Inglewood, CA

Inglewood restricts construction noise in and within 500 feet of residential zones between 8:00 PM and 7:00 AM. Construction work including pile driving, pneumatic hammers, and excavation equipment is prohibited during these hours unless a special permit is obtained from the Permits and Licenses Committee.

Inglewood prohibits playing loud music or making loud noises that disturb the peace and quiet of neighbors. Amplified sound at events must comply with noise regulations, and outdoor amplified sound near major sports venues must cease when the event ends. The city requires event permits for gatherings with amplified sound.

Inglewood establishes specific decibel limits based on land use zone and time of day. Residential exterior noise is restricted with lower nighttime limits. The ordinance measures noise at property lines and sets separate standards for residential, commercial, and industrial zones.

Inglewood enforces noise regulations under Chapter 5, Article 2 of the Municipal Code. Nighttime quiet hours restrict loud and unnecessary noise between 10 PM and 7 AM in residential zones. The ordinance prohibits any willfully loud, unnecessary, or unusual noise that disturbs the peace or quiet of a neighborhood.

Inglewood requires a short-term rental permit for all STR operations, adopted via Ordinance No. 22-15 in July 2022. Only natural-person owners of 1-to-4 unit properties that serve as their primary residence are eligible. Operating without a permit can result in fines up to $5,000 and future permit disqualification.

Inglewood limits vacation rental usage to a maximum of 90 days per calendar year, in blocks of 30 consecutive days or fewer. Hosted and unhosted STRs have different rules, and parties or large gatherings at STR properties are prohibited at all times.

All Inglewood STR hosts must register with the City and collect Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) from guests staying 30 days or fewer. The registration number must appear on all advertisements. The City accepts applications year-round and conducts property inspections as part of the process.

Inglewood is within the South Coast Air Quality Management District and must comply with mandatory No Burn Day advisories. Wood-burning fires of any type are prohibited on designated No Burn Days. Open burning is generally prohibited year-round except for recreational fires in approved devices.

Inglewood adopts the Los Angeles County Fire Code by reference, which permits recreational fire pits on private property provided the fire area does not exceed 9 square feet and is located outside of hazardous fire areas. Gas-fueled fire pits are generally preferred. All fire pits must maintain at least 10 feet of clearance from structures.

Backyard fires in Inglewood are permitted only as recreational fires in approved devices, subject to LA County Fire Code requirements and SCAQMD air quality rules. Fires must be contained in devices no larger than 3 feet in any direction, kept at least 10 feet from structures, and attended at all times.

Inglewood imposes strict restrictions on parking trailers, boats, and recreational vehicles on public streets. All trailers (including boat trailers, camper trailers, and trailer coaches) are banned from all public streets citywide. Recreational vehicles are subject to specific restrictions in residential districts.

Inglewood has a citywide Residential Permit Parking Program that operates 24/7 in designated districts. The program was created to protect residential neighborhoods from sports and entertainment venue visitors. Street parking duration may be restricted by posted signs, and vehicles may not be stored on public streets.

Inglewood strictly prohibits lawn and yard parking under IMC 12-15 and imposes detailed driveway construction and use requirements. All residential driveways must be paved with Portland cement concrete and must provide direct vehicular access to a garage or enclosed parking facility.

Inglewood prohibits parking commercial vehicles on any public street in residential districts. This includes taxis, limousines, shuttles, livery vehicles, charter-party vehicles, ambulances, and any motor vehicle designed or used primarily for transporting property. Limited exceptions exist for active deliveries and construction.

Inglewood requires a fence permit for any wall or fence exceeding 4 feet in height. Fences between 4 and 6 feet require a fence permit but not a building permit. Fences over 6 feet require both a fence permit and a building permit. Plans showing location, height, materials, and design must be submitted.

Inglewood's fence regulations work alongside California's "good neighbor fence" law (Civil Code 841). Property owners share equal responsibility for maintaining boundary fences. Fence height is measured from the higher natural grade side, and retaining walls count toward the maximum fence height.

Inglewood restricts fence heights by location: maximum 4 feet in front yards (5 feet if ornamental metal open-work), and maximum 8 feet in rear and side yards behind the front building line. Commercial zones limit fences to 6 feet within 20 feet of a public street. Hedges have separate height limits.

Inglewood generally prohibits raising or keeping chickens, rabbits, pigeons, ducks, goats, and other fowl or livestock on residential property without a valid permit. Certain neighborhoods (Imperial Village, Morningside Park, Lockhaven) have an absolute ban on these animals. Permits are obtained from the City Finance Department.

Inglewood does not impose breed-specific restrictions on dogs, consistent with California Government Code Section 31683 which generally prohibits cities from enacting breed-specific legislation. The city follows LA County's dangerous dog regulations, which focus on individual animal behavior rather than breed.

Inglewood requires all dogs to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet when on public property, including parks. Dog licenses are required and issued through LA County Animal Care & Control, with applications accepted at the City Clerk's office. Dogs may not be transported unrestrained in open truck beds.

Inglewood treats overgrown weeds, debris, and waste as public nuisances subject to code enforcement. Property owners must remove weeds, litter, and unsightly materials from their premises. The code defines a broad range of conditions that constitute violations, including abandoned vehicles, broken appliances, and overgrown vegetation.

Inglewood has strict tree preservation regulations that protect trees meeting specific size criteria. A Tree Removal and Cutting Permit is required before reshaping, altering, or removing protected trees. Routine maintenance does not require a permit, but disfiguring practices like topping are prohibited even with a permit.

Inglewood requires all residential landscaping to be maintained in a neat, clean, and healthy condition. Overgrown grass, weeds, and debris are considered code enforcement violations. Every residential front yard must be landscaped with trees, shrubs, and lawn or ground cover.

Inglewood permits home occupations in residential zones only with prior authorization from the Planning and Building Department. The business must be clearly incidental to residential use, limited to one room not exceeding 100 square feet, and must not alter the residential character of the property. Vehicle-related businesses are prohibited.

Inglewood prohibits all signage for home-based businesses in residential zones. No signs, banners, or other advertising may be displayed on the property. Additionally, no commercial advertisements (telephone directories, newspapers, etc.) may specifically state the residential address. The home must maintain its residential appearance.

Inglewood strictly limits customer traffic to home-based businesses. The home occupation must not generate vehicular or pedestrian traffic beyond what is normal for a residential area. No on-premises sales or deliveries to customers are permitted except for goods wholly fabricated on-site. Customers may visit only by prior telephone appointment.