General Plan Update - City of Inglewood

2.2 Housing
Age and Condition of Housing Stock
Housing age is frequently used as an indicator of the type of housing condition. Most
residential structures over 30 years of age will require minor repair and modernization
improvements, while units over 50 years of age are more likely to require major
rehabilitation such as roofing, plumbing, and electrical system repairs. A unit is generally
deemed to have exceeded its useful life after 70 years of age. A notable exception is
housing in the northeastern end of the City above Manchester Avenue. Despite the age of
the structures, the original quality of construction and subsequent property maintenance
has resulted in relatively little structural deterioration. 1
The City of Inglewood has a relatively old housing stock compared with other South Bay
communities, with 30 percent of all units built prior to 1950. Figure 2.2-1 compares the
age of Inglewood’s housing stock with Los Angeles County. The relatively older age of
housing stock indicates that a significant number of units are in need of major repairs.
According to the Consolidated Plan, approximately 4,000 of the community’s housing
units are identified as substandard in deteriorating or unsound conditions. A majority of
these units are suitable for rehabilitation. The City’s Property Maintenance Division
identified only 15 units as substandard and in need of replacement.
Percent of Total Housing Stock
City
County
1990 to
March
2000
1980 to
1989
1970 to
1979
1960 to
1969
Year Structure Built
1950 to
1959
1940 to
1949
1939 or
earlier
Figure 2.2-1 Age of Housing Stock: Inglewood and Los Angeles County, 2000
SOURCE: U.S. Census 2000
A major constraint to maintaining adequate housing conditions in the City is its
geographical proximity to LAX. Many homes are impacted by both direct and indirect
effect of aircraft noise. The City continues to operate an Airport Noise Mitigation
Program, whereby sound insulation is provided to some homes, while homes where
insulation will not be effective are removed.
1 City of Inglewood 2004-2007 Consolidated Plan.
City of Inglewood General Plan Update Technical Background Report
2.2-3