Inglewood could soon let churches and nearby businesses turn their parking lots into game-day cash machines, renting spaces to fans and nudging event traffic off neighborhood streets. City planners say the proposal would put mostly empty asphalt to use and create a modest revenue stream for faith communities and local merchants.
The proposal is packaged as Zoning Code Amendment No. 26-00001 and appeared on the Planning Commission agenda for March 4, 2026, as a measure to tweak rules for "Parking for Major Event Patrons," according to meeting materials from the City of Inglewood. Staff documents include a Notice of Exemption (EA-CE-2026-015) and recommend sending the amendment on to the City Council for consideration.
What Would Change
Under the proposed code change, houses of worship and commercial properties within 1,500 feet of any venue with more than 6,000 seats could apply for a permit to rent out spaces to event-goers. The Planning Commission backed the adjustment earlier this month as a way for qualifying property owners to temporarily sell excess parking during concerts and games, as reported by LAist.
Rules And Reaction
Meeting documents spell out some guardrails. Lots would need more than 25 spaces to qualify. Only surplus stalls could be rented, and operators would be barred from offering game-day parking within an hour of the property's regular business hours. Anyone applying for a permit would also have to commission a parking utilization study.
City development services director Bernard McCrumby Jr. told commissioners that "these parking lots are sitting empty and underutilized," framing the idea as a way to make better use of existing space. Planning Commissioner Aidé Trejo countered with a warning that she had previously seen churches shift service times to cash in on event parking. Those exchanges, along with figures showing that Inglewood issues about 41 parking tickets on average during each major event, were reported by LAist.
Next Steps And Legal Notes
The Planning Commission's recommendation now sends the amendment to the City Council for a final vote, and the staff packet outlines the criteria that would govern permits and enforcement, according to City of Inglewood staff materials. The packet also includes the Notice of Exemption and standard language cautioning that any legal challenges may be limited to issues raised at the public hearing.
What It Means On Game Day
If the code change is adopted, fans could see more paid parking options pop up in lots around major venues, which could pull some tailgate and park-and-walk traffic off nearby residential blocks. SoFi Stadium, at 1001 S. Stadium Drive in Inglewood, already operates remote lots and shuttle options for large events, according to the stadium's official parking page, which lays out how event-day logistics are managed.
For now, congregations and business owners who have asked about selling spaces are watching the City Council calendar and the fine print on applications. The measure's fate will hinge on how council members weigh extra revenue for locals against the ongoing push to protect neighborhood livability when the big crowds roll into town.
