Height limits.
Long Beach Municipal Code § 21.31.220
in effect21.31.220 - Height limits.
A. Measurement. A measurement of height shall use the definition of height contained in Section 21.15.1330.
B. Exceptions. The height limitations specified in Table 31-2A shall apply to all elements and equipment on a building, except as follows:
1. Chimneys and vent pipes shall be allowed to exceed the applicable height limit by two feet (2′) (when required to exceed roof height by the Uniform Building, Plumbing and Mechanical Codes).
2. Flagpoles, when placed on the roof of a building, may exceed the height of the building by ten feet (10′). When placed on the ground, flagpoles shall not exceed sixty feet (60′) in height.
3. Television or radio receiving or transmitting antenna(s) may exceed the applicable height limit according to the provisions contained in Section 21.46.060 (Radio and television antennas).
4. Rooftop solar collectors and associated supporting structures may exceed the applicable height limit only if necessary for the sole purpose of solar collection, not otherwise installed on any occupiable areas of the roof, and consistent with the policies of the City of Long Beach Certified Local Coastal Program.
5. The following rooftop elements and equipment in the R-4 zones may extend up to ten feet (10′) above the building height:
a. Rooftop stair and elevator penthouse enclosures;
b. Rooftop heating and air conditioning equipment and ducts; and
c. Rooftop safety rails, spas, tubs, barbecues, wet bars, patio covers and similar nonportable rooftop amenities.
6. R-4-H Height Incentive. In the R-4-H zone, the height limit shall be as shown in Table 31-3A. Both the minimum lot width and the minimum height must be achieved before the density is allowed to exceed the R-4-N density.
Any densities over R-4-N densities in the R-4-H zone are only allowed in true high-rise buildings utilizing the full high-rise package of features required in the Uniform Building Code.
(ORD-19-0007 § 2, 2019; ORD-16-0028 § 10, 2016; Ord. C-6933 § 17, 1991: 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_21.31.220HELIFetched: 10/28/2026