Landscaping Rules in Inglewood, CA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Inglewood or are thinking about moving there, landscaping rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Inglewood has 7 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of landscaping rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Rainwater Harvesting

Property owners in Inglewood can capture rooftop rainwater in a rain barrel or larger rainwater capture system without ever needing a state water right permit. California's Rainwater Capture Act of 2012, Water Code Sections 10570 through 10574, exempts rooftop rainwater use from water-right permitting statewide, including in Inglewood, since water rights are governed by state, not municipal, law.

Key details: Water right permit: Not required for rooftop capture. Effective date: January 1, 2013 (AB 1750). Rain barrel system: No electricity, no pump, unconnected to potable line. Licensing: Professional Engineers Act still applies. Building standards: Set by CA Building Standards Commission.

The Rainwater Capture Act itself sets no fine because it is an exemption, not a prohibition. But Section 10572(c) means installing a system that requires a Professional Engineers Act license without one still exposes the installer to the state Contractors State License Board's normal unlicensed-activity penalties, and skipping any local building or plumbing permit still triggers ordinary Inglewood code-enforcement consequences.

Inglewood is more permissive than most cities when it comes to rainwater harvesting. That said, there are still limits.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

No one may cut, disfigure, relocate or remove a protected tree in Inglewood without a Tree Removal and Cutting Permit from the Parks, Recreation and Library Services Department, filed with the Master Fee Schedule inspection fee before any work begins.

Key details: Permit required for: Cutting, relocating, removing protected trees. Permit issuer: Parks, Recreation & Library Services Dept.. Application fee: Set in Master Fee Schedule. Evaluation criteria: 11 factors under § 12-118. Permit duration: One year from issuance.

Working without a required permit or violating a permit's conditions triggers a fine equal to the tree's appraised value under Section 12-122, plus mandatory like-kind or like-value replacement. The Parks, Recreation and Library Services Department must give written notice of the violation and allow ten business days to request an administrative hearing; fines are due within thirty business days to the Finance Office under Section 12-123, and unpaid amounts become a special assessment lien on the property under Section 12-125. Violations are also chargeable as a misdemeanor under Section 1-18 and support injunctive relief under Section 12-124.

Compared to other cities, Inglewood takes a harder line on tree removal & heritage trees. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Native Plants

CA Gov Code 65595 prohibits cities from banning drought-tolerant landscaping. Inglewood encourages water-efficient landscaping through its conservation program. MWELO applies to new landscapes over 500 sq ft.

Key details: State Law: CA Gov Code 65595 protects xeriscaping. MWELO: Applies to new landscapes >500 sq ft. City Programs: Water conservation incentives. Restrictions: Cannot ban drought-tolerant plants.

This is one of the stricter rules in Inglewood's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Artificial Turf

Artificial turf is permitted as a water-efficient landscape option. AB 1572 (2024) bans irrigating non-functional turf with potable water for commercial properties. MWELO supports turf alternatives for new development.

Key details: Residential: Permitted. Commercial Turf Ban: AB 1572 bans potable water on non-functional turf. MWELO: Supports alternatives. Water Savings: Aligns with city conservation program.

Compared to other cities, Inglewood takes a harder line on artificial turf. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Tree Trimming

Inglewood requires property owners to maintain trees so they do not obstruct sidewalks, streets, or traffic signs. Trees must provide at least 8 feet of clearance over sidewalks and 14 feet over streets.

Key details: Sidewalk Clearance: 8 feet minimum. Street Clearance: 14 feet minimum. City Trees: Do not trim without permission. Power Lines: Contact utility company.

Failure to maintain tree clearance may result in code enforcement notices. If a property owner's tree causes damage, the owner may be held liable.

Water Restrictions

Inglewood follows state water conservation mandates and local watering schedules. Outdoor watering is typically limited to specific days and times. Runoff onto sidewalks and streets is prohibited.

Key details: Watering Hours: No watering 10 AM–6 PM typically. Runoff: Prohibited onto sidewalks/streets. Conservation: Turf replacement rebates available. State Mandates: Apply during drought conditions.

Water waste violations may result in warnings, fines, and increased water rates for repeat offenders. Excessive runoff is subject to citation.

Weed Ordinances

Inglewood enforces weed and waste municipal code requirements through the Property Maintenance Division. Property owners must keep lots free of weeds, debris, and refuse. Violations cited through code enforcement.

Key details: Enforcement: Property Maintenance Division. Requirement: Lots must be weed/debris free. Refuse: Cannot accumulate >1 week. Reporting: Contact Code Enforcement.

Violations are public nuisances subject to abatement by rehabilitation, demolition, or repair. Administrative citations apply. Report to Code Enforcement at 310-412-5590.

The Bottom Line

Inglewood is tougher than many cities when it comes to landscaping rules. Out of the 7 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Inglewood, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

All of the above reflects Inglewood's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.