What rules does Long Beach use for ADUs right now?
As of October 2026, the City of Long Beach says it has no adopted local ADU ordinance in effect and reviews ADUs under state law, pointing applicants to the California HCD ADU Handbook (updated March 2026). The city is preparing a revised ADU ordinance; its public comment period ended November 23, 2025, with Planning Commission and City Council hearings still to come.
The draft is meant to follow current state law, set out how unpermitted units can be legalized as ADUs, formalize coastal zone review and encourage better ADU design. We track it, because projects that are not fully submitted when it takes effect may fall under it.
What goes into an ADU permit set?
- A site plan showing setbacks, easements, the alley if there is one, and existing structures.
- Floor plans, elevations and sections.
- Structural engineering, including foundation work for conversions.
- Title 24 energy calculations.
- Electrical load calculations and plumbing layout.
- Any coastal or historic applications your address needs.
Long Beach treats an application as complete only when every requested item and correction is in. A complete first submittal avoids rounds of corrections.
How long does Long Beach have to approve an ADU?
As of October 2026, state law gives a city 15 business days to say whether an application is complete, then 60 days from a complete application to approve or deny an ADU on a lot with an existing home. Long Beach states it reviews ADU building permits within 60 days of a complete submittal.
If the lot has no existing home, or the ADU is paired with a new or rebuilt main house, the city will not act on the ADU until it acts on the main house. The 60-day clock starts after that.
What if my home is in the coastal zone?
As of October 2026, a Long Beach ADU in the coastal zone needs an Administrative Local Coastal Development Permit. It is filed with the building permit and needs no public hearing. AB 462, signed October 10, 2025, requires cities with a certified local coastal program to act on a complete ADU coastal permit within 60 days.
What if my home is in a historic district?
As of October 2026, an ADU or JADU in a Long Beach historic district, or at a designated landmark, needs a Certificate of Appropriateness. It is reviewed with the building permit, without a public hearing. The city will not approve a project that causes a substantial adverse impact to a historic resource. ADUs in a historic district are exempt from ADU parking.
Are there pre-approved ADU plans in Long Beach?
As of October 2026, the city's ADU page refers to a Pre-Approved Accessory Dwelling Unit (PAADU) program being coordinated with an update to its subdivision ordinance. Building & Safety handles PAADU questions. If a pre-approved plan fits your lot, we will tell you; if a custom plan fits better, we will tell you that too.
How smooth will my permit be?
It depends on your address. A garage conversion on a standard lot outside any overlay is usually the simplest review. Coastal zone lots, historic districts, unpermitted existing structures, easements and lots with no existing home each add steps. We flag these in the lot check, before you pay for plans.
Related
As of October 2026, from the City of Long Beach ADU page, ADU bulletin (IB-PZ-001) and zoning summary, the HCD ADU Handbook (updated March 2026) and California Government Code §66317.
See what fits on your lot
Send your address. We check for coastal, historic and easement issues before any design work starts.