How Long Beach Handles Business Licensing & Operations: A Practical Guide

Long Beach maintains 197 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with business licensing & operations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Long Beach falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Tobacco Retail License

Long Beach requires every retailer selling tobacco, vapor products, or e-cigarettes to hold a city Tobacco Retail License in addition to the state retailer license, with strict location and compliance rules.

Key details: Code section: LBMC Chapter 5.50. Issuing department: Long Beach Health Department. License term: Annual renewal. Flavor ban: Aligned with SB 793. Buffer zones: Schools and parks.

Suspension, revocation, civil fines, and inability to sell tobacco. Sales to minors trigger statewide STAKE Act penalties on top of city license action.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Long Beach actively enforces its tobacco retail license requirements.

Massage Establishments

Long Beach regulates massage establishments through zoning, permits, and operator background checks, layered on top of statewide certification through the California Massage Therapy Council.

Key details: State authority: BPC 4600 series (CAMTC). City code: LBMC Title 5. Practitioner cert: CAMTC required. Zoning buffer: From schools. Inspections: Health and Police.

Permit suspension or revocation, civil fines, business closure, and possible criminal charges for unlicensed practice. CAMTC violations can result in statewide certificate revocation.

Compared to other cities, Long Beach takes a harder line on massage establishments. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Towing Companies

Long Beach permits tow companies that contract with the city for police-initiated tows, with rotation rules, fee schedules, and storage standards. Private property tows must follow California Vehicle Code rules.

Key details: Police rotation: Official Police Garage program. State authority: Vehicle Code 22658. Carrier permit: CHP motor carrier required. BAR registration: Automotive Repair Bureau. Sign requirement: Posted at lot entrance.

Removal from rotation, contract termination, civil penalties, and CVC 22658 damages of up to two times the tow fee for unlawful private-property tows. Predatory towing can lead to criminal charges.

The Bottom Line

Long Beach is tougher than many cities when it comes to business licensing & operations. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Long Beach, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Long Beach can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.