How Long Beach Handles Landscaping Rules: A Practical Guide

Long Beach maintains 185 local ordinances across all categories, and 6 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.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Long Beach bars removal of a required street tree in the parkway unless the Director of Public Works finds it dead, dying, or a hazard to curb, gutter, sidewalk or roadway, or clears it as part of a City-approved replacement program. LBMC § 21.42.050.B.3 requires that finding be recorded with the Department of Development Services before the tree comes down.

Key details: Governing section: LBMC § 21.42.050.B.3. Scope: Required street/parkway trees only. Removal grounds: Dead, dying, hazard, or approved replacement. Finding by: Director of Public Works. Approval recorded with: Department of Development Services, before removal.

Chapter 21.42 isn't on the Code's short list of sections reclassified as infractions, so an unauthorized street-tree removal defaults to LBMC § 1.32.010's general penalty: a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $1,000 fine, up to six months in jail, or both, with each day the violation continues charged as a separate offense. The Code also deems any resulting violation a public nuisance that the City may summarily abate.

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.

Tree Trimming

Long Beach's Public Works Department prunes City street trees to a minimum twelve-foot clearance over sidewalks and sixteen feet over streets, and no one else may trim, cut or remove a tree planted along a City street without a written permit from the Director of Public Works.

Key details: Clearance over sidewalks: 12 feet minimum, § 14.28.030(B). Clearance over streets: 16 feet minimum. Private trimming: Requires Director's written approval. Open ground around trunk: 18 inches minimum, § 14.28.070. Minimum planting strip width: 30 inches (24" with approval).

Trimming, cutting, pruning or removing a City street tree without the Director of Public Works' written approval violates § 14.28.040 and § 14.28.060's permit requirements, and covering the required 18-inch open ground area around a trunk with concrete or other impervious material violates § 14.28.070. The Code directs enforcement to the Director of Public Works, who may require special maintenance to be performed under Public Works Department supervision.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Long Beach is tougher than many cities when it comes to landscaping rules. Out of the 6 rules covered here, 3 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.

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.