The City is currently in the process of updating the Urban Lot Split Ordinance to align with state law updates and customize regulations to suit the needs of Long Beach. The Urban Lot Split Ordinance works in conjunction with the updated Subdivision Ordinance (Title 20 of the Zoning Regulations).
Community Development
The City is preparing ADU and SB 9 ordinances to promote pro-housing policies while maintaining compliance with state laws. Both will be standalone ordinances, but their design and development standards will be complementary to ensure internal consistency and reduce ambiguity for the community, project applicants and City staff. These efforts will be coordinated with the City’s ongoing effort to update its Subdivision Ordinance (Title 20) and Pre-Approved Accessory Dwelling Unit Program.
The revised ADU Ordinance will provide a new set of ADU regulations tailored to the specific needs of Long Beach, with the goal of creating excellent housing stock and opportunities while ensuring quality design. To learn more in-depth about the details of the ordinances, please see ADU and SB 9 sections below.
A Public Review Draft of the ADU and SB 9 ordinances is now available:
- ADU Ordinance
- SB 9 Ordinance
- Coastal Specific Procedures Ordinance Amendment
- Urban Lot Splits Ordinance Amendment
- ADU Condo Conversion Ordinance
Please note the public comment period has ended as of November 23, 2025. There will be opportunities for public comment during upcoming Planning Commission and City Council hearings. Check back for more details.
Learn More the ADU Ordinance
On January 1, 2020, new state law took effect to create opportunities for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs) at single-family dwellings (Cal. Gov’t Code section 65852.2). ADU construction in Long Beach has gone from zero 10 years ago to a current rate of more than 400 per year. The City of Long Beach currently administers regulations for ADUs and JADUs directly under state law.
The revised ADU Ordinance will provide a new set of ADU regulations tailored to the specific needs of Long Beach, with the goals of creating excellent housing stock and opportunities while ensuring quality design. The revised Ordinance will:
- Incorporate all changes to state ADU laws
- Formalize the City’s approach to legalizing unpermitted units as ADUs, and administering ADUs within the Coastal Zone;
- Incentivize enhanced ADU designs overall to benefit future ADU residents and neighbors alike.
Learn More About the SB 9 Ordinance
Senate Bill 9 (SB 9) is a California housing law that became effective on January 1, 2022 (Cal. Gov’t Code section 65852.21), complementing state ADU law by enabling urban lot splits and two-unit development in existing residential neighborhoods. Specifically, SB 9 requires by-right approval of residential developments with no more than two primary units in a single-family zone and allows the subdivision of a parcel in a single-family zone into two parcels in certain cases.
Much like the revised ADU Ordinance, a new SB 9 Ordinance will ensure compliance with State law while customizing specific regulations to suit the needs of Long Beach. It will provide clarity to the community, project applicants, City staff, and City Council on what is and is not permitted on various lots throughout the City.
Learn More About the Urban Lot Split Ordinance
How to Start: ADU/JADU, SB 9 Units or Urban Lot Splits
For questions on how to begin a ADU/JADU, SB 9 Unit or Urban Lot Split project, please see our step-by-step process page.
Contact Us
For zoning and development standards questions on ADUs, call the Planning Bureau at 563.570.6194 or sign up to receive updates on Planning’s local ADU and SB 9 ordinance.
For building code questions on ADUs or questions related to PAADUs, call the Building & Safety Bureau at 562.570.7648. Book an in-person or virtual appointment at longbeach.gov/permitcenter.
For building code questions on ADUs or questions related to PAADUs, call the Building & Safety Bureau at 562.570.7648. Book an in-person or virtual appointment at longbeach.gov/permitcenter.
