The Subdivision Ordinance includes guidance and procedures for various types of land divisions, consistent with the State of California Subdivision Map Act with some local refinements. It is a key element in a City’s suite of regulations to promote coordinated and efficient development consistent with the General Plan and Zoning Regulations. The Subdivision Ordinance (Title 20) is part of the Long Beach Municipal Code.

The City has initiated a technical update to the Subdivision Ordinance to be consistent with current State law, as well as provide tools that make the process simpler and more straightforward for City staff, developers and the general public. Update goals include:

• Create a Subdivision Ordinance which is legally consistent with the State Subdivision Map Act (Government Code Sections 66410 through 66499.38).
• Align City processes for review of minor map approvals (lot mergers, lot line adjustments, parcel maps) with State law to streamline work efforts.
• Provide consistency with the General Plan, including the updated Land Use Element, Mobility Element, Urban Design Element, and Local Coastal Program.
• Improve procedural consistency and accuracy in processing subdivision cases by including clear and unambiguous language in the text and clarifying applicable processes for different types of maps.
• For larger or more complex requests, provide for concurrent processing of subdivisions with other entitlement processes.
• Update noticing procedures in alignment with other sections of the Municipal Code.
• Provide greater clarity to applicants, earlier in the process, in terms of subdivision conditions.
• Enhance internal procedures for City staff to more efficiently process subdivision maps.

In Summer 2019, the update effort was initiated followed by background research, analysis, consultation meetings with Subdivision Ordinance users and a study session with the Planning Commission in May 2020. A second study session was held May 18, 2023, to discuss the draft Subdivision Ordinance with the Planning Commission, which also included public review and feedback. Based on feedback received, the Ordinance has been revised and will be going before the Planning Commission on October 5, 2023, and City Council in early 2024.

The City of Long Beach Subdivision Ordinance is going to City Council!

The Ordinance provides guidance and procedures for the design and improvement of various types of land divisions in the city. These regulations help preserve and protect valuable natural resources and amenities in the city while ensuring public health, safety and convenience.

Updates to the Ordinance aim to ensure consistency with State law and the City’s General Plan including, but not limited to the updated Land Use Element, Mobility Element, Urban Design Element and Local Coastal Program. These updates allow for a more streamlined review process for minor map approvals such as lot mergers, lot line adjustments and parcel maps.

The Subdivision Ordinance was adopted by City Council on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, and is expected to be effective in late January 2024 outside of the Coastal Zones.

The next step in this process will be the submission of the Subdivision Ordinance to the California Coastal Commission for approval and adoption for properties within the Coastal Zones. Please see links below for review.

• City of Long Beach Subdivision Ordinance
• Significant Subdivision Ordinance Updates

Older Resources:

• Summary of Updated Goals and Proposed Changes – October 2020