Setback and Yard Requirements for the IG: General Industrial District in Long Beach
In the City of Long Beach, the IG: General Industrial district generally allows for zero-foot setbacks when the property is adjacent to local or collector streets or other nonresidential districts. However, if an IG: General Industrial property fronts a minor arterial or greater street, a 10-foot setback is required, and a significant 45-foot buffer is mandated whenever the industrial site abuts a residential district [Table 33-4].
Street Frontage and Yard Requirements
The Long Beach zoning code establishes setbacks for the IG: General Industrial district based on the classification of the adjacent street. These regulations ensure that the City of Long Beach maintains adequate space for traffic circulation and public safety in industrial areas [Section 21.41.110].
| Location of Setback / Yard Area | IG: General Industrial Requirement |
|---|---|
| Yard Fronting on Minor Arterial or Greater Street | 10 feet |
| Yard Fronting on Local or Collector Street | 0 feet |
| Yards Abutting Alleys | 10 feet from the centerline of the alley |
| Parking Lot Setback (Fronting on a Street) | 5 feet (and at least 10 feet from the curb face) |
Buffering and Adjacent Land Use Setbacks
The IG: General Industrial district is designated as an "industrial sanctuary" in Long Beach, but it must still provide protection to sensitive neighboring uses [Section 21.33.020]. The City of Long Beach requires specific yard depths when industrial activities occur near residential homes to mitigate impacts such as noise or visual disturbance.
| Condition of Abutting Property | IG: General Industrial Requirement |
|---|---|
| Abutting a Residential District | 45 feet |
| Abutting a Nonresidential District | 0 feet (Note: Separation between buildings must still meet Fire Code) |
Permitted Projections and Structures
Within the City of Long Beach, certain architectural features and accessory items are permitted to encroach into the required yard areas of an IG: General Industrial site [Section 21.33.140].
Specifically, the following items may project into required yards in the IG: General Industrial district:
- Architectural Elements: Elements such as cornices or pilasters may project up to two feet into the required yard area [Section 21.33.140.C.1].
- Awnings: These are permitted projections within the industrial setbacks [Section 21.33.140.C.2].
- Safety Features: Items such as lamp posts and roof eaves (the latter projecting no closer than 2'6" from the property line) are allowed [Section 21.33.140.C.4-6].
- Signage: Signs specified in the Long Beach on-premises sign regulations are permitted within these yards [Section 21.44.120].
Corner Cutoffs and Visibility
For any IG: General Industrial property located at an intersection in Long Beach, a corner cutoff is required to ensure visibility for motorists and pedestrians [Section 21.33.140.B]. The City of Long Beach defines this as a triangular area measuring six feet by six feet (6' x 6') at the intersection of two streets or an alley and a street [Section 21.15.660]. No structure or vegetation over eight feet in height is permitted within this area [Section 21.33.140.B].
Sections Cited
- Section 21.15.660 - Corner cutoff.
- Section 21.33.010 - Purpose (Industrial).
- Section 21.33.020 - Districts established.
- Section 21.33.140 - Setbacks and yards.
- Table 33-4 - Minimum Required Setbacks/Yards Areas.
- Section 21.41.110 - Purpose (Off-Street Parking).
- Section 21.44.120 - Wall signs.