Usable open space.
Long Beach Municipal Code § 21.31.230
in effect21.31.230 - Usable open space.
Usable open space in terms of square feet per dwelling unit shall be provided as indicated in Table 31-2A. In R-3 and R-4 zones, each dwelling unit shall provide fifty percent (50%) of the open space as common open space and fifty percent (50%) as private open space, subject to the following standards. Indoor recreational space may be substituted for common usable open space.
A. Open Space Dimensions. Table 31-4 specifies the minimum open space dimensions for both common and private open space areas.
B. Combining Usable Open Space and Pedestrian Access. If the total width of the usable open space is eighteen feet (18′) or wider, any pedestrian path incorporated into open space design may be considered usable open space.
C. Screening of Open Space. Private usable open space areas shall be screened as specified in Table 31-5.
Table 31-3A
R-4-H Height Incentive
Lot Width | Density | Height Minimum | Height Maximum
0—180 | See Table 31-1B | 5 stories—(65′)
181—250 | 140/acre (1/310 SF) | 8 stories | 14 stories
251—300 | 175/acre (1/250 SF) | 14 stories | 17 stories
301—375 | 215/acre (1/200 SF) | 17 stories | 20 stories
376+ | 250/acre (1/175 SF) | 20 stories | 24 stories
Table 31-4
Usable Open Space Dimensions
Type of Usable Open Space | Minimum Length | Minimum Width | Minimum Height | Minimum Area in Square Feet
1. Common | 12′ | 12′ | As specified in UBC for habit-able overhead height | 150
2. Private
R-1 and R-2 zones | 5′ | 5′ | Same as above | 50
R-3 and R-4 | 8′ | 8′ | Same as above | 80
Abbreviation: UBC—Uniform Building Code
Table 31-5
Screening of Open Space
The Area From Which Open Space Must Be Screened | Screen Height
1. Common open space | 4′0″
2. Corridors | 4′0″
3. Streets or other public right-of-way | 3′0″
4. Units on same level | 4′0″
5. Units across interior side yard | 4′0″
D. Recreational Amenities. Any development shall provide on-site recreational amenities. Such amenities shall include:
1. For projects of twenty-one (21) or more units, a recreation room of three hundred (300) or more square feet, furnished with recreational facilities, a swimming pool, or such other recreational amenities as play equipment or other facilities directed to a specific demographic section of the housing market when judged to be of equivalent value by the Site Plan Review Committee.
2. Adequate planter top area for seating not less than eighteen inches (18″) and not more than twenty-four inches (24″) in height, or equivalent bench seating, shall be provided.
(Ord. C-7550 § 6, 1998; Ord. C-6933 §§ 18, 19, 1991: Ord. C-6822 § 9, 1990; Ord. C-6684 § 41 (part), 1990: Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)
Source: City of Long Beach, Municipal Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/ca/long_beach/codes/municipal_code?nodeId=TIT21ZO_CH21.31REDI_DIVIIDEST_21.31.230USOPSPFetched: 10/28/2026