Long Beach, California Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Long Beach Zoning Overview
Long Beach is the seventh-largest city in California, situated along the southern coast of Los Angeles County. The city's zoning framework is administered by the Development Services Department and reflects a diverse urban landscape that includes coastal neighborhoods, downtown high-rises, and suburban residential areas.
Residential Zoning
Long Beach's residential zoning districts range from single-family (R-1-N) through multi-family (R-3 and higher). The R-1-N zone preserves traditional single-family neighborhoods, while the R-2-N zone allows duplexes and two-unit developments. The R-3 zone supports higher-density housing with apartments and condominiums.
ADU Development
Long Beach actively supports ADU construction in accordance with California state mandates. Property owners on residentially zoned lots may build detached ADUs up to 1,200 square feet. The city processes ADU permits ministerially within 60 days. Junior ADUs (JADUs) up to 500 square feet are also permitted within existing structures.
Coastal Considerations
A significant portion of Long Beach falls within the California Coastal Zone, which means certain properties are subject to additional review by the California Coastal Commission. Property owners in coastal areas should verify whether their project triggers Coastal Development Permit requirements.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Long Beach
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
- Coastal Zone: Yes
State — California
- Building Code: 2022 California Building Code (Title 24, based on 2021 IBC)
- Energy Code: 2022 California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6)
- Seismic Zone: Zone 4 (high seismicity)
- State ADU Override: Yes (AB 68, SB 13, AB 881, AB 2221)
County — Los Angeles County
- Role: Regional planning coordination and unincorporated area regulation
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
- Coastal Zone Overlay — Properties within the California Coastal Zone are subject to additional Coastal Commission review and development standards.
- PD (Planned Development) Overlay — Areas subject to specific planned development standards that may differ from underlying zoning.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Some neighborhoods in Long Beach have active HOAs with CC&Rs that may impose restrictions beyond city zoning. Always check for recorded covenants.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 5,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 28 ft / 2 stories
- Front Setback
- 20 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- 5,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 28 ft / 2 stories
- Front Setback
- 20 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- 5,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 38 ft / 3 stories
- Front Setback
- 15 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- FAR
- 1.0
ADU Rules in Long Beach
- Max Size
- 1,200 sq ft
- Max Height
- 16 ft
- Rear Setback
- 4 ft
- Side Setback
- 4 ft
- Parking
- No additional parking required within 0.5 miles of public transit
- Owner Occupancy
- Not required per state law
- Permit Timeline
- 60 days for ministerial approval
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Long Beach are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Long Beach permit fees →