Before You Build in Inglewood, CA: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Retaining walls are regulated under Inglewood's building code. Walls over 4 ft require a building permit and engineering plans. Inglewood's flat terrain means retaining walls are less common than in hillside cities.

Pool barriers must be minimum 60 inches tall per CA Building Code Title 24. Self-closing, self-latching gates required. At least one additional safety feature mandated under the CA Swimming Pool Safety Act.

Inglewood limits front yard fences to 42 inches and side/rear yard fences to 6 feet. Fences on corner lots may have additional height restrictions for traffic visibility at intersections.

Inglewood follows California Civil Code regarding shared boundary fences. Adjoining property owners share equal responsibility for maintaining boundary fences. The finished side of a fence must face the neighboring property.

Inglewood generally does not require building permits for standard residential fences under 6 feet, but fences exceeding height limits or involving retaining walls do require permits. Block walls and masonry fences over 3.5 feet require a building permit.

Building permits are required for pool construction in Inglewood. Plans must show pool location, dimensions, distances from property lines, electrical, plumbing, and structural engineering. Building and Safety Division handles permits.

Inglewood requires all swimming pools to be enclosed by a fence or barrier at least 5 feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates. Pool barriers must comply with California Building Code requirements.

Inglewood enforces swimming pool safety requirements including barriers, drain covers, and safety equipment per California Health and Safety Code. Pool construction requires building permits and inspections.

Inglewood regulates above-ground pools similarly to in-ground pools. Pools over a certain size require permits and must meet barrier requirements. Small inflatable pools may be exempt from permitting.

Hot tubs follow the same permitting and safety requirements as pools under CA Building Code. Safety barriers and drain cover requirements apply. Must comply with CA Swimming Pool Safety Act.

Inglewood allows garage conversions to ADUs under California state law without requiring replacement parking. Conversions must meet building code for habitable space including fire separation, ventilation, and natural light.

Inglewood allows accessory dwelling units (ADUs) per California state law (SB 9, AB 68). ADUs up to 800 sq ft are permitted by right on single-family lots. Junior ADUs up to 500 sq ft within the existing home are also allowed.

Inglewood allows sheds and accessory buildings in rear yards. Sheds under 120 square feet typically do not require a building permit but must comply with setback and height requirements.

Tiny homes on foundations are regulated as ADUs under CA Gov Code 65852.2. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as RVs and not permitted as permanent dwellings. Inglewood must allow ADUs per state law. Rapid development near SoFi Stadium increases ADU interest.

Carports are regulated as accessory structures under Inglewood's zoning code (Chapter 12). Building permits required. Must comply with setback requirements for the applicable zoning district. Setback reductions may be available for lots abutting alleys.

Outdoor burning is prohibited in Inglewood under South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 444 and city fire codes. Open burning of trash, yard waste, or other materials is not allowed without a permit from the fire department.

Inglewood allows recreational fire pits under SCAQMD and city fire department guidelines. Fire pits must use clean-burning fuels, be located away from structures, and comply with size and clearance requirements.

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.

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.

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.