ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Permit in Long Beach (2026)
ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) permit requirements, fees, and process for Long Beach, CA. Find out if you need a permit and how to apply.
Yes, a ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) permit is required in Long Beach, CA.
A ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) permit is required in Long Beach, CA. The Long Beach Development Services — Building and Safety Bureau handles permit applications for Long Beach. Below you will find the current thresholds, fees, and process for obtaining a adu (accessory dwelling unit) permit in Long Beach.
When Is a Permit Required?
When a ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Permit Is Required in Long Beach: All ADUs and JADUs
Permit Fees
ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Permit Fees in Long Beach: $2,000–$9,000 typical. Estimated timeline: 3-6 weeks plan check.
Estimated timeline: 3-6 weeks plan check
How to Get a ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Permit in Long Beach
Verify whether your project meets the permit threshold in Long Beach: All ADUs and JADUs.
Prepare your permit application and plans. Contact the Long Beach Development Services — Building and Safety Bureau at https://www.longbeach.gov/lbds/ for required documentation.
Submit your application online at https://www.longbeach.gov/lbds/permits/ or in person at the Long Beach Development Services — Building and Safety Bureau.
Pay the permit fee: $2,000–$9,000 typical.
Wait for plan check approval. Estimated timeline: 3-6 weeks plan check.
Schedule required inspections through https://www.longbeach.gov/lbds/inspections/. All inspections must pass before project is finalized.
Important: Ministerial approval within 60 days per state law. Long Beach offers Pre-Application meetings for ADU projects. Coastal Zone ADUs may need Coastal Development Permit before building permit. Long Beach Water connection fees for new utility service.
Long Beach Development Services — Building and Safety Bureau
Phone: (562) 570-5416
Website: https://www.longbeach.gov/lbds/
Online Permits: https://www.longbeach.gov/lbds/permits/
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:00pm (411 W. Ocean Blvd, 2nd Floor)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU on my Long Beach property?
Yes. California state law requires Long Beach to allow ADUs by-right on all residential lots. You can build a detached ADU up to 1,200 sqft or a Junior ADU (JADU) up to 500 sqft within your existing home. No owner-occupancy is required. The city must issue a ministerial approval within 60 days for code-compliant applications. Apply through Long Beach Development Services at (562) 570-5416 or visit 411 W. Ocean Blvd.
Does my Long Beach beachfront or coastal property need a Coastal Development Permit for an ADU?
Properties within the California Coastal Zone (generally within one mile of the coastline, plus areas near Alamitos Bay and Colorado Lagoon) may require a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) in addition to a standard building permit. The CDP review is typically a 2-4 week ministerial process for ADUs that comply with the Long Beach Local Coastal Program. Contact Long Beach Planning at (562) 570-6194 or check the Coastal Zone boundary map to determine if your property is within the Coastal Zone before starting your ADU project.
What are Long Beach's short-term rental rules compared to LA City?
Long Beach's STR rules are somewhat more permissive than LA City's. Long Beach allows whole-home short-term rentals up to 180 nights per year (compared to LA City's 120-night limit), and the registration fee is $183 per year. Primary residency requirement applies — the property must be your principal residence. Long Beach's 13% Transient Occupancy Tax is collected by platforms like Airbnb automatically. Note that LA City's Home Sharing Ordinance does not apply in Long Beach — the two cities have separate and distinct STR regulations.
Is Long Beach in the Metro A Line (Blue Line) transit corridor for ADU parking exemptions?
Yes. Long Beach has three Metro A Line (formerly Blue Line) stations: Downtown Long Beach, 1st Street, and Pacific Station. Properties within one-half mile of these stations qualify for the ADU parking exemption under California Gov Code 65852.2(d) — no additional parking is required for the ADU. Long Beach Transit also operates bus rapid transit routes that may qualify for transit proximity parking exemptions. Use Google Maps or eTRAKiT to determine if your property is within the half-mile transit zone.
Does my Long Beach property have oil or gas rights issues that affect development?
Some Long Beach properties, particularly in the signal hill area and near the Thums oil islands, may have subsurface oil and gas rights encumbrances. Before major excavation or ADU construction, check whether your property has any oil well abandonments, seismic hazard disclosures, or methane gas seep hazards. The Long Beach Oil and Gas Department maintains records of active and abandoned wells. A Phase I Environmental Assessment is advisable for properties near historic oil production areas before major construction.
How do cottage food businesses work in Long Beach?
Long Beach is within LA County's jurisdiction for cottage food licensing. Under California's Homemade Food Act (AB 1616), you can sell non-potentially-hazardous homemade foods (baked goods, jams, candy, etc.) from your home. Class A permits allow direct sales with no revenue cap. Class B permits allow indirect retail sales up to $75,000 annually. Apply through LA County Environmental Health Services at ehservices.publichealth.lacounty.gov. Long Beach has active farmers markets at Bixby Park (Sunday) and Bluff Park (Wednesday) that welcome cottage food vendors.
What historic districts exist in Long Beach and do they affect my renovation plans?
Long Beach has 9 locally-designated historic districts including Bluff Park, Rose Park, Drake Park/Willmore City, Carroll Park, and Cal Heights. Properties in these districts require a Certificate of Appropriateness for exterior modifications visible from the street. The review is typically 2-3 weeks for minor alterations that follow the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation. Solar panels, ADUs, and major additions in historic districts may face additional design requirements. Check your property at longbeach.gov — search for 'historic preservation' to see the district boundaries.
Source: Long Beach Building Code — ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Requirements. Last verified April 6, 2026. View source