How to Reduce Urban Sprawl in Long Beach

Urban sprawl—the uncontrolled expansion of low-density residential and commercial development into surrounding rural or undeveloped areas—is one of the most pressing challenges facing coastal cities like Long Beach, California. Characterized by car-dependent neighborhoods, fragmented land use, and the loss of open space and agricultural land, urban sprawl strains infrastructure, increases greenhouse gas emissions, and diminishes community cohesion. In Long Beach, where population density is rising and environmental pressures are intensifying, reducing urban sprawl is not just an urban planning goal—it’s a necessity for sustainable growth, climate resilience, and equitable development.

This guide provides a comprehensive, actionable roadmap for stakeholders—including city planners, community advocates, developers, and residents—to actively reduce urban sprawl in Long Beach. From policy reforms and zoning innovations to community engagement and transit-oriented development, this tutorial outlines proven strategies that have worked elsewhere and can be tailored to Long Beach’s unique geographic, economic, and cultural context. Whether you’re a local official, a concerned citizen, or a developer committed to responsible growth, this guide equips you with the knowledge and tools to make a measurable difference.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Conduct a Comprehensive Urban Sprawl Assessment

Before implementing any intervention, it’s critical to understand the scope and patterns of sprawl in Long Beach. Begin by analyzing land use data from the City’s Planning Department, the Los Angeles County Regional Planning Commission, and the U.S. Geological Survey’s National Land Cover Database. Map areas where low-density residential development (single-family homes on large lots) has expanded beyond the city’s historic core into adjacent unincorporated areas like Lakewood or Signal Hill.

Use GIS tools to overlay development patterns with transportation corridors, wetlands, flood zones, and existing public transit routes. Identify “sprawl hotspots”—areas where new subdivisions are replacing open space or farmland with minimal public infrastructure. Document the rate of impervious surface growth (roads, parking lots, rooftops) over the past 20 years, as this directly correlates with stormwater runoff and heat island effects.

Engage local universities, such as California State University, Long Beach, to assist with data analysis. Their geography and urban planning departments often have student research projects that can provide low-cost, high-quality insights. The goal is to create a baseline report that quantifies sprawl’s impact and identifies priority zones for intervention.

2. Revise and Enforce Comprehensive Zoning Codes

Long Beach’s current zoning code, last significantly updated in the 1990s, still permits large-lot single-family zoning across vast swaths of the city. This legacy of exclusionary zoning is a primary driver of sprawl. Begin by adopting a form-based code that prioritizes building design and neighborhood character over rigid use separation.

Replace single-family-only zones with “mixed-use districts” that allow duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes on lots previously restricted to one home. This is known as “missing middle housing” and has been successfully implemented in cities like Minneapolis and Portland. Allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) without parking minimums and with streamlined permitting processes—Long Beach already has an ADU ordinance, but enforcement and incentives need strengthening.

Introduce “transit-oriented development (TOD) zones” within a half-mile radius of Metro Rail stations (e.g., 4th Street, Downtown Long Beach, and the upcoming Silver Line extensions). In these zones, mandate higher density (e.g., 40–60 units per acre), mixed uses (housing, retail, offices), and reduced parking requirements. Tie zoning changes to climate goals: require all new developments to meet net-zero energy standards by 2030.

3. Implement Incentives for Infill Development

Developers often prefer greenfield sites on the urban fringe because they’re cheaper and less complicated. To redirect investment toward underutilized urban land, create financial incentives for infill projects.

Establish a “Urban Infill Grant Program” that offers property tax abatements of up to 50% for five years to developers who build on vacant, underused, or brownfield sites within the city’s existing urban footprint. Prioritize sites adjacent to public transit, schools, and parks. Pair this with expedited permitting: reduce approval timelines from 12 months to 6 months for qualifying projects.

Create a “Density Bonus Program” that allows developers to exceed height and density limits if they include affordable housing units (at least 15% of total units), on-site childcare, or public open space. Offer fee waivers for impact fees related to water, sewer, and road improvements when projects meet sustainability benchmarks.

Partner with the Long Beach Community Land Trust to acquire and hold vacant parcels for community-led development, ensuring long-term affordability and preventing speculative land hoarding.

4. Expand and Integrate Public Transit

Urban sprawl thrives where public transit is inadequate. Long Beach has made strides with the Metro C Line and the A Line connection, but coverage remains spotty, especially in eastern and southern neighborhoods. To combat sprawl, transit must be frequent, reliable, and connected.

Launch a “Transit First” policy that prioritizes bus rapid transit (BRT) corridors along major arterials like Pacific Coast Highway, Lakewood Boulevard, and Long Beach Boulevard. Implement dedicated bus lanes, traffic signal priority, and all-door boarding to reduce travel times by 30% or more.

Extend the Long Beach Transit Green Line to connect with the Metro E Line in Norwalk and expand microtransit services (on-demand shuttles) in low-density areas lacking fixed-route coverage. Integrate fare systems across all agencies—Long Beach Transit, Metro, and OCTA—so one card works everywhere.

Require all new developments within 1,000 feet of a transit stop to include bike-share stations, secure bike parking, and pedestrian-friendly sidewalks with curb extensions and lighting. Make transit access a non-negotiable component of development approvals.

5. Protect and Expand Green and Open Space

Open space acts as a natural barrier against sprawl. Long Beach has over 10,000 acres of parks and open space, but many are fragmented or under threat from development pressure. Strengthen protections by designating “Sprawl Buffer Zones” around key ecological areas like the Los Angeles River, wetlands in the San Gabriel River Estuary, and the bluffs of the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

Adopt a “100% Green Infrastructure Mandate” for all new public and private developments: require rooftop gardens, permeable pavements, bioswales, and tree canopy coverage of at least 25% on all new projects. Partner with nonprofits like the Nature Conservancy and the Los Angeles River Revitalization Corporation to restore native habitat corridors.

Create a “Urban Forest Master Plan” that plants 50,000 new trees by 2030, focusing on heat-vulnerable neighborhoods. Prioritize native, drought-tolerant species to reduce water use and increase resilience. Establish a “Tree Equity Index” to ensure planting efforts target areas with the lowest canopy cover and highest heat exposure.

6. Reform Parking Policies

Excessive parking requirements are a hidden engine of sprawl. Mandating one or two parking spaces per housing unit increases construction costs, encourages car ownership, and consumes land that could be used for housing or green space.

Eliminate minimum parking requirements for all new developments within a half-mile of transit, schools, or downtown. Replace them with maximum parking caps (e.g., 0.5 spaces per unit for apartments) to discourage overbuilding. Allow developers to pay into a city-run “Parking Alternative Fund” instead of providing on-site spaces—funds go toward improving bike infrastructure, transit subsidies, or car-share programs.

Convert underused surface parking lots into mixed-use buildings. Launch a “Parking Lot Redevelopment Challenge” offering design grants and technical assistance to community groups and developers who propose adaptive reuse projects. The former Long Beach Transit parking lot at 4th and Pine is a prime candidate for transformation into a mixed-income housing and retail hub.

7. Launch a “15-Minute Neighborhood” Initiative

The “15-minute city” concept—where residents can meet most daily needs within a 15-minute walk or bike ride—directly counters sprawl by reducing the need for long commutes and car dependency.

Identify 10 priority neighborhoods across Long Beach (e.g., Belmont Shore, Naples, West Long Beach, Los Altos) and conduct a “Needs Gap Analysis” to determine what services are missing: grocery stores, pharmacies, libraries, childcare centers, clinics, or community centers.

Use zoning flexibility and financial incentives to attract small businesses and essential services into underutilized commercial corridors. Offer microgrants to local entrepreneurs who open a grocery store or clinic in a vacant storefront. Partner with the Long Beach Unified School District to open school facilities (gyms, libraries, cafeterias) to the public after hours.

Install safe, shaded, and well-lit pedestrian and bike paths connecting neighborhoods to these essential services. Prioritize crossings with protected intersections and countdown timers. The goal: make walking and biking not just possible, but preferable.

8. Strengthen Community Engagement and Equity

Any sprawl-reduction strategy that ignores equity will face resistance and fail. Historically, marginalized communities in Long Beach—particularly in Southeast Long Beach and the Eastside—have borne the brunt of pollution, underinvestment, and displacement.

Create a “Sprawl Reduction Community Advisory Council” composed of residents, small business owners, environmental justice advocates, and faith leaders. Hold monthly listening sessions in multiple languages and provide stipends to participants to ensure diverse representation.

Adopt a “Just Transition Framework” that ensures new housing and transit investments do not displace low-income residents. Require inclusionary zoning (15–20% affordable units) in all new developments over 10 units. Establish a Right to Return policy for displaced families, guaranteeing priority access to new affordable units.

Launch an “Equity Impact Assessment” for every major zoning or infrastructure project. Measure effects on housing affordability, air quality, transit access, and displacement risk before approval. Make these assessments publicly available and subject to community review.

9. Enforce Existing Laws and Close Loopholes

Long Beach has strong environmental and planning ordinances on paper, but enforcement is inconsistent. Many developers exploit loopholes—such as classifying large projects as “minor modifications” to avoid full environmental review under CEQA.

Strengthen the City’s Planning and Building Department by hiring additional inspectors and planners. Implement a digital tracking system that flags projects that exceed size thresholds or trigger environmental reviews. Require public hearings for any project that adds more than 20 units or 50,000 square feet of commercial space.

Close the “lot split” loophole that allows property owners to divide a single lot into multiple parcels to bypass density restrictions. Cap lot splits at one per property every 10 years and require public review for all splits in residential zones.

Establish a “Sprawl Watch” hotline and online portal where residents can report illegal subdivisions, unauthorized construction, or tree removal. Offer rewards for verified reports that lead to enforcement actions.

10. Align Regional Planning and Regional Collaboration

Urban sprawl doesn’t stop at city boundaries. Long Beach’s sprawl is fueled by regional commuting patterns and land use decisions made in neighboring cities like Signal Hill, Lakewood, and Carson.

Join the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) and actively participate in regional planning efforts. Advocate for SCAG’s Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) to prioritize funding for transit, infill, and housing in Long Beach and other coastal cities.

Form a “Coastal Urban Compact” with neighboring municipalities to coordinate land use policies, share infrastructure costs, and jointly oppose large-scale suburban developments on the urban fringe. Create a shared development review board to evaluate regional sprawl impacts.

Collaborate with Caltrans and the California Department of Transportation to redesign key highways (I-710, I-405) to include high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes and transit corridors, reducing car dependency across the region.

Best Practices

Reducing urban sprawl is not about stopping growth—it’s about guiding it wisely. Based on global and national case studies, here are the most effective best practices for Long Beach:

1. Prioritize Density Over Distance

High-density, mixed-use development near transit reduces vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by up to 40%. Long Beach should aim for a target of 50 units per acre in TOD zones and 30–40 units per acre in neighborhood centers. Density does not mean high-rises—it means well-designed, human-scaled buildings with ground-floor retail and ample green space.

2. Adopt “Complete Streets” Design

Every road project—whether repaving or new construction—must include safe, connected sidewalks, protected bike lanes, curb extensions, and transit stops. Complete Streets reduce car dependency and make walking and biking viable alternatives, shrinking the need for sprawling subdivisions.

3. Implement Parking Cash-Out Programs

Require employers with more than 20 employees to offer cash payments to workers who opt out of parking spaces. This reduces demand for parking and encourages transit use. San Francisco’s program has cut solo driving by 15% in participating firms.

4. Use Land Value Capture for Public Benefit

When public investments (like a new Metro station) increase nearby land values, capture a portion of that increase through special assessment districts or tax increment financing (TIF). Reinvest the revenue into affordable housing, parks, or transit improvements—ensuring the public benefits from the value it helped create.

5. Make Sustainability Mandatory, Not Optional

Require all new construction to meet LEED Platinum or Living Building Challenge standards. Mandate solar panels on all new rooftops and battery storage for multi-family buildings. Include climate resilience measures like flood-resistant foundations and heat-reflective surfaces.

6. Monitor Progress with Clear Metrics

Track key indicators annually: VMT per capita, housing units built per acre, tree canopy coverage, percentage of trips made by walking/biking/transit, and the number of acres of open space preserved. Publish a public dashboard so residents can see progress.

7. Empower Local Placemaking

Support community-led initiatives like pop-up parks, street fairs, and mural projects. These small interventions build social capital and make neighborhoods more livable—reducing the desire to move to distant suburbs.

8. Avoid “Sprawl in Disguise”

Be wary of developments labeled “smart growth” that are actually low-density, gated communities with private amenities. True infill means integrating new housing into existing neighborhoods—not creating isolated enclaves.

9. Invest in Affordable Housing First

Sprawl often accelerates when housing is unaffordable. For every new market-rate unit built, at least one affordable unit must be created or preserved. Long Beach’s Housing Trust Fund should be doubled in size and funded with a percentage of development impact fees.

10. Educate the Public

Launch a citywide campaign—“Long Beach Grows Smarter”—using social media, school curricula, and public forums to explain why denser, greener neighborhoods are better for health, the economy, and the environment. Counter misinformation about “overcrowding” and “loss of character” with real examples of thriving, walkable communities.

Tools and Resources

Successful sprawl reduction relies on data, technology, and collaboration. Here are essential tools and resources Long Beach can leverage:

1. GIS and Land Use Mapping Platforms

Use ArcGIS Online or QGIS to visualize land use changes, population density, transit access, and environmental vulnerabilities. The City of Long Beach already has a GIS portal—enhance it with real-time development permits and public feedback layers.

2. Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Software

Tools like MobilityLab and RideAmigos help track commute patterns and encourage alternatives to driving. Integrate these with employer programs and transit apps to provide personalized commute options.

3. ADU Permitting Platforms

Adopt platforms like ADU Lab or BuildZoom to streamline ADU approvals. Automate plan reviews, provide digital checklists, and offer video tutorials in multiple languages to reduce barriers for homeowners.

4. Climate and Equity Mapping Tools

Use CalEnviroScreen 3.0 and the Climate Resilience Index to identify neighborhoods most vulnerable to heat, flooding, and pollution. Direct resources to these areas first.

5. National and State Resources

• Smart Growth America – Offers free technical assistance, toolkits, and policy templates for infill development and transit-oriented design.
• Urban Land Institute (ULI) – Provides advisory panels and case studies on equitable urban growth.
• California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) – Offers funding, compliance guidance, and housing production tools under SB 9 and SB 10.
• Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) – Provides grants and planning support for transit improvements.

6. Community Engagement Platforms

Use platforms like CitizenLab or Engage Long Beach to host virtual town halls, interactive maps for public input, and digital surveys. These tools increase participation and transparency, especially among youth and non-English speakers.

7. Funding Sources

Apply for state and federal grants including:

• California’s Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Program
• U.S. DOT’s Livability Initiative Grants
• HUD’s Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)
• California Climate Investments (CCI) for green infrastructure

Partner with foundations like the Kresge Foundation and the California Endowment for long-term capacity building.

Real Examples

1. Minneapolis, Minnesota: Ending Single-Family Zoning

In 2018, Minneapolis became the first major U.S. city to eliminate single-family zoning citywide. The result? A 27% increase in housing permits within two years, with 40% of new units being duplexes or triplexes. Property values stabilized, and transit ridership rose as neighborhoods became more walkable. Long Beach can replicate this by adopting a similar “Missing Middle” zoning reform.

2. Portland, Oregon: Urban Growth Boundary

Portland established a strict Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) in 1979, legally limiting development beyond a defined line. Inside the boundary, the city invested in light rail, bike infrastructure, and mixed-use zoning. Today, Portland has one of the lowest per-capita VMT rates in the U.S. and has preserved over 100,000 acres of farmland and forest. Long Beach can adopt a similar “Urban Service Boundary” to protect surrounding ecosystems.

3. Curitiba, Brazil: Bus Rapid Transit and Land Use Integration

Curitiba’s BRT system, launched in the 1970s, is paired with high-density corridors along transit lines and greenbelts between them. The result: 75% of residents use public transit daily, and the city has avoided the sprawling growth seen in other Latin American megacities. Long Beach’s proposed BRT corridors can follow this model.

4. Vancouver, Canada: Green Building Mandates

Vancouver requires all new buildings to be carbon-neutral by 2030. The city also mandates green roofs, rainwater harvesting, and 20% affordable housing in all new developments. Since 2010, Vancouver has added over 80,000 new housing units without expanding its footprint. Long Beach can adopt similar mandatory sustainability standards.

5. Long Beach’s Own Success: The Downtown Waterfront Revitalization

Long Beach’s transformation of its downtown waterfront—from decaying industrial land to a vibrant, walkable district with parks, housing, and retail—is a model of successful infill. The redevelopment of the Long Beach Convention Center, the creation of the Shoreline Village and the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) corridor, and the expansion of the Pedestrian Bridge demonstrate that dense, mixed-use development can thrive in an urban core. Expand this model to other underused corridors like the 7th Street corridor or the former Naval Base lands.

6. Santa Monica’s Transit-Oriented Development

Santa Monica’s Downtown Santa Monica Specific Plan requires 100% of new housing to be within a quarter-mile of transit. It also caps parking and mandates public art and open space. As a result, 42% of residents walk, bike, or take transit to work—far above the national average. Long Beach can adopt a nearly identical policy for its own transit corridors.

FAQs

What is urban sprawl, and why is it a problem in Long Beach?

Urban sprawl refers to the low-density, car-dependent expansion of development into surrounding rural or undeveloped areas. In Long Beach, it leads to increased traffic congestion, higher greenhouse gas emissions, loss of natural habitats, strain on water and sewer systems, and reduced access to affordable housing. It also deepens inequities by pushing lower-income residents farther from jobs and services.

Won’t denser housing make neighborhoods more crowded and less desirable?

No. Well-designed, medium-density housing—like townhomes, courtyard apartments, and ADUs—can enhance neighborhood character, increase safety through “eyes on the street,” and support local businesses. Cities like Seattle and Austin have shown that density, when paired with good design and public space, increases property values and community satisfaction.

How can I, as a resident, help reduce sprawl?

Support local advocacy groups like the Long Beach Alliance for Children with Asthma or the Long Beach Bicycle Coalition. Attend city planning meetings. Advocate for ADUs on your block. Walk, bike, or take transit instead of driving. Vote for candidates who prioritize transit, housing, and climate action. Your voice matters.

Does reducing sprawl mean stopping all new development?

Absolutely not. The goal is to redirect development toward already urbanized areas—vacant lots, underused commercial strips, and aging industrial zones—rather than expanding into open land. This is called “smart growth” or “infill development,” and it preserves nature while meeting housing and economic needs.

Will reducing parking make it harder to shop or visit downtown?

No. Studies show that reducing parking requirements doesn’t hurt business—it often helps. People who walk, bike, or take transit spend more per month at local businesses than drivers. By replacing parking lots with trees, benches, and storefronts, downtowns become more inviting and economically vibrant.

How long will it take to see results?

Some changes—like ADU approvals or bike lane installations—can show results in months. Others, like transit expansion or neighborhood revitalization, take 5–10 years. But every policy change, every tree planted, every new housing unit built in the right place, contributes to a long-term shift away from sprawl. The key is consistency and community buy-in.

Is this just a liberal policy agenda?

No. Reducing sprawl is a practical, economic, and environmental imperative. It’s supported by economists, engineers, public health experts, and business leaders across the political spectrum. It’s about efficiency, resilience, and quality of life—not ideology.

What if developers resist these changes?

Developers respond to incentives. By offering tax breaks, expedited permits, density bonuses, and public-private partnerships, the city can align developer interests with community goals. Many developers now see sustainable, transit-oriented projects as more profitable and less risky than sprawling subdivisions facing regulatory and climate-related uncertainty.

Conclusion

Reducing urban sprawl in Long Beach is not a radical idea—it’s a responsible one. As climate change accelerates, housing costs rise, and transportation costs eat into household budgets, the status quo is no longer sustainable. The city has a unique opportunity to lead Southern California in creating a more equitable, resilient, and livable urban future.

By revising zoning laws, investing in transit, protecting green space, empowering communities, and aligning regional policies, Long Beach can transform from a city defined by car dependency and fragmented neighborhoods into a model of compact, connected, and climate-smart growth. The tools are available. The data is clear. The public is ready.

The next decade will determine whether Long Beach becomes a city where every resident—regardless of income, race, or zip code—can walk to a park, ride a bus to work, and live in a home they can afford. That future is possible. But only if we act, together, with purpose and urgency.

Long Beach doesn’t need to sprawl. It needs to grow upward, inward, and together.