Zoning Districts Permitting Single-Family Residential Homes in Long Beach
Single-family residential homes are permitted in a wide variety of zoning districts within the City of Long Beach, including all R-1 and R-2 residential districts, most R-3 and R-4 multi-family districts, and specific commercial and institutional zones. While detached single-family dwellings are the standard in R-1 districts, the Long Beach Municipal Code allows for both detached and attached single-family configurations in higher-density zones, with the exception of the R-3-T (Townhouse) district, which specifically prohibits detached single-family homes [Table 31-1].
Residential Zoning Districts
The City of Long Beach classifies its residential areas into several tiers. The primary locations for single-family homes are the R-1 (Single-family) and R-2 (Two-family) districts. However, single-family dwellings are also permitted in many high-density multi-family districts to provide housing flexibility.
Permitted Configurations by District
The following table outlines where single-family detached and attached dwellings are allowed in Long Beach residential zones:
| Residential Zone District | Single-family Detached | Single-family Attached |
|---|---|---|
| R-1-S, R-1-M, R-1-L, R-1-N (Single-family) | Permitted (Y) | Not Permitted (N) |
| R-1-T (Single-family Townhome) | Permitted (Y) | Permitted (Y) |
| R-2-S, R-2-I, R-2-L, R-2-N, R-2-A (Two-family) | Permitted (Y) | Permitted (Y) |
| R-3-S, R-3-4 (Low-density Multi-family) | Permitted (Y) | Permitted (Y) |
| R-3-T (Townhouse) | Not Permitted (N) | Permitted (Y) |
| R-4-R, R-4-N, R-4-H, R-4-U (Multiple-family) | Permitted (Y) | Permitted (Y) |
| RM (Mobile Homes) | Permitted (Y) | Not Permitted (N) |
| RP (Planned Unit Development) | Permitted (Y) | Permitted (Y) |
[Table 31-1]
Residential Development Standards
Each district in the City of Long Beach has specific minimum requirements for lot area and setbacks to ensure adequate space and sunlight for single-family residences.
| District | Minimum Lot Area (sq. ft.) | Minimum Lot Width (ft.) | Front Setback (ft.) | Rear Setback (ft.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-1-S | 2,400 | 30 | 8 | 8 |
| R-1-M | 3,600 | 40 | 8 | 8 |
| R-1-N | 6,000 | 50 | 20 | 25-30 |
| R-1-L | 12,000 | 60 | 25 | 30 |
| R-2-N | 6,000 | 50 | 15 | 20 |
[Table 31-2A]
Commercial and Institutional Districts
Beyond purely residential zones, the City of Long Beach allows single-family residential homes in select mixed-use and public service areas.
Commercial Districts
Residential uses, including single-family homes, are permitted in commercial zones that are intended to support a mix of neighborhood services and housing [Section 21.32.020].
- CNR (Neighborhood Commercial and Residential): Permits single-family residential use [Table 32-1].
- CCR (Community R-4-R Commercial): Permits single-family residential use [Table 32-1].
- CCN (Community R-4-N Commercial): Permits single-family residential use [Table 32-1].
Institutional Districts
The Institutional (I) District in the City of Long Beach also permits single-family residential dwellings [Table 34-1]. Development in this district must generally follow the standards of the R-1-N zone unless a specific long-range development plan is approved [Section 21.34.245].
Special Residential Provisions
The City of Long Beach includes specific provisions for single-family homes on unique lots:
- Narrow Lots: Any lot in the City of Long Beach that is 25 feet or less in width, or has an area of 2,400 square feet or less, is generally permitted to contain only one single-family residence, regardless of the underlying zone's higher density permissions (excluding R-2-I and R-2-S zones) [Section 21.31.205.C].
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): An ADU is allowed as an accessory use on a lot in the City of Long Beach that contains only one detached single-family dwelling and no other principal uses [Section 21.51.276].
Sections Cited
- Section 21.30.010 - Districts designated
- Section 21.31.020 - Districts established
- Section 21.31.205 - Units per lot and lot area per unit
- Table 31-1 - Uses in Residential Zones
- Table 31-2A - Residential Development Standards
- Section 21.32.020 - Districts established
- Table 32-1 - Uses In All Other Commercial Zoning Districts
- Table 34-1 - Uses in the Institutional District
- Section 21.34.245 - Residential development
- Section 21.51.276 - Accessory Dwelling Units