A.

The industrial districts are established to preserve and enhance areas for a broad range of industrial and manufacturing uses, recognizing that such uses provide employment, contribute to the City's tax base, and create products needed by consumers and the business community at large.

B.

These regulations are intended to accommodate a broad range of current and future industrial and manufacturing uses, and associated technologies, at appropriate locations in the City, provided that safeguards are in place to address environmental and aesthetic concerns; to protect public health and safety; and to ensure that businesses operate within the clearly defined limits of what is allowed.

C.

In recognition of the fact that industrial and manufacturing technologies change over time, the City has structured these regulations to address the operating characteristics and processes of industrial uses, rather than specific businesses. Thus, the determination of whether a use is permitted by right or requires discretionary review will necessarily require interpretation based upon the criteria contained in Sections 21.33.020 through 21.33.080. Pursuant to the provisions of Subsection 21.33.060.D of this Chapter 21.33, the Zoning Administrator is authorized to make such interpretation.

(Ord. C-7360 § 3, 1995)

Four (4) industrial districts are established by this Chapter as follows:

A.

Light Industrial (IL). The Light Industrial (IL) district allows a wide range of industries whose primary operations occur entirely within enclosed structures and which pose limited potential for environmental impacts on neighboring uses. While the emphasis is on industrial, manufacturing, and related uses, small-scale office and commercial uses intended to serve nearby industries and employees are permitted. The performance and development standards are intended to allow a wide range of uses as long as those uses will not adversely impact adjacent uses.

The IL district typically will include clean, non-nuisance industries whose operating characteristics (e.g., noise, hazardous materials, odors, dust, light and glare) are either confined completely within the property or result in limited secondary impacts in terms of traffic, air emissions, and hours of operation. Examples include research and development, flex space (for example, combined office/sales/warehouse/production for one firm), warehousing, small-scale incubator industries, or assembly operations. The buildings housing these uses may be low-scale, older structures within the existing street grid, or modern industrial complexes in park-like settings. These examples are not intended to limit the potential uses within the IL district, but rather to present the range of opportunities available.

B.

Medium Industrial (IM). The Medium Industrial (IM) district allows a wide range of industries and industrial processes that involve more intensive operations. The district provides areas where most industries may locate, provided they meet the performance standards defined in Section 21.33.090 (Performance Standards). While the emphasis is on industrial, manufacturing, and related uses, office and commercial uses intended to serve nearby industries and employees may be permitted. The performance and development standards are intended to allow a wide range of uses as long as those uses will not impact adjacent uses.

The IM district generally will include industrial and manufacturing operations on a larger scale than those in the IL district. For example, factories with frequent truck traffic and outdoor storage yards might be located in the district. Outdoor storage and limited outdoor activities may be permitted. These examples are intended to represent typical characteristics within the district, not all potential operations.

C.

General Industrial (IG). The General Industrial (IG) district is considered the City's "industrial sanctuary" district where a wide range of industries that may not be desirable in other districts may locate. The emphasis is on traditionally heavy industrial and manufacturing uses. The IG district is intended to promote an "industrial sanctuary" where land is preserved for industry and manufacturing, and where existing industries are protected from non-industrial users that may object to the operating characteristics of industry. Performance standards still must be met, but the development standards are the minimum necessary to assure safe, functional, and environmentally-sound activities.

The IG district includes uses such as large construction yards with heavy equipment, chemical manufacturing plants, rail yards, and food processing plants. The buildings that house these operations may be older industrial buildings retrofitted to accommodate the use, or new state-of-the-art manufacturing plants. As is the case with all the industrial districts, the focus of the IG district is on the operating characteristics of the use, rather than the particular product created.

D.

Port-Related Industrial (IP). The Port-Related Industrial (IP) district is characterized predominately by maritime industry and marine resources. Uses in this district are primarily port-related or water dependent, but may also include: water-oriented commercial and recreational facilities primarily serving the general public, and utility installations and rights-of-way. All new uses in the IP district must be consistent with the Port Master Plan.

(Ord. C-7360 § 3, 1995)

The permitting and licensing processes may involve Fire Department review regarding the storage of hazardous materials and other factors which could affect site plans or building designs. The Fire Department offers an informal conceptual site plan review process that provides potential applicants with information regarding such requirements. To ensure such considerations are incorporated into the land use planning and development process at an early stage, applicants are encouraged to contact the Fire Department prior to submitting formal applications to the Department of Planning and Building.

(Ord. C-7360 § 3, 1995)

Site plan review shall be required pursuant to Chapter 21.25, Division V (Site Plan Review).

(Ord. C-7360 § 3, 1995)

Projects proposed on property located in the IP district shall be subject to review by the Harbor Department pursuant to Section 18.04.040 of the Municipal Code.

(ORD-19-0032 § 11, 2019; Ord. C-7360 § 3, 1995)

Any business considered an "adult entertainment business," as defined in Section 21.15.110 of this Title, shall be subject to the special locational standards contained in Chapter 21.45 (Special Development Standards).

(ORD-18-0018 § 6, 2018; Ord. C-7360 § 3, 1995)

A.

Table 33-2 shall be used to determine applicable use regulations in the industrial districts. Table 33-2 establishes general classes of uses. For each category, the table indicates whether the class of use is permitted by right (Y); not permitted (N); permitted subject to an administrative use permit (AP) as defined in Chapter 21.25, Division IV (Administrative Use Permits) of this Title; or permitted subject to conditional use permit review (C) pursuant to Chapter 21.25, Division II (Conditional Use Permits) of this Title. All projects within the Coastal Zone are also subject to the Local Coastal Program and provisions as set forth in Chapter 21.25 Division IX.

B.

The uses identified in Table 33-2 are more precisely defined by reference to the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Manual published by the federal government's Office of Management and Budget. The 1987 SIC Manual, or the most current edition of the manual, as amended, is incorporated herein by reference. The SIC Manual identifies businesses according to the operating characteristics involved in creating the product (for example, slaughtering, manufacturing pulp, manufacturing industrial inorganic chemicals, petroleum refining) and the effects that these characteristics may have on nearby uses. The actual product created is of secondary importance. For reference purposes, Table 33-1 lists two (2) digit SIC codes and the associated categories of use.

C.

The "notes and exceptions" column of the table indicates more precisely the use regulations for specific SIC codes or operating characteristics. The notes and exceptions must be reviewed in conjunction with the other information for that class of use.

D.

For uses or activities not specifically identified in Table 33-2, the Zoning Administrator shall have the authority to interpret and assign the appropriate SIC code for that use or activity. The decision of the Zoning Administrator can be appealed to the Planning Commission pursuant to Chapter 21.21, Division V (Appeals) of this Title.

(ORD-20-0025 § 8, 2020; Ord. C-7360 § 3, 1995)

Any use or activity not identified by an SIC code included in Table 33-2, or any use or activity not interpreted by the Zoning Administrator as belonging to a listed SIC code, shall be prohibited.

(Ord. C-7360 § 3, 1995)

A.

This Section applies to those use categories in Table 33-2 classified as "Y/AP" and "Y/C" within specified industrial districts. "Y/AP" shall mean that the use is permitted by right unless the location criteria contained in Subsection 21.33.080.C apply to the project, in which case administrative use permit (AP) review shall be required pursuant to Chapter 21.25, Division IV of this Title. "Y/C" shall mean a use is permitted by right unless the location criteria contained in Subsection 21.33.080.C apply to the project, in which case conditional use permit (C) review shall be required pursuant to Chapter 21.25, Division II of this Title.

B.

The Zoning Administrator shall be authorized to determine whether a use identified in Table 33-2 as "Y/AP" or "Y/C" is permitted by right or requires discretionary review based on the criteria defined in this Section.

C.

The location of a proposed industrial use relative to residentially-zoned property shall represent the sole factor for determining whether discretionary review is required pursuant to this Section. If any building housing the principal proposed use in an industrial district, or any outdoor activity which represents the principal use of the property, is located three hundred feet (300′) or less from the nearest residential district (see Figure 33-1), then administrative use permit or conditional use permit review shall be required, as indicated in Table 33-2.

(Ord. C-7360 § 3, 1995)

Table 33-1

Two-Digit SIC Code Groups

Table 33-1
Two-Digit SIC Code Groups
(Continued)

Table 33-1
Two-Digit SIC Code Groups
(Continued)

(Ord. C-7360 § 3, 1995: Ord. C-7326 § 16, 1995)

Table 33-2
Uses In Industrial Districts

Table 33-2
Uses In Industrial Districts
(Continued)

Table 33-2
Uses In Industrial Districts
(Continued)

Table 33-2
Uses In Industrial Districts
(Continued)

Table 33-2
Uses In Industrial Districts
(Continued)

Table 33-2
Uses In Industrial Districts
(Continued)

Table 33-2
Uses In Industrial Districts
(Continued)

Table 33-2
Uses In Industrial Districts
(Continued)

All projects within the Coastal Zone are also subject to the Local Coastal Program and provisions as set forth in Chapter 21.25 Division IX.

Use, operating, and other regulations contained outside of Title 20 and Title 21 are not certified by the California Coastal Commission.

NOTE: All uses are subject to performance standards as defined in Section 21.33.090.

The SIC uses are considered here primarily according to the operational characteristics involved in creating the product (e.g., slaughtering, manufacturing pulp, manufacturing industrial inorganic chemicals, petroleum refining) and the effects that these operations may have on nearby uses. The actual product created is of secondary importance. The requirement for a conditional use permit does not presuppose that a proposed use will present adverse impacts, but that the public should be informed of the proposed use and be given the opportunity to comment on the proposal at a public hearing.

(ORD-24-0025 § 5, 2024; ORD-20-0040 § 2, 2020; ORD-20-0026 § 13, 2020; ORD-20-0025 § 9, 2020; ORD-20-0018 §§ 15—17, 2020; ORD-20-0011 §§ 3, 4, 2020; ORD-19-0016 §§ 5—7, 2019; ORD-18-0015 § 3(Exh. C), 2018; ORD-17-0024 § 4(Exh. D), 2017; ORD-15-0010 § 2, 2015; ORD-13-0018 § 5(Exh. C), 2013; ORD-13-0022 § 3, 2013; ORD-13-0004 § 1, 2013; ORD-12-0006 § 4, 2012; ORD-11-0011 § 4(Exh. D), 2011; ORD-10-0033 § 1, 2010; Ord. C-7904 § 4, 2004; Ord. C-7550 § 8, 1998; Ord. C-7500 § 6, 1997: Ord. C-7399 § 7, 1996; Ord. C-7392 § 1, 1996; Ord. C-7378 §§ 15, 16, 1995; Ord. C-7360 § 3, 1995)

A.

Purpose. The performance standards established in this Section are intended to ensure that industrial/manufacturing uses operate in a manner that protects the public health and safety, and which does not produce adverse impacts on nearby properties nor the community at large. The standards in this Section apply to all industrial/manufacturing districts. The Director of Planning and Building shall be authorized to interpret the performance standards.

B.

Standards May Be Changed. Ongoing scientific and technological advances related to the identification and measurement of impacts require that these performance standards remain up to date. These standards may be modified from time to time as required by technological changes.

C.

Noise Standards. All uses and activities shall comply with the noise regulations contained in Chapter 8.80 (Noise) of the City of Long Beach Municipal Code.

D.

Hours of Operation Standards. Between the hours of ten (10:00) p.m. and seven (7:00) a.m., industrial businesses shall discontinue operations that produce noise levels at the nearest residential district or hospital property line higher than those permitted under Chapter 8.80 (Noise) of the Municipal Code.

E.

Light and Glare Standards. All lighting, reflective surfaces, or any other source of illumination shall not produce adverse effects on public streets or on any other parcel. Lights shall be shielded at lot lines so as not to be directly visible from any adjoining residential district.

F.

On-Site Containment of Materials and Waste. No material or waste shall be deposited on a property in such a form or manner that it may be transferred off the property by natural causes or forces such as wind or rain. All materials or wastes which might cause fumes or dust, or which constitute a fire hazard, or which may be edible by or otherwise attractive to rodents or insects, shall be stored outdoors only in closed containers approved by the Director of Planning and Building.

(Ord. C-7360 § 3, 1995)

This Division II establishes development standards applicable to all new construction and additions to existing development in the industrial districts.

(Ord. C-7360 § 3, 1995)

All new subdivisions of land shall comply with the minimum lot size requirements indicated in Table 33-3.

(Ord. C-7360 § 3, 1995)

No building or structure shall be constructed to exceed the lot coverage standards indicated in Table 33-3.

(Ord. C-7360 § 3, 1995)

A.

No building or other structure shall be constructed to exceed the height limitations indicated in Table 33-3, except for signs, which are subject to the standards set forth in Chapters 21.44 (On-Premises Signs) and 21.54 (Billboards).

B.

Flagpoles, when placed on the roof of a building, may exceed the height limit for a principal building by ten feet (10′). When placed on the ground, flagpoles shall not exceed a height of sixty feet (60′).

C.

Television or radio receiving or transmitting antennas may exceed the applicable height limit as provided for in Section 21.46.060 (Special Development Standards).

D.

The following rooftop elements and equipment may extend up to ten feet (10′) above the building height:

1.

Rooftop stair and elevator penthouse enclosures.

2.

Rooftop heating and air conditioning equipment and ducts.

3.

Rooftop safety rails.

E.

Exceptions.

1.

Rooftop solar collectors and associated supporting structures may exceed the applicable height limit only if necessary for the sole purpose of solar collection, and not otherwise installed on any occupiable areas of the roof, and when located in the coastal zone, public views of the beach, bay, or ocean (as identified in the certified Local Coastal Program) are not adversely impacted.

(ORD-21-0028 § 6, 2021; ORD-19-0028 § 33, 2019; Ord. C-7360 § 3, 1995)

A.

Setbacks and Yards Required. Building setbacks and yards shall be provided as indicated in Table 33-4. Yard areas shall be clear of all structures from the ground to the sky, except for permitted projections, and shall be landscaped in accordance with the landscaping provisions (Chapter 21.42) of this Title.

B.

Corner Cutoff Required. Corner cutoffs, as defined in Section 21.15.660 of this Title, shall be required in all industrial districts at the intersections of streets, driveways, and alleys. The corner cutoff shall be free of any structure or vegetation which impedes or obstructs access or visibility up to eight feet (8′) in height.

C.

Permitted Projections. No appurtenances, projections, or other building features may project into required yards, except:

1.

Architectural elements not more than two feet (2′) into the required yard area;

2.

Awnings;

3.

Bay windows projecting not more than two feet (2′) into the required yard area;

4.

Lamp posts;

5.

A porte cochere;

6.

Roof eaves projecting no closer than two feet, six inches (2′ 6″) from the property line; and

7.

Signs, as specified in Chapter 21.44 (On-Premises Signs) of this Title.

D.

Permitted uses. The following uses and accessory structures shall be the only uses and structures permitted in required yard areas: driveways, automobile surface parking lots, landscaping, and on-premises signs. All other uses shall be prohibited.

(ORD-19-0028 § 18, 2019; Ord. C-7360 § 3, 1995)

Wherever a parking area abuts a property line adjacent to a street, a five foot (5') wide landscaped strip shall be provided between the parking area and the property line abutting the public right-of-way. See Chapter 21.42 for additional requirements.

(ORD-10-0031 § 3, 2010; Ord. C-7360 § 3, 1995)

Table 33-3

General Development Standards

Notes:

(a)

The minimum lot size standards shall apply only to new subdivision of land. They do not apply to new construction or remodeling on existing lots or to air space subdivisions of existing lots. Lot lines of existing lots may be adjusted per Chapter 20.20 (Subdivision Regulations).

(b)

City redevelopment plans may establish an alternative standard which supersedes this standard. For the Westside Redevelopment Project Area, the maximum lot coverage standard is 60 percent for new buildings.

Table 33-4

Minimum Required Setbacks/Yards Areas

Notes:

(a)

See also Section 21.33.145.

(b)

Separation between buildings on adjacent lots shall be provided as required by the Fire Code and Uniform Building Code, or any successor Code.

(ORD-10-0031 § 4, 2010)

A.

IL District Regulations.

1.

Outdoor Storage. Accessory outdoor storage of goods, materials, or equipment shall be permitted only in the side and rear yards. However, no materials shall be stored within any required street side yard setback. All outdoor storage areas shall be completely screened from view from public rights-of-way and adjacent properties with screening the same height as the materials being stored. Stored goods and materials shall not exceed a stacking height of eight feet (8′).

2.

Activities. Except as otherwise permitted by Table 33-2, no outdoor production, processing, or manufacturing activities associated with a business shall be permitted at any time. All such activities must be conducted within an entirely enclosed structure. This restriction shall not apply to loading operations or other necessary support functions of a business.

B.

IM District Regulations.

1.

Outdoor Storage. Outdoor storage shall be permitted except in required front street and side street yard setbacks, and required parking and loading areas. Such storage shall be fully screened from view with solid screening materials at least the same height as the materials being stored, or at least twelve feet (12′), whichever is less. Stored goods and materials shall not exceed a stacking height of fifteen feet (15′), with the exception of container storage, which shall not be stacked higher than two (2) containers.

2.

Activities. The following are permitted outdoor activities, provided all such activities meet the performance standards contained in Section 21.33.090 of this Chapter: processing, assembly, and fabrication of goods; and the maintenance, repair, and salvage of equipment associated with a business.

C.

IG District Regulations.

1.

Outdoor Storage. Outdoor storage shall be permitted except in required front street and side street setbacks, and in required parking and loading areas. Such storage shall be fully screened from view from a public right-of-way and any adjacent or abutting residential use. Stored goods and materials shall not exceed a stacking height of fifteen feet (15′).

2.

Transport Containers. Transport containers used for storing goods, materials, or equipment to be transported by truck, train, or marine vessel may be stored anywhere on a lot, with the exception of any required corner cutoff area. No more than two (2) containers shall be stacked atop one another.

3.

Activities. The following are permitted outdoor activities, provided all such activities meet the performance standards contained in Section 21.33.090 of this Chapter: processing, assembly, and fabrication of goods; and the maintenance, repair, and salvage of equipment associated with a business.

D.

IP District Regulations.

1.

Outdoor Storage. Outdoor storage, including the storage of transport containers used for storing goods, materials, or equipment to be transported by truck, train, or marine vessel, may occur anywhere on a lot, with the exception of any required corner cutoff area. Such storage shall be subject to any screening or security requirements established by the Long Beach Harbor Department.

2.

Activities. All activities ordinarily associated with port and port-related businesses shall be permitted to occur out of doors consistent with regulations established by the Harbor Department.

E.

Surfacing of Outdoor Storage and Activity Areas. In all industrial districts, all outdoor storage and activity areas shall be surfaced with paving materials as required by the Director of Planning and Building, and all such surfaced areas shall be maintained in good condition.

(Ord. C-7360 § 3, 1995)

A.

Use Restrictions. The use of accessory buildings and structures shall conform to the requirements contained in Chapter 21.51 (Accessory Uses) of this Title.

B.

Trash Receptacles. Adequate trash receptacles shall be provided to accommodate the refuse generated on a site. If visible from a public street, receptacles shall conform to the applicable development standards contained in Chapter 21.45 (Special Development Standards) of this Title.

(Ord. C-7663 § 20, 1999; Ord. C-7360 § 3, 1995)

A.

Maximum Area Permitted. Office space is permitted as an accessory use within an industrial building. The accessory office space is limited to the percent of gross floor area indicated in Table 33-3.

B.

Requirements For Tenant Spaces Containing Less than Five Thousand Square Feet. As indicated in Table 33-3, tenant spaces which are less than five thousand (5,000) square feet of gross floor area in size may use a maximum of forty-five percent (45%) of gross floor area for office purposes. However, wherever such office space exceeds twenty-five percent (25%) of the gross floor area of an individual tenant space, an additional three (3) parking spaces shall be provided in addition to any parking required for the principal use.

C.

Office Space in Excess of Maximum Allowable. If office space in excess of the maximum allowable is proposed, the office space shall be considered the principal use, and such use shall be subject to all use regulations and development standards applicable to that principal use.

(Ord. C-7360 § 3, 1995)

A.

Purpose. The City recognizes that mechanical equipment on rooftops can be unattractive and can facilitate unauthorized access into buildings. Therefore, the screening requirements contained in this Section shall be applied to improve the aesthetic quality of the City and to improve the security of buildings.

B.

Applicability. This Section applies to all development in the industrial districts for all rooftop equipment visible from an adjacent street, highway or abutting residential district.

C.

Materials and Design. All screening devices shall be of a material consistent with the color and style of the building, and shall be well-integrated into the building design through such features as parapet walls, false roofs, or equipment rooms. Louvered designs are acceptable if consistent with the building style. All screening materials shall be of a type requiring limited maintenance. Wood lattice shall not be permitted.

D.

Secured. All rooftop mechanical equipment shall be secured from unauthorized entry to the satisfaction of the Director of Planning and Building.

E.

Approval Required. Prior to issuance of a mechanical permit for rooftop equipment, the Director of Planning and Building shall review the proposed screening plan for compliance with the provisions of this Section.

(Ord. C-7378 § 17, 1995; Ord. C-7360 § 3, 1995)

Off-street parking and loading shall be provided as required by Chapter 21.41 (Off-Street Parking and Loading Requirements) of this Title.

(Ord. C-7360 § 3, 1995)

Landscaping shall be provided as required by Chapter 21.42 (Landscaping Standards) of this Title.

(Ord. C-7360 § 3, 1995)

Fences and garden walls, other than those required by this Title for parking lot and outdoor storage screening, are permitted accessory structures subject to the development standards contained in Chapter 21.43 (Fences and Garden Walls) of this Title.

(Ord. C-7360 § 3, 1995)

On-premises signs are permitted accessory structures subject to the development standards contained in Chapter 21.44 (On-Premises Signs) of this Title.

(Ord. C-7360 § 3, 1995)

Public right-of-way shall be reserved, dedicated, and/or improved as required by Chapter 21.47 (Dedication, Reservation and Improvement of Public Rights-of-Way) of this Title.

(Ord. C-7360 § 3, 1995)