Setback Requirements for the CNA District in Long Beach

In the City of Long Beach, the Neighborhood Automobile-Oriented (CNA) District requires a minimum front street building setback of 10 feet and a side street building setback of 5 feet. When the property is adjacent to residential zones, requirements increase significantly, specifically requiring a 10-foot setback adjacent to a residential side yard and a 20-foot setback adjacent to a residential rear yard [Table 32-2].

Overview of the CNA District

The Neighborhood Automobile-Oriented (CNA) District is a commercial zoning classification in Long Beach designed for small-scale, low-intensity uses that serve the daily needs of surrounding residents. Unlike pedestrian-oriented districts, the CNA District is characterized by buildings that are set back from the front property line to accommodate parking located between the building and the street [Section 21.32.020.B.2].

Building Setback Requirements

Building setbacks in the CNA District vary based on whether the yard faces a street or an adjacent property with a different zoning classification. All yard areas must remain clear of structures from the ground to the sky and must be maintained with appropriate landscaping [Section 21.32.220].

Yard Location	Required Setback for Buildings
Front Street	10 feet
Side Street	5 feet
Adjacent to Residential Side Yard	10 feet
Adjacent to Residential Rear Yard	20 feet
Adjacent to Nonresidential District	5 feet

Setback Exceptions and Modifications

The Long Beach Municipal Code allows for specific modifications to these standards under certain conditions:

Curb Face Minimum: In all instances, the minimum setback must be at least 10 feet from the curb face [Table 32-2, Note a].
Alley Measurements: When a property line abuts an alley, setbacks are measured from the centerline of that alley [Table 32-2, Note b].
Zero Setback Provision: The 5-foot setback for nonresidential neighbors may be reduced to 0 feet if the new structure is attached to a building on the lot line or if no building on the abutting lot is within 5 feet of the property line [Table 32-2, Note c].
Single-Story Reduction: For single-story commercial buildings, the 20-foot setback adjacent to a residential rear yard may be reduced to 10 feet through the site plan review process [Table 32-2, Note d].

Parking Setback Requirements

The CNA District also regulates the distance that parking areas must be set back from property lines to ensure proper buffering and safety [Table 32-2].

Parking Location	Required Setback
Front Street	10 feet
Side Street	6 feet
Adjacent to Residential District	5 feet
Adjacent to Nonresidential District	5 feet

Additional Site Design Requirements

Properties within the Long Beach CNA District must also adhere to the following design standards:

Corner Cutoffs: At all intersections of streets, driveways, or alleys, a triangular "corner cutoff" area of 6 feet by 6 feet must be maintained. No structures or vegetation higher than 3 feet are permitted in this area to ensure visibility [Section 21.32.240.B].
Landscaping: All required yard areas, with the exception of those abutting alleys or used for outdoor dining, must include a landscaped area at least 5 feet in width [Section 21.32.220.D].
Residential Buffering: When a commercial use in the CNA District adjoins or abuts a residential district, it must be screened by a solid masonry wall between 3 and 6.5 feet in height, depending on its location relative to the front yard [Section 21.32.225.A.3].

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