PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach Community Development Department (Department) has launched a new virtual meeting service for the public to get general answers to building code questions for proposed projects. The service features real-time, one-on-one video sessions with Permit Center staff.   

"We are excited to introduce this new virtual service to our community," said Mayor Rex Richardson. "Our goal is to make it easier for residents and developers to navigate the building code and permitting process and get the answers they need in a convenient way. This new virtual service is just one example of our commitment to continuously improve our City services, enhance customer experience and finding innovative ways to engage with our community."  

The new service is being offered as a convenience to save customers time and travel that would be required to visit the Permit Center in person to get basic information and have questions addressed prior to beginning a project. Powered by Microsoft Teams and as part of the Department’s move to further streamline its operations, the convenient service can be accessed via devices used every day such as cell phones, tablets and desktop or laptop computers. To access the free service, customers will first need to schedule an appointment online.

During a virtual appointment with City staff, information can be provided on common topics such as how the permit process works, what is involved in turning a garage into an accessory dwelling unit, and whether a proposed project will need to involve multiple City Departments. Customers can also find out if a proposed project might require a construction plan submission for review and approval prior to obtaining a construction permit.

The new service is the first in a suite of interim measures the Department is offering its customers while the City develops its new Long Beach Builds platform, an Enterprise Land Management System for processing permits and licenses. The Department anticipates opening additional virtual meeting services for topics such as planning/zoning code questions, express permits and simple over-the-counter plan reviews as a way to offer applicants more options for conducting business with the Department.

The virtual service is intended for general building code questions only at this time. If a project plan submission is required or multiple Departments or bureaus are involved, an in-person visit to the Permit Center will be necessary. Project plans or applications are not able to be submitted or reviewed during virtual meetings. In-person appointments can be scheduled by visiting longbeach.gov/permits. Walk-ins are also welcome.

For more specific information about the Permit Center and the new virtual service, please email LBCD@longbeach.gov or call 562.570.PMIT (7648). For information about the Department, visit longbeach.gov/LBCD and to receive news and updates about services and programs, sign up at LinkLB.

About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000people. 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 Community Development Department, visit longbeach.gov/lbcd and like on Facebook page and follow us on X and Instagram.