Long Beach City Ordinance: Small Business Broadband

Utilities and Infrastructure California 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 08, 2026 Flag of California

In Long Beach, California, small businesses that want to connect to city-managed broadband or install fiber in the public right-of-way must follow municipal rules, permitting and inspection requirements administered by city departments. This guide explains which Long Beach offices to contact, how permits and applications typically work, the enforcement and appeal paths, and practical steps to get a commercial connection installed while staying compliant with city ordinances.

Start early: permits and coordination with Public Works often take weeks.

Applicable rules and who enforces them

The principal legal references for physical work in streets, sidewalks and other public rights-of-way are the City of Long Beach municipal code and the city permitting processes managed by Public Works and Development Services. For ordinance text consult the Long Beach Municipal Code and for permits consult Public Works' encroachment and permit pages Long Beach Municipal Code[1] and Public Works - Encroachment Permits[2].

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is typically handled by Public Works (Engineering), Development Services/Building & Safety, and Code Enforcement depending on the nature of the work. The municipal code and permit pages describe the authority to require removal, correction, or restoration of public property; specific monetary fines and daily penalties are not listed in one place on those pages and are not specified on the cited page.[1]

  • Enforcers: Public Works - Engineering; Development Services/Building & Safety; Code Enforcement.
  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page; check permit terms or municipal code sections referenced below.[1]
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence procedures are not specified on the cited permit pages and should be confirmed with the enforcing department.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to stop work, restoration obligations, permit revocation, and civil enforcement actions are authorized by city code (see municipal code).[1]
  • Inspection and complaints: file through Public Works or Code Enforcement using the official complaint/contact pages listed in Resources below.
If a specific fine or fee matters for your project, request the permit fee schedule in writing from Public Works.

Applications & Forms

Typical authorizations for installing broadband infrastructure in the public right-of-way include encroachment permits and building permits; businesses also need a city business license for commercial operations. The Public Works encroachment permit application and submission instructions are on the Public Works permits page, and business license applications are on Finance/Business License pages. Fee amounts, permit form names, and exact submission methods are not specified on the cited page in a consolidated table and should be confirmed with the department links below.[2]

How-To

  1. Assess site and service needs: document where fiber will enter the premises and whether work affects sidewalks or streets.
  2. Consult the Long Beach Municipal Code and Public Works permit requirements to identify required permits.[1]
  3. Apply for an encroachment permit via Public Works and for any required building permits via Development Services; attach plans and traffic control proposals.
  4. Coordinate inspections and obtain final sign-offs before activating service; keep restoration bonds or deposits as required by permit terms.
Do not start excavation or conduit work in the public right-of-way without an approved encroachment permit.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to run fiber to my small business?
Most installations that trench, bore, or place conduit in public sidewalks or streets require an encroachment permit and often building permits; confirm with Public Works and Development Services.[2]
How long does permitting take?
Processing times vary by scope and completeness of the application; the Public Works page describes submission steps but does not list a universal processing time. Contact the permit office for an estimate.
What if I work without a permit?
Working without required permits may result in stop-work orders, restoration requirements, and enforcement action under the municipal code; specific fines are not consolidated on the cited pages and must be confirmed with the enforcing department.[1]
Keep permit approvals and inspection records on file in case of later enforcement or utility disputes.

Key Takeaways

  • Consult Long Beach Municipal Code before starting right-of-way work.
  • Apply for encroachment and building permits early.
  • Coordinate with Public Works and Development Services for inspections and approvals.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Long Beach Municipal Code
  2. [2] Public Works - Encroachment Permits

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