To check the status of your building permit, you may search the City’s Permit Status or contact the Development Permit Center at (562) 570-5237.

The Building and Safety Bureau works to safeguard public health, safety, and property through the plan check, permit, and inspection processes. To find out if a permit is needed for your building, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical project, go to the Do I need a permit? page or contact us at (562) 570 (5237). 

A permit is not required for any type of fence under four feet in height above grade pursuant to Section 18.04.020 of the Long Beach Municipal Code. Please note that even though a permit may not be required, all fences must comply with the requirements of the Long Beach zoning regulation. 

More information on constructing or installing fences and walls.

Building permit fees are calculated based on the valuation of a project. For information on how permit fees are accessed, refer to Section 18.06.010 of the Long Beach Municipal Code.
Development Services Fee Schedule.

A grading permit shall be obtained from the City’s Building Official for any grading work, except as specified in the following cases:

• Grading in an isolated, self-contained area, provided there is no danger to the public, and that such grading will not adversely affect adjoining properties.
• An excavation below finished grade for basements and footings of a building, retaining wall, or other structure authorized by a valid building permit.
• Cemetery graves.
• Refuse disposal sites controlled by other regulations.
• Excavation for wells or tunnels or utilities which do not provide vertical or lateral support for buildings, or adversely impact the safety or stability of private or public properties.
• Mining, quarrying, excavating, processing or stockpiling rock, sand, gravel, aggregate or clay controlled by other regulations, provided such operations do not affect the lateral support of, or significantly increase stresses in, soil on adjoining properties.
• Exploratory excavations performed under the direction of a registered design professional.
• An excavation which is less than two feet in depth, or does not create a cut slope greater than five feet in height and steeper than a 50% slope. This exception shall not apply to cut which exceeds 50 cubic yards or which changes the existing drainage pattern.
• A fill less than one foot in depth and placed on natural terrain with a slope flatter than 10%. This exception shall not apply when the fill exceeds 50 cubic yards or when the fill changes the existing drainage pattern.
• Excavation for caissons or piles under buildings or structures, swimming pools, or underground structures that are authorized by valid building permits.

A permit is valid for two years from the date issued, provided that any permit shall expire after 180 days from the the date of issuance if the work has not commenced, or when the City’s Building Official determines the work authorized by any permit has been suspended, discontinued or abandoned for a continuous period of 180 days.

Plan check applications expire 12 months after the plan check fees are paid, pursuant to Section 18.05.060 of the Long Beach Municipal Code.

A Plan Check Extension Form, can be filed to extend a permit application within 30 days of its expiration. Applicants must provide sufficient evidence that circumstances beyond their control prevented action to secure the permit within the allotted time and submit a filing fee of $356.40 in person at the Development Permit Center.

Financial hardship, contracting issues with design professionals or contractors, or seasonal weather conditions are typically not adequate reasons for the granting of an extension. 

To request copies of building permits for your property, you may search the City’s Building Permit Records, or contact the Development Permit Center at (562) 570-5237.

In a post-disaster situation, Building and Safety's Disaster Assessment staff is responsible for evaluating buildings and businesses for safety, serviceability, and occupancy.

Learn more about emergency preparedness.