Long Beach's Accessory Structures: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles accessory structures a little differently. In Long Beach, California, there are 9 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

ADU Rental Restrictions

Long Beach prohibits short-term rental of ADUs under LBMC Section 21.45.400 and California Government Code Section 65852.2(a)(6), which require ADU rentals to be 30 days or longer. Long Beach's overall STR ordinance LBMC 5.79 also restricts STRs to primary residences.

Key details: Minimum Rental Term: 31 days. STR Ordinance: LBMC Ch. 5.79. ADUs Excluded: Yes from STR. Daily Fine: $1,000. State Law: Cal. Gov Code 65852.2(a)(6).

Operating an ADU as a short-term rental violates LBMC Section 5.79 with administrative citations starting at $1,000 per day, plus referral to the City Prosecutor. Repeat violations trigger STR permit revocation and Airbnb/VRBO listing removal under the platform accountability ordinance.

This is one of the stricter rules in Long Beach's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

ADU Permits

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.

Key details: Code Section: LBMC 21.45.400. Review Type: Ministerial, no hearing. Decision Deadline: 60 days. Lead Agency: Development Services. Coastal Zone: CDP may be required.

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.

Long Beach is more permissive than most cities when it comes to adu permits. That said, there are still limits.

ADU Owner Occupancy

Long Beach cannot impose an owner-occupancy requirement on ADUs under California Government Code Section 65852.2(a)(6), as amended by AB 881 and AB 976. JADUs always require owner-occupancy of the JADU or the primary dwelling, recorded by deed restriction.

Key details: ADU Owner-Occupancy: Not required. JADU Owner-Occupancy: Required by deed. State Law: AB 881, AB 976. Code Section: Cal. Gov Code 65852.2(a)(6). JADU Code: Cal. Gov Code 65852.22.

Violating a JADU owner-occupancy deed restriction is a code violation under LBMC Section 21.45.400 and a breach of the recorded covenant; the city can refer to the City Prosecutor for civil enforcement and require restoration to single-family use.

Long Beach is more permissive than most cities when it comes to adu owner occupancy. That said, there are still limits.

ADU Impact Fees

Under California Government Code Section 65852.2(f) and LBMC Section 21.45.400, Long Beach cannot charge development impact fees on ADUs under 750 square feet. ADUs 750 sq ft or larger pay fees proportional to the primary dwelling.

Key details: Code Section: Cal. Gov Code 65852.2(f). Under 750 sq ft: No impact fees. 750+ sq ft: Proportional fees. Separate Meter: Optional. School Fees: Same state preemption.

If Building and Safety or Long Beach Water improperly bills full impact or capacity fees on an ADU under 750 sq ft, the applicant may appeal to the Building Official and file a complaint with the California HCD ADU Ombudsperson.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Long Beach gives residents more flexibility on adu impact fees.

ADU Rules

Long Beach follows CA state ADU law (Gov Code §65852.2). Detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft, 4-ft side/rear setbacks, 16-ft height limit. Pre-approved plans available.

Key details: State Law: CA Gov Code §65852.2. Max Size: 1,200 sq ft detached / 50% attached. Setbacks: 4 ft side/rear. Height: 16 ft detached / 25 ft attached. Fees: ADUs <750 sq ft exempt from impact fees.

Unpermitted ADU construction is a building code violation. ADUs may not be operated as short-term rentals per LBMC 5.77. Contact Planning Bureau at (562) 570-6194 for ADU inquiries.

Long Beach is more permissive than most cities when it comes to adu rules. That said, there are still limits.

Shed Rules

Accessory structures on private property require building permit depending on size. In flood zones, FEMA anchoring and elevation requirements apply.

Key details: Permit: Required based on size — check LBMC Title 18. Flood Zone: FEMA anchoring and elevation rules apply. Check Status: (562) 570-6784. NFIP: Long Beach participates — flood insurance available.

Unpermitted structure: retroactive permit with penalty. Non-compliant setback: modification or removal. Habitation violation: immediate correction.

Garage Conversions

Garage conversions to ADU or JADU allowed under CA state ADU law. Converted garages are exempt from setback requirements. No replacement parking required if within ½ mile of transit.

Key details: State Law: CA Gov Code §65852.2. Setbacks: Exempt — existing footprint governs. Replacement Parking: Not required near transit. Pre-Approved Plans: Available from Long Beach Planning.

Unpermitted garage conversions are building code violations subject to enforcement action. Converted garages used as rentals must be properly permitted. ADUs may not be operated as short-term rentals per LBMC 5.77.

The rules around garage conversions in Long Beach lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Carport Rules

Carports in Long Beach require a building permit and must comply with residential zoning setback requirements under LBMC Title 21. Detached carports are treated as accessory structures with specific height and lot coverage limits.

Key details: Permit: Required for all carports. Max Height: 15 ft for accessory structures. Setbacks: Per residential district standards. Lot Coverage: Included in total coverage calculation.

Unpermitted carports: stop-work orders, required removal or retroactive permitting with penalty fees. Fines $200 to $1,000.

Tiny Homes

Tiny homes on foundations are regulated as ADUs under CA Gov Code §65852.2. Tiny homes on wheels are not permitted as permanent dwellings in residential zones but may qualify as recreational vehicles subject to parking and storage rules.

Key details: On Foundation: Regulated as ADU. On Wheels: Not a permanent dwelling. State Law: CA Gov Code §65852.2. Permit: Building permit required if on foundation.

Unpermitted dwellings: removal or retroactive permitting. Zoning violations: fines and required relocation. Occupancy without certificate: prohibited.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Long Beach gives residents more room on accessory structures. 5 of the 9 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

This guide is based on Long Beach's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.