Parking 101

Parking in a big city like Long Beach can be frustrating, and at times very expensive. If only parking could be as simple as one of its definitions: to deposit and leave in a convenient place until required. Can you imagine being able to just leave your car without driving around the block five times, or within a one block radius of your destination? Yet parking does not need to be complicated in our modern world. There are many resources to help you with every day parking challenges.

No Parking!

Nothing more irritating than a car parked in front of your house for several days without moving. How about a RV, bus, trailer, or even a Hearse parked for days on end without moving? The law states that after 72 hours (3 days) a car must move 1/10 of a mile. Therefore, after 72 hours you can call the City of Long Beach Parking Citations – non-emergency number 562.435.6711.

Code Enforcement

The City of Long Beach is committed to maintaining and improving the quality of life in our neighborhoods. So do not be afraid to call and report vehicles breaking the law.

What to Report?

• Location of the vehicle
• Color/make/model of car
• License plate number

What Happens?

• Information reported to public works department – parking enforcement
• Within 24 hours the tire is marked
• Note left on car notifying owner to move vehicle within 72 hours or it will be towed.

Additional Parking Services:

• Request Red tip driveway painting
• Purchase annual beach lot passes for $155 a year
• Request overnight permits (rates very upon locations)
• Request monthly passes for downtown lots ( rates vary upon locations)
• Request residential permits

Helpful Parking Apps

• Bestparking – is one of the largest sites for general parking garages in 110 cities around the country.
• Parker – helps find spots, navigate local street parking and rules by your destination. Even has a built in timer to help avoid tickets.
• Spothero – book and pay for your parking spot on your phone.
• Parkme – helps you find the closest and cheapest parking nearby and compare rates for the best deals.
• Parkwhiz – allows you to find the closest spot and pre-pay. When you arrive to the garage the spot will be waiting for you.
• Parkingpanda – find spots at professional sport leagues, stadiums, family attractions and airport lots.
• Airportparkingreservations – all about airport parking in the United States, Canada, and the UK. Promises up to 70% discount with partner facilities.

Did You Know?

• You can park for (2) hours free in Downtown Long Beach – no validation required.
  • Lot A – 50 E. 6^th Street, entrance on 6^th and 5^th Streets
  • Lot B – 50 E. 5^th Street, entrance on 5^th and 4^th Streets
  • Lot C – 50 E. 3^rd Street, entrance on 4^th and 3^rd Streets
• Downtown Long Beach has more than 13,000 parking spaces
• Smart Meters allows you to pay with a debit and credit cards in addition to traditional coins. The best part is the first (5) minutes are free. Just push green “ok” button to get (5) free minutes.

Parking can be easy. Use one of the helpful resources from the city or download an app to your smart phone. You will be able to find a parking space, compare rates, pre-pay for spots, or even park for free.