Noise from Specific Sources in Inglewood, CA

Inglewood maintains 151 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with noise from specific sources. 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.

Bar & Nightclub Noise

Any Inglewood bar, nightclub, or dance hall approved through a Special Use Permit must insulate its live entertainment or amplified music, including jukeboxes, so it cannot be heard outside the premises under Municipal Code Section 12-95.5(C). Doors facing nearby homes may be restricted to emergency-exit use only, and management must actively control noise both during and after business hours.

Key details: Governing mechanism: Special Use Permit condition. Sound standard: not audible outside premises. Door rule: emergency-exit only facing homes. Management duty: continuous noise/patron supervision. Enforcement: Planning Commission SUP review.

Failing to meet the Section 12-95.5(C) soundproofing or supervision conditions is a Special Use Permit violation, not a simple infraction: the Planning Commission can revoke, suspend, or add conditions to the permit that lets the bar or nightclub operate at all, on top of any citation for a separate noise or nuisance offense. Operating without honoring the SUP conditions can also trigger code enforcement action against the business license itself, since the permit and license are tied together for these uses.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Inglewood actively enforces its bar & nightclub noise requirements.

Generator Noise

Inglewood's tailgating ordinance bans generators over 600 watts from every licensed routine tailgate site near SoFi Stadium, the Kia Forum and other major venues. Section 12-16.9(a)(11)(vi) lists generators alongside charcoal grills, kegs and open flames as items prohibited outright at any City-permitted Tailgating location.

Key details: Governing section: § 12-16.9(a)(11)(vi). Generator limit: Over 600 watts prohibited. License required: Permits and Licenses Committee, § 12-42(G). Start time limit: No earlier than 7 a.m.. Cleanup deadline: 11:59 p.m. same day.

Bringing a generator rated above 600 watts to a licensed Tailgating site violates Section 12-16.9(a)(11)(vi). Because the section is not among the infractions listed in Section 1-18.1, a violation defaults to the citywide misdemeanor penalty in Section 1-18: a fine up to $500, up to six months in County Jail, or both, in addition to potential revocation of the underlying Section 12-42(G) major-event parking license.

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

HVAC & Mechanical Noise

Inglewood caps machinery and air-conditioning noise at five decibels above the ambient noise base level measured at the property line. Section 5-39 of the Municipal Code covers fans, compressors, pumps and similar mechanical devices with no daytime exemption. A violation is a misdemeanor enforceable as a public nuisance under Section 5-49.

Key details: Noise limit: 5 dB(A) above ambient base level. Measured at: the property line. Governing section: Municipal Code § 5-39. Covered equipment: pumps, fans, compressors, A/C units. Penalty: misdemeanor, public nuisance (§ 5-49).

Operating equipment that exceeds the ambient noise base level by five dB(A) at the property line is a misdemeanor under Section 5-49, which also declares the excess noise a public nuisance. The City can pursue criminal prosecution or seek abatement through a restraining order or injunction from a court of competent jurisdiction; each day the noise continues can support a separate enforcement action.

The Bottom Line

Inglewood is tougher than many cities when it comes to noise from specific sources. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 2 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.

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.