Setback Standards for the Long Beach R-2-A Residential District
The City of Long Beach R-2-A district requires a minimum front yard setback of 15 feet, a side yard setback of 4 feet, and a rear yard setback of 20 feet. These regulations govern the Two-family Residential, accessory second unit district, which is designed to maintain the single-family character of neighborhoods while allowing for the addition of one small accessory unit to the rear of a lot [Table 31-2A].
Required Setbacks in the R-2-A District
In the City of Long Beach, all structures within the R-2-A district must comply with the yard requirements established in the residential development standards table. These setbacks are measured from the property line after any required dedications or reservations for public rights-of-way have been made [Section 21.31.215.A].
| Setback Type | Minimum Requirement for R-2-A District |
|---|---|
| Front Yard | 15 feet |
| Side Yard (Interior) | 4 feet |
| Rear Yard | 20 feet |
District Purpose and Classification
The R-2-A district is a two-family residential zone in the City of Long Beach with standard-sized lots. It is specifically intended to preserve the existing character of a community by retaining single-family dwellings as the primary use while permitting the addition of a second, smaller accessory unit to the rear of the property [Section 21.31.020.I]. Under the Long Beach Municipal Code, this second unit is limited to a maximum of 800 square feet or 12 percent of the total lot area, whichever is greater [Table 31-2A, Note n].
Exceptions and Special Standards
Narrow Lots
If a lot within the R-2-A district is 27 feet or less in width, the City of Long Beach applies special narrow lot standards. In these instances, the minimum side yard setback may be reduced to 3 feet [Section 21.31.215.F.2].
Shallow Lots
For lots in the City of Long Beach that are less than 100 feet in depth, the rear yard setback may be reduced. Specifically, the rear yard requirement may be lowered to 20 percent of the total lot depth, provided the resulting setback is not less than 10 feet [Section 21.31.215.D.2.d].
Key Lots
In cases where a lot is classified as a "key lot" (an interior lot located to the rear of a reversed corner lot), the City of Long Beach may permit a front yard setback that is one-half of the distance required for the nearest interior lot on the same block, provided the abutting corner lot is built to the side yard line [Section 21.31.215.C.1].
Permitted Projections into Required Yards
Certain architectural features and secondary structures are permitted to project into the required yard areas of the R-2-A district, provided they maintain minimum distances from property lines [Table 31-3].
| Structure | Permitted Projection into Yard |
|---|---|
| Awnings | 2 feet, 6 inches |
| Balconies | 2 feet, 6 inches |
| Bay Windows | 2 feet, 6 inches |
| Chimneys | 2 feet, 6 inches (max 5-ft width) |
| Cornices/Eaves | 2 feet, 6 inches |
Sections Cited
- Section 21.31.020 (Districts established)
- Section 21.31.215 (Yard requirements)
- Table 30-1 (Zoning Districts Established)
- Table 31-2A (Residential Development Standards)
- Table 31-3 (Permitted Projections and Structures in Required Yards)