Pop. 107,762 Β· Los Angeles County
Inglewood's noise regulations under IMC Chapter 5, Article 2 set criteria for noise levels within the community. Industrial noise must comply with established thresholds at property boundaries. Aircraft jet engine testing is specifically prohibited between 10 PM and 7 AM if creating 50+ dB(A) within the city.
Inglewood treats persistent barking dogs as a noise nuisance. Dog owners are responsible for preventing their animals from creating excessive noise that disturbs neighbors. Complaints are handled by Inglewood Animal Control.
Inglewood Municipal Code Chapter 5, Article 2 regulates noise levels. Amplified sound that disturbs the peace, quiet, and comfort of residents is prohibited. Specific dB thresholds are established for different zones.
Inglewood enforces noise regulations under Chapter 5, Article 2 of the Municipal Code. Residential quiet hours prohibit unreasonable noise that disturbs the peace and quiet of residential neighborhoods, particularly between 10 PM and 7 AM. Decibel-based standards apply at property lines.
Inglewood Municipal Code Chapter 5, Article 2 regulates noise including amplified sound. Sound amplifying equipment requires registration specifying maximum wattage, volume in decibels, and audible distance. SoFi Stadium is exempt from the noise ordinance for sporting events and up to 12 additional events per year. All other amplified sound must comply with city noise standards.
Inglewood Municipal Code Sections 5-30 and 5-31 establish maximum noise levels based on zone and duration. Noise exceeding these levels when measured on another property is unlawful. Section 5-32 reduces permitted levels by 5 dBA for impact, repetitive, or simple tone noise. Section 5-27 defines base ambient noise levels by zone classification.
Inglewood Municipal Code Section 5-33 prohibits operating, running up, or testing aircraft jet engines creating 50 dBA or more within the city between 10 PM and 7 AM. Aircraft during landing, takeoff, or ground movement at an airport are exempt. Inglewood lies directly under LAX flight paths and offers a Residential Sound Insulation Program.
Inglewood restricts construction activity in residential areas to weekdays 7 AM to 6 PM and Saturdays 9 AM to 5 PM. Sunday and holiday construction is prohibited in residential zones without special approval from the city.
California statewide regulations (CARB) ban the sale of new gas-powered small off-road engines effective 2024. Inglewood does not appear to have a separate local leaf blower ban beyond state requirements. Standard residential noise limits under IMC Chapter 5 apply.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Barbed wire and sharp/protruding objects prohibited on fences in all residential zones. Razor wire prohibited in all zones. Front yard fences over 2 ft must be open-work design. Ornamental metal fences may reach 5 ft in front yard.
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.
CA SB 234 (2020) protects family child care homes. Small daycare (up to 8 children) and large daycare (up to 14 children) permitted in residential zones. Inglewood's code allows up to 6 children without restrictions; 6+ requires small family daycare rules. Large family daycare requires Business Tax Certificate.
Inglewood generally prohibits customer or client visits to home-based businesses. The business must not generate traffic, parking demand, or activity beyond normal residential levels.
Inglewood allows home-based businesses in residential zones through a home occupation permit. The business must be secondary to residential use, with no visible external evidence, no customer traffic, and limited employees.
Inglewood prohibits signage for home-based businesses. No external signs, banners, or advertising displays are allowed at a residential property used for a home occupation.
Cottage food operations are governed by CA AB 1616/AB 1271 statewide. Class A (direct sales) requires county registration; Class B (indirect sales) requires county health permit. Inglewood requires a Business Tax Certificate for all home businesses. Annual sales cap of $75,000 for Class B.
Inglewood prohibits parking at numerous locations including parkways, intersections, and areas with posted restrictions during peak hours. Vehicles parked over 72 hours are subject to citation and towing per CA Vehicle Code 22651.
Inglewood enforces street parking regulations including time limits, permit zones, and overnight restrictions. Street sweeping schedules require vehicles to be moved on designated days. Oversized vehicles have additional restrictions.
Inglewood restricts parking of recreational vehicles, boats, and trailers on residential streets. RVs and boats cannot be stored on the street and must be kept in enclosed garages or behind fences on private property.
Inglewood restricts parking of commercial vehicles in residential zones. Vehicles over one ton capacity or with commercial signage larger than specified limits are generally prohibited from overnight parking in residential areas.
Inglewood enforces the 72-hour parking rule per California Vehicle Code on public streets. The city's Code Enforcement Division and Parking Citations office handle abandoned vehicle complaints. A separate Vacant or Abandoned Property Ordinance covers neglected buildings. Parking citations can be paid online or at City Hall.
Inglewood has an expedited EV charging station permitting process per CA Gov Code 65850.7. Applicants must verify electrical system capacity and compliance with Inglewood Water and Power (IWP) interconnection policies. New construction must include EV-ready parking.
Inglewood regulates driveway construction, width, and use. Vehicles must be parked on paved surfaces and cannot extend over sidewalks. Driveway modifications require permits from the Public Works Department.
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 Β§4745 and Β§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.
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 STR guests must comply with all local parking regulations. Hosts are expected to inform guests about street parking restrictions, permit requirements, and driveway usage to minimize neighborhood impact.
Maximum occupancy for STR units is determined by city inspection. The city inspects interior and exterior of properties and sets maximum occupancy and parking capacity before issuing permits.
Inglewood requires STR operators to inform guests about noise regulations and quiet hours before occupancy. Guests must comply with Article 2 of Chapter 5 noise rules. Violations by guests can result in penalties for the operator.
Inglewood requires all short-term rental operators to obtain a permit from the Housing Protection Department. Vacation rentals are limited to 90 days per calendar year in blocks of 30 consecutive days or less. A local contact person must be designated who can respond within 60 minutes.
Inglewood requires all STR operators to remit 13% Transient Occupancy Tax on bookings of 30 days or less. TOT must be paid retroactively from January 1, 2022. No explicit annual night cap is specified, but primary residence and vacation rental restrictions limit availability. Fines up to $5,000 per incident for violations.
Inglewood requires an STR permit under Ordinance 22-15 (effective September 6, 2022). Hosts must be Inglewood property owners, residents for 365+ consecutive days, and age 25+. Tenants cannot operate STRs. HOA approval required for condo/HOA properties. Vacation rentals require 10 years city residency and property within 1,000 feet of primary residence.
STR hosts must maintain adequate insurance coverage as part of the permit requirements. Safety features including fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and CO detectors are required. Tenants are not allowed to operate STRs.
Inglewood STR operators must collect and remit transient occupancy tax (TOT) on all short-term rental income. The TOT rate applies to stays of 30 days or fewer. Operators must register with the city's tax collection office.
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.
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.
All fireworks, including so-called 'safe and sane' fireworks, are illegal in Inglewood. The city enforces a complete ban on the sale, possession, and use of fireworks within city limits.
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.
Properties must maintain defensible space per CA PRC 4291 where applicable. Inglewood is largely urbanized flatland with limited wildfire risk. Weed and waste municipal code requirements enforced by the Property Maintenance Division help reduce fire hazards.
Inglewood is not located in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. The city is a flat, urbanized community with minimal wildfire risk. Standard fire codes apply but no special wildfire zone requirements exist.
LA County Fire Code Title 32 Β§6101 governs propane storage. Residential cylinders aggregating 10 gallons or less are exempt; aggregate quantities above 25 gallons require a LACoFD permit and IFC Β§6104 setbacks from buildings, property lines, and ignition sources.
Inglewood does not have breed-specific legislation banning particular dog breeds. However, all dogs classified as dangerous or vicious under state law are subject to additional restrictions including mandatory spay/neuter and secure enclosure requirements.
Inglewood allows beekeeping on residential properties subject to conditions including hive placement, water source requirements, and flyway barriers. Hives must be maintained to prevent swarming and nuisance to neighbors.
Inglewood follows California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations on exotic animal ownership. Most wild, venomous, and large exotic animals are prohibited. Permits may be required for certain species.
Chickens, rabbits, goats, pigeons, ducks, geese, turkeys, and other fowl are prohibited in certain 'Imperial' districts. A valid permit is required from the city to keep livestock elsewhere. Violations are infractions.
Inglewood requires all dogs to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet when in public spaces. Dogs must be licensed and vaccinated against rabies. Off-leash dogs are only allowed in designated dog park areas.
Inglewood's animal code prohibits maintaining any animal that causes annoyance or discomfort through noise or behavior. Wildlife feeding that attracts nuisance animals may be cited. CA Fish & Game Code protections apply.
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 Β§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 Β§3503 to Β§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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Inglewood prohibits signs made of nondurable materials (cloth, cardboard, paper, unfinished wood). Temporary signs must comply with IMC Article 23 sign regulations. Signs on public right-of-way are generally prohibited.
Holiday displays on private residential property are generally permitted. Displays should not create traffic hazards or violate noise ordinances. Illuminated displays must comply with general lighting standards.
Political signs are protected by the First Amendment and CA Elections Code 18310. Cities cannot prohibit political signs on private residential property. Inglewood's sign code (IMC Article 23) may regulate size and placement but not content.
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 Β§5200 et seq., which preempts most local rules and requires a Caltrans permit.
Inglewood setbacks vary by zone and use. Nonresidential structures require 3 ft front yard (parking), 8 ft (building), 10 ft side, 20 ft rear. Through lots may designate either street frontage. Rear yards may be reduced up to 5 ft if abutting an alley (min 5 ft remaining).
Building height limits in Inglewood vary by zoning district under the IMC Chapter 12 zoning code. Commercial zones near SoFi Stadium and transit have different height allowances. The city's rapid development has led to increased scrutiny of height limits.
Nonresidential buildings are limited to 70% lot coverage maximum. No enlarged or altered building may extend beyond 70%. Residential lot coverage varies by zone. Building separation requirements add additional constraints (10 ft between one-story structures, 16 ft involving two-story).
Each Inglewood residence receives trash, recycling, and yard waste carts from Republic Services. Additional trash containers available for fee; extra yard waste and recycling containers at no charge. Bins must be stored properly between collection days.
The Property Maintenance Division enforces beautification, zoning, and weed/waste requirements. Refuse cannot accumulate for more than one week. Depositing sewage, slop, or waste on premises is unlawful under the IMC refuse collection regulations.
Inglewood has a Garage Sale Ordinance regulating frequency and permit requirements. Residents must obtain a permit before holding a garage sale. The city limits the number of sales per year.
Snow is extremely rare in Inglewood due to its Southern California coastal plain climate. No snow removal ordinance exists. Property owners are responsible for keeping sidewalks clear of debris under general property maintenance codes.
Vacant lots must be free of weeds and combustible materials. Lots used for parking with 20+ cars must have a fire extinguisher readily available. Property Maintenance Division enforces vacant lot maintenance standards.
Recreational drone use in Inglewood is heavily restricted due to proximity to LAX (Class B airspace). FAA authorization required for most of the city. LAANC system and B4UFLY app should be consulted. SoFi Stadium is a temporary flight restriction (TFR) zone during events.
Commercial drone operations require FAA Part 107 certification and LAANC authorization. LAX Class B airspace covers most of Inglewood. SoFi Stadium events trigger temporary flight restrictions. Film/media drone use requires additional coordination.
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 require a CA mobile food facility permit from the LA County Department of Public Health, a CA seller's permit, and an Inglewood Business Tax Certificate. Health inspections and commissary agreements required per CalCode.
Food truck vending locations are regulated by Inglewood zoning and IMC Chapter 8 business regulations. Vending near SoFi Stadium may require special event coordination. Standard location restrictions apply including minimum distances from brick-and-mortar restaurants.
Inglewood enforces a juvenile curfew consistent with LA County standards. Exceptions include minors accompanied by parents, traveling to/from work, or attending authorized events. SoFi Stadium event nights may see increased enforcement.
Inglewood parks have posted closing hours. The city operates multiple parks including the Swimming Pool Complex at Vincent Park. After-hours park access is subject to citation.
Inglewood has a detailed Stormwater Management and Discharge Control ordinance. The Director maintains a LID Standards Manual. Development projects must submit Stormwater Mitigation Plans. Construction sites under 1 acre must implement erosion/sediment control BMPs. Machinery must be shielded from stormwater exposure.
Construction sites must implement erosion and sediment control BMPs per the Municipal NPDES Permit. The City Building Official evaluates grading and erosion requirements before permits are issued. SWPPP required for sites over 1 acre.
Not applicable to Inglewood. The city is an inland community approximately 3 miles from the coast. California Coastal Commission jurisdiction does not extend to Inglewood.
Grading permits are required for earth-moving activities. The city evaluates drainage and erosion requirements before issuing permits. The LID Standards Manual governs stormwater quality and quantity control for new development.
Parts of Inglewood lie within FEMA-designated flood zones. Properties in these areas may require flood insurance and must comply with floodplain management regulations. New construction in flood zones must meet elevation and design standards.
Properties in mapped Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones must maintain 100 feet of defensible space under California PRC Β§4291 and LACo Fire Code Title 32 Β§4906, with annual LACoFD Forestry Division inspections in Malibu, Topanga, Altadena, and Antelope Valley foothills.
California Code of Regulations Title 13 Β§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.
Protected trees that were required to be planted as part of zoning or development conditions require a permit for trimming, relocation, or removal. Street tree maintenance is managed by Parks, Recreation and Library Services. Routine maintenance of protected trees does not require a permit.
Inglewood's Tree Preservation Ordinance recognizes the significant value of native and non-native trees of notable size and quality. Protected trees cannot be severely pruned, topped, or disfigured without a permit. The ordinance applies to industrial, commercial, residential, and multifamily development.
Trees removed as part of development must be replaced per city requirements. The Tree Preservation Ordinance applies to new development, under-developed properties, and undeveloped properties. Replacement standards ensure continued urban canopy coverage.
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 permit is required to hold a garage sale in Inglewood per the city's Garage Sale Ordinance. Contact Code Enforcement or City Hall for permit applications.
Inglewood limits the number of garage sales per property per year under its Garage Sale Ordinance. Residents must obtain a permit for each sale and comply with frequency restrictions.
Garage sales in Inglewood must comply with the Garage Sale Ordinance regarding permitted hours and duration. Sales must not create traffic hazards or noise disturbances in residential areas.
Indoor cultivation of up to 6 cannabis plants is permitted for personal use by adults 21+ under state law. Outdoor cultivation is prohibited in all zones. Tenant must get landlord permission. Plants must not be visible from public right-of-way. Cannot grow for sale.
All commercial cannabis activities are prohibited in all zones in Inglewood. No dispensaries, delivery services, or retail sales permitted. Only exception: inpatient medical cannabis in hospitals/medical facilities with a Special Use Permit. Licensed state retailers may deliver into the city under MAUCRSA.
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.
Outdoor lighting is addressed through general nuisance provisions and sign regulations. Businesses under Special Use Permits must have premises fully and adequately lit. No specific foot-candle threshold for light trespass is published.
Inglewood does not have a standalone dark sky ordinance. CA Title 24 energy standards govern outdoor lighting efficiency. Proximity to LAX means some lighting is regulated by FAA and airport approach zone standards.
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.
Residents may post No Soliciting signs. Violating a posted No Soliciting sign may constitute trespassing under CA Penal Code 602. Inglewood PD handles enforcement on complaint.
Inglewood requires a Business License for certain business categories that involve solicitation, subject to Permits and Licensing Committee approval. The IMC Chapter 8 governs businesses, trades, and professions including solicitor regulations.
Republic Services (CDS/RS) provides exclusive residential waste collection. Three carts per residence: trash, recycling, yard waste/organics. SB 1383 organics recycling required since May 2022 using the green cart for food scraps and yard waste.
Single and multi-family residential customers receive unlimited free bulky item pickups per year through Republic Services. Eligible items include furniture, mattresses, rugs, and water heaters. Schedule through Republic Services.
Bins must be placed at curbside for collection per Republic Services guidelines. Storage between collection days must be in appropriate location. City code enforcement addresses bin storage violations.
Mandatory recycling and organics separation required under SB 1383. Green cart accepts both yard waste and food scraps since May 2022. All California cities must comply with organics diversion requirements.
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.
Inglewood has a local rent control ordinance (IMC Chapter 8, Articles 9 and 10). Covered multi-unit buildings: increases limited to greater of 3% or CPI in 12 months. Properties with 4 or fewer units: increases capped at lower of 5% + CPI or 10%. Covers units built before February 1, 1995 (with 15-year rolling exemption for new construction).
All Inglewood property owners with rental units (including single-family, condos, townhomes, duplexes) must register annually with the city. Registration includes a fee and updated tenant information. This applies to all landlords, not just those under rent control.
After 12 months of continuous occupancy, landlords can only terminate covered tenancies for just cause under IMC Article 8-9. No-fault evictions require relocation assistance of 3x monthly rent plus $2,000 if minors reside in the unit. Anti-harassment and buyout provisions included.
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 Β§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 Β§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.
Building permits are required for solar panel installation. CA Gov Code 65850.7 mandates streamlined, expedited permitting for residential solar. Inglewood Water and Power (IWP) handles interconnection. New construction subject to CA Title 24 solar mandate.
CA Civil Code 714 (Solar Rights Act) prohibits HOAs from unreasonably restricting solar panel installation. Any restriction reducing system efficiency by more than 10% is void. Reasonable aesthetic requirements may be imposed.
California Government Code Β§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 Β§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.
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 Β§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 Β§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 Β§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 Β§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 Β§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 Β§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 Β§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 Β§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 Β§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 Β§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 Β§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 Β§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 Β§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 Β§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 Β§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 Β§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 Β§12.08.500 limits motor-vehicle noise to 75 dBA at 50 feet on local streets. California Vehicle Code Β§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 Β§1503.3 plus LACOFD Title 32 fire approval. Medevac flights enjoy emergency exemptions from Β§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 Β§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 Β§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 Β§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 Β§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 Β§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 Β§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 Β§4000β6150). 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.