Skip to content

Earlier editions: 2026-09

Title 21 — ZONING›Chapter 21.41 — OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING REQUIREMENTS

Long Beach Municipal Code Div. II Parking Regulations

Long Beach Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · Long Beach

Cite as: Long Beach Municipal Code Division II · Text as of 2026-10-04

21.41.206 - Parking—Nonconforming.

Nonconforming parking shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 21.27, Nonconformities, of this Title.

(Ord. C-7663 § 26, 1999: Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

Exceptions & meaning →

21.41.209 - Parking—Rental or sale of residential parking.

Required parking for all residential uses shall be considered an inseparable part of a residential unit or development, and required parking shall not be rented or sold, except as provided by Section 21.41.170.

(ORD-24-0033 § 19, 2024; Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

Exceptions & meaning →

21.41.213 - Parking—Garage required.

A. Garage Required. In all residential districts, all required parking spaces shall be provided within an enclosed garage in accordance with the development standards as specified in Section 21.31.245 (garage).

B. Exception. Open parking may be permitted through site plan review for projects of forty (40) units or more at densities of twenty-nine (29) units per acre or less. If exceptions are granted to permit open parking, open parking shall comply with the same development standards as a garage.

(Ord. C-6933 § 30, 1991: Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

Exceptions & meaning →

21.41.216 - Parking—Required number of spaces.

Tables 41-1A, 41-1B and 41-1C set forth the number of parking spaces required for specific land uses. Parking spaces required for multiple uses on a lot shall be calculated separately for each use, and the parking required shall be the sum of all that required for all such uses, unless otherwise permitted by Section 21.41.223 of this Chapter. In calculating the number of required spaces, fractional numbers shall be rounded up to the closest whole number.

(Ord. C-7550 § 9, 1998; Ord. C-7326 § 18, 1995; Ord. C-7247 §§ 18-20, 1994; Ord. C-7127 § 4, 1993; Ord. C-7032 § 28, 1992; Ord. C-6933 § 31, 1991; Ord. C-6755 § 2, 1990; Ord. C-6684 §§ 27, 28, 1990; Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

Table 41-1A Required Number of Parking Spaces for Residential Uses

Number of Units/Bedrooms (e) Number of Spaces per Unit (a) Coastal Zone Only
Unit Parking
-0 bedrooms (not more than 450 sq. ft.) 1.00 1.00
-1 or more bedrooms (or zero bedrooms, 451 sq. ft. or more) 1.50 2.00
-2 bedrooms or more 2.00 2.00
Guest parking (b)(c)(d)(e) 1 space/4 units 1 space/4 units

(a) In the RM district, not more than 11/2 spaces per unit shall be required.

(b) The number of guest parking spaces indicated above in the table shall be the minimum number of guest parking spaces required in any residential district.

(c) Guest parking shall be required when 4 or more detached or attached dwelling units (including existing units on the site) are proposed as one development.

(d) When Allowed On Street. On-street parking abutting the lot shall be considered as guest parking according to the standards for parallel parking spaces when all access to on-site parking is taken from an alley and the site is outside of the parking-impacted area. On-street parking abutting the site may not be considered as guest parking when the street is a major, minor or secondary highway.

(e) In calculating required parking spaces, all rooms other than 1 living room, 1 dining room, 1 kitchen, and bathrooms shall be calculated as bedrooms.

Table 41-1B Required Number of Parking Spaces for Special Residential Uses

Use Required Number of Spaces
1. Handicapped (a)
-Low rent 1 space per each 2 bedrooms
-Market rent 1 space per each 1 bedroom
2. Senior citizen (a)
-Low rent 1 space per each 2 bedrooms
-Market rent 1 space per each 1 bedroom
-Congregate care, low rent 1 space per each 2 bedrooms
-Congregate care, market rent 1 space per each 1 bedroom
3. Convalescent hospital 1.2 spaces per room, or 0.6 space per bed, whichever is greater, plus 5 per 1,000 SF-GFA for medical office in building
4. Residential care facility 1 space per bed
5. Fraternity, sorority, dormitory 1 space per bed
6. Monastery, convent, communal, religious home and other special group residences 1 space per each 2 beds

(a) The Planning Commission may further reduce the parking standards to 1 space per 3 bedrooms if it finds that the neighborhoods in which the facility is proposed has ample, readily available on-street parking or is well-served by public transportation and a concentration of senior services.

Table 41-1C Required Number of Parking Spaces for Commercial, Industrial/Manufacturing and All Other Uses

Use Required Number of Spaces
Retail, Ready to Eat Restaurant and Personal Service Uses or Stores
1. Community, regional or neighborhood shopping centers 5 per 1,000 SF-GFA plus parking for a detached fast-food restaurant calculated separately. However, shopping centers greater than 150,000 square feet in size may receive approval of a lower parking ratio pursuant to Section 21.41.219
2. Merchandise mall 10 per 1,000 SF-GFA
3. Open flea market, swap meet 4 per 1,000 GLA of display area
4. Other retail or personal service use,store or shop (commercial clusters) 4 per 1,000 SF-GFA
5. Automobile sales 2 spaces per 1,000 GFA of interior showroom,1 per 1,000 GLA of outdoor display area, pIus 4 per 1,000 GFA for accessory office and repair service area
6. Ready to eat restaurant 4 per 1,000 GFA
7. Furniture store 2 per 1,000 GFA
Automobile/Motor Vehicles
1. Car wash (self-service/hose and hand dry or belt driven) 2 spaces per wash bay (for purposes of belt driven facilities, the conveyor length shall be divided by 18 to determine the number of wash bays)

Table 41-1C Required Number of Parking Spaces for Commercial, Industrial/Manufacturing and All Other Uses (Continued)

Use Required Number of Spaces
2. Car wash (full-service) 1 space per wash bay (conveyor length divided by 18), plus retail and office space calculated separately
3. Service station or service garage For a service station (gas dispensing only), 1 pace per pump island. For a service station with accessory retail, office, and/or auto repair, 1 space per pump island, plus 4 per 1,000 GFA for accessory retail, office and auto repair area. For a service garage (auto repair), 3 plus 4 per 1,000 GFA
Office
1. Banks, savings and loans 5 per 1,000 GFA (no additional parking is required for accessory automatic teller machines)
2. Medical or dental office, clinic, urgent care, outpatient surgical center or similar medical uses 4 per 1,000 GFA
3. Professional or unspecified office (no additional parking for restaurants or medical offices in office building if less than 10 percent of building area) 4 per 1,000 GFA up to 20,000 GFA and 2 per 1,000 GFA for GFA more than 20,000, or 1 space for each company vehicle exceeding 5, whichever is greater
Restaurants and Bars
1. Detached fast food restaurant (located on a separate pad) 5 spaces plus 1 per 3 seats in dining area or 10 per 1,000 GFA whichever is greater
2. Dinner restaurant 10 per 1,000 GFA of dining areas plus 20 per 1,000 GFA for tavern area and 25 per 1,000 for dance floor
3. Outdoor dining at an established restaurant 0 space for 250 GLA or less, plus 5 per 1,000 GLA for 250 GLA or more, except for outdoor dining located in the CB zone, and for outdoor dining located on public sidewalks, no additional parking is required (See Footnote A)
4. Tavern 20 per 1,000 SF-GFA
Use Required Number of Spaces Required Number of Spaces
Alcoholic Beverage Manufacturing and Accessory Tasting Room Commercial Zones Industrial Zones
1. Manufacturing/Brewing area None 2 spaces per 1,000 SF GFA of ABM facility
2. Accessory Tasting Room area 10 spaces per 1,000 SF GFA of Accessory Tasting Room only 2 spaces per 1,000 SF GFA of ABM facility
3. Office space If greater than or equal to 25% of total GFA 4 spaces per 1,000 SF GFA; if less than 25% total GFA, the area shall be included in the manufacturing/brewing area calculation If greater than or equal to 25% of total GFA 4 spaces per 1,000 SF GFA; if less than 25% total GFA, the area shall be included in the manufacturing/brewing area calculation
Use Required Number of Spaces
Public Assembly
1. Assembly hall, religious assembly, movie theater or other public assembly area with fixed seats For assembly uses, 1 per every 3.3 fixed seats. For theaters, 1 per every 3.3 fixed seats, plus a passenger loading and unloading zone (if the fixed seat portion of the use is not 75% or greater, separate parking ratios shall be applied for accessory uses)
2. Meeting hall, banquet hall, religious assembly, or other public assembly area without fixed seats 20 per 1,000 GFA (if the assembly area is not 75% or greater, separate parking ratios shall be applied for accessory uses)
3. Elementary school, secondary school and day-care center For elementary schools, 2 per classroom, plus 2 loading and unloading spaces and auditorium or stadium calculated separately. For high schools, 7 per classroom, plus auditorium or stadium calculated separately. For daycare, 1 space per every 10 children, plus 2 loading and unloading spaces.

Table 41-1C Required Number of Parking Spaces for Commercial, Industrial/Manufacturing and All Other Uses (Continued)

Use Required Number of Spaces
4. Publicly run post-secondary school See 21.45.151 (applies to change of use only)
5. Hotel (guestrooms with direct access from an interior hallway) and motel (guestrooms with direct access to the exterior) For hotel, 1 per guestroom, plus parking figured separately for banquet rooms, meeting rooms, restaurant and gift shops, plus 2 loading and unloading spaces. For motel, same as hotel, plus 2 parking spaces for the motel managers unit
6. Hospitals, convalescent hospitals For hospitals, 2 spaces per bed. For convalescent hospitals, 1 per every 3 beds
7. Library, museum 4 per 1,000 GFA, plus 1 bus parking stall for each 5,000 sq. ft. open to public; plus passenger loading and unloading area shall be provided
8. Trade or vocational school 20 per 1,000 GFA or 1 per 3.3 fixed seats, whichever is greater
Recreation
1. Amusement arcade 4 per 1,000 SF except in a tavern, then 20 per 1,000 SF
2. Amusement/Entertainment Facilities 4 per 1,000 SF-GFA
3. Athletic club 5 spaces plus 4 spaces 1,000 SF-GFA; or 1 per 3 spectator seats, whichever is greater, plus 20 per 1,000 SF-GFA for exercise floors
4. Basketball courts, volleyball courts 5 per court or 1 per 3 spectator seats, whichever is greater
5. Bowling alley 5 spaces plus 4 spaces per alley, or 1 per 3 spectator seats, whichever is greater
6. Commercial horse stables and horse riding schools 1 for each 5 stalls
7. Dancing, dance hall, disco, skating rink 25 per 1,000 SF-GFA, excluding kitchen
8. Golf course 3 per hole, or spaces required for restaurant, whichever is greater
9. Golf range, batting cage, tennis alley and the like 1 per tee, cage or alley and the like
10. Miniature golf course 2 per hole
11. Open recreation 1 per 1,000 SF-GLA
12. Passive park use 2 per acre-GLA
13. Pool or billiard hall 2 spaces plus 5 spaces per 1,000 SF-GFA
14. Tennis courts, racquetball courts, handball courts and the like 3 spaces plus 3 spaces per court or 1 per 3 spectator seats, whichever is greater
Industrial/Manufacturing
1. Service yards, storage yards and contractor yards 1 space per every 5,000 sq. ft. of yard area, plus office areas are calculated separately (minimum of 2 spaces shall be provided)
2. Manufacturing, processing, packing, assembly and the like 2 per 1,000 SF-GFA (office area greater than 25% is calculated separately)
3. Mini-warehouse (personal storage) 3 spaces plus 1 per 100 units
4. Research laboratories 3 per 1,000 SF-GFA
5. Warehouse, airplane hanger, and mechanical equipment buildings 1 per 1,000 GFA (office area greater than 25% is calculated separately)
6. Wholesale sales and distribution center 3 per 1,000 GFA (office area greater than 25% is calculated separately)

Abbreviations: SF = square feet GFA = gross floor area (excludes utility and elevator cores, stairwells and restrooms) GLA = gross land area in square feet

NOTES: (A) Outdoor dining located on public sidewalks require approval of an encroachment permit issued by the Department of Public Works. Further, within the City's Coastal Zone, a coastal permit is required for all outdoor dining located on public rights-of-way.

(ORD-20-0040 § 3, 2020; ORD-20-0018 § 19, 2020; ORD-19-0028 § 21, 2019; ORD-19-0006 § 1, 2019; ORD-16-0025 § 1, 2016; ORD-15-0010 § 3, 2015)

Exceptions & meaning →

21.41.219 - Parking requirements for uses not specified and for large shopping centers.

The requirement for a use not specifically mentioned in Tables 41-1A, 41-1B and 41-1C shall be the same as for a use specified which has similar traffic generating characteristics. The Zoning Administrator shall determine what constitutes similar traffic generating characteristics. For unique uses, the Zoning Administrator may require a parking demand study. The parking demand study should be prepared by an independent traffic engineer licensed by the State of California at the developer's expense and must be submitted to the Director of Planning and Building and the Director of Public Works for review and approval. Shopping centers of one hundred fifty thousand (150,000) square feet or more may submit a parking demand study, as outlined above, in order to reduce the standard shopping center ratio.

(Ord. C-7326 § 19, 1995: Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

Exceptions & meaning →

21.41.221 - On-site parking required—Residential uses.

For all residential uses, all required off-street parking shall be provided on the project site, except certain guest parking may be permitted on the street as indicated in Table 41-1A.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

Exceptions & meaning →

21.41.222 - Off-site parking.

For commercial, industrial and institutional use, required parking may be provided off-site according to the following limitations:

A. Distance from Use. All off-site parking shall be located within six hundred feet (600′) of the use it serves, unless otherwise provided in the Zoning Regulations. This distance shall be measured from the middle of the parking facility to the entrance of the use (main front door of the building, or main entrance to the lot or parcel if there is no building), using the shortest route legally available to a pedestrian. This distance requirement shall not apply within the former downtown redevelopment project area, the former westside industrial redevelopment project area, parking facilities built to service the former redevelopment project areas, or in parking districts.

B. Guaranteed Permanence. All off-site parking shall be guaranteed to remain as parking by a deed restriction to which the City is a party. This guarantee is not required within the former downtown redevelopment project area, the former westside industrial redevelopment project area, or within a parking district.

C. Signing. An illuminated sign, not less than six (6) square feet in area, visible from the public right-of-way and in conformance with Chapter 21.44, shall be placed on each street frontage of both the business location and the off-site parking location, stating the following:

  1. At the business: The availability and address or location of the off-site parking for the business, and

  2. At the off-site parking location: The name and address or location of the business for which the parking is provided.

(ORD-24-0033 § 20, 2024; Ord. C-6933 § 32, 1991; Ord. C-6595 § 25, 1989)

Exceptions & meaning →

21.41.223 - Adjustment of parking requirements.

The minimum number of required parking spaces for a nonresidential use may be reduced subject to approval of an Administrative Use Permit (AUP) when the Zoning Administrator finds that adequate parking, circulation and access are provided for customers, clients, visitors and employees. Adjustments shall be limited to one or more of the methods set forth in items A, B, and C below:

A. Parking Management Plan. A parking management plan may be approved by the Zoning Administrator if the applicant provides Transportation Demand Management (TDM) measures to reduce vehicular parking demand as specified in Subsection 21.41.223.D. The parking management plan shall include the following:

  1. Plans shall show how the alternative mode(s) will be implemented, the permanency and extent of such mode(s), the number of vehicles the mode(s) will replace, and other pertinent information requested by the Director of Community Development or the Zoning Administrator;

  2. A covenant deemed acceptable by the Zoning Administrator shall be duly recorded, with the City a party thereto. This covenant shall designate the method by which adequate parking will be provided as required by this Subsection 21.41.223.A.

B. Shared Parking Agreement. A shared parking agreement may be approved by the Zoning Administrator. When two (2) or more uses share a parking facility, and when demonstrated by a signed affidavit that the hours of their demand for parking do not overlap, or only partially overlap, then the parking requirement may be reduced by the Zoning Administrator. A covenant deemed acceptable by the Zoning Administrator shall be duly recorded, with the City a party thereto.

C. Parking Study. An independent parking study, provided by the applicant and prepared by a licensed traffic engineer, may be accepted by the Zoning Administrator. The parking study shall substantiate or justify a request for reduction in parking, or outline alternative methods to provide adequate parking, circulation and access for a particular development. The parking study shall be subject to review by the Zoning Administrator and City Traffic Engineer to determine the merits of the alternative strategies.

D. Transportation Demand Management (TDM) measures provided for purposes of this Section shall include the following:

  1. For projects under 25,000 sq. ft. total GFA (and including GLA of outdoor uses), the following shall be provided:

a. Bicycle parking:

(i) For retail, personal service, medical, professional service, restaurant, bar/tavern, health/fitness/dance, and similar uses with a regular traffic of customers, one short-term on-site bicycle parking space may be substituted for one auto parking space, up to a maximum of 20% of the required auto parking spaces.

(ii) For professional office, industrial, and other uses with no or only incidental traffic of customers, one long-term on-site bicycle parking space may be substituted for one auto parking space, up to a maximum of 30% of the required auto parking spaces.

b. Bicycle route and facility information, including regional/local bicycle maps and bicycle safety information,

c. Current maps, routes and schedules for public transit routes serving the site,

d. Promotional materials for taxi and/or ridesharing services, in a location most visible to the likely users, within the project building or on the project site,

e. Varied hours of work shifts, subsidized transit passes, or similar employee benefit measures to offset demand for employee parking.

f. All sidewalks, curb and gutter, and driveway aprons/curb cuts in the public right-of-way adjacent to the project site shall be upgraded to meet the current requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), to the satisfaction of the Director of Public Works,

g. Any cracked, deteriorated, or uplifted/depressed sections of sidewalk pavers and curb and gutter along all public rights-of-way adjacent to the project site shall be reconstructed to the satisfaction of the Director of Public Works, and

h. Alternative TDM measures may be proposed and analyzed through a Parking Impact Study and approved as set forth in Subsection 21.41.223.C (Parking Study).

  1. For projects of 25,000 sq. ft. or greater total GFA (and including GLA of outdoor uses), the following shall be provided:

a. The requirements of Subsection 21.41.223.D.1 shall be met,

b. The TDM requirements of Chapter 21.64 (summarized in Table 25-1) shall be met,

c. An off-site parking or drop-off area for electric scooters, e-bikes, or a bike-share service shall be located within 300 feet of the project building entrance using the shortest legal route available to a pedestrian. If none is present, the applicant shall submit a request to the Director of Public Works for the establishment or designation of one of said facilities.

d. Any nonconforming driveway aprons/curb cuts shall be reconstructed to conform to the requirements of Chapter 21.41 to the greatest extent feasible, to the satisfaction of the Director of Community Development and the Director of Public Works.

(ORD-24-0033 § 21, 2024; Ord. C-7247 § 21, 1994; Ord. C-6684 § 29, 1990; Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

Exceptions & meaning →

21.41.224 - Parking District.

When the property owners of a contiguous commercial or mixed-use district have established a parking district pursuant to the laws of the State of California, that parking district may develop a parking plan for the district. When such a plan, along with the financial arrangements to implement the plan, has been approved by the Planning Commission, or, on appeal, by the City Council, such plan shall supersede the parking requirements specified in the Zoning Regulations.

(ORD-24-0033 § 10, 2024)

Exceptions & meaning →

21.41.226 - Special parking requirements for CNP district.

The number of required parking spaces for uses in the CNP zone district are specified as follows:

A. In area D of the coastal zone (Second Street, between Livingston Drive and Bayshore Avenue), the parking in the CNP district shall be one-half (½) of the parking required in Chapter 21.41, Table 41-1C. In all other areas of the coastal zone and outside the coastal zone, parking in the CNP district shall be as required in Chapter 21.41, Table 41-1C. Any new parking provided, or reconfiguration of existing parking facilities, in area D of the coastal zone can utilize tandem parking subject to the provisions of Subsection 21.41.235.B of the tandem parking regulations.

  1. Restaurants. The one-half (½) parking standard shall not apply to restaurants (new and reuse/conversion of existing nonrestaurant lease spaces) which shall conform to full parking standards. This Subsection does not apply to ready to eat restaurants (as defined in Section 21.15.2332), which may utilize the one-half (½) parking standard.

  2. Determination of nonconforming rights. Owners of properties with nonconforming parking rights within area D of the coastal zone may apply for site plan review to obtain a determination of nonconforming parking rights. Such determination will establish the number of nonconforming spaces that applies to the property at the time of the request and will allow the property to maintain nonconforming parking rights to the established number of spaces regardless of change in use of the existing buildings.

B. Outdoor dining. In area D of the coastal zone (Second Street, between Livingston and Bayshore), outdoor dining on private property shall require the same parking as required for indoor dining.

C. Within established parking district. If the site to be developed or expanded is located within a parking district established pursuant to the laws of the State of California or local ordinances, the required parking spaces shall be provided as follows:

  1. For a new development on a lot with gross lot area less than five thousand (5,000) square feet, or for any expansion of an existing building, the development may, in lieu of providing all or part of required off-street parking on-site or within six hundred feet (600′) of the site, pay a fee to the parking district based on the cost of providing such parking. The amount of the in lieu fee shall be established by the City Council by resolution and shall be reviewed periodically to assure its adequacy to cover the cost of providing parking under this provision.

  2. For a new development on a lot with gross lot area of five thousand (5,000) square feet or more, a minimum of fifty percent (50%) of the required parking shall be provided on the site, or within six hundred feet (600′) of the site. The remaining required parking may be provided by an in lieu fee as described above.

  3. All existing parking provided for or leased by any business shall hereinafter be the minimum required for the existing use on that site. If the parking now required exceeds that established pursuant to Subsection 21.41.226.A, the parking now provided may not be reduced below that required in Table 41-1C.

(ORD-05-0039 § 1, 2005; Ord. C-7777 § 2, 2001; Ord. C-7619 § 4, 1999; Ord. C-7247 § 22, 1994: Ord. C-6684 § 30, 1990: Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

Exceptions & meaning →

21.41.228 - In lieu fees.

Fees may be paid in lieu of providing the required on-site or off-site parking provided:

A. The site is located in an established parking district or redevelopment project area;

B. The in lieu fee represents the estimated current cost of providing the parking place in the applicable district. Such fees shall be adopted by City Council resolution, and shall be updated each two (2) years.

(Ord. C-6595 § 26, 1989)

Exceptions & meaning →

21.41.229 - Parking—Residential uses in commercial zones.

Residential uses in commercial zones shall provide parking spaces as provided for in Tables 41-1A and 41-1B as applicable.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

Exceptions & meaning →

21.41.231 - Parking—Size of spaces.

Parking spaces shall be of the sizes and meet such other requirements as set forth in Table 41-2 and as illustrated in Figures 41-1A, 41-1B, 41-1C and 41-1D.

(Ord. C-7040 § 2, 1992; Ord. C-6895 § 20, 1991: Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

Exceptions & meaning →

21.41.232 - Parking—Electric vehicle space and charging station requirements.

Outside the coastal zone, parking shall comply with Chapter 18.47 of the Long Beach Municipal Code with regard to electric vehicle space and charging station requirements. In the coastal zone, for a building containing three or more dwelling units or a hotel that is constructed, demolished or rebuilt a building site, at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the total number of parking spaces, but in no case less than one, shall be EV spaces capable of supporting future EVSE and five percent (5%) of the total number of parking spaces but in no case less than one (1), shall have EV chargers installed. Calculations for the required number of EV spaces shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number.

(ORD-19-0007 § 3, 2019; ORD-16-0028 § 13, 2016)

Exceptions & meaning →

21.41.233 - Tandem parking—Residential uses.

A. Tandem parking spaces shall be prohibited for required parking except:

  1. For valet parking with approval through site plan review;

  2. For low income units when projects include ten percent (10%) or more of the units as on-site low income units;

  3. For the provision of required parking for an accessory dwelling unit, and for required replacement of parking for the primary dwelling when a garage is converted or existing parking spaces are otherwise eliminated to create an accessory dwelling unit.

B. For tandem parking allowed in Subsection 21.41.233.A.2, the following standards shall be complied with:

  1. Not more than two (2) spaces shall be involved in the tandem arrangement;

  2. Both spaces in the tandem arrangement shall be assigned to the same dwelling unit;

  3. Handicapped and guest parking shall not be in tandem;

  4. Tandem parking shall not be allowed in a parking garage of less than ten (10) parking spaces or when the full turning radius for the tandem parking is not within the garage.

C. For tandem parking allowed in Subsection 21.41.233.A.3 for an accessory dwelling unit, up to three (3) spaces may be in tandem.

(ORD-17-0031 §§ 18, 19, 2017; Ord. C-7607 §§ 3, 17, 1999; Ord. C-6933 § 33, 1991: Ord. C-6684 § 31, 1990; Ord. C-6593 § 1, 1989: Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

Table 41-2 MINIMUM PARKING SPACE SIZES

All Uses Size Aisle Width Proportion
Compact 8 feet by 15 feet 21 feet (all zones except R-1-S, R-2-S, R-2-I zones) Residential—not more than 50 percent Nonresidential—none
Standard 8 feet 6 inches by 18 feet 24 feet (all zones except R-1-S, R-2-S, R-2-I zones) 23 feet (R-1-S, R-2-S, R-2-I zones)
Handicapped 14 feet by 18 feet 24 feet See State requirements (title 24, part 2, Chapters 2-71 of the California Administrative Code)
Exceptions & meaning →

21.41.235 - Tandem parking—Industrial/manufacturing uses and area D of the coastal zone…

A. Tandem parking serving an industrial or manufacturing use shall only be in areas specifically designated for employee long-term parking. In area D of the coastal zone (Second Street, between Livingston Drive and Bayshore Avenue) the tandem parking shall be for general use of employees and customers. Such parking shall only be located on the same site as the use for which the parking is provided.

B. Tandem parking, where permitted, shall comply with the following standards:

  1. Not more than two (2) spaces shall be allowed in tandem.

  2. Handicapped parking shall not be in tandem.

  3. No more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the required parking spaces shall be permitted to be in tandem.

(Ord. C-7619 § 5, 1999: Ord. C-7360 § 13, 1995)

21.41.239 - Parking fee—Nonresidential use.

A fee may be charged for required parking for nonresidential uses.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

Exceptions & meaning →

21.41.243 - Parking lot layout.

Figures 41-1A, 41-1B, 41-1C, and 41-1D illustrate typical parking lot layouts and the minimum dimensions required for each type of layout. Development standards for parking lots are set forth in this Section and Sections 21.41.251 through 21.41.269.

A. Turning radii. Table 41-3 and figure 41-1E establish minimum turning radii for various parking space types and parking lot layouts. Turning radii may be reduced by one foot (1′) for each additional foot that is added to the width of the garage space, provided that:

  1. The garage door width is widened by an equal amount; and

  2. The maximum turning radii reduction is two feet (2′).

B. Continuous circulation. All lots containing one hundred (100) or more spaces shall provide continuous vehicle circulation. Dead end aisles are prohibited in such lots.

C. Passenger loading. All parking lots containing one hundred (100) or more spaces shall provide an eight foot (8′) wide passenger drop off lane adjoining the building entrance.

D. Pedestrian walkway. A covered pedestrian walkway shall be provided adjoining the building entrance. The walkway shall be at least four feet (4′) wide and shall provide direct access to a public sidewalk.

E. Slope. Parking area shall not have a slope more than one foot (1′) vertical for each sixteen feet (16′) of horizontal dimension perpendicular to the vehicle parking.

F. Pedestrian crossing. All parking lots containing one hundred (100) or more spaces shall provide pedestrian crossings outside of vehicle circulation areas. The crossings shall be at least six feet (6′) wide and shall link the building to the street property line.

G. Drive-thru lanes. No parking space shall be located so that it is accessible only via a drive-thru queuing lane.

H. Parking Exits. Parking must be designed to provide for exiting without backing into the street. However, backing into the street may be permitted in the IM and IG districts on lots five thousand (5,000) square feet or less in size where parking area access occurs onto a local or collector street, as designated in the transportation element of the general plan. Such parking area access shall be subject to the approval of the City Engineer and the Director of Planning and Building.

(Ord. C-7360 § 5, 1995; Ord. C-7326 § 20, 1995: Ord. C-6684 § 32, 1990; Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

Table 41-3 REQUIRED TURNING RADII Minimum Radius

Type of Parking Space 90 Degree Parking All Other Parking
1. Standard and handicapped 24 feet (all zones except R-1-S, R-2-S, R-2-I zones) 23 feet (R-1-S, R-2-S, R-2-I zones only) 24 feet or less, as indicated in figures 41-1A, 41-1B and 41-1C
2. Compact 21 feet (all zones except R-1-S, R-2-S,R-2-I) 19 feet (R-1-S, R-2-S, R-2-I zones only) 21 feet or less, as indicated in figures 41-1A, 41 1B and 41 1C

Figure 41-1A 90° PARKING

[Figure]

Figure 41-B

45° PARKING

[Figure]

Note: See Figure 41-1D for required stall markings and permitted projections.

Figure 41-1B

60° PARKING

[Figure]

Note: See Figure 41-1D for required stall markings and permitted projections.

Figure 41-1C

PARALLEL PARKING

[Figure]

Figure 41-1D

REQUIRED STALL MARKINGS

AND PERMITTED PROJECTIONS

[Figure]

Each stall shall be defined by two painted lines extending two (2) inches beyond the required stall width.

Projections such as curbs or posts may be provided at each stall provided such projection does not extend more than 4′-6″ into the space as shown. Such projections may be placed at either end of the stall.

Figure 41-1E

MINIMUM DRIVEWAY CLEARANCE

[Figure]

Table 41-4

Minimum Driveway Widths

Number of Spaces Minimum Width
0—4 9 ft. 0 in.
5—14 (or one-way flow) 12 ft. 0 in. 18 ft. 0 in. inside a garage or parking lot
15 or more (or two-way flow) 20 ft. 0 in. residential and 24 ft. 0 in. nonresidential from curb to garage or parking lot
Exceptions & meaning →

21.41.246 - Parking—Access.

Each parking space, with the exception of tandem and valet spaces, shall be independently accessible.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

Exceptions & meaning →

21.41.249 - Parking area improvements.

Sections 21.41.251 through 21.41.269 indicate the minimum improvements which shall be provided in all parking areas.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

Exceptions & meaning →

21.41.251 - Driveways and curb cuts.

A. Driveways—Minimum Widths. All uses shall provide a paved driveway from the required parking space(s) to the public street or alley of at the least minimum width specified in Table 41-4. A greater width may be required where the Director of Public Works determines it is beneficial to the public safety or traffic circulation.

B. Driveways and Curb Cuts—Maximum Number and Widths. The maximum number and widths of driveways and curb cuts shall be as specified in Table 41-5. Wider driveways may be allowed on regional arterials, arterials, principal streets or collector highways where the Director of Public Works determines a greater width will be beneficial to public safety or traffic flow. The following special conditions shall also apply:

  1. Separation between driveways on same site - twenty feet (20′) of full height curb;

  2. Separation between driveways on adjoining sites - twenty feet (20′) of full height curb (unless width of site precludes compliance, then twenty feet (20′) shall be maintained on at least one (1) side);

  3. Combined driveways - joint use driveways between sites shall be allowed for adjoining sites provided not less than eight feet (8′) of driveway is provided on each site.

C. Driveway and Curb Cut Permit. When issuing a driveway and/or curb cut permit, the City Engineer shall specify in the permit the location and dimensions of the driveway and the permittee shall comply with the provisions of the permit in the construction of the driveway.

D. Driveway Locations in Nonresidential Zones. The following requirements shall apply to all non-residential zones, and mixed-use zones that are primarily commercial in nature.

  1. Two-Way Driveways. Such driveways shall be located not less than ninety feet (90′) from any intersection for all lots with one hundred twenty-five feet (125′) or more of street frontage. For lots with less than one hundred twenty-five feet (125′) of street frontage, the driveway shall be located not less than two-thirds (⅔) of the width of the lot from the intersection.

  2. One-Way Driveways. Such driveways shall be located not less than thirty-five feet (35′) from any intersection. A one-way driveway is a driveway that allows only a right turn in, or a right turn out. Both in and out movements are not allowed in the same one-way driveway.

E. Driveway Locations in Residential Zones. All driveways shall be located not less than thirty feet (30′) from any intersection, except lots less than thirty feet (30′) in width without alleys, then no restriction shall apply other than those contained in Subsection B of this Section.

F. Driveway Slopes—All Uses. No driveway or parking ramp shall have a slope of more than one foot (1′) of vertical rise for each seven feet (7′) of horizontal length.

G. Driveway Clearance. All driveways shall have a minimum clearance of seven feet (7′) from the driving surface to any overhead obstruction. No projections in this area shall be allowed. This provision shall not apply to the driving area inside a parking structure where the requirements of the Uniform Building Code shall apply. Where higher clearance is required for handicapped access, the provisions for handicapped access shall apply.

H. Driveway Locations in Industrial Zones.

  1. Driveways Accessing a Local or Collector Street. Driveways which access a Local or Collector street, as designated in the Transportation Element of the General Plan, shall be located such that the edge of the access driveway shall be either at least five feet (5′) from the end of the curb return or at least twenty-five feet (25′) from the intersection of two (2) non-arterial streets, whichever is greater. If the nearest intersection includes an Arterial or greater street, then the regulations of Subsection H.2 below shall apply.

  2. Driveways Accessing Arterial and Regional Corridor Streets.

a. Two-Way Driveways. For lots with one hundred twenty-five (125) or more feet of street frontage, two-way driveways shall be located not less than ninety feet (90′) from any intersection. For lots with less than one hundred twenty-five feet (125′) of street frontage, the driveway shall be located not less than two-thirds (⅔) of the width of the lot from the intersection.

b. One-Way Driveways. One-way driveways shall be located not less than thirty-five feet (35′) from any intersection. Movements shall be restricted to either right turns in or right turns out.

I. Residential Curb Cuts and Driveways - Legal Parking Space and Garage Requirement.

  1. Legal parking space required. A curb cut and driveway shall lead to a legal parking space on a lot or parcel, either in a garage or as open parking permitted by Section 21.41.281 and Figure 41-3.

  2. Garage required. If a garage is required by Section 21.41.213 or another applicable regulation, no new curb cut or driveway shall be permitted that does not lead to a garage.

a. Exception if no garage is feasible. On a residential lot with four or fewer existing principal dwellings and no existing garage, if construction of a garage is not feasible, but a conforming curb cut, driveway, and legal parking space(s) could be constructed according to this Section and Table 41-5, no garage shall be required, and the legal parking space(s) shall be counted toward the parking requirement.

b. Subsection 21.41.251.I.2.a shall not apply if any principal dwelling on the lot is proposed to be or has been demolished either in conjunction with the proposed curb cut/driveway, or as a causative reason for the proposed curb cut/driveway, in which case it shall be presumed that a garage is feasible.

J. Curb cut measurement. Measurement of the width and other relevant dimensions of a curb cut and driveway apron(s) shall be taken in accordance with the procedures established by the Director of Public Works or City Traffic Engineer.

(ORD-24-0033 § 22, 2024; Ord. C-7360 § 14, 1995; Ord. C-7032 § 29, 1992; Ord. C-6895 §§ 21, 22, 1991; Ord. C-6822 § 17, 1990: Ord. C-6684 §§ 33, 34, 1990: Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

Exceptions & meaning →

21.41.253 - Parking areas—Curb cuts.

A curb cut clearance shall be obtained from the Public Works Department and shall be submitted with an application for a building permit. For any nonresidential use with more than a fifty foot (50′) frontage on a street, no curb cut shall be permitted within thirty-five feet (35′) of an intersection. All unused curb cuts shall be replaced with a full height curb and gutter. For purposes of this Section, "unused curb cut" shall mean any curb cut not used to access required parking that has been approved by the City. The Zoning Administrator may determine when an unused curb cut may remain when justified by existing conditions on the site, including but not limited to:

A. Properties in Historic Districts;

B. Properties in Parking-Impacted Areas;

C. Properties with permitted Accessory Dwelling Units;

D. Properties with non-conforming uses.

Table 41-5 MAXIMUM NUMBER AND WIDTH OF DRIVEWAYS AND CURB CUTS

Site Width No Paved Alley a, d Or Paved Alleys Less Than 10 Feet In Width Paved Alley a, c 10 Feet 15 Feet Paved Alley a, c 16 Feet 20 Feet
0 feet—120 feet 1 curb cut, 20 feet maximum width e No curb cuts—residential b ; 1 curb cut 24 feet maximum width—nonresidential No curb cut—residential b ; 24 feet maximum width—nonresidential
121 feet—200 feet 2 curb cuts, 24 feet maximum width each 1 curb cut, 24 feet maximum width No curb cut—residential b ; 1 curb cut 24 feet maximum width—nonresidential
201 feet—400 feet 2 curb cuts, 24 feet maximum width each 2 curb cuts, 24 feet maximum width each No curb cut—residential b ; 2 curb cuts 24 feet maximum width—nonresidential
401 feet plus 3 curb cuts, 24 feet maximum width each 3 curb cuts, 24 feet maximum width each No curb cut—residential b ; 3 curb cuts, 24 feet maximum width—nonresidential

Notes:

a. Minimum width of the alley from site to public street.

b. This shall only apply in parking impacted areas. In R-1 and R-2 zones, outside of parking impacted areas, one driveway, 20 feet wide is allowed. In all residential zones within parking impacted areas, nonconforming driveways may be maintained provided that the driveway leads to a legal parking space.

c. No access shall be allowed to an arterial highway from a lot in a residential zone.

d. On corner lots, in residential zones, where both streets are classified as regional arterials, arterials, principal streets or collector streets, driveway(s) shall be limited to the lower classified street.

e. The City Engineer may adjust the width of the permitted curb cuts by up to 4 feet, if such an increase would be beneficial to the public safety.

(ORD-19-0011 § 9, 2019; ORD-05-0038 § 1, 2005: Ord. C-6684 § 35, 1990: Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

Exceptions & meaning →

21.41.256 - Reserved.

Editor's note— ORD-10-0031 § 7, adopted Oct. 12, 2010, repealed § 21.41.256, entitled "Parking areas-Landscaping," and derived from: Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988.

Exceptions & meaning →

21.41.257 - Reserved.

Editor's note— ORD-10-0031 § 7, adopted Oct. 12, 2010, repealed § 21.41.257, entitled "Parking areas-Landscaping in IG and IP zones," and derived from: Ord. C-7360 § 15, 1995.

Exceptions & meaning →

21.41.259 - Parking areas—Lighting.

All parking lots and garages shall be illuminated with lights directed and shielded to prevent light and glare from intruding onto adjacent sites. The light standards shall not exceed the height of the principal use structure or one foot (1′) for each two feet (2′) of the distance between the light standard and the nearest property line, whichever is greater. All lights shall be illuminated to the applicable standards of the Illuminating Engineers Society.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

Exceptions & meaning →

21.41.261 - Parking areas—Markings.

All parking spaces shall be clearly marked by pavement painting. Compact and handicapped parking spaces shall be marked additionally by pavement painting and signage indicating the type of space as required by Chapter 10.34 (Parking for Handicapped Persons in Public Places) of the Long Beach Municipal Code. All aisles with only compact spaces shall provide a sign at the aisle entrance stating that only small cars are permitted.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

Exceptions & meaning →

21.41.263 - Parking areas—Paving.

The entire driveway and vehicle parking, storage and loading areas for all uses shall be improved and surfaced with a paving material not less than three and one-half inches (3½") thick of solid asphaltic or concrete paving or equivalent hard surface to the satisfaction of the Superintendent of Building and Safety.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

Exceptions & meaning →

21.41.266 - Parking areas—Screening.

A. Adjacent to Residential Zones. Whenever a parking lot abuts or is adjacent to a residentially zoned property, a solid masonry wall not less than six feet, six inches (6′6″) in height shall be provided. The wall shall be constructed along the entire parking lot property line. However, any such wall adjoining the front yard setback of the residential property shall not exceed three feet (3′) in height.

B. Adjacent to Residential Zone Across an Alley. Where a parking lot abuts or is adjacent to a residential district across an alley, broad leaf evergreen trees, at least fifteen (15) gallon in size, shall be planted fifteen feet (15′) on center.

C. Adjoining Public Street. Wherever a parking lot adjoins a public street, a solid masonry wall three feet (3′) in height shall be provided. A solid, compact evergreen hedge may be used instead, provided:

  1. The hedge shrubs are not less than two feet (2′) tall when planted; and

  2. The hedge shrubs are planted not more than two feet (2′) on center.

Alternatively, a combination planter/hedge or berm/hedge may be used, provided:

  1. The planter or berm is at least eighteen inches (18″) high; and

  2. The shrubs, when planted, are at least one foot (1′) high.

D. Wall Composition. All screen walls shall be attractively designed with pilasters, caps and a painted or plastered finish as required by the Director of Planning and Building.

E. Screening Not Required. No screening shall be required when a parking lot adjoins an alley and the alley is used to provide direct access to head-in parking.

F. Screening—R-3 and R-4 Zones. In R-3 and R-4 zoning districts, parking lots and parking structures facing a public street shall be screened by a solid wall five feet (5′) in height and a solid garage door.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

Exceptions & meaning →

21.41.269 - Parking areas—Wheel stops.

Each parking stall located adjacent to a building, fence, wall or landscaping shall provide a wheel stop as shown on Figure 41-2. Wheel stops shall be constructed of concrete or other materials, as approved by the Superintendent of Building and Safety. No vehicle shall be permitted to overhang required landscaped areas behind wheel stops.

(Ord. C-7247 § 23, 1994: Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

Exceptions & meaning →

21.41.273 - Parking structures.

A. Secured. All parking structures shall be designed and improved to allow them to be completely secured.

B. Landscaping. An attractive landscaping strip shall be provided along any public street in accordance with the landscaping requirements of this Chapter.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

Exceptions & meaning →

21.41.276 - Recreational vehicle parking—Residential districts.

A. Size Limitation. No recreational vehicle which exceeds seven (7) tons in dry weight, thirty-six feet (36′) in length or eleven feet, six inches (11′6″) in height, not including rooftop equipment, shall be parked, stored or loaded on a residentially zoned lot.

Figure 41.2

WHEEL STOPS

[Figure]

B. Storage and Loading—Location. Permitted recreational vehicles may be parked, stored or loaded in any location in which passenger vehicles may be parked, stored or loaded, unless otherwise restricted. Further, recreational vehicles may be parked, stored or loaded in locations where passenger vehicles may not be parked, stored or loaded, provided that no other location on the site ordinarily available for vehicle parking can accommodate the recreational vehicle because access to those locations is blocked by a permanent building element such as a structural wall, an eave or a roof. These locations are:

  1. In areas blocking access to required parking spaces, provided that the spaces being blocked are for a single-family dwelling only and the owner of the recreational vehicle resides in that dwelling; and

  2. In the side yard setback area, provided that:

a. The recreational vehicle is located as far as physically feasible from the side lot line, consistent with requirements for light and ventilation into adjoining rooms.

b. The recreational vehicle is located as far to the rear of the lot as is physically consistent with maintaining access to the garage.

C. Boats and Camper Shells. Boats and camper shells, if parked in areas visible from public rights-of-way, shall be mounted on licensed, operative vehicles.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

Exceptions & meaning →

21.41.279 - Recreational vehicle parking and storage—Nonresidential districts.

A. Parking. Recreational vehicle parking shall be permitted in the same manner as passenger vehicle parking.

B. Storage. Outdoor storage shall be permitted consistent with the outdoor storage provisions contained in Chapter 21.45 (Special Development Standards) of this Title.

C. Overnight Parking Prohibited. Recreational vehicles shall not be occupied and parked overnight in any parking lot in a commercial district. Under no circumstances shall a recreational vehicle be used for living, sleeping, eating or entertaining.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

Exceptions & meaning →

21.41.281 - Vehicle parking in residential setbacks.

A. Front Yard. No vehicle shall be parked in the front yard setback, except on the driveway, or on a paved area between the driveway and the nearest side property line, and/or as provided in Section 21.41.276 for recreational vehicles. No vehicle shall be stored in the front yard setback.

B. Side and Rear Yard. Open parking in the side or rear yard setback shall comply with the provisions for garages in R-1 and R-2 zones, which are stipulated in Section 21.31.245.

C. Permitted parking areas on residential lots shall be as illustrated in Figure 41-3.

(Ord. C-7326 § 21, 1995; Ord. C-7127 § 5, 1993: Ord. C-7032 § 30, 1992: Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

[Figure]

(Ord. C-7326 § 21, 1995)

Exceptions & meaning →

21.41.283 - Parking and storage of inoperative, dismantled or wrecked vehicles—Residential districts.

Inoperative, dismantled or wrecked vehicles may be stored as an accessory use in residential districts subject to the following:

A. The storage is limited to a maximum of two (2) such inoperative, dismantled or wrecked vehicles.

B. The storage shall be fully screened from public view.

C. The storage shall occur in the rear fifty percent (50%) of the lot and shall not block the required vehicular access to the garage.

D. The storage shall occur on a fully paved surface (Section 21.41.263).

E. Inoperative, dismantled or wrecked vehicles stored in violation of these regulations shall be removed or stored in compliance with these regulations within sixty (60) days of the effective date hereof.

(Ord. C-7776 § 4, 2001: Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

Exceptions & meaning →

21.41.286 - Drive-up and drive-thru facilities.

Drive-up and drive-thru facilities shall be developed in accordance with Chapter 21.45 (Special Development Standards) of this Title.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

Exceptions & meaning →

Get a plain-English answer with a citation back to this text.

Ask AI about this code
▸Contents — Long Beach Municipal Code

GoCodebook provides public access, search, citation, multilingual explanation, and practical interpretation of legally adopted building regulations. It is not a substitute for the official ICC or California code publications.