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Accessory Structures in Long Beach, CA (2026)

9 verified accessory structures rules for Long Beach, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

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.

Long Beach ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Rules

Few Restrictions

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.

Long Beach ADU Permit Process

Few Restrictions

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.

Long Beach ADU Impact Fee Exemptions

Few Restrictions

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.

Long Beach ADU Owner-Occupancy Rules

Few Restrictions

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.

Long Beach ADU Short-Term Rental Ban

Heavy Restrictions

Shed Rules

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

Long Beach Shed & Outbuilding Rules

Some Restrictions

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.

Long Beach Garage Conversion Rules

Few Restrictions

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.

Long Beach Carport Construction Rules

Some Restrictions

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.

Long Beach Tiny Home & Small Dwelling Rules

Some Restrictions

Looking for Los Angeles County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Long Beach city rules.

Accessory Structures in Los Angeles County