Long Beach, CA Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)
Water restrictions in Long Beach, CA, also called the watering schedule, outdoor irrigation rules, or drought ordinance, set which days and hours you can run sprinklers or irrigation.
Key Facts
- MWELO
- Smartscape applies to new landscapes
- 500-2,500 sq ft
- Streamlined permit
- Over 2,500 sq ft
- Landscape professional required
- Parkway Turf
- Prohibited
Summary
Long Beach follows the MWELO (Smartscape) ordinance for new landscaping. Projects 500-2,500 sq ft have streamlined permits; over 2,500 sq ft require a landscape professional. High-water turf is prohibited in parkways and medians.
Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) . The MWELO is also referenced by Title 24, Part 11, Chapters 4 and 5 CalGreen Building Code. All local agencies must adopt, implement, and enforce the MWELO or a local Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO) that is at least as effective as the MWELO. Usually, local agencies that adopt WELOs create a more stringent ordinance than MWELO. The purpose of water efficient landscape ordinances is to not only increase water efficiency but to improve environmental conditions in the built environment.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Under LBMC Chapter 21.42 (Landscape Standards), the City enforces the Smartscape ordinance (local MWELO implementation). Grass or other high-water-use plants are prohibited in parkways and street medians. Mixing high and low-water-use plants is not allowed in plant groupings. New landscaping projects between 500 and 2,500 square feet follow a streamlined permitting process. Projects over 2,500 square feet require a landscape design professional and complete landscape documentation package. Relandscaping projects over 2,500 square feet also require permits. Irrigation systems must be water-efficient with automated timers and sensors, complying with Long Beach Water Department regulations. Decorative water features must use recirculating water systems, and recycled or gray water is preferred. The City encourages drought-tolerant plants that need less water. These requirements apply to residential, non-residential, and public construction projects.
Violations & Fines
Non-compliance with Smartscape requirements may delay project approvals and permits. The Long Beach Water Department enforces irrigation restrictions and water waste prohibitions. Violations of watering restrictions may result in fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the lawn watering restrictions in Long Beach?
Are there drought watering rules in Long Beach?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Long Beach
How Long Beach compares: Cities with the Strictest Water Restrictions·California rules heatmap·Compare Long Beach to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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Water Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle water restrictions.