Long Beach Briefs: SAFE Parking Relocates and Renewable Energy Projects Permits Now Obtainable Online

SAFE Parking Site Relocates – Now Larger

LONG BEACH — On Oct. 23 the city relocated its overnight Safe Parking Program to a parking lot at 1664 W Anaheim St., on the southeast corner of Santa Fe Ave. and Anaheim St.

The new location will allow the program to expand to 50 parking spots, with easier access to the Long Beach Multi-Service Center for services during the day. The program will operate seven days a week from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m., with participants vacating the lot during the day. The Safe Parking Program provides a safe, dignified environment for people living in their vehicles to park overnight while accessing basic needs like on-site security, restrooms, handwashing stations, pet relief, lighting and privacy, while also being connected to supportive services and temporary or permanent housing.

The 2023 Point in Time Count observed 540 people living in vehicles within the City of Long Beach. The City’s Safe Parking Program has operated since May 2023 in two different parking lots on Queensway Drive. On Oct. 23 Port of Long Beach and Public Works staff demobilized the Safe Parking Site at 501 Queensway Dr., transitioning the necessary assets such as security cameras, mobile lighting, guard station, and portable restrooms and handwashing stations to the new location. Homeless Services staff have already notified current Safe Parking program participants and will ensure a stable transition. 

Details: 562-570-4500; www.longbeach.gov/homelessness/homeless-services

Obtain Permits Online for LB Renewable Energy Projects 

LONG BEACH — The City of Long Beach Community Development Department announced a new process for issuing permits for residential renewable energy projects. Permits can now be obtained online for three types of projects: solar photovoltaic systems or PV, energy storage systems or ESS and electric vehicle charging stations or EVCS.

The new process, including technical information such as system size and capacity limitations, is detailed on the department’s website at https://tinyurl.com/LB-community-development where users can learn about the new one-step process that includes submitting an application, paying permit fees and receiving a job inspection card all online. Once payment is made, permits are then immediately emailed to applicants. In-person submittals at the City Hall Permit Center are also available. Applicants are encouraged to make an appointment by visiting longbeach.gov/permits.

The three types of applicable projects are as follows:

PV, such as roof solar systems panels and associated electrical connection to the existing electrical system.

ESS, in conjunction with or without the PV systems.

EVCS for small vehicle charging stations at residential projects.

Details: LBCD@longbeach.gov; 562-570-7648.