Setback Requirements for the CNR: Neighborhood Commercial and Residential District in Long Beach
In the City of Long Beach, the CNR: Neighborhood Commercial and Residential district generally requires a 0-foot front and side street setback for commercial structures or residential units located above ground-floor commercial. However, ground-floor residential developments in the CNR district must maintain an 8-foot front setback and a 5-foot side street setback, while setbacks adjacent to residential districts range from 10 feet for side yards to 20 feet for rear yards [Section 21.32.220]. Additionally, all street-facing setbacks in the City of Long Beach must maintain a minimum distance of 10 feet from the curb face regardless of the property line [Table 32-2, Note a].
Building Setback Requirements
The CNR district is a mixed-use zone designed to permit small-scale commercial activities and moderate-density residential development [Section 21.32.020]. The specific setback distances depend on whether the structure is facing a street or an adjacent property, and whether the ground floor is used for residential purposes.
Street and Adjacency Setbacks
The following table outlines the required yard areas between buildings and property lines for the CNR district in the City of Long Beach:
| Condition | Building Setback Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Street | 0 ft. or 8 ft. (see Notes below) |
| Side Street | 0 ft. or 5 ft. (see Notes below) |
| Adjacent to Side Yard of Residential District | 10 ft. |
| Adjacent to Rear Yard of Residential District | 20 ft. (may be reduced to 10 ft. for single-story commercial) |
| Adjacent to Nonresidential District | 5 ft. (may be reduced to 0 ft. if specific attachment conditions are met) |
Notes on Street Setbacks:
- Mixed-Use/Commercial: No building setback is required from the property line for commercial uses or residential units located over ground-floor commercial [Table 32-2, Note e].
- Ground-Floor Residential: An 8-foot front street setback and a 5-foot side street setback are mandatory for ground-floor residential uses [Table 32-2, Note e].
- Curb Face Rule: In all cases, a minimum setback of 10 feet from the curb face is required [Table 32-2, Note a].
- Measurement: Adjacency setbacks are measured from the centerline of the alley, if one exists [Table 32-2, Note b].
Parking Setback Requirements
The City of Long Beach also mandates specific setbacks for parking areas within the CNR district to ensure proper screening and safety. These distances are often greater than the building setbacks to provide room for landscaping and buffers.
| Parking Area Location | Required Setback |
|---|---|
| Front Street | 30 ft. |
| Side Street | 6 ft. |
| Adjacent to Residential District | 5 ft. |
| Adjacent to Nonresidential District | 5 ft. |
[Section 21.32.220]
Residential Use Considerations
Residential developments within the CNR district are subject to the same building setbacks as commercial uses, but they must follow the density and open space standards of the R-3-T zone [Table 32-3]. If a residential development is being established on the ground floor, it triggers the more restrictive 8-foot front and 5-foot side street setbacks mentioned above to maintain the residential character and provide a buffer for residents [Table 32-2].
Sections Cited
- Section 21.32.020 - Districts established
- Section 21.32.220 - Yards
- Table 32-2 - Commercial Development Standards
- Section 21.32.235 - Residential uses in commercial districts
- Table 32-3 - Development Standards (Residential Uses In Commercial Districts)