Setback Requirements for the R-4-R Moderate-density Multiple Residential District in Long Beach
In the City of Long Beach, the R-4-R (Moderate-density Multiple Residential) district requires a standard front yard setback of 15 feet and a standard rear yard setback of 20 feet. Side yard setbacks are variable based on the width of the lot, requiring 10 percent of the lot width for interior sides and 15 percent for street-facing sides on corner lots [Table 31-2A].
Standard Building Setbacks for the R-4-R District
Development within the R-4-R district of the City of Long Beach must adhere to the specific yard requirements established in the Residential Development Standards table. These distances are measured after any required dedications or reservations for public rights-of-way have been made [Section 21.31.215.A].
| Yard Type | Minimum Setback Requirement | Additional Provisions |
|---|---|---|
| Front Yard | 15 Feet | Standard requirement; averaging may apply if adjacent lots encroach [Table 31-2A, Section 21.31.215.C]. |
| Side Yard (Interior) | 10% of Lot Width | Minimum of 3 feet required; not required to exceed 10 feet [Table 31-2A, Footnote q]. |
| Side Yard (Street Side) | 15% of Lot Width | Minimum of 3 feet required; not required to exceed 15 feet [Table 31-2A, Footnote q]. |
| Rear Yard | 20 Feet | Standard requirement; subject to reductions for shallow lots or reverse corner lots [Table 31-2A]. |
Special Side Yard Regulations
The City of Long Beach implements specific calculations for side yards in the R-4-R district to ensure adequate light and air between multi-family structures.
- Lot Width Calculation: The 10 percent (interior) or 15 percent (street side) requirement is calculated based on the total width of the lot. Regardless of the percentage, no side yard in the R-4-R district is required to exceed 10 feet for interior lines or 15 feet for street side lines, though they must never be less than 3 feet [Table 31-2A, Footnote q].
- Corner Cutoffs: At intersections of streets, driveways, or alleys, a triangular "corner cutoff" area must be maintained. This area generally measures 6 feet by 6 feet to 10 feet by 10 feet, and no structure or vegetation higher than 3 feet is permitted within it to ensure visibility [Section 21.15.660, Section 21.31.215.G].
Rear Yard Adjustments and Buffers
While the standard rear yard in the R-4-R district is 20 feet, the City of Long Beach allows for modifications in specific geographic or lot configurations:
- Shallow Lots: If an R-4-R lot is less than 100 feet in depth, the rear setback may be reduced to 20 percent of the actual lot depth, provided the resulting setback is at least 10 feet [Section 21.31.215.D.2.d].
- Reverse Corner Lots: For a reversed corner lot in the R-4-R district, the rear yard setback requirement is adjusted to be the same as the side yard setback requirement [Section 21.31.215.D.1].
Permitted Projections into Required Yards
The Long Beach Municipal Code allows certain architectural and functional features to project into the required R-4-R setbacks, provided they maintain minimum distances from property lines [Table 31-3]:
- Architectural Protrusions: Features like eaves, cornices, and sills may project up to 2 feet 6 inches into required front, side, or rear yards.
- Balconies: In the R-3 and R-4 districts (including R-4-R), balconies may project 2 feet 6 inches into the front or side yards, and up to 15 feet into the rear yard.
- Awnings: May project 2 feet 6 inches into any required yard.
- Decks at Grade: If the deck is no higher than 30 inches above grade, it may extend to the property line in any yard.
Sections Cited
- 21.15.660 (Corner cutoff)
- 21.31.020 (Districts established)
- 21.31.215 (Yard requirements)
- 21.31.215.C (Front Yards)
- 21.31.215.D (Rear Yards)
- 21.31.215.G (Corner cutoffs)
- Table 31-2A (Residential Development Standards)
- Table 31-3 (Permitted Projections and Structures in Required Yards)