City of Long Beach
City of Long Beach Development Services Department
CityMS4 Phase IVerified 2026-03
Local Permit / Authorization
- Permit Required
- Yes
- Permit Name
- Grading Permit with LID/Stormwater Compliance
- Submit To
- City of Long Beach Development Services Department
- Lead Time
- Plan review 4–6 weeks; stormwater compliance reviewed as part of permit package
- Application Method
- Online via Long Beach eBuild portal; LID plan submitted with building/grading permit application
- Fee
- Grading permit fees per project scope; stormwater review included
Water Quality Standards
- Impervious Cover Limit
- No citywide cap; LID requirements triggered at ≥ 5,000 sq ft of new or replaced impervious surface
- On-Site Treatment Required
- Yes
- Detention Required
- Yes
- Detention Standard
- Retain the 85th-percentile 24-hour storm on-site using LID BMPs; if infeasible, biofiltration of 1.5× design volume per LA County MS4 Permit
- Turbidity Standard
- Must comply with state CGP and LA County MS4 Permit receiving water limitations
Local SWPPP / Drainage Plan
- Local Plan Required
- Yes
- Plan Name
- LID Plan / Post-Construction Stormwater Management Plan
- PE Stamp Required
- Yes
Long Beach is a co-permittee under the LA County MS4 Permit but is also a separately regulated city. LID Plan must be prepared by a licensed Civil Engineer.
Local Inspection Requirements
- Requirements
- City conducts construction-phase BMP inspections and grading inspections. Post-construction BMPs require maintenance agreements and periodic city verification.
- Inspector Qualification
- QSP/QSD per state CGP; no additional city certification
Special Overlay Zones
Coastal Zone
Trigger: Properties within California Coastal Zone boundary (significant portion of the city)
Restriction: Enhanced water quality protection for ocean discharge; California Coastal Commission review; no net increase in pollutant loading
Los Angeles River / San Gabriel River Watershed
Trigger: Properties draining to LA River or San Gabriel River and their tributaries
Restriction: Subject to TMDL-based requirements for metals, bacteria, and trash; enhanced treatment BMPs may be required
Design Manual
- Manual Name
- City of Long Beach LID Best Management Practices Design Manual
Official Resources
Jurisdiction Notes
Long Beach is a co-permittee under the LA County MS4 Permit (Order R4-2012-0175 as amended) but has its own local LID ordinance. Its coastal location and proximity to LA/San Gabriel Rivers mean many projects must address TMDL-driven requirements.
Remember: These local requirements are in addition to the SWRCB state construction permit. Both must be satisfied before breaking ground.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference only. Always verify requirements directly with City of Long Beach Development Services Department and the agency website before beginning construction.