Residents sue Los Angeles over Hollywood Sign crowds, traffic and sanitation

Left · 2A group of residents living near the Hollywood Sign have filed public nuisance litigation against the City of Los Angeles over crowds of visitors in the Hollywood Hills. 1 2 Left · 2The Independent reported that the complaint was filed on Monday. CBS News said the residents want a court order forcing the city to keep the area "free of obstructions, health hazards, fire risks and other public nuisances." 2 1 Left · 2Residents say streets known for being steep and narrow, such as those in Hollywood Knolls, Lake Hollywood Estates and Hollywoodland, are clogged with traffic and street vendors. They say this would hamper evacuation or emergency vehicles in a fire. 2 1

Left · 1Resident Max Martens told CBS he had seen police, ambulance and fire vehicles delayed in traffic. CBS said city traffic-camera data showed about 42,000 vehicles in a 13-day period in July 2025 and more than 48,200 this summer, a 15% rise. 1 Left · 2The filing also cites litter and public sanitation problems. The Independent said it alleges urination and defecation "occur regularly on the City’s property", and that a resident collected over 1,000 cigarette butts at Lake Hollywood Park even though smoking is banned. CBS added that unlicensed food vendors leave behind plastic gloves, wipes and used toilet paper. 2 1 Left · 2Residents point to a 27 September brawl between e-bike riders and a car driver beneath the sign, filmed and shared among neighbours. Cindy Cobb said frustration has "reached its peak". 1 2

Left · 2The filing cites city documents saying GPS navigation, mapping apps and social media have driven visitors to the area. CBS said residents sued after years of complaints had little effect, and that they are represented by attorney Ilan Wurman, who has filed similar nuisance suits against cities including Phoenix. 2 1 Left · 2Mayor Karen Bass's office said it had not seen the lawsuit. It said the LAPD has dedicated extra units and traffic officers at peak times, regulates tour buses, and has worked with the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) on a traffic plan. 1 2 Left · 2Councilmember Nithya Raman's office, which represents the area, said residents should not have to absorb gridlock and safety risks. It said it has funded extra LAPD and LADOT weekend deployments since May and has identified funding for a pilot Hollywood Sign Traffic Management Plan, to be in place ahead of the 2028 Olympics. In May, Raman also said installing bathrooms was under active discussion. 1 2

Left · 1Residents say the city's measures, including parking-restriction signs added in mid-May, have not helped. CBS quoted Cobb saying there are "just too many people in too small of a space". 1 Left · 2The two outlets differ on remedies. CBS said the suits do not seek money, while The Independent said residents also seek legal expenses alongside a declaration that the viewing site, Lake Hollywood Park and the surrounding streets are a public nuisance. 1 2