Key Legislation
The purpose of this page is to highlight key legislation enacted by the Torrance City Council.
2017
Ordinance Regulating Garage Sales
This Ordinance limited garage sales to 4 a year per property and limited the hours that a garage sale could be held to 7:00 am to 4:00 pm. The Ordinance also limited garage sale signs to one temporary sign affixed on the private property where the sale is occurring.
Ordinance on Historical Preservation
The Ordinance created a Historical Preservation Commission and allowed a process by which properties could be designated a historic landmark.
Ordinance Approving Water Rate Increases
The Ordinance significantly increased water rate and service charges through a series of rate adjustments over a 5 year period ending in 2022. The increase is applicable to customers of Torrance Municipal Water.
Ordinance Approving Rate Increases for Refuse Collection Services
This Ordinance significantly increased rates for refuse collection services through a series of adjustments over a 5 year period ending in 2021.
Ordinance Prohibiting Marijuana
This Ordinance prohibits all commercial marijuana activity/cultivation within the City.
Implement a New California Green Building Fee
The purpose is to allow the City to recover costs of additional review and inspection activities required as part of the California Green Building Standards Code. The fees ranged from $200 for a 300 square foot addition, $1,250 for a newly constructed home, and $3,800 for a large commercial project.
Adopt Ordinance Regulating Trees and Vegetation within the Hillside Overlay District
The Ordinance establish the right of property owners to preserve and/or restore views from unreasonable obstruction. The Ordinance established a process and evaluation criteria by which property owners could seek restoration of views. The process includes neighbor to neighbor contact, seeking an advisory opinion from City staff, and engaging in mediation, arbitration or litigation.
2016
Approved a Series of Annual Rate Increases for Sewer Collection Services
The increases will likely double to triple the cost of service to the average consumer and will begin taking effect 01 January 2017.
Updated Guidelines for Publication of the “Torrance eNewsletter”
This occurred after the City had published an advertisement from the Torrance Refining Company in its newsletter. The move angered local refinery safety advocates who claimed that the the City should not be publishing what amounted to one sided corporate propaganda.
Ordinance Adopting Expedited Permitting Process for Small Residential Rooftop Solar Energy Systems
Major requirements include posting checklists and standard plans on the City’s website. Only one inspection required, which shall be done in a timely manner. Established a standard permit fee of $400.
The Ordinance passed by a 6 to 1 vote with Councilmember Goodrich dissenting.
Ordinance Allowing Keeping of Hens by Special Permit
This ordinance allows for the keeping of hens if conditions are met such as 1) the hens must be kept in a coop no nearer than 15 feet from rear property line and 10 feet from side property line; 2) hens not allowed to run at large unattended; and 3) coops must be cleaned and well maintained.
The Ordinance passed by a 5 to 2 vote with Mayor Furey and Councilwoman Ashcraft dissenting.
This ordinance only applies to properties zoned residential and located within the original Torrance Tract area. The ordinance was adopted after concerns were raised that homes that could be deemed historic were being demolished or altered without community awareness and City oversight.
The Ordinance passed by a 5 to 1 vote with Mayor Furey abstaining and Councilwoman Ashcraft dissenting.
The fireworks show will be held at the Civic Center at a cost of $75K. Mayor Furey capped his October 2015 State of the City address by unveiling the surprise that the fireworks celebration would be returning to the City.
The item passed by a 6 to 1 vote with Councilwoman Ashcraft dissenting.
Ordinance Prohibiting Medical Marijuana Dispensaries and Marijuana Cultivation
The Ordinance passed by a unanimous 7 to 0 vote.
Bonnie, there is a subscribe box on the right hand side of the screen where you can input your e-mail address.
Great info!