Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC): Long Beach vs Los Angeles
How do transit-oriented communities (toc) rules compare between Long Beach, CA and Los Angeles, CA?
Los Angeles has fewer restrictions than Long Beach.
Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles County
Long Beach encourages dense, mixed-use development around Metro A Line and Long Beach Transit corridors through specific plans and zoning incentives. State density bonus law and SB 35 streamlining further support multi-family housing near high-quality transit citywide.
View full Long Beach rules →Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
Measure JJJ created the Transit Oriented Communities program (LAMC Section 12.22 A.31), offering four tiers of density, FAR, and parking bonuses for income-restricted projects within half a mile of a major transit stop.
View full Los Angeles rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Long Beach | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Backbone transit | Metro A Line stations | - |
| Local plan | Downtown Plan PD-30 | - |
| State assists | SB 35 AB 2011 | - |
| Outcomes | Higher density less parking | - |
| Voter authority | - | Measure JJJ (2016) |
| Code section | - | LAMC Section 12.22 A.31 |
| Tier 4 radius | - | 750 feet of major transit |
| Maximum density bonus | - | 80 percent (Tier 4) |
| Tier 4 incentives | - | Up to four base incentives |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Long Beach FAQ
Does Long Beach copy LA's TOC tiers?
No. Long Beach uses its own Title 21 zoning, downtown plans, and state density bonus rules rather than the LA TOC tier framework.
Where is parking reduced most?
Parking minimums are lowest in the Downtown Plan and PD-30 areas near Metro A Line stations and frequent Long Beach Transit corridors.
Los Angeles FAQ
How do I find my parcel's TOC tier?
ZIMAS displays the TOC tier in the case-summary panel, or use the Department of City Planning TOC tier map. Tiers update when transit service changes.
Can I combine TOC with state density bonus?
No. Projects must elect either TOC under LAMC Section 12.22 A.31 or the state density bonus under Section 12.22 A.25, not both, for the same site.
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