Long Beach processes ADU and JADU applications ministerially under Long Beach Municipal Code Section 21.45.400 and California Government Code Section 65852.2. Applications go through the Development Services Department with no public hearing or discretionary review.
LBMC Section 21.45.400 implements the California ADU framework adopted by AB 68 (2019) and amended by AB 881, AB 976, and AB 1033. Applicants submit through the Long Beach Development Services Department - Building and Safety Bureau. The department must approve or deny a complete application within 60 days under Cal. Gov Code 65852.2(b). No conditional use permit, design review, or CEQA process is permitted. Setbacks are 4 feet side and rear for new construction; existing structures may be converted at their existing setbacks. The Coastal Zone portion of Long Beach requires a Coastal Development Permit unless the project qualifies for an exemption under the certified Local Coastal Program (LCP). The city has adopted pre-approved ADU plan sets to accelerate review.
Building an ADU without Building and Safety permits triggers a stop-work order under LBMC Section 18.01 and a Notice of Violation from Code Enforcement. Permit fees double for after-the-fact permits, and unpermitted ADUs cannot be legally rented.
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