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Long Beach permits small recreational backyard fires in compliant fire pits and chimineas burning clean wood only. Open burning of yard waste, trash, or construction debris is prohibited year-round per LBMC fire code and AQMD rules.
Long Beach Fire Department enforces California Fire Code Chapter 61 limits on liquefied petroleum gas storage at homes, capping aggregate cylinder capacity and setting clearance rules.
Under CA H&S Code §13113.7 and LBMC fire code adoption, all Long Beach residential units require working smoke alarms in each bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every floor. Replacement alarms must be 10-year sealed-battery models since 2015.
ALL fireworks including sparklers and 'Safe and Sane' are banned in Long Beach under LBMC Chapter 8.81. $1,000 fine + $250 disposal fee + city response costs.
Open burning is heavily restricted in Long Beach. South Coast AQMD regulates all outdoor burning. Wood burning may be banned on Spare the Air days.
Properties in Long Beach fire hazard zones must maintain 100 ft of defensible space per CA PRC §4291. Zone 1 (0-30 ft) requires lean, clean, green landscaping. Zone 2 (30-100 ft) requires reduced vegetation.
Portable fire pits are allowed in Long Beach on private property with conditions. Fires must be attended at all times. South Coast AQMD spare-the-air day restrictions apply. Beach fire rings are available at designated locations.
Long Beach has limited wildfire risk as a coastal/urban city. Some hillside areas near Signal Hill may fall in fire hazard severity zones. Properties in SRA or VHFHSZ must comply with CA PRC §4291 defensible space rules.
Long Beach Animal Care Services investigates suspected hoarding under LBMC Title 6 cruelty provisions and California Penal Code 597, removing animals when conditions threaten welfare or public health.
Long Beach requires every licensed dog and cat to carry an ISO-compliant microchip registered to the owner, with chips installed at low cost during LBACS clinics or at any licensed vet.
Long Beach requires cats four months and older to be licensed and rabies-vaccinated under LBMC Chapter 6.16, with feral colony caretakers regulated through the city Trap-Neuter-Return program.
LBMC Chapter 6.20 requires dogs and cats over six months to be spayed or neutered, with narrow exceptions for licensed breeders, show animals, and certified service dogs.
Long Beach uses a non-lethal coyote management plan emphasizing hazing, attractant removal, and reporting, consistent with California Fish and Game Code rules administered by CDFW.
Long Beach pet stores may sell only dogs, cats, and rabbits sourced from shelters or rescues under LBMC Chapter 6.40, mirroring California AB 485 statewide retail pet sale ban.
Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet when in public areas in Long Beach. Off-leash dogs are only permitted in designated dog parks. Violations enforced by Long Beach Animal Care Services.
Beekeeping allowed in Long Beach. Up to 4 hives per property proposed standard. Hive placement subject to Health Department standards.
Exotic pets regulated by state and city. Ferrets and hedgehogs are ILLEGAL in California. CDFW permits required for regulated species. City prohibits dangerous animals.
Backyard chickens are permitted in Long Beach residential zones with restrictions. Roosters are generally prohibited in residential areas. Livestock keeping depends on zoning district and lot size requirements.
Long Beach does not impose breed-specific bans. All dogs must be licensed per CA Food & Ag Code §30500+. Dangerous or vicious dog declarations are based on individual behavior, not breed, under LBMC Title 6.
Long Beach prohibits feeding wildlife in public parks and beaches under LBMC Title 16. Feeding pigeons and other pest wildlife may constitute a nuisance violation under the city's nuisance code Chapter 9.37.
LA County Title 10.20.220 caps unincorporated single-family residences at three dogs over four months and five cats without a kennel or cattery permit. Higher counts require DACC permitting and zoning compatibility under Title 22.
Pet groomers in unincorporated LA County must hold a Department of Public Health animal-facility permit under LACO Title 11 and a Title 7.62 business license. Mobile groomers face the same rules plus vehicle and wastewater requirements.
LA County Title 22.140.220 lets veterinary clinics operate by right in commercial zones C-1, C-2, and C-3, with conditions covering noise, kenneling overnight, and outdoor runs. Heavier animal hospitals may require a conditional use permit.
California Fish & Game Code §3503 to §3516 protect native birds, nests, and eggs, including raptors and migratory species. LA County Title 10.84 layers a wildlife harm and feeding ban for unincorporated areas, with DACC and CDFW enforcement.
Long Beach can suspend or revoke a short-term rental registration after repeated verified violations, applying a strike system tied to noise, occupancy, parking, and nuisance complaints documented under LBMC Chapter 5.65.
Long Beach STR Ordinance limits un-hosted whole-home short-term rentals to a host's bona fide primary residence under LBMC Title 5 Chapter 5.65, with non-primary STRs barred citywide outside narrow legacy exceptions.
Long Beach distinguishes hosted STRs, where the host sleeps onsite during guest stays, from un-hosted whole-home rentals, applying different rules, caps, and neighborhood petition rights to each category under LBMC 5.65.
Booking platforms operating in Long Beach must require hosts to display a city registration number, may be asked to remove non-compliant listings, and share data supporting transient occupancy tax collection under LBMC Chapter 5.65.
Stays of 31 or more consecutive nights fall outside Long Beach STR rules and statewide TOT, operating instead as residential tenancies subject to landlord-tenant law including AB 1482 once the tenant accrues sufficient occupancy.
STR registration required under LBMC Chapter 5.77. Primary Residence ($400/yr) or Non-Primary Residence registration (limited to 800 citywide). Operator and property owner jointly responsible.
Long Beach imposes a 13% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on STR stays of 30 nights or less. Hosts must collect and remit monthly.
Short-term rentals in Long Beach require a business license and compliance with local TOT requirements. The city imposes a Transient Occupancy Tax on stays under 30 days. Operators must register and remit taxes.
Short-term rental operators in Long Beach should carry liability insurance as a best practice. Platform providers like Airbnb offer host protection insurance. The city's STR regulations address operator responsibilities.
STR guests in Long Beach must comply with the city's noise ordinance LBMC Ch. 8.80. Quiet hours and construction hour restrictions apply. STR operators are responsible for ensuring guest compliance with local noise standards.
Long Beach caps un-hosted primary residence STRs at 90 nights per registration year under LBMC Chapter 5.77. Hosted primary residence and non-primary residence STRs have no annual night cap. The city limits non-primary residence registrations to 800 citywide, with 350 in the coastal zone.
STR guests in Long Beach must comply with local parking regulations. Street parking is subject to posted restrictions and the 72-hour rule. Operators should provide parking information to guests.
Short-term rentals in Long Beach are subject to occupancy limits based on the number of bedrooms and dwelling size. Operators must comply with building and fire code occupancy standards. Overcrowding is a code violation.
Long Beach requires a Home Occupation Permit for most home-based businesses under LBMC Title 21 zoning. The permit confirms the business is compatible with residential character — limited customer traffic, no exterior signage, no employees outside the household.
Home occupation permits are required in Long Beach for businesses operated from a dwelling. Prohibited activities include auto repair, beauty salons, carpentry, contractor storage, and ambulance service. The business must be incidental to residential use.
Home occupations in Long Beach cannot have any signage visible from outside the dwelling. No exterior advertising identifying the business is permitted. This aligns with maintaining the residential character of the neighborhood.
Family daycare homes in Long Beach are permitted under state law. Small family daycare (up to 8 children) requires a license from CA Community Care Licensing. Large family daycare (9-14 children) may require a use permit.
Home occupations in Long Beach must not generate traffic beyond what is normal for the residential district. No exterior display, storage, or advertising is permitted. The home occupation must be incidental to residential use.
Cottage food operations are allowed in Long Beach with a one-time application fee of $139.20. Class A CFOs sell direct to consumers; Class B may sell through third-party retailers. Food preparation is otherwise prohibited as a home occupation.
Above-ground pools in Long Beach must comply with the same barrier and safety requirements as in-ground pools per CA Building Code Title 24 and the Swimming Pool Safety Act. Pools with water 18+ inches deep require fencing.
Swimming pool fencing in Long Beach must be at least 60 inches per CA Building Code Title 24. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching. Openings in barriers cannot exceed 4 inches. Two drowning prevention features required.
A building permit is required for pool and spa installation in Long Beach. Pools cannot be in required front yards where fences over 5 ft are prohibited. Plans must include drainage, fencing, and safety feature details.
Long Beach pools must comply with the CA Swimming Pool Safety Act (HSC §115920-115929). At least two safety features required: barrier/fence, pool cover, alarms, or self-closing doors. Virginia Graeme Baker Act drain cover compliance is mandatory.
Hot tubs and spas in Long Beach are subject to the same barrier requirements as swimming pools under CA Building Code. Spas with water 18+ inches deep must be enclosed. Covers may count as one safety feature.
Long Beach prohibits short-term rental of ADUs under LBMC Section 21.45.400 and California Government Code Section 65852.2(a)(6), which require ADU rentals to be 30 days or longer. Long Beach's overall STR ordinance LBMC 5.79 also restricts STRs to primary residences.
Long Beach processes ADU and JADU applications ministerially under Long Beach Municipal Code Section 21.45.400 and California Government Code Section 65852.2. Applications go through the Development Services Department with no public hearing or discretionary review.
Long Beach cannot impose an owner-occupancy requirement on ADUs under California Government Code Section 65852.2(a)(6), as amended by AB 881 and AB 976. JADUs always require owner-occupancy of the JADU or the primary dwelling, recorded by deed restriction.
Under California Government Code Section 65852.2(f) and LBMC Section 21.45.400, Long Beach cannot charge development impact fees on ADUs under 750 square feet. ADUs 750 sq ft or larger pay fees proportional to the primary dwelling.
Long Beach follows CA state ADU law (Gov Code §65852.2). Detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft, 4-ft side/rear setbacks, 16-ft height limit. Pre-approved plans available.
Accessory structures on private property require building permit depending on size. In flood zones, FEMA anchoring and elevation requirements apply.
Garage conversions to ADU or JADU allowed under CA state ADU law. Converted garages are exempt from setback requirements. No replacement parking required if within ½ mile of transit.
Carports in Long Beach require a building permit and must comply with residential zoning setback requirements under LBMC Title 21. Detached carports are treated as accessory structures with specific height and lot coverage limits.
Tiny homes on foundations are regulated as ADUs under CA Gov Code §65852.2. Tiny homes on wheels are not permitted as permanent dwellings in residential zones but may qualify as recreational vehicles subject to parking and storage rules.
Long Beach Municipal Code Chapter 8.80 prohibits unreasonable noise. Residential quiet hours are generally 10 PM–7 AM on weekdays and 10 PM–9 AM on weekends.
Persistent barking dogs that disturb neighbors violate Long Beach's noise ordinance under LBMC §8.80 and animal nuisance provisions.
Leaf blowers in Long Beach are restricted under LBMC §8.80.202. In or within 400 ft of residential areas: Mon-Fri 7 AM-8 PM, Sat 9 AM-5 PM, Sun/holidays 11 AM-5 PM. Gas-powered blowers are not banned but must comply with hours.
Industrial noise in Long Beach is regulated under LBMC Ch. 8.80 and the city's zoning code Ch. 12.32. The city's Noise Control Program monitors industrial sources. The Harbor District has separate noise provisions.
Long Beach enforces exterior noise limits by district under LBMC 8.80.150. Residential areas (District 1) are limited to 50 dBA daytime (7 AM-10 PM) and 45 dBA nighttime (10 PM-7 AM). Commercial (District 2) allows 60 dBA day / 55 dBA night. Industrial zones reach 65-70 dBA.
Long Beach prohibits loudspeakers and amplified sound systems that create a noise disturbance across residential property lines between 10 PM and 7 AM under LBMC 8.80.200. At all other times, amplified sound must comply with exterior noise limits in Section 8.80.150. Variances require Noise Control Office approval.
Amplified music in Long Beach is regulated under LBMC Ch. 8.80. Noise that exceeds established decibel levels for the zone is prohibited. Nightclubs and bars with amplified music face additional sound attenuation requirements.
Construction with a city permit is allowed weekdays 7 AM–7 PM and Saturdays 9 AM–6 PM. No construction noise on Sundays or holidays.
Long Beach Airport (LGB) operates under a Noise Compatibility Program. The city has a Noise Abatement Program with curfews for Stage 2 jets and nighttime restrictions.
Front yard fences limited to 3 feet. Side and rear yard fences up to 6 feet 6 inches. LBMC §21.43.020 governs.
Boundary fences in Long Beach follow CA Civil Code §841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act) requiring shared cost. Spite fences over 10 ft built to annoy neighbors are a private nuisance under CA Civil Code §841.4.
Long Beach regulates fence materials under LBMC Title 21 Ch. 21.43. Barbed wire and razor wire are prohibited in residential zones. Chain link fences require Planning Bureau approval in certain districts.
A fence permit is required in Long Beach for fences over 4 feet or retaining walls over 4 feet. Fences over 6 ft 6 in require engineered drawings. Planning Bureau review is required for location, height, and materials.
Pool barriers in Long Beach must be at least 60 inches (5 ft) per CA Building Code Title 24 and the Swimming Pool Safety Act. Self-closing, self-latching gates required. At least one additional safety feature mandatory.
Retaining walls under 2 ft require no permit in Long Beach. Walls up to 4 ft are exempt unless supporting surcharge or sloping earth. Walls over 4 ft require a building permit and engineered drawings.
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.
Trimming or removing public/street trees in Long Beach requires a permit from the Director of Public Works under LBMC Ch. 14.28. Topping, heading back, stubbing, lion tailing, and pollarding are prohibited.
Long Beach encourages native and drought-tolerant plants. The Lawn-to-Garden program pays $3/sq ft (up to 5,000 sq ft) for lawn removal, requiring 65% plant coverage with 10% California native plants. CA law prohibits cities from banning drought-tolerant landscaping.
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.
Rainwater harvesting is encouraged in Long Beach as part of stormwater management. The city's LID standards promote capturing rainfall on-site. No permit is required for residential rain barrels under state law.
Artificial turf in Long Beach may cover up to 50% of a yard under LBMC rules. It is prohibited in parkways and public rights-of-way. The city is strengthening restrictions due to environmental and heat concerns. Not allowed in the Lawn-to-Garden program.
Street trees cannot be removed without city permit from Director of Public Works. City only approves removal for dead, dying, diseased, or hazardous trees. Private tree removal on private property governed by Chapter 14.28.
Long Beach requires property owners to control weeds and overgrown vegetation under LBMC Ch. 9.37. Properties with weeds visible from public view may receive a nuisance citation. The city conducts regular code enforcement sweeps.
LA County Code Title 12.84 and California SB-1383 require all residents and businesses to separate organic waste from trash, either through curbside green-bin service or backyard composting. LA County Public Works runs the Smart Gardening Program teaching home composting techniques.
RV and boat parking in Long Beach is regulated under LBMC Title 21 Ch. 21.41. Recreational vehicles may be stored on residential property with restrictions on location and screening. Street storage of oversized vehicles is limited.
Driveways in Long Beach must comply with LBMC Title 21 zoning standards. Vehicles must be parked on paved surfaces; parking on unpaved front yards is prohibited. Driveway widths and curb cut specifications are regulated by Public Works.
Standard parking rules under LBMC Title 10. No parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. No parking in alleys. Time-limited zones enforced citywide.
Long Beach Municipal Code §10.50 prohibits parking commercial vehicles exceeding 10,000 lbs GVWR or 22 feet in length on residential streets between 2 AM and 6 AM; trailers, semi-tractors, and for-hire vehicles subject to additional restrictions citywide.
Long Beach has overnight parking restrictions in certain areas. Some neighborhoods require overnight parking permits. Street parking is limited to 72 hours per CA Vehicle Code §22651 (abandoned vehicle threshold).
Vehicles parked 72+ hours without moving on a public street may be cited as abandoned under CVC §22651 and LBMC Title 10.
Long Beach encourages EV charging installation. CA AB 2097 eliminates parking minimums near major transit stops. New construction must include EV-ready infrastructure per CALGreen Code. Streamlined permits available for residential chargers.
Only the LA County Department of Public Works may paint or alter colored curbs on county-maintained streets in unincorporated areas. Title 17.04 and the California Vehicle Code define meanings: red no-stopping, yellow loading, white passenger, green time-limited, blue disabled.
On county-maintained streets in unincorporated Los Angeles County, yellow curbs mark commercial loading zones reserved for vehicles actively loading goods, typically 7am to 6pm Monday through Saturday under Title 17.04.520. Passenger cars may not park during posted hours.
LA County Code Title 16.04 lets unincorporated neighborhoods petition for Preferential Parking Districts that reserve curb space for residents holding annual permits. Non-permit vehicles face citations during posted hours, typically two-hour limits except by permit.
LA County Code Title 17.04.660 restricts oversized vehicles including RVs, trailers, and large trucks over 22 feet long or 7 feet tall from parking on county-maintained streets in unincorporated areas between 2am and 6am without a permit.
California Civil Code §4745 and §1947.6 give condo owners and tenants the right to install electric vehicle charging stations in their assigned parking spaces. LA County building code Title 26 aligns with statewide pre-wiring rules for new multi-family construction.
Long Beach HOAs enforce CC&Rs under CA Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act (Civil Code §4000+). Violations typically trigger written notice, hearing opportunity, fines, and — as a last resort — lien and judicial foreclosure.
Long Beach HOAs typically require an Architectural Review Committee (ARC) application before exterior modifications. Davis-Stirling requires reasonable, written standards and timely decisions (typically 45-60 days).
HOAs in LA County are governed by the Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act (Civil Code §4000–6150). Board meetings require advance notice, open sessions, and recorded minutes. Annual elections follow strict secret ballot procedures.
The Davis-Stirling Act regulates HOA assessments in LA County. Regular assessments may increase up to 20% annually without member vote. Special assessments exceeding 5% of budget require majority member approval.
The Davis-Stirling Act requires HOAs to offer internal dispute resolution (IDR) and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) before litigation. Members may request IDR meetings with the board. ADR mediation is required before most lawsuits.
Elevators in Long Beach buildings fall under California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) Elevator Unit, which issues operating permits and conducts annual safety inspections.
Long Beach Health Department's Vector Control program inspects properties, issues abatement orders for rodent harborage, and treats public areas under California Health and Safety Code 116110.
California Building Code Section 903 and California Residential Code Section R313, adopted by Long Beach in LBMC Title 18, require automatic fire sprinklers in new one- and two-family dwellings.
LBMC Title 21 caps single-family floor area ratio and bulk to prevent oversized homes from overshadowing neighbors, with stricter limits in coastal and historic districts.
Childcare centers in Long Beach require state Community Care Licensing approval plus local LBMC zoning, building, and Health Department inspection clearances before opening or expanding.
Long Beach enforces California Building Code Section 1010 requirements for egress door hardware, including single-action release and panic hardware on assembly and high-occupancy spaces.
Long Beach enforces California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) plus a local reach code adopted under the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan to require electrification in new buildings.
Long Beach Health Department leads childhood lead-poisoning prevention, enforcing California Health and Safety Code 17920.10 and federal RRP rules in homes built before 1978.
Scaffolding on construction sites in unincorporated LA County must comply with Cal/OSHA Title 8 regulations and LA County Building Code. Sidewalk canopies and pedestrian protection are required for construction along public ways.
Long Beach Tenant Relocation Assistance Ordinance LBMC 8.97 lists permitted no-fault eviction grounds including owner move-in, withdrawal from rental market, government order, and substantial remodel, each requiring relocation payments to the displaced tenant.
Long Beach Tenant Relocation Assistance Ordinance LBMC 8.97 requires landlords pulling no-fault evictions or imposing rent hikes above ten percent in twelve months to pay displaced tenants a fixed relocation amount before regaining possession.
California Civil Code section 1946.2 requires Long Beach landlords of covered units to give written notice of just-cause eviction protections and the statewide rent cap, using the state-prescribed language at lease signing or by August 1 each year.
California Civil Code section 1946.2 and Long Beach LBMC 8.97 allow voluntary buyouts where landlords pay tenants to surrender possession, but require written disclosure of tenant rights, signed agreement, and a tenant rescission window.
Long Beach landlords are barred from harassing tenants to force them out, including utility shut-offs, lockouts, threats, and bad-faith entry, under California Civil Code section 1940.2 and Long Beach Tenant Helpline guidance.
California Civil Code section 1950.5 caps residential security deposits at one month's rent for most landlords statewide, and Long Beach landlords must return the deposit, with itemized deductions, within twenty-one days after the tenant vacates.
California Government Code section 12955 prohibits Long Beach landlords from refusing to rent based on lawful source of income including Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, treating voucher payments as part of the tenant's income for screening purposes.
Long Beach does not have its own rent control ordinance (repealed 2019). Rent increases are governed by CA AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act of 2019), capping rent at 5% + CPI annually. Applies to properties 15+ years old; exempts single-family homes and owner-occupied duplexes.
Long Beach requires rental property owners to comply with the city's tenant protection ordinances. Landlords must provide required notices under LBMC Ch. 8.99 and Ch. 8.101 (anti-harassment). Business license may be required for rental operations.
Long Beach enforces a Just Cause for Termination of Tenancies ordinance under LBMC Ch. 8.99 (adopted 2020). Landlords must have an enumerated at-fault or no-fault reason. No-fault terminations require relocation assistance of 1 month's rent or $4,500 for demolition/remodel.
RSTPO landlords in unincorporated LA County may pass through approved capital improvement, utility, and registration costs only with DCBA approval. Capital improvements are split 50/50 with the tenant, and monthly add-ons are capped.
The Housing Authority of the County of Los Angeles (HACoLA) administers federal Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers across LA County. Landlords accepting vouchers must pass HQS inspection and cannot refuse applicants based on voucher status.
Long Beach Municipal Code Title 10 and Title 14 prohibit obstructing public sidewalks with personal property or seated bodies that block the pedestrian right-of-way, applied with offers of services through the city Health and Human Services Department.
Long Beach conducts encampment cleanups led by Public Works and Health and Human Services with advance notice, outreach offers, and required storage of personal property for at least ninety days under Ninth Circuit case law.
Long Beach operates its own Continuum of Care separate from Los Angeles County, coordinating shelter, bridge housing, and rapid rehousing through the Multi-Service Center and city Health and Human Services Department under federal HUD rules.
Unincorporated Los Angeles County applies Title 13.36 anti-lodging and anti-encampment rules instead of the Los Angeles City LAMC 41.18 ordinance, with the Sheriff's Department handling enforcement subject to Martin v. Boise constraints.
Long Beach Health Department inspects food facilities and posts color-coded letter grade placards (A, B, or C) at the entrance based on routine inspection scores, similar to but separate from Los Angeles County's program.
Long Beach property owners must keep premises free of rats and mice; the Health Department investigates complaints, issues abatement notices, and may charge cleanup costs against the property if owners fail to comply.
California law prohibits disposing of home-generated sharps in regular trash or recycling. Long Beach residents must use FDA-cleared sharps containers and drop them at approved take-back sites or mail-back programs.
Every food employee in Long Beach must obtain a state-approved food handler card within thirty days of hire and a certified food protection manager must be on staff at each food facility under California state law.
Under California AB 551, Long Beach landlords must disclose bed bug information to tenants, refrain from renting infested units, and cannot retaliate against tenants who report infestations to property managers or code enforcement.
LACDPH and partners run the Healthy Neighborhood Market Network countywide, helping corner stores in food-desert communities stock fresh produce. The program offers refrigeration grants, technical assistance, and marketing support; participation is voluntary, not a mandate.
Calorie labeling on menus across LA County is governed by federal FDA rules at 21 CFR §101.11, requiring chains with 20 or more locations to post calorie counts. LACDPH inspectors check compliance during routine retail food inspections. California AB-1100 adds beverage warnings.
Long Beach's Cannabis Social Equity Program under LBMC Chapter 5.92 gives priority licensing, fee waivers, and technical assistance to applicants from communities disproportionately harmed by past cannabis enforcement, particularly those with prior cannabis convictions or low-income residency.
Long Beach licenses non-storefront cannabis retailers (delivery-only) and permits state-licensed deliveries to any address in the city, subject to driver requirements, vehicle inventory limits, and consumer age verification at the door.
Long Beach restricts commercial cannabis cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, and testing to specific industrial and limited commercial zones under LBMC Chapter 5.90 and the citywide zoning code, with retail allowed only in designated commercial districts.
California Proposition 64 lets adults 21 and older grow up to six cannabis plants per residence for personal use. Long Beach requires indoor cultivation only, with security and odor controls, and bans outdoor home cultivation citywide.
Long Beach prohibits cannabis retail, manufacturing, and cultivation businesses from operating within 600 feet of K-12 schools, daycares, parks, libraries, and other licensed cannabis businesses, measured property line to property line.
Cannabis dispensaries in Long Beach are regulated under LBMC Ch. 5.92. The city allows 27-35 dispensaries total. Dispensaries cannot be within 600 ft of parks, libraries, or daycares, or within 1,000 ft of schools, beaches, or other dispensaries.
Adults 21+ may cultivate up to 6 cannabis plants per household for personal use under LBMC §5.92.520 and CA Prop 64. Plants must be in a locked, enclosed space not visible from public areas.
Long Beach was an early adopter, banning single-use plastic carryout bags at large retailers in 2011 under LBMC Chapter 8.103. The ordinance now operates alongside California's statewide ban (SB 270) requiring 10-cent fees for paper or reusable bags.
Long Beach prohibits food vendors from using expanded polystyrene foam (Styrofoam) cups, plates, clamshells, and trays for prepared food. City facilities and city-permitted events must also use non-foam alternatives.
California Assembly Bill 1276 prohibits food facilities from automatically including single-use foodware accessories like utensils, straws, condiment packets, and napkins. Customers must specifically request them or check a box for online and delivery orders.
LA County Code Title 12.84 makes unincorporated areas a straws-on-request jurisdiction, and California AB-1884 (Public Resources Code section 42270) plus AB-1276 extend parallel rules statewide. Restaurants cannot auto-distribute single-use plastic straws; disability requests must be accommodated.
LA County Code Title 12.84 (Ord. 2008-0006) bans expanded polystyrene foam cups at all county facilities and food vendors operating on county property. California SB-54 phases out non-recyclable plastic cup packaging statewide by 2032, layering tighter standards over the county rule.
LA County Code Title 12.84 bans expanded polystyrene takeout containers at unincorporated-area food businesses. California AB-1201 sets ASTM compostability labeling rules so containers marketed compostable meet ASTM D6400 or D6868 standards before being sold or used countywide.
Long Beach requires every tobacco and electronic cigarette retailer to hold a city tobacco retailer license under LBMC Chapter 5.40 in addition to the state license, with annual fees, density caps in some areas, and mandatory youth-decoy compliance checks.
California Senate Bill 793, upheld by voters as Proposition 31 in 2022, bans the retail sale of most flavored tobacco products including menthol cigarettes and flavored vape liquids. Long Beach enforces the ban through tobacco retailer licensing.
Federal Tobacco 21 (Public Law 116-94) and California Business and Professions Code section 22963 bar LA County retailers from selling cigarettes, cigars, vapes, or any tobacco product to anyone under 21. LA County DPH enforces in unincorporated areas with photo-ID checks.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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'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.
Properties in mapped Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones must maintain 100 feet of defensible space under California PRC §4291 and LACo Fire Code Title 32 §4906, with annual LACoFD Forestry Division inspections in Malibu, Topanga, Altadena, and Antelope Valley foothills.
Los Angeles County's Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy at LA County Code Title 2.205 directs all departments to prioritize recycled-content, energy-efficient, and low-toxicity products. Internal Services manages a zero-emission fleet replacement schedule for county-owned light-duty vehicles.
LA County Public Works runs cool pavement pilots in unincorporated communities like Pacoima-adjacent areas to lower surface temperatures during heat waves. The reflective coatings reduce roadway temperatures by up to 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit on summer afternoons.
Los Angeles County enforces shoreline management regulations for its extensive coastline and waterways in unincorporated areas. Development within the coastal zone requires compliance with the California Coastal Act and the county's Local Coastal Program. Projects near beaches, harbors, and coastal bluffs are subject to stringent setback, access, and environmental review requirements administered by the Department of Regional Planning.
The Long Beach Water Department restricts outdoor irrigation to assigned days and limits sprinkler runtime, mirroring Metropolitan Water District drought rules. Watering is generally banned during the heat of the day and within forty-eight hours of measurable rainfall.
Long Beach Water Department offers rebates to homeowners and businesses replacing thirsty lawn with California-friendly landscaping, mulch, and efficient drip irrigation. The program coordinates with Metropolitan Water District turf rebate funding and applies citywide.
Long Beach Water customers must repair plumbing leaks promptly and are encouraged to report visible street, sidewalk, or main-line leaks to the Water Department. Continuous water waste from broken fixtures or runoff into gutters can trigger notices and fines under conservation rules.
LA County Sanitation Districts produce tertiary-treated recycled water at facilities like Whittier Narrows and San Jose Creek for irrigation and industrial use, distributed through purple-pipe systems regulated under LACO Title 11.38 and Title 22 CCR.
Long Beach encourages dense, mixed-use development around Metro A Line and Long Beach Transit corridors through specific plans and zoning incentives. State density bonus law and SB 35 streamlining further support multi-family housing near high-quality transit citywide.
Most development in Long Beach's Coastal Zone, including the Peninsula, Belmont Shore, Naples, Alamitos Bay, and downtown shoreline, requires a Coastal Development Permit under Title 17 of the Municipal Code, implementing the California Coastal Act through the Local Coastal Program.
Long Beach implements California's Density Bonus Law, allowing housing developers extra units, height, parking concessions, and waivers in exchange for restricted affordable units. The benefits stack with the city's tier-based Inclusionary Housing ordinance under LBMC 21.67.
LA County maintains roughly 30 community plans plus several specific plans under LACO Title 22 that overlay base zoning across unincorporated areas like Altadena, East LA, Marina del Rey, and Topanga with tailored use, density, height, and design rules.
LACO Title 22.110.090 governs Hillside Management Areas in unincorporated LA County, applying a slope-density formula, requiring vegetation protection, and triggering geotechnical review and CEQA evaluation for steep-lot development.
Parkway strips between sidewalks and curbs in Long Beach are city right-of-way managed by Public Works. Residents must obtain a permit to plant or remove trees in the parkway, and species must come from the approved street tree palette to ensure long-term success and infrastructure compatibility.
Long Beach Municipal Code Title 14 chapter 14.04 protects designated heritage trees and certain species on public and private property. Removing, topping, or seriously damaging a protected tree without a permit can trigger significant fines and replacement requirements.
Long Beach protects heritage and street trees under LBMC Ch. 14.28. Removing protected trees without a permit is illegal with heavy fines or jail. In the Coastal Zone, tree removal requires a Coastal Zone permit and 2:1 replacement ratio.
Tree removal in Long Beach requires a permit from the Director of Public Works under LBMC Ch. 14.28. Removal allowed only if tree is dead, dying, diseased, or causing major structural damage. Personal preference is not grounds for removal.
Tree replacement in Long Beach's Coastal Zone requires a 2:1 ratio for removed nesting/breeding trees. The Public Works Director regulates species, spacing (min 25 ft apart), and planting methods. Trees must be 5+ ft from hydrants and meters.
The LA County Community Forest Management Plan and OurCounty Sustainability Plan target a 50 percent canopy increase in low-canopy unincorporated communities by 2045. DPW, Parks, and Public Health prioritize free plantings in Southeast LA and Antelope Valley equity zones.
Los Angeles County protects significant trees in unincorporated areas through its Oak Tree Ordinance (Title 22, Chapter 22.174) and related regulations. The ordinance requires permits for removal or relocation of oak trees and other protected species. Heritage trees receive enhanced protection. Mitigation including replacement planting is required when removal is approved.
Long Beach charges a 12% Transient Occupancy Tax on hotel, motel, and short-term lodging stays under 30 days. Operators collect from guests at registration and remit monthly to the city Treasurer.
Measure WW, passed by Long Beach voters in 2018, requires hotels with 50+ rooms to provide panic buttons, daily room-cleaning workload caps, and worker-retention rights when hotels change ownership.
Long Beach Living Wage Ordinance requires city service contractors and certain airport and convention center employers to pay an hourly living wage above California minimum wage, with annual indexing.
Long Beach follows the California statewide minimum wage of $16.50 per hour for most employers, indexed annually to inflation. The city has no general citywide wage above the state floor.
Long Beach passed a $4-per-hour grocery worker hazard premium in 2021 during the pandemic. The ordinance was time-limited, faced litigation, and is no longer in effect citywide.
California Healthy Workplaces Healthy Families Act mandates at least 40 hours, or five days, of paid sick leave per year for nearly all employees. Long Beach has no expanded citywide leave ordinance.
LA County has no general predictive-scheduling ordinance for unincorporated areas. California AB-1228 governs fast-food workers via the statewide Fast Food Council, and statewide retail rules apply uniformly without local mandates.
Long Beach requires every retailer selling tobacco, vapor products, or e-cigarettes to hold a city Tobacco Retail License in addition to the state retailer license, with strict location and compliance rules.
Long Beach regulates massage establishments through zoning, permits, and operator background checks, layered on top of statewide certification through the California Massage Therapy Council.
Long Beach permits tow companies that contract with the city for police-initiated tows, with rotation rules, fee schedules, and storage standards. Private property tows must follow California Vehicle Code rules.
LACO Title 22.140.220 bars commercial auto repair as a home occupation in unincorporated LA County. Residents may work on personally owned vehicles in their own driveway or garage, but cannot run a paid repair business or store customer cars on the property.
LACO Title 22.140.300 zones adult businesses only outside 1,000-foot buffers from schools, churches, parks, and homes in unincorporated areas. Title 7.18 requires a Sheriff business license with operator background check before any adult arcade, cabaret, or bookstore can open.
Tattoo, piercing, and permanent-makeup shops in unincorporated LA County need a Title 11.36 health permit from LA County DPH Body Art Program plus LASD operator clearance. State Penal Code §653 bans tattooing anyone under 18, with no parental consent exception.
Smoke shops in unincorporated LA County face Title 22.140.300 sensitive-use zoning, the Title 11.04.250 flavored-tobacco sales ban from Ordinance 2019-0014, and the Title 11.04.260 tobacco retail license cap. Hookah lounges hold a narrow on-site consumption exemption.
Secondhand dealers in unincorporated LA County need a Title 7.18 Sheriff business license plus state Bus. & Prof. Code §21626 registration. Daily LeadsOnline reporting of all purchases and a 30-day police hold on every item are mandatory before resale.
Pawnbrokers in unincorporated LA County operate under California Financial Code §21000 plus LACO Title 7.18, with a 90-day minimum loan term and 60-day grace period before any pledge can be sold. Daily reporting goes to LASD through the CAPSS system.
Long Beach does not mandate E-Verify for private employers. California restricts mandatory E-Verify outside federal contractors, leaving the program voluntary for most Long Beach businesses.
Long Beach adopted sanctuary-city resolutions limiting cooperation between local police and federal immigration enforcement. The city follows California SB 54, the statewide TRUST Act, restricting ICE coordination.
Long Beach prohibits drinking alcoholic beverages or possessing open containers in public places including streets, sidewalks, parks, beaches, and the bike path, with limited exceptions for permitted special events.
Long Beach prohibits smoking and vaping at all city parks, beaches, the bike path, outdoor dining, and within 20 feet of public buildings, with limited designated smoking areas.
Public cannabis consumption is illegal across Long Beach under both state law and the city smoke-free ordinance, regardless of medical or adult-use status. Consumption is restricted to private residences.
LA County Code Title 13.10.040 prohibits aggressive solicitation in unincorporated areas, including blocking pedestrians, touching, intimidating language, or soliciting near ATMs, bus stops, and outdoor dining. Passive panhandling remains constitutionally protected, but aggressive conduct is an infraction enforced by LASD.
LA County Code Title 13.10 and Title 13.32, together with the LA County Public Health Code, prohibit urinating or defecating in any public place or on private property visible from a public way. Violations are infractions starting at $250 enforced by the Sheriff's Department and Public Health.
Skateboarding is restricted in LA County parks under Title 13.50, on Beaches and Harbors bike paths, and on county-controlled commercial walkways. California Vehicle Code Section 21212 also requires riders under eighteen to wear a helmet whenever skating in any public street, bikeway, or trail.
LA County Code Title 13.36 declares loud or unruly gatherings a public nuisance and lets the Sheriff bill the host, property owner, and on-site adults for response and abatement costs after a written warning. The rule mirrors LA City Section 41.40 and layers atop Title 12 noise limits.
LA County does not prohibit loitering itself, since vague loitering bans violate the First and Fourth Amendments. Title 13 reaches only narrow loitering-with-intent conduct, such as loitering to commit theft, prostitution-related solicitation, or drug sales, mirroring California Penal Code Sections 647 and 653.22.
California Assembly Bill 2147, the Freedom to Walk Act, amended Vehicle Code Section 21955 effective January 2023. Crossing midblock outside a marked crosswalk is now an infraction only when an immediate hazard of collision exists. LA Sheriff adopted the new statewide standard for unincorporated areas.
Long Beach taxes businesses through a classification-based business license fee schedule. Rates vary by business type, with port-related, professional, retail, and rental classifications each having distinct formulas.
Measure ULA, the high-value real estate transfer tax, is a Los Angeles City ordinance under LAMC Section 21.9.2 and does not apply countywide. Most LA County sales pay only the California documentary transfer tax baseline, plus city add-ons where applicable.
Los Angeles County has not enacted a countywide vacancy tax on empty homes or commercial space. Unincorporated areas and most LA County cities impose no annual penalty on vacant property, although several cities including Santa Monica have studied measures.
LA County Code Title 22.140.470 imposes an affordable housing linkage fee on new commercial and market-rate residential development in unincorporated areas. Fees fund the Affordable Housing Trust administered by LACDA, with rates tiered by zone.
LA County Code Title 4.72 imposes a 10 percent parking occupancy tax on commercial parking transactions in unincorporated areas. Operators register with the Treasurer-Tax Collector, collect tax from drivers, and remit monthly under audit by the TTC.
Long Beach maintains an extensive bike network, including protected lanes, buffered lanes, and sharrows on streets like Broadway, Third, Pine, and the beach path. California Vehicle Code rules govern lane use, while the city enforces obstruction and parking restrictions in bike facilities.
Long Beach permits shared electric scooters and Long Beach Bike Share through a city-managed program. Operators pay fees, deploy in defined zones, and follow rules on speed, parking corrals, sidewalk riding, and rider age, with enforcement by Public Works and Police.
The 2022 LA County Curb Management Strategy prioritizes pickup and dropoff over parking and loading in commercial corridors. DPW retrofits curb zones using a tiered hierarchy with TNC (Uber, Lyft) zones, accessible loading, and parking allocations in unincorporated business districts.
Long Beach mandates recycling under LBMC §8.60.370 (effective Jan 2022) and SB 1383. All accounts are auto-enrolled in organics and recycling. Tenants and employees must be educated on requirements. Inspections ensure compliance.
Long Beach provides bulky item pickup through the Environmental Services Department. The city collects refuse and organics with city staff, while Waste Management handles recycling. Illegal dumping is a significant issue with ~18,000 mattresses dumped annually.
Long Beach provides refuse collection to approximately 118,000 accounts under LBMC Ch. 8.60. Refuse collection vehicles are prohibited in residential areas between 7 PM and 7 AM. All accounts auto-enrolled in organics/recycling per SB 1383.
Trash bins in Long Beach must be placed curbside on collection day and returned promptly. LBMC §8.60.370 requires all accounts to have organics and recycling service. Bins must have proper color coding and signage.
California SB-1383 and LA County Code Title 12.84 require all residents and businesses in unincorporated areas to separate organic waste including food scraps, food-soiled paper, and yard trimmings from trash. Haulers provide green carts and inspections. LA Sanitation enforces.
LA County Code Title 12.84 governs valet-trash and door-to-door collection programs at apartment and condo buildings in unincorporated areas. Buildings must use a franchise hauler, separate organics and recyclables, and meet diversion targets even when residents place bags outside doors.
LA County Public Works coordinates franchise haulers including Athens Services, Republic Services, and Waste Management to slide trash, recycling, and organics pickup one day later for the rest of the week after six observed holidays: New Year's, Memorial, Independence, Labor, Thanksgiving, Christmas.
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.
Long Beach prohibits open-flame cooking devices and LP-gas containers over 1 pound on combustible balconies of multi-family buildings under California Fire Code Section 308.1.4, adopted by reference in LBMC Chapter 18.48.
Long Beach has no city ordinance specifically regulating residential wood-fired smokers or pizza ovens. Smoke nuisance is enforced under LBMC Section 8.80 (nuisance) and South Coast AQMD Rule 444 for visible emissions.
Long Beach has no city ordinance regulating residential holiday inflatables. Size, lighting, and motor noise are not separately regulated, though general LBMC noise rules and front-yard setback rules in LBMC Section 21.31 still apply.
Long Beach has no city ordinance regulating the display window or brightness of residential holiday lights. Light trespass is enforced only under LBMC Section 21.32.270 (outdoor lighting standards) for commercial sites and HOA CC&Rs where applicable.
Long Beach has no city ordinance specifically regulating residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round decorations. Front-yard structures must comply with LBMC Section 21.31 setbacks. Historic districts and HOAs may impose stricter rules.
Long Beach requires trash bins to be stored out of public view except on collection days. Bins must be placed curbside for collection and retrieved promptly. LBMC Ch. 8.60 governs solid waste collection and container requirements.
Snow is not applicable in Long Beach due to its coastal Southern California climate. There are no snow removal or sidewalk clearing ordinances. Property owners are responsible for general sidewalk maintenance.
Vacant lots in Long Beach must be maintained free of weeds, debris, and nuisance conditions under LBMC Ch. 9.37. The city may abate violations at the owner's expense. Fencing or screening may be required for security.
Garage sales in Long Beach require a permit under LBMC Ch. 5.40. Limited to 4 per year (1 per quarter), hours of 8 AM-3 PM. Signs must be under 4 ft tall and 6 sq ft, and removed after the sale.
Long Beach actively enforces property blight under LBMC Ch. 9.37 (Nuisance Code). Outside storage, junk, debris, discarded furniture, and appliances visible from public view are violations. Approximately 18,000 mattresses are illegally dumped annually.
Lot coverage in Long Beach varies by zoning district under LBMC Title 21 Chapter 21.31. R-1 zones typically allow 50-60% lot coverage. ADUs and accessory structures count toward total coverage.
Building height limits in Long Beach are set by zoning district under LBMC Title 21. R-1 zones allow a maximum of 28 feet. Accessory structures are limited to 15 feet. Height exceptions apply for solar panels and rooftop equipment.
Residential setbacks in Long Beach vary by zone under LBMC Title 21. R-1 zones require front, side, and rear setbacks. ADUs follow state-mandated 4-foot side/rear setbacks per CA Gov Code §65852.2.
Long Beach enforces a juvenile curfew for minors under 18. Minors are prohibited from public places during late-night hours without a parent or guardian. Exceptions include employment, emergencies, and First Amendment activities.
Long Beach parks and beaches close between 10 PM and one hour before sunrise under LBMC Ch. 16.16. Walking, jogging, and fishing (with license) are permitted on wet sand until midnight.
Long Beach limits garage sales to one permit per quarter, maximum 4 per year under LBMC Ch. 5.40. A permit must be obtained and displayed on the premises during the sale.
Garage sales in Long Beach are limited to the hours of 8 AM to 3 PM under LBMC Ch. 5.40. Signs for garage sales must be removed at the end of the sale and cannot be placed on public property.
A garage sale permit is required in Long Beach under LBMC Ch. 5.40. Permits can be obtained from the Finance Department. The permit must be displayed on the premises during the sale.
Long Beach does not have a standalone dark sky ordinance. Outdoor lighting is regulated through the zoning code Ch. 21.45 which requires shielding of floodlights so light sources are not visible from public rights-of-way or adjacent properties.
Long Beach zoning code prohibits sign illumination systems from using beacons, spots, or stroboscopic lights visible from public right-of-way or adjacent properties. Floodlights must be shielded so light source is not visible from dwellings.
Title 22.140.385 of the LA County Code limits billboard illumination in unincorporated areas to 0.3 foot-candles above ambient measured at the property line, requires full cutoff fixtures aimed downward, and bans upward light spill into the night sky.
Title 22.140.385 of the LA County Code requires residential and commercial security lighting in unincorporated areas to use full cutoff shields aimed downward, capping property-line spill at 0.5 foot-candles and prohibiting glare onto neighboring dwellings or public ways.
Title 22.140.385 of the LA County Code exempts seasonal holiday lighting from outdoor-lighting brightness, shielding, and dark-sky rules between November 1 and January 15 each year, provided the displays do not create traffic hazards or unreasonable glare.
Garage sale signs in Long Beach must be no more than 4 ft tall and 6 sq ft in area under LBMC Ch. 5.40. Signs cannot be placed on public property and must be removed at the end of the sale.
Holiday displays on private property in Long Beach are generally permitted as temporary decorations. The city's sign code under LBMC Ch. 21.44 does not specifically restrict seasonal or holiday displays on residential property.
Political signs in Long Beach are protected expression under the First Amendment. The city's sign code LBMC Ch. 21.44 cannot prohibit flags or signs that constitute protected expression. Temporary political signs on private property are generally allowed.
Title 22.140.430 of the LA County Code prohibits digital and electronic message-center billboards in all residential zones of unincorporated areas, allowing them in commercial and industrial zones only with a Conditional Use Permit and strict brightness, dwell-time, and spacing limits.
Title 22.140.430 of the LA County Code limits window signs in commercial buildings of unincorporated areas to 25 percent of the window's glass area, bans flashing or animated displays, and allows neon and LED only with proper electrical permits.
Off-site signs visible from interstate and primary highways in unincorporated Los Angeles County are governed by the California Outdoor Advertising Act under Business and Professions Code §5200 et seq., which preempts most local rules and requires a Caltrans permit.
Long Beach offers streamlined online permitting for rooftop solar PV systems. Express electrical permits for flush-mounted systems up to 38.4 kW. Permit fees are $386.62 (PV only) or $447.45 (PV + energy storage).
CA Civil Code §714 (Solar Rights Act) prohibits HOAs from banning solar panels. HOAs may impose reasonable restrictions but cannot effectively prohibit or significantly increase the cost of solar installation.
California Government Code §65850.5 and LA County Code Title 22.140.500 require expedited solar permitting for residential rooftop systems under 38.4 kilowatts. LA County uses SolarAPP+ instant online plan review through Building and Safety, typically issuing permits within three business days.
California Government Code §65852.27 lets farmers install ground-mounted solar serving on-site agricultural operations as ministerial accessory uses. LA County Code Title 22.140.500 adds setback and visibility standards for ag-overlay parcels in Antelope Valley and other unincorporated farming areas.
California SB-43 created the Green Tariff Shared Renewables program letting LA County renters and shaded-roof homeowners subscribe to community solar shares without on-site panels. LA County Waterworks pilots and Southern California Edison Green Rate provide enrollment paths countywide.
Solicitors and peddlers in Long Beach must comply with LBMC Ch. 5.66. A business license is required for door-to-door sales activities. Operating conditions are set for peddler activities in the city.
Long Beach regulates solicitors and peddlers under LBMC Ch. 5.66. Solicitors must respect 'No Solicitors' and 'No Peddlers' signs posted at residences. Violations are subject to administrative civil penalties under Ch. 9.65.
Recreational drone use in Long Beach requires FAA registration for drones over 0.55 lbs. LAANC authorization is required due to proximity to Long Beach Airport (LGB). No city-specific drone ban exists for parks, unlike LA city.
Commercial drone operations in Long Beach require FAA Part 107 certification and LAANC authorization. Port of Long Beach requires a separate permit. CA Civil Code §1708.8 imposes privacy penalties up to $5,000 per incident.
Federal Aviation Administration rules under 14 CFR Part 107 and LAANC preempt local drone-proximity rules. Pilots must obtain controlled-airspace authorization within five miles of LAX, Burbank, Long Beach, Van Nuys, Hawthorne, Whiteman, Compton, El Monte, and Santa Monica airports.
Title 17.04.510 of the LA County Code prohibits launching, landing, or operating unmanned aircraft systems in County-operated parks, beaches, and recreation areas without an advance permit from the Department of Parks and Recreation. The rule covers over 180 facilities.
The Federal Aviation Administration issues Temporary Flight Restrictions over major LA County events including Rose Parade, Super Bowl, Oscars, large stadium games, and active wildfires. TFRs block all drones inside the cylinder and ground LA County operations under Title 17.04.510.
Food trucks in Long Beach need a city business license and LA County Health Permit per LBMC Ch. 5.37. The city's sidewalk vending ordinance (LBMC Ch. 5.73, effective Feb 2024) regulates roaming vendors in residential areas from 8 AM to 8 PM or sunset.
Sidewalk vending in Long Beach is regulated under LBMC Ch. 5.73 (effective Feb 2024). Only roaming vending is permitted in residential areas. Canopies limited to 10x10 ft. The city is updating zoning code for food truck parking standards.
California Penal Code section 53071 preempts almost all local firearm regulation, so LA County cannot license or restrict gun ownership beyond state law. Narrow zoning and discharge rules survive in unincorporated areas under LACO Title 13.
California Penal Code section 25400 prohibits carrying a concealed firearm without a CCW. The LA County Sheriff issues permits to county residents under shall-issue rules following Bruen and SB-2, with sensitive-place limits applied countywide.
California Penal Code sections 25400 and 25610 require firearms transported by vehicle in LA County to be unloaded, with handguns inside a locked container or trunk. Long guns must be unloaded but may ride in the passenger compartment if encased.
California Penal Code section 26350 bans open carry of unloaded handguns in incorporated areas, and section 26400 bans openly carried unloaded long guns. Most LA County cities are incorporated; unincorporated areas have narrower restrictions but loaded open carry is barred everywhere.
LA County Code Title 22.06 establishes three agricultural zones for unincorporated areas: A-1 light agriculture, A-2 heavy agriculture, and A-2-H heavy agriculture with hog ranches. These zones cover most farming in Antelope Valley and Santa Clarita Valley.
California Civil Code §3482.5 protects established agricultural operations from nuisance suits after three years of consistent activity. LA County applies the state rule, particularly important in Antelope Valley and Santa Clarita Valley farming areas.
LA County has no mandatory retrofit ordinance for non-ductile concrete buildings in unincorporated areas. LACoDPW maintains a voluntary inventory and offers ASCE 41-17 evaluation guidance, while LA City's mandatory program does not extend to county jurisdiction.
LA County Ordinance 2017-0061 added Title 26 Chapter 95 requiring seismic retrofit of soft-story wood-frame multi-unit buildings in unincorporated areas. Owners of pre-1978 buildings with five or more units over open parking must evaluate and retrofit on a phased schedule.
LA County has no mandatory retrofit ordinance for pre-Northridge welded steel moment-frame buildings. LACoDPW follows FEMA 351-355 evaluation guidance and accepts ASCE 41-17 voluntary upgrades through Title 26 permits, with no countywide deadline.
California SB-721 (apartments) and SB-326 (HOA condos) require periodic inspection of exterior elevated elements like balconies and walkways. LACoDPW enforces in unincorporated areas; first SB-721 inspections were due January 1, 2025, with nine-year cycles.
LA County addresses tilt-up concrete buildings through voluntary ASCE 41-17 evaluation rather than a mandatory retrofit ordinance. LACoDPW guidance focuses on wall-to-roof anchorage failures observed in 1971 Sylmar and 1994 Northridge earthquakes for pre-1976 structures.
LA County does not regulate aircraft engine run-ups; airport operators do. LAX (Los Angeles World Airports) caps run-ups at designated bays with hush-house enclosures. Bob Hope (Burbank) restricts maintenance run-ups overnight. Long Beach Airport's Noise Ordinance is the strictest in California.
FAA federal preemption blocks LA County from regulating helicopter altitude or routes. Title 12.08.330 still bars willful operation creating disturbing ground noise. LASD Air Support, news, traffic, and hospital helipads dominate countywide rotorcraft activity.
LA County Code §12.08.440 caps powered construction equipment at 75 dBA measured at 50 feet from the source in unincorporated areas. Work allowed Mon-Sat 7am-8pm; banned on Sundays and holidays. LASD and DPW handle citations.
LA County Code §12.08.500 limits motor-vehicle noise to 75 dBA at 50 feet on local streets. California Vehicle Code §27007 bans amplified sound systems audible 50 feet from a truck. Early-morning grocery and trash deliveries draw most complaints.
Federal law preempts LA County from designating helicopter flight paths. The LA Helicopter Noise Coalition, FAA, and operators publish voluntary routes over freeway corridors and avoid residential overflight where practical. LASD Air Support and tour operators participate but compliance is non-binding.
Hospital helipads in LA County need a building permit under California Building Code §1503.3 plus LACOFD Title 32 fire approval. Medevac flights enjoy emergency exemptions from §12.08.330 noise rules, but routine training flights must minimize residential disturbance.
LA County Code Title 12.08 measures low-frequency bass from sound systems on the C-weighted scale, capping levels at 60 dB(C) inside neighboring residences in unincorporated areas. LASD investigates throbbing-bass complaints from clubs, parties, and modified vehicles.
Bars and entertainment venues in unincorporated LA County must comply with Chapter 12.08 exterior noise standards. Commercial zone limits are 60 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime. Conditional use permits often impose stricter noise conditions.
HVAC systems and mechanical equipment in unincorporated LA County must comply with Chapter 12.08 exterior noise standards. Residential HVAC units cannot exceed 50 dBA daytime or 45 dBA nighttime at the neighboring property line.
Car alarms in unincorporated LA County are regulated under Chapter 12.08 and California Vehicle Code §22651.5. Alarms sounding for extended periods may result in vehicle towing. Owners are responsible for ensuring alarms do not create a nuisance.
Generators and power equipment in unincorporated LA County must comply with Chapter 12.08 exterior noise standards. Portable generators commonly exceed residential noise limits and should use sound enclosures. Emergency generators have limited exemptions.
FilmLA splits still photography in LA County by use. Commercial product or fashion shoots need full permits ($795 plus location fees) under Title 22.140. Editorial, news, and journalistic still photography is generally exempt. Wedding and personal shoots fall in between.
FilmLA, the nonprofit film office, issues location permits for unincorporated LA County under Title 22.140 plus 31+ contracted cities. Permits run $795 base plus daily site fees, certificates of insurance, and notification of impacted neighbors.
FilmLA offers reduced student-permit fees in unincorporated LA County and contracted cities for students at accredited programs. Application is $25 plus $25 daily location fee. Faculty signature, school insurance, and academic-only use are required.
Los Angeles County does not run a citywide Systematic Code Enforcement Program; Title 8.52 RSTPO provides limited inspection authority in unincorporated areas and LA County DPH inspects on tenant complaint.
California Code of Regulations Title 17 and federal Title X mandate lead hazard disclosure on pre-1978 rentals, while LA County DPH runs the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program with mandatory case reporting and abatement.
LA County's Rental Housing Habitability Program (RHHP), established by Chapters 8.53 and 8.55 (enacted April 2024), requires inspection of all rental units in unincorporated areas every 4 years. Inspections began November 2024.
LA County's RHHP enforces habitability standards per California Civil Code §1941.1 and the County Building Code. Rental units must have working plumbing, heating, electrical, weather protection, sanitation, and be free of pests and mold.
Tenants in unincorporated LA County can file habitability complaints with the RHHP. Environmental Health contacts complainants within 3 days and schedules inspections within 7 days. Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants who file complaints.
LA County extended COVID-era outdoor dining as a permanent program for unincorporated areas through DPW Public Works and DPH. Restaurants apply for sidewalk and parking-lot dining permits under Title 16.40 with ADA, fire-lane, and health requirements.
LA County DPW runs parklet pilots converting parking spaces into public seating in Marina del Rey, East LA, and Florence-Graham. Sponsors apply under Title 16.40 with $5,000-$15,000 buildout costs, design review, ADA compliance, and three-year maintenance commitments.
LA County Code Title 16.04 governs temporary closure of public roads for parades and processions. Public Works issues road closure permits with LA County Sheriff coordination for traffic control, route review, and required liability insurance.
LA County Code Title 7.84 sets special-event rules for street fairs, festivals, and outdoor markets. Organizers obtain permits from Treasurer-Tax Collector business licensing, plus LACoFD and Public Health review for tents, food, and crowd safety.
LA County DPW issues sidewalk-dining encroachment permits in unincorporated commercial corridors. Tables and chairs must preserve a five-foot ADA-compliant clear path, with Public Health review for outdoor food service per California Retail Food Code.
LA County Fire Code Title 32 §6101 caps propane patio heaters at one 20-pound cylinder per heater on commercial patios with 10-foot clearance from buildings. CARB regulates outdoor heater emissions, and SCAQMD natural-gas heater rules apply across the LA basin.
FilmLA processes commercial filming permits for unincorporated LA County, coordinating with Public Works on road closures, LA County Sheriff for traffic and security, and LACoFD for stunts, pyrotechnics, and special-effects review under Title 32.
Block parties in unincorporated LA County require road closure approval from Public Works, the Sheriff's Department, Fire Department, and CHP. Applications must include consent forms from affected residents and proof of liability insurance.
Events in LA County parks require permits from the Department of Parks and Recreation. Events expecting 100+ attendees or generating $5,000+ in fees need a Facility Use Agreement. Smaller events use a standard Facility Use Permit (Form P&R-82).
Sidewalk cafes in unincorporated LA County require encroachment permits from Public Works and planning approval. A minimum 4-foot clear pedestrian path must be maintained. ADA accessibility requirements apply to all outdoor dining setups.
Los Angeles County does not use Historic Preservation Overlay Zones; unincorporated areas instead apply Significant Ecological Areas under Title 22.110.060 for natural resources and Mills Act historic districts for buildings.
California Government Code 50280 and LA County Code Title 22.124 allow Mills Act contracts that cut property tax bills 60 to 70 percent for designated historic property owners who agree to ten-year preservation plans.
Los Angeles County imposes a demolition stay under Title 22.124 for designated historic landmarks in unincorporated areas, with Cultural Heritage Commission review required before any demolition permit can issue.
Los Angeles County designates historic landmarks under Title 22.124, with the Historical Landmarks and Records Commission recommending Board of Supervisors approval for properties of local, state, or national cultural significance.
Ailanthus altissima, the tree-of-heaven, is a Cal-IPC rated high-impact invasive that the LA County Agricultural Commissioner detects and treats due to its host role for the spotted lanternfly pest threat to California agriculture.
Los Angeles County Department of Public Works street tree program shifts from non-native palms toward native shade species under community plan policies, citing low shade canopy and water inefficiency of palms.
The LA County Agricultural Commissioner maintains a list of noxious weeds and invasive plant species. California's noxious weed list (Food & Agriculture Code §5004) applies countywide. Additionally, the county's landscaping and water-efficient ordinance discourages high-water-use ornamental species.
Los Angeles County does not have a specific countywide ordinance banning or restricting bamboo planting. However, running bamboo that spreads onto neighboring properties can create civil liability under California nuisance law, and the LA County Agricultural Commissioner monitors invasive species.
LA County allows front yard vegetable and food gardens in unincorporated areas. California AB 2561 (2022) prohibits local governments from banning front yard food gardens. The county's drought-tolerant landscaping incentives further encourage replacing ornamental lawns with productive gardens.
LA County has no specific doorbell camera ordinance, so California Penal Code 632 two-party consent for recorded conversations and Civil Code 1708.8 anti-paparazzi privacy rules govern Ring and Nest installations in unincorporated areas.
Los Angeles County has no countywide facial recognition prohibition; the Sheriff's Department accesses state and federal facial recognition databases including DOJ Cal-ID under existing law enforcement information-sharing agreements.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department operates automated license plate reader systems under California Civil Code 1798.90.5 and SB 34 retention, security, and audit requirements applicable to all California ALPR operators.
Security cameras on private residential property are legal in unincorporated LA County. California is a two-party consent state for audio recording (Penal Code §632), so cameras recording audio require all-party consent. Cameras must not point into areas where neighbors have a reasonable expectation of privacy.
California is a two-party (all-party) consent state for recording confidential communications. Under Penal Code §632, recording private conversations without consent from all parties is a crime punishable by fines and imprisonment. This applies to both audio and video recordings that capture private communications.
In unincorporated LA County, privacy fences up to 6 feet are allowed in side and rear yards without a building permit. Front yard fences are limited to 42 inches. Fences over 6 feet require a permit from the Department of Public Works, Building and Safety Division.
LA County's Sidewalk Vending Ordinance designates permitted vending areas and restricted zones in unincorporated communities. Vendors must maintain distances from storefronts, intersections, fire hydrants, and transit stops.
LA County's Sidewalk Vending Ordinance (adopted February 2024, effective August 2024) requires all vendors in unincorporated areas to register with the Department of Economic Opportunity for a Sidewalk Vending Registration Certificate (SVRC).
Food vending carts in unincorporated LA County must meet Department of Public Health CMFO standards. LA County partnered with the City of LA to provide free health-compliant carts to qualifying vendors through the sidewalk vending program.
In unincorporated LA County, the Department of Public Works maintains public sidewalks. Property owners are responsible for damage caused by trees on their property. The County operates a Sidewalk Repair Program for qualifying neighborhoods.
LA County Code prohibits obstructing public sidewalks and rights-of-way in unincorporated areas. A minimum 4-foot clear path must be maintained for ADA compliance. Encroachment permits are required for any permanent or semi-permanent use of sidewalk space.
Any work within a public right-of-way in unincorporated LA County requires an encroachment permit from the Department of Public Works. This includes utility connections, driveways, sidewalk modifications, and temporary construction activities.
Fences under 6 feet in height do not require a building permit in unincorporated LA County. Fences over 6 feet, retaining walls with fences, and fences in special zoning areas require permits. Front yard fences must not exceed 42 inches within the required setback.
In unincorporated LA County, one-story detached accessory buildings (tool/storage sheds) under 120 square feet with a maximum height of 12 feet are exempt from building permits. Larger sheds require a permit from the DPW Building and Safety Division. All sheds must comply with zoning setbacks.
In unincorporated LA County, decks not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below are exempt from building permits. Elevated decks, covered patios, and attached patio covers require permits from the DPW Building and Safety Division.
Most renovation work in unincorporated LA County requires a building permit from the DPW Building and Safety Division. Permits are needed for structural changes, electrical/plumbing/mechanical work, roofing, and window/door replacements that change openings. Cosmetic work generally does not require permits.
LA County Building and Safety investigates code complaints through scheduled inspections. Emergency safety hazards are prioritized, while routine complaints are generally investigated within 10-15 business days of filing. Complex cases involving permits or legal action may take longer.
Residents in unincorporated Los Angeles County can report building, zoning, and property maintenance violations to the LA County Department of Public Works, Building and Safety Division. Reports can be filed online, by phone at (626) 458-3173, or through the LA County portal.
The most frequently cited code violations in unincorporated LA County include construction without permits, illegal dwelling units (garage conversions), overgrown vegetation, unpermitted signage, and property maintenance failures such as accumulated debris and dilapidated structures.