INCLUSIONARY HOUSING

Long Beach Municipal Code tit. 21, ch. 21.67

in effect

Long Beach Municipal Code § 21.67.010 Purpose.

21.67.010 - Purpose. The City Council finds that the City of Long Beach faces a serious shortage of affordable housing units that is anticipated to increase over time. New residential development frequently does not provide housing opportunities for very low-, low- and moderate-income households due to the high cost of newly-constructed housing in the City. As a result, such households are effectively excluded from many neighborhoods, creating economic stratification detrimental to the public health, safety, and welfare. The purpose of this Chapter is: A. To impose affordable housing requirements on residential development to avoid the remaining opportunities for affordable housing to be lost by the use of the scarce remaining land for residential development without providing housing affordable to persons and households of all incomes. B. To enhance the public welfare by establishing policies which require the development of housing affordable to households of very low-, low- and moderate-incomes, help meet the City's regional share of housing needs and implement the goals and objectives of the City's General Plan and Housing element. C. To provide and maintain affordable housing opportunities in the community through an inclusionary housing program for both ownership and rental housing, and in furtherance of that goal, include rental inclusionary housing requirements in this Chapter consistent with California Government Code Section 65850(g). D. To provide the residential development community with alternatives to construction of the inclusionary units within a market-rate residential development. (ORD-25-0004 § 1, 2025; ORD-22-0004 § 1, 2022; ORD-21-0006 § 1, 2021)

Long Beach Municipal Code § 21.67.020 Definitions.

21.67.020 - Definitions. The definitions set forth in this Section shall govern the application and interpretation of this Chapter. Words and phrases not defined in this Section shall be interpreted so as to give this Chapter its most reasonable application. A. "Adjusted for Household Size Appropriate for the Unit" means the household sizes defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 50052.5. This adjustment is used solely for the purposes of calculating the affordable rent and affordable sales price. For this purpose only, the household size is set at the number of bedrooms in the unit plus one. B. "Affordable Rent" means the maximum monthly rent, including an allowance for tenant paid utilities, for: (i) very low-income households as defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 50053, or (ii) low-income households, as defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 50053. The calculation is as follows: (i) one-twelfth of thirty percent (30%) of the applicable percent (50% or 60%) of area median income adjusted for household size appropriate for the unit; or (ii) market rent, whichever is less. C. "Affordable Sales Price" means the maximum purchase price for moderate-income households as defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 50052.5. The calculation is as follows: not be less than twenty-eight percent (28%) of the gross income of the household, nor exceed thirty-five percent (35%) times the applicable percentage of area median income as shown in Table 21.67-2, adjusted for household size appropriate for the unit. The affordable sales price shall include a reasonable down payment, and monthly housing cost payments as defined in California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Section 6920. These payments include principal and interest on a mortgage loan, private mortgage insurance, property taxes and assessments, a utility allowance established by the Housing Authority of the City of Long Beach, homeowner's insurance, homeowner's association dues, and a reasonable allowance for property maintenance and repairs, all as determined by the City. D. "Applicant" or "Developer" means a person, persons, or entity that applies for a residential development and also includes the owner or owners of the property if the applicant does not own the property on which residential development is proposed. E. "Approval Body" means a body with the authority to approve the proposed residential development or any component thereof. F. "Area Median Income" means the annual median income for Los Angeles County, adjusted for household size, as published periodically in the California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Section 6932, or its successor provision, or as established by the City in the event that such median income figures are no longer published periodically in the California Code of Regulations. G. "Building Permit" includes full structural building permits as well as partial permits such as foundation-only permits. H. "Common Ownership or Control" refers to property owned or controlled by the same person, persons, or entity, or by separate entities in which any shareholder, partner, member (or family member of such shareholder, partner or member) of the entity owns ten percent (10%) or more of the interest in the property. I. "Contiguous Property" means any parcel of land that is: 1. Touching another parcel at any point; 2. Separated from another parcel at any point only by a public right-of-way, private street or way, or public or private utility, service, or access easement; or 3. Separated from another parcel only by other real property of the applicant which is not subject to the requirements of this Chapter at the time of the planning entitlement application by the applicant. J. "Density Bonus Units" means dwelling units approved in a residential development pursuant to California Government Code Section 65915 et seq., Chapter 21.63, or Chapter 21.68 of the Long Beach Municipal Code that are in excess of the maximum allowable residential density otherwise permitted by the City. K. "Downtown Submarket" means those areas of the City located within the Downtown Plan Area (PD-30) as delineated on the City's Zoning Use District Map. L. "First Approval" means the first of the following approvals to occur with respect to a residential development after the effective date of this Chapter: planning entitlement or building permit. M. "First Time Home Buyer" means an individual who meets any of the following criteria: 1. An individual who has had no ownership in a principal residence during the 3-year period ending on the date of purchase of the property. This includes a spouse (if either meets the above test, they are considered first-time homebuyers). 2. A single parent who has only owned with a former spouse while married. 3. An individual who is a displaced homemaker and has only owned with a spouse. 4. An individual who has only owned a principal residence not permanently affixed to a permanent foundation in accordance with applicable regulations. 5. An individual who has only owned a property that was not in compliance with state, local or model building codes and which cannot be brought into compliance for less than the cost of constructing a permanent structure. N. "HCD" means the California Department of Housing and Community Development. O. "High Resource Area" means those areas designated as high resource areas on the Submarket Areas Map. P. "Housing Element" means the then-current Housing Element of the City's General Plan prepared in accordance with state housing law. Q. "Housing Trust Fund" means the fund or account established by Section 3.92 of the Long Beach Municipal Code. R. "Inclusionary Housing Regulatory Agreement" means an agreement in conformance with Section 21.67.090.B between the City and an applicant, governing how the applicant shall comply with this Chapter. S. "Inclusionary Housing Guidelines" means any requirements for implementation and administration of this Chapter adopted by the City in accordance with Section 21.67.090.D. For developments within the coastal zone, those requirements must be consistent with the policies of the LCP, including this Chapter. In any case of conflict between the Inclusionary Housing Guidelines and the policies of the LCP, the policies of the LCP shall take precedence over the guidelines. T. "Inclusionary Housing Plan" means a plan containing all of the information specified in and submitted in conformance with Section 21.67.090.A, specifying the manner in which inclusionary units will be provided in conformance with this Chapter and the adopted inclusionary housing guidelines. For developments within the coastal zone, those guidelines must be consistent with the policies of the LCP, including this Chapter. In any case of conflict between the Inclusionary Housing Guidelines and the policies of the LCP, the policies of the LCP shall take precedence over the guidelines. U. "Inclusionary Unit" means a dwelling unit required by this Chapter to be affordable to very low-, low- or moderate-income households, as applicable, and subject to an inclusionary housing regulatory agreement. V. "Low-Income Households" are those households whose income does not exceed eighty percent (80%) of the area median income as published annually by HCD, adjusted for the actual number of persons in the household. W. "Low Resource Area" means those areas designated as low resource areas on the Submarket Areas Map. X. "Market-Rate Unit" means a new dwelling unit in a residential development that is not an inclusionary unit subject to recorded affordability restrictions that meet the requirements of this Chapter. Y. "Midtown Submarket" means those areas of the City within the Midtown Plan Area (SP-1) as delineated on the City's Zoning Use District Map. Z. "Moderate-Income Households" are those households whose income does not exceed one hundred twenty percent (120%) of the area median income as published annually by HCD, adjusted for the actual number of persons in the household. AA. "Moderate Resource Area" means those areas designated as moderate resource areas on the Submarket Areas Map. BB. "Ownership Residential Development" means: (i) any residential development that includes the creation of one or more dwelling units that may be sold individually, and (ii) any community apartment project or residential development owned by a residential stock cooperative wherein owners own an undivided interest in the development together with the right to occupy a dwelling unit, commonly known as "own-your-owns". A residential ownership development also includes the conversion of a residential rental development to a residential ownership development pursuant to Chapter 20.32 of the Long Beach Municipal Code. If dwelling units are approved with a condominium map but are not yet sold individually on the open market or otherwise to persons unaffiliated with the original developer of the dwelling units, such development shall be considered a rental residential development subject to the requirements of Section 21.67.050.A.2 until such time as it converts to an ownership residential development, at which time the development shall be subject to the requirements of Section 21.67.050.A.1. CC. "Planning Entitlement" means any discretionary approval of a residential development including, but not limited to, a general or specific plan adoption or amendment, rezoning, tentative map, parcel map, conditional use permit, variances, site plan review, or local coastal development permit. DD. "Rental Residential Development" means any residential development that creates one or more dwelling units that cannot be lawfully sold individually in conformance with the Subdivision Map Act. EE. "Residential Development" means any development for which a planning entitlement or building permit is required that includes: 1. The creation of one or more additional dwelling units; 2. Conversion of nonresidential uses to dwelling units; or 3. The conversion of a use from a residential rental development to a residential ownership development. FF. "Submarket(s)" means the Downtown Submarket, the Midtown Submarket, the High Resource Area, the Low Resource Area and the Moderate Resource Area, or any applicable combination thereof. GG. "Submarket Areas Map" means that certain map prepared and published by the City Community Development Department assigning all parcels of real property within the City of Long Beach to a Submarket. For any changes to the Submarket Areas Map as adopted by the City on April 1, 2025 that result in lower percentages of total required inclusionary housing units within the coastal zone, the City Council shall submit an LCP amendment request to the California Coastal Commission for its review and approval. HH. "Very Low-Income Household" are those households whose income does not exceed 50 percent (50%) of the area median income as published annually by HCD, adjusted for the actual number of persons in the household. (ORD-26-0014 §§ 1—3, 2026; ORD-25-0004 § 2, 2025; ORD-22-0004 § 1, 2022; ORD-21-0006 § 1, 2021)

Long Beach Municipal Code § 21.67.030 Applicability.

21.67.030 - Applicability. The provisions of this Chapter shall apply to: A. All residential development located in the City of Long Beach except for any residential development exempt under Section 21.67.040. (ORD-25-0004 § 3, 2025; ORD-22-0004 § 1, 2022; ORD-21-0006 § 1, 2021)

Long Beach Municipal Code § 21.67.040 Exemptions.

21.67.040 - Exemptions. A. The following residential developments shall be exempt from the provisions of this Chapter: 1. Residential developments with nine (9) or fewer units. 2. Residential developments which are developed in accordance with the terms of a development agreement adopted by ordinance pursuant to the authority and provisions of California Government Code Section 65864 et seq. and/or Chapter 21.29 of the Long Beach Municipal Code, and that is executed prior to the effective date of this Chapter, provided that such residential developments shall comply with any inclusionary housing requirements included in the development agreement or any predecessor ordinance in effect on the date the development agreement was executed. 3. Residential developments exempted by California Government Code Section 66474.2 or 66498.1, provided that such residential developments shall comply with any predecessor ordinance, resolution, or policy in effect on the date the application for the development was deemed substantially complete. 4. Residential developments for which a building permit has been issued no later than the effective date of this Chapter, provided that such residential developments shall comply with any predecessor ordinance, resolution, or policy in effect on the date the application for the development was approved. 5. Residential developments in which at least forty-nine percent (49%) of the total units will be restricted by a recorded regulatory agreement to very-low or low-income households. B. Planning entitlement expiration. Upon the expiration of any planning entitlement, and unless otherwise exempted, the residential development shall be subject to the inclusionary housing requirements of this Chapter in effect as of the date of such expiration, and shall not proceed until such time as an inclusionary housing plan is approved in conjunction with any other required planning entitlement or amendment thereto. The provisions of this Chapter shall also apply to any residential development which is granted a discretionary extension of a planning entitlement after the effective date of this Chapter, to the extent consistent with state law. (ORD-25-0004 § 4, 2025; ORD-22-0004 § 1, 2022; ORD-21-0006 § 1, 2021)

Long Beach Municipal Code § 21.67.050 Inclusionary Housing Requirement.

21.67.050 - Inclusionary Housing Requirement. All residential developments proposing ten (10) or more dwelling units (unless exempt under Section 21.67.040), and contiguous property under common ownership and control, shall include inclusionary units. A. On-site inclusionary requirement. Unless an alternative is approved as described in Section 21.67.080, residential developments subject to this Chapter shall provide certain dwelling units in the residential development as inclusionary units upon the same site as the residential development as follows: 1. Ownership residential development in the Downtown Submarket and the Midtown Submarket prior to 2025. For all applications for first approval of an ownership residential development in the Downtown Submarket or Midtown Submarket submitted prior to calendar year 2025, the applicant shall provide the applicable percentage of the units in the residential development available at an affordable sales price to moderate-income households, in accordance with Table 21.67-1. Table 21.67-1 Inclusionary Housing Requirements for Ownership Developments 2021-2024 Calendar Year | Moderate Income Affordability Level (Percentage of Area Median Income) | Inclusionary Requirement Percentage of units in the development 2021 | 120% | 4% 2022 | 120% | 5% 2023 & 2024 | 120% | 10% 2. Ownership residential development in the City of Long Beach during 2025 and thereafter. For all applications for first approval of an ownership residential development in the City of Long Beach submitted beginning on the effective date during calendar year 2025 and thereafter, the applicant shall provide the applicable percentage of the units in the residential development available at an affordable sales price to households at the specific income levels provided, each in accordance with Table 21.67-2, and the inclusionary units required hereunder must be sold to First Time Home Buyers. Table 21.67-2 Inclusionary Housing Requirements for Ownership Developments Beginning 2025 Milestone Threshold | Affordability Level (Percentage of Area Median for Household Eligibility Determination) | Affordability Level (Percentage of Area Median Income for Affordable Sales Price Determination) | Inclusionary Requirement Percentage of units in the development Beginning on the effective date in 2025 and continuing through the later of: (i) December 31, 2026; or (ii) the date on which at least 200 new units within Ownership Residential Developments are entitled City-wide ("First Inclusionary Milestone"). | 200% | 200% | 10% Beginning on the date immediately after the First Inclusionary Milestone and continuing through the later of: (i) the first anniversary of the First Inclusionary Milestone; or (ii) the date on which at least 200 new units within Ownership Residential Developments are entitled City-wide (in addition to those entitled prior to the First Inclusionary Milestone) ("Second Inclusionary Milestone"). | 150% | 150% | 10% Beginning on the date immediately after the Second Inclusionary Milestone and continuing through the later of: (i) the first anniversary of the Second Inclusionary Milestone; or (ii) the date on which at least 200 new units within Ownership Residential Developments are entitled City-wide (in addition to those entitled prior to the Second Inclusionary Milestone) ("Third Inclusionary Milestone"). | 135% | 135% | 10% Beginning on the Third Inclusionary Milestone and continuing thereafter. | 120% | 110% | 10% 3. Rental residential development in the Downtown Submarket and Midtown Submarket prior to 2025. For all applications for first approval of a rental residential development in the Downtown Submarket or Midtown Submarket submitted prior to the effective date in calendar year 2025, the applicant shall provide the applicable percentage of the units in the residential development available at an affordable rent to very low-income households in accordance with Table 21.67-3. Table 21.67-3 Inclusionary Housing Requirements for Rental Developments 2021-2024 Calendar Year | Inclusionary Requirement Percentage of units in the development 2021 | 5% 2022 | 6% 2023 & 2024 | 11% 4. Rental residential development in the City of Long Beach during 2025 and thereafter. For all applications for first approval of rental residential development in the City of Long Beach submitted beginning on the effective date in calendar year 2025 and thereafter, the applicant shall provide the applicable percentage of the units in the residential development available at the applicable affordable rent levels, each in accordance with Table 21.67-4 and consistent with the Submarket Areas Map. The Submarket Areas Map depicting the Submarkets referenced in Table 21.67-4 shall be updated periodically or as necessary by the City Community Development Department, and said map and all notations, references and other information shown on it are incorporated by reference and shall be deemed as much a part of this Title as if the matters and information set forth by said map were fully described in this Chapter. For any changes to the Submarket Areas Map as adopted by the City on April 1, 2025 that result in lower percentages of total required inclusionary housing units within the coastal zone, the City Council shall submit an LCP amendment request to the California Coastal Commission for its review and approval. Table 21.67-4 Inclusionary Housing Requirements for Rental Developments Beginning 2025 Inclusionary Housing Affordability Requirements: Rental Residential Developments Submarket | Affordability Level | Inclusionary Requirement Percentage of Units in the Development 2025 | 2026 | 2027 and thereafter Downtown Submarket | Very Low-Income | 6% Low-Income | 6% Total: | 12% Midtown Submarket | Low-Income | 12% High Resource Area | Very Low-Income | 4% | 5% | 8% Low-Income | 2% | 3% | 4% Total: | 6% | 8% | 12% Moderate Resource Area | Very Low-Income | 3% | 4% | 6% Low-Income | 3% | 4% | 6% Total: | 6% | 8% | 12% Low Resource Area | Low-Income | 6% | 7% | 12% B. Calculating the number of inclusionary units. 1. Calculations of the number of inclusionary units required by this Section shall be based on the number of dwelling units in the residential development, excluding any density bonus units. 2. In computing the total number of inclusionary units required in a rental residential development with over 20 total units, fractions of an inclusionary unit shall be rounded up. In computing the total number of inclusionary units required in an ownership residential development or rental residential development of 20 units or less, fractions of an inclusionary unit shall either be: (i) rounded up, or (ii) provided by the payment of an in-lieu fee as established in Section 21.67.080.A. Fractional units applicable to households of different income levels in the same residential development may be added together and applied toward unit(s) at the lowest required income level. If a residential development is included in more than one Submarket, then the total number of inclusionary units shall be calculated as though the entirety of the residential development is located in a single Submarket as designated in accordance with the inclusionary housing guidelines. 3. When a residential development includes both ownership and rental dwelling units, the provisions of this Chapter that apply to ownership residential development shall apply to that portion of the development that consists of ownership dwelling units, while the provisions of this Chapter that apply to rental residential development shall apply to that portion of the development that consists of rental dwelling units. C. Common ownership and control. An applicant for a planning entitlement shall not avoid the requirements of this Chapter by submitting piecemeal planning entitlement applications. At the time of the application for first approval for the residential development, the applicant shall identify all contiguous property under common ownership and control. The applicant shall not be required to construct dwelling units upon the contiguous property at the time of the application for first approval; however, the applicant shall be required to include the contiguous property under common ownership or control in its inclusionary housing plan. The inclusionary housing regulatory agreement shall be recorded against the residential development and all contiguous property under common ownership or control and shall require compliance with this Chapter upon development of each contiguous property at such time as there are planning entitlement applications that would authorize a total of ten (10) or more residential units for the residential development and the contiguous property under common ownership or control. (ORD-26-0014 § 4, 2026; ORD-25-0004 § 5, 2025; ORD-22-0004 § 1, 2022; ORD-21-0006 § 1, 2021)

Long Beach Municipal Code § 21.67.060 Inclusionary Housing Standards and Incentives.

21.67.060 - Inclusionary Housing Standards and Incentives. A. Inclusionary housing units included in a residential development resulting from the conversion of a use from a residential rental development to a residential ownership development shall be offered for sale to current and qualified tenants of the inclusionary units, and shall otherwise comply with the inclusionary housing guidelines. B. Construction appearance and quality. Inclusionary units shall be comparable in exterior appearance and overall quality of construction to market-rate units in the same housing development. Interior finishes and features may differ from those provided in the market-rate units, so as long as the finishes and features are durable, of good quality, and consistent with contemporary standards for new housing. C. Bedroom Mix and Unit Size. The number of bedrooms and the size of the inclusionary units shall be proportional to or greater than the number of bedrooms and size of the market-rate units, consistent with any adopted inclusionary housing guidelines. D. Location. The inclusionary units shall be located so as not to create a geographic concentration of inclusionary units within the residential development. E. Amenities. The inclusionary units shall have the same amenities as the market-rate units included within the affordable rent or affordable sales price for the inclusionary unit. For example, residents of the inclusionary units shall have the same access to and enjoyment of common open space, parking, storage, and other facilities in the residential development, and residents of the inclusionary units shall not be charged more than affordable rents or affordable sales prices as for the use of such facilities and amenities. F. Density bonus. The developer of a residential development providing all required inclusionary units upon the same site as the market-rate units may, at the developer's sole option and concurrently with the submittal of the inclusionary housing plan, submit a written request for a density bonus, waivers, modification of parking standards, or other regulatory incentives pursuant to Government Code Section 65915 et seq., and the provisions of Chapter 21.63 of the Long Beach Municipal Code, if the residential development meets all of the applicable requirements to qualify for a density bonus. (ORD-22-0004 § 1, 2022; ORD-21-0006 § 1, 2021)

Long Beach Municipal Code § 21.67.070 Timing of Construction of Inclusionary Units.

21.67.070 - Timing of Construction of Inclusionary Units. All required inclusionary units shall be made available for occupancy prior to, or concurrently with, the market-rate units. For the purposes of this subsection, "concurrently" means one of the following: A. The inclusionary units may be constructed in phases if the market-rate units are constructed in phases, provided that the percentage of inclusionary units developed in each phase shall be equivalent to or greater than the total percentage of inclusionary units to be developed as part of the residential development until such time that all the inclusionary units have been built. B. In-lieu fees, if applicable, have been paid. C. The applicant has met, or made arrangements satisfactory to the City to meet, an alternative requirement as permitted by Section 21.67.080. (ORD-22-0004 § 1, 2022; ORD-21-0006 § 1, 2021)

Long Beach Municipal Code § 21.67.080 Developers' Alternative Compliance Options.

21.67.080 - Developers' Alternative Compliance Options. A. In-Lieu Fee. All: (i) ownership residential developments, (ii) rental residential developments proposing twenty (20) or less dwelling units, and (iii) residential developments specifically authorized by an action of the City Council after a finding of hardship has been made, may satisfy the inclusionary housing requirement in Section 21.67.050.A by the payment of a fee to the City in-lieu of constructing the inclusionary units within the residential development. In-lieu fees may be established from time-to-time by resolution of the City Council. No building permit shall be issued by the City for any market-rate unit in the residential development until all in-lieu fees for the residential development have been paid to the City. The developer shall provide specific written notice to any purchaser of any dwelling unit prior to the acceptance of any offer to purchase, and shall obtain executed acknowledgment of the receipt of such notice, that purchaser shall not have any right to occupy the dwelling unit until such time as all in-lieu fees owing for the residential development are paid to the City. All in-lieu fees shall be deposited in the inclusionary housing fund as described in Section 21.67.110. B. Land Dedication. An applicant may dedicate land to the City or a local nonprofit housing developer, at no cost to the City or such housing developer, in place of actual construction of inclusionary units upon approval of the City Council. The applicant must comply with the following provisions and provide evidence of such compliance when the proposed land dedication is submitted to the City: 1. The applicant must exclusively control the land to be dedicated. 2. The land to be dedicated must be free of any liens, easements or other encumbrances adversely impacting value, and must be fully served by necessary utility infrastructure. 3. The land to be dedicated cannot contain any hazardous materials, and the applicant must disclose any previous hazardous materials located thereon and provide evidence that remediation was performed in compliance with applicable law. 4. The land to be dedicated cannot have been improved with residential structures for a period of at least five (5) years prior to application submission. 5. All property taxes and other assessments must be fully paid at the time of application submission and at the time of actual dedication and/or conveyance. 6. The land to be dedicated must be located within one (1) mile of the residential development that is subject to the requirements of this Chapter, unless the land to be dedicated is in a High Resource Area. 7. The existing General Plan and zoning standards applicable to the land to be dedicated must allow for the requisite number of inclusionary units to be developed, and such land must otherwise be suitable in terms of size, configuration and physical characteristics to allow for such inclusionary unit development. 8. The development of the requisite number of inclusionary units must be feasible without the need for City, Housing Authority, or Long Beach Community Investment Company assistance funds. 9. Any other requirements of the inclusionary housing guidelines. For developments within the coastal zone, those requirements must be consistent with the policies of the LCP, including this Chapter. In any case of conflict between the Inclusionary Housing Guidelines and the policies of the LCP, the policies of the LCP shall take precedence over the guidelines. C. Other alternative compliance methods. A developer may propose an alternative compliance method to provide inclusionary units through other means consistent with any adopted inclusionary housing guidelines and Housing Element policies and goals to affirmatively further fair housing in the City. For developments within the coastal zone, those alternative compliance methods must be consistent with the policies of the LCP, including this Chapter. In any case of conflict between the Inclusionary Housing Guidelines and the policies of the LCP, the policies of the LCP shall take precedence over the guidelines. City staff shall evaluate a developer's proposal and issue recommendations to the City Council regarding the proposal's compliance with the City's Housing Element policies, fair housing goals, and Regional Housing Needs Assessment. The City Council will consider such recommendations and may approve or conditionally approve such an alternative only if the City Council determines, based on substantial evidence, that such alternative compliance will provide as many or more inclusionary units at the same or lower income levels or will otherwise provide greater public benefit than would provision of the inclusionary units on-site. The compliance options in Paragraphs A and B of this Section do not qualify the residential development for a density bonus or other regulatory incentives unless the dedication of land conforms to the provisions of Government Code Section 65915(g). (ORD-26-0014 §§ 5, 6, 2026; ORD-25-0004 § 6, 2025; ORD-22-0004 § 1, 2022; ORD-21-0006 § 1, 2021)

Long Beach Municipal Code § 21.67.090 Application and Review Procedures.

21.67.090 - Application and Review Procedures. A. Inclusionary housing plan. 1. An application for the first approval of a residential development shall include an inclusionary housing plan describing how the development will comply with the provisions of this Chapter. As an alternative to compliance with the basic provisions included in Section 21.67.050, an applicant may propose one of the alternatives listed in Section 21.67.080 as part of the inclusionary housing plan. 2. Any proposed density bonus, waivers, modification of parking standards, or other regulatory incentives shall be included in the inclusionary housing plan. 3. Any adopted inclusionary housing guidelines may specify the contents of the inclusionary housing plan. No application for a first approval for a residential development may be deemed complete unless an inclusionary housing plan is submitted in conformance with this Chapter. 4. The inclusionary housing plan shall be processed concurrently with all other permits required for the residential development. Before the approval body may approve the inclusionary housing plan, the approval body must affirmatively find that the inclusionary housing plan conforms to the requirements set forth in this Chapter. A condition shall be attached to the first approval of any residential development to require recordation of the inclusionary housing regulatory agreement described in Paragraph B of this Section prior to the approval of any final or parcel map or building permit for the residential development. 5. The approved inclusionary housing plan for a residential development, or for a building phase in a residential development, where phasing has been approved as part of planning entitlement approvals, may be amended prior to issuance of any building permit for the residential development or building phase, if applicable. A request for a minor modification of an approved inclusionary housing plan may be granted by the City Manager or their designee if the modification is substantially in compliance with the original inclusionary housing plan and conditions of approval. Other modifications to the inclusionary housing plan shall be processed in the same manner as the original plan. 6. Fair Housing and Marketing Plan. The inclusionary housing plan shall describe the applicant's marketing plan, which shall comply with all applicable fair housing laws and shall not discriminate in the sale or rental of inclusionary units on the basis of race, national origin, color, religion, gender, disability, familial status, age, income source, or marital status. B. Inclusionary housing regulatory agreement. The applicant shall enter into an inclusionary housing regulatory agreement with the City, in a form approved by the City Attorney, to be executed by the City Manager or their designee, to ensure that all the requirements of this Chapter are satisfied. The inclusionary housing regulatory agreement shall be recorded against the residential development (and contiguous property under common ownership and control in accordance with Section 21.67.050.C) no later than thirty (30) days after such residential development has submitted for plan check. C. The City Council, by resolution, may establish fees for the ongoing administration and monitoring of the inclusionary units, which fees may be updated periodically, as required. D. The City Council hereby authorizes the Planning Commission to adopt inclusionary housing guidelines to implement this Chapter. (ORD-25-0004 § 7, 2025; ORD-22-0004 § 1, 2022; ORD-21-0006 § 1, 2021)

Long Beach Municipal Code § 21.67.100 Continued Affordability.

21.67.100 - Continued Affordability. A. All inclusionary units shall remain affordable to the targeted income group for the longer of: (i) a period of fifty-five (55) years from the date of issuance of a tentative or final Certificate of Occupancy for such inclusionary units, or (ii) for so long as the subject property which includes such inclusionary units is developed for a residential use. B. Any adopted inclusionary housing guidelines may include standard documents such as a resale restriction or regulatory agreement, for execution by the City Manager or their designee, in a form approved by the City Attorney, to secure the continued affordability of the inclusionary units approved for each residential development, provide ongoing maintenance obligations, define rent and sale price increase procedures, and provide formulas for how resale prices for ownership inclusionary units are calculated. Such document(s) shall be recorded against the residential development or the inclusionary units, as applicable. C. Any eligible household that occupies an inclusionary unit must occupy that unit as its principal residence, unless otherwise approved in writing for rental to a third-party eligible household for a limited period of time due to household hardship, as may be specified in any adopted inclusionary housing guidelines. D. No household may begin occupancy of an inclusionary unit until the household has been determined to be eligible to occupy that unit by the City Manager or their designee. Any adopted inclusionary housing guidelines may establish standards for determining household income, affordable housing cost, provisions for continued monitoring of tenant eligibility, and other eligibility criteria. E. Officials, employees, or consultants of the City, members of City boards and commissions, and the applicant and the applicant's officials shall comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies relating to conflicts of interest as to their eligibility to develop, construct, sell, rent, lease, occupy, or purchase an inclusionary unit. Any adopted inclusionary housing guidelines shall include conflict of interest provisions relating to the administration of this Chapter and the eligibility of persons to occupy inclusionary units. (ORD-22-0004 § 1, 2022; ORD-21-0006 § 1, 2021)

Long Beach Municipal Code § 21.67.110 Housing Trust Fund.

21.67.110 - Housing Trust Fund. A. All in-lieu fees or other funds collected under this Chapter shall be deposited into the City's Housing Trust Fund and shall be maintained and accounted for separately in an inclusionary housing program subaccount. B. Moneys deposited in the Housing Trust Fund pursuant to this Chapter may be used by City to pay for direct costs associated with the administration and enforcement of the program established by this Chapter. C. After payment of expenses, if any, described in Paragraph B of this Section, all of the remaining moneys deposited in the Housing Trust Fund pursuant to this Chapter shall be expended to provide affordable housing assistance. (ORD-25-0004 § 8, 2025; ORD-22-0004 § 1, 2022; ORD-21-0006 § 1, 2021)

Long Beach Municipal Code § 21.67.120 Waiver.

21.67.120 - Waiver. A. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Chapter, the requirements of this Chapter may be waived, adjusted, or reduced by the City Council based upon a showing that applying the requirements of this Chapter would result in an unconstitutional taking of property or would result in any other unconstitutional result. B. Any request for a waiver, adjustment, or reduction under this Section shall be submitted to the City concurrently with the inclusionary housing plan. The request for a waiver, adjustment, or reduction shall set forth in detail the factual and legal basis for the claim. C. The request for a waiver, adjustment, or reduction shall be reviewed and considered in the same manner and at the same time as the inclusionary housing plan. D. In making a determination on an application for waiver, adjustment, or reduction, the applicant shall bear the burden of presenting substantial evidence to support the claim. The City may assume each of the following when applicable: 1. That the applicant will provide the most economical inclusionary units feasible, while still meeting the requirements of this Chapter and any adopted inclusionary housing guidelines; and 2. That the applicant will benefit from the incentives for the residential development as described in this Chapter and elsewhere in the Long Beach Municipal Code. E. The waiver, adjustment or reduction may be approved only to the extent necessary to avoid an unconstitutional result, after adoption of written findings, based on substantial evidence, supporting the determinations required by this Section. If a reduction, adjustment, or waiver is granted, any change in the residential development shall invalidate the reduction, adjustment, or waiver, and a new application shall be required for a reduction, adjustment, or waiver pursuant to this Section. (ORD-22-0004 § 1, 2022; ORD-21-0006 § 1, 2021)

Long Beach Municipal Code § 21.67.130 Enforcement.

21.67.130 - Enforcement. A. The City Manager and City Attorney shall be authorized to enforce the provisions of this Chapter and all inclusionary housing regulatory agreements and other covenants or restrictions placed on inclusionary units, by: (i) suspension or revocation of any building permit or approval upon finding of a violation of any provision of this Chapter or such agreements or restrictions, and/or (ii) by civil action and any other proceeding or method permitted by law. B. Failure of any official or agency to fulfill the requirements of this Chapter shall not excuse any applicant or owner from the requirements of this Chapter. No permit, license, map, or other approval or entitlement for a residential development shall be issued, including without limitation a final inspection or certificate of occupancy, until all applicable requirements of this Chapter have been satisfied. C. The remedies provided for herein shall be cumulative and not exclusive and shall not preclude the City from any other remedy or relief to which it otherwise would be entitled under law or equity. (ORD-22-0004 § 1, 2022; ORD-21-0006 § 1, 2021)

Source: City of Long Beach, Municipal Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/ca/long_beach/codes/municipal_code?nodeId=TIT21ZO_CH21.67INHOFetched: 10/28/2026