Long Beach · Zoning · R-2-I
Long Beach R-2-I zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Long Beach's R-2-I zone, generally buildings can be up to 32 ft (3 stories) tall, the front setback is 3 ft and the minimum lot size is 4,800 sq. ft., with the conditions listed below (Long Beach code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 32 ft (Measured to the midpoint of the roof; the peak may reach 35 ft. Up to 2 extra feet may be allowed for roof access stairs.)
- Maximum number of stories: 3 stories
- Minimum front setback: 3 ft (An average setback may apply under the front yard averaging rule.)
- Minimum side setback: 3 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 8 ft
- Minimum lot size: 4,800 sq. ft. (New subdivisions only, not new construction on existing lots. The neighborhood standard may be used if this lot size exceeds it.)
- Maximum density: 1 unit per 1,000 sq. ft. (Capped at 2 units per lot.)
R-2-I 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-I
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 | 32 ft Applies: Measured to the midpoint of the roof; the peak may reach 35 ft. Up to 2 extra feet may be allowed for roof access stairs. § 21.31.205 · code textTable row “R-2-I”, column “Maximum Height(d, h)”: 32 ft./35 ft. (e) 3 St. |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 3 stories § 21.31.205 · code textTable row “R-2-I”, column “Maximum Height(d, h)”: 32 ft./35 ft. (e) 3 St. |
| Minimum front setback | 3 ft Applies: An average setback may apply under the front yard averaging rule. § 21.31.205 · code textTable row “R-2-I”, column “Front”: 3(i) |
| Minimum side setback | 3 ft § 21.31.205 · code textTable row “R-2-I”, column “Side”: 3 |
| Minimum rear setback | 8 ft § 21.31.205 · code textTable row “R-2-I”, column “Rear(k)”: 8 |
| Minimum lot size | 4,800 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-I”, column “Minimum Lot Area (Sq. Ft.) (a, c)”: 4,800 |
| Maximum density | 1 unit per 1,000 sq. ft. Applies: Capped at 2 units per lot. § 21.31.205 · code textTable row “R-2-I”, column “Lot Area Per Unit (Sq. Ft.)”: 1,000 |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-2-I:
- Maximum building height: 35 ft — Measured to the peak of the roof; the midpoint limit also applies. Up to 2 extra feet may be allowed for roof access stairs. § 21.31.205
Not on this page
We did not find a general lot coverage, FAR limit for R-2-I in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Long Beach Municipal Code.
Other Long Beach zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Long Beach's R-2-I zone?
32 ft (measured to the midpoint of the roof; the peak may reach 35 ft. Up to 2 extra feet may be allowed for roof access stairs) — Long Beach Municipal Code § 21.31.205.
What is the maximum number of stories in Long Beach's R-2-I zone?
3 stories — Long Beach Municipal Code § 21.31.205.
What is the minimum front setback in Long Beach's R-2-I zone?
3 ft (an average setback may apply under the front yard averaging rule) — Long Beach Municipal Code § 21.31.205.
What is the minimum side setback in Long Beach's R-2-I zone?
3 ft — Long Beach Municipal Code § 21.31.205.
What is the minimum rear setback in Long Beach's R-2-I zone?
8 ft — Long Beach Municipal Code § 21.31.205.
General information, not legal advice.
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