Setback Requirements for the R-3-T Townhouse District in Long Beach
In the R-3-T (Single-family Residential, Townhomes) district of the City of Long Beach, residential developments are required to maintain a standard front yard setback of 15 feet and a rear yard setback of 20 feet. Side yard setbacks for the R-3-T district are determined as a percentage of the lot width—typically 10 percent for interior sides and 15 percent for street sides—though the district allows for specialized "zero lot line" configurations and townhouse-specific exceptions [Table 31-2A].
Standard Setback Requirements
The City of Long Beach establishes baseline yard requirements for the R-3-T district to ensure adequate light, air, and privacy between multi-family structures. These standards apply to all new construction and significant additions within the R-3-T district.
| Yard Type | R-3-T District Requirement | Minimum/Maximum Constraints |
|---|---|---|
| Front Yard | 15 Feet | Subject to averaging or key lot exceptions [Section 21.31.215.C] |
| Side Yard (Interior) | 10% of Lot Width | Minimum 3 feet; Maximum 10 feet [Section 21.31.215, Note q] |
| Side Yard (Street) | 15% of Lot Width | Minimum 3 feet; Maximum 15 feet [Section 21.31.215, Note q] |
| Rear Yard | 20 Feet | Reduced for shallow lots [Section 21.31.215.D] |
Front Yard Setback Variations
The City of Long Beach provides specific exceptions for the R-3-T district based on the orientation and layout of the lot:
- Key Lots: If a lot in the R-3-T district is a "key lot" (an interior lot whose side line adjoins the rear line of a corner lot), and the abutting corner lot is built to the side yard line, the required front yard for the key lot is reduced to one-half of that required for the nearest interior lot [Section 21.31.215.C.1].
- Through Lots: On through lots where adjoining lots face opposite streets, the R-3-T district requires two front yards. However, if all lots in a block face the same direction, only one front yard is required from the side providing primary pedestrian access [Section 21.31.215.C.2].
- Averaging: If existing buildings on a block encroach into the 15-foot setback, the required setback for new projects in the R-3-T district may be established by the average of the adjoining lots [Section 21.31.215.C.3].
Side Yard and Zero Lot Line Provisions
One of the unique characteristics of the R-3-T district in the City of Long Beach is the allowance for townhome-style "zero lot line" development:
- Zero Side Yard: One zero side yard is permitted in the R-3-T district provided the opposite side yard is at least twice the standard required width for that zone [Section 21.31.215.E.1].
- Double Zero Side Yard: The City of Long Beach allows buildings in the R-3-T district to be sited on both side property lines if no principal structure on an adjoining lot is within 6 feet of the line (unless it is also a zero lot line building) and the continuous building length does not exceed 150 feet parallel to the front lot line [Section 21.31.215.E.2].
Rear Yard Setback for Shallow Lots
For properties in the R-3-T district with limited depth, the City of Long Beach allows for a reduction in the standard 20-foot rear yard requirement:
- Standard Shallow Lots: On lots less than 100 feet in depth, the rear setback may be reduced to 20 percent of the lot depth, provided the resulting setback is at least 10 feet [Section 21.31.215.D.2.d].
- Reverse Corner Lots: The rear yard setback for a reversed corner lot in the R-3-T district must be the same as the required side yard setback [Section 21.31.215.D.1].
Sections Cited
- Section 21.31.020 - Districts established
- Section 21.31.215 - Yard requirements
- Table 31-2A - Residential Development Standards