Moving Permit in Long Beach, CA
Permit Summary
Moving Permit Scope
Permit Scope
Long Beach does not use one universal permit for every household move. Public Works regulates moving-related curb and right-of-way use through a Temporary Oversized Vehicle Residential Parking Permit when applicable, a temporary No Parking or No Stopping zone request when a moving van needs designated curb space, and a Storage/Dumpster Bin Temporary Occupancy Permit when a POD or bin is placed in a parking lane.
Moving Equipment Covered
The moving-related processes cover moving vans or trucks needing designated curb space, oversized vehicles parked on residential streets, and storage PODs or dumpster bins placed in a parking lane. The oversized-vehicle code also covers campers, trailers, boats on trailers, and recreational vehicles under its 72-hour permit provisions.
Vehicle Eligibility Rules
On a residential street, an oversized vehicle is one exceeding 85 inches high, 80 inches wide, or 22 feet long. A standard residential oversized-vehicle permit is tied to an eligible resident and vehicle, is valid only on the same block as the resident's address on either side of the street, and may also be obtained for a nonresident visitor temporarily staying with the resident. Current code allows no more than 20 standard permits per eligible resident or eligible vehicle per calendar year, with at least 24 hours between permits.
Moving Container Rules
A storage POD or dumpster bin placed in a parking lane requires a Storage/Dumpster Bin Temporary Occupancy Permit and may be authorized for up to 90 days. The current Public Works application packet lists maximum bin dimensions of 22 feet long by 6 feet 8 inches (80 inches) wide by 7 feet 1 inch (85 inches) high. The vendor must be City-approved. Standard placement is directly adjacent to the permitted property and as close to the curb as possible; bins may not occupy red or blue curb areas, block a driveway, or restrict safe alley travel.
Parking & Reserved Space
Location Restrictions
An oversized-vehicle residential permit is valid only on the resident's block, on either side of the street, and does not override other parking laws. Parking in alleys is prohibited. Public Works also prohibits using cones, trash cans, or similar objects to reserve street parking. Storage POD/bin applications receive additional evaluation if the placement affects colored curb zones, valves or manholes, driveways, travel lanes, a roadway under 32 feet wide, an unattached-trailer restriction, or a preferential parking area.
Metered Parking Rules
If a storage POD/bin occupies a metered parking stall, the online Temporary Occupancy Permit application requires the parking meter ID and rate. The Public Works permit packet also calls for staging drawings identifying affected parking meter numbers when applicable. The current moving-van guidance does not publish a separate metered-space charge or meter-bagging procedure.
Timing & Permit Duration
Temporary No Parking Signs
Sign Posting Rules
Under Municipal Code Section 10.22.120, temporary No Parking signs must be posted at the beginning and end of the restricted street segment and every 40 feet within it. Each sign must state the restriction dates and times, the authorizing City department, a contact name and phone number, an internet address if applicable, and a description of the project or use. Signs may be attached to sign poles, sawhorses, traffic-control barrels, telephone poles, or light poles with tape, twine, or rope; nails are prohibited and signs may not be attached to trees.
Enforcement & Street Restrictions
Enforcement / Towing Rules
A vehicle parked in violation of an authorized temporary No Parking restriction may be removed under Municipal Code Section 10.22.120 when the required signs were posted at least 24 hours before removal. Separately, the City states that vehicles parked in hazardous locations that obstruct traffic or driveway access may be towed. A temporary curb restriction does not legalize parking that violates other posted or statutory restrictions.
Traffic / Street Restrictions
Moving vehicles and reserved zones remain subject to posted and general parking rules. Public Works prohibits parking in alleys and fire lanes, blocking driveways, double parking, and parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. Commercial vehicles weighing more than 3 tons may not be parked in residential areas and should use approved truck routes. Storage POD/bin placement may not block or restrict a vehicular travel lane; placements on roadways under 32 feet wide or that do not meet standard criteria require additional Public Works evaluation.
What You Need Before Applying
Requirements
Use the Public Works parking process when a move needs reserved curb space, oversized-vehicle parking on a residential street, or a storage POD/bin in the public right-of-way. A temporary No Parking or No Stopping zone for a moving van is requested through Street Maintenance at 562-570-2726. Oversized-vehicle permits must be displayed in the windshield and are valid only on the resident's block. Street PODs/bins require a Temporary Occupancy Permit and compliance with placement and temporary-parking-sign rules.
Exemptions
Under Long Beach Municipal Code Section 10.24.078, the residential oversized-vehicle parking prohibition does not apply to a commercial vehicle actively loading or unloading goods for no more than the permitted commercial loading period, defined as 20 minutes unless the City Traffic Engineer posts a different period.
Required Documents
For the online oversized-vehicle permit, provide resident identity/contact information and address, vehicle year/make/model, license plate information if mounted, VIN, requested valid-from time, and permit duration; the code also requires evidence of registered ownership or exclusive use/control when applicable. For a street storage POD/bin, provide applicant/contact information, an approved City vendor, bin dimensions and quantity, start/end dates, street location, and meter ID/rate if a metered stall is occupied; site, improvement, traffic-control, and staging drawings are required when applicable under the Public Works permit application.