- Turf In Parkway
- Not Allowed
- Turf In Front Yard
- Allowed
- Nonliving Limit
- Under 50%
- City Code
- LBMC 21.42.050
What The Code Says
Long Beach Municipal Code 21.42.050 allows only permeable ground covers that take foot traffic in the parkway, such as decomposed granite, mulches and pavers set on sand. They must cover less than half of the total parkway area. A May 2026 memo to the Mayor and City Council states that existing artificial turf parkways do not comply.
Why So Many Have It Anyway
The memo explains that a homeowner can do parkway planting with no city review when no permit is needed, and that older installs can stay until someone comes in to permit new changes. Public Works has no team that hunts for this. An active program was estimated at $428,120 a year while the city faces a $61.3 million deficit, so the city is starting with notices at the permit counter, notices to landscape contractors, flyers and utility bill inserts.
What To Put There Instead
Living plants plus mulch, decomposed granite or pavers on sand. If you have living turf there now, Long Beach Utilities offers a free Native Plant Parkway kit with plants, mulch, stepping stones and a sign, and Lawn to Garden can pay on qualifying areas. The city also plants free street trees in empty parkway spots.
Leave room for the street tree. It belongs to the city. See the tree rules.
If You Already Have Turf Out There
The memo says rebate programs only take living turf because fake turf uses no water, so swapping it out saves nothing on paper. Removing it is on your own dime for now. We can quote the removal and a compliant planting so you can compare.
Questions We Hear
Who is responsible for my parkway?
The parkway is public right of way, but the upkeep of plants next to your home usually falls to you. Public Works oversees the right of way.
Do I need a permit for parkway plants?
The memo notes planting can be done without city review when no permit is required. Bigger changes, such as curb or tree work, are different, so ask Public Works first.