Do I need a adu permit in Long Beach?

Yes. Long Beach requires a adu permit for this type of project. Submitting without a permit may result in fines, required removal, or complications when selling your property.

How long does adu permit approval take in Long Beach?

Processing times in Long Beach vary depending on project complexity and current review volume. The process involves 7 steps. Contact Long Beach Development Services for current timelines.

What documents are required for a adu permit in Long Beach?

Long Beach requires 6 documents including Building Permit Application, Architectural Plans, Site Plan, Structural Engineering Report, and others. See the full list above for details.

What happens if I build without a adu permit in Long Beach?

Building without a permit in Long Beach can result in stop-work orders, fines, required removal of work, difficulty selling your property, and insurance complications. It is strongly recommended to obtain proper permits before starting work.

Can PermitMagic help prepare my adu permit submission in Long Beach?

Yes. PermitMagic generates a submission-ready packet tailored to Long Beach's requirements, including a document checklist, workflow steps, and authority references. Start a permit plan to get your personalized packet.

How much does a adu permit cost in Long Beach?

ADU permit fees in Long Beach typically range from $6,300 to $20,625, depending on project scope. Fees may include building permit, plan review, and technology surcharges. Verify current fees with Long Beach.

ADU Permit Submission Checklist in Long Beach, California

Everything you need to apply for a adu permit in Long Beach, California — documents, fees, steps, and a downloadable submission packet.

Build My Permit Packet View Requirements

Key Facts

Permit required: Yes
Submission method: Online
Typical fee range: $6,300 – $20,625
Review time: Varies by jurisdiction
Inspections: 7 inspections required

VerifiedLast verified: Feb 15, 20262 verified sources

ADU Permit Checklist

Long Beach — 6 required, 0 optional

Forms & Applications(1)

Building Permit ApplicationREQUIRED✓[1][2]
Completed Building Permit Application Form with owner signature and contractor information

Plans & Diagrams(3)

Architectural PlansREQUIRED✓[3][4]
Complete architectural drawings signed and stamped by a California-licensed architect, including floor plans, elevations, sections, and all construction details
Site PlanREQUIRED✓[5][6]
Site plan showing property boundaries with dimensions, setbacks, building footprint, parking layout, driveways, landscaping, and utility locations
Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing PlansREQUIRED✓[9][10]
MEP plans showing water, sewer, electrical, gas, and HVAC connections with separate meter locations and specifications

Supporting Documents(2)

Structural Engineering ReportREQUIRED✓[7][8]
Structural calculations and engineering report prepared by a California-licensed structural engineer, including foundation design and load analysis
Property Deed and TitleREQUIRED✓[11][12]
Current property deed and evidence of title ownership

This checklist is for reference only. Requirements may change — always verify with Long Beach before submission.

Generate your permit packet

Get a personalized ADU permit packet for Long Beach, California — tailored to your project details.

Required forms: Building Permit Application, and more
Pre-filled templates: Permit Cover Sheet
Fee breakdown: $2,100–$12,500 estimated total
Step-by-step Long Beach Development Services Department portal submission guide
Inspection prep checklist (7 items)
Personalized for your specific project details

Build My Permit Packet

Free to preview · Pro to download

Required Documents

Long Beach requires the following documents for this permit application.

Building Permit Application

Completed Building Permit Application Form with owner signature and contractor information

Architectural Plans

Complete architectural drawings signed and stamped by a California-licensed architect, including floor plans, elevations, sections, and all construction details

Site Plan

Site plan showing property boundaries with dimensions, setbacks, building footprint, parking layout, driveways, landscaping, and utility locations

Structural Engineering Report

Structural calculations and engineering report prepared by a California-licensed structural engineer, including foundation design and load analysis

Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Plans

MEP plans showing water, sewer, electrical, gas, and HVAC connections with separate meter locations and specifications

Property Deed and Title

Current property deed and evidence of title ownership

Permit Process

Follow these steps to submit your permit application through Long Beach Development Services Department.

1
Pre-Application Review
Consult with Long Beach Development Services staff to verify ADU eligibility, zoning compliance, and confirm project meets all local requirements
You'll need: Property Deed and Title
2
Submit Building Permit Application and Plans
Submit complete permit application with architectural, structural engineering, and MEP documents to Development Services
You'll need: Building Permit Application, Architectural Plans, Site Plan, Structural Engineering Report, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Plans
3
Plan Review and Compliance Verification
Building and Planning staff review plans for compliance with Long Beach Municipal Code Chapter 21, California Building Code, and state ADU law
4
Address Revisions and Staff Comments
Submit revised plans if staff identifies code compliance issues or requires additional information
5
Pay Permit and Inspection Fees
Pay permit issuance and plan review fees based on construction valuation
6
Construction Inspections
Schedule and pass required building inspections: foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and final
7
Final Inspection and Certificate of Occupancy
Receive Certificate of Occupancy upon passing final inspection and code compliance verification

Fees and Timeline

Fee Breakdown

Fee	Range	Confidence
ADU Permit Fee	$4,200 – $12,500	Verified
Plan Review Fee	$2,100 – $8,125	Verified

Inspections Required

Foundation and footing installation per California Building

Foundation and footing installation per California Building Code standards

Structural framing, connections, and integrity verification

Electrical system rough-in, panel installation, and final in

Electrical system rough-in, panel installation, and final inspection

Plumbing rough-in, water line sizing, and final connections

Mechanical systems, HVAC, and ventilation installation

Roof framing, sheathing, and waterproofing protection

Final comprehensive inspection and Certificate of Occupancy

Final comprehensive inspection and Certificate of Occupancy issuance

Authority Sources

Data on this page is sourced from official records published by the permitting authority. Always verify requirements directly before submitting.

Long Beach Development Services Department

Last verified: February 15, 2026

2 sources referenced

Official page

Long Beach Municipal Code Chapter 21.60 - Accessory Dwelling Units

Verified February 15, 2026

Official page

Long Beach ADU Permit Guidelines and Standards

Verified February 15, 2026

Portal guide

Long Beach Online Permit Services

Verified February 15, 2026

Official page

California AB 2221 and SB 9 - Accessory Dwelling Unit State Law

Verified February 15, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a adu permit in Long Beach?: Yes. Long Beach requires a adu permit for this type of project. Submitting without a permit may result in fines, required removal, or complications when selling your property.
How long does adu permit approval take in Long Beach?: Processing times in Long Beach vary depending on project complexity and current review volume. The process involves 7 steps. Contact Long Beach Development Services for current timelines.
What documents are required for a adu permit in Long Beach?: Long Beach requires 6 documents including Building Permit Application, Architectural Plans, Site Plan, Structural Engineering Report, and others. See the full list above for details.
What happens if I build without a adu permit in Long Beach?: Building without a permit in Long Beach can result in stop-work orders, fines, required removal of work, difficulty selling your property, and insurance complications. It is strongly recommended to obtain proper permits before starting work.
Can PermitMagic help prepare my adu permit submission in Long Beach?: Yes. PermitMagic generates a submission-ready packet tailored to Long Beach's requirements, including a document checklist, workflow steps, and authority references. Start a permit plan to get your personalized packet.
How much does a adu permit cost in Long Beach?: ADU permit fees in Long Beach typically range from $6,300 to $20,625, depending on project scope. Fees may include building permit, plan review, and technology surcharges. Verify current fees with Long Beach.