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RBMC Chapter 4-24 sets nighttime quiet hours of 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Low-density residential zones are limited to 45 dBA at night versus 50 dBA in the daytime.
RBMC 4-24.301 caps industrial-zone exterior noise at 65-70 dBA. Fixed sources like machinery, compressors, and air-conditioners must meet the receiving zone's limits, with historic carve-outs for the SCE plant and oil sites.
Under RBMC 4-24.503, construction is allowed only 7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Saturday. No construction on Sundays or six listed holidays.
RBMC 4-24.513 bars amplified sound clearly audible more than 50 feet away on public property. Loudspeakers and sound trucks on public property require a variance under RBMC 4-24.512.
Redondo Beach has no local aircraft-noise ordinance. Airspace and aircraft noise from LAX and nearby airports are regulated by the FAA; RBMC 4-24.604 exempts federally and state-preempted activities.
RBMC 4-24.502 prohibits keeping any animal or fowl whose noise is audible at a complainant's property line for more than five minutes in any hour, treating persistent barking as a public nuisance.
Ordinance 3269-24 (effective May 2, 2024) bans gas-powered leaf blowers citywide at all times. Electric blowers are allowed only 7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. weekdays and 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Saturday, never Sundays or holidays.
RBMC 4-24.508 defers exhaust/muffler noise to California Vehicle Code sections 27150-27151. Local rules also ban car stereos audible outside the vehicle and 'pandemoniac' tire-screeching vehicles.
RBMC 4-24.301 sets exterior dBA limits by land-use zone: low-density residential 50 dBA day / 45 night, rising through commercial (65/60) to industrial (up to 70 dBA), with day 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
Outdoor music in public areas must not be clearly audible beyond 50 feet (RBMC 4-24.513) without a permit. On private property it must meet the exterior dBA limits, which fall after 10:00 p.m.
Redondo Beach has no short-term rental parking requirements because STRs are prohibited. The zoning code sets residential off-street parking standards generally, but no STR-specific guest-parking rule exists since transient rentals are not allowed.
Redondo Beach imposes no annual night cap on short-term rentals because it bans them entirely. Rather than limiting how many nights a home may be rented short-term, the zoning code prohibits transient rentals of 30 days or less altogether.
Redondo Beach sets no short-term rental liability insurance minimum because STRs are prohibited. With no STR permit program, there is no insurance threshold to meet; the city instead bars transient rentals in residential zones.
Redondo Beach has no short-term rental permit. Rentals under 30 days are prohibited in all residential zones because the zoning code does not list hotel/motel use as permitted there, and the city offers no STR license or exception process.
Redondo Beach maintains no short-term rental registry or registration process. Because STRs under 30 days are prohibited in residential zones, there is nothing to register, and the city does not list or track legal short-term rentals.
Redondo Beach sets no short-term rental occupancy caps because STRs are prohibited outright. There is no guest-count rule for transient lodging in residential zones; the use itself is not permitted under the zoning code.
Redondo Beach has no primary-residence exception for short-term rentals. The ban on transient rentals under 30 days applies whether or not the home is the owner's primary residence, so owner-occupancy does not authorize an STR.
Redondo Beach levies a 12% Transient Occupancy Tax on hotel/motel stays of 30 days or less under RBMC Title 8, Chapter 2. Short-term rentals are illegal, so no legitimate STR fee or tax program exists for residential properties.
Redondo Beach has no short-term-rental-specific noise rule because STRs are prohibited. The general citywide noise ordinance applies to all properties, including long-term rentals, but there is no separate transient-rental noise standard.
Redondo Beach has no host-presence or on-site-operator requirement for short-term rentals because STRs are prohibited. Neither hosted nor unhosted transient rentals are allowed in residential zones under the zoning code.
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.
A backyard fire pit in Redondo Beach requires a Fire Department permit. The fee is $169 and you must submit a plot plan showing the pit location and a water hose or extinguisher. Fires follow the adopted California Fire Code; beach fires are limited to City-designated fireplaces.
Propane (LP-gas) storage in Redondo Beach follows the adopted 2022 California Fire Code, enforced by the Fire Department. Small barbecue and patio-heater cylinders are allowed for home use, but larger aggregate quantities and commercial storage trigger an operational permit and clearance rules under Fire Code Chapter 61.
Redondo Beach bans all fireworks. Unlike some California cities, it does not permit even State-approved 'Safe and Sane' fireworks. Possession, sale, use and discharge of any fireworks is prohibited citywide, the only exception being permitted professional displays such as the City's July 4th show.
Open outdoor burning of leaves, yard waste and trash is effectively prohibited in Redondo Beach. The adopted California Fire Code requires a permit for any open burning, and South Coast AQMD bans residential open burning across this urban air basin. Only small permitted recreational and cooking fires are allowed.
A backyard recreational fire pit in Redondo Beach requires a Fire Department permit ($169) and a plot plan with hose or extinguisher. Fires must stay within California Fire Code recreational limits, be attended, and may not burn yard waste or trash. Open burning of refuse is prohibited.
Redondo Beach is flat, built-out coastal land that CAL FIRE rates very low risk and not a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, so the 100-foot defensible-space law does not apply. Brush is handled as weed-and-rubbish abatement under Municipal Code Title 5, Chapter 2.
Smoke alarms are required in every Redondo Beach residence under the adopted California Fire Code and state law — in each sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every level. New construction needs hard-wired units with battery backup; existing homes may use 10-year sealed lithium alarms.
Redondo Beach is flat, built-out coastal land that CAL FIRE rates very low risk and is not a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. It sits in a Local Responsibility Area, so wildfire defensible-space (PRC 4291) and WUI building rules do not apply. The Fire Department enforces ordinary fire-code rules.
Redondo Beach has no blanket overnight ban for standard cars, but oversized vehicles are barred from streets between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. without a permit, and overnight street sweeping (RBMC 3-7.1308) and preferential-parking zones restrict where residents may leave vehicles.
Redondo Beach Municipal Code Title 3, Chapter 7, Article 21 prohibits oversized vehicles from city streets and parking lots between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. without a permit. An oversized vehicle is any vehicle or combination 22 feet or longer, or 8 feet high and 7 feet wide.
Redondo Beach regulates RVs, trailers, and boats as 'oversized vehicles' under Municipal Code Article 21. Any vehicle or combination 22 feet or longer, or 8 feet high and 7 feet wide, may not park on city streets or lots between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. without a permit.
Redondo Beach Municipal Code 3-7.1303 prohibits heavy commercial vehicles from parking on streets in residential districts. A commercial vehicle with an unladen weight of 6,000 pounds or more, or a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or more, may not be parked on residential streets.
On-street parking in Redondo Beach is governed by Municipal Code Title 3, Chapter 7, Articles 12 and 13. Curb colors and time limits are set in RBMC 3-7.1205, parking in parkways is prohibited, and no vehicle may sit on a street for more than 72 hours.
Redondo Beach Municipal Code (Title 3, Chapter 7) makes it unlawful to park in any space designated for a public electric vehicle charging station unless the vehicle is connected and actively charging. Green-curb short-term zones (RBMC 3-7.1205) provide additional brief-stay parking.
In Redondo Beach, only the city may paint or mark curbs to regulate parking; curb colors and their meaning are set by RBMC 3-7.1205. Painting, marking, or writing on curbstones is otherwise prohibited, except house numbers painted on curbs may be authorized by the City Council.
Redondo Beach addresses abandoned vehicles in two ways: on public streets, Title 3 Chapter 7 Article 13 authorizes removal after 72 hours of continuous parking; on private or public property, Title 4 Chapter 18 (RBMC 4-18.01 to 4-18.15) treats abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicles as a public nuisance.
Redondo Beach Municipal Code 3-7.1205 sets curb-color loading rules: white curbs allow passenger loading up to three minutes, yellow curbs allow commercial loading 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (about 20 minutes), and green curbs allow short-term parking up to about 20 minutes.
Redondo Beach Municipal Code Title 3, Chapter 7, Article 12 prohibits parking on a private driveway or private property without the owner's consent, and bars driving across a sidewalk or parkway except at a permanent or temporary driveway. State law also bars blocking driveways.
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.
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.
Redondo Beach requires swimming pools and hot tubs to be enclosed by fences between six and eight feet with self-latching gates, and limits corner-lot vision triangles to obstructions no higher than 36 inches.
Redondo Beach requires a building permit for wood fences over six feet, block walls over five feet, and retaining walls over four feet, while shorter fences are exempt but still must meet zoning height limits.
Redondo Beach zoning regulates fence height and location citywide but permits standard residential materials such as wood, masonry, and block, while reserving chain link and barbed wire restrictions for prohibited contexts.
Redondo Beach zoning sets fence heights by setback location but does not assign cost-sharing for boundary fences; a retaining wall on the lot line may be topped only to the height a fence would otherwise be allowed there.
Redondo Beach requires a building permit for retaining walls over four feet from footing to top, and a lot-line retaining wall may be topped by a fence only to the height a fence would otherwise be allowed there.
Redondo Beach caps fences, hedges, and walls at 42 inches within any required front or exterior side setback, and at six feet within rear and interior side setbacks under RBMC zoning Section 10-2.1524.
Redondo Beach prohibits barbed wire, razor wire, and electric fences in all residential zones, and bars chain link or industrial fencing in front yard setbacks or anywhere visible from the public right-of-way.
Pool barriers in unincorporated LA County must comply with CA Building Code Title 24 Chapter 31. Minimum 60-inch barrier height with self-closing, self-latching gates. At least one additional safety feature required. LA County Building & Safety inspects compliance.
Chickens are not 'domestic' pets in Redondo Beach. RBMC 5-1.401 classifies chickens, ducks, goats, pigs, and similar agricultural animals as nondomestic, requiring a city permit for each. Keeping one without a permit is a misdemeanor.
Redondo Beach legalized beekeeping in 2013. RBMC Article 7 (sections 5-1.701 through 5-1.711) requires an annual permit, limits hives to single-family lots, caps colonies, and sets setback and screening rules to keep bees flying over barriers.
Redondo Beach Municipal Code 5-1.103 bars dogs from running at large. Off the owner's premises, a dog must be restrained by a substantial chain or leash not exceeding six feet and controlled by a competent person.
Redondo Beach has no farm-zoning for livestock. RBMC 5-1.401 classifies horses, cows, pigs, goats, sheep, and similar agricultural animals as nondomestic, requiring a city permit for each. Keeping livestock without a permit is a misdemeanor.
Redondo Beach does not license or leash cats. A maximum of three cats (at least four months old) may be kept per residence. Cats causing nuisance noise fall under RBMC 4-24.502, and feral colonies are not separately regulated in the city code.
Redondo Beach imposes no breed-specific dog ban. California Food and Agricultural Code 31683 prohibits cities from regulating dogs by breed. The city instead handles individual dogs through its vicious-animal process in RBMC Title 5, Chapter 1, Article 3.
Redondo Beach has no dedicated ordinance prohibiting the feeding of wildlife, pigeons, or feral animals. Feeding that creates nuisance noise, odor, vermin, or sanitation problems is addressed through RBMC 4-24.502 and the city's general nuisance provisions.
Redondo Beach requires a city permit for each exotic or nondomestic animal under RBMC 5-1.401. Wild and dangerous species such as constrictor snakes, venomous reptiles, alligators, wolves, and big cats need a permit; keeping one without it is a misdemeanor.
Redondo Beach has no ordinance using the term 'hoarding,' but its three-dog/three-cat residential cap and nondomestic-animal permit rules limit accumulation. Severe cases are prosecuted under California Penal Code 597 cruelty and neglect law via the city's Animal Control.
Redondo Beach allows a maximum of three dogs and three cats (at least four months old) per residence. Dogs over four months must be licensed; cats are not licensed. More animals require treatment under the kennel or nondomestic-permit rules.
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 10.20.350 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.
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.
Redondo Beach water is supplied by California Water Service (Cal Water), and outdoor irrigation follows Cal Water and West Basin rules, including a two-day-per-week standard and no daytime watering during the 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. window.
Redondo Beach has no fixed lawn-height number, but the municipal code treats noxious weeds and rank overgrown vegetation on private property as a public nuisance the City can order abated.
Redondo Beach has adopted the California Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, requiring water-efficient and drought-tolerant plantings for qualifying new and rehabilitated landscapes, and the City publishes a recommended water-conserving plant list.
Trimming City-owned street and parkway trees requires City approval, and any tree work during bird breeding season faces strict nesting-survey requirements under the city tree-protection law.
Noxious weeds, rank vegetation, and dry brush on private property are declared a public nuisance in Redondo Beach, and the City may order owners to abate them or clear the lot at the owner's cost.
Artificial turf is generally allowed in Redondo Beach as a drought-tolerant landscape option, and California law bars cities from banning synthetic turf for residential use, though installations must still meet permit and drainage standards.
Removing a City-owned street or parkway tree requires City approval, while removal of most private-yard trees is generally not permit-regulated unless tied to development review.
Home composting is allowed in Redondo Beach, and under California SB 1383 the City provides curbside organics (food and yard waste) collection that residents are required to use to keep organic material out of landfills.
Rainwater harvesting with rain barrels and cisterns is allowed and encouraged in Redondo Beach, and West Basin Municipal Water District has distributed free rain barrels to residents in its service area.
Redondo Beach Municipal Code 10-2.1524 requires every swimming pool and hot tub to be entirely enclosed by buildings, fences, or walls not less than six feet nor more than eight feet high, fitted with self-latching gates whose latches sit at least four feet above the ground.
Beyond the local 6-8 foot enclosure in RBMC 10-2.1524, Redondo Beach pools must meet California's Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health & Safety Code 115920-115929), which requires two of seven drowning-prevention features and anti-entrapment drains whenever a pool permit is issued.
Above-ground pools, spas, and hot tubs in Redondo Beach are regulated the same as in-ground pools: they need a building permit under RBMC Title 9, Chapter 13 and the same six-to-eight-foot self-latching enclosure required by RBMC 10-2.1524.
Redondo Beach requires a building permit to construct any swimming pool, spa, or hot tub. The Building & Safety Division applies the city-adopted Swimming Pool, Spa, and Hot Tub Code in Title 9, Chapter 13 of the Municipal Code, with fees set by Section 9-13.02.
Redondo Beach regulates hot tubs and spas as pools. RBMC 10-2.1524 expressly requires hot tubs to be enclosed by a six-to-eight-foot fence with a self-latching gate, and a building permit applies under the adopted Swimming Pool, Spa, and Hot Tub Code in Title 9, Chapter 13.
Redondo Beach defines small family day care homes (8 or fewer children) and large ones (9-14 children) per state law. Under California Health & Safety Code 1597.30 et seq., these homes are a residential use the city cannot zone out of residential districts.
Redondo Beach prohibits home-occupation signage. RBMC Title 6, Chapter 1 states there shall be no display of merchandise, projects, operations, signs, or nameplates of any kind visible from outside the dwelling.
Redondo Beach permits home occupations in residential dwellings, but RBMC Title 6, Chapter 1 limits them so only persons residing on the premises may be employed and no merchandise, signs, or operations may be visible from outside the dwelling.
Redondo Beach requires a business license with a Home Occupation Form before running a home-based business. The Licensing Division charges about $54 for part-time and $103 for full-time, and Planning reviews each application for zoning conformance.
Home-based food businesses in Redondo Beach operate under California's Homemade Food Act (Health & Safety Code 113758 et seq.), which licenses Cottage Food Operations through L.A. County, while the city handles the home-occupation business license and zoning.
Home occupations in unincorporated LA County must not generate customer traffic that changes the residential character of the area. Title 22 limits external evidence of commercial activity. Excessive deliveries and customer parking can trigger code enforcement by LA County DRP.
Redondo Beach permits accessory dwelling units ministerially under RBMC Section 10-2.1506, implementing California state ADU law (Gov. Code 65852.2). Single-family lots may add one ADU plus one junior ADU; detached new ADUs are capped at 800 square feet.
Redondo Beach regulates sheds as accessory structures in residential zones under its zoning ordinance. Accessory buildings must be detached, limited to one story, and kept a minimum distance from the main dwelling and other accessory buildings.
In Redondo Beach single-family zones the two required parking spaces must be inside an enclosed private garage, so open carports generally cannot satisfy required parking. Carports are regulated under the zoning ordinance parking and accessory-structure standards.
Redondo Beach allows garage conversions chiefly through its ADU ordinance (RBMC 10-2.1506). Single-family homes must provide two parking spaces in an enclosed private garage, so converting that garage usually triggers replacement-parking and permit review.
Redondo Beach has no separate tiny-home ordinance. A permanent backyard tiny dwelling is allowed only as a permitted ADU under RBMC 10-2.1506. Living in a trailer, camper, RV, or movable tiny house on wheels is prohibited under RBMC 10-2.1708.
Backyard propane and charcoal barbecues are allowed at single-family homes in Redondo Beach. The adopted 2022 California Fire Code restricts open-flame cooking devices on combustible balconies and near combustible construction at apartments and condos, where grills are limited. Store propane cylinders upright and outdoors.
Backyard smokers (wood, pellet, charcoal or gas) are allowed at single-family homes in Redondo Beach and are treated as outdoor cooking devices under the adopted 2022 California Fire Code. The main limits are the Fire Code's restriction near combustible construction at apartments and condos, plus South Coast AQMD smoke-nuisance rules.
Redondo Beach limits buildings in the R-1 and R-1A single-family zones to 30 feet and two stories, with separate fence and wall height rules under the zoning code.
In the R-1 single-family zone, Redondo Beach requires a front setback averaging 25 percent of lot depth or 25 feet, a five-foot side setback, and a rear setback averaging 20 percent of lot depth with a 15-foot minimum.
Redondo Beach's R-1 single-family zone controls building bulk through a floor area ratio capped at 0.65, allowing bonuses up to a maximum 0.8, plus a required 800 square feet of outdoor living space, rather than a flat lot-coverage percentage.
A permit or City approval is required to remove or replace a City-owned street or parkway tree in Redondo Beach, while removal of ordinary private-yard trees is generally not permit-regulated.
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.
The LA County Oak Tree Permit Ordinance encourages replanting and propagation of oak trees. When oak tree removal is approved, replacement planting conditions may be imposed. LA County Planning is updating the ordinance to further encourage planting new oak trees and redesigning projects to preserve existing trees.
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.
LA County's Oak Tree Permit Ordinance (Chapter 22.174) protects oak trees in unincorporated areas. Heritage oak trees are recognized for their commemorative, horticultural, and historical significance. The ordinance aims to preserve and propagate the oak tree heritage. County forester reviews applications.
Redondo Beach has no standalone vacant-property or blight-registration ordinance, but RBMC Title 5, Chapter 2 requires owners and occupants to keep premises clean, sanitary, and wholesome. Accumulated rubbish, debris, and offensive matter are declared public nuisances subject to abatement, enforced by the Police Code Enforcement Division.
Redondo Beach regulates garage sales under RBMC 4-23.01 and 4-23.02. Residents must file a free Garage Sale Affidavit with the Licensing Division before selling. Only one sale is allowed per residence in any 12-month period, lasting no more than three consecutive days or two consecutive weekends.
Athens Services, the City's exclusive hauler, supplies grey (landfill), blue (recycling), and green (organics) carts in 35, 65, or 95-gallon sizes. Under RBMC 5-2.105 containers may only be at the curb from 11:59 p.m. the night before collection to 11:59 p.m. collection day. Owners must maintain carts in good condition.
Redondo Beach has no separate vacant-lot ordinance, but RBMC Title 5, Chapter 2 (Weeds, Rubbish, and Stagnant Water) applies to all premises, vacant or occupied. Owners must keep lots free of noxious weeds, rank vegetation, rubbish, debris, and stagnant water, all declared public nuisances abated by Code Enforcement.
RBMC Title 5, Chapter 2 (Weeds, Rubbish, and Stagnant Water) declares noxious weeds and rank vegetation on private property a public nuisance in Redondo Beach. Owners must keep premises free of overgrown vegetation; if they fail, the City may clear the weeds and charge the cost to the property.
Most unincorporated LA County areas do not receive snow. Mountain communities (e.g., Wrightwood, Mt. Baldy area) may experience snowfall but there is no county snow removal ordinance for sidewalks. Property owners in mountain areas handle snow removal voluntarily.
Redondo Beach has no formal dark-sky ordinance. Outdoor lighting is controlled through zoning standards requiring that light sources not be visible from streets or neighboring homes and that lighting be reflected away from adjacent residential premises.
Redondo Beach controls light spilling onto neighbors through zoning lighting standards: light sources must not be visible from the street or surrounding residential properties, and lighting must be reflected away from adjacent residential premises.
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.
Athens Services provides free curbside bulky-item and e-waste collection to Redondo Beach single-family and multi-family residents. Up to four bulky or electronic items may be set out per pickup, scheduled at least two days before the regular collection day. Construction debris and hazardous materials are excluded and use separate programs.
RBMC 5-2.105 sets Redondo Beach's bin-placement rules: it is unlawful to leave solid-waste containers on public streets, alleys, curbs, or sidewalks before 11:59 p.m. the day before collection or after 11:59 p.m. on collection day. The City asks residents to set carts out by 7:00 a.m. and remove them that
Redondo Beach requires source separation into blue recycling and green organics carts, collected by Athens Services. As of January 1, 2022, California's SB 1383 requires all single-family, multi-family, and commercial customers to subscribe to organics service and place green waste, food scraps, and food-soiled paper in the green cart.
Redondo Beach prohibits illegal dumping and littering under RBMC Title 5, Chapter 2. It is unlawful to deposit rubbish, garbage, or litter on any public or private street, sidewalk, alley, park, or public place, including from a vehicle. A separate anti-scavenging provision bars taking refuse set out for Athens Services.
Athens Services is Redondo Beach's exclusive franchised hauler, collecting grey landfill, blue recycling, and green organics carts weekly. Single-family service is billed on the LA County property tax bill as City Refuse Disposal. RBMC Title 5, Chapter 2 governs solid-waste handling and curb-placement timing.
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.
Redondo Beach allows one garage sale sign, not exceeding six square feet, located only on the premises where the sale occurs. The rule appears among signs exempt from regulation in RBMC 10-5.1804.
Redondo Beach exempts political signs from most sign regulations under RBMC 10-5.1804. Political signs may not exceed 16 square feet per sign, a content-neutral size limit the city ties to the Baldwin v. Redwood City decision.
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.
Holiday decorations on private property in unincorporated LA County are generally permitted. Displays must not create safety hazards or obstruct visibility. No specific duration limits. Electrical displays must meet safety codes. Community Standards Districts may have additional standards.
Redondo Beach designates hours of use for its parks under RBMC 4-35.03. Most parks open around 5:30 a.m. and close at 10:00 or 11:00 p.m.; entering or using a park outside its posted hours is unlawful.
LA County enforces juvenile curfew provisions for unincorporated areas. Minors under 18 are generally prohibited from public places during late-night hours. The LA County Sheriff's Department handles enforcement in unincorporated communities like East LA, Willowbrook, and Altadena.
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.
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.
Unincorporated LA County has its own just cause eviction protections under the Rent Stabilization and Tenant Protections Ordinance (effective April 1, 2020). Landlords must demonstrate for-cause or no-fault reasons and file written notice with the county within 5 days of serving tenants.
Unincorporated LA County has its own Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) effective April 1, 2020, with amendments effective January 1, 2025. Fully covered units (2+ units, pre-Feb 1995) have rent increase caps. Partially covered units have just-cause only protections.
Mandatory rental registration is required in unincorporated LA County under the RSO. Landlords must register all rental units and pay annual fees by September 30. Fully covered units: $90/unit, just-cause only: $30/unit. Up to 50% of fees for covered units may be passed to tenants.
California evictions run through the unlawful detainer process. Under Code of Civil Procedure § 1161, nonpayment requires a 3-day notice to pay rent or quit (excluding weekends and holidays), and lease violations require a 3-day notice to cure or quit. No-fault terminations of covered tenancies require 30, 60, or 90 days. Self-help lockouts are illegal.
California landlords must keep rentals fit to live in. Civil Code §§ 1941 and 1941.1, reinforced by Green v. Superior Court, imply a warranty of habitability covering plumbing, heat, water, electricity, and sanitation. If repairs fail after notice, a tenant may repair and deduct up to one month's rent under § 1942 or withhold rent.
California Civil Code § 1954 limits when a landlord may enter a rented home. Except in emergencies, abandonment, or with tenant consent, the landlord must give reasonable written notice (24 hours is presumed reasonable) and may enter only during normal business hours, for specific permitted reasons such as repairs, inspections, or showings.
California sets no fixed dollar or percentage cap on rent late fees, but a late fee in a residential lease is treated as liquidated damages. Under Civil Code § 1671, such a fee is valid only if it reasonably estimates the landlord's actual loss from late payment; arbitrary penalty fees are unenforceable.
To end a California month-to-month tenancy, a tenant gives 30 days' written notice. A landlord gives 30 days if the tenant has lived there under a year, or 60 days if a year or more, under Civ. Code § 1946.1. AB 1482 requires just cause after 12 months; military and DV tenants may exit early.
California requires written notice before raising a month-to-month tenant's rent. Under Civ. Code § 827, increases of 10% or less in 12 months need 30 days' notice; increases above 10% need 90 days' notice. AB 1482 separately caps yearly increases on covered units.
California adverse possession requires five years of continuous, open, hostile possession AND payment of all property taxes during that period under Code of Civil Procedure § 325. A squatter or trespasser who has not paid taxes gains no ownership and can be removed by unlawful detainer, ejectment, or a police trespass action.
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.
All commercial cannabis activity is prohibited in unincorporated LA County. No dispensaries, retail, cultivation, manufacturing, or distribution facilities are permitted. The county is not accepting applications for cannabis business licenses. State will not license cannabis businesses in unincorporated areas.
Adults 21+ in unincorporated LA County may grow up to 6 cannabis plants per household for personal use under Prop 64. Plants must be in a locked space not visible to the public. All commercial cultivation is prohibited. Landlords may restrict cultivation in rental units.
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.
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.
Construction in unincorporated LA County must implement erosion control BMPs per NPDES stormwater permits. Projects over 1 acre require a SWPPP. The county's diverse terrain (mountains, hillsides, coastal bluffs) makes erosion control critical. Grading permits include erosion control requirements.
Grading in unincorporated LA County requires permits from Building & Safety. The LA County Flood Control District manages the regional drainage system with 487 miles of channels and 2,919 miles of storm drain. Retaining walls over 4 ft require permits. Coastal areas have additional requirements for terracing and landscaping.
Unincorporated LA County falls under the LA County MS4 NPDES permit. The LACFCD operates one of the largest flood protection systems in the world, including 14 dams and 80,000+ catch basins. Low Impact Development standards apply to new construction. The district captures and infiltrates 270,000+ acre-feet annually.
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.
Several unincorporated LA County areas fall within the California Coastal Zone, including communities near Malibu and the Santa Monica Mountains. Coastal development permits from the California Coastal Commission may be required. LA County DRP administers local coastal programs for unincorporated coastal areas.
LA County Code Title 11, Chapter 11.60 establishes floodway regulations for unincorporated areas. Development within FEMA flood zones requires compliance with NFIP standards. The County Flood Zone Determination website maps all flood hazard areas.
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.
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.
Commercial drone operations in unincorporated LA County follow FAA Part 107 requirements. Operators need a Remote Pilot Certificate. County business license may be required. No local ordinance adds restrictions beyond federal rules.
No LA County-specific drone ordinance for unincorporated areas. FAA Part 107 and recreational rules apply. The large geographic area includes proximity to multiple airports (LAX, Van Nuys, Whiteman). LAANC system required for airspace authorization in much of the county.
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.
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.
Solar panel installation in unincorporated LA County requires permits from Building & Safety. Applications submitted via EPIC-LA. Expedited permitting for small residential rooftop PV systems 10 kW or smaller with combined fee not exceeding $500. Plan check required for all PV systems.
California Solar Rights Act (Civil Code 714) prohibits HOAs from effectively banning solar installations in unincorporated LA County. Any restriction increasing cost by more than $1,000 or decreasing efficiency by more than 10% is void. HOAs may impose reasonable aesthetic requirements only.
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.
Commercial door-to-door solicitors in unincorporated LA County may need a county business license. Solicitation is regulated under county business licensing provisions. Religious and political canvassing is constitutionally protected and does not require permits.
Residents in unincorporated LA County can post 'No Soliciting' signs. Solicitors ignoring posted signs may violate county ordinances. California Penal Code 602 addresses trespass. LA County Sheriff enforces in unincorporated communities.
Yard sales in unincorporated LA County do not require a specific permit but must comply with County Ordinance 22.140.620. Sales are only permitted on properties with existing residential use. Only the property owner or tenant may conduct a sale.
Yard sales in unincorporated LA County are regulated under County Ordinance 22.140.620. Only secondhand household or personal items may be sold. Sale of new retail merchandise, food, or drinks is prohibited. Sales are limited in frequency to maintain residential character.
Yard sales in unincorporated LA County are permitted between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM only per County Ordinance 22.140.620. No more than 2 signs allowed, placed on the property only. Signs must be put up no earlier than one day before and removed immediately after the sale.
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.
California HOAs may fine members for rule violations, but only under a published schedule of fines and after strict due-process steps. Civil Code section 5855 requires written notice and a hearing before any monetary penalty, and section 5725 bars fines from becoming a foreclosable lien on the home.
California overrides HOA governing documents on several owner protections. The Davis-Stirling Act and related Civil Code sections bar HOAs from prohibiting solar systems, U.S. flag displays, drought-tolerant landscaping, EV charging stations, and most noncommercial signs, even where local city rules are silent.
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.
Food trucks in unincorporated LA County need a county business license, LA County Dept of Public Health mobile food facility permit, and CA seller's permit. Catering trucks cannot sound music/chimes within 200 ft of residences between 9 PM and 7 AM. All food handlers need certified food handler cards.
Food truck vending in unincorporated LA County is subject to Title 22 zoning and health department regulations. California SB 946 protects sidewalk vendor rights. Trucks cannot block driveways, fire hydrants, or pedestrian access. Specific vending zones may be designated by DRP.