Request a Rezoning Hearing - Long Beach
In Long Beach, California, property owners and applicants seeking a change of zoning must follow city procedures to request a rezoning public hearing. This guide explains the typical steps, who enforces the rules, required notices, and how hearings are scheduled under Long Beach municipal practice. Use the official Planning and City Clerk pages for forms, submittal instructions and public-notice requirements before filing an application.[1][3]
Overview
A rezoning request (also called a zone change) asks the city to change the zoning designation applied to a parcel. Requests typically go through the Planning Division for intake, review, environmental review if required, a public hearing before the Planning Commission, and final action by the City Council. The controlling code provisions and any standards for rezoning are published in the Long Beach municipal code.[2]
- Who may apply: property owner or authorized agent.
- Typical stages: pre-application, application submittal, completeness review, environmental review, hearing(s).
- Responsible office: Long Beach Development Services - Planning Division for intake and review.[1]
Before You Apply
Prepare a site plan, legal description, project narrative, and any required environmental or technical studies (traffic, drainage, historic resources) depending on the project scope. Ask Planning staff which studies are required during a pre-application meeting. Pre-application guidance and intake instructions are available from the Planning Division.[1]
- Confirm property ownership and prepare notarized authorization if an agent files.
- Gather drawings and supporting technical reports.
- Ask about environmental review (CEQA) triggers during pre-application.
Submitting the Application
File the rezoning application with the Development Services - Planning Division following the city submittal checklist. Required fees, forms, and submittal locations are listed on the Planning Division intake page. Exact form names and fees are published by the city; if a fee or form number is not specified on the cited page, that detail is not specified on the cited page.[1]
- Application: Rezone/Zone Change application (name and submission instructions on the Planning intake page).[1]
- Fees: see the Planning intake or fee schedule; specific fee amounts are not specified on the cited page.
- Submittal method: per Planning Division instructions (online or in person) as published by the city.[1]
Public Notice and Hearing Process
After an application is deemed complete, the city issues public notices and sets a Planning Commission hearing, then forwards recommendations to City Council if required. Notice procedures and minimum timelines for public hearing notices are set by the municipal code and the City Clerk's public-notice rules.[2][3]
- Notice types: mailed notices to owners, posted notices, and newspaper or online publication as required by the City Clerk.[3]
- Hearings: Planning Commission hearing and possible City Council hearing on appeal or final action.
- Scheduled dates and agendas are published by the City Clerk.
Penalties & Enforcement
Failure to follow zoning requirements, to file required amendments, or to build contrary to approved zoning can trigger enforcement under the Long Beach municipal code and related enforcement policies. The municipal code contains the governing enforcement provisions; exact fine amounts or schedules are shown in the municipal code or fee resolution when published.[2]
- Fines: specific monetary fines for zoning violations are not specified on the cited page.
- Escalation: information on first, repeat, or continuing offense escalation is not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, injunctions, administrative orders, permit suspension, or court actions are authorized by municipal enforcement provisions.[2]
- Enforcer: Development Services / Code Enforcement and the Planning Division handle compliance and investigations; contact info is on city pages.[1]
- Appeals and review: applicable appeal paths use Planning Commission and City Council procedures; time limits for filing appeals are set by the municipal code or City Clerk rules and are not specified on the cited page.[2][3]
Applications & Forms
The city publishes an application checklist and instructions for rezoning requests on the Planning Division page. The form name and submission instructions are found there; if a printed form number or consolidated PDF is not shown, that number is not specified on the cited page.[1]
FAQ
- How long does a rezoning request take?
- Timelines vary based on completeness and environmental review; estimated time is not specified on the cited pages and depends on project scope.[1][2]
- Can a tenant or neighbor submit a rezoning request?
- Typically the property owner or an authorized agent submits applications; authorization requirements are listed on the Planning intake page.[1]
- Where do I find public notice and hearing dates?
- The City Clerk posts agendas and public-notice details; check the City Clerk public notices page for hearing schedules.[3]
How-To
- Schedule a pre-application meeting with the Planning Division to confirm requirements.
- Prepare the application packet: site plan, narrative, ownership documents, and any required studies.
- Submit the application and pay applicable fees per Planning Division instructions.[1]
- Attend the Planning Commission public hearing; provide testimony and submit materials by deadlines specified in the hearing notice.[3]
- If appealed or forwarded, attend the City Council hearing for final action.
Key Takeaways
- Begin with Planning Division guidance to avoid missing documents.
- Public notices and hearing timelines are governed by City Clerk and municipal code rules.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Long Beach - Development Services, Planning Division
- Long Beach Municipal Code (Municode)
- City Clerk - Agendas and Public Notices