Building in the City of Long Beach
Long Beach, California is a dynamic and diverse coastal city located in Los Angeles County, along the Pacific Ocean. Conveniently positioned near major freeways such as the I‑405, I‑710, and CA‑22, and adjacent to cities like Los Angeles, Long Beach offers easy access to regional employment centers, cultural destinations, and transportation hubs, including the Port of Long Beach and Long Beach Airport. Known for its vibrant neighborhoods, arts scene, and waterfront attractions, the city blends urban amenities with a coastal lifestyle, providing a thriving environment for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
Long Beach’s neighborhoods showcase a mix of historic single-family homes, modern condominiums, multifamily developments, and commercial districts along major corridors such as Ocean Boulevard, Pacific Coast Highway, and Long Beach Boulevard. The city offers extensive recreational opportunities, including beaches, parks, trails, and community centers, supporting an active and engaged population. Long Beach also emphasizes infrastructure improvements, public safety, and sustainable urban growth, ensuring streets, utilities, and public spaces accommodate both residents and the region’s economic activities. With a strong commitment to planning, cultural vitality, and quality municipal services, Long Beach continues to evolve as a connected, livable, and forward-looking coastal city.
Construction Procedure in the City of Long Beach
1. Initial Project Planning
Every successful development project in Long Beach begins with careful and comprehensive planning. Developers start by defining the project’s vision, scope, and feasibility, including a review of the property’s zoning designation, the City’s General Plan, Municipal Code, and any applicable specific plans or corridor plans. Early evaluation of site conditions—such as access, traffic circulation, parking, utilities, drainage, and topography—is essential. Developers should also consider environmental constraints, sustainability practices, and compatibility with surrounding neighborhoods and Long Beach’s diverse, urban-coastal character. Attention to architectural style, landscaping, and integration with the community ensures that each project aligns with the city’s goals for high-quality, sustainable, and context-sensitive development.
2. Pre-Application Consultation and Development Review
Before submitting formal plans, developers are encouraged to meet with Long Beach’s Planning Division. Pre-application consultations help identify required entitlements—such as Conditional Use Permits, Design Review, Zone Changes, or subdivision maps—and determine whether environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is required. Planning staff provide preliminary guidance on land use compatibility, infrastructure capacity, traffic, and site layout. Early coordination helps streamline the review process, reduce delays, and ensure projects meet Long Beach’s planning objectives, design standards, and community expectations.
3. Permit and Application Submittal
Once the project concept is finalized, developers submit a complete application package to the City. Typical submittals include detailed site plans, building elevations, landscape plans, and technical studies covering drainage, traffic, and environmental impacts. Larger or more complex projects—such as multifamily housing, mixed-use developments, or institutional projects—may also require CEQA documentation, such as a Mitigated Negative Declaration or Environmental Impact Report. A thorough and complete submittal facilitates efficient interdepartmental review and ensures staff can fully evaluate the proposal.
4. Plan Check, Design, and Code Review
After submission, the project enters Long Beach’s detailed review process. The Planning Division verifies compliance with zoning, land use, and design policies. The Building & Safety Division ensures plans meet California Building Standards Code requirements, including structural, fire, accessibility, and mechanical standards. The Public Works/Engineering Division reviews grading, drainage, utility connections, and public infrastructure improvements. CEQA environmental review may occur concurrently. Staff provide comments and may request revisions or clarifications before approval.
5. Permit Issuance and Infrastructure Coordination
Once all departmental reviews are complete and conditions of approval are satisfied, Long Beach issues the necessary building, grading, and construction permits. Developers coordinate with utility providers for water, sewer, power, and gas connections. The Public Works/Engineering Division inspects and approves public infrastructure improvements—including sidewalks, street lighting, stormwater systems, and roadway upgrades—ensuring compliance with City standards. This coordination ensures smooth construction and integration with Long Beach’s existing infrastructure.
6. Construction and Inspections
Construction can begin only after all required permits are issued. All work must follow approved plans, permit conditions, and applicable codes. The Building & Safety Division conducts inspections at critical stages—including foundation, framing, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and final completion—to verify compliance. The Engineering Division inspects public improvements, right-of-way work, and drainage systems. Any field modifications must be approved by the City to maintain safety, code compliance, and project quality.
7. Final Inspection and Certificate of Occupancy
Upon project completion, the Building & Safety Division performs a final inspection to confirm compliance with approved plans, codes, and conditions. Once all requirements are met, the City issues a Certificate of Occupancy for new buildings or a Final Approval for remodels and tenant improvements. This ensures that structures are safe, code-compliant, and suitable for their intended use.
8. Project Close-Out
During project close-out, developers complete any remaining obligations, such as final landscaping, signage, or public improvements. “As-built” drawings reflecting approved field changes must be submitted to the City for recordkeeping. The Engineering Division conducts a final review of public infrastructure, and performance or maintenance bonds may be released upon satisfactory completion. This ensures formal acceptance of the project by Long Beach.
9. Ongoing Compliance and Future Modifications
After project completion, property owners must maintain compliance with Long Beach’s Municipal Code, Zoning Ordinance, and Building & Safety standards. Any future modifications—such as additions, façade improvements, new signage, or changes in land use—require review and approval by the City. Continued compliance ensures Long Beach’s neighborhoods remain safe, attractive, and consistent with the City’s vision for well-planned, sustainable, and community-oriented development.
Planning Division / Planning & Zoning
Address: 333 W. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90802
Phone: (562) 570-6194
Email:planning@longbeach.gov
Building & Safety Division
Address: 411 W. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90802
Phone: (562) 570-6172
Email:building@safety.longbeach.gov
Public Works / Engineering Division
Address: 411 W. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90802
Phone: (562) 570-6000
Email:publicworks@longbeach.gov
The Planning Division in Long Beach is responsible for guiding the city’s growth and development through land use planning, zoning, and long-range strategies. Staff implement the City’s General Plan, Zoning Code, and specific plans to ensure that new development aligns with Long Beach’s vision for a sustainable, well-designed, and livable community. The division reviews residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use development proposals for compliance with design standards, site planning requirements, and environmental regulations under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
In addition to reviewing applications, the Planning Division works closely with developers, architects, engineers, and community stakeholders to process entitlements such as Conditional Use Permits, Design Review, and zone changes. Through collaboration, the division ensures that new projects are compatible with existing neighborhoods, enhance public spaces, and support Long Beach’s long-term development goals.
The Building & Safety Division ensures that all construction projects in Long Beach comply with California Building Standards Codes, local ordinances, and safety regulations. The division reviews building plans, issues permits, and conducts inspections for residential, commercial, and industrial projects. Inspections include foundations, structural elements, electrical, plumbing, mechanical systems, fire safety, and accessibility requirements.
Building & Safety works closely with the Planning Division and Public Works to ensure that developments meet both design and safety standards. By providing technical guidance and enforcing codes, the division safeguards public welfare, promotes quality construction, and supports Long Beach’s commitment to safe, sustainable growth.
The Public Works / Engineering Division manages the city’s infrastructure, including streets, storm drains, sidewalks, water and sewer systems, and public facilities. Staff review development plans for grading, drainage, utility connections, and public improvements, ensuring compliance with city standards and environmental regulations. Public Works also maintains existing infrastructure, coordinates construction activities, and implements long-term capital improvement projects.
The division works in coordination with Planning and Building & Safety to ensure that new developments integrate smoothly with the city’s infrastructure. Public Works plays a critical role in creating safe, functional, and resilient public spaces while supporting sustainable growth and efficient municipal services throughout Long Beach.
Long Beach is a vibrant and diverse coastal city located in Los Angeles County, strategically positioned near major freeways such as the I‑405, I‑710, and CA‑22. The city is adjacent to Los Angeles, Carson, and other South Bay and Gateway cities, offering residents and businesses easy access to employment centers, shopping, cultural destinations, and transportation hubs, including the Port of Long Beach and Long Beach Airport. Known for its urban energy, waterfront attractions, and thriving arts scene, Long Beach combines cosmopolitan amenities with a coastal lifestyle, creating a dynamic and livable community.
The city’s neighborhoods feature a mix of historic single-family homes, modern condominiums, multifamily developments, and commercial corridors along Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach Boulevard, and Pacific Coast Highway. Parks, beaches, trails, and recreation centers provide abundant opportunities for outdoor activity and community engagement. Long Beach continues to invest in infrastructure improvements, public safety, and sustainable urban growth, ensuring streets, utilities, and public spaces meet the needs of a growing population. The city’s commitment to planning, quality services, and economic vitality makes Long Beach a forward-looking, inclusive, and well-connected city.
