Setback Requirements for the R-2-N District in Long Beach
In the City of Long Beach, properties located within the R-2-N (Two-family Residential, standard lot) district must adhere to a minimum front yard setback of 15 feet, side yard setbacks of 4 feet, and a rear yard setback of 20 feet. These requirements are subject to modifications based on specific lot characteristics, such as "narrow lot" status for widths of 27 feet or less or "shallow lot" status for depths under 100 feet. For properties in the R-2-N district located within the Coastal Zone, different development standards may apply [Table 31-2A].
R-2-N Primary Setback Standards
The R-2-N district is intended to provide for two-family, moderate-density housing with sufficient outdoor living space [Section 21.31.020.H]. The following table outlines the standard minimum yard requirements as established by the City of Long Beach:
| Setback Type | R-2-N Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Yard | 15 feet |
| Side Yard (Interior) | 4 feet |
| Rear Yard | 20 feet |
[Source: Table 31-2A]
Specific Adjustments and Exceptions
The Long Beach Municipal Code provides several exceptions to the standard R-2-N district setbacks based on the configuration of the parcel.
Front Yard Adjustments
- Key Lots: If a lot in the R-2-N district is a "key lot" (an interior lot positioned to the rear of a reversed corner lot) and the abutting corner lot is built to the side yard line, the front yard setback is reduced to one-half of the requirement for the nearest interior lot in the same block [Section 21.31.215.C.1].
- Through Lots: If a through lot has houses on the same block fronting in the same direction, only one front yard is required, typically taken from the side providing primary pedestrian access [Section 21.31.215.C.2.b].
Side Yard Exceptions for Narrow Lots
For existing lots in the R-2-N district that are 27 feet or less in width, the minimum side yard setback is reduced to 3 feet. Such developments may require a Site Plan Review to ensure the design maintains privacy and adequate light and air for neighboring properties [Section 21.31.215.F].
Rear Yard Exceptions for Shallow Lots
For lots in the R-2-N district with a depth of less than 100 feet, the rear setback may be reduced to 20 percent of the total lot depth, provided it is not less than 10 feet [Section 21.31.215.D.2.d].
Reversed Corner Lots
In the R-2-N district, the rear yard setback for a reversed corner lot must be the same as the required side yard setback (4 feet) rather than the standard 20 feet [Section 21.31.215.D.1].
Permitted Projections into Required Yards
Certain structures are allowed to encroach into the required setbacks of the R-2-N district. Common permitted projections include:
- Awnings and Architectural Protrusions: May project up to 2 feet 6 inches into any required yard [Table 31-3].
- Chimneys: May project 2 feet 6 inches into any required yard, provided they do not exceed 5 feet in width [Table 31-3].
- Balconies: May project 5 feet (or half the required setback, whichever is less) into the front or street-side yard [Table 31-3].
- Decks at Grade: Permitted up to the property line if they are no higher than 30 inches above the grade [Table 31-3].
Garage Setbacks in the R-2-N District
If a garage in the R-2-N district takes direct access from the street, the garage door must be set back at least 20 feet from the street property line to allow for vehicle queuing [Section 21.31.245.A.1]. However, if the garage is located in the rear half of the lot, it may be situated directly on the rear and one side property line, provided the other side yard maintains a 3-foot clearance [Section 21.31.245.A.1.b].
Sections Cited
- Section 21.31.020 - Districts established
- Section 21.31.215 - Yard requirements
- Section 21.31.245 - Accessory structures
- Table 31-2A - Residential Development Standards
- Table 31-3 - Permitted Projections and Structures in Required Yards