Setback Requirements for the CHW: Regional Highway Commercial District in Long Beach
In the City of Long Beach, the CHW (Regional Highway Commercial) district requires a 10-foot building setback for both front and side streets, with a mandatory minimum distance of 10 feet from the curb face. When a development in the CHW district is adjacent to a residential district, it must maintain a 10-foot side yard setback and a 20-foot rear yard setback, while adjacency to other nonresidential districts requires a 5-foot setback [Table 32-2].
CHW District Purpose and Definition
The Regional Highway Commercial (CHW) district is established by the City of Long Beach as a regional commercial zoning district. It is intended for large-scale, mixed-use commercial developments situated on major arterial streets and regional traffic corridors [Section 21.32.020.D.1].
Building Setback Standards
Developments within the CHW district must adhere to specific yard requirements to ensure proper landscaping, buffering, and safety. All yard areas must be kept clear of structures from the ground to the sky and must be maintained in a neat and healthy condition [Section 21.32.220].
Required Yard Areas Between Buildings and Property Lines
The following table outlines the minimum building setbacks for the CHW district:
| Boundary Condition | Required Setback |
|---|---|
| Front Street | 10 feet |
| Side Street | 10 feet |
| Adjacent to side yard of residential district | 10 feet |
| Adjacent to rear yard of residential district | 20 feet |
| Adjacent to nonresidential district | 5 feet |
Note (a): In all cases, a minimum setback of 10 feet from the curb face is required. Note (b): Setbacks adjacent to residential districts are measured from the centerline of the alley, where applicable [Table 32-2].
Parking Setback Standards
The City of Long Beach also mandates specific setbacks for parking areas within the CHW district to separate vehicle storage from the public right-of-way and adjacent properties.
Required Yard Areas Between Parking and Property Lines
| Boundary Condition | Required Setback |
|---|---|
| Front Street | 6 feet |
| Side Street | 6 feet |
| Adjacent to residential district | 5 feet |
| Adjacent to nonresidential district | 5 feet |
Note: Parking is prohibited within the 14 feet required for an alley [Table 32-2].
Landscaping and Screening in Setbacks
In the CHW district, all required yard areas (except those used for outdoor dining or those abutting alleys) must contain a landscaped area at least five feet in width, consisting of trees, shrubs, and groundcover [Section 21.32.225]. Additionally, when a parking lot in the CHW district abuts a residential zone, a solid masonry wall between six feet and six feet six inches in height is required [Section 21.32.225.A.3].
Sections Cited
- Section 21.32.020 - Districts established
- Section 21.32.220 - Yards
- Table 32-2 - Commercial Development Standards
- Section 21.32.225 - Screening required