Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules in Inglewood, CA

If you live in Inglewood or are thinking about moving there, sidewalk & pedestrian rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Inglewood has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of sidewalk & pedestrian rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Obstruction Rules

Inglewood Municipal Code Sec. 3-35 makes it unlawful to loiter or stand on any sidewalk in a way that blocks pedestrians, harasses passersby, or blocks access to a business or public facility entrance. Because Sec. 3-35 isn't on the code's infraction list, a violation defaults to a misdemeanor under the citywide general penalty section, Sec. 1-18.

Key details: Governing section: IMC Sec. 3-35. Prohibited conduct: Block passage, harass, or block an entrance. Penalty class: Misdemeanor (not listed as infraction). Maximum fine: $500. Maximum jail term: 6 months.

A first Sec. 3-35 violation is charged as a misdemeanor, not a graduated infraction, so the penalty is up to a $500 fine and up to six months of jail time, or both, under Sec. 1-18. Sec. 1-19 treats a continuing obstruction as a public nuisance subject to City abatement, and each day the sidewalk stays blocked is a separate offense. The exceptions in Sec. 3-37, lines, literature distribution, picketing, and lawful business, are not a defense once conduct crosses into unreasonable obstruction, annoyance, or entrance-blocking.

Sidewalk Repair

Property owners who build or remodel a building in Inglewood must also construct, maintain, and repair the curbs, gutters, sidewalks, and street pavement along their street frontage to City specifications, unless adequate improvements already exist. The Public Works Director can waive the sidewalk requirement only where construction is impossible or impractical under Municipal Code § 10-41.

Key details: Triggering event: New construction or remodel of a building. Governing section: IMC § 10-41. Exception: Waived if sidewalk impossible/impractical. Construction permit needed: Yes, under § 10-42. Compliance backstop: Bond or cash deposit, § 10-44.

Failing to build, maintain, or repair required curbs, gutters, sidewalks, and street pavement along a property's frontage under § 10-41 is a misdemeanor, since the section is not on the § 1-18.1(a) infraction list. Conviction carries a fine of up to $500, up to six months in jail, or both. Separately, letting a sidewalk stay dirty or hazardous violates the ongoing duty in § 10-20.

Encroachment Permits

Placing materials, a rubbish bin, construction equipment, or any improvement in an Inglewood public right-of-way requires a permit from the Public Works Director first. Wireless telecommunications facilities need their own separate wireless permit, while compliant temporary merchandise displays are exempt from the encroachment permit under Municipal Code § 10-45.

Key details: Permitting agency: Public Works Director. Governing section: IMC § 10-45. Standard fee: Set by Master Fee Schedule. Outdoor restaurant fee: $250 nonrefundable, annual. Outdoor restaurant deposit: $250 refundable security deposit.

Placing materials, equipment, or an unpermitted improvement in the public right-of-way without a § 10-45 permit is an infraction under § 1-18.1(a), fined up to $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second within a year, and $500 for each further offense in that year. An outdoor restaurant permit can also be suspended under § 10-46.2 or revoked under § 10-46.3 for repeated violations.

The Bottom Line

Inglewood's sidewalk & pedestrian rules 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.

This guide is based on Inglewood's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.