How Inglewood Handles Accessory Structures: A Practical Guide

Inglewood maintains 107 local ordinances across all categories, and 5 of those deal specifically with accessory structures. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Inglewood falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Shed Rules

Inglewood allows sheds and accessory buildings in rear yards. Sheds under 120 square feet typically do not require a building permit but must comply with setback and height requirements.

Key details: No Permit: Under 120 sq ft and 10 ft height. Location: Rear yard, behind front building line. Setbacks: Must comply with zoning requirements. Use: Storage only, not habitable.

Oversized or improperly placed sheds may receive code enforcement notices. Unpermitted structures over 120 sq ft must obtain permits or be removed.

Garage Conversions

Inglewood allows garage conversions to ADUs under California state law without requiring replacement parking. Conversions must meet building code for habitable space including fire separation, ventilation, and natural light.

Key details: Parking Replacement: Not required under state law. Permit: Building permit required. Building Code: Must meet habitable space standards. Setbacks: Existing structure setbacks grandfathered.

Unpermitted garage conversions may result in code enforcement action. Conversions that do not meet building code for habitable space may be ordered to be corrected.

Tiny Homes

Tiny homes on foundations are regulated as ADUs under CA Gov Code 65852.2. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as RVs and not permitted as permanent dwellings. Inglewood must allow ADUs per state law. Rapid development near SoFi Stadium increases ADU interest.

Key details: On Foundation: Regulated as ADU. On Wheels: Classified as RV, not dwelling. Max Size: 1,200 sq ft (detached ADU). State Law: CA Gov Code 65852.2.

Unpermitted dwellings: removal or retroactive permitting. Zoning violations: fines and required relocation. Occupancy without certificate: prohibited.

ADU Rules

Inglewood allows accessory dwelling units (ADUs) per California state law (SB 9, AB 68). ADUs up to 800 sq ft are permitted by right on single-family lots. Junior ADUs up to 500 sq ft within the existing home are also allowed.

Key details: Max Size (Detached): 800 sq ft by right. JADU: Up to 500 sq ft within existing home. Setbacks: 4 feet from side and rear. Impact Fees: Waived under 750 sq ft.

Unpermitted ADUs must be brought into compliance. Building without permits can result in fines and mandatory inspections.

Carport Rules

Carports are regulated as accessory structures under Inglewood's zoning code (Chapter 12). Building permits required. Must comply with setback requirements for the applicable zoning district. Setback reductions may be available for lots abutting alleys.

Key details: Permit: Building permit required. Setbacks: Per zoning district requirements. Alley Reduction: Up to 5 ft setback reduction if abutting alley. Code: IMC Chapter 12.

Unpermitted carports: stop-work orders, required removal or retroactive permitting with penalty fees. Fines $200 to $1,000.

The Bottom Line

Inglewood's accessory structures rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Inglewood is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Inglewood can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.