Long Beach · Zoning · R-2-A
Long Beach R-2-A zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Long Beach's R-2-A zone, generally buildings can be up to 25 ft (2 stories) tall, the front setback is 15 ft and the minimum lot size is 6,000 sq. ft., with the conditions listed below (Long Beach code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 25 ft
- Maximum number of stories: 2 stories
- Minimum front setback: 15 ft
- Minimum side setback: 4 ft (Lots 27 feet or less wide have special narrow-lot standards.)
- Minimum rear setback: 20 ft
- Minimum lot size: 6,000 sq. ft. (New subdivisions only, not new construction on existing lots. The neighborhood standard may be used if this lot size exceeds it.)
- Maximum lot coverage: 60%
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.60
- Maximum density: 1 unit per 3,000 sq. ft. (Capped at 2 units per lot. One unit is limited to 800 sq ft or 12 percent of lot area, whichever is greater.)
R-2-A is a zoning district in Long Beach. Every value below was read from the Long Beach Municipal Code and links to its section (read October 2026). State laws such as the ADU and SB 9 rules can allow more on a residential lot. General information, not legal advice — read the code text and check with the city before you build.
Development standards in R-2-A
The general rule for a typical lot in this zone. Zoning tables often attach notes, such as rules for corner lots, lots next to a residential zone, or new subdivisions only. Open “code text” under a value to see the table cell or sentence it was read from.
| Maximum building height | 25 ft § 21.31.205 · code textTable row “R-2-A(n)”, column “Maximum Height(d, h)”: 25 ft. 2 St. |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 2 stories § 21.31.205 · code textTable row “R-2-A(n)”, column “Maximum Height(d, h)”: 25 ft. 2 St. |
| Minimum front setback | 15 ft § 21.31.205 · code textTable row “R-2-A(n)”, column “Front”: 15 |
| Minimum side setback | 4 ft Applies: Lots 27 feet or less wide have special narrow-lot standards. § 21.31.205 · code textThe side yard setback is 10 percent of lot width on each side, but in no case shall the interior side yard setback be required to exceed 10 feet (except as specified in footnote(s)). The side street side yard setback shall be 15 percent of lot width, but in no case shall it be required to exceed 15 feet. Neither setback shall ever be less than 3 feet. |
| Minimum rear setback | 20 ft § 21.31.205 · code textTable row “R-2-A(n)”, column “Rear(k)”: 20 |
| Minimum lot size | 6,000 sq. ft. Applies: New subdivisions only, not new construction on existing lots. The neighborhood standard may be used if this lot size exceeds it. § 21.31.205 · code textTable row “R-2-A(n)”, column “Minimum Lot Area (Sq. Ft.) (a, c)”: 6,000 |
| Maximum lot coverage | 60% § 21.31.205 · code textTable row “R-2-A(n)”, column “Maximum Lot Coverage (% of Lot)”: 60% |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 0.60 § 21.31.205 · code textTable row “R-2-A(n)”, column “Floor Area Ratio”: 0.60 |
| Maximum density | 1 unit per 3,000 sq. ft. Applies: Capped at 2 units per lot. One unit is limited to 800 sq ft or 12 percent of lot area, whichever is greater. § 21.31.205 · code textTable row “R-2-A(n)”, column “Lot Area Per Unit (Sq. Ft.)”: 3,000 |
Other Long Beach zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Long Beach's R-2-A zone?
25 ft — Long Beach Municipal Code § 21.31.205.
What is the maximum number of stories in Long Beach's R-2-A zone?
2 stories — Long Beach Municipal Code § 21.31.205.
What is the minimum front setback in Long Beach's R-2-A zone?
15 ft — Long Beach Municipal Code § 21.31.205.
What is the minimum side setback in Long Beach's R-2-A zone?
4 ft (lots 27 feet or less wide have special narrow-lot standards) — Long Beach Municipal Code § 21.31.205.
What is the minimum rear setback in Long Beach's R-2-A zone?
20 ft — Long Beach Municipal Code § 21.31.205.
General information, not legal advice.
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