The purpose of this Chapter is to establish regulations for parking and loading to ensure that vehicle traffic and loading activities associated with a use do not interfere with circulation on public rights-of-way or circulation within required parking areas and to ensure that an adequate number of parking spaces is provided to serve the use of a specific site without causing traffic congestion.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

The provisions of this Chapter shall apply to all proposed and established land uses, buildings and structures and shall be the minimum standards for all off-street parking and loading.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

An application for a building permit shall include a plot plan indicating the location of the proposed parking and loading, all structures on the lot, the location of all public improvements in the adjoining right-of-way, the location of driveways and curb cuts on adjoining properties and such other information as is requested to properly evaluate the adequacy of the required parking and the suitability of curb cuts to the site.

A.

Residential Uses. In all new residential developments, all required parking shall be provided on the same site as the dwelling unit or units.

B.

Other Uses. Required parking may be located on an adjacent lot, provided the parking lot conforms to Section 21.41.222 of this Chapter. If any required parking is not located on the same lot as the proposed construction, the applicant shall submit an affidavit, signed by the owner of the lot on which the parking is proposed, indicating an irrevocable right to use the lot for the parking.

(Ord. C-6895 § 19, 1991: Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

All parking facilities and loading areas shall be maintained in a neat and orderly condition and shall be clear of obstruction by any object including appliances, hobby equipment, storage of nonoperational vehicles, and the like.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

All new construction and new uses of land shall provide off-street parking and loading according to the provisions and requirements of this Chapter.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

A.

No new parking shall be required for changes of use of any existing square footage within a building more than ten (10) years old.

B.

This Section shall not apply to the following uses: hotel, motel, inn, bed and breakfast inn, other transient lodging, and event center.

(ORD-24-0033 § 5, 2024)

The provision and maintenance of required off-street parking and loading facilities and areas, and of area available to the owner or user of real property for meeting minimum required parking standards, shall be a continuing obligation of the property owner and user, therefore, the number of existing off-street parking and loading spaces shall not be reduced, or in any other way modified, below the standards required by the Zoning Regulations except as otherwise provided by this Section, or elsewhere in the Zoning Regulations, or as required by the Building Official to comply with disabled access or electric vehicle charging parking space requirements.

A.

Reduction prohibited. An owner or user of real property containing uses for which off-street parking or loading facilities or areas are required by the Zoning Regulations, shall not reduce, diminish, or eliminate existing required off-street parking or loading facilities or areas under the ownership or control of such owner or user, whether on the same lot or on a separate lot from the use requiring such off-street parking or loading facilities or area; nor shall an owner or user sell, transfer, lease, or otherwise make unavailable for such required off-street parking or loading facilities or area any portion of the lot or of any adjacent lot under the same ownership or control, if the same is necessary for and available to satisfy, in whole or in part, the off-street parking or loading requirements imposed by the Zoning Regulations.

B.

Exception for unbundled parking. In accordance with Section 1947.1 of the California Civil Code, as amended, for a residential building containing 16 or more dwelling units, for which the initial certificate of occupancy is issued on or after January 1, 2025, and for which parking is unbundled from the price of rent as required by Civil Code Section 1947.1, any parking space not rented to the tenant of a dwelling unit to which it would otherwise be bundled, may be rented to the tenant of another residential dwelling unit or non-residential tenant space on the same lot or parcel, or to the tenant of another residential dwelling unit on another lot or parcel if the off-site location complies with the distance requirement of Subsection 21.41.222.A. However, each tenant shall have the right of first refusal to rent the parking space which would otherwise be bundled to the tenant's unit. This exception shall not apply to the following circumstances:

1.

A residential property or unit with an individual garage that is functionally a part of the property or unit, including, but not limited to, single-family dwellings, duplexes, townhouses and row houses.

2.

A housing development of which 100 percent of its units, exclusive of any manager's unit or units, are restricted by deed, regulatory restriction contained in an agreement with a governmental agency, or other recorded document as affordable housing for persons and families of low or moderate income, as defined in Section 50093 of the California Health and Safety Code.

3.

A housing development that receives low-income housing tax credits pursuant to Section 42 of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. Sec.42).

4.

A housing development that is financed with tax-exempt bonds pursuant to a program administered by the California Housing Finance Agency.

(ORD-24-0033 § 18, 2024)

No minimum number of vehicular parking spaces shall be required by the Zoning Regulations or any Planned Development District or Specific Plan for any lot or parcel that is within, or partially within, the Parking Exempt Area, as established in Section 21.41.180, subject to the following exceptions and additional requirements:

A.

Vehicular parking only. This Section shall apply only to vehicular (automobile) parking requirements.

B.

Continuing applicability of development standards. This Section shall in no way lessen or reduce the applicability of any other zoning development standard specified for parking and loading in the Zoning Regulations, including but not limited to parking space dimensions, turning radius, and drive aisle and driveway widths.

C.

Continuing applicability of EV charging and ADA requirements. For any multi-family residential or non-residential project, this Section shall not reduce, eliminate, or preclude the enforcement of any requirement for the provision of electric-vehicle (EV) parking spaces or infrastructure ("EV charger," "EV space," "EV charging station," and "EV supply equipment," as these terms are used by the Building Official, as amended from time to time), or parking spaces that are accessible to persons with disabilities, where such spaces otherwise would be required.

D.

Inapplicability to specific uses. This Section shall not apply to the following uses: hotel, motel, inn, bed and breakfast inn, and other transient lodging.

E.

Event center employee and worker parking. For an event center, parking spaces shall be provided for employees and other workers as required by the Zoning Regulations.

F.

Inapplicability by findings. This Section shall not apply to any project for which the City makes written findings within 30 days of receipt of a completed application, that not imposing or enforcing parking and/or loading minimums would have a substantially negative impact, supported by a preponderance of evidence in the record, on any one of items 1 through 3 below:

1.

The City's ability to meet its share of the regional housing need in accordance with Section 65584 of the Cal. Gov't Code for low- and very low-income households.

2.

The City's ability to meet any special housing needs for the elderly or persons with disabilities identified in the analysis required pursuant to paragraph (7) of subdivision (a) of Section 65583 of the Cal. Gov't Code.

3.

Existing residential or commercial parking within one-half mile of the proposed project.

4.

This Subsection 21.41.175.F shall not apply to housing projects in any of the following circumstances:

a.

The proposed project dedicates a minimum of 20 percent of the total number of housing units to very low, low, or moderate-income households, students, the elderly, or persons with disabilities.

b.

The proposed project contains fewer than 20 dwelling units.

c.

The proposed project is subject to parking reductions based on the provisions of any other applicable law.

G.

Inapplicability to contractual obligations. This Section shall not apply to parking requirements for non-residential uses if it would conflict with an existing contractual obligation of the City that was executed before January 1, 2023, provided that all of the non-residential parking is shared with the public. This exemption also shall apply to any contractual obligation amended on or after January 1, 2023, provided that the amendment(s) do not increase the non-residential parking requirement. A project also may build or provide additional parking that is not shared with the public for purposes of this Subsection 21.41.175.G.

H.

Requirements applicable to voluntary parking. For any project to which this Section applies, any parking or loading space that is provided above and beyond the requirements of this Section shall be subject to any other applicable requirements under the Zoning Regulations, including but not limited to Transportation Demand Management (TDM) measures, alternate mobility requirements, project conditions of approval, and the like, except that any parking space provided above and beyond the requirements of this Section shall not be required to be provided to residents free of charge.

(ORD-24-0033 § 6, 2024)

There shall be a Parking Exempt Area Map depicting the geographic area of the City to which Section 21.41.175 applies. The Zoning Administrator shall direct the production and maintenance of this map in accordance with Cal. Gov't Code Section 65863.2 (aka AB 2097), as amended, and shall update this map periodically or as necessary. The Parking Exempt Area Map shall be on file in the office of the Department of Community Development, and said map and all notations, references and other information shown on it, are incorporated by reference and shall be deemed as much a part of this Title as if the matters and information set forth by the map were fully described in this Chapter.

(ORD-24-0033 § 7, 2024)

No minimum number of loading spaces shall be required by the Zoning Regulations or any Planned Development District or Specific Plan for any lot or parcel that is within, or partially within, the Parking Exempt Area, as established in Section 21.41.180, in the same manner as exemption from a minimum number of parking spaces is set forth in Section 21.41.175 and with the same exceptions and additional requirements, and subject to the following additional exceptions and additional requirements:

A.

Inapplicability to specific uses. This Section shall not apply to the following uses:

1.

Daycare, preschool, or elementary school, except that on-street loading spaces may be substituted for the required off-street loading spaces if approved by the Director of Public Works or City Traffic Engineer,

2.

Hotel, motel, inn, bed and breakfast inn, other transient lodging,

3.

Manufacturing, packing, industrial assembly, or warehousing uses greater than 3,000 sq. ft.,

4.

Medical or dental office, or hospital, if more than 50 off-street parking spaces would be required by the Zoning Regulations before any exceptions,

5.

Public assembly,

6.

Retail, service, or office commercial if more than 50 off-street parking spaces would be required by Zoning Regulations before any exceptions,

7.

Supermarket, grocery-, drug-, variety-, department-, furniture-, hardware- or appliance store, or shopping center greater than 10,000 sq. ft. GFA, or

8.

Event center.

B.

Loading required before additional parking.

1.

Required loading spaces shall be provided prior to addition or designation of any parking spaces beyond the minimum parking requirements of this Chapter, after exceptions.

2.

If the site, except event centers, has no off-street parking spaces to be converted to loading spaces after provision of the minimum parking requirements of this Chapter, after exceptions, the applicant shall request the Director of Public Works to designate the appropriate type and number or length of curb loading space(s) in the public right-of-way adjacent to the lot or parcel, if feasible.

(ORD-24-0033 § 8, 2024)

If existing parking and loading spaces are completely removed (e.g., demolition of a garage or removal of parking area) from a lot or parcel under the authority of Sections 21.41.175 and/or 21.41.185, then any driveway and other paved area that served the removed parking or loading also shall be removed, and landscaping shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 21.42. Any curb cut(s) that served the driveway(s) shall be closed and reconstructed to full-height curb and gutter, as required by Section 21.41.253. This Section shall not apply if the reason for removal of the parking or loading spaces is for conversion of the space in question to an Accessory Dwelling Unit, Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit, or Two-Unit Residential Development (aka SB 9 unit).

(ORD-24-0033 § 9, 2024)

Nonconforming parking shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 21.27, Nonconformities, of this Title.

(Ord. C-7663 § 26, 1999: Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

Required parking for all residential uses shall be considered an inseparable part of a residential unit or development, and required parking shall not be rented or sold, except as provided by Section 21.41.170.

(ORD-24-0033 § 19, 2024; Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

A.

Garage Required. In all residential districts, all required parking spaces shall be provided within an enclosed garage in accordance with the development standards as specified in Section 21.31.245 (garage).

B.

Exception. Open parking may be permitted through site plan review for projects of forty (40) units or more at densities of twenty-nine (29) units per acre or less. If exceptions are granted to permit open parking, open parking shall comply with the same development standards as a garage.

(Ord. C-6933 § 30, 1991: Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

Tables 41-1A, 41-1B and 41-1C set forth the number of parking spaces required for specific land uses. Parking spaces required for multiple uses on a lot shall be calculated separately for each use, and the parking required shall be the sum of all that required for all such uses, unless otherwise permitted by Section 21.41.223 of this Chapter. In calculating the number of required spaces, fractional numbers shall be rounded up to the closest whole number.

(Ord. C-7550 § 9, 1998; Ord. C-7326 § 18, 1995; Ord. C-7247 §§ 18-20, 1994; Ord. C-7127 § 4, 1993; Ord. C-7032 § 28, 1992; Ord. C-6933 § 31, 1991; Ord. C-6755 § 2, 1990; Ord. C-6684 §§ 27, 28, 1990; Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

Table 41-1A
Required Number of Parking Spaces for Residential Uses

(a)

In the RM district, not more than 11/2 spaces per unit shall be required.

(b)

The number of guest parking spaces indicated above in the table shall be the minimum number of guest parking spaces required in any residential district.

(c)

Guest parking shall be required when 4 or more detached or attached dwelling units (including existing units on the site) are proposed as one development.

(d)

When Allowed On Street. On-street parking abutting the lot shall be considered as guest parking according to the standards for parallel parking spaces when all access to on-site parking is taken from an alley and the site is outside of the parking-impacted area. On-street parking abutting the site may not be considered as guest parking when the street is a major, minor or secondary highway.

(e)

In calculating required parking spaces, all rooms other than 1 living room, 1 dining room, 1 kitchen, and bathrooms shall be calculated as bedrooms.

Table 41-1B
Required Number of Parking Spaces for Special Residential Uses

(a)

The Planning Commission may further reduce the parking standards to 1 space per 3 bedrooms if it finds that the neighborhoods in which the facility is proposed has ample, readily available on-street parking or is well-served by public transportation and a concentration of senior services.

Table 41-1C
Required Number of Parking Spaces for
Commercial, Industrial/Manufacturing and All Other Uses

Table 41-1C
Required Number of Parking Spaces for
Commercial, Industrial/Manufacturing and All Other Uses
(Continued)

Table 41-1C
Required Number of Parking Spaces for
Commercial, Industrial/Manufacturing and All Other Uses
(Continued)

Abbreviations:  
SF = square feet
GFA = gross floor area (excludes utility and elevator cores, stairwells and restrooms)
GLA = gross land area in square feet

NOTES: (A) Outdoor dining located on public sidewalks require approval of an encroachment permit issued by the Department of Public Works. Further, within the City's Coastal Zone, a coastal permit is required for all outdoor dining located on public rights-of-way.

(ORD-20-0040 § 3, 2020; ORD-20-0018 § 19, 2020; ORD-19-0028 § 21, 2019; ORD-19-0006 § 1, 2019; ORD-16-0025 § 1, 2016; ORD-15-0010 § 3, 2015)

The requirement for a use not specifically mentioned in Tables 41-1A, 41-1B and 41-1C shall be the same as for a use specified which has similar traffic generating characteristics. The Zoning Administrator shall determine what constitutes similar traffic generating characteristics. For unique uses, the Zoning Administrator may require a parking demand study. The parking demand study should be prepared by an independent traffic engineer licensed by the State of California at the developer's expense and must be submitted to the Director of Planning and Building and the Director of Public Works for review and approval. Shopping centers of one hundred fifty thousand (150,000) square feet or more may submit a parking demand study, as outlined above, in order to reduce the standard shopping center ratio.

(Ord. C-7326 § 19, 1995: Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

For all residential uses, all required off-street parking shall be provided on the project site, except certain guest parking may be permitted on the street as indicated in Table 41-1A.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

For commercial, industrial and institutional use, required parking may be provided off-site according to the following limitations:

A.

Distance from Use. All off-site parking shall be located within six hundred feet (600′) of the use it serves, unless otherwise provided in the Zoning Regulations. This distance shall be measured from the middle of the parking facility to the entrance of the use (main front door of the building, or main entrance to the lot or parcel if there is no building), using the shortest route legally available to a pedestrian. This distance requirement shall not apply within the former downtown redevelopment project area, the former westside industrial redevelopment project area, parking facilities built to service the former redevelopment project areas, or in parking districts.

B.

Guaranteed Permanence. All off-site parking shall be guaranteed to remain as parking by a deed restriction to which the City is a party. This guarantee is not required within the former downtown redevelopment project area, the former westside industrial redevelopment project area, or within a parking district.

C.

Signing. An illuminated sign, not less than six (6) square feet in area, visible from the public right-of-way and in conformance with Chapter 21.44, shall be placed on each street frontage of both the business location and the off-site parking location, stating the following:

1.

At the business: The availability and address or location of the off-site parking for the business, and

2.

At the off-site parking location: The name and address or location of the business for which the parking is provided.

(ORD-24-0033 § 20, 2024; Ord. C-6933 § 32, 1991; Ord. C-6595 § 25, 1989)

The minimum number of required parking spaces for a nonresidential use may be reduced subject to approval of an Administrative Use Permit (AUP) when the Zoning Administrator finds that adequate parking, circulation and access are provided for customers, clients, visitors and employees. Adjustments shall be limited to one or more of the methods set forth in items A, B, and C below:

A.

Parking Management Plan. A parking management plan may be approved by the Zoning Administrator if the applicant provides Transportation Demand Management (TDM) measures to reduce vehicular parking demand as specified in Subsection 21.41.223.D. The parking management plan shall include the following:

1.

Plans shall show how the alternative mode(s) will be implemented, the permanency and extent of such mode(s), the number of vehicles the mode(s) will replace, and other pertinent information requested by the Director of Community Development or the Zoning Administrator;

2.

A covenant deemed acceptable by the Zoning Administrator shall be duly recorded, with the City a party thereto. This covenant shall designate the method by which adequate parking will be provided as required by this Subsection 21.41.223.A.

B.

Shared Parking Agreement. A shared parking agreement may be approved by the Zoning Administrator. When two (2) or more uses share a parking facility, and when demonstrated by a signed affidavit that the hours of their demand for parking do not overlap, or only partially overlap, then the parking requirement may be reduced by the Zoning Administrator. A covenant deemed acceptable by the Zoning Administrator shall be duly recorded, with the City a party thereto.

C.

Parking Study. An independent parking study, provided by the applicant and prepared by a licensed traffic engineer, may be accepted by the Zoning Administrator. The parking study shall substantiate or justify a request for reduction in parking, or outline alternative methods to provide adequate parking, circulation and access for a particular development. The parking study shall be subject to review by the Zoning Administrator and City Traffic Engineer to determine the merits of the alternative strategies.

D.

Transportation Demand Management (TDM) measures provided for purposes of this Section shall include the following:

1.

For projects under 25,000 sq. ft. total GFA (and including GLA of outdoor uses), the following shall be provided:

a.

Bicycle parking:

(i)

For retail, personal service, medical, professional service, restaurant, bar/tavern, health/fitness/dance, and similar uses with a regular traffic of customers, one short-term on-site bicycle parking space may be substituted for one auto parking space, up to a maximum of 20% of the required auto parking spaces.

(ii)

For professional office, industrial, and other uses with no or only incidental traffic of customers, one long-term on-site bicycle parking space may be substituted for one auto parking space, up to a maximum of 30% of the required auto parking spaces.

b.

Bicycle route and facility information, including regional/local bicycle maps and bicycle safety information,

c.

Current maps, routes and schedules for public transit routes serving the site,

d.

Promotional materials for taxi and/or ridesharing services, in a location most visible to the likely users, within the project building or on the project site,

e.

Varied hours of work shifts, subsidized transit passes, or similar employee benefit measures to offset demand for employee parking.

f.

All sidewalks, curb and gutter, and driveway aprons/curb cuts in the public right-of-way adjacent to the project site shall be upgraded to meet the current requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), to the satisfaction of the Director of Public Works,

g.

Any cracked, deteriorated, or uplifted/depressed sections of sidewalk pavers and curb and gutter along all public rights-of-way adjacent to the project site shall be reconstructed to the satisfaction of the Director of Public Works, and

h.

Alternative TDM measures may be proposed and analyzed through a Parking Impact Study and approved as set forth in Subsection 21.41.223.C (Parking Study).

2.

For projects of 25,000 sq. ft. or greater total GFA (and including GLA of outdoor uses), the following shall be provided:

a.

The requirements of Subsection 21.41.223.D.1 shall be met,

b.

The TDM requirements of Chapter 21.64 (summarized in Table 25-1) shall be met,

c.

An off-site parking or drop-off area for electric scooters, e-bikes, or a bike-share service shall be located within 300 feet of the project building entrance using the shortest legal route available to a pedestrian. If none is present, the applicant shall submit a request to the Director of Public Works for the establishment or designation of one of said facilities.

d.

Any nonconforming driveway aprons/curb cuts shall be reconstructed to conform to the requirements of Chapter 21.41 to the greatest extent feasible, to the satisfaction of the Director of Community Development and the Director of Public Works.

(ORD-24-0033 § 21, 2024; Ord. C-7247 § 21, 1994; Ord. C-6684 § 29, 1990; Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

When the property owners of a contiguous commercial or mixed-use district have established a parking district pursuant to the laws of the State of California, that parking district may develop a parking plan for the district. When such a plan, along with the financial arrangements to implement the plan, has been approved by the Planning Commission, or, on appeal, by the City Council, such plan shall supersede the parking requirements specified in the Zoning Regulations.

(ORD-24-0033 § 10, 2024)

The number of required parking spaces for uses in the CNP zone district are specified as follows:

A.

In area D of the coastal zone (Second Street, between Livingston Drive and Bayshore Avenue), the parking in the CNP district shall be one-half (½) of the parking required in Chapter 21.41, Table 41-1C. In all other areas of the coastal zone and outside the coastal zone, parking in the CNP district shall be as required in Chapter 21.41, Table 41-1C. Any new parking provided, or reconfiguration of existing parking facilities, in area D of the coastal zone can utilize tandem parking subject to the provisions of Subsection 21.41.235.B of the tandem parking regulations.

1.

Restaurants. The one-half (½) parking standard shall not apply to restaurants (new and reuse/conversion of existing nonrestaurant lease spaces) which shall conform to full parking standards. This Subsection does not apply to ready to eat restaurants (as defined in Section 21.15.2332), which may utilize the one-half (½) parking standard.

2.

Determination of nonconforming rights. Owners of properties with nonconforming parking rights within area D of the coastal zone may apply for site plan review to obtain a determination of nonconforming parking rights. Such determination will establish the number of nonconforming spaces that applies to the property at the time of the request and will allow the property to maintain nonconforming parking rights to the established number of spaces regardless of change in use of the existing buildings.

B.

Outdoor dining. In area D of the coastal zone (Second Street, between Livingston and Bayshore), outdoor dining on private property shall require the same parking as required for indoor dining.

C.

Within established parking district. If the site to be developed or expanded is located within a parking district established pursuant to the laws of the State of California or local ordinances, the required parking spaces shall be provided as follows:

1.

For a new development on a lot with gross lot area less than five thousand (5,000) square feet, or for any expansion of an existing building, the development may, in lieu of providing all or part of required off-street parking on-site or within six hundred feet (600′) of the site, pay a fee to the parking district based on the cost of providing such parking. The amount of the in lieu fee shall be established by the City Council by resolution and shall be reviewed periodically to assure its adequacy to cover the cost of providing parking under this provision.

2.

For a new development on a lot with gross lot area of five thousand (5,000) square feet or more, a minimum of fifty percent (50%) of the required parking shall be provided on the site, or within six hundred feet (600′) of the site. The remaining required parking may be provided by an in lieu fee as described above.

3.

All existing parking provided for or leased by any business shall hereinafter be the minimum required for the existing use on that site. If the parking now required exceeds that established pursuant to Subsection 21.41.226.A, the parking now provided may not be reduced below that required in Table 41-1C.

(ORD-05-0039 § 1, 2005; Ord. C-7777 § 2, 2001; Ord. C-7619 § 4, 1999; Ord. C-7247 § 22, 1994: Ord. C-6684 § 30, 1990: Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

Fees may be paid in lieu of providing the required on-site or off-site parking provided:

A.

The site is located in an established parking district or redevelopment project area;

B.

The in lieu fee represents the estimated current cost of providing the parking place in the applicable district. Such fees shall be adopted by City Council resolution, and shall be updated each two (2) years.

(Ord. C-6595 § 26, 1989)

Residential uses in commercial zones shall provide parking spaces as provided for in Tables 41-1A and 41-1B as applicable.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

Parking spaces shall be of the sizes and meet such other requirements as set forth in Table 41-2 and as illustrated in Figures 41-1A, 41-1B, 41-1C and 41-1D.

(Ord. C-7040 § 2, 1992; Ord. C-6895 § 20, 1991: Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

Outside the coastal zone, parking shall comply with Chapter 18.47 of the Long Beach Municipal Code with regard to electric vehicle space and charging station requirements. In the coastal zone, for a building containing three or more dwelling units or a hotel that is constructed, demolished or rebuilt a building site, at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the total number of parking spaces, but in no case less than one, shall be EV spaces capable of supporting future EVSE and five percent (5%) of the total number of parking spaces but in no case less than one (1), shall have EV chargers installed. Calculations for the required number of EV spaces shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number.

(ORD-19-0007 § 3, 2019; ORD-16-0028 § 13, 2016)

A.

Tandem parking spaces shall be prohibited for required parking except:

1.

For valet parking with approval through site plan review;

2.

For low income units when projects include ten percent (10%) or more of the units as on-site low income units;

3.

For the provision of required parking for an accessory dwelling unit, and for required replacement of parking for the primary dwelling when a garage is converted or existing parking spaces are otherwise eliminated to create an accessory dwelling unit.

B.

For tandem parking allowed in Subsection 21.41.233.A.2, the following standards shall be complied with:

1.

Not more than two (2) spaces shall be involved in the tandem arrangement;

2.

Both spaces in the tandem arrangement shall be assigned to the same dwelling unit;

3.

Handicapped and guest parking shall not be in tandem;

4.

Tandem parking shall not be allowed in a parking garage of less than ten (10) parking spaces or when the full turning radius for the tandem parking is not within the garage.

C.

For tandem parking allowed in Subsection 21.41.233.A.3 for an accessory dwelling unit, up to three (3) spaces may be in tandem.

(ORD-17-0031 §§ 18, 19, 2017; Ord. C-7607 §§ 3, 17, 1999; Ord. C-6933 § 33, 1991: Ord. C-6684 § 31, 1990; Ord. C-6593 § 1, 1989: Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

Table 41-2
MINIMUM PARKING SPACE SIZES

A.

Tandem parking serving an industrial or manufacturing use shall only be in areas specifically designated for employee long-term parking. In area D of the coastal zone (Second Street, between Livingston Drive and Bayshore Avenue) the tandem parking shall be for general use of employees and customers. Such parking shall only be located on the same site as the use for which the parking is provided.

B.

Tandem parking, where permitted, shall comply with the following standards:

1.

Not more than two (2) spaces shall be allowed in tandem.

2.

Handicapped parking shall not be in tandem.

3.

No more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the required parking spaces shall be permitted to be in tandem.

(Ord. C-7619 § 5, 1999: Ord. C-7360 § 13, 1995)

A fee may be charged for required parking for nonresidential uses.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

Figures 41-1A, 41-1B, 41-1C, and 41-1D illustrate typical parking lot layouts and the minimum dimensions required for each type of layout. Development standards for parking lots are set forth in this Section and Sections 21.41.251 through 21.41.269.

A.

Turning radii. Table 41-3 and figure 41-1E establish minimum turning radii for various parking space types and parking lot layouts. Turning radii may be reduced by one foot (1′) for each additional foot that is added to the width of the garage space, provided that:

1.

The garage door width is widened by an equal amount; and

2.

The maximum turning radii reduction is two feet (2′).

B.

Continuous circulation. All lots containing one hundred (100) or more spaces shall provide continuous vehicle circulation. Dead end aisles are prohibited in such lots.

C.

Passenger loading. All parking lots containing one hundred (100) or more spaces shall provide an eight foot (8′) wide passenger drop off lane adjoining the building entrance.

D.

Pedestrian walkway. A covered pedestrian walkway shall be provided adjoining the building entrance. The walkway shall be at least four feet (4′) wide and shall provide direct access to a public sidewalk.

E.

Slope. Parking area shall not have a slope more than one foot (1′) vertical for each sixteen feet (16′) of horizontal dimension perpendicular to the vehicle parking.

F.

Pedestrian crossing. All parking lots containing one hundred (100) or more spaces shall provide pedestrian crossings outside of vehicle circulation areas. The crossings shall be at least six feet (6′) wide and shall link the building to the street property line.

G.

Drive-thru lanes. No parking space shall be located so that it is accessible only via a drive-thru queuing lane.

H.

Parking Exits. Parking must be designed to provide for exiting without backing into the street. However, backing into the street may be permitted in the IM and IG districts on lots five thousand (5,000) square feet or less in size where parking area access occurs onto a local or collector street, as designated in the transportation element of the general plan. Such parking area access shall be subject to the approval of the City Engineer and the Director of Planning and Building.

(Ord. C-7360 § 5, 1995; Ord. C-7326 § 20, 1995: Ord. C-6684 § 32, 1990; Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

Table 41-3
REQUIRED TURNING RADII
Minimum Radius

Figure 41-1A
90° PARKING

Figure 41-B

45° PARKING

Note: See Figure 41-1D for required stall markings and permitted projections.

Figure 41-1B

60° PARKING

Note: See Figure 41-1D for required stall markings and permitted projections.

Figure 41-1C

PARALLEL PARKING

Figure 41-1D

REQUIRED STALL MARKINGS

AND PERMITTED PROJECTIONS

Each stall shall be defined by two painted lines extending two (2) inches beyond the required stall width.

Projections such as curbs or posts may be provided at each stall provided such projection does not extend more than 4′-6″ into the space as shown. Such projections may be placed at either end of the stall.

Figure 41-1E

MINIMUM DRIVEWAY CLEARANCE

Table 41-4

Minimum Driveway Widths

Each parking space, with the exception of tandem and valet spaces, shall be independently accessible.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

Sections 21.41.251 through 21.41.269 indicate the minimum improvements which shall be provided in all parking areas.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

A.

Driveways—Minimum Widths. All uses shall provide a paved driveway from the required parking space(s) to the public street or alley of at the least minimum width specified in Table 41-4. A greater width may be required where the Director of Public Works determines it is beneficial to the public safety or traffic circulation.

B.

Driveways and Curb Cuts—Maximum Number and Widths. The maximum number and widths of driveways and curb cuts shall be as specified in Table 41-5. Wider driveways may be allowed on regional arterials, arterials, principal streets or collector highways where the Director of Public Works determines a greater width will be beneficial to public safety or traffic flow. The following special conditions shall also apply:

1.

Separation between driveways on same site - twenty feet (20′) of full height curb;

2.

Separation between driveways on adjoining sites - twenty feet (20′) of full height curb (unless width of site precludes compliance, then twenty feet (20′) shall be maintained on at least one (1) side);

3.

Combined driveways - joint use driveways between sites shall be allowed for adjoining sites provided not less than eight feet (8′) of driveway is provided on each site.

C.

Driveway and Curb Cut Permit. When issuing a driveway and/or curb cut permit, the City Engineer shall specify in the permit the location and dimensions of the driveway and the permittee shall comply with the provisions of the permit in the construction of the driveway.

D.

Driveway Locations in Nonresidential Zones. The following requirements shall apply to all non-residential zones, and mixed-use zones that are primarily commercial in nature.

1.

Two-Way Driveways. Such driveways shall be located not less than ninety feet (90′) from any intersection for all lots with one hundred twenty-five feet (125′) or more of street frontage. For lots with less than one hundred twenty-five feet (125′) of street frontage, the driveway shall be located not less than two-thirds (⅔) of the width of the lot from the intersection.

2.

One-Way Driveways. Such driveways shall be located not less than thirty-five feet (35′) from any intersection. A one-way driveway is a driveway that allows only a right turn in, or a right turn out. Both in and out movements are not allowed in the same one-way driveway.

E.

Driveway Locations in Residential Zones. All driveways shall be located not less than thirty feet (30′) from any intersection, except lots less than thirty feet (30′) in width without alleys, then no restriction shall apply other than those contained in Subsection B of this Section.

F.

Driveway Slopes—All Uses. No driveway or parking ramp shall have a slope of more than one foot (1′) of vertical rise for each seven feet (7′) of horizontal length.

G.

Driveway Clearance. All driveways shall have a minimum clearance of seven feet (7′) from the driving surface to any overhead obstruction. No projections in this area shall be allowed. This provision shall not apply to the driving area inside a parking structure where the requirements of the Uniform Building Code shall apply. Where higher clearance is required for handicapped access, the provisions for handicapped access shall apply.

H.

Driveway Locations in Industrial Zones.

1.

Driveways Accessing a Local or Collector Street. Driveways which access a Local or Collector street, as designated in the Transportation Element of the General Plan, shall be located such that the edge of the access driveway shall be either at least five feet (5′) from the end of the curb return or at least twenty-five feet (25′) from the intersection of two (2) non-arterial streets, whichever is greater. If the nearest intersection includes an Arterial or greater street, then the regulations of Subsection H.2 below shall apply.

2.

Driveways Accessing Arterial and Regional Corridor Streets.

a.

Two-Way Driveways. For lots with one hundred twenty-five (125) or more feet of street frontage, two-way driveways shall be located not less than ninety feet (90′) from any intersection. For lots with less than one hundred twenty-five feet (125′) of street frontage, the driveway shall be located not less than two-thirds (⅔) of the width of the lot from the intersection.

b.

One-Way Driveways. One-way driveways shall be located not less than thirty-five feet (35′) from any intersection. Movements shall be restricted to either right turns in or right turns out.

I.

Residential Curb Cuts and Driveways - Legal Parking Space and Garage Requirement.

1.

Legal parking space required. A curb cut and driveway shall lead to a legal parking space on a lot or parcel, either in a garage or as open parking permitted by Section 21.41.281 and Figure 41-3.

2.

Garage required. If a garage is required by Section 21.41.213 or another applicable regulation, no new curb cut or driveway shall be permitted that does not lead to a garage.

a.

Exception if no garage is feasible. On a residential lot with four or fewer existing principal dwellings and no existing garage, if construction of a garage is not feasible, but a conforming curb cut, driveway, and legal parking space(s) could be constructed according to this Section and Table 41-5, no garage shall be required, and the legal parking space(s) shall be counted toward the parking requirement.

b.

Subsection 21.41.251.I.2.a shall not apply if any principal dwelling on the lot is proposed to be or has been demolished either in conjunction with the proposed curb cut/driveway, or as a causative reason for the proposed curb cut/driveway, in which case it shall be presumed that a garage is feasible.

J.

Curb cut measurement. Measurement of the width and other relevant dimensions of a curb cut and driveway apron(s) shall be taken in accordance with the procedures established by the Director of Public Works or City Traffic Engineer.

(ORD-24-0033 § 22, 2024; Ord. C-7360 § 14, 1995; Ord. C-7032 § 29, 1992; Ord. C-6895 §§ 21, 22, 1991; Ord. C-6822 § 17, 1990: Ord. C-6684 §§ 33, 34, 1990: Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

A curb cut clearance shall be obtained from the Public Works Department and shall be submitted with an application for a building permit. For any nonresidential use with more than a fifty foot (50′) frontage on a street, no curb cut shall be permitted within thirty-five feet (35′) of an intersection. All unused curb cuts shall be replaced with a full height curb and gutter. For purposes of this Section, "unused curb cut" shall mean any curb cut not used to access required parking that has been approved by the City. The Zoning Administrator may determine when an unused curb cut may remain when justified by existing conditions on the site, including but not limited to:

A.

Properties in Historic Districts;

B.

Properties in Parking-Impacted Areas;

C.

Properties with permitted Accessory Dwelling Units;

D.

Properties with non-conforming uses.

Notes:

a. Minimum width of the alley from site to public street.

b. This shall only apply in parking impacted areas. In R-1 and R-2 zones, outside of parking impacted areas, one driveway, 20 feet wide is allowed. In all residential zones within parking impacted areas, nonconforming driveways may be maintained provided that the driveway leads to a legal parking space.

c. No access shall be allowed to an arterial highway from a lot in a residential zone.

d. On corner lots, in residential zones, where both streets are classified as regional arterials, arterials, principal streets or collector streets, driveway(s) shall be limited to the lower classified street.

e. The City Engineer may adjust the width of the permitted curb cuts by up to 4 feet, if such an increase would be beneficial to the public safety.

(ORD-19-0011 § 9, 2019; ORD-05-0038 § 1, 2005: Ord. C-6684 § 35, 1990: Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

Editor's note— ORD-10-0031 § 7, adopted Oct. 12, 2010, repealed § 21.41.256, entitled "Parking areas-Landscaping," and derived from: Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988.

Editor's note— ORD-10-0031 § 7, adopted Oct. 12, 2010, repealed § 21.41.257, entitled "Parking areas-Landscaping in IG and IP zones," and derived from: Ord. C-7360 § 15, 1995.

All parking lots and garages shall be illuminated with lights directed and shielded to prevent light and glare from intruding onto adjacent sites. The light standards shall not exceed the height of the principal use structure or one foot (1′) for each two feet (2′) of the distance between the light standard and the nearest property line, whichever is greater. All lights shall be illuminated to the applicable standards of the Illuminating Engineers Society.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

All parking spaces shall be clearly marked by pavement painting. Compact and handicapped parking spaces shall be marked additionally by pavement painting and signage indicating the type of space as required by Chapter 10.34 (Parking for Handicapped Persons in Public Places) of the Long Beach Municipal Code. All aisles with only compact spaces shall provide a sign at the aisle entrance stating that only small cars are permitted.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

The entire driveway and vehicle parking, storage and loading areas for all uses shall be improved and surfaced with a paving material not less than three and one-half inches (3½") thick of solid asphaltic or concrete paving or equivalent hard surface to the satisfaction of the Superintendent of Building and Safety.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

A.

Adjacent to Residential Zones. Whenever a parking lot abuts or is adjacent to a residentially zoned property, a solid masonry wall not less than six feet, six inches (6′6″) in height shall be provided. The wall shall be constructed along the entire parking lot property line. However, any such wall adjoining the front yard setback of the residential property shall not exceed three feet (3′) in height.

B.

Adjacent to Residential Zone Across an Alley. Where a parking lot abuts or is adjacent to a residential district across an alley, broad leaf evergreen trees, at least fifteen (15) gallon in size, shall be planted fifteen feet (15′) on center.

C.

Adjoining Public Street. Wherever a parking lot adjoins a public street, a solid masonry wall three feet (3′) in height shall be provided. A solid, compact evergreen hedge may be used instead, provided:

1.

The hedge shrubs are not less than two feet (2′) tall when planted; and

2.

The hedge shrubs are planted not more than two feet (2′) on center.

Alternatively, a combination planter/hedge or berm/hedge may be used, provided:

3.

The planter or berm is at least eighteen inches (18″) high; and

4.

The shrubs, when planted, are at least one foot (1′) high.

D.

Wall Composition. All screen walls shall be attractively designed with pilasters, caps and a painted or plastered finish as required by the Director of Planning and Building.

E.

Screening Not Required. No screening shall be required when a parking lot adjoins an alley and the alley is used to provide direct access to head-in parking.

F.

Screening—R-3 and R-4 Zones. In R-3 and R-4 zoning districts, parking lots and parking structures facing a public street shall be screened by a solid wall five feet (5′) in height and a solid garage door.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

Each parking stall located adjacent to a building, fence, wall or landscaping shall provide a wheel stop as shown on Figure 41-2. Wheel stops shall be constructed of concrete or other materials, as approved by the Superintendent of Building and Safety. No vehicle shall be permitted to overhang required landscaped areas behind wheel stops.

(Ord. C-7247 § 23, 1994: Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

A.

Secured. All parking structures shall be designed and improved to allow them to be completely secured.

B.

Landscaping. An attractive landscaping strip shall be provided along any public street in accordance with the landscaping requirements of this Chapter.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

A.

Size Limitation. No recreational vehicle which exceeds seven (7) tons in dry weight, thirty-six feet (36′) in length or eleven feet, six inches (11′6″) in height, not including rooftop equipment, shall be parked, stored or loaded on a residentially zoned lot.

Figure 41.2

WHEEL STOPS

B.

Storage and Loading—Location. Permitted recreational vehicles may be parked, stored or loaded in any location in which passenger vehicles may be parked, stored or loaded, unless otherwise restricted. Further, recreational vehicles may be parked, stored or loaded in locations where passenger vehicles may not be parked, stored or loaded, provided that no other location on the site ordinarily available for vehicle parking can accommodate the recreational vehicle because access to those locations is blocked by a permanent building element such as a structural wall, an eave or a roof. These locations are:

1.

In areas blocking access to required parking spaces, provided that the spaces being blocked are for a single-family dwelling only and the owner of the recreational vehicle resides in that dwelling; and

2.

In the side yard setback area, provided that:

a.

The recreational vehicle is located as far as physically feasible from the side lot line, consistent with requirements for light and ventilation into adjoining rooms.

b.

The recreational vehicle is located as far to the rear of the lot as is physically consistent with maintaining access to the garage.

C.

Boats and Camper Shells. Boats and camper shells, if parked in areas visible from public rights-of-way, shall be mounted on licensed, operative vehicles.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

A.

Parking. Recreational vehicle parking shall be permitted in the same manner as passenger vehicle parking.

B.

Storage. Outdoor storage shall be permitted consistent with the outdoor storage provisions contained in Chapter 21.45 (Special Development Standards) of this Title.

C.

Overnight Parking Prohibited. Recreational vehicles shall not be occupied and parked overnight in any parking lot in a commercial district. Under no circumstances shall a recreational vehicle be used for living, sleeping, eating or entertaining.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

A.

Front Yard. No vehicle shall be parked in the front yard setback, except on the driveway, or on a paved area between the driveway and the nearest side property line, and/or as provided in Section 21.41.276 for recreational vehicles. No vehicle shall be stored in the front yard setback.

B.

Side and Rear Yard. Open parking in the side or rear yard setback shall comply with the provisions for garages in R-1 and R-2 zones, which are stipulated in Section 21.31.245.

C.

Permitted parking areas on residential lots shall be as illustrated in Figure 41-3.

(Ord. C-7326 § 21, 1995; Ord. C-7127 § 5, 1993: Ord. C-7032 § 30, 1992: Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

(Ord. C-7326 § 21, 1995)

Inoperative, dismantled or wrecked vehicles may be stored as an accessory use in residential districts subject to the following:

A.

The storage is limited to a maximum of two (2) such inoperative, dismantled or wrecked vehicles.

B.

The storage shall be fully screened from public view.

C.

The storage shall occur in the rear fifty percent (50%) of the lot and shall not block the required vehicular access to the garage.

D.

The storage shall occur on a fully paved surface (Section 21.41.263).

E.

Inoperative, dismantled or wrecked vehicles stored in violation of these regulations shall be removed or stored in compliance with these regulations within sixty (60) days of the effective date hereof.

(Ord. C-7776 § 4, 2001: Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

Drive-up and drive-thru facilities shall be developed in accordance with Chapter 21.45 (Special Development Standards) of this Title.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

In addition to off-street parking spaces, off-street loading spaces shall be provided for uses in all zoning districts as set forth in Sections 21.41.320 through 21.41.370, except as otherwise provided by the Zoning Regulations.

(ORD-24-0033 § 23, 2024; Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

Table 41-6

Loading Space Standards

(Ord. C-7360 § 6, 1995)

No new loading spaces shall be required for changes of use of any existing square footage within a building more than ten (10) years old, subject to the following:

A.

Conversion of parking to loading. If the lot or parcel is exempt from parking minimums per Section 21.41.175, or the change of use is exempt from parking requirements per Section 21.41.165, existing off-street parking spaces may be converted into loading spaces in accordance with the development standards for loading spaces in Sections 21.41.320 through 21.41.370, if necessary to meet the loading requirements of this Chapter. No more than the code-required number of loading spaces shall be provided through conversion of off-street parking spaces if the number of existing parking spaces is nonconforming. Conversion of parking spaces to loading spaces for purposes of this Section shall require the applicant to obtain the approval of the Director of Community Development, by submitting a site plan depicting the proposed arrangement of parking and loading spaces.

B.

On-street loading spaces. If no off-street parking spaces may be converted to loading spaces, the applicant shall request the Director of Public Works to designate the appropriate type and number or length of curb loading space(s) in the public right-of-way adjacent to the lot or parcel, if feasible.

C.

Inapplicability to specific uses. This Section shall not apply to the following uses: hotel, motel, inn, bed and breakfast inn, other transient lodging, and event center.

(ORD-24-0033 § 11, 2024)

There shall be two (2) sizes of loading spaces as specified in Table 41-6.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

The minimum number of loading spaces provided shall be as set forth in Table 41-7.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

All loading areas shall be located outside of required aisles or other circulation areas. Loading areas shall not be located in any required yard area which is adjacent to a residential district.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

On lots which are located ninety (90) or more feet from the intersection of two (2) non-arterial streets, and which provide access to loading areas from a local or collector street, as defined in the Transportation Element of the General Plan, the loading areas may be designed to allow trucks to back into the local or collector street subject to the approval of the Director of Public Works.

(Ord. C-7360 § 16, 1995)

Table 41-7
Required Number of Loading Spaces

Abbreviations: SF= square feet
GFA = gross floor area

(Ord. C-7399 § 11, 1996; Ord. C-7360 § 7, 1995; Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

All loading areas shall be located to provide an adequate turning radius. Adequate turning radius means one which allows a vehicle to maneuver without backing into a street or without backing into the loading space from a street.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

All truck loading spaces shall be separated from adjoining, abutting or adjacent residential districts by a building or masonry wall not less than six feet (6′) in height.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)

Loading docks shall be provided for all uses that require truck loading spaces and that contain more than forty thousand (40,000) square feet of gross floor area in a single lease over ownership area. All loading docks shall be designed and improved in such a way as to allow them to be completely secured.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)