Setback Requirements for the CH: Highway Commercial District in Long Beach
In the City of Long Beach, the CH: Highway Commercial district requires a standard 10-foot building setback from front streets and a 5-foot building setback from side streets. When a CH: Highway Commercial district property is adjacent to a residential district, building setbacks are increased to 10 feet for side yards and 20 feet for rear yards to provide a buffer for residents [Table 32-2A].
Purpose of the CH: Highway Commercial District
The City of Long Beach established the CH: Highway Commercial district to preserve and enhance areas specifically for automobile-oriented commercial uses. The Long Beach Municipal Code recognizes that businesses in the CH: Highway Commercial district typically require large frontages and high visibility along major highways [Section 21.32.020].
Building Setback Standards
Building setbacks in the CH: Highway Commercial district vary based on the street classification and the type of land use on adjacent lots. These standards are intended to ensure proper circulation and compatibility with surrounding neighborhoods.
| Location or Adjacency | Required Building Setback |
|---|---|
| Front Street | 10 ft. |
| Side Street | 5 ft. |
| Adjacent to Side Yard of Residential District | 10 ft. |
| Adjacent to Rear Yard of Residential District | 20 ft. |
| Adjacent to Commercial or Industrial District | 5 ft. |
Note on Residential Over Commercial: Per the City of Long Beach standards, no building setback is required for commercial or residential units located over ground-floor commercial space. However, if there is ground-floor residential use, an 8-foot front street setback and a 5-foot side street setback are mandatory [Table 32-2A, Note (e)].
Parking Setback Standards
The City of Long Beach also mandates specific setbacks for parking areas within the CH: Highway Commercial district to maintain aesthetic standards and safety near the public right-of-way.
| Parking Area Location | Required Parking Setback |
|---|---|
| Front Street | 5 ft. |
| Side Street | 5 ft. |
| Alley | 14 ft. |
| Adjacent to a Residential District | 5 ft. |
| Adjacent to a Nonresidential District | 3 ft. |
General Development Rules
In all cases within the CH: Highway Commercial district, the minimum building setback from the curb face must be at least 10 feet [Table 32-2A]. Furthermore, any required yard area in the City of Long Beach must be kept clear of structures from the ground to the sky, unless specifically exempted, and must be landscaped and maintained in a healthy condition [Section 21.32.220].
Sections Cited
- Section 21.32.020 - Districts established
- Section 21.32.220 - Yards
- Table 32-2A - Commercial Development Standards