Enhanced Density Bonus Ordinance

The proposed Enhanced Density Bonus Ordinance would amend several sections of the Long Beach Municipal Code (LBMC) to facilitate the development of mixed income multi-family housing by establishing regulations that offer a density bonus and development concessions in exchange for the provision of on-site, deed-restricted, very low-, low-, or moderate-income housing units.

As proposed, the Enhanced Density Bonus would apply to residential properties anywhere in the City on which five (5) or more housing units can be built, based on the zoning code and site size. For informational purposes, the maps linked below show where, based on zoning or the General Plan PlaceType, 5 or more dwelling units may be permitted and could, therefore, be eligible for the Enhanced Density Bonus. Please see the FAQs on this ordinance linked below.

• Enhanced Density Bonus Overview
• EDB Eligibility PlaceType
• EDB Eligibility Zone
• Major Concepts
• Transit Priority Areas Map

Long Beach 2040 - General Plan Update

The City of Long Beach General Plan is a policy document required by State law, which sets for the goals, policies and directions the City will take to achieve the vision of the community. The City is in the midst of updating the Land Use Element and a new companion element, the Urban Design Element.

Southeast Area Specific Plan

The Southeast Area Specific Plan and the certification of the EIR was approved by the Long Beach City Council on September 19, 2017.

Drive-Through Regulations

On July 16, 2019, the City Council adopted Zoning Code Amendments (ZCA) to regulate new and expansions of existing drive-through facilities by requiring a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to ensure that they meet a number of locational and design criteria. As part of its action, the City Council instructed staff to prepare Drive-Through Design Guidelines that are intended to further improve the site planning and design of drive-through establishments when permitted. On October 3, 2019, the Planning Commission approved the proposed drive-through design guidelines. All new drive-through establishments and expansions of existing drive-through establishments will be required to conform to the design guidelines.

This project was undertaken in response to community concerns regarding drive-throughs, including their concentration in particular areas of the City. The effort includes new Zoning Code regulations (adopted July 16, 2019 and effective August 23, 2019) and the design guidelines, which will supplement the new regulations. The regulations and the proposed design guidelines are intended to work together to ensure future drive-through establishments are appropriately located, well-designed, minimize impacts to surrounding uses, and generally contribute to a more pedestrian-friendly environment.

• Drive-Through Design Guidelines

Long Beach Code Change 

The Planning Bureau is conducting quarterly tune ups to fix and modernize the City's Zoning Code. You are invited to provide input on updates to the zoning code that addresses new land use trends and business types, better respond to unique neighborhood development patterns, and improve administrative processes.

• Draft Zoning Code Amendments (11/6/19)
• Open House Presentation Boards (11/6/19)
• LB Code Change Open House Flyer (11/6/19)
• Temporary Activating Uses FAQ (1/7/20)