Long Beach requires property owners to maintain grass and vegetation to prevent nuisance conditions under LBMC Ch. 9.37 (Nuisance Code). Overgrown vegetation visible from public view or neighboring properties is a code violation.
Under LBMC Chapter 14.28 (Trees and Shrubs), groundcover is defined as grass, turf, or perennial plants that normally grow horizontally to conceal the ground surface and do not exceed 8 inches in height, tolerating light pedestrian traffic. Property owners are responsible for planting, cutting, mowing, watering, fertilizing, and all other maintenance of grass or groundcover in parkway strips (the area between the sidewalk and curb). No person shall plant trees, shrubs, or groundcover in the parkway except as provided in the chapter. Grass and turf plantings are permitted in parkway strips provided they do not attach to or ascend tree trunks. Overgrown vegetation that becomes a fire hazard, health hazard, or visual blight may be declared a nuisance subject to abatement under LBMC Chapter 8.56. The Code Enforcement Bureau responds to complaints of property maintenance violations including weed abatement.
Failure to maintain grass and groundcover may result in nuisance abatement proceedings under LBMC Chapter 8.56. Property owners receive a 30-day notice to comply. If not addressed, the City hires contractors at premium rates and places a lien on the property.
Long Beach, CA
Long Beach has no city ordinance specifically regulating residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round decorations. Front-yard structures must comply w...
Long Beach, CA
Long Beach has no city ordinance regulating residential holiday inflatables. Size, lighting, and motor noise are not separately regulated, though general LBM...
Long Beach, CA
Long Beach has no city ordinance regulating the display window or brightness of residential holiday lights. Light trespass is enforced only under LBMC Sectio...
Long Beach, CA
Long Beach requires Building and Safety permits for built-in outdoor kitchens that include gas piping, electrical wiring, or plumbing under LBMC Chapter 18.0...
Long Beach, CA
Long Beach has no city ordinance specifically regulating residential wood-fired smokers or pizza ovens. Smoke nuisance is enforced under LBMC Section 8.80 (n...
Long Beach, CA
Long Beach prohibits open-flame cooking devices and LP-gas containers over 1 pound on combustible balconies of multi-family buildings under California Fire C...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle grass height limits.
See how Long Beach's grass height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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