Community Development

Planning Applications & Forms

The Planning Bureau plays a key role in shaping Long Beach’s future development by working closely with the Mayor, City Council, developers, engineers, residents and business owners. Its mission is to balance the city's growth with the preservation of its unique character while ensuring development aligns with community values. Through collaboration and inclusive dialogue, the Planning Bureau fosters a safe, innovative and sustainable urban landscape that reflects the evolving needs of the community.

Below is a list of Planning Bureau applications and forms that can be downloaded online.

Planning Permit & Fee Schedule

Some projects such as new buildings, signs, wireless telecom towers, sensitive uses (like bars or clubs), or projects located in Planned Development Areas must go through a review process to receive a planning "entitlement" or planning permit before receiving a permit to build or operate. Planning entitlements are not building permits, but they are often required before a project is eligible for building permits. These types of approvals are discretionary actions.

Examples of planning entitlements include: Conditional Use Permit (CUP), Administrative Use Permit (AUP), Site Plan Review (SPR), Local Coastal Development Permit (LCDP), Sign Program, SPR for Wireless Telecom, etc. These projects may also need additional forms. To understand which forms and permits you need for your project, chat with a planner by contacting the Planning & Zoning hotline at 562.570.6194. You can learn more about the planning review process on our Entitlement Process Page.

Supplemental Applications

Administrative Permit Applications & Forms

Some projects, such as minor land or building expansions, those exempt from coastal permit requirements, or certain home businesses may only need review for compliance with code and standards. These types of approvals are ministerial actions.

Environmental (CEQA) Forms

The state requires that cities review all projects for environmental impact under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Some projects (such as major developments or those with potential significant environmental impacts) may require environmental studies, while some projects (such as minor alterations to existing buildings or small infill projects) may qualify for a listed exemption. Staff will review and determine the appropriate level of environmental review.

Historic Preservation Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) Applications

The Cultural Heritage Commission (CHC) reviews all projects at Historic Landmarks sites and in Historic Districts. The CHC reviews all changes to a property's exterior. CHC also reviews interior changes at certain landmarks with designated interior features. You can read more about requirements on our Historic Preservation page.

Subdivision Applications & Filing Requirements

These applications and filing requirements are for projects related to subdivisions (such as lot mergers, lot splits, condominium conversions, etc.). These processes shall be submitted along with a completed Planning Permit Application and CEQA Environmental Intake Form.

Subdivision Filing Requirements

Condominium Conversions

Appeals

Any aggrieved person may appeal a decision that went through any of the following:

  • Site Plan Review Committee
  • Zoning Administrator
  • Planning Commission
  • Cultural Heritage Commission

Appeals must be filed within 10 days after the decision is made.

An "aggrieved person" is either someone who spoke or had a representative speak about their concerns during a meeting, or who informed Community Development staff of their concern in writing before the hearing.

Miscellaneous Applications & Checklists

These applications and checklists are for other processes and procedures within the Planning Bureau that do not fall within the categories above, such as fair housing reasonable accommodation and zoning confirmation letter requests.