes, four-plexes, townhouses, and standard multi-family apartments [Table 31-1].
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Unlike many other residential zones, the RM district listed in the current document specifies "N" (Not Permitted) for both Limited and Conforming ADUs [Table 31-1].
- Commercial Operations: Standard retail, restaurants, and professional offices are prohibited.
- Churches and Schools: Religious assembly and private elementary or vocational schools are not allowed in this district.
- Emergency Shelters: Prohibited in the RM district [Table 31-1].
Technical Development Standards
Development in the RM district must adhere to specific intensity and physical placement standards as defined by the City of Long Beach.
| Standard Category | RM District Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 18,000 sq. ft. |
| Minimum Lot Width | 120 ft. |
| Minimum Lot Area Per Unit | 2,400 sq. ft. |
| Maximum Building Height | 30 ft. (2 Stories) |
| Maximum Lot Coverage | 65% of lot area |
| Front Yard Setback | 10 ft. |
| Side Yard Setback | 4 ft. |
| Rear Yard Setback | 10 ft. |
| Minimum Usable Open Space | 200 sq. ft. per unit |
[Table 31-2A]
Sections Cited
- Section 21.15.045 – Accessory Dwelling Unit
- Section 21.30.010 – Districts Designated
- Section 21.31.020 – Districts Established
- Section 21.31.110 – Permitted Uses (Residential)
- Section 21.31.205 – Units Per Lot and Lot Area Per Unit
- Section 21.31.215 – Yard Requirements
- Section 21.31.220 – Height Limits
- Section 21.31.235 – Floor Area Ratio
- Section 21.51.235 – Home Occupations
- Table 31-1 – Uses in Residential Zones
- Table 31-2A – Residential Development Standards