Long Beach · Land use · Apartment building
Where is an apartment building (multifamily housing) allowed in Long Beach?
In Long Beach, an apartment building (multifamily housing) is allowed in 11 base zones (CNR, CCR, CCN, RMU3, RMU4 and 6 more, all with a condition) and not allowed in 10 (Long Beach use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: CNR, CCR, CCN, RMU3, RMU4, MU-1, MU-2, MU-M and 3 more
- Not allowed: CNP, CNA, CCA, CCP, CHW, CS, C3, C-M and 2 more
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Long Beach Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where an apartment building (multifamily housing) can go
Long Beach's code calls this use “Single-family or multifamily residential (Title 21 commercial); Multi-Family (Title 22)”. Each row links to the use table it comes from. A zone marked “see note” has a condition in the code, for example upper floors only or a larger lot.
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| CNR | Allowed — see note Note Additional Regulations: Row is Single-family or multifamily residential (one row for both): See Table 33-2 for permitted densities. | Division I — PERMITTED USES |
| CCR | Allowed — see note Note Additional Regulations: Row is Single-family or multifamily residential (one row for both): See Table 33-2 for permitted densities. | Division I — PERMITTED USES |
| CCN | Allowed — see note Note Additional Regulations: Row is Single-family or multifamily residential (one row for both): See Table 33-2 for permitted densities. | Division I — PERMITTED USES |
| RMU3 | Allowed — see note Note Additional Regulations: Residential development shall be limited to attached configurations (rowhomes, townhomes) and detached courtyard-style multifamily development such as bungalows; single-family detached homes are prohibited. | § 22.15.030 |
| RMU4 | Allowed — see note Note Additional Regulations: Residential development shall be limited to attached configurations (rowhomes, townhomes) and detached courtyard-style multifamily development such as bungalows; single-family detached homes are prohibited. | § 22.15.030 |
| MU-1 | Allowed — see note Note Additional Regulations: Residential development shall be limited to attached configurations (rowhomes, townhomes) and detached courtyard-style multifamily development such as bungalows; single-family detached homes are prohibited. | § 22.15.030 |
| MU-2 | Allowed — see note Note Additional Regulations: Residential development shall be limited to attached configurations (rowhomes, townhomes) and detached courtyard-style multifamily development such as bungalows; single-family detached homes are prohibited. | § 22.15.030 |
| MU-M | Allowed — see note Note Additional Regulations: Residential development shall be limited to attached configurations (rowhomes, townhomes) and detached courtyard-style multifamily development such as bungalows; single-family detached homes are prohibited. | § 22.15.030 |
| MU-3 | Allowed — see note Note Additional Regulations: Residential development shall be limited to attached configurations (rowhomes, townhomes) and detached courtyard-style multifamily development such as bungalows; single-family detached homes are prohibited. | § 22.15.030 |
| MFR-L | Allowed — see note Note Additional Regulations: Residential development shall be limited to attached configurations (rowhomes, townhomes) and detached courtyard style multifamily development such as bungalows; | § 22.15.030 |
| MFR-M | Allowed — see note Note Additional Regulations: Residential development shall be limited to attached configurations (rowhomes, townhomes) and detached courtyard style multifamily development such as bungalows; | § 22.15.030 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Industrial zones have no multifamily row.
- State law: State laws such as AB 2011, SB 6 and the density bonus law can allow homes on some commercial sites, or more units than this table shows.
- Not covered here: Residential districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 families): Table 31-1 in 21.31.110 (S2) is not in the text, only its intro; Institutional district (I): Table 34-1 in 21.34.110 (S5) is not in the text; Public right-of-way district: Table 36-1 (S7) is not in the text; Planned development districts and specific plans (PD-x, SP): use rules are in each plan. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Long Beach
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the CNP zone in Long Beach?
No. Long Beach's use table does not allow it in CNP (Division I — PERMITTED USES).
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the CNR zone in Long Beach?
Yes, with a condition. Long Beach's use table lists it as allowed in CNR (Division I — PERMITTED USES). The code adds a condition: “Row is Single-family or multifamily residential (one row for both): See Table 33-2 for permitted densities.”
General information, not legal advice.
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