PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach Community Development Department (Department) is announcing a new streamlined process for issuing permits for residential renewable energy projects. Permits can now be obtained online for three types of projects: solar photovoltaic systems (PV), energy storage systems (ESS) and electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS).

“Long Beach continues its commitment to providing convenient and affordable ways for owners to enhance and improve their properties,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “This new streamlined service will help make renewable energy options easier and faster.”

The new process, including technical information such as system size and capacity limitations, is detailed on the Department’s website where users can learn about the new one-step process that includes submitting an application, paying permit fees and receiving a job inspection card all online. Once payment is made, permits are then immediately emailed to applicants. In-person submittals at the City Hall Permit Center are also available. Applicants are encouraged to make an appointment by visiting longbeach.gov/permits.

“There are many benefits to individuals and the community by increasing renewable energy projects such as solar installations,” said Vice Mayor Cindy Allen. “The City’s new online system will make the process easier and more convenient for residents while also helping Long Beach achieve its environmental goals. We want to do everything in our power to encourage residents to use clean energy.”

The three types of applicable projects are as follows:

• PV, such as roof solar systems panels and associated electrical connection to the existing electrical system.
• ESS, in conjunction with or without the PV systems.
• EVCS for small vehicle charging stations at residential projects.

“Community Development is on a journey to improve our permitting process to the benefit of our customers,” said Community Development Director Christopher Koontz. “This latest step will help the City and its residents achieve climate and sustainability goals through a smooth process for solar and battery installations throughout the city.”

The recommendation to develop a new online process to support and streamline the City’s solar installation, permitting and inspecting process was originally brought forward by Vice Mayor Cindy Allen and approved by the City Council in November of 2022.

For more information or questions regarding the new online process, customers can email LBCD@longbeach.gov or call the Department’s Building and Safety Bureau at 562.570.PMIT (7648).

About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. For more information about Long Beach Community Development, visit longbeach.gov/LBCD, like on Facebook and follow on X and Instagram.