New to the Hollywood Hills? Between winding roads and epic views, it is easy to miss the practical stuff that keeps your home running smoothly and safely. You want to avoid surprise fines, know who to call in an outage, and keep your property compliant with brush rules. This guide gives you the essentials on water, power, and vegetation requirements so you can settle in with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Who provides your water and power
Most Hollywood Hills addresses inside the City of Los Angeles get both water and electricity from LADWP. You can confirm and set up service online or at the Hollywood Customer Service Center on Sunset. If you are unsure about jurisdiction, start with LADWP and verify your specific address. For outages, store this number in your phone: 1-800-DIAL-DWP (1-800-342-5397). You can also confirm local assistance at the LADWP Hollywood Customer Service Center.
To understand brush rules and if your property sits in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, check the LAFD Fire Zone map. You can also use LAFD’s VMS3 portal to view inspection status and photos.
Water rules at a glance
Set your watering days
Los Angeles enforces an Emergency Water Conservation Ordinance that limits sprinkler use by address and time of day. Schedules use odd and even street numbers, and they can shift by Phase during dry periods. The big constant: no sprinkler watering from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Confirm your current schedule and rules on LADWP’s Water Conservation Ordinance page.
Avoid fines
LADWP’s Water Conservation Response Unit patrols and enforces watering rules. Most cases start with education and a warning, followed by escalating fines if problems continue. Set irrigation timers correctly, fix broken heads fast, and avoid runoff onto streets. Details and updates are on the Water Conservation Ordinance page.
How your water bill works
LADWP uses tiered residential rates. Tier 1 covers basic indoor needs, while higher tiers largely reflect outdoor use and cost more. Allotments vary by lot size, season, and temperature zone. If you want to estimate costs for your home, review LADWP’s rate schedule for single-family residences on the Residential Water Rates page.
Water-saving rebates and freebies
You can cut usage and bills with incentives for smart irrigation controllers, high-efficiency fixtures, rain barrels, and turf replacement. Turf replacement often pays significant rebates per square foot, but pre-approval is required and there is a multi-year compliance period. Start with LADWP’s Turf Replacement Rebate page to see current amounts and how to apply.
Smart homeowner tips
- Set controllers to meet your assigned watering days and use shorter cycles to limit runoff.
- Consider California-friendly landscaping to reduce water and maintenance.
- Fix leaks quickly and store a modest emergency water supply for outages.
Power basics and outage prep
Rates and plans
LADWP provides standard residential rates and optional Time-of-Use plans that can help if you use more electricity for HVAC or EV charging. Review plan options and programs on the LADWP Power System page and compare them to your household’s pattern.
Outage reporting and alerts
The Hills can see localized outages during wind or storm events. Report outages to 1-800-DIAL-DWP and monitor updates on LADWP’s advisories. For a feel for how restoration updates post during extreme weather, see a recent LADWP outage advisory. Sign up for notifications and keep flashlights and battery backups ready.
Resilience options for Hills homes
Consider backup power like a portable generator or home battery, especially if you rely on medical equipment. LADWP supports statewide battery incentives such as SGIP and offers local programs for solar and EV charging. Program windows change, so check availability early.
Brush clearance and defensible space
Check your zone and deadlines
Start by confirming your status on the LAFD Fire Zone map. If your parcel is in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, use LAFD’s VMS3 portal to view inspections and photos of any cited hazards. You can access VMS3 here: LAFD VMS3.
What LAFD requires in VHFHSZ
LAFD’s rules build on California’s defensible-space law. Expect to manage hazardous vegetation within up to 200 feet of structures and within 10 feet of roadways or combustible fencing where applicable. Grass is often cut to about 3 inches, native brush reduced, and lower tree branches trimmed to specified heights and spacing. Review the specific requirements and diagrams on LAFD’s Brush Clearance Requirements.
Inspections, notices, and costs
LAFD conducts annual inspections in the spring. If a property is not compliant, LAFD issues notices and may clear hazards and bill the owner for the work plus administrative fees. Keep an eye on mailers and parcel status. LAFD explains this process in the Owner Notification Mailer.
Protected trees and permits
Several native trees in Los Angeles are protected. If you plan trimming or removal, check City rules and consult professionals when needed. When in doubt, ask before you cut to avoid fines and preserve native habitat.
Safety tips when clearing
- Do not clear on Red Flag days and avoid sparking tools on dry grass.
- Keep a charged phone and fire extinguisher nearby while working.
- Remove cut debris promptly and follow LAFD spacing and mulch-depth guidance.
Quick move-in checklist
- Set up LADWP water and power accounts and save 1-800-DIAL-DWP in your phone.
- Look up your address on LAFD’s Fire Zone map and register for VMS3 to see inspection photos.
- Program irrigation to the correct watering days and times. Consider efficient nozzles or drip.
- Walk the property for defensible-space needs. Plan compliant clearing before inspection season.
- Decide on backup power and basic emergency supplies. Check incentive programs early.
Ready for a smooth move into the Hills? If you want a step-by-step utility and compliance checklist tailored to your address, reach out to Mikka Johnson for concierge guidance and trusted local resources.
FAQs
How do I confirm if my Hollywood Hills home is in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone?
- Use the LAFD Fire Zone map for your address; if it is in VHFHSZ, expect annual inspections and specific brush-clearance rules.
What are the sprinkler watering rules in Los Angeles?
- Watering days follow odd or even street numbers, with no sprinkler use allowed from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; schedules can change by conservation Phase, so check current rules.
Who do I call for a power outage or water-main break in the Hills?
- Call LADWP at 1-800-DIAL-DWP; store the number in your phone for quick access.
What happens if a neighbor does not clear brush on a shared slope?
- LAFD enforces brush clearance and can issue notices or abate hazards and bill the owner; coordinate with neighbors early to avoid issues.
Are there rebates for cutting water and energy use at my home?
- Yes. LADWP offers landscape and fixture rebates and participates in state battery and solar programs; check program requirements and apply early, especially where pre-approval is required.
