Outdoor Kitchen Permits: Long Beach vs Los Angeles
How do outdoor kitchen permits rules compare between Long Beach, CA and Los Angeles, CA?
Long Beach and Los Angeles have similar restriction levels.
Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles County
Long Beach requires Building and Safety permits for built-in outdoor kitchens that include gas piping, electrical wiring, or plumbing under LBMC Chapter 18.04, which adopts the California Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical Codes.
View full Long Beach rules →Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
Los Angeles requires LADBS permits for built-in outdoor kitchens that include gas piping, electrical wiring, or plumbing under LAMC Chapter IX (Building Code). Counter-top BBQ islands without utilities generally do not require a permit.
View full Los Angeles rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Long Beach | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Gas Permit | Building and Safety | LADBS Plumbing/Mechanical |
| Electrical Permit | Building and Safety | LADBS Electrical |
| Plumbing Permit | Building and Safety | LADBS Plumbing |
| Counter Only | Exempt under 4 ft | No permit if under 6 ft |
| Code Reference | LBMC 18.04 | LAMC Ch. IX, 91.105 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Long Beach FAQ
Do I need a permit for a Long Beach outdoor kitchen?
Yes, if it includes gas piping, electrical wiring, or plumbing. Building and Safety requires trade permits for each utility extension under LBMC Chapter 18.04.
Does a basic BBQ island need a permit in Long Beach?
Generally no, if it has no utilities and the counter is under 4 feet tall. A free-standing portable BBQ on a masonry island without gas or electric hookups is exempt.
Do Long Beach Coastal Zone outdoor kitchens need extra permits?
Possibly. Permanent built-in structures in the Coastal Zone may require a Coastal Development Permit unless exempt under the certified Local Coastal Program.
Los Angeles FAQ
Do I need a permit for a Los Angeles outdoor kitchen?
Yes, if it includes gas piping, electrical wiring, or plumbing. LADBS requires trade permits for each utility extension under LAMC Chapter IX.
Does a basic BBQ island need a permit in Los Angeles?
Generally no, if it has no utilities and the counter is under 6 feet tall. A free-standing portable BBQ on a masonry island without gas or electric hookups is exempt under LAMC 91.105.
Where can outdoor kitchen plans be filed in Los Angeles?
Through LADBS e-Plan Check or in person at any LADBS Customer Service Center. Owner-builder applications are accepted for residential projects under LAMC 98.0403.
Compare other topics
See how Long Beach and Los Angeles compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool