Inglewood Pothole Reporting & Encroachment Permits

Transportation California 3 Minutes Read · published March 01, 2026 Flag of California

Inglewood, California residents and contractors need clear steps to report hazardous potholes and to obtain encroachment permits for work in the public right-of-way. This guide explains who enforces street repairs, how to report a pothole, where to find an encroachment permit application, typical application steps, and what enforcement or penalties may apply. Use the departmental contacts and official code references below to submit complaints, request repairs, or apply for permission to work on sidewalks, curbs, or streets.

Reporting Potholes

To report a pothole on a city-maintained street, contact the City of Inglewood Public Works department or use the city service request page. Provide the exact address or nearest intersection, a description of the hazard, and photos if possible. For streets under county or state jurisdiction, report to the relevant agency as noted on the city site City of Inglewood Public Works[1].

Report dangerous potholes promptly to reduce risk of damage or injury.

Encroachment Permits

Work that encroaches into the public right-of-way—such as excavations, sidewalk repairs, new driveway cuts, or temporary construction staging—generally requires a city encroachment permit issued by the Public Works/Engineering or the Planning and Building division. Applications, submittal requirements, and inspection rules are available on the city planning and permits pages Planning & Building[2]. Contractors should check insurance, bond, and traffic control requirements before starting work.

Obtain permits before beginning any work that affects sidewalks, curbs, or streets.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for unauthorized encroachments, failure to maintain a public-facing edge of property, or unsafe street conditions is handled by the City of Inglewood through its Public Works, Engineering, or Code Enforcement functions. Specific fine amounts and daily penalties are not consistently listed on the cited city pages and should be confirmed with the city; see the municipal code for the controlling ordinances Inglewood Municipal Code[3].

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; consult the municipal code or enforcement office for current schedules.
  • Escalation: first or continuing offences and per-day penalties are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, stop-work orders, repair orders, permit revocation, or civil action may be imposed.
  • Enforcer and complaints: Public Works/Engineering and Code Enforcement handle inspections and complaints; use the official contact pages to file reports or appeals.
  • Appeals: specific appeal routes and time limits are not specified on the cited page; ask the enforcement office for appeal deadlines and procedures.
If a monetary amount or deadline is needed for a permit or appeal, request written confirmation from the city.

Applications & Forms

The encroachment permit application form name or number, required documents, and fees are published on the city permitting pages; if the application or fee schedule is not visible online you must contact Planning & Building or Public Works to request the current form and fee information Planning & Building[2]. Typical requirements include insurance, bonds, traffic control plans, and inspection scheduling.

  • How to submit: online portal or in-person submittal per city instructions on the permits page.
  • Fees: see the permit fee schedule on the city page or contact the permits counter if not published.
  • Deadlines: apply before work begins; any time limits are listed on the permit form or provided at intake.
Keep proof of permit and inspection sign-off on site until work is accepted.

FAQ

Who fixes potholes in Inglewood?
The City of Inglewood Public Works is responsible for city streets; county or state agencies handle their respective roads. Report via the city service page or contact Public Works.
Do I need a permit to repair a driveway or sidewalk?
Most repairs that affect the public right-of-way require an encroachment permit; check Planning & Building for application details.
What happens if work is done without a permit?
Unauthorized work can lead to stop-work orders, removal, restoration requirements, fines, or civil enforcement actions.

How-To

  1. Document the issue: take photos, note the exact location, and record time and date.
  2. Report potholes: submit a service request to City of Inglewood Public Works with the location and photos.[1]
  3. Request an encroachment permit: consult Planning & Building for the application, submit required insurance and traffic control plans, and pay applicable fees.[2]
  4. Schedule inspections: follow inspection steps listed on the permit and obtain sign-off before finalizing work.

Key Takeaways

  • Report potholes to Public Works quickly with photos and precise location.
  • Obtain an encroachment permit before starting work in the right-of-way.
  • Enforcement may include orders or fines; verify rules and appeals with the city.

Help and Support / Resources


  1. [1] City of Inglewood Public Works - official departmental page for reporting street issues and service requests.
  2. [2] City of Inglewood Planning & Building - permits, applications, and permit submittal guidance.
  3. [3] Inglewood Municipal Code - codified ordinances that govern encroachments, streets, and enforcement.