Setback and Yard Requirements for the IM: Medium Industrial District in Long Beach
In the IM: Medium Industrial district of the City of Long Beach, building setbacks vary significantly depending on whether the property fronts a major arterial or a local street, with requirements ranging from 0 to 10 feet. When an industrial site in the IM: Medium Industrial district abuts a residential zone, a substantial 45-foot buffer is mandated to protect neighborhood character. Furthermore, all parking lots within this district must maintain a minimum 10-foot clearance from any street curb face regardless of the building setback [Table 33-4].
Required Building and Yard Setbacks
The City of Long Beach establishes specific setback distances for the IM: Medium Industrial district based on the classification of the adjacent street or the nature of the neighboring property. These setbacks ensure adequate separation for safety, circulation, and compatibility with non-industrial uses [Section 21.33.140].
| Required Setback or Yard Area | IM: Medium Industrial District 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 centerline |
| Yards Abutting Residential District | 45 feet |
| Yards Abutting Nonresidential District | 0 feet (subject to Fire Code/UBC separation) |
Parking and Loading Setbacks
In the IM: Medium Industrial district, parking areas are subject to different setback rules than primary structures. Even when a building is permitted a 0-foot setback, the City of Long Beach requires a landscaped strip or safety buffer for vehicle areas [Section 21.33.145].
| Facility Type | Setback Requirement |
|---|---|
| Parking Lot Setback (Yard Fronting a Street) | 5 feet from property line; minimum 10 feet from curb face |
| Adjacent to Nonresidential District | 5 feet |
| Adjacent to Residential District | 5 feet |
Specialized Setback Regulations
The IM: Medium Industrial district in the City of Long Beach includes additional provisions for visibility and land use management that function as setbacks:
Corner Cutoffs
A corner cutoff is required at all intersections of streets, driveways, or alleys within the IM: Medium Industrial district. These areas must remain free of any structure or vegetation that obstructs visibility up to a height of eight feet. The standard corner cutoff is a minimum of six feet by six feet (6' x 6') [Section 21.33.140].
Outdoor Storage Restrictions
The City of Long Beach prohibits outdoor storage within the required front street and side street yard setbacks of the IM: Medium Industrial district. Additionally, stored materials in permitted areas must be screened by a solid wall or fence and are restricted to a maximum stacking height of 15 feet, unless they are adjacent to a residential use, in which case specific screening heights apply [Section 21.33.150].
Permitted Projections
Certain appurtenances may project into the required yards of the IM: Medium Industrial district. These include architectural elements (up to two feet), awnings, lamp posts, and porte cocheres [Section 21.33.140].
Sections Cited
- Section 21.33.020 - Districts established
- Section 21.33.140 - Setbacks and yards
- Section 21.33.145 - Parking areas abutting streets
- Section 21.33.150 - Outdoor storage and activities
- Table 33-4 - Minimum Required Setbacks/Yards Areas