Where to Submit Stormwater Plans in Long Beach

Environmental Protection California 3 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026 Flag of California

Long Beach, California requires developers and contractors to submit stormwater control and erosion‑control plans for many construction and redevelopment projects to prevent pollution entering the municipal storm drain system. This guide summarizes where to file plans, which city departments handle review and enforcement, practical application steps, and how to appeal or report violations for projects in Long Beach.

Who Reviews Stormwater Plans

Stormwater plan review is typically handled by the city agencies responsible for public works, development services, and environmental compliance. For most construction projects you will interact with plan review staff in the Development Services/Building Division and the Public Works or Stormwater Program for municipal stormwater controls and best management practices.

Submitting Plans - Typical Requirements

Required documents commonly include a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) or equivalent erosion and sediment control plan, drainage calculations if applicable, site maps showing control measures, and post-construction stormwater treatment designs. Specific checklist items and submittal formats vary by project size and permit type.

  • Prepare a SWPPP or erosion-control plan tailored to your site and construction phases.
  • Include site plans, grading limits, and sequencing for implementation and monitoring.
  • Check deadlines for plan submittal tied to permit issuance and building permit timelines.
Confirm required documents with Development Services before finalizing plans.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City enforces stormwater and litter-control rules through its Public Works and Development Services departments and by issuing notices, stop-work orders, and administrative penalties when violations are found. Detailed monetary fine amounts for stormwater violations are not specified on the cited pages.

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: information on first, repeat, or continuing offence ranges is not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: typical tools include stop-work orders, correction notices, corrective action orders, and referral to code enforcement or the city attorney.
  • Enforcer: Development Services/Building Division and Public Works/Stormwater Program handle inspections and complaints; use the city’s official contact pages to report concerns.
  • Appeals/review: the city provides administrative appeal routes for many permitting decisions; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page.
Document and photo all compliance steps in case of inspection or enforcement action.

Applications & Forms

The city commonly requires forms and submittals for stormwater review tied to building or grading permits; the exact form names and fees are not specified on the cited pages. Applicants should consult Development Services for current submittal checklists and any required application numbers.

If you cannot find a form online, contact Development Services to request the current checklist.

How to Submit: Action Steps

  1. Confirm whether your project requires a SWPPP or stormwater control plan during pre-application or permit intake.
  2. Prepare plans to the city’s formatting and content checklist and include sequencing for implementation.
  3. Submit plans with the building or grading permit application and pay any associated review fees.
  4. Schedule and pass any required inspections during construction and implement corrective actions promptly if cited.
  5. If you receive enforcement, follow the notice instructions and use the city appeal process where available.

Common Violations

  • Failure to install or maintain required sediment and erosion controls during grading.
  • Discharging muddy runoff or pollutants to the storm drain system.
  • Working without an approved stormwater plan or required permits.

FAQ

Who do I contact to confirm submittal requirements?
Contact Long Beach Development Services/Building Division or the Public Works/Stormwater Program for project-specific requirements and checklists.
Is a statewide permit required for construction?
Projects may also be subject to state NPDES or construction general permits; applicants should confirm state permit applicability alongside city requirements.
What if I see a stormwater violation on a site?
Report suspected illicit discharges or erosion control failures to the city’s stormwater or code enforcement contacts so staff can inspect and require corrective measures.

How-To

  1. Call Development Services for a pre-application or intake meeting to identify required stormwater documents.
  2. Draft the SWPPP or erosion-control plan and supporting drawings to the city checklist.
  3. Submit with permit applications and pay review fees; respond to plan review comments promptly.
  4. Implement controls on site, maintain BMPs, and pass inspections during construction.
  5. Keep records of inspections and corrective actions for post-construction compliance reviews.

Key Takeaways

  • Start stormwater compliance during planning to avoid delays at permitting.
  • Maintain BMPs and records to reduce enforcement risk.
  • Use Development Services and Public Works contacts early for clear submittal guidance.

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