Local zoning · Long Beach

Long Beach — Zoning

Q: What can I build on an R-1 lot in Long Beach?

You can build uses allowed in the R‑1 single‑family districts as listed in Chapter 21.31 (primarily single‑family dwellings and permitted accessory structures); dimensional rules (front, side, rear setbacks, projections and shallow‑lot exceptions) are set in § 21.31.215 and related tables. Verify the R‑1 subtype (R‑1‑S, M, T, N, or L) on the zoning map for exact lot/height minimums.

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

Long Beach’s zoning regulations (the Zoning Ordinance) divide the city into use and overlay districts that control what may be built where, how tall and how close to property lines, and what permit path is required. The ordinance adopts an official zoning map and a set of chapters that establish residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, park and planned development districts, plus overlays (High-Rise, Height-Limit, Horse). See the official map adoption rule at § 21.30.030 and the list of districts at § 21.30.040 for the statutory basis.

Note on related topics: parking requirements are handled separately in the code; see Long Beach Parking. Development standards and setbacks are in the city’s Development Standards chapter; see Long Beach Development Standards. Design review, overlays, ADUs and Title 24 are separate topics linked below where first mentioned.

How the ordinance is structured (quick)

Official map and district boundaries: § 21.30.030 and § 21.30.040.
Residential districts are in Chapter 21.31; commercial in Chapter 21.32; industrial in Chapter 21.33; PD (Planned Development) districts in Chapter 21.37; overlays in Chapters 21.38–21.40.

(Links used inline at first natural mention)

Long Beach Land Use (/us/california/long-beach/land-use)
Long Beach Development Standards (/us/california/long-beach/development-standards)
Long Beach Parking (/us/california/long-beach/parking)
Long Beach Design Review (/us/california/long-beach/design-review)
Long Beach Overlay Districts (/us/california/long-beach/overlay-districts)
Long Beach ADUs (/us/california/long-beach/adu)
California Building Standards Code (/us/california/building-codes)
Long Beach Nonconforming Uses (/us/california/long-beach/nonconforming-uses)

District-by-district breakdown

Below are the ordinance’s named districts (as listed in Table 30‑1) with the ordinance chapter or controlling provisions noted; where the local code text supplied specific dimensional or use rules those are summarized and cited. If a specific numeric standard was not located in the retrieved materials, the cell says "Not found in retrieved materials" and you should Verify with the jurisdiction.

Note: many districts have multiple subtypes (e.g., R-1-S, R-1-M, R-1-T, R-1-N, R-1-L). The ordinance groups those under Chapter 21.31 (Residential Districts) and provides detailed tables (e.g., Table 31‑2 and related subsections) for setbacks, lot sizes and height transitions; see § 21.31.215 and related tables.

R-1 (Single-Family) — R-1-S, R-1-M, R-1-T, R-1-N, R-1-L

Purpose: Single-family residential districts differentiated by lot size and pattern; see Chapter 21.31.
Typical permitted uses: Traditional single-family dwellings and accessory uses consistent with single-family character (specific accessory rules are in Chapter 21.31).
Key dimensional standards: front/side/rear yard tables and projections; shallow-lot exceptions and averaging rules; corner and through-lot rules appear in § 21.31.215. Examples: front-yard averaging and key-lot rules, shallow-lot rear setback reductions for small lots are specified in § 21.31.215(C)-(D).
Where it applies: Mapped on the official zoning map (on file at Department of Planning & Building) — § 21.30.030.

R-2 (Two-Family) — R-2-S, R-2-I, R-2-N, R-2-A, R-2-L

Purpose: Two-family/duplex and small-multi family types; see Chapter 21.31.
Typical permitted uses: Duplexes, accessory structures (subject to Section 21.31.245), limited multifamily forms where allowed.
Key dimensional standards: Similar yard and projection rules as R-1 districts, with some allowances in R-2‑I (e.g., structures may extend to within 6 in. of front property line in R-2‑I — footnote in Table 31‑2).
Where it applies: See zoning map and Table 30‑1.

R-3 (Low-density Multi-family) — R-3-S, R-3-4, R-3-T

Purpose: Low-density multifamily and townhouse forms; Chapter 21.31.
Typical uses: Multifamily apartments, townhouses (R‑3‑T emphasizes townhouse form).
Key dimensional standards: Building setbacks, usable open space and privacy standards; specific limits and buffering to lower-density zones in § 21.31.215.

R-4 (Multiple Residential) — R-4-H, R-4-N, R-4-R, R-4-U

Purpose: Medium to high-density multiple residential zones including high-rise and urban variants; Chapter 21.31.
Typical uses: Mid- to high-rise apartments and condominiums (R‑4‑H denotes high‑rise).
Key dimensional standards: Buffers and transition setbacks where adjacent to R‑1/R‑2/R‑3 are specified (e.g., 20 ft for two-story or less, higher for taller stories) in § 21.31.215(D); high-rise yard rules in Table 39‑1 apply to taller structures.

RM (Mobile/Manufactured Homes)

Purpose & uses: Mobile homes, modular and manufactured residential; Chapter 21.31.
Key standards: Noted in Table 30‑1 as "RM"; specific lot/park regulation cross‑references are in Chapter 21.31 (details Not found in retrieved materials). Verify with the jurisdiction.

RP (Residential, Planned Unit Development)

Purpose: Allows flexible mixed/project-based residential development subject to PUD plan and restrictions; Chapter 21.31 and 21.31.360 (additional restrictions).
Typical uses: Primarily traditional one-family dwelling units; accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are explicitly prohibited in a PUD per § 21.31.360(B).
Key dimensional standards: PUDs have Table 31‑1 base standards plus potential modified standards approved with PD; see Chapter 21.31.

CO, CH, CT (Commercial: Office, Highway, Tourist/Entertainment)

Purpose: Commercial districts are established in Chapter 21.32 to provide a range of commercial activities and scales.
Typical uses: Office/commercial (CO), automobile‑oriented commercial (CH), tourist and entertainment uses (CT). Uses and transition rules are in Table 32‑1 and Table 32‑0.
Key dimensional standards: See Table 32‑2 / Table 32‑3 for maximum building heights, lot sizes and setbacks (example: CO: 40 ft max, front setback 15 ft; CT: 60 ft max — see Table 32‑2). § 21.32.020 establishes the districts.

Neighborhood Commercial (CNP, CNA, CNR) and Community/Regional Commercial (CCA, CCP, CCR, CCN, CHW, CS)

Purpose: A spectrum from pedestrian-oriented neighborhood commercial to regional highway commercial; see Chapter 21.32.
Typical uses: Small retail, services, mixed-use residential allowed in some types (CNR). Uses are listed in Table 32‑1 (permitted/conditional/accessory designations).
Key dimensional standards: Setbacks and parking separation rules are in Tables 32‑2 / 32‑2A and staff notes (e.g., corner cutoffs and required landscaped yard areas in § 21.32.020 and related subsections).

Industrial (IL, IM, IG, IP)

Purpose: Light, medium, general and port-related industrial uses; Chapter 21.33.
Typical uses: Warehousing, manufacturing, port‑related operations in IP. Specific allowed uses and screening requirements are found in Chapter 21.33 (detailed use lists Not found in retrieved materials). Verify with the jurisdiction.

Institutional (I), Park (P), Public Right‑of‑Way (PR)

Purpose/uses: Public, institutional and park uses; Chapters 21.34–21.36 (I and P appear in Table 30‑1). Specific standards Not found in retrieved materials; verify with the jurisdiction.

Planned Development (PD — PD‑1, PD‑2, ... PD‑22, etc.)

Purpose: Allows site‑specific flexible standards and mixes of uses; Chapter 21.37 establishes PD procedure and lists PD districts (e.g., PD‑4 Long Beach Marina, PD‑6 Downtown Shoreline, etc.). § 21.37.110–120 describe purpose and list PDs.
Practical note: PDs are often governed by their own ordinance language and exhibit maps — check the specific PD ordinance and the zoning map notation for parcel‑level rules.

Overlays — (H) Horse, (HR) High‑Rise, (HL) Height‑Limit

Purpose: Overlay districts add or reduce standards over the underlying zone. (HR) establishes high‑rise special rules; (HL) establishes special lower height caps. See Chapters 21.38, 21.39, 21.40.
Key standards: HL overlay shows height expressed on the map (e.g., HL 20/2 means 20 ft / 2 stories) and requires underlying standards to apply otherwise (§ 21.40.020, § 21.40.220). High‑rise yard requirements are in Table 39‑1 for tall buildings (special setbacks measured as a fraction of building height or lot dimension).

Quick reference table — selected decision‑relevant standards

(This table is a concise pick of common questions — always verify parcel‑specific numbers with the full tables in Chapter 21.31, Chapter 21.32 and the zoning map.)

District (example)	Typical max height / stories	Typical front setback	Typical lot size minimum	Key code reference
R‑1 family zones	Varies by subtype; see Table 31‑2	See Table 31‑2 (front-yard averaging, key‑lot rules)	Varies by subtype (e.g., small‑lot minimums shown in Table 31‑2)	§ 21.31.215; Table 31‑2.
R‑2‑I (intensified)**	Same as R‑2; note: permitted structures may extend to within 6 in. of front property line (footnote)	See Table 31‑2	Footnote indicates minimums (see Table 31‑2)	Footnote to Table 31‑2 (Chapter 21.31).
CO (Office Commercial)	40 ft (typical)	15 ft front building setback (Table 32‑2)	Min lot size example: 20,000 sf	Table 32‑2; Chapter 21.32.
CH (Highway Commercial)	40 ft	10 ft front building setback	Min lot size example: 10,000 sf	Table 32‑2; Chapter 21.32.
CT (Tourist/Entertainment)	60 ft	0–30 ft depending on subtable	Min lot size example: 20,000 sf	Table 32‑2; Chapter 21.32.
HR (High‑Rise overlay)	Special high‑rise yard/setback rules; Table 39‑1 applies	Yards abutting street: 20 ft (Table 39‑1)	Determined on map/PD	Chapter 21.39 and Table 39‑1.

(For full numeric tables consult Chapter 21.31 and Chapter 21.32 and the official zoning map held by the Department of Planning and Building — § 21.30.030).

Practical guidance & interpretation

The official zoning map is part of the ordinance: if a parcel straddles two zones, each portion must meet the rules for its district (§ 21.30.040). For boundary uncertainty the Zoning Administrator can make determinations — see § 21.30.040(C).
Use tables in Chapter 21.31 (residential) and Chapter 21.32 (commercial) for lot area, width, setbacks, building height and parking location rules; those tables include footnotes with important exceptions (e.g., alley measurements, transformer screening, rooftop equipment).
Overlays can either reduce (Height‑Limit) or add special standards (High‑Rise yard rules). The overlay label on the zoning map (e.g., HL 20/2) tells the mapped maximum — see § 21.40.020 for the HL overlay rule.
Planned Development districts (PD‑#) typically contain parcel‑specific provisions adopted by separate ordinance and thus can supersede table defaults — always pull the PD ordinance and map referenced in Chapter 21.37 for PD parcels.

Practical intersections with other city rules:

Parking counts and dimensional parking rules are in the off‑street parking chapter; see Long Beach Parking for the separate standards and for required setbacks between parking and street or residential zones.
Design review and site plan review procedures are separate administrative processes; see Long Beach Design Review and Chapter 21.21 for hearing bodies and procedural rules (Planning Commission, Zoning Administrator, Site Plan Review Committee).

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy before building)

Confirm the parcel’s zoning and overlay(s) on the official zoning map (on file) — § 21.30.030.
Verify permitted uses for the mapped district (Chapter 21.31, 21.32, 21.33 or PD ordinance).
Apply district development standards (setbacks, lot coverage, height) from the applicable table (Table 31‑2 or Table 32‑2 etc.).
Check overlay map callouts (HR, HL, H) and comply with overlay-specific rules (e.g., HL 20/2) — § 21.40.020.
Determine if project triggers discretionary review (conditional use permit, variance, site plan review, PD amendment) using Chapter 21.21 procedures.
Confirm parking and loading requirements in Chapter 21.41 and any landscape/screening obligations in Chapter 21.42.
For coastal parcels, obtain coastal permit or follow local coastal procedures in Division IX, Chapter 21.25 (Local Coastal Development Permits).
Pull specific PD ordinance language when parcel is in a PD district (Chapter 21.37 lists PD numbers).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Map boundary ambiguity	Parcel split by district lines can create dual obligations	Verify exact boundary determination with the Zoning Administrator per § 21.30.040(C).
Parcel‑level PD rules	PD ordinance can override standard tables	Pull the PD ordinance and PD map referenced in Chapter 21.37 for parcel‑specific conditions.
Overlay labels without numbers	HL overlays must show numbers (ft/stories) on map or be set during site plan review	If the overlay map does not show numbers, the height shall be determined in site plan review per § 21.40.020.
ADU allowance/limits in special districts	PUDs explicitly prohibit ADUs while other zones have separate ADU rules (state law may modify local rules)	§ 21.31.360(B) prohibits ADUs in PUDs; elsewhere verify local ADU chapter and California ADU law.
Missing numeric detail for some districts in retrieved materials	The summary tables in the files may be excerpts — parcel decisions require full tables	Consult the complete Chapter 21.31, 21.32, and the official zoning map at the Department of Planning & Building.

Plain‑English summary

Long Beach’s zoning ordinance divides the city into named zoning and overlay districts (documented on the adopted zoning map) that tell you what uses are allowed on a parcel, how close to property lines you can build, how tall structures can be, and which discretionary reviews are required; consult the specific chapter for your district (e.g., 21.31 for residential, 21.32 for commercial), the official zoning map, and any PD or overlay ordinance that applies to your parcel.

Source References

Official map adoption and districts: § 21.30.030 and § 21.30.040.
Residential district rules, setbacks, projections, shallow‑lot exceptions: § 21.31.215 and related tables (Chapter 21.31).
PUD and additional residential restrictions (ADU prohibition in PUD): § 21.31.360.
Commercial districts, uses and development standards (Tables 32‑1, 32‑2, 32‑3): Chapter 21.32 and Table excerpts.
Planned Development districts and PD list: Chapter 21.37 (PD‑1 through PD‑22 examples).
Overlays, including Height‑Limit overlay: Chapter 21.40 (HL) and Table 39‑1 high‑rise yard requirements.
Coastal development procedures (coastal permits and applicability): Division IX, Chapter 21.25 (Local Coastal).
Administrative procedures and hearing bodies (Planning Commission, Zoning Administrator, Site Plan Review Committee): Chapter 21.21.

(For parcel‑level decisions always pull the full ordinance text and the official, current zoning map at the Department of Planning & Building; the excerpts above are from the city Zoning Regulations files provided.)

Sources

Retrieved passages

Long Beach Zoning Code (§ 4) High relevance
Long Beach Zoning Code (§ 4) High relevance
Long Beach Zoning Code (§ 31) High relevance
Long Beach Zoning Code (§ 4) High relevance
Long Beach Zoning Code (§ 8) Medium relevance
Long Beach Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
CBC § 32 (Chapter 21.41) Medium relevance
Long Beach Zoning Code (§ 10) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Long Beach code library

Frequently asked questions

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

You can build uses allowed in the R‑1 single‑family districts as listed in Chapter 21.31 (primarily single‑family dwellings and permitted accessory structures); dimensional rules (front, side, rear setbacks, projections and shallow‑lot exceptions) are set in § 21.31.215 and related tables. Verify the R‑1 subtype (R‑1‑S, M, T, N, or L) on the zoning map for exact lot/height minimums.

What are Long Beach setback requirements?

Setbacks are specified in the development tables in Chapter 21.31 for residential and Chapter 21.32 for commercial; special rules like front‑yard averaging, key‑lot exceptions, and shallow‑lot reductions are in § 21.31.215(C)-(D). Always check the table for your specific zone/subtype for exact numbers.

Do I need design review in Long Beach?

Design review/site plan review may be required depending on the project type and zone; hearing bodies and procedures are in Chapter 21.21 and the Site Plan Review Committee is the initial body for many design/site issues. Verify whether your application triggers site plan review or discretionary permits.

Where is the official zoning map and how binding is it?

The official use district map is adopted by reference and is on file with the Department of Planning and Building; it is part of the ordinance and therefore binding per § 21.30.030. If boundaries are ambiguous the Zoning Administrator can make determinations per § 21.30.040(C).

Are ADUs allowed everywhere in Long Beach?

Not everywhere: while state ADU law affects local rules, the Long Beach ordinance specifically prohibits Accessory Dwelling Units in a PUD per § 21.31.360(B). For other zones, check the local ADU chapter and reconcile with California ADU law.

What does an overlay label like "HL 20/2" mean?

An HL (Height‑Limit) overlay is shown on the zoning map with a number format such as 20/2 indicating maximum height in feet and the maximum number of building stories. If numbers are not shown, the height must be established during site plan review as provided in § 21.40.020.

How does a PD district affect permitted uses?

A PD (Planned Development) district is site‑specific and often includes unique permitted uses, standards and plans adopted by ordinance; PD parcels must follow their PD ordinance language rather than only the general tables — see Chapter 21.37 for the PD list and recall to pull the individual PD ordinance for parcel details.

If my lot crosses two zones, which rules apply?

Each portion of the lot in a different district must comply with the regulations of that district per § 21.30.040(B); boundary issues are resolved by the Zoning Administrator if necessary.

How are commercial uses classified (neighborhood vs community)?

Commercial uses are categorized into Neighborhood, Community and Regional types (e.g., CNP, CNA, CNR, CCA, CCP, CCR, CCN, CHW, CS) with permitted/conditional designations shown in Table 32‑1 (Chapter 21.32). Use tables to see whether a given business is Y/C/AP/A/T.

Who decides rezoning or special setback ordinances?

The Planning Commission makes recommendations and the City Council acts on rezoning matters and special setbacks; the Council establishes or changes a special setback line by ordinance (procedures in Chapter 21.21 and related sections).

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