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Long Beach · Zoning · R-4-M

Long Beach R-4-M zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

In Long Beach's R-4-M zone, generally buildings can be up to 20 ft tall, the front setback is 0 ft and the minimum lot size is 3,100 sq. ft., with the conditions listed below (Long Beach code, read October 2026).

Key points

  • Maximum building height: 20 ft
  • Minimum front setback: 0 ft
  • Minimum side setback: 5 ft
  • Minimum rear setback: 3 ft
  • Minimum lot size: 3,100 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: 75%
  • Maximum density: 1 unit per lot

R-4-M 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-4-M

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
20 ft
§ 21.31.205 · code text
Table row “R-4-M”, column “Maximum Height(d, h)”: 20 ft.
Minimum front setback
0 ft
§ 21.31.205 · code text
Table row “R-4-M”, column “Front”: 0 ft.
Minimum side setback
5 ft
§ 21.31.205 · code text
Table row “R-4-M”, column “Side”: 5 ft.
Minimum rear setback
3 ft
§ 21.31.205 · code text
Table row “R-4-M”, column “Rear(k)”: 3 ft.
Minimum lot size
3,100 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 text
Table row “R-4-M”, column “Minimum Lot Area (Sq. Ft.) (a, c)”: 3,100 sq. ft.
Maximum lot coverage
75%
§ 21.31.205 · code text
Table row “R-4-M”, column “Maximum Lot Coverage (% of Lot)”: 75%
Maximum density
1 unit per lot
§ 21.31.205 · code text
Table row “R-4-M”, column “Permitted Density Sq. Ft. of Site Area Per Unit”: 1 unit per lot

Not on this page

We did not find a general stories, FAR limit for R-4-M 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

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in Long Beach's R-4-M zone?

20 ft — Long Beach Municipal Code § 21.31.205.

What is the minimum front setback in Long Beach's R-4-M zone?

0 ft — Long Beach Municipal Code § 21.31.205.

What is the minimum side setback in Long Beach's R-4-M zone?

5 ft — Long Beach Municipal Code § 21.31.205.

What is the minimum rear setback in Long Beach's R-4-M zone?

3 ft — Long Beach Municipal Code § 21.31.205.

What is the minimum lot size in Long Beach's R-4-M zone?

3,100 sq. ft. (new subdivisions only, not new construction on existing lots. The neighborhood standard may be used if this lot size exceeds it) — Long Beach Municipal Code § 21.31.205.

General information, not legal advice.

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