Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

New ADU construction — detached or attached. Includes LB-specific ADU permitting process.

How to build an ADU in Long Beach. This playbook breaks the full accessory dwelling unit process into 49 steps — planning, design, Long Beach permitting, utility connections, construction, and inspections — each with typical durations, costs, and who to call.

49 steps

~173 days

7 phases

This playbook is a starting point — add, remove, or reorder any step when you start your project.

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Planning

4 steps~31 days

ADU Feasibility Assessment

Verify property eligibility — zoning, lot size, setbacks, existing structures, utility capacity.

Long Beach Development Services - Planning · (562) 570-6194 (411 W Ocean Blvd, 3rd Floor. Walk-in for zoning questions.)

LB allows ADUs on most SFR lots since 2020. Key rules: 4ft rear/side setbacks for detached ADU, 800–1,200 sqft max depending on lot, 16ft max height for detached. JADUs (Junior ADUs) can be up to 500 sqft inside existing structure with no setback requirement.

Site Survey & Lot Analysis

Professional survey to confirm lot dimensions, existing structure footprint, setback distances, and utility locations.

Survey is essential — you need exact setback distances documented. Also identifies easements and underground utilities that affect ADU placement. Required by architect before design begins.

Utility Capacity Check

Confirm water, sewer, gas, and electrical capacity for a new unit. Check if panel upgrade is needed.

Long Beach Water Dept (LBWD) · (562) 570-2300 (Also call SCE (800-655-4555) and SoCalGas (800-427-2200) for panel/gas capacity.)

Many older LB homes have 100A panels — adding an ADU often requires upgrade to 200A. LBWD will confirm if sewer lateral can handle additional unit; if not, upsizing adds significant cost. Do this early.

Obtain ADU Contractor Bids

14d

Get 2–3 bids from ADU-experienced contractors. Verify CSLB license and ADU-specific portfolio.

ADU construction requires experience with California ADU law, local permitting, and new construction detailing. Ask for 3 recent ADU references in Long Beach specifically. Typical cost range: $150–350/sqft fully completed.

Design

4 steps~47 days

Show steps ▾

Hire ADU Architect

Engage architect experienced with Long Beach ADU requirements for design and permit drawings.

Some architects specialize in ADUs and can turn drawings around faster. The design fee often includes permit coordination. Ask if they have pre-approved ADU plans — LB has a pre-approved ADU program that can cut plan check time significantly.

Architectural Plans & Site Plan

21d

Floor plan, elevations, site plan showing ADU placement and setbacks, foundation plan.

Keep the design simple — complex rooflines and irregular shapes add cost. Single-story is cheaper to build and permit. Standard studio or 1BR layout maximizes rental income per sqft.

Structural Engineering

14d

Structural calculations and details for foundation, shear walls, and roof framing.

Required by LB for all ADUs with new construction. Soil report may also be required depending on soil type — architect or engineer will flag this during design.

Title 24 Energy Report

California energy compliance report (required for all new construction).

All new ADUs must comply with Title 24. This determines insulation, window types, and HVAC requirements. If you add a heat pump mini-split (required in new construction), coordinate with your electrician early.

Permitting

4 steps~35 days

Show steps ▾

Submit ADU Permit Application

Submit building permit application, plans, and all required documents to Long Beach Development Services.

Long Beach Development Services - Permit Center · (562) 570-6651 (411 W Ocean Blvd, 2nd Floor. Online portal available at lbds.com.)

LB has a streamlined ADU permit process since 2020 — State law requires 60-day approval for ADUs with no discretionary review. Submit online to avoid counter wait times. Have all your documents ready: plans, structural, Title 24, soils if required.

Plan Check Review

30d

City reviews plans for code compliance. May require corrections and resubmittal.

Long Beach Plan Check · (562) 570-6651

LB ADU plan checks have been running 3–6 weeks. State law requires ADU approval within 60 days of complete application. If corrections come back, address all items in one resubmittal. Ask your architect to schedule a pre-screening meeting before submittal to catch issues early.

Pay Permit Fees & Pull Permit

Pay building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permit fees. Receive permit card.

Long Beach Development Services · (562) 570-6651

LB ADU permit fees vary by sqft and scope. Budget $5,000–$12,000 total for a 600–1,200 sqft detached ADU. School fees may also apply — check with Building & Safety. State law prohibits impact fees for ADUs under 750 sqft.

Post Permit Card on Site

Display permit card and approved plans at the job site per LB requirements.

Inspectors will check for posted permit and plans at each inspection. Keep a copy of approved plans in a weatherproof sleeve at the job site at all times.

Pre-Build

4 steps~40 days

Show steps ▾

Request Temporary Power (SCE)

10d

Arrange temporary electrical service for construction if needed.

Southern California Edison (SCE) · (800) 655-4555 (New construction service requests at sce.com/NewConstruction.)

If the existing main panel cannot power construction equipment safely, request temp power early — SCE lead times can be 2–4 weeks.

Utility Trench Design & LBWD Coordination

14d

For detached ADU: plan new water/sewer connections. Get LBWD approval for connection point.

Long Beach Water Dept (LBWD) · (562) 570-2300 (Water Service section handles new connections.)

Detached ADUs require a separate water meter in LB. LBWD will determine where connection taps into the main. This can take weeks to schedule — start early. A separate gas meter is also required for new units.

Order Materials & Schedule Subcontractors

14d

Order lumber package, windows, roofing materials. Lock in plumbing, electrical, HVAC subs.

Lumber and windows have long lead times (4–8 weeks). Order early. Lock in subs now — good ADU trades are booked 4–6 weeks out in the LB market.

Set Up Job Site (Fencing, Dumpster, Portable Toilet)

Secure the job site with temporary fencing. Order dumpster and portable toilet.

LB requires job site to be clean and secure. Check neighborhood — fencing can help with permit compliance and neighbor relations. Dumpster permit may be required if placed in the street.

Construction

26 steps~106 days

Show steps ▾

Pre-Construction Inspection

Initial site inspection before any work begins. Inspector confirms permit is posted and plans are on site.

LB Building & Safety Inspections · (562) 570-6651 (Schedule online at lbds.com or call.)

Required before any demolition or construction. Have approved plans, permit card, and job site safety equipment ready.

Demolition & Site Prep

Remove any existing structures in ADU footprint. Grade the site. Mark utilities.

Call 811 (Dig Alert) at least 3 business days before any excavation. If demolishing an existing structure, check for hazmat (asbestos, lead) — testing is cheap, remediation is not.

Underground Plumbing

Install underground drain/waste/vent lines and water supply to the ADU before foundation pour.

Underground plumbing must be in place and inspected before any concrete is poured. Coordinate with your plumber on the sewer connection point and slope.

Underground Electrical

Run electrical conduit underground from main panel to ADU location.

Conduit size depends on service amperage. 100A subpanel is typical for ADUs. Coordinate with SCE if a new meter is required.

Rebar & Hold Downs

Install rebar grid, hold-down bolts, and anchor bolts per structural plans before concrete pour.

Hold-down placement must match structural plan exactly. Double-check locations against framing layout before calling for foundation inspection.

Foundation (Slab or Raised)

Pour concrete slab or construct raised foundation per structural drawings.

Slab-on-grade is cheaper and most common for ADUs in LB. Raised foundation adds cost but improves plumbing access. Ensure foundation inspection is scheduled before pouring.

Foundation Inspection

Required inspection before concrete pour — inspector must approve rebar and forms.

LB Building & Safety Inspections · (562) 570-6651 (Schedule online at lbds.com or call 24hrs before.)

Do not pour concrete until the inspector approves. Inspectors are typically available next-day — schedule online the day prior.

Framing

10d

Erect wall framing, roof framing, and sheathing per approved plans.

Framing speed matters — a good framing crew can rough-frame a 600 sqft ADU in 3–5 days. Verify all shear walls match plans before framing inspection.

Shear Walls

Install shear wall panels and nailing per structural plans for lateral bracing.

Shear panels must match the structural plan exactly — nailing pattern, panel thickness, and hold-down connections are all checked during framing inspection.

Framing Inspection

Inspector reviews all framing, shear walls, headers, and hardware before any walls are closed.

LB Building & Safety Inspections · (562) 570-6651

Have your structural plan on site. Inspector will check hold-downs, shear panel nailing, and header sizes. Any corrections must be fixed before re-inspection.

Rough Plumbing

Install all drain/waste/vent lines, water supply lines, and connections to new meters.

Rough plumbing inspection is required before walls close. Coordinate with LBWD to ensure your new water service connection is timed with rough plumbing.

Rough Electrical

Run all electrical circuits, install panel, and rough in all boxes per plans.

New ADUs require EV charger rough-in in LB per CalGreen. Ensure electrician is aware. Install extra circuits for future mini-split heads if adding multiple zones.

Rough HVAC

Install ductwork, mini-split line sets, and ventilation per mechanical plans.

Mini-split heat pump is required for new construction in CA (Title 24). No gas furnaces in new ADUs. Install line sets during rough phase — they need to be in the walls before drywall.

Rough MEP Inspections

Inspections for rough plumbing, electrical, and mechanical before walls close.

LB Building & Safety Inspections · (562) 570-6651

Schedule all three rough inspections close together. Inspectors can sometimes combine trades in one visit. Do not close walls until all rough inspections pass.

Insulation

Install batt insulation in walls and ceiling per Title 24 requirements.

Insulation inspection required before drywall. R-21 walls and R-38 ceiling are typical requirements. Blown-in ceiling insulation is often more cost-effective than batts.

Insulation Inspection

Inspector confirms insulation meets Title 24 before drywall is installed.

LB Building & Safety Inspections · (562) 570-6651

Have the CF1R (Title 24) document on site. Inspector will verify R-values match the energy report.

Wire Mesh & Lath

Install wire mesh/metal lath on exterior walls in preparation for stucco.

Wire mesh must be properly attached with furring nails and overlap at seams. Weep screed at bottom is required for moisture drainage.

Stucco — Scratch Coat

Apply first coat of stucco (scratch coat) over wire mesh. Must cure before brown coat.

Scratch coat needs to cure for at least 48 hours before the brown coat. Keep it moist during curing in hot weather.

Stucco — Color Coat

Apply final color coat of stucco. Choose texture and color to match or complement main house.

Color coat is the final exterior finish. Match the main house color for a cohesive look, or choose a complementary shade. Smooth, sand, or dash finish are common in LB.

Drywall Hang

Hang drywall sheets on all interior walls and ceiling. Fire-rated assemblies at shared walls.

ADUs sharing a wall with the main house require 1-hour fire-rated assembly — use 5/8" Type X drywall on shared walls.

Mud & Tape

Tape joints, apply mud (joint compound), sand smooth. Multiple coats for level 4 finish.

Level 4 finish (three coats of mud, sanded smooth) is standard for painted walls. Level 5 (skim coat) needed for glossy paint or bright lighting areas.

Finish Plumbing & Electrical

Install fixtures, outlets, switches, panels, water heater, and all finish connections.

Tankless water heater is standard for ADUs — saves space, efficient, works with new gas meter. Install combo smoke/CO detectors in each room (required by code).

Flooring, Cabinets & Countertops

Install LVP or tile flooring, kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanity, and countertops.

Keep ADU finishes clean and durable — LVP flooring throughout, white shaker cabinets, quartz countertops. Compact appliances (24" range, 24" dishwasher) fit better in ADU kitchens.

Interior Paint

Paint all walls, ceilings, and trim.

Neutral colors for rental appeal. White or light gray walls, white trim and ceilings. Low-VOC paint speeds up rental-readiness after construction.

Exterior Siding, Windows & Roofing

10d

Install windows, exterior siding/stucco, and roofing per approved plans.

Match the main house exterior for resale and aesthetics. Stucco is standard in LB. Dual-pane vinyl windows are required (Title 24) and also reduce noise for renters.

Utility Meter Installations (SCE, SoCalGas, LBWD)

14d

Coordinate final meter installations with all utilities.

LBWD / SCE / SoCalGas · (562) 570-2300 (SCE: 800-655-4555 · SoCalGas: 800-427-2200)

All three utilities need to install separate meters for the ADU. Schedule them concurrently but understand each has their own timeline (1–4 weeks). Final meter installation is often on the critical path to final inspection.

Inspections

4 steps~14 days

Show steps ▾

Final Building Inspection

Comprehensive final inspection covering all trades and code compliance.

LB Building & Safety Inspections · (562) 570-6651

Ensure all fixtures are installed, all covers on, smoke/CO detectors installed and tested, mechanical equipment functional. Inspector will verify all prior correction items are resolved.

Final Electrical Inspection

Electrical final — panel, fixtures, outlets, EV charger rough-in verification.

LB Building & Safety Inspections · (562) 570-6651

Electrician should be on site for electrical final — they can address any questions or minor corrections immediately.

Final Plumbing & Mechanical Inspection

Plumbing final — fixtures, water heater, sewer connection. Mechanical final — mini-split installation.

LB Building & Safety Inspections · (562) 570-6651

Have the CF2R/CF3R (Title 24 field verification) forms completed by the mechanical contractor before this inspection — inspector may request them.

Certificate of Occupancy (CO)

Final sign-off and issuance of Certificate of Occupancy. ADU is now legally habitable.

Long Beach Development Services · (562) 570-6651

CO is issued after all inspections pass. Keep the CO with your property documents — you will need it for rental agreements, insurance, refinancing, and sale. ADU cannot be legally rented without CO.

Completion

3 steps~15 days

Show steps ▾

Final Cleaning & Punch List

Professional post-construction clean. Walk and fix all remaining items.

Check every detail: caulk gaps, touch up paint, adjust cabinet doors, test every fixture and outlet, verify all appliances work. Post-construction cleaning crew for windows, tile, and floors.

Utility Account Setup for Tenant

ADU has separate meters — tenant sets up their own accounts for electric, gas, and water. Have LBWD and SCE account numbers ready so tenant can set up service before move-in.

Final Project Accounting & Lien Releases

Reconcile all costs, collect final payments, and obtain lien releases from all contractors.

Get unconditional lien releases from GC, plumber, electrician, and any sub who invoiced directly. These protect you if a contractor fails to pay their suppliers. File in your property records.

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Phases

Planning

4 steps · ~31d

Design

4 steps · ~47d

Permitting

4 steps · ~35d

Pre-Build

4 steps · ~40d

Construction

26 steps · ~106d

Inspections

4 steps · ~14d

Completion

3 steps · ~15d

Quick Stats

Total Steps49

Duration~173 days

Phases7

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All Templates

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

New ADU construction — detached or attached. Includes LB-specific ADU permitting process.

49 steps

~173 days

7 phases

This playbook is a starting point — add, remove, or reorder any step when you start your project.

Track this project

Start Free

Planning

4 steps~31 days

ADU Feasibility Assessment

Verify property eligibility — zoning, lot size, setbacks, existing structures, utility capacity.

Long Beach Development Services - Planning · (562) 570-6194 (411 W Ocean Blvd, 3rd Floor. Walk-in for zoning questions.)

Site Survey & Lot Analysis

Professional survey to confirm lot dimensions, existing structure footprint, setback distances, and utility locations.

Survey is essential — you need exact setback distances documented. Also identifies easements and underground utilities that affect ADU placement. Required by architect before design begins.

Utility Capacity Check

Confirm water, sewer, gas, and electrical capacity for a new unit. Check if panel upgrade is needed.

Long Beach Water Dept (LBWD) · (562) 570-2300 (Also call SCE (800-655-4555) and SoCalGas (800-427-2200) for panel/gas capacity.)

Obtain ADU Contractor Bids

14d

Get 2–3 bids from ADU-experienced contractors. Verify CSLB license and ADU-specific portfolio.

Design

4 steps~47 days

Show steps ▾

Hire ADU Architect

Engage architect experienced with Long Beach ADU requirements for design and permit drawings.

Architectural Plans & Site Plan

21d

Floor plan, elevations, site plan showing ADU placement and setbacks, foundation plan.

Keep the design simple — complex rooflines and irregular shapes add cost. Single-story is cheaper to build and permit. Standard studio or 1BR layout maximizes rental income per sqft.

Structural Engineering

14d

Structural calculations and details for foundation, shear walls, and roof framing.

Required by LB for all ADUs with new construction. Soil report may also be required depending on soil type — architect or engineer will flag this during design.

Title 24 Energy Report

California energy compliance report (required for all new construction).

Permitting

4 steps~35 days

Show steps ▾

Submit ADU Permit Application

Submit building permit application, plans, and all required documents to Long Beach Development Services.

Long Beach Development Services - Permit Center · (562) 570-6651 (411 W Ocean Blvd, 2nd Floor. Online portal available at lbds.com.)

Plan Check Review

30d

City reviews plans for code compliance. May require corrections and resubmittal.

Long Beach Plan Check · (562) 570-6651

Pay Permit Fees & Pull Permit

Pay building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permit fees. Receive permit card.

Long Beach Development Services · (562) 570-6651

Post Permit Card on Site

Display permit card and approved plans at the job site per LB requirements.

Inspectors will check for posted permit and plans at each inspection. Keep a copy of approved plans in a weatherproof sleeve at the job site at all times.

Pre-Build

4 steps~40 days

Show steps ▾

Request Temporary Power (SCE)

10d

Arrange temporary electrical service for construction if needed.

Southern California Edison (SCE) · (800) 655-4555 (New construction service requests at sce.com/NewConstruction.)

If the existing main panel cannot power construction equipment safely, request temp power early — SCE lead times can be 2–4 weeks.

Utility Trench Design & LBWD Coordination

14d

For detached ADU: plan new water/sewer connections. Get LBWD approval for connection point.

Long Beach Water Dept (LBWD) · (562) 570-2300 (Water Service section handles new connections.)

Order Materials & Schedule Subcontractors

14d

Order lumber package, windows, roofing materials. Lock in plumbing, electrical, HVAC subs.

Lumber and windows have long lead times (4–8 weeks). Order early. Lock in subs now — good ADU trades are booked 4–6 weeks out in the LB market.

Set Up Job Site (Fencing, Dumpster, Portable Toilet)

Secure the job site with temporary fencing. Order dumpster and portable toilet.

LB requires job site to be clean and secure. Check neighborhood — fencing can help with permit compliance and neighbor relations. Dumpster permit may be required if placed in the street.

Construction

26 steps~106 days

Show steps ▾

Pre-Construction Inspection

Initial site inspection before any work begins. Inspector confirms permit is posted and plans are on site.

LB Building & Safety Inspections · (562) 570-6651 (Schedule online at lbds.com or call.)

Required before any demolition or construction. Have approved plans, permit card, and job site safety equipment ready.

Demolition & Site Prep

Remove any existing structures in ADU footprint. Grade the site. Mark utilities.

Call 811 (Dig Alert) at least 3 business days before any excavation. If demolishing an existing structure, check for hazmat (asbestos, lead) — testing is cheap, remediation is not.

Underground Plumbing

Install underground drain/waste/vent lines and water supply to the ADU before foundation pour.

Underground plumbing must be in place and inspected before any concrete is poured. Coordinate with your plumber on the sewer connection point and slope.

Underground Electrical

Run electrical conduit underground from main panel to ADU location.

Conduit size depends on service amperage. 100A subpanel is typical for ADUs. Coordinate with SCE if a new meter is required.

Rebar & Hold Downs

Install rebar grid, hold-down bolts, and anchor bolts per structural plans before concrete pour.

Hold-down placement must match structural plan exactly. Double-check locations against framing layout before calling for foundation inspection.

Foundation (Slab or Raised)

Pour concrete slab or construct raised foundation per structural drawings.

Slab-on-grade is cheaper and most common for ADUs in LB. Raised foundation adds cost but improves plumbing access. Ensure foundation inspection is scheduled before pouring.

Foundation Inspection

Required inspection before concrete pour — inspector must approve rebar and forms.

LB Building & Safety Inspections · (562) 570-6651 (Schedule online at lbds.com or call 24hrs before.)

Do not pour concrete until the inspector approves. Inspectors are typically available next-day — schedule online the day prior.

Framing

10d

Erect wall framing, roof framing, and sheathing per approved plans.

Framing speed matters — a good framing crew can rough-frame a 600 sqft ADU in 3–5 days. Verify all shear walls match plans before framing inspection.

Shear Walls

Install shear wall panels and nailing per structural plans for lateral bracing.

Shear panels must match the structural plan exactly — nailing pattern, panel thickness, and hold-down connections are all checked during framing inspection.

Framing Inspection

Inspector reviews all framing, shear walls, headers, and hardware before any walls are closed.

LB Building & Safety Inspections · (562) 570-6651

Have your structural plan on site. Inspector will check hold-downs, shear panel nailing, and header sizes. Any corrections must be fixed before re-inspection.

Rough Plumbing

Install all drain/waste/vent lines, water supply lines, and connections to new meters.

Rough plumbing inspection is required before walls close. Coordinate with LBWD to ensure your new water service connection is timed with rough plumbing.

Rough Electrical

Run all electrical circuits, install panel, and rough in all boxes per plans.

New ADUs require EV charger rough-in in LB per CalGreen. Ensure electrician is aware. Install extra circuits for future mini-split heads if adding multiple zones.

Rough HVAC

Install ductwork, mini-split line sets, and ventilation per mechanical plans.

Mini-split heat pump is required for new construction in CA (Title 24). No gas furnaces in new ADUs. Install line sets during rough phase — they need to be in the walls before drywall.

Rough MEP Inspections

Inspections for rough plumbing, electrical, and mechanical before walls close.

LB Building & Safety Inspections · (562) 570-6651

Schedule all three rough inspections close together. Inspectors can sometimes combine trades in one visit. Do not close walls until all rough inspections pass.

Insulation

Install batt insulation in walls and ceiling per Title 24 requirements.

Insulation inspection required before drywall. R-21 walls and R-38 ceiling are typical requirements. Blown-in ceiling insulation is often more cost-effective than batts.

Insulation Inspection

Inspector confirms insulation meets Title 24 before drywall is installed.

LB Building & Safety Inspections · (562) 570-6651

Have the CF1R (Title 24) document on site. Inspector will verify R-values match the energy report.

Wire Mesh & Lath

Install wire mesh/metal lath on exterior walls in preparation for stucco.

Wire mesh must be properly attached with furring nails and overlap at seams. Weep screed at bottom is required for moisture drainage.

Stucco — Scratch Coat

Apply first coat of stucco (scratch coat) over wire mesh. Must cure before brown coat.

Scratch coat needs to cure for at least 48 hours before the brown coat. Keep it moist during curing in hot weather.

Stucco — Color Coat

Apply final color coat of stucco. Choose texture and color to match or complement main house.

Color coat is the final exterior finish. Match the main house color for a cohesive look, or choose a complementary shade. Smooth, sand, or dash finish are common in LB.

Drywall Hang

Hang drywall sheets on all interior walls and ceiling. Fire-rated assemblies at shared walls.

ADUs sharing a wall with the main house require 1-hour fire-rated assembly — use 5/8" Type X drywall on shared walls.

Mud & Tape

Tape joints, apply mud (joint compound), sand smooth. Multiple coats for level 4 finish.

Level 4 finish (three coats of mud, sanded smooth) is standard for painted walls. Level 5 (skim coat) needed for glossy paint or bright lighting areas.

Finish Plumbing & Electrical

Install fixtures, outlets, switches, panels, water heater, and all finish connections.

Tankless water heater is standard for ADUs — saves space, efficient, works with new gas meter. Install combo smoke/CO detectors in each room (required by code).

Flooring, Cabinets & Countertops

Install LVP or tile flooring, kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanity, and countertops.

Keep ADU finishes clean and durable — LVP flooring throughout, white shaker cabinets, quartz countertops. Compact appliances (24" range, 24" dishwasher) fit better in ADU kitchens.

Interior Paint

Paint all walls, ceilings, and trim.

Neutral colors for rental appeal. White or light gray walls, white trim and ceilings. Low-VOC paint speeds up rental-readiness after construction.

Exterior Siding, Windows & Roofing

10d

Install windows, exterior siding/stucco, and roofing per approved plans.

Match the main house exterior for resale and aesthetics. Stucco is standard in LB. Dual-pane vinyl windows are required (Title 24) and also reduce noise for renters.

Utility Meter Installations (SCE, SoCalGas, LBWD)

14d

Coordinate final meter installations with all utilities.

LBWD / SCE / SoCalGas · (562) 570-2300 (SCE: 800-655-4555 · SoCalGas: 800-427-2200)

Inspections

4 steps~14 days

Show steps ▾

Final Building Inspection

Comprehensive final inspection covering all trades and code compliance.

LB Building & Safety Inspections · (562) 570-6651

Ensure all fixtures are installed, all covers on, smoke/CO detectors installed and tested, mechanical equipment functional. Inspector will verify all prior correction items are resolved.

Final Electrical Inspection

Electrical final — panel, fixtures, outlets, EV charger rough-in verification.

LB Building & Safety Inspections · (562) 570-6651

Electrician should be on site for electrical final — they can address any questions or minor corrections immediately.

Final Plumbing & Mechanical Inspection

Plumbing final — fixtures, water heater, sewer connection. Mechanical final — mini-split installation.

LB Building & Safety Inspections · (562) 570-6651

Have the CF2R/CF3R (Title 24 field verification) forms completed by the mechanical contractor before this inspection — inspector may request them.

Certificate of Occupancy (CO)

Final sign-off and issuance of Certificate of Occupancy. ADU is now legally habitable.

Long Beach Development Services · (562) 570-6651

Completion

3 steps~15 days

Show steps ▾

Final Cleaning & Punch List

Professional post-construction clean. Walk and fix all remaining items.

Check every detail: caulk gaps, touch up paint, adjust cabinet doors, test every fixture and outlet, verify all appliances work. Post-construction cleaning crew for windows, tile, and floors.

Utility Account Setup for Tenant

ADU has separate meters — tenant sets up their own accounts for electric, gas, and water. Have LBWD and SCE account numbers ready so tenant can set up service before move-in.

Final Project Accounting & Lien Releases

Reconcile all costs, collect final payments, and obtain lien releases from all contractors.

Get unconditional lien releases from GC, plumber, electrician, and any sub who invoiced directly. These protect you if a contractor fails to pay their suppliers. File in your property records.

Track this project

Start Free

Phases

Planning

4 steps · ~31d

Design

4 steps · ~47d

Permitting

4 steps · ~35d

Pre-Build

4 steps · ~40d

Construction

26 steps · ~106d

Inspections

4 steps · ~14d

Completion

3 steps · ~15d

Quick Stats

Total Steps49

Duration~173 days

Phases7

More Long Beach build playbooks

Every template is a free step-by-step checklist with typical durations, costs, and Long Beach city contacts. Sign up free to turn any of them into a live build tracker.

Full Rehab

Complete 45-step full home rehab playbook for Long Beach: permits, demolition, framing, electrical, plumbing, inspections, and finish work — with typical costs and a ~253-day timeline.

SB-9 Lot Split

The California SB-9 lot split process in 32 steps: entitlement, survey, design, permitting, and dual-unit construction — with typical costs and a ~271-day timeline for Long Beach lots.

Cosmetic Flip

Fast 17-step cosmetic flip checklist — paint, flooring, kitchen, and bathroom refresh — optimized for 30-day turnarounds in Long Beach, with typical costs and a ~32-day timeline.