How Long Beach Handles Landscaping Rules: A Practical Guide

Long Beach maintains 197 local ordinances across all categories, and 8 of those deal specifically with landscaping rules. 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.

Grass Height Limits

Long Beach requires property owners to maintain grass and vegetation to prevent nuisance conditions under LBMC Ch. 9.37 (Nuisance Code). Overgrown vegetation visible from public view or neighboring properties is a code violation.

Key details: Code: LBMC Ch. 9.37. Standard: Must be maintained, not overgrown. Enforcement: Code Enforcement Bureau. Penalty: Nuisance abatement.

Failure to maintain grass and groundcover may result in nuisance abatement proceedings under LBMC Chapter 8.56. Property owners receive a 30-day notice to comply. If not addressed, the City hires contractors at premium rates and places a lien on the property.

Tree Trimming

Trimming or removing public/street trees in Long Beach requires a permit from the Director of Public Works under LBMC Ch. 14.28. Topping, heading back, stubbing, lion tailing, and pollarding are prohibited.

Key details: Permit: Required for all public tree work. Prohibited: Topping, pollarding, lion tailing. Code: LBMC Ch. 14.28. Coastal Zone: Additional Coastal Zone permit needed.

Failure to abate within 7 days of notice allows the City to perform the work and bill the property owner. Costs for City-performed tree work are charged to the property owner and may be placed as a lien if unpaid.

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.

Native Plants

Long Beach encourages native and drought-tolerant plants. The Lawn-to-Garden program pays $3/sq ft (up to 5,000 sq ft) for lawn removal, requiring 65% plant coverage with 10% California native plants. CA law prohibits cities from banning drought-tolerant landscaping.

Key details: L2G Incentive: $3.00/sq ft up to 5,000 sq ft. Native Minimum: 10% of L2G project area. Plant Coverage: 65% of converted area. State Law: CA Gov Code §65595.

Varies by jurisdiction. HOA fines for non-compliance may be unenforceable if state law protects xeriscaping rights.

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

Water Restrictions

Long Beach follows the MWELO (Smartscape) ordinance for new landscaping. Projects 500-2,500 sq ft have streamlined permits; over 2,500 sq ft require a landscape professional. High-water turf is prohibited in parkways and medians.

Key details: MWELO: Smartscape applies to new landscapes. 500-2,500 sq ft: Streamlined permit. Over 2,500 sq ft: Landscape professional required. Parkway Turf: Prohibited.

Non-compliance with Smartscape requirements may delay project approvals and permits. The Long Beach Water Department enforces irrigation restrictions and water waste prohibitions. Violations of watering restrictions may result in fines.

Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting is encouraged in Long Beach as part of stormwater management. The city's LID standards promote capturing rainfall on-site. No permit is required for residential rain barrels under state law.

Key details: Rain Barrels: No permit required. LID: Encouraged for new development. State Law: AB 1750 protects rainwater collection. Rebates: Water district programs available.

No penalties for standard residential collection. Large cistern installations without building permit: standard building code violation $100 to $500.

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

Artificial Turf

Artificial turf in Long Beach may cover up to 50% of a yard under LBMC rules. It is prohibited in parkways and public rights-of-way. The city is strengthening restrictions due to environmental and heat concerns. Not allowed in the Lawn-to-Garden program.

Key details: Max Coverage: 50% of yard. Parkways: Prohibited. L2G Program: Not eligible. Trend: City tightening restrictions.

Generally no penalties for installation. Non-compliant drainage may require correction. HOA fines may be unenforceable where state law protects turf rights.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Street trees cannot be removed without city permit from Director of Public Works. City only approves removal for dead, dying, diseased, or hazardous trees. Private tree removal on private property governed by Chapter 14.28.

Key details: Code: LBMC §14.28. Street Trees: Permit required for removal or trimming. Approval: Director of Public Works. Contractor: Must be city-approved, licensed, bonded. No Removal For: Leaf debris or personal preference.

Unauthorized removal: $500 to $10,000 per tree. Replacement planting required. Street tree damage: city restitution costs.

Weed Ordinances

Long Beach requires property owners to control weeds and overgrown vegetation under LBMC Ch. 9.37. Properties with weeds visible from public view may receive a nuisance citation. The city conducts regular code enforcement sweeps.

Key details: Code: LBMC Ch. 9.37 (Nuisance Code). Enforcement: Code Enforcement Bureau. Standard: No overgrown weeds visible from public. Abatement: City may abate at owner's expense.

Non-compliant properties are cleared by City contractors at premium rates plus administrative fees. Unpaid charges result in a recorded lien against the property. Recent assessment cycles have included charges exceeding $16,000 for individual properties.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Long Beach gives residents more room on landscaping rules. 2 of the 8 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.

These rules come from Long Beach's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.