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Industrial noise in Downey must not exceed established ambient levels by more than 5 dBA at the receiving property line. Corrective factors apply during daytime hours (7 AM - 10 PM).
Downey prohibits amplified music that exceeds ambient noise levels by more than 5 dBA at the property line. Quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM carry stricter limits.
Downey regulates leaf blower noise under its general noise ordinance. Gas-powered leaf blowers must comply with the 85 dBA construction equipment limit and operate only during permitted hours.
Pool fencing in Downey must meet California Building Code: 60-inch minimum height, self-closing/self-latching gates, plus one additional safety feature (cover, alarm, or self-closing doors).
Above-ground pools in Downey must meet the same CA Building Code barrier requirements as in-ground pools. Pools with walls under 60 inches require additional fencing to reach the minimum barrier height.
Swimming pool construction in Downey requires a building permit from the Building & Safety Division. Plans must comply with California Building Code Title 24 and the Swimming Pool Safety Act.
California Swimming Pool Safety Act applies in Downey. All residential pools require barriers, drain covers per federal VGBA, and at least one additional safety feature. Pool owners are liable for maintaining safety equipment.
Hot tubs and spas in Downey must comply with CA Building Code barrier requirements when accessible to children. Locking covers meeting ASTM standards can serve as the required safety feature.
California law (AB 1236) requires streamlined permitting for EV charging stations. Downey must provide expedited permits for residential EVSE installations. New construction must include EV-ready infrastructure per CA Building Code.
Downey restricts overnight parking on public streets. No vehicle may remain parked on a public street for more than 72 consecutive hours. Oversized vehicles face additional restrictions and may require a permit.
Downey Municipal Code Article IV, Part 10 regulates stopping, standing, and parking on public streets. The city enforces posted parking restrictions, time limits, and street sweeping schedules throughout residential and commercial areas.
Downey Municipal Code prohibits parking commercial vehicles exceeding 6,000 pounds unladen weight or 84 inches in width on public streets or on private property in residential areas.
Downey restricts oversized vehicle parking on public and residential streets. RVs must obtain permits under DMC 3182.5. Emergency parking allowed for 24 hours with police notification within 60 minutes of breakdown.
Driveway modifications in Downey require approval from Planning and possibly Engineering. Paving projects in the front yard area must meet development standards. Blocking the public sidewalk with parked vehicles is prohibited.
Downey Municipal Code declares the accumulation and storage of abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicles on private or public property a public nuisance subject to abatement and removal by the City Manager.
Only the LA County Department of Public Works may paint or alter colored curbs on county-maintained streets in unincorporated areas. Title 17.04 and the California Vehicle Code define meanings: red no-stopping, yellow loading, white passenger, green time-limited, blue disabled.
On county-maintained streets in unincorporated Los Angeles County, yellow curbs mark commercial loading zones reserved for vehicles actively loading goods, typically 7am to 6pm Monday through Saturday under Title 17.04.520. Passenger cars may not park during posted hours.
LA County Code Title 16.04 lets unincorporated neighborhoods petition for Preferential Parking Districts that reserve curb space for residents holding annual permits. Non-permit vehicles face citations during posted hours, typically two-hour limits except by permit.
LA County Code Title 17.04.660 restricts oversized vehicles including RVs, trailers, and large trucks over 22 feet long or 7 feet tall from parking on county-maintained streets in unincorporated areas between 2am and 6am without a permit.
California Civil Code §4745 and §1947.6 give condo owners and tenants the right to install electric vehicle charging stations in their assigned parking spaces. LA County building code Title 26 aligns with statewide pre-wiring rules for new multi-family construction.
Downey requires property owners to maintain vegetation to prevent fire hazards. Dead, decayed, or hazardous vegetation is classified as a public nuisance under the municipal code. State law (PRC 4291) requires 100 ft defensible space in fire hazard zones.
Downey is a flat, urbanized city in SE Los Angeles County and is not located in a CalFire State Responsibility Area (SRA) or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. Standard fire safety codes apply.
Downey permits 'Safe and Sane' fireworks on July 4th only, from 3 PM to 10 PM. Only fireworks purchased from licensed community sales booths are legal. All other fireworks are strictly prohibited with zero tolerance enforcement.
Downey Municipal Code Chapter 3 (Fire Code) requires permits for recreational fires. Open burning is restricted by SCAQMD rules. Fires are prohibited before 7 AM and after 10 PM Sunday-Thursday or midnight Friday-Saturday.
Outdoor fire pits in Downey must comply with South Coast AQMD regulations. No open burning without a permit. Manufactured gas or propane fire pits are generally allowed with proper clearances from structures.
LA County Fire Code Title 32 §6101 governs propane storage. Residential cylinders aggregating 10 gallons or less are exempt; aggregate quantities above 25 gallons require a LACoFD permit and IFC §6104 setbacks from buildings, property lines, and ignition sources.
Downey restricts fence materials in certain zones. Chain-link fencing is prohibited in mixed-use and commercial outdoor dining areas. Residential fences must meet height and setback requirements.
Fences over 42 inches require a building permit in Downey. Fences at or below 42 inches still need Planning and possibly Engineering approval. Street side yard fences up to 7 ft allowed with 3 ft setback from property line.
Downey Municipal Code Article IX (Land Use) regulates fence and wall heights. Fences under 42 inches do not require a building permit. Interior side and rear fences may be up to 7 feet. Front yard and corner visibility restrictions apply.
Pool barriers in Downey must meet California Building Code requirements: minimum 60-inch height with self-closing, self-latching gates. At least one additional safety feature required (cover, alarm, or self-closing door).
Retaining walls in Downey require building permits. Height is measured from the higher finished grade when lots differ in elevation. Retaining walls combined with fences must meet total height limits.
California's Good Neighbor Fence Act (Civil Code 841) requires neighbors to share costs of boundary fences equally. Spite fences over 10 ft are a private nuisance under Civil Code 841.4.
Downey follows MWELO requirements for water-efficient landscaping. New/renovated landscapes over 500 sq ft must meet Maximum Applied Water Allowance. Water district restrictions on watering days and times apply.
Downey requires property owners to maintain vegetation and prevent weed overgrowth. Unmaintained vegetation is classified as a public nuisance subject to abatement. Properties must conform with neighborhood maintenance standards.
Downey's Urban Forest Management Plan governs street and median tree maintenance. The Director oversees all parkway tree planting, pruning, and removal. Property owners may not trim or remove street trees without authorization.
Downey requires front setback areas to be landscaped with drought-tolerant plants. Street trees are managed by the city and may not be removed without authorization. Landscaping screening between dwellings must meet specific planting requirements.
Dead, decayed, or hazardous weeds and vegetation are classified as public nuisances in Downey (DMC Art. V, Ch. 9). Property owners must maintain premises to neighborhood standards or face abatement.
Artificial turf is allowed in Downey as a water-efficient landscaping alternative. California law prohibits cities from requiring natural turf where drought-tolerant alternatives are proposed.
Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in California. No permit required for residential rain barrels. AB 1750 (2012) protects the right to collect rainwater for landscaping and non-potable uses.
California law prohibits cities from banning drought-tolerant and native plant landscaping (Gov Code 65595). Downey's MWELO compliance encourages water-efficient and native plant installations.
LA County Code Title 12.84 and California SB-1383 require all residents and businesses to separate organic waste from trash, either through curbside green-bin service or backyard composting. LA County Public Works runs the Smart Gardening Program teaching home composting techniques.
California law preempts local zoning for small family daycare homes (up to 8 children). Large family daycare (9-14 children) requires a use permit. State licensing through Community Care Licensing is required.
Home businesses in Downey must comply with zoning regulations. Business license/tax certificate required. Home occupations must not change the residential character of the neighborhood.
Home businesses in Downey must not generate excessive customer traffic that disrupts the residential character. Parking and traffic impacts are considered in any home occupation review.
Home businesses in Downey generally may not display external signage. Business signs must comply with Article IX sign regulations. No commercial signs are permitted in residential zones.
California's Cottage Food Law (AB 1616 / AB 1271) allows home-based food production. Class A (direct sales) up to $75,000/year; Class B (indirect sales) requires county health permit. Downey business license also required.
STR guests must comply with Downey's general noise ordinance. Noise exceeding ambient +5 dBA at the property line is prohibited, with stricter limits during quiet hours (10 PM - 7 AM).
STR guests must follow Downey's general parking rules. Street parking in business districts limited to 2 hours (7 AM - 6 PM weekdays). No vehicle may remain on public streets over 72 hours.
Downey does not currently require a specific STR permit or license. Hosts must comply with general zoning and pay the Transient Occupancy Tax. Some zoning districts may restrict STR use.
Downey does not have STR-specific occupancy limits. General building code occupancy standards and fire safety requirements apply to all residential properties including those used as STRs.
Downey does not impose annual night caps or maximum rental day limits on short-term rentals. There is no minimum stay requirement. Hosts may rent year-round subject to TOT collection requirements.
Downey does not currently require a specific STR license or registration. Hosts must obtain a general business license and collect the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). No dedicated STR permit program exists as of 2025.
Downey charges a Transient Occupancy Tax on stays under 30 days. Voters approved Measure D in November 2022 to increase the TOT rate to 13%. Hosts must collect and remit TOT quarterly to the Finance Department.
Downey does not mandate specific insurance for STR hosts. Standard homeowner's insurance applies. Platforms like Airbnb provide host liability coverage, but additional STR-specific insurance is recommended.
In unincorporated Los Angeles County, the short-term rental host need not be physically onsite, but the property must be the host's primary residence and unhosted stays are capped at 30 nights per calendar year under Title 22.140.290.
Unincorporated Los Angeles County limits short-term rentals to the host's primary residence under Title 22.140.290, defined as the dwelling occupied by the host for at least six months of the calendar year.
Unlike Los Angeles City, unincorporated Los Angeles County offers no extended home-share permit. Title 22.140.290 caps unhosted rentals at 30 nights per year with no path to lift that limit while keeping the host offsite.
Title 22.140.290(I) establishes a three-strikes rule: any host receiving three citations within a 12-month period for short-term rental violations in unincorporated Los Angeles County loses the permit and is barred from reapplying for two years.
Hosting platforms operating in unincorporated Los Angeles County must display the County permit number on every listing, verify validity, and remove unpermitted listings on County notice under Title 22.140.290 and California SB-60 / AB-1731 platform rules.
Downey does not have breed-specific legislation banning particular dog breeds. All dogs must be licensed per CA Food & Agricultural Code 30500. Dangerous dog declarations are handled case-by-case.
Dogs must be kept under control and not allowed to disturb neighbors in Downey. Nuisance barking or any animal disturbance affecting neighboring inhabitants is prohibited under the municipal code.
Beekeeping in Downey is regulated under the city's animal control provisions and California state law. Bee colonies must not constitute a public nuisance. Registration with the LA County Agricultural Commissioner is required.
Downey allows up to 5 chickens, rabbits, or pigeons in any combination per lot (DMC 9514.02). Roosters are strictly prohibited. Up to 100 racing/homing pigeons allowed in R-1 zones with a CUP.
Downey classifies conditions attracting vermin or creating unsanitary conditions as public nuisances. Feeding wildlife that creates such conditions may be subject to nuisance abatement.
Exotic pet ownership in Downey is primarily governed by California state law (Title 14, Section 671). Most exotic animals including ferrets, hedgehogs, monkeys, and large reptiles are prohibited statewide. Downey's municipal code reinforces state restrictions.
LA County Title 10.20.355 requires microchipping for all dogs and cats released from shelters and, by recent expansion, for any dog or cat receiving a county license. DACC scans every impounded animal for owner reunification.
LA County Title 10.92 prohibits retail pet stores in unincorporated areas from selling dogs or cats unless sourced from shelters or registered nonprofit rescues. The 2017 county rule preceded California AB-485, which now applies statewide.
LA County Title 10.20.220 caps three dogs and five cats at unincorporated single-family lots without a kennel permit. DACC and the Sheriff investigate hoarding cases as cruelty under California Penal Code §597, with seizure and prosecution.
LA County Title 10.32 covers cat care and Title 10.20.060 mandates rabies vaccination for cats over four months. DACC supports trap-neuter-return for managed feral colonies; outdoor cats remain owners' responsibility for damage and wildlife harm.
LA County Title 10.20.350 requires all dogs and cats over four months in unincorporated areas to be spayed or neutered, with narrow exceptions for licensed breeders, show animals, and medical waivers documented by a veterinarian.
DACC's 2017 Coyote Management Plan emphasizes coexistence, hazing, and attractant removal over lethal control. LACO Title 10.84.010 bans intentional feeding of coyotes and other wildlife in unincorporated areas, with citations and escalating fines for violations.
LA County Title 10.20.220 caps unincorporated single-family residences at three dogs over four months and five cats without a kennel or cattery permit. Higher counts require DACC permitting and zoning compatibility under Title 22.
Pet groomers in unincorporated LA County must hold a Department of Public Health animal-facility permit under LACO Title 11 and a Title 7.62 business license. Mobile groomers face the same rules plus vehicle and wastewater requirements.
LA County Title 22.140.220 lets veterinary clinics operate by right in commercial zones C-1, C-2, and C-3, with conditions covering noise, kenneling overnight, and outdoor runs. Heavier animal hospitals may require a conditional use permit.
California Fish & Game Code §3503 to §3516 protect native birds, nests, and eggs, including raptors and migratory species. LA County Title 10.84 layers a wildlife harm and feeding ban for unincorporated areas, with DACC and CDFW enforcement.
Downey Municipal Code Article IX regulates accessory structures. Detached accessory structures and attached patio covers may occupy up to 50% of the required rear yard. Structures must comply with setback, height, and lot coverage requirements.
Downey allows garage conversions to ADUs under state law and DMC §9414.08. Replacement parking is not required. No minimum setback for conversions. Height limits don't apply to conversions. Driveway max 20 feet wide.
Tiny homes on foundations in Downey are regulated as ADUs under CA Gov Code 65852.2. Tiny homes on wheels are treated as RVs and cannot be used as permanent dwellings. ADU rules allow up to 1,200 sq ft detached.
Downey regulates ADUs under DMC §9414.08. Detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft allowed. Max 2 bedrooms. Height: 16 ft detached, 25 ft attached. 4-foot setbacks. Pre-approved ADU plans available through the city.
Carports in Downey require a building permit. They must comply with zoning setback requirements and cannot encroach into required yards without approval. Height limited per zone standards.
Grading permits are required in Downey for significant earth-moving projects. The Engineering Division reviews drainage plans to ensure proper stormwater conveyance and prevent flooding of adjacent properties.
Portions of Downey fall within FEMA-designated flood zones, primarily along the Los Angeles River and Rio Hondo channels. The city participates in the National Flood Insurance Program and enforces floodplain development standards.
Downey is an inland city approximately 12 miles from the coast and is not within the California Coastal Commission's jurisdiction. Coastal development regulations do not apply.
Grading and construction projects in Downey exceeding 1 acre require a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). Erosion control measures must be in place during the rainy season per state and county requirements.
Downey is subject to LA County MS4 NPDES permit requirements for stormwater management. New development and significant redevelopment must implement Best Management Practices (BMPs) for stormwater quality.
Properties in mapped Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones must maintain 100 feet of defensible space under California PRC §4291 and LACo Fire Code Title 32 §4906, with annual LACoFD Forestry Division inspections in Malibu, Topanga, Altadena, and Antelope Valley foothills.
California Code of Regulations Title 13 §2485 caps heavy-duty diesel idling at five minutes statewide, enforced across LA County by CARB and SCAQMD Rule 1102. LA County's fleet idle-reduction policy adds matching limits for county-owned trucks and buses.
California AB-1346 bans the sale of new gas-powered leaf blowers and other small off-road engines under 25 horsepower starting 2024, applying countywide. LA County does not have a separate countywide blower ban, but several incorporated cities layer their own operating prohibitions.
Los Angeles County adopted its OurCounty Sustainability Plan in 2019 with binding climate targets, paired with a Climate Vulnerability Assessment guiding adaptation. The Chief Sustainability Office coordinates 159 actions across 12 goals targeting carbon neutrality by 2050 in unincorporated areas.
Los Angeles County's Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy at LA County Code Title 2.205 directs all departments to prioritize recycled-content, energy-efficient, and low-toxicity products. Internal Services manages a zero-emission fleet replacement schedule for county-owned light-duty vehicles.
LA County Public Works runs cool pavement pilots in unincorporated communities like Pacoima-adjacent areas to lower surface temperatures during heat waves. The reflective coatings reduce roadway temperatures by up to 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit on summer afternoons.
LA County Code Title 31 Green Building Standards and Title 26 Building Code adopt CALGreen Title 24 Part 11 baseline requiring cool roofing on new construction and major reroofs in unincorporated areas. Reflective materials must meet minimum solar reflectance and thermal emittance ratings.
The OurCounty Sustainability Plan and Climate Vulnerability Assessment identify Heat Equity Zones, where LA County deploys cool roofs, cool pavement, tree canopy, and cooling-center activations when forecast highs exceed 95 degrees Fahrenheit for two or more days.
Los Angeles County enforces shoreline management regulations for its extensive coastline and waterways in unincorporated areas. Development within the coastal zone requires compliance with the California Coastal Act and the county's Local Coastal Program. Projects near beaches, harbors, and coastal bluffs are subject to stringent setback, access, and environmental review requirements administered by the Department of Regional Planning.
Downey provides expedited permitting for small residential rooftop solar per AB 2188 and the Solar Rights Act. Systems up to 10 kW AC qualify for streamlined review. Panels cannot exceed the maximum building height.
California Solar Rights Act (Civil Code 714) prohibits HOAs from effectively banning solar installations. HOAs may impose reasonable restrictions but cannot increase cost by more than $1,000 or reduce efficiency by more than 10%.
California Government Code §65850.5 and LA County Code Title 22.140.500 require expedited solar permitting for residential rooftop systems under 38.4 kilowatts. LA County uses SolarAPP+ instant online plan review through Building and Safety, typically issuing permits within three business days.
California Government Code §65852.27 lets farmers install ground-mounted solar serving on-site agricultural operations as ministerial accessory uses. LA County Code Title 22.140.500 adds setback and visibility standards for ag-overlay parcels in Antelope Valley and other unincorporated farming areas.
California SB-43 created the Green Tariff Shared Renewables program letting LA County renters and shaded-roof homeowners subscribe to community solar shares without on-site panels. LA County Waterworks pilots and Southern California Edison Green Rate provide enrollment paths countywide.
Snow removal is not applicable in Downey. Located in Southern California's LA Basin, the city does not experience snowfall. No snow removal ordinances exist.
Vacant lots in Downey must be maintained free of weeds, debris, and hazardous conditions. Unmaintained vacant properties are classified as public nuisances subject to abatement at the owner's expense.
Garage sales in Downey require a $10 permit purchased at City Hall at least one working day prior. Sales limited to 2 consecutive days (3 on holiday weekends). Only personal goods may be sold, no new merchandise.
Downey residents must use automated containers provided by Athens Services. Three color-coded bins: blue (recyclables), green (yard waste), gray (trash). Bins must be placed curbside by 6 AM on pickup day.
Downey defines property blight as a public nuisance. Properties out of conformity with neighborhood maintenance standards that diminish property values are subject to Code Enforcement action and abatement.
AB 1482 just cause eviction protections apply in Downey after 12 months of tenancy. No-fault evictions require relocation assistance equal to one month's rent. Lease expiration alone is not just cause.
Downey has no local rent control ordinance. Statewide AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act) applies: annual rent increases capped at 5% + CPI or 10%, whichever is lower. Exemptions include units built within 15 years.
Downey does not have a dedicated rental registration program. Landlords must obtain a business registration through the Finance Department. Standard California landlord-tenant laws apply.
Los Angeles County's Rent Stabilization and Tenant Protections Ordinance requires landlords in unincorporated areas to pay tiered relocation assistance to households evicted for no-fault reasons, with amounts adjusted annually by DCBA.
Cash-for-keys deals in unincorporated LA County are regulated under the RSTPO buyout provisions. Landlords must serve a written disclosure, allow a cooling-off rescission period, and file the executed agreement with the DCBA.
Under LA County's RSTPO, landlords in unincorporated areas may end a tenancy without tenant fault only for owner move-in, Ellis Act withdrawal, demolition or permanent removal, substantial remodel, or government order. Each path requires notice, filing, and relocation pay.
RSTPO landlords in unincorporated LA County may pass through approved capital improvement, utility, and registration costs only with DCBA approval. Capital improvements are split 50/50 with the tenant, and monthly add-ons are capped.
LA County Ordinance 2021-0040, codified at Title 8.59, prohibits landlords in unincorporated areas from harassing tenants through threats, coercion, intimidation, utility shutoffs, or false eviction filings. DCBA investigates and penalties run per violation.
The Housing Authority of the County of Los Angeles (HACoLA) administers federal Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers across LA County. Landlords accepting vouchers must pass HQS inspection and cannot refuse applicants based on voucher status.
California Government Code §12955 bans housing discrimination based on a tenant's lawful source of income, including Section 8 vouchers and other rental subsidies. LA County Title 8.42 mirrors and extends the protection in unincorporated areas via DCBA.
California Civil Code §1950.5, amended by AB-12 effective July 2024, caps residential security deposits at one month's rent statewide. Los Angeles County does not add a local cap; state law controls in both incorporated and unincorporated areas.
Downey residents can arrange bulky item collection through Athens Services by calling (562) 259-1239. The Downey Area Recycling and Transfer Facility (DART) operated by LA County Sanitation Districts also accepts large items.
California AB 341 mandates recycling for businesses generating 4+ cubic yards weekly and multi-family complexes with 5+ units. Downey residents use the blue bin for cardboard, paper, metal, glass, and plastic.
Trash bins in Downey must be placed curbside or in the alley by 6 AM on the scheduled pickup day. Bins should be retrieved promptly after collection. Containers must not obstruct sidewalks or driveways.
Downey provides weekly automated curbside collection through Athens Services. Three bins (blue/green/gray) must be placed curbside by 6 AM on pickup day. Automated collection requires use of provided containers only.
California SB-1383 and LA County Code Title 12.84 require all residents and businesses in unincorporated areas to separate organic waste including food scraps, food-soiled paper, and yard trimmings from trash. Haulers provide green carts and inspections. LA Sanitation enforces.
LA County Code Title 12.84 governs valet-trash and door-to-door collection programs at apartment and condo buildings in unincorporated areas. Buildings must use a franchise hauler, separate organics and recyclables, and meet diversion targets even when residents place bags outside doors.
LA County Public Works coordinates franchise haulers including Athens Services, Republic Services, and Waste Management to slide trash, recycling, and organics pickup one day later for the rest of the week after six observed holidays: New Year's, Memorial, Independence, Labor, Thanksgiving, Christmas.
Commercial drone operations require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. No additional Downey-specific permits are required. Operators must follow all FAA airspace restrictions and obtain waivers for restricted areas.
Recreational drone use is governed by FAA regulations (14 CFR Part 107). Downey does not have a separate local drone ordinance. FAA rules require registration, line-of-sight operation, and altitude below 400 ft AGL.
Federal Aviation Administration rules under 14 CFR Part 107 and LAANC preempt local drone-proximity rules. Pilots must obtain controlled-airspace authorization within five miles of LAX, Burbank, Long Beach, Van Nuys, Hawthorne, Whiteman, Compton, El Monte, and Santa Monica airports.
Title 17.04.510 of the LA County Code prohibits launching, landing, or operating unmanned aircraft systems in County-operated parks, beaches, and recreation areas without an advance permit from the Department of Parks and Recreation. The rule covers over 180 facilities.
The Federal Aviation Administration issues Temporary Flight Restrictions over major LA County events including Rose Parade, Super Bowl, Oscars, large stadium games, and active wildfires. TFRs block all drones inside the cylinder and ground LA County operations under Title 17.04.510.
Food trucks in Downey must obtain a city business license, LA County Health Department MFF permit, and pass Fire Department inspection. Operations must use a licensed commissary for food prep and waste disposal.
Food truck vending locations in Downey are regulated by zoning. California SB 972 limits local authority to ban sidewalk vending outright. Food trucks must comply with parking and business district regulations.
Removal of street and parkway trees in Downey requires authorization from the Public Works Director per the Street Tree Preservation and Protection ordinance (DMC Art. VII, Ch. 6). Private trees on private property are generally the owner's responsibility.
Downey's Urban Forest Management Plan and Street Tree Master Plan guide tree preservation. Street trees of significant size or species may receive additional protection. The Director designates tree varieties for parkways.
Downey requires replacement of removed street trees to maintain the urban forest canopy per the Urban Forest Management Plan. Species selection follows the Street Tree Master Plan.
LA County Code Title 22.174 (formerly 22.56.2050) protects native oaks with eight inches or larger trunk diameter at breast height. An Oak Tree Permit from Regional Planning is required before pruning more than 25 percent or removing any protected oak.
LA County Public Works requires a no-fee permit before planting, removing, or pruning any tree in the parkway strip between sidewalk and curb. Approved species follow the LA County Street Tree Master Plan with separation from utilities and driveways.
The LA County Community Forest Management Plan and OurCounty Sustainability Plan target a 50 percent canopy increase in low-canopy unincorporated communities by 2045. DPW, Parks, and Public Health prioritize free plantings in Southeast LA and Antelope Valley equity zones.
Los Angeles County protects significant trees in unincorporated areas through its Oak Tree Ordinance (Title 22, Chapter 22.174) and related regulations. The ordinance requires permits for removal or relocation of oak trees and other protected species. Heritage trees receive enhanced protection. Mitigation including replacement planting is required when removal is approved.
A $10 garage sale permit is required in Downey, purchased at City Hall at least one working day before the sale. Valid photo ID and proof of residency at the sale address are required.
Garage sales in Downey must operate during reasonable daytime hours. Signs may not be posted on utility poles, street signs, traffic signs, or trees under penalty of $25 per sign removal fee.
Downey permits garage sales for 2 consecutive days, or 3 consecutive days on a city holiday weekend. Only personal goods may be sold; new merchandise is prohibited.
Downey city parks have posted hours of operation. Being in parks after posted closing hours is prohibited under the public parks chapter of the municipal code.
Downey enforces a juvenile curfew for minors under 18. Officers must verify age and reason before enforcement. Parents/guardians are jointly and severally liable for supervision costs if a minor is detained over one hour.
Downey building setbacks vary by zone. ADUs require 4 ft side/rear setbacks. Front setbacks established by Planning Commission where necessary. No building may encroach into required yards without approval.
Lot coverage in Downey is regulated by zone. No building may occupy a greater percentage of lot area than specified for its zone. Open space required for one building cannot count toward another.
Downey limits single-family homes to 16 ft / 1 story on lots over 2,000 sq ft, and 22 ft / 2 stories on smaller lots. Temporary structures limited to 7 ft. Accessory structures under 120 sq ft may be permit-exempt.
Outdoor lighting that creates a nuisance to neighboring properties may be subject to enforcement under Downey's nuisance ordinance. California Building Code energy standards limit outdoor lighting intensity for new construction.
Downey does not have a specific dark sky ordinance. As a fully urbanized LA County city, outdoor lighting is regulated through general nuisance provisions and building code standards for light spillage.
Title 22.140.385 of the LA County Code limits billboard illumination in unincorporated areas to 0.3 foot-candles above ambient measured at the property line, requires full cutoff fixtures aimed downward, and bans upward light spill into the night sky.
Title 22.140.385 of the LA County Code requires residential and commercial security lighting in unincorporated areas to use full cutoff shields aimed downward, capping property-line spill at 0.5 foot-candles and prohibiting glare onto neighboring dwellings or public ways.
Title 22.140.385 of the LA County Code exempts seasonal holiday lighting from outdoor-lighting brightness, shielding, and dark-sky rules between November 1 and January 15 each year, provided the displays do not create traffic hazards or unreasonable glare.
Downey allows indoor cultivation of up to 6 cannabis plants per residence for personal use by adults 21+. Must be fully enclosed, limited to 50 sq ft and 1,200 watts. Not allowed in ADUs or garages. Medical cultivation under 21 is prohibited locally (DMC 9428.10).
All commercial cannabis operations are banned in Downey. DMC 9248.06 prohibits medical marijuana dispensaries. DMC 9284.04 makes all commercial cannabis activity unlawful. Licensed delivery from other jurisdictions is permitted.
Commercial cannabis activity has historically been prohibited in unincorporated LA County under Title 22.140.220, but Title 22 amendments adopted alongside the 2022 Equity Program will allow retail, cultivation, manufacturing, and distribution in select industrial zones (M-1, M-1.5, M-2) once licensing rolls out.
LA County's Cannabis Equity Program, run by the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs under Ordinance 2022-0023, gives priority licensing, fee waivers, and technical assistance to applicants harmed by past cannabis enforcement in unincorporated areas.
Under California MAUCRSA Business and Professions Code Section 26054 and LA County Code Title 22.140, commercial cannabis premises in unincorporated LA County must sit at least 600 feet from K-12 schools, daycare centers, and youth centers, measured property line to property line.
California Department of Cannabis Control regulations allow state-licensed retailers to deliver cannabis to any address in unincorporated LA County, even though the county has not yet issued local retailer licenses. Delivery vehicles, drivers, and manifests must follow state rules in CCR Title 4.
Adults 21 and older in unincorporated LA County may cultivate up to six living cannabis plants per private residence under California Proposition 64, with plants kept indoors or in a locked, screened outdoor enclosure not visible from a public place under Health and Safety Code Section 11362.1.
Posting garage sale signs on public utility poles, street signs, traffic signs, or trees is illegal in Downey. Violation results in a $25 removal fee per sign plus potential criminal complaint.
Political signs are protected speech under the First Amendment and California law. Downey cannot prohibit political signs on private residential property. Temporary political signs generally do not require permits.
Residential holiday displays are generally permitted in Downey as temporary decorations. They must not create safety hazards, block public sidewalks, or violate electrical/fire codes.
Title 22.140.430 of the LA County Code prohibits digital and electronic message-center billboards in all residential zones of unincorporated areas, allowing them in commercial and industrial zones only with a Conditional Use Permit and strict brightness, dwell-time, and spacing limits.
Title 22.140.430 of the LA County Code limits window signs in commercial buildings of unincorporated areas to 25 percent of the window's glass area, bans flashing or animated displays, and allows neon and LED only with proper electrical permits.
Off-site signs visible from interstate and primary highways in unincorporated Los Angeles County are governed by the California Outdoor Advertising Act under Business and Professions Code §5200 et seq., which preempts most local rules and requires a Caltrans permit.
Solicitors in Downey must obtain a permit from the Chief of Police before engaging in door-to-door solicitation (DMC 6500). Operating without a permit is unlawful.
Downey prohibits solicitation at any residence displaying a 'No Solicitors' sign or similar indication (DMC 6502). Prohibited solicitation activities are further defined in DMC 6504.
California Penal Code section 53071 preempts almost all local firearm regulation, so LA County cannot license or restrict gun ownership beyond state law. Narrow zoning and discharge rules survive in unincorporated areas under LACO Title 13.
California Penal Code section 25400 prohibits carrying a concealed firearm without a CCW. The LA County Sheriff issues permits to county residents under shall-issue rules following Bruen and SB-2, with sensitive-place limits applied countywide.
California Penal Code sections 25400 and 25610 require firearms transported by vehicle in LA County to be unloaded, with handguns inside a locked container or trunk. Long guns must be unloaded but may ride in the passenger compartment if encased.
California Penal Code section 26350 bans open carry of unloaded handguns in incorporated areas, and section 26400 bans openly carried unloaded long guns. Most LA County cities are incorporated; unincorporated areas have narrower restrictions but loaded open carry is barred everywhere.
LA County requires every vape and tobacco retailer in unincorporated areas to hold a Tobacco Retailer License under LACO Title 11.04.260 plus a state CDTFA license. Sales of flavored vape products are barred under Ord. 2019-0014 and California SB-793.
LA County Ordinance 2019-0014 (LACO Title 11.04.250) bans the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes and flavored e-liquids, in unincorporated areas. California SB-793 imposes the same ban statewide as of December 2022, covering all 88 cities.
Federal Tobacco 21 (Public Law 116-94) and California Business and Professions Code section 22963 bar LA County retailers from selling cigarettes, cigars, vapes, or any tobacco product to anyone under 21. LA County DPH enforces in unincorporated areas with photo-ID checks.
LA County banned single-use plastic carryout bags in unincorporated areas via Ordinance 2010-0059, requiring a minimum 10-cent paper-bag charge. California SB-270 extended the ban statewide, and AB-1162 (2024) further restricts pre-checkout plastic bags countywide.
LA County Code Title 12.84 bars food vendors and county facilities in unincorporated areas from using expanded polystyrene foam containers, cups, plates, and trays. California AB-1276 (Public Resources Code section 42273) extends parallel statewide standards to all cities since 2024.
LA County Code Title 12.84 makes unincorporated areas a straws-on-request jurisdiction, and California AB-1884 (Public Resources Code section 42270) plus AB-1276 extend parallel rules statewide. Restaurants cannot auto-distribute single-use plastic straws; disability requests must be accommodated.
LA County Code Title 12.84 (Ord. 2008-0006) bans expanded polystyrene foam cups at all county facilities and food vendors operating on county property. California SB-54 phases out non-recyclable plastic cup packaging statewide by 2032, layering tighter standards over the county rule.
LA County Code Title 12.84 bans expanded polystyrene takeout containers at unincorporated-area food businesses. California AB-1201 sets ASTM compostability labeling rules so containers marketed compostable meet ASTM D6400 or D6868 standards before being sold or used countywide.
California AB-1276 prohibits restaurants and food vendors from automatically providing single-use foodware accessories. Utensils, straws, condiments, and stirrers must only be supplied on customer request or self-serve, enforced countywide by LA County Public Health.
LA County Code Title 8.100 sets a minimum wage for unincorporated areas that mirrors the LA City schedule. Adopted by Ordinance 2015-0030, the rate adjusts each July with CPI and applies to all employers in unincorporated zones.
LA County Code Title 8.102 requires paid sick leave for employees in unincorporated areas, aligning with California SB-616's five-day floor. Workers accrue at least one hour per 30 worked, with carryover protections and no-retaliation provisions.
LA County has no general predictive-scheduling ordinance for unincorporated areas. California AB-1228 governs fast-food workers via the statewide Fast Food Council, and statewide retail rules apply uniformly without local mandates.
LA County Ordinance 2017-0118 (Title 1.05) prohibits Sheriff and county departments from cooperating with federal civil immigration enforcement absent a judicial warrant. California SB-54 reinforces the limits statewide for all 88 cities and the county.
California AB-1236 (Labor Code §2814) prohibits LA County and any city or county from requiring private employers to use E-Verify. Federal mandates apply only to federal contractors. LA County imposes no E-Verify requirement.
LA County Code Title 22.06 establishes three agricultural zones for unincorporated areas: A-1 light agriculture, A-2 heavy agriculture, and A-2-H heavy agriculture with hog ranches. These zones cover most farming in Antelope Valley and Santa Clarita Valley.
California Civil Code §3482.5 protects established agricultural operations from nuisance suits after three years of consistent activity. LA County applies the state rule, particularly important in Antelope Valley and Santa Clarita Valley farming areas.
LA County Code Title 8 Chapter 8.04 requires every retail food facility countywide to post an LACDPH letter grade within five feet of the entrance. A=90+, B=80-89, C=70-79; scores below 70 trigger immediate closure until reinspection clears violations.
LA County Code Title 11 Chapter 11.32 makes property owners countywide responsible for abating rodents. LACDPH Vector Management investigates outdoor complaints in unincorporated areas and supports cities. California AB-1788 bans second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides for non-licensed users statewide.
California Civil Code §1954.603 requires LA County landlords to give every new tenant a written bed-bug information notice and disclose known infestation history. LACDPH Vector Management investigates complaints in unincorporated areas; cities run their own habitability enforcement.
California Health & Safety Code §118286 bans putting home-generated sharps in regular trash or recycling. LA County operates seven S.A.F.E. Centers and rotating household hazardous waste roundups countywide for free drop-off. Mail-back kits are also available.
LACDPH and partners run the Healthy Neighborhood Market Network countywide, helping corner stores in food-desert communities stock fresh produce. The program offers refrigeration grants, technical assistance, and marketing support; participation is voluntary, not a mandate.
Under California Health and Safety Code §113948, every food handler in LA County must obtain an ANSI-accredited food handler card within 30 days of hire. Cards are valid for three years. LACDPH inspectors verify compliance during routine retail food inspections countywide.
Calorie labeling on menus across LA County is governed by federal FDA rules at 21 CFR §101.11, requiring chains with 20 or more locations to post calorie counts. LACDPH inspectors check compliance during routine retail food inspections. California AB-1100 adds beverage warnings.
LA County Building Code Title 26 classifies childcare centers as Group E or I-4 occupancies with specific egress, fire-protection, and lead/asbestos clearances. CCR Title 22 licensing through CCLD adds operational rules on staffing, square footage, and outdoor space.
LA County Building Code Title 26 adopts CRC R313, requiring automatic fire sprinklers in all new one- and two-family dwellings and townhomes. LACoFD reviews plans countywide for unincorporated and contract cities served by the district.
LA County Building Code Title 26 and Fire Code Title 32 incorporate California Fire Code §1010.1.9, restricting locks and latches on required egress doors. Single-action hardware, no double-cylinder deadbolts on exits, and panic hardware in assembly occupancies are mandatory.
LA County has no countywide BMO like LA City, but Title 22 Chapter 22.110 sets hillside grading and bulk limits, and several Community Standards Districts cap floor area ratio in unincorporated communities like Altadena, La Crescenta-Montrose, and Topanga.
LA County Code Title 31 adopts the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen, Title 24 Part 11) with local amendments. Mandatory measures cover construction-waste diversion, water-efficient fixtures, EV-ready parking, and indoor air quality for new buildings.
California Structural Pest Control Act (B&P Code §8500+) requires licensed operators for pest treatments. LA County Environmental Health enforces vector control in unincorporated areas. Termite reports are required for most real estate transactions.
California Health and Safety Code §17920.10 and federal EPA regulations require lead paint disclosure, testing, and safe work practices in pre-1978 buildings. LA County Environmental Health enforces childhood lead poisoning prevention programs.
Scaffolding on construction sites in unincorporated LA County must comply with Cal/OSHA Title 8 regulations and LA County Building Code. Sidewalk canopies and pedestrian protection are required for construction along public ways.
Elevators in LA County must comply with California Conveyance Safety Act (Labor Code §7300+). Annual inspections by the Division of Occupational Safety and Health are required. All elevator installations need permits from LA County Building and Safety.
LACO Title 11.04.260 requires every tobacco retailer in unincorporated LA County to hold an annual county license costing roughly $342, with density caps near schools, pharmacy bans, and 1,000-foot buffers from K-12 campuses. Incorporated cities have their own programs.
LACO Title 22.140.220 bars commercial auto repair as a home occupation in unincorporated LA County. Residents may work on personally owned vehicles in their own driveway or garage, but cannot run a paid repair business or store customer cars on the property.
LACO Title 22.140.300 zones adult businesses only outside 1,000-foot buffers from schools, churches, parks, and homes in unincorporated areas. Title 7.18 requires a Sheriff business license with operator background check before any adult arcade, cabaret, or bookstore can open.
LACO Title 7.34 requires a county operator permit for any massage business in unincorporated LA County, on top of the state CAMTC certification each therapist must hold under Bus. & Prof. Code §4600. Sheriff inspectors review premises, lighting, and unobstructed-window standards.
Tattoo, piercing, and permanent-makeup shops in unincorporated LA County need a Title 11.36 health permit from LA County DPH Body Art Program plus LASD operator clearance. State Penal Code §653 bans tattooing anyone under 18, with no parental consent exception.
Smoke shops in unincorporated LA County face Title 22.140.300 sensitive-use zoning, the Title 11.04.250 flavored-tobacco sales ban from Ordinance 2019-0014, and the Title 11.04.260 tobacco retail license cap. Hookah lounges hold a narrow on-site consumption exemption.
Secondhand dealers in unincorporated LA County need a Title 7.18 Sheriff business license plus state Bus. & Prof. Code §21626 registration. Daily LeadsOnline reporting of all purchases and a 30-day police hold on every item are mandatory before resale.
Pawnbrokers in unincorporated LA County operate under California Financial Code §21000 plus LACO Title 7.18, with a 90-day minimum loan term and 60-day grace period before any pledge can be sold. Daily reporting goes to LASD through the CAPSS system.
Tow operators in unincorporated LA County need LACO Title 7.92 permits and CHP carrier certification. Sheriff dispatches non-consensual tows through Official Police Garage rotation contracts. CA Vehicle Code §22658 caps private-property tow fees and requires posted signs before any non-consent tow.
LA County has no mandatory retrofit ordinance for non-ductile concrete buildings in unincorporated areas. LACoDPW maintains a voluntary inventory and offers ASCE 41-17 evaluation guidance, while LA City's mandatory program does not extend to county jurisdiction.
LA County Ordinance 2017-0061 added Title 26 Chapter 95 requiring seismic retrofit of soft-story wood-frame multi-unit buildings in unincorporated areas. Owners of pre-1978 buildings with five or more units over open parking must evaluate and retrofit on a phased schedule.
LA County has no mandatory retrofit ordinance for pre-Northridge welded steel moment-frame buildings. LACoDPW follows FEMA 351-355 evaluation guidance and accepts ASCE 41-17 voluntary upgrades through Title 26 permits, with no countywide deadline.
California SB-721 (apartments) and SB-326 (HOA condos) require periodic inspection of exterior elevated elements like balconies and walkways. LACoDPW enforces in unincorporated areas; first SB-721 inspections were due January 1, 2025, with nine-year cycles.
LA County addresses tilt-up concrete buildings through voluntary ASCE 41-17 evaluation rather than a mandatory retrofit ordinance. LACoDPW guidance focuses on wall-to-roof anchorage failures observed in 1971 Sylmar and 1994 Northridge earthquakes for pre-1976 structures.
LA County maintains roughly 30 community plans plus several specific plans under LACO Title 22 that overlay base zoning across unincorporated areas like Altadena, East LA, Marina del Rey, and Topanga with tailored use, density, height, and design rules.
Projects setting aside affordable units in unincorporated LA County qualify for state-mandated density bonuses, parking reductions, and concessions under California Government Code Section 65915 and LACO Title 22.140.250, with bonuses now up to 80 percent.
LA County does not use the LA City TOC tier system; instead, individual community plans add Transit-Oriented District (TOD) overlays under LACO Title 22, while Metro Joint Development sets terms for housing on Metro-owned parcels near rail.
LACO Title 22.110.090 governs Hillside Management Areas in unincorporated LA County, applying a slope-density formula, requiring vegetation protection, and triggering geotechnical review and CEQA evaluation for steep-lot development.
Unincorporated coastal areas including Marina del Rey and Topanga lie within the California Coastal Zone, requiring Coastal Development Permits under LACO Title 22.46 and concurrent California Coastal Commission review for projects affecting public access, views, or sensitive habitat.
LA County Code Title 11.36 bans smoking in county parks (2007), on county beaches (2009), at outdoor dining areas (2010), and within twenty-five feet of any business doorway, window, or air intake. The rules cover tobacco, e-cigarettes, and cannabis under Public Health enforcement countywide.
LA County Code Title 13.10.040 prohibits aggressive solicitation in unincorporated areas, including blocking pedestrians, touching, intimidating language, or soliciting near ATMs, bus stops, and outdoor dining. Passive panhandling remains constitutionally protected, but aggressive conduct is an infraction enforced by LASD.
LA County Code Title 13.10 and Title 13.32, together with the LA County Public Health Code, prohibit urinating or defecating in any public place or on private property visible from a public way. Violations are infractions starting at $250 enforced by the Sheriff's Department and Public Health.
Skateboarding is restricted in LA County parks under Title 13.50, on Beaches and Harbors bike paths, and on county-controlled commercial walkways. California Vehicle Code Section 21212 also requires riders under eighteen to wear a helmet whenever skating in any public street, bikeway, or trail.
LA County Code Title 13.36 declares loud or unruly gatherings a public nuisance and lets the Sheriff bill the host, property owner, and on-site adults for response and abatement costs after a written warning. The rule mirrors LA City Section 41.40 and layers atop Title 12 noise limits.
LA County does not prohibit loitering itself, since vague loitering bans violate the First and Fourth Amendments. Title 13 reaches only narrow loitering-with-intent conduct, such as loitering to commit theft, prostitution-related solicitation, or drug sales, mirroring California Penal Code Sections 647 and 653.22.
California Assembly Bill 2147, the Freedom to Walk Act, amended Vehicle Code Section 21955 effective January 2023. Crossing midblock outside a marked crosswalk is now an infraction only when an immediate hazard of collision exists. LA Sheriff adopted the new statewide standard for unincorporated areas.
California Health and Safety Code Section 11362.3 prohibits smoking, vaping, or ingesting cannabis in any public place, in any place where tobacco smoking is banned, and within one thousand feet of a school, daycare, or youth center while children are present. LASD enforces a $100 infraction.
LA County Code Title 13.36.050 prohibits drinking alcoholic beverages in unincorporated parks, beaches, parking lots, and public streets without a permit. California Business and Professions Code Section 25620 also makes possessing an open container in any public place a statewide infraction enforced by LASD.
LA County Waterworks Districts and Metropolitan Water District (MWD) member agencies restrict outdoor irrigation to assigned days and prohibit watering during daytime hours, with deeper cuts triggered when MWD declares regional shortage stages.
Metropolitan Water District's SoCal Water$mart rebate program pays a baseline $3 per square foot for replacing live turf with California-friendly landscaping across LA County, with city retailers like LADWP and Long Beach Water adding top-up amounts.
LA County Sanitation Districts produce tertiary-treated recycled water at facilities like Whittier Narrows and San Jose Creek for irrigation and industrial use, distributed through purple-pipe systems regulated under LACO Title 11.38 and Title 22 CCR.
LA County Waterworks District customer rules require prompt repair of customer-side leaks once notified, while California SB-555 obligates urban water suppliers to detect, report, and reduce system-wide water loss through annual audits.
LA County does not operate a countywide shared scooter or e-bike permit program; most unincorporated areas prohibit dockless deployment, while limited DPW pilots and special programs exist in coastal unincorporated zones like Marina del Rey.
The 2022 LA County Curb Management Strategy prioritizes pickup and dropoff over parking and loading in commercial corridors. DPW retrofits curb zones using a tiered hierarchy with TNC (Uber, Lyft) zones, accessible loading, and parking allocations in unincorporated business districts.
LA County does not regulate aircraft engine run-ups; airport operators do. LAX (Los Angeles World Airports) caps run-ups at designated bays with hush-house enclosures. Bob Hope (Burbank) restricts maintenance run-ups overnight. Long Beach Airport's Noise Ordinance is the strictest in California.
FAA federal preemption blocks LA County from regulating helicopter altitude or routes. Title 12.08.330 still bars willful operation creating disturbing ground noise. LASD Air Support, news, traffic, and hospital helipads dominate countywide rotorcraft activity.
LA County Code §12.08.440 caps powered construction equipment at 75 dBA measured at 50 feet from the source in unincorporated areas. Work allowed Mon-Sat 7am-8pm; banned on Sundays and holidays. LASD and DPW handle citations.
LA County Code §12.08.500 limits motor-vehicle noise to 75 dBA at 50 feet on local streets. California Vehicle Code §27007 bans amplified sound systems audible 50 feet from a truck. Early-morning grocery and trash deliveries draw most complaints.
Federal law preempts LA County from designating helicopter flight paths. The LA Helicopter Noise Coalition, FAA, and operators publish voluntary routes over freeway corridors and avoid residential overflight where practical. LASD Air Support and tour operators participate but compliance is non-binding.
Hospital helipads in LA County need a building permit under California Building Code §1503.3 plus LACOFD Title 32 fire approval. Medevac flights enjoy emergency exemptions from §12.08.330 noise rules, but routine training flights must minimize residential disturbance.
LA County Code Title 12.08 measures low-frequency bass from sound systems on the C-weighted scale, capping levels at 60 dB(C) inside neighboring residences in unincorporated areas. LASD investigates throbbing-bass complaints from clubs, parties, and modified vehicles.
Bars and entertainment venues in unincorporated LA County must comply with Chapter 12.08 exterior noise standards. Commercial zone limits are 60 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime. Conditional use permits often impose stricter noise conditions.
HVAC systems and mechanical equipment in unincorporated LA County must comply with Chapter 12.08 exterior noise standards. Residential HVAC units cannot exceed 50 dBA daytime or 45 dBA nighttime at the neighboring property line.
Car alarms in unincorporated LA County are regulated under Chapter 12.08 and California Vehicle Code §22651.5. Alarms sounding for extended periods may result in vehicle towing. Owners are responsible for ensuring alarms do not create a nuisance.
Generators and power equipment in unincorporated LA County must comply with Chapter 12.08 exterior noise standards. Portable generators commonly exceed residential noise limits and should use sound enclosures. Emergency generators have limited exemptions.
FilmLA splits still photography in LA County by use. Commercial product or fashion shoots need full permits ($795 plus location fees) under Title 22.140. Editorial, news, and journalistic still photography is generally exempt. Wedding and personal shoots fall in between.
FilmLA, the nonprofit film office, issues location permits for unincorporated LA County under Title 22.140 plus 31+ contracted cities. Permits run $795 base plus daily site fees, certificates of insurance, and notification of impacted neighbors.
FilmLA offers reduced student-permit fees in unincorporated LA County and contracted cities for students at accredited programs. Application is $25 plus $25 daily location fee. Faculty signature, school insurance, and academic-only use are required.
Measure ULA, the high-value real estate transfer tax, is a Los Angeles City ordinance under LAMC Section 21.9.2 and does not apply countywide. Most LA County sales pay only the California documentary transfer tax baseline, plus city add-ons where applicable.
Los Angeles County has not enacted a countywide vacancy tax on empty homes or commercial space. Unincorporated areas and most LA County cities impose no annual penalty on vacant property, although several cities including Santa Monica have studied measures.
LA County Code Title 22.140.470 imposes an affordable housing linkage fee on new commercial and market-rate residential development in unincorporated areas. Fees fund the Affordable Housing Trust administered by LACDA, with rates tiered by zone.
LA County Code Title 7 requires a county business license for trades operating in unincorporated areas, with classifications driving fees, inspections, and gross-receipts taxes. The Treasurer-Tax Collector and TTC Business License Unit administer the program.
LA County Code Title 4.72 imposes a 10 percent parking occupancy tax on commercial parking transactions in unincorporated areas. Operators register with the Treasurer-Tax Collector, collect tax from drivers, and remit monthly under audit by the TTC.
Los Angeles County does not run a citywide Systematic Code Enforcement Program; Title 8.52 RSTPO provides limited inspection authority in unincorporated areas and LA County DPH inspects on tenant complaint.
California Code of Regulations Title 17 and federal Title X mandate lead hazard disclosure on pre-1978 rentals, while LA County DPH runs the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program with mandatory case reporting and abatement.
LA County's Rental Housing Habitability Program (RHHP), established by Chapters 8.53 and 8.55 (enacted April 2024), requires inspection of all rental units in unincorporated areas every 4 years. Inspections began November 2024.
LA County's RHHP enforces habitability standards per California Civil Code §1941.1 and the County Building Code. Rental units must have working plumbing, heating, electrical, weather protection, sanitation, and be free of pests and mold.
Tenants in unincorporated LA County can file habitability complaints with the RHHP. Environmental Health contacts complainants within 3 days and schedules inspections within 7 days. Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants who file complaints.
LA County Code Title 4.72 imposes a 12 percent transient occupancy tax on lodging stays under 30 days in unincorporated areas, including hotels, motels, and short-term rentals. The Treasurer-Tax Collector registers operators and audits monthly remittances.
LA County Code Title 8.105, adopted as Ordinance 2014-0024, requires successor hotel employers in unincorporated areas with 50 or more rooms to retain incumbent non-managerial workers for a 90-day transition and evaluate them in good faith before terminations.
LA County Code Title 8.105, paired with the countywide minimum wage at Title 8.100, sets a higher hotel-worker living wage for non-managerial staff at unincorporated hotels with 50-plus rooms. Rates track the LA City hotel wage and adjust each July.
LA County Code Title 13.36 restricts sitting or lying on unincorporated public sidewalks during specified hours, but Martin v. Boise and Jones v. City of Los Angeles bar enforcement when adequate shelter beds are unavailable.
LA County Code Title 22.140.620 authorizes by-right ministerial approval for affordable and bridge housing including PATH Pathways to Health and Home interim sites in unincorporated areas to fast-track homeless solutions.
Unincorporated Los Angeles County applies Title 13.36 anti-lodging and anti-encampment rules instead of the Los Angeles City LAMC 41.18 ordinance, with the Sheriff's Department handling enforcement subject to Martin v. Boise constraints.
Los Angeles County conducts CARE-style encampment cleanups in unincorporated areas under Title 13.36 with mandatory 72-hour notice and property storage protections required by Lavan v. City of Los Angeles.
LA County extended COVID-era outdoor dining as a permanent program for unincorporated areas through DPW Public Works and DPH. Restaurants apply for sidewalk and parking-lot dining permits under Title 16.40 with ADA, fire-lane, and health requirements.
LA County DPW runs parklet pilots converting parking spaces into public seating in Marina del Rey, East LA, and Florence-Graham. Sponsors apply under Title 16.40 with $5,000-$15,000 buildout costs, design review, ADA compliance, and three-year maintenance commitments.
LA County Code Title 16.04 governs temporary closure of public roads for parades and processions. Public Works issues road closure permits with LA County Sheriff coordination for traffic control, route review, and required liability insurance.
LA County Code Title 7.84 sets special-event rules for street fairs, festivals, and outdoor markets. Organizers obtain permits from Treasurer-Tax Collector business licensing, plus LACoFD and Public Health review for tents, food, and crowd safety.
LA County DPW issues sidewalk-dining encroachment permits in unincorporated commercial corridors. Tables and chairs must preserve a five-foot ADA-compliant clear path, with Public Health review for outdoor food service per California Retail Food Code.
LA County Fire Code Title 32 §6101 caps propane patio heaters at one 20-pound cylinder per heater on commercial patios with 10-foot clearance from buildings. CARB regulates outdoor heater emissions, and SCAQMD natural-gas heater rules apply across the LA basin.
FilmLA processes commercial filming permits for unincorporated LA County, coordinating with Public Works on road closures, LA County Sheriff for traffic and security, and LACoFD for stunts, pyrotechnics, and special-effects review under Title 32.
Block parties in unincorporated LA County require road closure approval from Public Works, the Sheriff's Department, Fire Department, and CHP. Applications must include consent forms from affected residents and proof of liability insurance.
Events in LA County parks require permits from the Department of Parks and Recreation. Events expecting 100+ attendees or generating $5,000+ in fees need a Facility Use Agreement. Smaller events use a standard Facility Use Permit (Form P&R-82).
Sidewalk cafes in unincorporated LA County require encroachment permits from Public Works and planning approval. A minimum 4-foot clear pedestrian path must be maintained. ADA accessibility requirements apply to all outdoor dining setups.
Los Angeles County does not use Historic Preservation Overlay Zones; unincorporated areas instead apply Significant Ecological Areas under Title 22.110.060 for natural resources and Mills Act historic districts for buildings.
California Government Code 50280 and LA County Code Title 22.124 allow Mills Act contracts that cut property tax bills 60 to 70 percent for designated historic property owners who agree to ten-year preservation plans.
Los Angeles County imposes a demolition stay under Title 22.124 for designated historic landmarks in unincorporated areas, with Cultural Heritage Commission review required before any demolition permit can issue.
Los Angeles County designates historic landmarks under Title 22.124, with the Historical Landmarks and Records Commission recommending Board of Supervisors approval for properties of local, state, or national cultural significance.
Ailanthus altissima, the tree-of-heaven, is a Cal-IPC rated high-impact invasive that the LA County Agricultural Commissioner detects and treats due to its host role for the spotted lanternfly pest threat to California agriculture.
Los Angeles County Department of Public Works street tree program shifts from non-native palms toward native shade species under community plan policies, citing low shade canopy and water inefficiency of palms.
The LA County Agricultural Commissioner maintains a list of noxious weeds and invasive plant species. California's noxious weed list (Food & Agriculture Code §5004) applies countywide. Additionally, the county's landscaping and water-efficient ordinance discourages high-water-use ornamental species.
Los Angeles County does not have a specific countywide ordinance banning or restricting bamboo planting. However, running bamboo that spreads onto neighboring properties can create civil liability under California nuisance law, and the LA County Agricultural Commissioner monitors invasive species.
LA County allows front yard vegetable and food gardens in unincorporated areas. California AB 2561 (2022) prohibits local governments from banning front yard food gardens. The county's drought-tolerant landscaping incentives further encourage replacing ornamental lawns with productive gardens.
LA County has no specific doorbell camera ordinance, so California Penal Code 632 two-party consent for recorded conversations and Civil Code 1708.8 anti-paparazzi privacy rules govern Ring and Nest installations in unincorporated areas.
Los Angeles County has no countywide facial recognition prohibition; the Sheriff's Department accesses state and federal facial recognition databases including DOJ Cal-ID under existing law enforcement information-sharing agreements.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department operates automated license plate reader systems under California Civil Code 1798.90.5 and SB 34 retention, security, and audit requirements applicable to all California ALPR operators.
Security cameras on private residential property are legal in unincorporated LA County. California is a two-party consent state for audio recording (Penal Code §632), so cameras recording audio require all-party consent. Cameras must not point into areas where neighbors have a reasonable expectation of privacy.
California is a two-party (all-party) consent state for recording confidential communications. Under Penal Code §632, recording private conversations without consent from all parties is a crime punishable by fines and imprisonment. This applies to both audio and video recordings that capture private communications.
In unincorporated LA County, privacy fences up to 6 feet are allowed in side and rear yards without a building permit. Front yard fences are limited to 42 inches. Fences over 6 feet require a permit from the Department of Public Works, Building and Safety Division.
LA County's Sidewalk Vending Ordinance designates permitted vending areas and restricted zones in unincorporated communities. Vendors must maintain distances from storefronts, intersections, fire hydrants, and transit stops.
LA County's Sidewalk Vending Ordinance (adopted February 2024, effective August 2024) requires all vendors in unincorporated areas to register with the Department of Economic Opportunity for a Sidewalk Vending Registration Certificate (SVRC).
Food vending carts in unincorporated LA County must meet Department of Public Health CMFO standards. LA County partnered with the City of LA to provide free health-compliant carts to qualifying vendors through the sidewalk vending program.
HOAs in LA County are governed by the Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act (Civil Code §4000–6150). Board meetings require advance notice, open sessions, and recorded minutes. Annual elections follow strict secret ballot procedures.
HOAs in LA County may require architectural approval for exterior modifications under their CC&Rs, but California law limits restrictions on solar panels, drought-tolerant landscaping, EV charging stations, and ADUs.
The Davis-Stirling Act regulates HOA assessments in LA County. Regular assessments may increase up to 20% annually without member vote. Special assessments exceeding 5% of budget require majority member approval.
The Davis-Stirling Act requires HOAs to offer internal dispute resolution (IDR) and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) before litigation. Members may request IDR meetings with the board. ADR mediation is required before most lawsuits.
HOAs in LA County enforce CC&Rs through the Davis-Stirling Act. Fines require notice and hearing. CC&R amendments typically need 67% member approval. Enforcement must be uniform and non-discriminatory.
In unincorporated LA County, the Department of Public Works maintains public sidewalks. Property owners are responsible for damage caused by trees on their property. The County operates a Sidewalk Repair Program for qualifying neighborhoods.
LA County Code prohibits obstructing public sidewalks and rights-of-way in unincorporated areas. A minimum 4-foot clear path must be maintained for ADA compliance. Encroachment permits are required for any permanent or semi-permanent use of sidewalk space.
Any work within a public right-of-way in unincorporated LA County requires an encroachment permit from the Department of Public Works. This includes utility connections, driveways, sidewalk modifications, and temporary construction activities.
Fences under 6 feet in height do not require a building permit in unincorporated LA County. Fences over 6 feet, retaining walls with fences, and fences in special zoning areas require permits. Front yard fences must not exceed 42 inches within the required setback.
In unincorporated LA County, one-story detached accessory buildings (tool/storage sheds) under 120 square feet with a maximum height of 12 feet are exempt from building permits. Larger sheds require a permit from the DPW Building and Safety Division. All sheds must comply with zoning setbacks.
In unincorporated LA County, decks not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below are exempt from building permits. Elevated decks, covered patios, and attached patio covers require permits from the DPW Building and Safety Division.
Most renovation work in unincorporated LA County requires a building permit from the DPW Building and Safety Division. Permits are needed for structural changes, electrical/plumbing/mechanical work, roofing, and window/door replacements that change openings. Cosmetic work generally does not require permits.
LA County Building and Safety investigates code complaints through scheduled inspections. Emergency safety hazards are prioritized, while routine complaints are generally investigated within 10-15 business days of filing. Complex cases involving permits or legal action may take longer.
Residents in unincorporated Los Angeles County can report building, zoning, and property maintenance violations to the LA County Department of Public Works, Building and Safety Division. Reports can be filed online, by phone at (626) 458-3173, or through the LA County portal.
The most frequently cited code violations in unincorporated LA County include construction without permits, illegal dwelling units (garage conversions), overgrown vegetation, unpermitted signage, and property maintenance failures such as accumulated debris and dilapidated structures.