Building Codes
Project Status Long Beach Municipal Code    

The Long Beach Development Services Department has adopted the 2007 Edition of California Codes for Building, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Electric. In addition to the California Building Codes, the Building and Safety Bureau also enforces codes listed in Title 18 of the Long Beach Municipal Code.

If you are an architect, engineer, designer or contractor that performs work within the State of California, please be advised that the 2007 CBC is the current code. The 2007 CBC is based on the 2006 International Building Code (IBC) and it is significantly different than the Uniform Building Code (UBC). All projects need to be designed and built to the current 2007 CBC. The 2007 CBC is currently available for purchase directly from the International Code Council at www.iccsafe.org.

EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2011, NEW CODES WILL BE ENFORCED IN CALIFORNIA

Beginning on January 1, 2011, several new Building Codes will be enforced in California. All structures other than one and two family dwellings and townhomes will be built under the new 2010 California Building Code (CBC).  One and two family dwellings and townhomes will be built under the new 2010 California Residential Code (CRC).  The new 2010 California Green Building Standards Code (CGBSC) is the first mandatory code in the nation to require homes and buildings will be more energy efficient.

All plan review applications submitted after December 31, 2010 will be required to comply with the new code. The 2010 CBC, 2010 CRC and the 2010 CGBSC codes will be available for purchase directly from the International Code Council beginning in July 2010.  For more information, please visit www.iccsafe.org. 

All architects, engineers, designers and contractors MUST be familiar with the new codes, or projects CANNOT be approved.  For training information before the new codes take effect, please visit the following organizations:

  • CALBO www.CALBO.org:
    • General training related to all I-Codes and California amendment training
  • LA Basin Chapter, ICC www.icclabc.org:
    • General training related to all I-Codes and California amendment training
  • ICC www.iccsafe.org
    • General training related to all I-Codes

In addition to Title 18 and 21 regulations, the Building Bureau Inspectors enforce codes listed under the following titles:

Additional Links

Additional code links that may be of interest to Long Beach Residents and/or Business Owners with regard to the work performed by the Department of Long Beach Development Services.