Long Beach, CA Environmental Rules: Coastal Development (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit
- Coastal Development Permit required
- Authority
- California Coastal Commission
- Tree Replacement
- 2:1 ratio in coastal zone
- Migratory Birds
- Protected under federal treaty act
Summary
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.
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 30103(b) directed the Coastal Commission to prepare and adopt more detailed 1:24,000 scale Coastal Zone Boundary (CZB) maps, which occurred March 1, 1977. These 161 adopted maps provide the official basis for all other representations of the landward CZB.
Full Breakdown
Long Beach administers Coastal Development Permits under its certified Local Coastal Program. The city's 5.5-mile coastline includes diverse areas from the Port of Long Beach (the second-busiest port in the US) to residential beach communities like Belmont Shore and Naples Island. Development in the Coastal Zone requires CDPs for most construction. The Coastal Commission retains appeal authority. The Queen Mary, Alamitos Bay, and Rainbow Harbor have area-specific regulations. Sea level rise planning is critical given the city's low-lying geography and port infrastructure vulnerability.
Violations & Fines
Unpermitted coastal development: Coastal Commission enforcement. Restoration orders possible. Fines up to $15,000 per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a coastal permit?
What about the port area?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Long Beach
California rules heatmap·Compare Long Beach to another location·View the California environmental rules overview
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Coastal Development in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle coastal development.