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 8 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of landscaping rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged statewide under the CA Rainwater Capture Act of 2012. No local permit required for residential rain barrels. Inglewood's stormwater management code supports runoff reduction.

Key details: Status: Legal statewide. Permit: Not required for residential barrels. State Law: CA Rainwater Capture Act of 2012. Stormwater: Supports IMC stormwater goals.

No penalties for standard residential collection. Large cistern installations without building permit: standard building code violation $100 to $500.

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

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.

Varies by jurisdiction. HOA fines for non-compliance may be unenforceable if state law protects xeriscaping rights.

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

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.

Generally no penalties for installation. Non-compliant drainage may require correction. HOA fines may be unenforceable where state law protects turf rights.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Inglewood gives residents more flexibility on artificial turf.

Grass Height Limits

Inglewood requires property owners to maintain lawns and vegetation. Grass and weeds exceeding 12 inches are considered a nuisance and subject to code enforcement action under the city's property maintenance standards.

Key details: Maximum Height: 12 inches before enforcement. Applies To: All residential properties and vacant lots. Notice: Written notice with compliance deadline. Abatement: City may clear and bill owner.

Property owners receive a notice to comply. Failure to maintain vegetation may result in city abatement with costs billed to the owner, plus administrative fees.

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.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Inglewood actively enforces its water restrictions requirements.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Inglewood may require permits to remove significant trees on private property. Trees in the public right-of-way are city property and cannot be removed without authorization from Public Works.

Key details: Private Trees: May require removal permit. City Trees: Authorization required from Public Works. Replacement: May be required after removal. Emergency: Hazardous tree removal may be exempt.

Unauthorized removal of protected or city trees may result in fines and mandatory replacement planting at the owner's expense.

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

Compared to many U.S. cities, Inglewood gives residents more room on landscaping rules. 3 of the 8 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

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.