Use Regulations for the R-1-T Single-family Residential, Townhomes District in Long Beach
In the City of Long Beach, the R-1-T District is specifically established as a single-family residential area focused on townhomes, implementing Land Use District No. 3A of the General Plan [Section 21.31.020]. The district permits both detached and attached single-family dwellings by right, though it strictly prohibits multi-family structures and most commercial activities [Table 31-1]. Duplexes are permitted in the R-1-T District only if the site can provide four independently accessible parking spaces; otherwise, the second unit is limited to a 450-square-foot zero-bedroom unit [Section 21.31.110, Note b].
Permitted Residential Uses in the R-1-T District
The primary purpose of the R-1-T District is to provide a residential environment for single-family attached and detached homes. The following table outlines the specific permissions for residential occupancy within the R-1-T District in the City of Long Beach.
| Residential Use Type | Permission Status |
|---|---|
| Single-family detached | Permitted (Y) |
| Single-family attached | Permitted (Y) |
| Duplex | Permitted with Parking Conditions (Y) [Note b] |
| Modular or manufactured housing on permanent foundation | Permitted (Y) |
| Transitional Housing | Permitted (Y) |
| Supportive Housing | Permitted (Y) |
| Group home (6 or fewer persons) | Permitted (Y) |
| Mobile home park (unsold spaces) | Conditional Use Permit Required (C) |
| Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) - Conforming | Accessory Use (A) |
[Section 21.31.110, Table 31-1]
Accessory and Temporary Uses
In addition to primary dwellings, the City of Long Beach allows for various accessory and temporary uses in the R-1-T District. These uses are subordinate to the primary residential use of the property.
| Use Type | Permission Status |
|---|---|
| Home occupation | Accessory Use (A) |
| Child daycare home (1—14 persons) | Accessory Use (A) |
| Room rentals | Accessory Use (A) |
| Safe parking site (Accessory to existing institution) | Accessory Use (A) |
| Detached accessory room | Accessory Use (A) |
| Vehicle parking and storage | Accessory Use (A) |
| Passive parks | Permitted (Y) |
| Daycare center (15 or more persons) | Conditional Use Permit Required (C) |
| Wireless telecommunications facilities | Conditional Use Permit Required (C) |
| Construction trailer | Temporary Use (T) |
| Special events (Carnival, fiesta, etc.) | Temporary Use (T) |
[Section 21.31.110, Table 31-1]
Prohibited Uses in the R-1-T District
To maintain the residential character of the R-1-T District, the Long Beach Municipal Code prohibits any use not specifically listed as permitted. The following uses are explicitly marked as "Not Permitted" (N) in the R-1-T District:
- Multi-Family Housing: Three-family, four-family, and dense multi-family dwellings are prohibited [Table 31-1].
- Commercial Operations: Standard office commercial, retail commercial, restaurants, and bed and breakfast inns are prohibited [Table 31-1].
- Institutional Uses: Churches (Religious Assembly), private elementary or secondary schools, and vocational schools are prohibited [Table 31-1].
- Industrial/Utility: Electrical distribution stations and general industrial uses are prohibited [Table 31-1].
- Recreational Vehicles: Use of recreational vehicles as a dwelling unit is strictly prohibited in all residential districts [Section 21.31.120].
Special Development Conditions
The City of Long Beach imposes specific restrictions on certain allowed uses within the R-1-T District:
- Duplex Restrictions: If a duplex is built in the R-1-T District and the site cannot provide four independently accessible parking spaces, one of the units must be a "zero-bedroom" unit not exceeding 450 square feet [Table 31-1, Note b].
- Home Occupations: These are permitted as an accessory activity but must not change the residential character of the dwelling or include any outside operations or displays [Section 21.51.235].
- Room Rentals: Permitted provided the owner of the dwelling unit lives in the unit and no more than two rooms are rented [Section 21.51.270].
Sections Cited
- Section 21.31.020 - Districts established
- Section 21.31.110 - Permitted uses (Table 31-1)
- Section 21.31.120 - Prohibited uses
- Section 21.51.235 - Home occupations
- Section 21.51.270 - Room rental
- Section 21.51.276 - Accessory Dwelling Units