Long Beach Green Infrastructure Incentives
Introduction
Long Beach, California promotes green infrastructure to reduce stormwater pollution, lower runoff and support climate resilience. This guide summarizes municipal incentives, permitting pathways, enforcement considerations, and practical steps for developers, property owners, and designers working on green roofs, bioswales, permeable pavement, and other Low Impact Development (LID) measures in Long Beach.
What counts as green infrastructure
Green infrastructure includes techniques that capture, detain, treat or infiltrate stormwater on-site and reduce impervious surface impact. Common project types: vegetated swales, rain gardens, permeable pavements, green roofs, and rainwater harvesting systems. Many incentives target projects that implement LID to meet municipal stormwater and runoff-reduction goals.
Incentives and policy mechanisms
Long Beach uses a combination of incentives and procedural tools to encourage green infrastructure. These commonly include expedited plan review, reduced or waived fees for qualifying projects, stormwater crediting or fee reductions, and technical assistance through city programs. Specific eligibility criteria, application requirements, and available fee reductions are published by city departments and may vary by program year.
- Expedited permitting or priority review for projects demonstrating LID or green infrastructure measures.
- Fee reductions or credits tied to stormwater management performance where offered by the city.
- Technical assistance and plan-check guidance from Planning and Public Works staff to meet municipal standards.
Design standards and references
Projects must meet applicable Long Beach design standards for stormwater, grading, and building safety. Design requirements are enforced at plan check and inspection. For controlling text and code references, consult the City of Long Beach municipal code and Development Services design guidance.[1]
Penalties & Enforcement
The City enforces compliance with municipal code provisions related to stormwater, grading, and building permits. Monetary penalties, stop-work orders, and corrective requirements are tools the city may use when projects do not follow approved plans or when unpermitted work occurs.
- Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
- Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing violations are addressed under municipal enforcement procedures; specific escalation ranges are not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, corrective compliance measures, restoration orders, and referral to code compliance or the city attorney for civil action.
- Enforcer: Planning & Building/Development Services, Public Works - Environmental Programs, and Code Enforcement units administer inspections and enforcement.
- Appeals and review: appeal routes and time limits are set by municipal procedure; specific appeal time limits are not specified on the cited page.
Applications & Forms
Most green infrastructure incentives and permit requirements are handled through the Development Services/Planning & Building permit process. Specific incentive applications or stormwater credit forms may be posted by the responsible department; where no dedicated form is published, standard permit application and plan submittal procedures apply.
- Permit/plan check: submit through Development Services permitting portal or counter as directed by the city.
- Fees: program-specific fee amounts or waivers are not specified on the cited page.
- Deadlines: follow application submittal instructions on the department page and request expedited review if available.
Action steps for applicants
- Contact Development Services or Public Works early to confirm incentive eligibility and required documentation.
- Incorporate LID details into construction drawings and specifications to streamline plan check.
- Schedule pre-application or pre-construction meetings where available.
FAQ
- How do I find out if my project qualifies for incentives?
- Start with Development Services or Public Works environmental staff and provide project plans for eligibility review.
- Are there separate permits for rain gardens or permeable pavement?
- These features are reviewed as part of grading, drainage, and building permits; specific standalone permits are not typically required but check with Development Services.
- Can I get a stormwater fee reduction for retrofit projects?
- Stormwater credits or fee reductions may be available depending on program rules; consult the city stormwater or environmental program staff.
How-To
- Contact the City: Reach out to Development Services and Public Works environmental staff for preliminary eligibility guidance.
- Prepare plans: Include LID details, calculations, and a maintenance plan in construction documents.
- Submit application: File permit applications and any incentive-specific forms with Development Services; request expedited review if eligible.
- Inspection and approval: Complete required inspections and document maintenance to secure credits or approvals.
Key Takeaways
- Engage the city early to confirm eligibility and streamline permitting.
- Specific fee reductions and penalties are determined by municipal procedures and may not be published in a single location.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Long Beach Development Services (Planning & Building)
- Long Beach Public Works - Stormwater Program
- City of Long Beach Municipal Code