Permit Center Appointments

Now open for all services in-person by appointment. Walk-in customers are also welcome!

• The Permit Center is open to serve customers in-person for a variety of services, including submitting permit-related documents, requesting plan reviews, pulling building permits and finding resources for construction projects of all types, sizes and complexities. Appointments are highly encouraged to help minimize wait times and best serve customers.
• Customers must arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment. If customers arrive more than 10 minutes after their scheduled appointment start time, they may either schedule a new appointment or pull a ticket as a walk-in customer. Wait times for walk-ins may vary. Walk-ins are not accepted between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. or after 3:30 p.m.
• For all in-person services, please be sure to have all required documents. The required documents will be listed in your appointment confirmation.

PLEASE SELECT A SERVICE BELOW TO SCHEDULE AN IN-PERSON APPOINTMENT

Building & Safety

Our team of building safety experts works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the safety of our residents and businesses. In addition to making sure that buildings are in compliance with State and local building codes, we assist developers with new projects that meet our safety standards. That includes ensuring that buildings are structurally sound and have reliable fire prevention and suppression systems, as well as confirming properly installed and maintained electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems.

• Permit Issuance (Express Permits and Ready-To-Issue Permits)

  Express Permits

  The Development Permit Center is accepting applications online and in person for Express Permits and other Permits for construction projects that do not need a plan check. Examples of simple Express projects are water heater replacements, electrical service or heating upgrades, window replacements, re-roof, etc.

  In-Person appointments are available Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 3:30 pm, and on Wednesday from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm, excluding holidays. To better serve our customers and reduce the wait time, we are limiting the number of appointments scheduled per customer to one per day. For each appointment scheduled, a limit of two (2) projects will be processed per visit.

  Please review the Information Bulletin IB-058 Express Permit Service for a list of minor construction projects that qualify for this service.

  Please be sure to bring the following completed forms to your appointment:
  1.  Complete, sign and bring one or more of the following construction permit application(s):

  • APP-001 Development Permit Application
    This development permit application should be used for all projects that involves more than one of the following scope of work: building, grading, fire, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, landscape and/or sign.
    OR
  • APP-011 Express Building Permit Application
  • APP-012 Express Electrical Permit Application
  • APP-013 Express Plumbing Permit Application
  • APP-014 Express Mechanical Permit Application

  If the scope of work is minor in nature and does not require a plan review, please use one or more of the express permit applications.  For more information on Express Permit, please refer to Information Bulletin IB-058 Express Permit Service.

  2.  Complete and sign the related permittee documents:

  • FORM-005 California Licensed Contractors Declaration and Owner-Builder's Declaration
  • FORM-006 Owner/Builder/Contractor Permit Proxy (if applicable)
  • FORM-028 Plot Plan

  3. When scheduling the In-Person appointment, please provide the following information in the “Notes” field in Step 3 Contact Details (see figure below):

  • Address of the proposed project
  • Brief description of the proposed construction project

  

  4. Please be prepared to bring your permit applications and completed forms to your appointment.

  5. Please click below to schedule an In-Person appointment.

   

  If you have any questions, please contact our Permit Center staff at 562-570-PMIT (7648).
  
  

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  Approved Plans Ready-To-Issue Permits (RTI)

  The Development Permit Center is issuing permits for projects that received plan approvals by scheduling an In-Person Appointment only.  If your plans were reviewed, approved and are ready to issue construction permits, an email should have been sent to you from your plan reviewer.
  
  In-Person appointments are available Monday - Friday, from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm, and on Wednesday from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm, excluding holidays. In order to better serve our customers and reduce the wait time, we are limiting the number of appointments scheduled per customer to one per day. For each appointment scheduled, a limit of (1) one project will be processed per visit.

  To better service your permit issuance appointment please refer to Information Bulletin IB-029, Eligibility to Obtain a Construction Permit.
  

  1.     Complete, sign and bring the related permittee documents:

  • FORM-005 California Licensed Contractors Declaration and Owner-Builder's Declaration
  •  FORM-006 Owner/Builder/Contractor Permit Proxy (if applicable)

  2.     When scheduling the In-Person appointment, please provide the following information in the “Notes” field in Step 3 Contact Details (see figure below):

  • Project number and project address
  

  3. Please be prepared to bring your permittee related documents to your appointment.

  4. Please click below to schedule an In-Person appointment.

   

  If you have any questions, please contact our Permit Center staff at 562-570-PMIT (7648).

• Minor Building Plan Check/Re-Check

  The type of minor construction projects that qualifies for this service are minor additions or alterations to single-family dwellings, minor alterations to multi-family dwellings, or minor tenant improvements or alterations to nonresidential buildings with office or retail uses as determined by the Building Plan Check staff.  Please refer to Information Bulletin IB-002 Over-the-Counter Plan Review Service for examples of minor construction projects that MAY QUALIFY for this service and the agencies (Planning and Fire, as applicable) involved with the review.

  Please be advised this appointment option DOES NOT include any electrical, plumbing and mechanical reviews as part of the over the counter plan check service.

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  Apply In Person

  Appointments are available Monday - Friday, 8 am to 3 pm, excluding holidays, and on Wednesday from 9 am to 3 pm.  In order to better serve our customers, we are limiting the number of appointments scheduled per applicant to one per day. For each appointment scheduled, we are limiting the number of projects that will be processed and reviewed to one per visit.

  To determine the type of minor construction projects that qualifies for this service, please refer to Information Bulletin IB-002 Over-the-Counter Plan Review Service. When scheduling your appointment, please complete the “Note” field by describing the scope of work for your minor construction project. Staff MAY contact you if they have questions regarding the scope of your minor construction project or to provide you with additional instruction in advance of the appointment.

  1.  Complete and sign the following construction permit application:

  • APP-001 Development Permit Application

  2.  Complete and sign the related permittee documents:

  • FORM-005 California License Contractor’s Declaration and Owner-Builder’s Declaration
  • FORM-006 Owner/Builder/Contractor Permit Proxy Form (if applicable)
  • FORM-028 Plot Plan

  3.  Please be sure to bring the following construction documents to your appointment:

  • Construction Plans
  • Technical Reports (e.g., geotechnical or energy reports, if applicable)
  • Structural Calculations (if applicable)
  • Other Relevant Information (if applicable)
   

  To determine the type of information required on the construction documents or other type of technical documents, please visit Plan Review Service for additional instructions.

  Please be prepared to submit your permit applications, completed forms, construction documents and other related technical documents as a DIGITAL PDF FILE ON A USB DEVICE.

  If you have any questions, please contact our Permit Center staff at 562-570-PMIT (7648).
  
  

• Minor Fire Plan Check/Re-Check

  The type of minor construction projects that qualifies for this service are minor alterations to multi-family dwellings, minor tenant improvements or alterations to nonresidential buildings with office or retail uses, or minor addition or alterations to fire sprinklers, alarms and/or hoods as determined by the Fire Plan Check staff.  Please refer to Information Bulletin IB-002 Over-the-Counter Plan Review Service for examples of minor construction projects that MAY QUALIFY for this service and the agencies (Building or Planning, as applicable) involved with the review.

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  Apply In Person

  Appointments are available Monday - Friday, 8 am to 3 pm, excluding holidays, and on Wednesday from 9 am to 3 pm.  In order to better serve our customers, we are limiting the number of appointments scheduled per applicant to one per day. For each appointment scheduled, we are limiting the number of projects that will be processed and reviewed to one per visit.
  
  To determine the type of minor construction projects that qualifies for this service, please refer to Information Bulletin IB-002 Over-the-Counter Plan Review Service. When scheduling your appointment, please complete the “Note” field by describing the scope of work for your minor construction project. Staff MAY contact you if they have questions regarding the scope of your minor construction project or to provide you with additional instruction in advance of the appointment.

  1.  Complete and sign the following construction permit application:

  • APP-001 Development Permit Application

  2.  Complete and sign the related permittee documents:

  • FORM-005 California License Contractor’s Declaration and Owner-Builder’s Declaration
  • FORM-006 Owner/Builder/Contractor Permit Proxy Form (if applicable)
  • FORM-028 Plot Plan

  3.  Please be sure to bring the following construction documents to your appointment:

  • Construction Plans
  • Technical Reports (if applicable)
  • Calculations (if applicable)

  To determine the type of information required on the construction documents or other type of technical documents, please visit Plan Review Service for additional instructions.

  Please be prepared to submit your permit applications, completed forms, construction documents and other related technical documents as a DIGITAL PDF FILE ON A USB DEVICE.

   

  If you have any questions, please contact our Permit Center staff at 562-570-PMIT (7648).

• Plan Check Submittal

  This service will allow you to submit one project to the City to commence the plan check process. Each project submittal must be accompanied by a Development Permit Application and construction documents to start the process. For more information on what is required as part of a submittal package, please refer to https://longbeach.gov/lbcd/building/plan-review-service/.

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  Apply In Person

  In - Person Appointments are available Monday - Friday, 8 am to 3 pm, excluding holidays, and on Wednesday from 9 am to 3 pm.  In order to better serve our customers and reduce the wait time, we are limiting the number of appointments scheduled per customer to one per day. For each appointment scheduled, we are limiting the number of projects to one project per visit.

  For the relevant details and instructions on how to prepare your construction documents and the pertinent information that is required during your appointment, please visit https://longbeach.gov/lbcd/building/plan-review-service/.

  Please visit the Plan Review Service webpage for the relevant details and instructions on how to prepare your construction documents and the pertinent information that MAY be required to be submitted during your appointment visit.

  1.  Complete, sign and bring the following construction permit application:

  • APP-001 Development Permit Application

  2.  Bring the following construction documents to your appointment:

  • Construction Plans
  • Technical Reports (e.g., geotechnical or energy reports, if applicable)
  • Structural Calculations (if applicable)
  • Other Relevant Information (if applicable)

  3. A separate submittal to the following agencies, departments or non-city entities MAY be required for projects that need their reviews, approvals and/or permits. Please contact those agencies, departments and/or non-city entities separately regarding their submittal process.

  • Public Works Department
  • Water Department
  • Energy Resource Department
  • Southern California Edison
  • Park and Marine Department
  • Harbor Department
  • Health and Human Services Department

  4. When scheduling the In-Person appointment, please provide the following information in the "Notes" field in Step 3 Contact Details (see figure below):

  • Address of the proposed construction project
  • Brief description of the proposed construction project
  

  5. Please be prepared to bring your permit applications, completed forms, construction documents and other related technical documents as a DIGITAL PDF FILE ON A USB DEVICE.

  6. Please click link below to schedule an In-Person appointment to submit your construction project.

   

  If you have any questions, please contact our Permit Center staff at 562-570-PMIT (7648).

• Building Code Question

  Building Plan Check staff are available to answer general building code related questions, discuss or explain the plan review processes, and other inquiry related to the plan check operation.

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  In Person Meeting Appointment 

  In-person appointments are available Monday - Friday, 8 am to 3 pm, excluding holidays.  In order to better serve our customers, we are limiting the number of appointments scheduled per applicant to one per day.

   

  Virtual Meeting Appointment 

  Save time and travel by having a virtual meeting. In order to better serve our customers, we are limiting the number of appointments scheduled per applicant to one per day.

   
  
  

  If you have any questions, please contact our Permit Center staff at 562-570-PMIT (7648).

• Fire Code Question

  Fire Plan Check staff are available to answer general fire code related questions, discuss or explain the fire plan review processes, and other inquiry related to the fire plan check operation.

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  Apply In Person

  Appointments are available Monday - Friday, 8 am to 3 pm, excluding holidays.  In order to better serve our customers, we are limiting the number of appointments scheduled per applicant to one per day.

   

  If you have any questions, please contact our Permit Center staff at 562-570-PMIT (7648).

• Plan Drop-Off/Pick-Up (Not for Plan Submittal or Permit Issuance)

  This service will allow you to pick-up plan corrections or drop-off resubmittals of Hard Copy Plans. When scheduling your appointment, please complete the “Note” field by noting if picking up or dropping off plans, include job address and project number.

  Please be advised this appointment option IS NOT for permit issuance on approved plans, or new Plan Check Submittals.

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  Apply In Person

  Appointments are available Monday - Friday, between 8 am to 3 pm, excluding holidays.

   

  If you have any questions, please contact our Permit Center staff at 562-570-PMIT (7648).

PLANNING

Thoughtful and effective planning enables a city to grow responsibly while providing the community with a variety of opportunities to live, work, and enjoy the environment. Good planning plays a vital role in shaping the future of Long Beach by providing the perfect balance of new development, community preservation, essential services, and economic growth. 

Before you start designing your project you should always verify the property’s: zoning, development standards and permitted uses. Additionally, you should determine if the project is within the Coastal Zone, or is subject to historic review (more details below) .  The Planning Team is here to assist you with resources online, by phone at (562) 570-6194 during phone hours Monday through Thursday. You may also schedule an appointment for Zoning Questions.

• Zoning Questions

  The Planning Bureau is now available for a limited number of in-person appointments for general planning and  zoning questions.  To make the most of your time, please review the online resources below so that you may better utilize your appointment time, appointments are limited to 20 minutes.
  
  Appointments for zoning questions or planning inquiries are available Monday through Friday in the mornings at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. and in the afternoons at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

  Zoning question appointments are not intended for plan check submittal or recheck, entitlement submittals, or visits to other city departments (Building and Safety, Public Works, etc.).  Visits to other departments in the Permit Center are not guaranteed without a separate appointment.
  
  If you are already working with a planner who is reviewing your project, continue working with that planner instead of scheduling an appointment for zoning questions.
  
  To schedule a planning appointment, click the link below. Please be sure to include the property address in the “Notes” field.

   

  ONLINE RESOURCES

  Many questions can be answered by using our online resources.  The following provides links to the most commonly requested information.
  
  Zoning Map
  The City is divided into zoning “districts”, each of which has a specific set of permitted uses and development standards.  To check the Zoning District designation for any specific parcel, go to: Zoning Maps or use the Zoning and Land Use GIS Maps.
  
  Zoning Ordinance
  The City’s Zoning Maps indicate Zoning Districts for parcels of land within Long Beach.
  The City's Zoning Regulations, in conformance with the General Plan, regulate land use development in Long Beach. Within each zoning district, zoning regulations specify permitted and prohibited uses, as well as development standards, including setbacks, height, parking, and design standards. For information on Zoning and Permitted uses go to: https://www.longbeach.gov/lbcd/planning/current/zoning--permitted-uses/.  
  
  Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
  Information on Accessory Dwelling Units also referred to as “second units,” “in-law units,” or “granny flats” can be found online at:  https://www.longbeach.gov/lbcd/planning/adus/.

  ZONING INFORMATION LINE

  Zoning questions can also be answered over the phone by calling the Zoning Information Line at (562) 570-6194 during regular phone hours Monday through Thursday 8am-4pm.

• Filing Entitlement Applications

  Virtual Appointments

  To schedule a virtual appointment  to file  an entitlement application for discretionary applications  (like CUPS, AUPs, Site Plan Review, and Local Coastal Development Permits) email your appointment request to planningsubmittal@longbeach.gov along with your application.  Please be prepared to submit your application, plans and supporting documents as a digital PDF file at the time of your appointment.

• Historic

  If a property is a Historic Landmark or is located within a Historic District, regardless of whether the property itself is considered historic, all exterior changes require a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) approved by the Planning Bureau Historic Preservation Team. Examples of changes/modifications that require a COA include: exterior paint, window replacement, new fencing, improvements and/or changes to any structure or the front yard area.
  
  A Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) approval is required prior to applying for a building permit.  To verify the status of a property, please visit the Zoning and Land Use Map or call the Zoning Information Line at (562) 570-6194.
  
  We encourage the use of the resources available online.
  

  Online Resources

  Many questions can be answered by using our online resources.  The following provides links to the most commonly requested information.

  To find the location of the adopted Historic Districts, check the Historic District Map or look up a property on the Zoning and Land Use Map. Information on how to apply for a Certificate of Appropriateness can be found here.  To review applicable Historic District Design guidelines, go to: Design Guidelines and Architectural Style Guide.

  Zoning Information Line

  If you didn’t find the information you were looking for or still have questions, please call the City’s Zoning Information Line at (562) 570-6194, during regular phone hours Monday through Thursday.  

• Certificate of Appropriateness

  To make any exterior changes to a designated historic landmark or properties in historic districts, regardless of whether the property itself is considered historic, all exterior changes require an approved Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) by the Planning Bureau Historic Preservation Team. Examples of changes/modifications that require a COA include: exterior paint, window replacement, new fencing, improvements and/or changes to any structure or the front yard area.
  
  The COA must be approved prior to submitting construction plans to Building Safety. 

  Email Submittals

  To file your application email historicpreservation@longbeach.gov.  Please attach or link your application, plans and supporting documents as a digital PDF file. 

  Zoning Information Hotline

  Staff can also help answer questions via the City’s Zoning Information Line at (562) 570-6194, during regular phone hours Monday through Thursday.