Local zoning · Long Beach

Long Beach — Development Standards

Development Standards under the Long Beach local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes the City of Long Beach development standards that control setbacks, height, lot coverage, density, and floor area ratio (FAR) in the local zoning ordinance (Chapter 21—zoning). It is a plain‑English, Long Beach–specific synthesis of the numeric limits and where to find them in the code; verify site‑ and parcel‑specific details with Planning staff. Key rules live in Chapter 21 (e.g., the residential Chapter 21.31, commercial Chapter 21.32, industrial Chapter 21.33); individual numeric standards are shown in the code tables cited below (see the Source References) (§ 21.31.225; § 21.33.120; § 21.33.130).

Note: this page covers zoning development standards only (not building code or permit filing); for building-code questions see the California Building Standards Code. California Building Standards Code

How to use this page

  • Look up your zone (e.g., R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, CNP/CNA/CNR, IL/IM/IG) and then check the cited § and table for parcel‑specific numbers. Tables and sections cited below are the controlling references in the Long Beach code.

District-by-district breakdown

Note: The code organizes numeric standards in tables (e.g., Table 31-2 / Table 31-2A for residential, Table 32-2 for commercial, Table 33-3 / Table 33-4 for industrial). Where a numeric value is shown below the controlling code text is cited; the underlying table entry is the primary standard.

R-1 (single‑family variants: R-1‑S, R-1‑M, R-1‑N, R-1‑L, R-1‑T)

  • Purpose & typical uses: single‑family detached dwellings and accessory uses in low‑density neighborhoods (see Chapter 21.31).
  • Key dimensional standards (representative; check Table 31‑2A for the specific R-1 subtype on your lot):
    • Front setbacks, side and rear yards — see the Table 31‑2A yard columns and the yard/setback discussion in § 21.31.* (see Subsection references in the table).
    • Maximum height: e.g., many R‑1 subzones list 24–25 ft or 2 stories as the limit (specific subtype entries in Table 31‑2A). § 21.31.* and Table 31‑2A.
    • FAR: example 1.2 for R-1‑S shown in Table 31‑2A (see Table 31‑2A and related text). § 21.31.*.
    • Lot coverage and usable open space rules: see § 21.31.225 (lot coverage) and § 21.31.230 (usable open space).
  • Where it applies: typical single‑family neighborhoods—confirm your specific subzone and the matching Table 31‑2A entry. Verify with the jurisdiction.

Relevant code: § 21.31.225; § 21.31.230; Table 31‑2A (Residential Development Standards).

R-2 (two‑family / duplex)

  • Purpose & uses: duplexes and small multi‑unit residential, with moderate increases in density over R‑1. See Table 31‑2 / Table 31‑2A for the R‑2 entry.
  • Key standards: front/side/rear setbacks, maximum height often measured as feet/stories (see Table 31‑2A); lot coverage and FAR limits are in Table 31‑2 and § 21.31.225.

R-3 / R-4 (multi‑family: R-3, R-4‑N / R-4‑H / R-4‑U)

  • Purpose & uses: medium‑ to high‑density multifamily residential; R‑4 includes high‑density variants and a separate high‑rise incentive system (R‑4‑H).
  • Key standards:
    • Density (units/acre or lot area per unit): set in Table 31‑2 / 31‑2A. See Table 31‑2A (Residential Development Standards) for the per‑zone density numbers and minimum lot area per unit.
    • Height and height incentives: R‑4‑H has a height/density incentive table (Table 31‑3A/R‑4‑H) that sets minimum lot width/density thresholds and allows increased stories (see Table 31‑3A and § text).
    • Buffer setbacks adjacent to low‑density residential (R‑1/R‑2/R‑3): where R‑4 (or commercial zones allowing multifamily) abut R‑1/R‑2/R‑3, a buffer setback applies by story: 20 ft for up to 2 stories, 30 ft for 3rd story, 40 ft for 4th+ stories (see Subsection on buffers/Setback table). § 21.31.215.E and related table.
    • Lot coverage & usable open space: Table 31‑2 / § 21.31.225 and § 21.31.230.

Commercial districts (examples: CNP, CNA, CNR, CCA, CCR, CCN, CHW, CS, CO, CT)

  • Purpose & typical uses: retail, offices, and mixed uses depending on the specific commercial subtype; residential uses may be allowed in commercial zones subject to the “residential-in-commercial” rules. See Chapter 21.32 and Table 32‑2.
  • Key standards (Table 32‑2 / Table 32‑3):
    • Front building setbacks vary by subtype (often 0–15 ft depending on C‑type and street class). See Table 32‑2 for per‑zone setbacks. § 21.32.* and Table 32‑2.
    • Parking setbacks and parking lot landscaping minimums are specified in Table 32‑2 (e.g., front parking setbacks of 6–30 ft depending on subtype). § 21.32.* and Table 32‑2.
    • Maximum building heights vary by subtype (e.g., 28–60 ft per Table 32‑2). § 21.32.*.
    • When residential uses are placed in commercial zones, they must meet residential standards for density, open space, and setbacks (see "Residential Uses In Commercial Districts" — Table 32‑3/32‑3A).

Practical note: commercial zones often carry additional requirements (corner cutoffs, yard landscaping, restrictions on open storage) — see § 21.32.225 (screening required).

Industrial districts (IL, IM, IG, IP)

  • Purpose & uses: light, medium, general industrial, and industrial park uses; standards collected in Chapter 21.33 (Division II: Development Standards).
  • Key standards:
    • Minimum lot size, maximum lot coverage, and maximum building height are established in Table 33‑3 / Table 33‑4 and described in § 21.33.110–21.33.130.
    • Setbacks / yards: Table 33‑4 lists required yards, including increased setbacks where yards abut residential districts (e.g., 20–45 ft depending on industrial subtype). § 21.33.140 and Table 33‑4.
    • Outdoor storage and screening: regulated by § 21.33.150 (screening, stacking heights, location of storage relative to front yards).

Planned Unit Development / PUD / PD (e.g., PUD standards)

  • Purpose: allow customized site designs with specific internal setbacks, building separations, and alternative lot standards under an approved plan. See Table 31‑8 (PUD Building Development Standards) and the PUD chapter.
  • Typical PUD controls (Table 31‑8):
    • Front yard: 6 ft from private common street or inner edge of sidewalk (measurement rules apply). Interior side yard: 3 ft or zero‑lot with required separation between buildings. Building separation between story levels: e.g., 8 ft 1st story; 15 ft 2nd story and above. FAR default 1.3; greater FAR can be approved with findings. Table 31‑8 and accompanying text.
    • Height: special limits where PUD borders R‑1/R‑2/R‑3 (e.g., 25 ft / 2 stories within 50 ft of low‑density zones; see Table 31‑8 notes).

Quick reference table — most decision‑relevant standards

District / Standard Typical Front Setback Typical Max Height Lot Coverage / FAR Where to confirm (code)
R‑1 (single family variants) See Table 31‑2A (varies by subtype) ~24–25 ft (2 stories) (varies) See Table 31‑2A; example FAR 1.2 for R‑1‑S See Table 31‑2A and § 21.31.225; § 21.31.230
R‑3 / R‑4 (multi‑family) Per Table 31‑2 / 31‑2A Varies — R‑4‑H height incentives (Table 31‑3A) Lot coverage & open space per Table 31‑2; FAR per Table 31‑2A Table 31‑2A; R‑4‑H Table 31‑3A; § 21.31.*
Commercial (CNP/CNA/etc.) 0–15 ft depending on C‑type (see Table 32‑2) 28–60 ft depending on subtype Lot coverage varies; parking setbacks listed in Table 32‑2 Table 32‑2 and § 21.32.* (see § 21.32.225)
Industrial (IL/IM/IG/IP) Front yard 6–10 ft or more (see Table 33‑4) Height limits in Table 33‑3/33‑4 Maximum lot coverage per Table 33‑3; see § 21.33.120–130 § 21.33.110–140; Table 33‑3 / Table 33‑4
PUD Front: 6 ft from private common street (typical) Height: 25–38 ft depending on proximity to R‑zones; see Table 31‑8 FAR example 1.3 (can be increased with findings) Table 31‑8 (PUD Building Development Standards), Chapter 21.31

(For the exact numeric entry for your parcel, consult the table for the specific zone/subzone in Chapter 21 and the cited sections above.)

Practical guidance & related rules

  • Parking: site plans must comply with the Long Beach Parking chapter; parking setbacks and lot landscaping are in Table 32‑2/33‑4 and Chapters 21.41/21.42. See Table 32‑2 for commercial parking setbacks. § 21.32.*.
  • Design review: many multi‑unit, commercial, industrial, and PUD projects require site plan or design‑level review under the Long Beach Design Review rules (see Chapter 21.25 for Site Plan Review references). Verify if your project triggers review.
  • Overlays and special districts: overlay rules (including high‑rise overlays) can add or change height and setback rules; check the Long Beach Overlay Districts provisions and the code notes about high‑rise overlays (see Table 32‑3 notes).
  • ADUs: accessory dwelling units must meet zone development standards unless state ADU law preempts them; see Chapter 21.51.276 and the ADU summary at Long Beach ADUs. ADUs must still comply with parking, height, setbacks, lot coverage and FAR of the underlying zone unless the ADU section provides specific exceptions. § 21.51.276.
  • Landscaping & screening: required yard landscaping, parking lot landscaping, and screening rules live in Chapter 21.42; see Long Beach Landscaping and Screening. § 21.32.225 (commercial screening) and § 21.33.150 (industrial screening) are examples.
  • Signage: signs have separate numeric limits and exceptions (Chapter 21.44); see Long Beach Signage. § 21.33.130 notes signs are regulated separately.

Checklist

  • Confirm your parcel's zoning district and subzone (e.g., R‑1‑S, R‑4‑H, CNR) — check the Zoning Map and Title 21 tables. Verify Table 31‑2A / 32‑2 / 33‑3 accordingly.
  • Read the applicable table for numeric standards (setbacks, height, lot coverage, FAR, density) in Chapter 21 (Tables 31‑2/31‑2A, 32‑2, 33‑3/33‑4).
  • Check parking and parking‑lot setback requirements (Table 32‑2 and Chapter 21.41).
  • Confirm landscaping/screening requirements for required yards (Chapter 21.42 / § 21.32.225 / § 21.33.150).
  • Verify whether design review / site plan review or a Conditional Use Permit is required (Chapter 21.25).
  • If proposing an ADU, check ADU development standards (Chapter 21.51.276) and relevant state ADU rules.
  • Look for overlays or special district rules that change height/setback standards (High‑Rise overlays, Coastal LCP policies).
  • If standards are not met, consider Long Beach Variances and Exceptions or density bonus/incentive paths where applicable (see density bonus provisions).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Overlay districts (high‑rise/coastal) can change numeric limits An overlay can supersede base‑zone height or setback rules and add public‑benefit conditions Check overlay map and overlay-specific notes in the code; ask Planning to confirm overlay applicability
Buffer setbacks where multifamily/commercial abuts low‑density residential Buffers add large setbacks (20–40 ft by story) and planting/screening requirements, which affect buildable area Confirm the adjacency rule and measure from the property line; see § 21.31.215.E and buffer table
ADU vs. underlying zone conflicts State ADU law may limit local restrictions, yet the ADU section references compliance with zone standards Use the ADU section (§ 21.51.276) as your starting point and verify any local ADU exceptions; check California ADU law if conflicts arise
Nonconforming setbacks / example lot line irregularities Existing nonconforming conditions may permit conversion but restrict new floor area See ADU and nonconforming sections; verify whether new construction must meet current setbacks (§ 21.51.276.D.1)
Density and FAR incentives (R‑4‑H, density bonuses) Available incentives can materially change permitted height/FAR/density, but they have thresholds and public benefit requirements Confirm exact incentive rules and findings (see Table 31‑3A and density bonus provisions in Chapter 21 and density bonus ordinances)
Tables vs. text conflicts Tables contain the numeric values but footnotes and section text can alter measurement methods (e.g., where height measured to curb or centerline of alley) Always read the table, its footnotes, and the implementing § text (e.g., § 21.33.130, Table 32‑2 notes)

Plain‑English summary

Long Beach’s zoning code puts the numeric limits (front/side/rear setbacks, height in feet/stories, lot coverage, open space and FAR/density) in zone‑specific tables in Chapter 21; use your zone’s table (residential Table 31‑2/A, commercial Table 32‑2, industrial Table 33‑3/4) and the cited sections to get the exact numbers — and watch for overlays, buffers adjacent to lower‑density neighborhoods, and special PUD rules that change those numbers.

Source References

  • Table 31‑2A (Residential Development Standards) and related residential standards (lot coverage, usable open space): § 21.31.225; § 21.31.230.
  • PUD Building Development Standards (Table 31‑8) and associated rules: Table 31‑8 and Chapter 21.31 (PUD notes).
  • Commercial development standards (Table 32‑2 / Table 32‑3, commercial screening and yard rules): § 21.32.225; Table 32‑2.
  • Industrial development standards and tables (minimum lot size, lot coverage, height, setbacks): § 21.33.110; § 21.33.120; § 21.33.130; Table 33‑3 / Table 33‑4.
  • ADU development standard cross‑reference and rules: § 21.51.276 (ADUs) and code discussion on ADU compliance with zone standards.
  • Density/bonus/incentive language and concessions (affordable housing incentives referenced in Chapter 21 and recent ordinances): Table / ordinance excerpts (ORD citations in code text).
  • Design review and site plan review references: Chapter 21.25 (Site Plan / design processes) and project‑specific review requirements.

For in‑depth parcel study, consult the full Chapter 21 code tables in the official City code and confirm with City Planning staff — verify table footnotes and overlay maps before design.

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Long Beach Zoning Code (§ 5) High relevance
  • CFC § 4 (Chapter 21.42) High relevance
  • CBC § 32 (Chapter 21.41) High relevance
  • Long Beach Zoning Code (§ 4) High relevance
  • Long Beach Zoning Code (§ 4) High relevance
  • Long Beach Zoning Code (§ 3) High relevance
  • Long Beach Zoning Code (Section shall) High relevance
  • Long Beach Zoning Code High relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an R‑1 lot in Long Beach?

You can build single‑family dwellings and usual accessory uses permitted in R‑1 subzones; the exact setbacks, height (commonly ~24–25 ft, 2 stories), lot coverage and FAR depend on the R‑1 subtype (R‑1‑S, R‑1‑M, R‑1‑N, R‑1‑L, R‑1‑T) in Table 31‑2A — confirm the entry for your parcel in Table 31‑2A and § 21.31.225/21.31.230.

What are Long Beach setback requirements?

Setbacks are specified by zone in the code tables (e.g., Table 31‑2A for residential, Table 32‑2 for commercial, Table 33‑4 for industrial). Yard and setback rules and permitted projections are explained in the chapter text (see § 21.31.* for residential setbacks and § 21.33.140 for industrial yards). Always read the table footnotes.

What height limits apply to a mixed‑use building in a commercial zone?

Commercial height limits vary by commercial subtype (Table 32‑2 shows typical commercial heights of 28–60 ft by subtype). Some commercial areas have high‑rise overlays or exceptions noted in the Table 32‑2 footnotes; consult Table 32‑2 and the text in Chapter 21.32 (see § 21.32.* and Table 32‑2).

Where do I find lot coverage and FAR limits for my zone?

Lot coverage limits are set in the zone tables (e.g., § 21.31.225 references Table 31‑2 for residential lot coverage; industrial lot coverage is in § 21.33.120). FAR values are listed in the residential tables (Table 31‑2A) and are referenced in the applicable chapter text.

Do I need to provide open space for multifamily projects?

Yes — multifamily zones have usable open space minimums; § 21.31.230 and Table 31‑4 specify common and private open space per unit (and Table 31‑5 gives screening requirements). See Table 31‑2A for R‑3/R‑4 open space fractions.

If my lot borders a single‑family zone, do I get extra setbacks?

Yes. Where higher‑density or commercial buildings abut R‑1/R‑2/R‑3, buffer setbacks apply by story (e.g., 20 ft for up to 2 stories, 30 ft for third story, 40 ft for fourth+) and additional planter/screening requirements are often required; see the buffer provisions in § 21.31.215.E and the related tables.

Can I exceed height limits using density bonuses or incentives?

Possibly. The code contains density bonus/concession mechanisms and specific height/incentive rules (e.g., R‑4‑H/R‑4 height incentives in Table 31‑3A and density bonus language). These require eligibility and findings; review the density bonus/concession rules in Chapter 21 (and ordinance amendments cited).

Do ADUs have separate height and setback rules?

ADUs must generally conform to the underlying zone's development standards (height, setbacks, lot coverage, FAR) unless the ADU section provides a specific exception; see § 21.51.276 (ADU standards). State ADU law may also limit local restrictions — check both local ADU rules and state ADU provisions.

Where are parking setbacks and landscape requirements stated?

Parking setbacks and parking‑lot landscaping are shown in the commercial and industrial tables (Table 32‑2 and Table 33‑4) and the landscape chapter (Chapter 21.42). See Table 32‑2 for commercial parking setback values.

If my project does not meet zone standards, what are my options?

Options can include pursuing a variance or exception (subject to findings), redesign to meet standards, using PUD/PD processes if applicable, or pursuing density‑bonus or incentive paths where the code allows concessions for public benefits — see the variance/exception rules and the density bonus/concession sections in Chapter 21.

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