Choose the Correct Long Beach Permit Route Before You Submit Plans or Pay Fees
Long Beach does not use one application route for every construction project. A reroof or water-heater replacement may be issued online, a window replacement may qualify for Express service, an ADU may use over-the-counter review, and a new building requires submitted multi-agency plan review.
This guide helps you choose that route first, prepare the correct forms, avoid coastal or historic-review surprises, track plan corrections, schedule inspections online and verify final approval.
Choose the Long Beach Action You Need
Long Beach Permit Route Finder
Select the project or problem that best matches your situation.
Long Beach Building & Safety Phone, Address and Hours
Confirm the City of Long Beach Is the Correct Permit Authority
Use Long Beach Community Development when
- The job site is inside incorporated Long Beach.
- The City’s permit or property search recognizes the address.
- The project is not under a separate Port, State or other agency jurisdiction.
Verify first when
- The property is close to Signal Hill, Lakewood, Carson or an unincorporated boundary.
- The work is inside the Port of Long Beach, harbor or public right-of-way.
- The mailing address says Long Beach but the city boundary is unclear.
Long Beach Uses Four Different Construction Permit Routes
Online permit
For listed projects that do not require traditional plan review.
- Residential PV, ESS and qualifying EV chargers
- One- and two-family reroof
- Water-heater changeout
- Electrical panel changeout
- Minor kitchen, bathroom or drywall work
Express permit
For minor work that does not require a plan check.
- Window replacement
- Simple kitchen or bathroom repair
- Water heater or electrical service work
- Heating upgrades
- Other projects listed in IB-058
Over-the-counter review
For qualifying minor projects that need an in-person plan review.
- One-story residential additions
- Accessory dwelling units
- Minor tenant improvements
- Minor storefront alterations
- Relocation of 50 or fewer sprinkler heads
Submitted plan review
For complex projects requiring routed agency review.
- New buildings
- Major additions
- Complex alterations
- Multidiscipline commercial work
- Projects not eligible for Express or OTC
Projects Currently Listed for the LB Services Online Portal
Online category |
Published limitation |
What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
Solar photovoltaic and energy storage |
One- and two-family dwellings and accessory structures; PV and ESS not exceeding 38.4 kW or 38.4 kWh |
System layout, equipment, checklist, contractor or owner authorization |
Electric vehicle charging station |
Qualifying one- and two-family projects; the City page lists no more than two EVCS |
Electrical information, equipment and FORM-019 checklist |
Reroof |
One- and two-family dwellings and related accessory structures |
Roof type, area, layers, contractor and project address |
Water-heater changeout |
Simple qualifying replacement |
Fuel, size, location and contractor or owner authorization |
Electrical panel or subpanel changeout |
Qualifying simple changeout |
Existing and proposed rating, service information and contractor |
Minor repair or alteration |
Minor kitchen remodel, bathroom remodel or drywall/plaster repair in one- and two-family dwellings |
Exact scope and confirmation that plan review is not required |
Does the Project Need a Building Permit?
Project |
Possible exemption |
Important condition |
|---|---|---|
Detached shed, playhouse or similar accessory structure |
Up to 120 sq. ft. |
No more than 8 feet from floor to roof and no plumbing, electrical or mechanical installation |
Fence |
Up to 6 feet 6 inches |
Planning, visibility, coastal and historic requirements may still apply |
Retaining wall or planter box |
Up to 4 feet |
Cannot support a surcharge or sloping earth |
Private concrete pathway, driveway or deck |
Up to 30 inches above grade |
Other zoning, grading or right-of-way rules may apply |
Minor roofing |
Up to 100 sq. ft. |
Limit applies within any 12-month period |
Drywall or plaster patch |
Up to 10 square yards |
Applies to the total repair area in the building |
Window awning |
Projection up to 54 inches |
Must not require additional support |
Wall veneer |
Less than 48 inches high |
Historic or coastal review may still be required |
Replacement windows |
Permit normally required |
The City specifically lists replacement windows as a DIY project requiring a permit |
Patio cover or gazebo |
Permit normally required |
Planning, lot coverage and historic or coastal review may apply |
Replacing sink, toilet or dishwasher |
Permit may be required |
Long Beach specifically warns these DIY replacements require permits |
Apply for a Long Beach Construction Permit in Seven Steps
Confirm zoning, coastal and historic conditions
Check the property before finalizing the design. Exterior work in a historic district and development in the coastal zone may require separate Planning approval.
Choose online, Express, OTC or submitted plan review
Use the least complicated route that actually matches the project. Call 562-570-PMIT when the work crosses multiple disciplines.
Complete the correct application and permittee forms
Use APP-001 for projects involving more than one discipline. Use APP-011, APP-012, APP-013 or APP-014 for qualifying Express building, electrical, plumbing or mechanical work.
Prepare coordinated digital documents
For in-person OTC or submitted plan review, bring permit applications, plans, reports and calculations as digital PDFs on a USB device.
Schedule the correct Permit Center service
Choose Express Permit issuance, OTC review, submitted plan-review intake, ready-to-issue permit or the appropriate code-question service.
Pay fees and follow every assigned reviewer
Submitted projects may be routed to Building, Planning, Fire, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, Health or outside agencies. Each reviewer may send separate comments.
Obtain permit issuance before beginning work
After all approvals, schedule the Ready-to-Issue service if required, pay the remaining fees and obtain the permit and approved plans.
Complete inspections and confirm final status
Schedule inspections online, correct every notice and verify the final inspection or Certificate of Occupancy before treating the project as complete.
Which Long Beach Form Should You Use?
Form |
Use it for |
Practical note |
|---|---|---|
APP-001 Development Permit Application |
Projects involving more than one discipline |
Building, grading, Fire, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, landscape and sign work can be consolidated |
APP-011 Express Building Permit Application |
Qualifying minor building work without plan review |
Confirm the project appears in IB-058 before using it |
APP-012 Express Electrical Permit Application |
Qualifying minor electrical work |
Larger or engineered systems may require plan review |
APP-013 Express Plumbing Permit Application |
Qualifying minor plumbing work |
Food facilities, gas systems and larger projects may require additional review |
APP-014 Express Mechanical Permit Application |
Qualifying minor mechanical work |
Equipment size, location and rated assemblies may affect eligibility |
FORM-005 |
California contractor and owner-builder declarations |
Required for many issuance and permit appointments |
FORM-006 |
Owner, builder or contractor permit proxy |
Use when an authorized agent acts for the owner or contractor |
FORM-028 |
Plot plan information |
May be required for Express or OTC projects involving exterior location |
Prepare a Package That Can Pass Intake Screening
Core application files
- Signed permit application
- Project address and scope
- Owner and applicant details
- Contractor or owner-builder forms
- Plot or site plan
- Existing and proposed floor plans
Technical documents
- Structural calculations
- Energy documentation
- Geotechnical report when applicable
- Electrical plans
- Mechanical and plumbing plans
- Fire and life-safety information
Outside and overlay reviews
- Planning approval
- Historic COA
- Coastal approval
- Public Works approval
- Utilities coordination
- Health or Harbor approval
How to Respond When Multiple Long Beach Reviewers Send Comments
Download every checklist and marked plan
Building, Planning, Fire and trade reviewers may send separate emails. Do not resubmit after answering only one discipline.
Create one master correction list
Sort comments by discipline and assign each item to the architect, engineer, contractor or owner.
Prepare an itemized response letter
Repeat each comment, explain the change and identify the updated sheet, detail or calculation.
Coordinate the revised plan set
Update sheet dates, revision clouds, indexes, calculations and supporting reports together.
Schedule the correct recheck route
An OTC project returns through the OTC recheck process. A submitted project follows the assigned plan-review resubmittal instructions.
Confirm every agency approved
Do not schedule Ready-to-Issue service until all required reviewers and outside conditions are complete.
Historic and Coastal Approval Can Be Required Before Construction
Historic landmark or district
Exterior changes require a Certificate of Appropriateness before work begins, even when no building permit is required.
- Windows and doors
- Repairs and additions
- Exterior repainting
- Reroofing
- Solar installations
Coastal zone
Development in the coastal zone requires either a Local Coastal Development Permit or a Coastal Permit Categorical Exclusion in addition to other permits.
- Green map areas: City jurisdiction, not appealable to Coastal Commission
- Yellow areas: City jurisdiction, appealable to Coastal Commission
- Red areas: California Coastal Commission jurisdiction
Long Beach ADU Plans Currently Begin at the Permit Center
Standard ADU or JADU
- Review current State-law and City planning guidance.
- Confirm lot and coastal or historic conditions.
- Prepare construction documents and applications.
- Schedule or visit the Permit Center.
- Submit plans in person and pay plan-check fees.
Pre-approved ADU plan
The City’s pre-approved ADU program can reduce design review effort. Qualifying plans may be reviewed over the counter with Building and Planning staff.
- Select a City pre-approved design.
- Prepare the site-specific plot plan.
- Resolve utilities, foundation and site conditions.
- Schedule an OTC appointment.
- Obtain site-specific approval and issuance.
Projects Submitted in 2026 Use the 2025 California Building Standards Code
Effective date
January 1, 2026
Projects must comply with the 2025 California Building Standards Code and Long Beach Municipal Code.
Main code disciplines
Building, residential, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, energy, Fire, existing building, historical and CALGreen standards.
Plan-submittal rule
The code in effect at the time of plan submittal controls the review unless a specific legal exception applies.
Build a Realistic Long Beach Permit Budget
Citywide guidance
The City says many construction projects may spend approximately 2% of building cost on plan checks, permits, inspections and other agency fees.
This is planning guidance—not a quote.
Published additions
- 6% Technology Surcharge on applicable fees
- 6% General Plan Surcharge on applicable fees
- $115 processing fee for each plan-check and permit application
- Separate building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing and Fire charges
- Possible sewer, impact, school and other agency fees
Surcharge and Processing-Fee Illustration
Enter an applicable quoted permit or plan-check fee. The tool adds the two published 6% surcharges and one $115 processing fee.
Construction and demolition recycling
Certain projects require a waste-diversion deposit at permit issuance. The deposit may be returned after project completion and acceptable recycling proof.
School developer fees
Residential projects may have Long Beach Unified School District fee requirements. Certain eligible residential projects may qualify for deferred payment under SB 937.
Best final estimate
Bring the complete project scope to the Permit Center. Staff can identify the applicable disciplines and outside charges more accurately than a generic calculator.
Schedule, Find or Cancel a Long Beach Building Inspection
Schedule
Use the official online building-inspection form. Telephone requests are not accepted.
Daily route
Daily inspection schedules are posted by 8:00 AM or earlier.
8:00–10:00 AM appointment
The City says the inspector will also call to confirm when the inspection is scheduled in this window.
Include in a cancellation
- Your name
- Project number
- Project address
- Inspection date
- Inspection type
- Contact information
Prepare the site
- Issued permit available
- Approved plans on site
- Work left visible
- Safe working ladder provided
- Adequate lighting
- Clean, unlocked access
What to Do at Each Permit or Plan-Review Stage
Use the Correct Long Beach Record Search
What you need |
Search tool |
Required information |
|---|---|---|
Current plan-review status |
Plan Review Status |
Project number assigned after intake |
Permit status or permit history |
Permit Status / History |
Address, permit or project information |
Permit number, description and inspection final date |
Permit History |
Search the property or project record |
Certificate of Occupancy, plot plan or report |
Permit Records archive |
Project address |
Architect-drawn plans |
Permit Center Resource Center |
Visit in person; plans are not available online |
Document not found online |
Public Records Act request |
Detailed address, record type and approximate project date |
Confirm Who Is Legally Pulling the Permit
California licensed contractor
- Correct CSLB license classification
- License status active
- Name matches application
- Workers’ compensation information
- FORM-005 completed
- FORM-006 proxy when an agent appears
Owner-builder
Long Beach says a homeowner may obtain a permit and perform construction, alteration or repair on the home and accessory structures when the owner resides or will reside in the dwelling.
- Read owner-builder responsibilities carefully
- Complete the required declaration
- Understand labor, insurance and supervision duties
- Use licensed trades when required
What to Say When You Contact Long Beach
“I am planning [exact work] at [address]. The project includes [building/electrical/plumbing/mechanical work]. Does it qualify for online, Express or OTC service, or does it need submitted plan review?”
“Project [number] at [address] has reviews assigned to [disciplines]. Which review or correction is still preventing Ready-to-Issue status?”
“The property at [address] may be in a historic district or coastal zone. Which Planning approval must be issued before I submit or begin the proposed [work]?”
“I am researching [address]. Please confirm whether permit [number] received a final inspection and whether any related trade permits or occupancy approvals remain open.”
Do Not Treat the Project as Finished Until These Are Confirmed
- Long Beach jurisdiction confirmed
- Coastal-zone status checked
- Historic status checked
- Correct online, Express, OTC or submitted route selected
- Correct application and permittee forms completed
- Plans and technical reports coordinated
- All agency comments resolved
- All applicable fees paid
- Permit formally issued
- Approved documents kept on site
- C&D recycling conditions completed
- Building inspections passed
- Trade inspections passed
- Health or Fire approval completed when required
- Final inspection or CO confirmed
- Owner receives final records
Long Beach Development Permit Center Map
Open the Correct Long Beach Permit Tool
Long Beach Building Permit and Inspection FAQs
Where do I apply for a Long Beach building permit?
Use the LB Services portal for supported online permits. Express, over-the-counter, submitted plan-review and ready-to-issue projects may require the Development Permit Center and the correct appointment service.
Which Long Beach projects can be permitted online?
The City lists qualifying residential solar, energy storage, EV chargers, reroofs, water-heater changeouts, electrical panel changeouts and minor kitchen, bathroom or drywall work. Limits and authorization requirements apply.
Does a 120-square-foot shed need a Long Beach building permit?
A detached shed or similar accessory structure may be exempt when it does not exceed 120 square feet or 8 feet from floor to roof and has no plumbing, electrical or mechanical installation. Planning and overlay rules still apply.
Does Long Beach require a permit for replacement windows?
Yes. The City specifically identifies replacement windows as a DIY project requiring a permit. Historic review may also be required when the property is a landmark or inside a historic district.
How do I schedule a Long Beach building inspection?
Use the official online Building Inspection page. Long Beach states that telephone requests are not accepted for building inspections.
How do I cancel a Long Beach building inspection?
Email DV-CancelInspections@longbeach.gov by 8:00 AM on the inspection day. Include your name, project number and project address.
How do I check Long Beach plan-review status?
Use the Plan Review Status tool and enter the project number assigned when the application was screened and routed for review.
What extra approval is needed for a historic property?
Exterior changes to a landmark or property in a historic district require a Certificate of Appropriateness before work begins, even when a building permit is not required.
Do projects in the Long Beach coastal zone need a coastal permit?
Development in the coastal zone requires either a Local Coastal Development Permit or a Coastal Permit Categorical Exclusion in addition to other applicable permits.
What surcharges are added to Long Beach permit fees?
The City’s fee page lists a 6% Technology Surcharge, a 6% General Plan Surcharge on applicable fees and a $115 processing fee for each plan-check and permit application. Additional discipline and agency fees may apply.
Accuracy and Source Note
Building-Department.org is an independent informational website and is not the City of Long Beach. Permit issuance, plan review, zoning decisions, inspections, fees and enforcement actions must be handled through the City or the correct outside agency.
This guide was checked against Long Beach Community Development, Building & Safety, the Development Permit Center, LB Services, Building Inspection, Planning, Historic Preservation, coastal-planning, fee and permit-record resources.
Last reviewed: July 21, 2026.
Forms, fees, appointment hours, online permit categories, code requirements and portal functions can change. Confirm time-sensitive details before filing, paying or beginning work.
Khushboo Bobade is a public records researcher and editorial writer specializing in government service documentation and construction permit systems.
Her research focuses on explaining building permits, inspection procedures, zoning regulations, and public permit records maintained by local government building departments across the United States.
Professional profile: View LinkedIn Profile
Check Permit Type, Estimate Fees, Prepare Inspections and Find Official Building Department Links
Use this free tool before applying for a building permit, booking an inspection, checking zoning rules, or searching permit records. It helps homeowners, contractors, landlords, buyers, and business owners understand the next step before visiting the official building department portal.
What building department task do you need help with?
Choose your goal. The tool will suggest the right next step, what to prepare, and which official page to check.
Before starting work, check whether your project needs building, zoning, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, right-of-way, or HOA approval.
Many portals require contractor registration, license details, insurance, plans, owner authorization, and inspection scheduling access.
Building Permit Type Finder
Select the project type to understand which permits or reviews are commonly required. Always confirm with the official local building department.
Permit Fee Estimate Calculator
Estimate a rough permit fee using project value and common percentage-based review assumptions. Local minimum fees, technology fees, impact fees, reinspection fees, and trade fees can change the final amount.
Inspection Readiness Checklist
Use this before scheduling framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roofing, final, or certificate-related inspections.
Zoning and Setback Pre-check
Use this before applying for a permit when your project may affect land use, setbacks, lot coverage, height, parking, signs, fences, accessory structures, or business use.
Plan Review Timeline Estimator
Estimate how complex your review may be. Local staffing, incomplete plans, corrections, holidays, fire review, zoning review, and outside agency review can change timing.
Permit Records Search Helper
Use this if you are trying to find old permits, inspection history, certificate of occupancy details, open permits, or code-related records.
Official Building Department Resource Finder
Enter city/county and state to create safe searches for official permit portals, inspection scheduling, building codes, zoning maps, forms, fees, and contact pages.
Building Department vs Planning/Zoning
- Building Department: permits, plan review, inspections, code compliance, certificates.
- Planning/Zoning: land use, setbacks, height, lot coverage, signs, parking, variances.
Best sitewide placement
Place this tool after the first main guide section or before FAQs. It turns a normal article into a practical permit-preparation page.
Important note
This tool gives educational guidance only. Final permit requirements, fees, inspections, forms, and deadlines must be confirmed with the official local building department.