Environmental Rules in Long Beach, CA (2026)
10 verified environmental rules for Long Beach, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Long Beach's stormwater program under LBMC Ch. 8.96 prohibits non-stormwater discharge. Low Impact Development (LID) is required for projects adding 500+ sq ft. NPDES compliance is mandatory for all construction and development.
Long Beach Stormwater Management Rules
Heavy RestrictionsErosion Control
Construction projects in Long Beach must implement erosion control measures per the NPDES permit program and LBMC Ch. 8.96. Projects disturbing 5+ acres require a state General Construction Activity Permit.
Long Beach Erosion Control Requirements
Some RestrictionsCoastal Development
Long Beach has extensive coastal zone regulated by the California Coastal Commission. Development in the coastal zone requires a Coastal Development Permit. Tree removal requires 2:1 replacement ratio within the coastal zone.
Long Beach Coastal Development Rules
Heavy RestrictionsCalifornia Public Resources Code § 30103 (Coastal Zone Boundary — Coastal Act of 1976)
Public Resources Code (PRC) Section 30103(a) specifically defines California's Coastal Zone as that land and water area of the State of California from the Oregon border to the border of the Republic of Mexico depicted on maps identified and set forth in Section 17 of that chapter of the Statutes of the 1975-76 Regular Session enacting PRC Division 20 (the Coastal Act of 1976). PRC Section 3010...
Flood Zones
Long Beach participates in NFIP. FEMA flood maps govern SFHAs. Structures in flood zones require elevation certificates for major work. Substantial improvement rule (50%) applies.
Long Beach Flood Zone Regulations
Some RestrictionsGrading & Drainage
Long Beach requires grading plans to incorporate drainage quality controls. Minimum storm drain size is 24 inches. The city uses a 10-year storm peak flow threshold for drainage facility requirements.
Long Beach Grading & Drainage Rules
Some RestrictionsVehicle Idling Restrictions
Diesel trucks serving the Port of Long Beach are bound by California Air Resources Board five-minute idling limits and Port Clean Air Action Plan rules, which restrict heavy-duty engine idling near terminals, schools, and residential receptors throughout the city.
Truck Idling Limits at Port
Heavy RestrictionsGas Leaf Blower Ban
Long Beach landscapers may no longer sell new gas-powered leaf blowers and similar small off-road engines under California AB 1346, which directs CARB to prohibit sales of new units. Existing equipment may continue in use but is being squeezed by state rules.
Gas Leaf Blower Phase-Out
Some RestrictionsAB 1346 (2021), Cal. Health & Safety Code Sec. 43018.11
This bill would require the state board, by July 1, 2022, consistent with federal law, to adopt cost-effective and technologically feasible regulations to prohibit engine exhaust and evaporative emissions from new small off-road engines, as defined by the state board. The bill would require the state board to identify and, to the extent feasible, make available funding for commercial rebates or...
Climate Emergency Mobilization
Long Beach adopted its Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) in 2022, declaring a climate emergency and setting citywide goals for greenhouse gas reduction, sea-level rise adaptation, and equitable resilience across coastal and inland neighborhoods.
Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
Some RestrictionsCool Roof Requirements
Long Beach enforces California Title 24 energy code provisions requiring high-reflectance, low-emittance roofing on most new and reroofed low-slope buildings. The rules cut summer cooling loads and reduce contributions to the urban heat island in inland neighborhoods.
Cool Roof Building Requirements
Some RestrictionsHeat Island Mitigation
Long Beach incorporates heat island mitigation through cool roofs, cool pavements, urban canopy goals, and shade requirements in major public projects, focusing investment in heat-vulnerable neighborhoods identified by the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan.
Heat Island Reduction Measures
Some RestrictionsLooking for Los Angeles County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Long Beach city rules.
Environmental Rules in Los Angeles County →