Agenda packet — Paramount City Council, October 28, 2025

Agenda
City Council
October 28, 2025
Regular Meeting - City Hall Council Chamber - 5:00 PM
16400 Colorado Avenue Paramount, CA 90723 (562) 220-2000 www.paramountcity.gov

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION NOTICE
In-person Attendance: The public may attend the City Council meetings in-person.

View the City Council meeting live stream:
• YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/cityofparamount • Spectrum Cable TV Channel 36
Public Comments: Members of the public wanting to address the City Council, either during public comments or for a specific agenda item, or both, may do so by the following methods:
• In-Person
If you wish to make a statement, please complete a Speaker’s Card prior to the commencement of the Public Comments period of the meeting. Speaker’s Cards are located at the entrance. Give your completed card to a staff member and when your name is called, please go to the podium provided for the public. • E-mail: [email protected]
• E-mail public comments must be received by 15 minutes prior to the start of the meeting. The e-mail should specify the following information: 1) Full Name; 2) City of Residence; 3) Phone Number; 4) Public Comment or Agenda Item No; 5) Subject; 6) Written Comments.

All public comments are limited to a maximum of three (3) minutes unless an extension is granted. No action may be taken on items not on the agenda except as provided by law. All public comments will be recorded and rules of decorum and procedures for the conduct of City meetings will apply when addressing the City Council.

Any document distributed to a majority of the City Council regarding any item on this agenda after distribution of the agenda packet will be made available in the City Clerk’s office during normal business hours at City Hall located at 16400 Colorado Ave., Paramount, CA 90723. In addition, such documents will be posted on the City’s website at www.paramountcity.gov/government/city-council/meeting-agendas-minutes/.

CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Peggy Lemons
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Luna Gonzalez, 5th Grade Student
Wirtz Elementary School
Brian Ortiz, 5th Grade Student
Mokler Elementary School

ROLL CALL OF
COUNCILMEMBERS:

Councilmember Isabel Aguayo
Councilmember Annette C. Delgadillo
Councilmember Vilma Cuellar Stallings
Vice Mayor Brenda Olmos
Mayor Peggy Lemons
Agenda October 28, 2025
Regular Meeting City Council Page 2

PRESENTATIONS

1. VIDEO ADAPTIVE RECREATION HALLOWEEN EVENT AND

HALLOWEEN HOOTENANNY FUN RECAP

2. CERTIFICATE OF

RECOGNITION

STUDENT MAYORS FOR THE DAY

3. RECOGNITION CITY OF PARAMOUNT RETIREES
• RICK BAPTISTA – 19 YEARS
• MAGDA GARCIA – 26 YEARS

CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC COMMENT UPDATES

PUBLIC COMMENTS

CONSENT CALENDAR
All items under the Consent Calendar may be enacted by one motion. Any item may be removed from the Consent Calendar and acted upon separately by the City Council.

4. APPROVAL COVENANT AND LOT-TIE AGREEMENT - HAY TREE

PROPERTY LINE BUILDING CODE REQUIREMENT
Recommended Action: Approve the attached Covenant and LotTie Agreement to be recorded on the Paramount Saw parcel (APN 7102-02-021) to benefit the Hay Tree parcel (Assessor Parcel Nos. 7102-027-019 & 7102-019-020).

5. ORDINANCE
1206

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PARAMOUNT APPROVING ZONE CHANGE NO. 251, A

REQUEST BY GO STORE IT/MADISON CAPITAL HOLDINGS TO

CHANGE THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF
PARAMOUNT FROM M-2 (HEAVY MANUFACTURING) TO PD-PS
(PLANNED DEVELOPMENT WITH PERFORMANCE
STANDARDS) TO ALLOW FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A 154,550
SQUARE FOOT SELF-STORAGE FACILITY AT 7342

PETTERSON LANE IN THE CITY OF PARAMOUNT AND

FINDING THE PROJECT EXEMPT FROM CALIFORNIA

ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PURSUANT TO
SECTION 15332 (INFILL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS) OF THE
CEQA GUIDELINES.

Recommended Action: Adopt Ordinance No. 1206.

Agenda October 28, 2025
Regular Meeting City Council Page 3

6. ORDINANCE
1207

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

PARAMOUNT, APPROVING ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT
AMENDMENT NO. 38 TO AMEND TITLE 17 OF THE

PARAMOUNT MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING FACILITIES FOR

NONORGANIC RECYCLABLE MATERIALS, ORGANIC WASTE,

AND SOLID WASTE CITYWIDE AND MAKING A FINDING OF

EXEMPTION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT.

Recommended Action: Adopt Ordinance No. 1207.

7. APPROVAL AGREEMENT WITH FAIRBANK, MASLIN, MAULIN, METZ & ASSOCIATES (FM3) TO CONDUCT COMMUNITY SURVEYS

FOR PROPOSED REVENUE ENHANCEMENT MEASURES ON
THE JUNE AND NOVEMBER 2026 BALLOTS
Recommended Action: 1) Approve the reallocation of savings from the Hay Tree Acquisition project within CIP Fund 112 in the amount of $60,500 to cover this project cost; and 2) Approve the draft agreement with Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates (FM3) in an amount not to exceed $60,500 to conduct two community surveys for the City’s exploration of revenue generating ballot initiatives, and authorize the City Manager to make additional minor edits to the draft agreement until it is finalized in a form approved by the City Attorney.

8. RESOLUTION
25:036

AMENDING THE AUTHORIZED POSITION LISTING AND

SALARY SCHEDULE FOR FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES AND

APPROVING NEW CLASS SPECIFICATIONS FOR DESIGNATED

FULL-TIME POSITION
Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. 25:036 amending the authorized position listing and salary schedule for full-time employees by adding the new Building and Housing Manager, and approving the class specifications for that new position.

NEW BUSINESS

9. RESOLUTION
25:037

APPROVING CITY OF PARAMOUNT PUBLIC SPACES DESIGN

STANDARDS
Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. 25:037 approving the City of Paramount Public Spaces Design Standards.

Agenda October 28, 2025
Regular Meeting City Council Page 4

10. ORDINANCE
1208

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PARAMOUNT ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 2025 EDITIONS

OF THE CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, CALIFORNIA
BUILDING CODE INCLUDING CHAPTER 1, DIVISION 2,

CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE, CALIFORNIA GREEN

BUILDING STANDARDS CODE, CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE,

CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE, CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL

CODE, CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE, CALIFORNIA

WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE, CALIFORNIA EXISTING

BUILDING CODE, CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL CODE,

CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE, AND
CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE; 2024 INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY
MAINTENANCE CODE, 1998 CALIFORNIA HOUSING CODE,
1997 UNIFORM CODE FOR THE ABATEMENT OF DANGEROUS
BUILDINGS, AND THE 2017 EDITION OF THE COUNTY OF LOS
ANGELES GRADING CODE; TOGETHER WITH CERTAIN
AMENDMENTS, DELETIONS AND ADDITIONS; AMENDING
TITLE 15 OF THE PARAMOUNT MUNICIPAL CODE, AND

APPROVING A CEQA EXEMPTION DETERMINATION
Recommended Action: Introduce Ordinance No. 1208 and set a public hearing date of November 18, 2025 for consideration of adoption of Ordinance No. 1208.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY NEW BUSINESS
None.

COMMENTS/COMMITTEE REPORTS

CLOSED SESSION

ADJOURNMENT
To an adjourned meeting on November 18, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 16400 Colorado Ave., Paramount, CA
Americans with Disabilities Act: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s office at (562) 220-2225 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting to enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting.

Note: Physical hard copies of agenda items are on file in the City Clerk’s office and are available for public inspection during normal business hours. Materials related to an item on this Agenda submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are also available for public inspection during normal business hours in the City Clerk’s office. The office of the City Clerk is located at City Hall, 16400 Colorado Avenue, Paramount.

To: Honorable City Council
From: John Moreno, City Manager
By: Heidi Luce, City Clerk
Date: October 28, 2025
SUBJECT: ADAPTIVE RECREATION HALLOWEEN EVENT AND HALLOWEEN

HOOTENANNY FUN RECAP
A video highlighting the Adaptive Recreation Halloween Event and the Halloween Hootenanny event will be presented.

To: Honorable City Council
From: John Moreno, City Manager
By: Heidi Luce, City Clerk
Date: October 28, 2025
SUBJECT: STUDENT MAYORS FOR THE DAY
The City Council will recognize the following students for being chosen by their school to serve as the City of Paramount’s Student Mayors for the Day for October. • Luna Gonzalez, 5th Grade Student
Wirtz Elementary School
• Brian Ortiz, 5th Grade Student
Mokler Elementary School
To: Honorable City Council
From: John Moreno, City Manager
By: Grissel Chavez, Assistant City Manager
Cristina Cota, Interim Human Resources
Manager
Date: October 28, 2025
SUBJECT: CITY OF PARAMOUNT RETIREES
The City Council will recognize the following recent retirees for their dedicated service to the City of Paramount.
• Rick Baptista, Building Safety Manager – 19 years
• Magda Garcia, Community Services Supervisor – 26 years City Council Public Comment Updates
October 28, 2025
From the October 14th City Council Meeting:

Commenter Request/Issue/Concern Action/Comment
Eugene Augilar,
Resident
Mr. Aguilar shared an issue
with the City’s YouTube
upload of Public Comment
that cutoff his comments at 8
seconds. He also called for
more urgency and action in
preserving the City's
historical narratives through
the Paramount Historical
Society.

Staff removed an incorrect video
link and verified that the video links
are operable. Staff met with Mr.

Aguilar after the last Council
meeting to inform him of this
correction and he was encouraged
to continue working through the
Historical Society.

Lluvia Lastra,
Resident
Ms. Lastra spoke on behalf
of her neighborhood,
requesting the City to allow
chickens in her specific
zone, noting that
neighboring cities already
permit such livestock.

Staff spoke with Ms. Lastra and
advised her of the process to
submit a zone change application.

To: Honorable City Council
From: John Moreno, City Manager
By: Grissel Chavez, Assistant City Manager
John King, AICP, Planning and Building
Director
Date: October 28, 2025
SUBJECT: COVENANT AND LOT-TIE AGREEMENT - HAY TREE PROPERTY LINE

BUILDING CODE REQUIREMENT

BACKGROUND
At the August 26, 2025 City Council meeting, City Council approved the Purchase and Sale Agreement for the City's acquisition of the historic Hay Tree property located on two parcels at 16471 Paramount Blvd (Assessor Parcel Nos. 7102-027-019 & 7102-027-020) (Hay Tree property). The City became the legal record owner of the Hay Tree property pursuant to the Grant Deed recorded on October 9, 2025. The parcel located adjacent to the south side of the Hay Tree property at 16493 Paramount Blvd, contains a vacant building formerly known as Paramount Saw (Paramount Saw parcel). This building will soon house an indoor food hall along with a City museum and community room (City Community/Museum Space).

The Hay Tree property and the adjacent Paramount Saw parcel share a property line, and the Paramount Saw building lies directly on the Hay Tree property line. Therefore, it is necessary to record a Covenant and Lot-Tie Agreement on the Paramount Saw parcel that acknowledges the use of the City's parcel for setback and authorizes the opening of a doorway and/or windows on the portion of the Paramount Saw building abutting the Hay Tree property.

DISCUSSION
Under the California Building Code as incorporated in Chapter 15.04 (Buildings) of the Paramount Municipal Code, when two adjacent parcels that share a Property Line (PL) have a building, or buildings, with a fire setback requirement that requires either fire-rated exterior walls or prohibits window or door openings, effectively moving or eliminating the PL can be done by filing a written agreement to eliminate the Code obstacle. In past years, this was often accomplished by a Deed Restriction being filed that would allow both buildings to comply with Code and any future developments would adhere to the new PL and yard conditions. In recent years, a section of that provision was codified in the California Building Code Section 706.1.1.

Pursuant to Section 706.1.1, “[a]ny wall located on a lot line between adjacent buildings, which is used or adapted for joint service between the two buildings, shall be constructed Agenda Report October 28, 2025
HAY TREE – PROPERTY LINE Page 2
as a fire wall in accordance with Section 706. Party walls shall be constructed without openings and shall create separate buildings.” Party walls and fire walls, however, are not required on lot lines dividing a building for ownership purposes in cases where dedicated access easements or contractual agreements permit the owners of the portions of the buildings located on either side of the lot line access to the other side for purposes of maintaining fire and life safety systems necessary for the operation of the impacted building. Here, the portion of the Paramount Saw building used by the City as the City Community/Museum Space does not abut any building on the Hay Tree property.

The attached Covenant and Lot-Tie Agreement would permit the owner of the Paramount Saw building to install the doorway and/or windows on the portion of the Paramount Saw building to complement the City's use of the Hay Tree property.

For the purposes of compliance with the above Building Code provisions, the Covenant and Lot-Tie Agreement is a covenant running with the land and is binding on the Paramount Saw parcel and any future owners of such parcel and shall run for the benefit of the Hay Tree property. The Covenant and Lot-Tie Agreement shall be effective beginning on the date of recordation and continue until such time as either the Paramount Saw property is merged with the Hay Tree property into one legal lot in accordance with the Subdivision Map Act or until such time as the Paramount Saw building is modified to comply with the Building Code and any City setback requirements, including the removal of any doorway and/or window openings and restoration of a firewall.

FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with the recordation of the deed restriction.

VISION, MISSION, VALUES, AND STRATEGIC OUTCOMES
The City’s Vision, Mission, and Values set the standard for the organization, establish priorities, uniformity and guidelines; and provide the framework for policy decision making. The Strategic Outcomes were implemented to provide a pathway to achieving the City’s Vision. This item aligns with Strategic Outcome No 3: Economic Health - Support a healthy, sustainable economy reflecting community values.

RECOMMENDED ACTION
Approve the attached Covenant and Lot-Tie Agreement to be recorded on the Paramount Saw parcel (APN 7102-02-021) to benefit the Hay Tree parcel (Assessor Parcel Nos. 7102-027-019 & 7102-019-020).
13162-0011\3166481v2.doc - 1 -

RECORDING REQUESTED BY AND
WHEN RECORDED MAIL TO:

City of Paramount
Attention: City Clerk’s Office
16400 Colorado Street
Paramount, California 90723
And to:

Paramount City Investors LLC
1613 Chelsea Road, # 264
San Marino, California 91108-2453
[SPACE ABOVE FOR RECORDER’S USE ONLY]
This document is for the benefit of the City of Paramount and is exempt from Recording Fees (Govt. Code § 27383), Filing Fees (Govt. Code §6103) and Documentary Transfer Tax (Rev & Tax Code § 11922).

Assessor’s Parcel Number: 7102-027-021

COVENANT AND LOT-TIE AGREEMENT
This Covenant and Lot-Tie Agreement (Covenant and Agreement) is made and entered into by and between PARAMOUNT CITY INVESTORS LLC, a California Limited Liability Company (Owner) in favor of the CITY OF PARAMOUNT, a California municipal corporation (City). Owner and City are referred to below collectively as the Parties. The Agreement is effective on the date it is fully executed (Effective Date).

RECITALS
The Owner and City enter into this Covenant and Agreement with respect to the following facts:

A. Owner is the record fee owner of that certain real property located at 16493 Paramount Boulevard in the City of Paramount, California identified as Los Angeles County Tax Assessor’s Parcel Number 7102-027-021 (Owner Parcel). The Owner Parcel is described more particularly in EXHIBIT A attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference.

B. The City of Paramount is the record fee owner of that certain real property located at 16471 Paramount Boulevard in the City of Paramount, California identified as Los Angeles County Tax Assessor’s Parcel Numbers 7102-027-019 and 7102-027-020 (City Properties). The City Properties are described more particularly in EXHIBIT B attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference. The portion of the City Properties identified as Assessor’s Parcel Number 7102-027-020 (City Subject Parcel).

C. The City Subject Parcel is located adjacent to the Owner Parcel. The Owner Parcel is approximately 19,204 square feet in size and is improved with an approximate 12,000 square foot vacant building known as the Paramount Saw (Saw Building) that has historical significance 13162-0011\3166481v2.doc - 2 -
to the City and the community. The Saw Building is located directly on the property line abutting the Owner Property and the City Subject Parcel.

D. The City and Owner entered into that certain Development and Disposition Agreement With Operating Covenants by and between the City of Paramount and Paramount City Investments on June 19, 2023 (DDA). The DDA was recorded on July 19, 2023 as Document Number 20230475682 of Official Records of the County of Los Angeles.

E. Pursuant to the DDA, the Owner agreed to rehabilitate and preserve the Saw Building and use approximately two-thirds (2/3) of the Saw Building (approximately 8,000 square foot area) for restaurant/retail/commercial uses. Pursuant to the DDA, Owner agreed to reserve the remaining one-third (1/3) of the Saw Building (approximately 4,000 square feet) for the City to use and occupy as a historical museum and community/event space (City Community/Museum Space).

F. The City will use the City Subject Parcel to provide outdoor enjoyment and space to complement the City Community/Museum Space.

G. Pursuant to Section 706.1.1 of the Building Code, “[a]ny wall located on a lot line between adjacent buildings, which is used or adapted for joint service between the two buildings, shall be constructed as a fire wall in accordance with Section 706. Party walls shall be constructed without openings and shall create separate buildings.” Party walls and fire walls, however, are not required on lot lines dividing a building for ownership purposes in cases where dedicated access easements or contractual agreements that permit the owners of the portions of the buildings located on either side of the lot line access to the other side for purposes of maintaining fire and life safety systems necessary for the operation of the impacted building. Here, the portion of the Paramount Saw Building used by the City as the City Community/Museum Space does not abut any building located on the City Subject Parcel.

H. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Covenant and Agreement, City and Owner agree to enter into this Covenant and Agreement to permit the Owner to install the Doorway/Window Openings on the portion of the Saw Building adjacent to the City Subject Parcel and to allow said Owner Parcel to be treated as one parcel with the City Subject Parcel.

NOW, THEREFORE, for valuable consideration, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged and in consideration of the above recitals and mutual promises, covenant and other conditions set forth in this Covenant and Agreement, the Parties agree as follows:

1. The Recitals above are declared to be true and correct and are hereby incorporated into this Covenant and Agreement.

2. Owner covenants, promises and agrees for the benefit of the City Subject Parcel to record this Covenant and Agreement on Owner Property to authorize the Doorway/Window Openings on the Saw Building.

3. Owner covenants, promises and agrees in favor of the City that no part of the Owner Property shall be transferred, encumbered, sold, assigned, or leased separate or apart from the remainder of the Owner Property so long as the Doorway/Window Openings on the Saw 13162-0011\3166481v2.doc - 3 -
Building exist, unless the Owner Property is merged with the City Properties into one legal lot in accordance with the Subdivision Map Act.

4. If Owner wishes to convey any portion of the Owner Property without undertaking a lot merger, Owner agrees to first modify the Saw Building to comply with the Building Code requirements, including removal of the Doorway/Window Openings and restoration of a firewall on the portion of the Saw Building adjacent to the City Subject Parcel.

5. The Parties agree this Covenant and Agreement is a covenant running with the land and shall bind the Owner Property shall be recorded in the Office of the County Recorder for the County of Los Angeles, and shall be effective beginning on the date of recordation and continuing until such time as either the Owner Property is merged with the City Properties into one legal lot in accordance with the Subdivision Map Act or Owner modifies the Saw Building to comply with the Building Code requirements, including removal of the Doorway/Window Openings and restoration of a firewall on the portion of the Saw Building adjacent to the City Subject Parcel.

6. This Covenant shall be a covenant running with the land and shall be binding upon the Owner Property and any future owners or successors in interest of the Owner Property, and shall run for the benefit of the City Subject Property, until this Covenant is released or modified by the City.

7. This Covenant shall be enforceable by and inure to the benefit of the City of Paramount and shall bind Owner and Owner’s successors and assigns. [SIGNATURES ON NEXT PAGE]
13162-0011\3166481v2.doc - 4 -
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Covenant and Agreement as of the date set forth below:

Owner:

PARAMOUNT CITY INVESTORS
LLC, a California Limited Liability
Company
City:

CITY OF PARAMOUNT, a California
municipal corporation
Dated:___________________________
By:______________________________
Name:___________________________
Its: ______________________________
Dated:___________________________
By:______________________________
John Moreno, City Manager
ATTEST:

By:_______________________________
Heidi Luce, City Clerk

APPROVED AS TO FORM
By:________________________________
Nicholas Ghirelli, City Attorney
13162-0011\3166481v2.doc - 5 -

EXHIBIT A

LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF OWNER PROPERTY
13162-0011\3166481v2.doc - 6 -

EXHIBIT B

LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF CITY PROPERTIES

THE LAND REFERRED TO HEREIN BELOW IS SITUATED IN THE CITY OF

PARAMOUNT, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA AND IS DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:

LOTS 1 THROUGH 3, INCLUSIVE OF HYNES IMPROVEMENT COMPANY'S TRACT, IN

THE CITY OF PARAMOUNT, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, AS SHOWN ON MAP RECORDED IN BOOK 11, PAGE 113 OF MAPS, IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY RECORDER OF SAID COUNTY.

EXCEPT THE SOUTH 5 FEET OF SAID LOT 3.

TOGETHER WITH THOSE PORTIONS OF THE ALLEY ABUTTING SAID LAND ON THE WEST AS WOULD PASS BY OPERATION OF LAW DESCRIBED IN RESOLUTION 02:015 RECORDED OCTOBER 29, 2002 AS INSTRUMENT NO. 02-2572031 OF OFFICIAL RECORDS.

APN 7102-027-020, APN 7102-027-019
13162-0011\3166481v2.doc - 7 -
A Notary Public or other officer completing this certificate verifies only the identity of the individual who signed the document to which this certificate is attached, and not the truthfulness, accuracy, or validity of that document.

State of California )
County of Los Angeles )
On _________________________, before me, ,
(insert name and title of the officer)
Notary Public, personally appeared ,
who proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person(s) whose name(s) is/are subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he/she/they executed the same in his/her/their authorized capacity(ies), and that by his/her/their signature(s) on the instrument the person(s), or the entity upon behalf of which the person(s) acted, executed the instrument.

I certify under PENALTY OF PERJURY under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing paragraph is true and correct.

WITNESS my hand and official seal.

Signature (Seal)
13162-0011\3166481v2.doc - 8 -
A Notary Public or other officer completing this certificate verifies only the identity of the individual who signed the document to which this certificate is attached, and not the truthfulness, accuracy, or validity of that document.

I certify under PENALTY OF PERJURY under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing paragraph is true and correct.

WITNESS my hand and official seal.

Signature (Seal)
To: Honorable City Council
From: John Moreno, City Manager
By: John King, AICP, Planning and Building
Director
Heidi Luce, City Clerk
Date: October 28, 2025
SUBJECT: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARAMOUNT APPROVING ZONE CHANGE NO. 251, A REQUEST BY GO STORE

IT/MADISON CAPITAL HOLDINGS TO CHANGE THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF PARAMOUNT FROM M-2 (HEAVY

MANUFACTURING) TO PD-PS (PLANNED DEVELOPMENT WITH

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS) TO ALLOW FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A
154,550 SQUARE FOOT SELF-STORAGE FACILITY AT 7342

PETTERSON LANE IN THE CITY OF PARAMOUNT AND FINDING THE

PROJECT EXEMPT FROM CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
ACT (CEQA) PURSUANT TO SECTION 15332 (INFILL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS) OF THE CEQA GUIDELINES.

BACKGROUND
The City Council, at its regularly scheduled meeting on October 14, 2025, introduced Ordinance No. 1206 and placed it on the October 28, 2025 agenda for consideration of adoption.

ORDINANCE NO. 1206
“AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PARAMOUNT APPROVING ZONE CHANGE NO. 251, A REQUEST BY

GO STORE IT/MADISON CAPITAL HOLDINGS TO CHANGE THE
OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF PARAMOUNT FROM M-2
(HEAVY MANUFACTURING) TO PD-PS (PLANNED DEVELOPMENT

WITH PERFORMANCE STANDARDS) TO ALLOW FOR
CONSTRUCTION OF A 154,550 SQUARE FOOT SELF-STORAGE
FACILITY AT 7342 PETTERSON LANE IN THE CITY OF PARAMOUNT

AND FINDING THE PROJECT EXEMPT FROM CALIFORNIA

ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PURSUANT TO SECTION
15332 (INFILL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS) OF THE CEQA
GUIDELINES.”
Agenda Report October 28, 2025
ORDINANCE NO. 1206 Page 2

DISCUSSION
During consideration of this ordinance at the October 14, 2025 City Council meeting, concern was expressed for the art design features on the street-facing sides of the building and for the location of the driveways providing ingress and egress to the facility.

A representative from Athens Services (located near the subject property) expressed this concern. In response to the concern regarding the driveways, the applicant explained that the driveways are proposed as required by the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

With regard to the design features, the City Council directed staff to work with the applicant on an agreeable design solution that meets City Council expectations and maintains the spirit of the Development Review Board approval on October 1, 2025.

The applicant has agreed to the requested art design changes and will work with the new Public Art Advisory Committee for an acceptable form of art design. Planning and Building Department staff will brief the Development Review Board at its November 5, 2025 meeting. Additionally, Athens Services submitted a letter reiterating their support for the project on October 17, 2025 (attached).

Given that the concerns expressed at the October 14 meeting have been addressed, Ordinance No. 1206 is attached to this report and presented for adoption at tonight’s meeting. The agenda report from the October 14, 2025, meeting is also attached for reference.

FISCAL IMPACT
None.

VISION, MISSION, VALUES, AND STRATEGIC OUTCOMES
The City’s Vision, Mission, and Values set the standard for the organization, establish priorities, uniformity and guidelines; and provide the framework for policy decision making. The Strategic Outcomes were implemented to provide a pathway to achieving the City’s Vision. This item aligns with Strategic Outcome No 1: Safe Community - Provide a safe place to live, work, and visit. 3: Economic Health - Support a healthy, sustainable economy reflecting community values. 4: Environmental Health - Promote, protect, and enhance a healthy, sustainably built, and natural environment.

RECOMMENDED ACTION
Adopt Ordinance No. 1206.

11. ORDINANCE APPROVING ZONE CHANGE NO. 251, A REQUEST BY GO

STORE IT/MADISON CAPITAL HOLDINGS TO CHANGE

THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF
PARAMOUNT FROM M-2 (HEAVY MANUFACTURING) TO

PD-PS (PLANNED DEVELOPMENT WITH PERFORMANCE

STANDARDS) TO ALLOW FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A
154,550 SQUARE FOOT SELF-STORAGE FACILITY AT 7342

PETTERSON LANE IN THE CITY OF PARAMOUNT AND

FINDING THE PROJECT EXEMPT FROM CALIFORNIA

ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PURSUANT TO
SECTION 15332 (INFILL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS) OF

THE CEQA GUIDELINES
Recommended Action: Read by title only, waive further
reading, introduce Ordinance No. 1206 and place it on the October 28, 2025 agenda for adoption.

To: Honorable City Council
From: John Moreno, City Manager
By: John King, AICP, Planning and Building
Director
Monica Mercado-Rodriguez, Assistant
Planning and Building Director
Date: October 14, 2025
SUBJECT: APPROVING ZONE CHANGE NO. 251, A REQUEST BY GO STORE

IT/MADISON CAPITAL HOLDINGS TO CHANGE THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF PARAMOUNT FROM M-2 (HEAVY

MANUFACTURING) TO PD-PS (PLANNED DEVELOPMENT WITH

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS) TO ALLOW FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A
154,550 SQUARE FOOT SELF-STORAGE FACILITY AT 7342

PETTERSON LANE IN THE CITY OF PARAMOUNT AND FINDING THE

PROJECT EXEMPT FROM CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
ACT (CEQA) PURSUANT TO SECTION 15332 (INFILL DEVELOPMENT

PROJECTS) OF THE CEQA GUIDELINES

BACKGROUND
On February 27, 2024, the City Council reviewed a report on seven existing self-storage facilities in Paramount and considered a request for direction regarding future self-storage project proposals. Following discussion and with City Council consensus, staff was directed to continue bringing requests for self-storage facilities for consideration on a case-by-case basis.

On October 1, 2025, the Planning Commission held a public hearing to consider approval of a request from Go Store It/Madison Capital Group Holdings to construct a 154,500 square foot indoor self-storage facility at 7342 Petterson Lane. The Planning Commission approved a recommendation that the City Council adopt an ordinance approving Zone Change No. 251, changing the official Zoning Map from M-2 (Heavy Manufacturing) to PD-PS (Planned Development with Performance Standards) at this location.

On the same evening, the Planning Commission approved Tentative Parcel Map No. 84936 to abandon and relocate an existing 10-foot-wide sewer easement. The Parcel Map also includes a street dedication along Garfield Avenue and Petterson Lane for the purposes of public right-of-way improvements, resulting in a net property area of 52,552 square feet (1.21-acres) for the project. The applicant will prepare a Final Parcel Map for City Council review and approval at a later date at the direction of the City Engineer.

In addition, on October 1, 2025, the Development Review Board approved the design of the indoor self-storage facility, of which a portion farthest from Garfield Avenue is six Agenda Report October 14, 2025
ORDINANCE NO. 1206 Page 2
floors and 67 feet at the highest point. The portion of the facility closest to Garfield Avenue is four floors and 47 feet, eight inches in height. The approvals of Tentative Parcel Map No. 84936 and Development Review Application No. 25:003 along with the related project conditions of approval are contingent upon City Council’s adoption of Ordinance No. 1206/Zone Change No. 251.

The property owner operated Wagner Plate Works/Pressure Vessel Technologies at the subject site from 1998 until earlier this year upon their retirement. The business was a manufacturer of pressure vessels (tanks) for pipelines, oil, gas, and water treatment. The open-air manufacturing process included steel cutting, roll forming, welding, sandblasting, and the application of epoxy coatings.

DISCUSSION
Project Description
As part of this request, Ordinance No. 1206/Zone Change No. 251 will change the zoning designation of the subject property from M-2 (Heavy Manufacturing) to PD-PS (Planned Development with Performance Standards), which will facilitate the development of the indoor self-storage facility, which includes a 200 square foot leasing office. As the M-2 zone does not permit self-storage facilities, the applicant is requesting a zone change from M-2 (Heavy Manufacturing) to PD-PS (Planned Development with Performance Standards) to accommodate the land use.

Existing Site Conditions
Below are updated photos of the property. The photos demonstrate that existing site conditions have deteriorated rapidly since Wagner Plate Works/Pressure Vessel Technologies vacated the premises earlier this year.

Agenda Report October 14, 2025
ORDINANCE NO. 1206 Page 3
Plans
Below are the elevations and site plan for the project as approved by the Development Review Board:

Agenda Report October 14, 2025
ORDINANCE NO. 1206 Page 4
Proposed Zone Change
The two maps below show the existing and proposed Zoning Map for the zone change from M-2 to PD-PS:

EXISTING PROPOSED

The PD-PS zone is a land use tool intended to encourage development of superior design and quality through the creation of performance standards. In addition, the PD-PS zone ensures a fuller realization of the Paramount General Plan. The project will involve the development of an indoor self-storage facility with 10 parking spaces and three loading bays. All existing structures on the property – currently in a state of blight and health and safety risk – will be demolished as part of this request.

Agenda Report October 14, 2025
ORDINANCE NO. 1206 Page 5
The zone change is necessary and proper to allow the construction of the proposed facility. The project site is predominately surrounded by industrial and commercial buildings; therefore, the proposed self-storage building will not be detrimental to the adjacent or surrounding properties.

The project proposes to demolish the existing industrial buildings that were previously used for metal processing and treatment. The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) issued permits to the business for abrasive blasting and the operation of spray equipment, and SCAQMD staff identified the facility as a potential source of fugitive hexavalent chromium emissions during the course of a 2017 investigation.

Redeveloping the site with an indoor self-storage facility removes the possibility of a similar metal manufacturing business assuming the use of the property. Given the largescale, truly industrial nature of the structures and operations along Garfield Avenue, a major arterial through Paramount, the demolition and replacement of these structures and uses with clean, quiet, and modern facilities will vastly improve the image of this area and the City as a whole. Additionally, according to the traffic study for the project, the proposed self-storage facility will remove 55 daily trips and three daily truck trips, for a total decrease of 58 daily vehicle trips.

The proposed indoor self-storage building will enhance the character of the area and will assist with the removal of dilapidated buildings, avoid the constant vandalism to an underutilized site, and be a catalyst for redevelopment of the area. The project as proposed will not be detrimental to the adjacent properties given a storage facility would be compatible with the surrounding area.

Community Benefits Agreement
As a condition of approval of the Development Review Application approved by the Development Review Board, the applicant is required to enter into a Community Benefits Agreement with the City. A Community Benefits Agreement is a tool that establishes and implements the provision of community benefits to the immediate and greater Paramount community. In exchange for approval of a project that benefits a private investor, an applicant may opt to share economic benefits with the community-at-large.

Changing a zone to accommodate the proposed business is a complex endeavor. For a small jurisdiction with limited resources, the analysis of the zone change in a compressed timeframe has required the dedication of hours of staff time. In the case of the present self-storage proposal which is not listed as a permitted use in the M-2 zone, an approval grants the applicant the authorization to construct and operate a self-storage business.

This business type is known as a high-income generator for a developer, but as it is mostly a service-based business, the City will only receive minimum sales tax proceeds from accessories such as box and packing tape sales.

Agenda Report October 14, 2025
ORDINANCE NO. 1206 Page 6
As such, the City and the applicant are required to enter into a Community Benefits Agreement with two payments, $400,000 in total, from the applicant to the City. The City Attorney will review and approve such an agreement, and the City will determine the expenditure of the $400,000. Once drafted, the Community Benefits Agreement will be presented to the City Council for approval.

General Plan
The proposed project complies with the following General Plan Land Use Policies:

Land Use Element Policy 14: The City of Paramount will encourage the continued revitalization of its industrial districts to accommodate economic development and growth.

The project would develop a new six-story indoor self-storage building on a site that presently contains dilapidated metal structures and an office building. The proposed project would improve the quality of the project site compared to existing conditions and would promote economic development and growth in the City of Paramount.

Land Use Element Policy 15: The City of Paramount will promote the development of modern and attractive business parks that will enhance the community’s economic wellbeing.

The proposed project would provide a safe, secure, and high-quality indoor self-storage facility that is compatible with the character of existing land uses in the vicinity. Industrial buildings are located to the north, south, east, and west of the project site. The proposed project would be consistent with the existing zoning and land use designations in the vicinity of the project site. The design of the proposed project is compatible with the architectural themes of existing land uses in the vicinity.

Sustainability
The Go Store It project meets City sustainability goals. In 2021, the City Council adopted the Paramount Climate Action Plan (CAP). As solar panels will be installed on the building rooftop, this indoor self-storage project supports Measure RE1: Increase Local Renewable Energy Generation of the CAP. Drought tolerant landscaping that meets City water-use and aesthetics requirements will be planted in support of Measure WA1:

Promote Water Conservation. The demolition of existing structures will be through the City’s construction and demolition diversion program to minimize materials transported to a landfill in support of Measure WR1: Solid Waste Diversion Programs.

Summary
Due to the minimal activity typically associated with indoor self-storage facilities, the proposed project will align with existing land uses and will not disrupt the surrounding area. The requested zone change will enable the development of a modern storage facility that significantly enhances the physical and visual condition of a currently blighted site. The project design will adhere to the City’s architectural expectations and integrate Agenda Report October 14, 2025
ORDINANCE NO. 1206 Page 7
with nearby uses and the upcoming improvement to the nearby Athens Services facility.

Through the Community Benefits Agreement, the applicant demonstrates a commitment to long-term investment and collaboration with the Paramount community.

This facility will contribute positively to the area’s appearance and supports the City’s industrial development objectives. As described in the Land Use Element of the City’s General Plan, the Industrial land use classification includes land uses involved in manufacturing, processing and warehousing activities. The proposed project includes a self-storage facility, which is a type of warehousing activity. As such, the proposed project is consistent with the allowable uses for the Industrial land use designation.

Finally, the change from manufacturing to indoor self-storage removes the possibility of the present unsightly, loud, and unhealthful conditions returning to this prominent location.

Environmental Analysis
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Class 32 exemption applies to infill development projects (CEQA Guidelines Section 15332). A project can qualify for a Class 32 exemption if the proposed project: (1) is consistent with applicable General Plan designation and all general plan policies, as well as with applicable zoning designation and regulations; (2) the proposed development occurs within City limits on a project site of no more than five acres substantially surrounded by urban uses; (3) the project site has no value as habitat for endangered, rare, or threatened species; (4) the approval of the project would not result in any significant effects relating to traffic, noise, air quality, or water quality; and (5) the site can be adequately served by all required utilities and public services (CEQA Guidelines Section 15332).

The project is consistent with General Plan policies and regulations in that is has a land use designation of Industrial. In addition, the project site is located entirely within an urbanized area in Paramount on 1.21-acre site. The subject site was surveyed, and does not contain any known habitat for endangered, threatened, or rare species of wildlife.

Traffic, noise, air quality, and water quality have been studied, and no significant impacts have been identified. Consequently, it can be determined that the project can be exempted from further CEQA action under the Class 32 exemption.

FISCAL IMPACT
None.

Agenda Report October 14, 2025
ORDINANCE NO. 1206 Page 8
1: Safe Community - Provide a safe place to live, work, and visit; No. 3: Economic Health - Support a healthy, sustainable economy reflecting community values; and No. 4:

Environmental Health - Promote, protect, and enhance a healthy, sustainably built, and natural environment.

RECOMMENDED ACTION
Read by title only, waive further reading, introduce Ordinance No. 1206 and place it on the October 28, 2025 agenda for adoption.

CITY OF PARAMOUNT

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
ORDINANCE NO. 1206

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PARAMOUNT APPROVING ZONE CHANGE NO. 251, A REQUEST BY

GO STORE IT/MADISON CAPITAL HOLDINGS TO CHANGE THE
OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF PARAMOUNT FROM M-2
(HEAVY MANUFACTURING) TO PD-PS (PLANNED DEVELOPMENT

WITH PERFORMANCE STANDARDS) TO ALLOW FOR
CONSTRUCTION OF A 154,550 SQUARE FOOT SELF-STORAGE
FACILITY AT 7342 PETTERSON LANE IN THE CITY OF PARAMOUNT

AND FINDING THE PROJECT EXEMPT FROM CALIFORNIA

ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PURSUANT TO SECTION
15332 (INFILL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS) OF THE CEQA
GUIDELINES.

THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARAMOUNT DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. Purpose and Findings. The City Council finds and declares as follows:

WHEREAS, California Constitution Article XI, Section 7, enables the City of Paramount (“the City”) to enact local planning and land use regulations; and WHEREAS, the authority to adopt and enforce zoning regulations, including the location and boundaries of the various zones shown and delineated on the Official Zoning Map of the City, is an exercise of the City’s police power to protect the public health, safety, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the City desires to ensure that development occurs in a prudently effective manner, consistent with the goals and objectives of the General Plan as updated and adopted by the City Council on August 7, 2007 and reasonable land use planning principles; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on October 1, 2025 at which time it considered all evidence presented, both written and oral, and at the end of the hearing voted to adopt Resolution No. PC 25:027, recommending that the City Council adopt this Ordinance; and
WHEREAS, the City Council held a duly noticed public hearing on this Ordinance on October 14, 2025, at which time it considered all evidence presented, both written and oral.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARAMOUNT DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

ORDINANCE NO. 1206

Page 2 ends

SECTION 2. The official Zoning Map of the City of Paramount adopted by Ordinance No. 178 on February 20, 1962 is amended as shown on the map attached hereto, marked “Exhibit A”, to be zoned PD-PS (Planned Development with Performance Standards). Said change shall be made on the official Zoning Map of the City of Paramount
Said zone change shall be subject to the following conditions:

Permitted Uses:

The following use shall be permitted in this PD-PS zone:

1. Self-storage facilities

2. Sales of small accessories, such as cardboard boxes and locks, by the storage facility owner or manager from the interior of the building.

Prohibited Uses:

The following uses shall be prohibited in this PD-PS zone:

1. Vehicle storage. Truck and/or van storage is prohibited at all times. All other vehicle storage is prohibited overnight.

2. Housing. Any type of residence or caretaker unit is prohibited.

3. Customer businesses. Subleasing of or operating businesses from storage units is prohibited.

4. Recreational vehicles. The outdoor parking or outdoor storage of any recreational vehicle shall not be allowed. Such recreational vehicles shall include, but are not limited to motorhomes, boats, travel trailers, and transport trailers.

Performance Standards:

1. Vehicle repair. The maintenance, repair, or dismantling of any vehicle within the PD-PS (Planned Development with Performance Standards) zone is prohibited.

2. Vehicle parking. The parking of any vehicle in any area of any lot, other than designated parking stalls and loading areas, is prohibited.

3. Satellite dish. The installation of a satellite dish shall be on the rooftop or otherwise concealed from public view.

ORDINANCE NO. 1206

Page 3 ends

4. Pole/antennae. Any wireless telecommunications equipment shall be reviewed and approved by the Development Review Board.

5. Trash/recyclables. Trash, recyclables, organic waste, or other waste shall be disposed of in the designated trash enclosure in compliance with Chapter 17.118 of the Paramount Municipal Code.

6. Storage enclosed. All property being stored at the storage facility must be kept entirely within enclosed buildings.

7. Storage restrictions. The storage or accumulation of trash, manure, and other offensive or noxious materials in a self-storage unit or any other location is specifically prohibited.

8. Hazardous materials. Hazardous materials are prohibited at the storage facility.

9. Noise. Any building equipment, such as air conditioning devices, must comply with the Paramount Noise Ordinance. To limit the effects of noise pollution in the area, metal roll-up storage unit doors shall be properly maintained and lubricated on a monthly basis at minimum.

10. Modifications. Alterations or modifications to the exterior of the building, fences, railings, walls, or other improvements constructed on the property, or changes to the grade or drainage pattern of the property, are prohibited without the prior consent of the Planning and Building Director.

Development Standards:

1. Setbacks. Building setbacks are to be as shown on the submitted site plan and made by reference a part of this zone change.

2. Parking. Parking shall be provided as shown on the submitted site plan and made by reference a part of this zone change.

3. Driveways. The driveways shall not be widened.

4. Signage. All signs on the exterior of the building shall comply with Central Business District sign regulations.

5. Fences, etc. No fence or hedge exceeding 42 inches in height shall be erected or permitted in the front setback area on any lot. No chain link fences are permitted.

6. Security bars. No wrought iron, metal, steel, etc. burglar bars shall be installed on exterior of any window. All exterior doors must be able to open without special knowledge or tools.

ORDINANCE NO. 1206

Page 4 ends

7. Security wire. No barbed wire, concertina wire, razor wire or cut glass shall be used as a fence or part of a fence, wall, or hedge along any property line or within any required side, rear, or front yard.

8. Tarps. The use of tarps is prohibited in front setbacks, side setbacks, rear yard areas, over driveways, and in parking and circulation areas.

9. Landscaping/irrigation. Landscaping and irrigation shall comply with Chapter 17.96 (Water-Efficient Landscape Provisions) of the Paramount Municipal Code.

10. Development Review. All conditions of Development Review Application No. 22:005 are applicable unless superseded by relevant changes to the Paramount Municipal Code.

Compliance with Chapter 17.72 (PD-PS, Planned Development with Performance Standards Zone) of the Paramount Municipal Code.

This zone change case shall comply with all conditions set forth in Chapter 17.72 (PD-PS, Planned Development with Performance Standards Zone) of the Paramount Municipal Code zone, Section 17.72.010 to 17.72.210, inclusive.

SECTION 3. California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The City Council hereby determines that the proposed project is categorically exempt from the review under the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15332 (Infill Development Projects) of the State CEQA Guidelines (14 Cal. Code Regs., Section 15332). As set forth in the Class 32 exemption, the proposed project is:
(1) consistent with applicable General Plan designation and all general plan policies, as well as with applicable zoning designation and regulations; (2) the proposed development occurs within City limits on a project site of no more than five acres substantially surrounded by urban uses; (3) the project site has no value as habitat for endangered, rare, or threatened species; (4) the approval of the project would not result in any significant effects relating to traffic, noise, air quality, or water quality; and (5) the site can be adequately served by all required utilities and public services. Therefore, it can be determined that the project is exempted from further CEQA action under the Class 32 exemption.

SECTION 4. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase in this ordinance or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is for any reason held invalid, the validity of the remainder of the ordinance or the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances shall be adopted thereby. The City Council hereby declares it would have passed this ordinance and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, or phrases or the application thereof to any person or circumstance be held invalid.

ORDINANCE NO. 1206

Page 5 ends

SECTION 5. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect thirty days after its adoption, shall be certified as to its adoption by the City Clerk, and shall be published as required by law together adoption of this Ordinance to be published as required by law.

PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Paramount this ___ day of __________ 2025.
____________________________________
Peggy Lemons, Mayor
ATTEST:
________________________
Heidi Luce, City Clerk
Exhibit A
Ordinance No. 1206/Zone Change No. 251
Existing Zoning
7342 Petterson Lane
M-2 (Heavy Manufacturing)
R-1 (Single-Family Residential)
Exhibit A
Ordinance No. 1206/Zone Change No. 251
Proposed Zoning
7342 Petterson Lane
R-1 (Single-Family Residential)
M-2 (Heavy Manufacturing)
PD-PS (Planned Development with Performance
Standards)

To: Honorable City Council
From: John Moreno, City Manager
By: Heidi Luce, City Clerk
Date: October 28, 2025
SUBJECT: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

PARAMOUNT, APPROVING ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENT
NO. 38 TO AMEND TITLE 17 OF THE PARAMOUNT MUNICIPAL CODE

REGARDING FACILITIES FOR NONORGANIC RECYCLABLE

MATERIALS, ORGANIC WASTE, AND SOLID WASTE CITYWIDE AND

MAKING A FINDING OF EXEMPTION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT.

BACKGROUND
The City Council, at its regularly scheduled meeting on October 14, 2025, introduced Ordinance No. 1207, and placed it on the October 28, 2025 agenda for adoption.

ORDINANCE NO. 1207
“AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

PARAMOUNT, APPROVING ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENT
NO. 38 TO AMEND TITLE 17 OF THE PARAMOUNT MUNICIPAL CODE

REGARDING FACILITIES FOR NONORGANIC RECYCLABLE

MATERIALS, ORGANIC WASTE, AND SOLID WASTE CITYWIDE AND

MAKING A FINDING OF EXEMPTION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT.”

DISCUSSION
Ordinance No. 1207, as shown above, is presented for adoption at tonight’s meeting. The agenda report from the October 14, 2025, meeting is attached for reference.

FISCAL IMPACT
None.

VISION, MISSION, VALUES, AND STRATEGIC OUTCOMES
The City’s Vision, Mission, and Values set the standard for the organization, establish priorities, uniformity and guidelines; and provide the framework for policy decision Agenda Report October 28, 2025
ORDINANCE NO. 1207 Page 2
making. The Strategic Outcomes were implemented to provide a pathway to achieving the City’s Vision. This item aligns with Strategic Outcome No 1: Safe Community - Provide a safe place to live, work, and visit. 4: Environmental Health - Promote, protect, and enhance a healthy, sustainably built, and natural environment.

RECOMMENDED ACTION
Adopt Ordinance No. 1207.

12. ORDINANCE APPROVING ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENT NO. 38 TO AMEND TITLE 17 OF THE PARAMOUNT

MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING FACILITIES FOR

NONORGANIC RECYCLABLE MATERIALS, ORGANIC

WASTE, AND SOLID WASTE CITYWIDE AND MAKING A

FINDING OF EXEMPTION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA

ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
Recommended Action: Read by title only, waive further
reading, introduce Ordinance No. 1207, and place it on the October 28, 2025 agenda for adoption.

To: Honorable City Council
From: John Moreno, City Manager
By: John King, AICP, Planning and Building
Director
Date: October 14, 2025
SUBJECT: APPROVING ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENT NO. 38 TO AMEND TITLE 17 OF THE PARAMOUNT MUNICIPAL CODE

REGARDING FACILITIES FOR NONORGANIC RECYCLABLE

MATERIALS, ORGANIC WASTE, AND SOLID WASTE CITYWIDE AND

MAKING A FINDING OF EXEMPTION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA

ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT

BACKGROUND
This item is a request to approve an ordinance for Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment (ZOTA) No. 38, revising requirements for facilities for nonorganic recyclable materials, organic waste, and solid waste citywide.

The City Council adopted the Zoning Code or Zoning Ordinance (Title 17 of the Paramount Municipal Code) in 1962. Since then, the City Council has incrementally updated the Code when needed.

On October 1, 2025, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. PC 25:029, recommending that the City Council adopt an ordinance approving Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment No. 38.

DISCUSSION
The City’s residential, commercial, and manufacturing zoning regulations include various requirements for trash containers and trash enclosures. Single-family homes are required to store trash barrels out of public view after the City’s franchise hauler picks up trash, and businesses and multifamily residential properties (five or more housing units) are generally required to provide for trash bins and enclosures. In the early 1990s to follow State law, the City added Code sections related to recycling bins in trash enclosures.

In 2016, the State of California passed legislation (SB 1383) requiring the collection of organic waste such as food scraps and yard trimmings. In 2021, the City Council adopted an ordinance establishing regulations implementing State law.

Agenda Report October 14, 2025
ORDINANCE NO. 1207 Page 2
While the City now complies with State requirements for organic waste and recycling, zoning regulations, particularly for trash enclosures, require updating to account for these recent changes.

Summary of Proposed Revisions
The proposed ordinance would delete trash enclosure-related sections of the Paramount Municipal Code within individual zones and introduce a new chapter that incorporates all trash facility requirements into a single regulatory set. Some of the provisions of the proposed ordinance include the following:
• Separating trash enclosure requirements into two categories – (1) residential properties with four or fewer housing units; and (2) commercial, industrial, institutional, and residential properties with five or more housing units. • Accounting for new organic waste container storage.
• Providing minimum requirements for container maintenance. • Setting development standards that include block construction, openings, surface, interior curb, roof, and lid.
• Establishing a process to allow the conversion of one parking space with an administrative permit to accommodate the expansion of an enclosure.

The City Attorney has reviewed and approved the draft ordinance.

Environmental Assessment
This ordinance is exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) which is the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment and CEQA does not apply where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity may have a significant effect on the environment.

FISCAL IMPACT
None.

VISION, MISSION, VALUES, AND STRATEGIC OUTCOMES
The City’s Vision, Mission, and Values set the standard for the organization, establish priorities, uniformity, and guidelines; and provide the framework for policy decisionmaking. The Strategic Outcomes were implemented to provide a pathway to achieving the City’s Vision. This item aligns with Strategic Outcome No. 1: Safe Community - Provide a safe place to live, work, and visit; and No. 4: Environmental Health - Promote, protect, and enhance a healthy, sustainably built, and natural environment.

Agenda Report October 14, 2025
ORDINANCE NO. 1207 Page 3

RECOMMENDED ACTION
Read by title only, waive further reading, introduce Ordinance No. 1207, and place it on the October 28, 2025 agenda for adoption.

CITY OF PARAMOUNT

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
ORDINANCE NO. 1207

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

PARAMOUNT, APPROVING ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENT
NO. 38 TO AMEND TITLE 17 OF THE PARAMOUNT MUNICIPAL CODE

REGARDING FACILITIES FOR NONORGANIC RECYCLABLE

MATERIALS, ORGANIC WASTE, AND SOLID WASTE CITYWIDE AND

MAKING A FINDING OF EXEMPTION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT.

THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARAMOUNT DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. Purpose and Findings. The City Council finds and declares as follows:

A. California Constitution Article XI, Section 7, enables the City of Paramount (“the City”) to enact local planning and land use regulations; and B. The authority to adopt and enforce zoning regulations is an exercise of the City’s police power to protect the public health, safety, and welfare; and C. The City desires to ensure that development occurs in a prudently effective manner, consistent with the goals and objectives of the General Plan as updated and adopted by the City Council on August 7, 2007 and reasonable land use planning principles; and
D. The City Council finds that appropriate regulations for the storage and use of trash enclosures protect public health and further the important aesthetic values of the City of Paramount.

E. The Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on October 1, 2025 at which time it considered all evidence presented, both written and oral, and at the end of the hearing voted to adopt Resolution No. PC 25:029, recommending that the City Council adopt this Ordinance; and F. The City Council held a duly noticed public hearing on this Ordinance on October 14, 2025, at which time it considered all evidence presented, both written and oral.

SECTION 2. The Recitals set forth hereinabove are true and correct and incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein.

REVISED 10/14/25
ORDINANCE NO. 1207

Page 2 ends

SECTION 3. Definitions. The following definitions are hereby added in the appropriate locations of Section 17.04.010 (Definitions) of the Paramount Municipal Code to read as follows:

California Code of Regulations (CCR). State of California Code of Regulations.

Nonorganic recyclables. Non-putrescible and nonhazardous recyclable wastes, including, but not limited to, bottles, cans, metals, plastics, and glass, or as otherwise defined in Title 14 of California Code of Regulations Section 18982.

Solid waste. This definition has the same meaning as defined in California Public Resources Code Section 40191, which defines solid waste as all putrescible and nonputrescible solid, semi-solid, and liquid wastes, including garbage, trash, refuse, paper, rubbish, ashes, industrial wastes, demolition and construction wastes, abandoned vehicles and parts thereof, discarded home and industrial appliances, dewatered, treated, or chemically fixed sewage sludge which is not hazardous waste, manure, vegetable or animal solid and semi-solid wastes, and other discarded solid and semi-solid wastes, with the exception that solid waste does not include any of the following wastes:

1. Hazardous waste as defined in California Public Resources Code Section 40141.

2. Radioactive waste regulated pursuant to the California Radiation Control Law (Chapter 8, commencing with Section 114960, of Part 9 of Division 104 of the California Health and Safety Code).

3. Medical waste regulated pursuant to the California Medical Waste Management Act (Part 14, commencing with Section 117600, of Division 104 of the California Health and Safety Code). Untreated medical waste shall not be disposed of in a solid waste landfill, as defined in California Public Resources Code Section 40195.1. Medical waste that has been treated and deemed to be solid waste shall be regulated pursuant to Division 30 of the California Public Resources Code.

Solid waste contractor. Any person or business with whom the City may have a contract pursuant to this chapter for the collection, removal, and disposal of garbage, waste, or rubbish.

SECTION 4. Subsection 17.08.080(E) of the Paramount Municipal Code is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:

E. Receptacles (including but not limited to barrels, bins, carts, containers, or dumpsters), facilities, and storage for garbage, waste, refuse, trash, organic waste, and nonorganic recyclables shall comply with Chapter 17.118.

SECTION 5. Subsection 17.12.120(B) of the Paramount Municipal Code is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:

ORDINANCE NO. 1207

Page 3 ends

B. “Receptacles (including but not limited to barrels, bins, carts, containers, or dumpsters), facilities, and storage for garbage, waste, refuse, trash, organic waste, and nonorganic recyclables shall comply with Chapter 17.118.” SECTION 6. Subsection 17.16.160(B)(2) of the Paramount Municipal Code is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:

2. “Receptacles (including but not limited to barrels, bins, carts, containers, or dumpsters), facilities, and storage for garbage, waste, refuse, trash, organic waste, and nonorganic recyclables shall comply with Chapter 17.118.” SECTION 7. Subsection 17.24.080(E) of the Paramount Municipal Code is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:

E. “Receptacles (including but not limited to barrels, bins, carts, containers, or dumpsters), facilities, and storage for garbage, waste, refuse, trash, organic waste, and nonorganic recyclables shall comply with Chapter 17.118.” SECTION 8. Subsection 17.28.050 of the Paramount Municipal Code is hereby amended to add the following subsection M to read as follows:

M. “Facilities for Nonorganic Recyclable Materials, Organic Waste, and Solid Waste. Receptacles (including but not limited to barrels, bins, carts, containers, or dumpsters), facilities, and storage for garbage, waste, refuse, trash, organic waste, and nonorganic recyclables shall comply with Chapter

17.118.”
SECTION 9. Subsection 17.32.090(I) of the Paramount Municipal Code is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:

I. “Receptacles (including but not limited to barrels, bins, carts, containers, or dumpsters), facilities, and storage for garbage, waste, refuse, trash, organic waste, and nonorganic recyclables shall comply with Chapter 17.118.” SECTION 10. Subsection 17.36.090(K) of the Paramount Municipal Code is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:

K. “Receptacles (including but not limited to barrels, bins, carts, containers, or dumpsters), facilities, and storage for garbage, waste, refuse, trash, organic waste, and nonorganic recyclables shall comply with Chapter 17.118.” SECTION 11. Subsection 17.44.120(E)(1) of the Paramount Municipal Code is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:

ORDINANCE NO. 1207

Page 4 ends

1. “Facilities for Nonorganic Recyclable Materials, Organic Waste, and Solid Waste. Receptacles (including but not limited to barrels, bins, carts, containers, or dumpsters), facilities, and storage for garbage, waste, refuse, trash, organic waste, and nonorganic recyclables shall comply with Chapter

17.118.”
SECTION 12. Section 17.72.208 is hereby added to the Paramount Municipal Code read as follows:
“17.72.208 Facilities for nonorganic recyclable materials, organic waste, and solid waste.

Receptacles (including but not limited to barrels, bins, carts, containers, or dumpsters), facilities, and storage for garbage, waste, refuse, trash, organic waste, and nonorganic recyclables shall comply with Chapter 17.118.” SECTION 13. A new Chapter 17.118 is hereby added to the Paramount Municipal Code to read as follows:
“Chapter 17.118

FACILITIES FOR NONORGANIC RECYCLABLE MATERIALS, ORGANIC

WASTE, AND SOLID WASTE

17.118.010 Purpose
The provisions of this Chapter establish standards applicable to receptacles, storage, and facilities for waste in order to protect public health and community aesthetics in accordance with State standards and requirements, as those may be amended from time to time.

17.118.020 Applicability of other code sections.

The provisions of Chapter 13.09 (Mandatory Organic Waste Disposal Reduction) and Chapter 13.20 (Refuse, Garbage, and Weeds) of the Paramount Municipal Code are also applicable to the materials regulated by this chapter.

17.118.030 Residential – four or fewer housing units per property.

A. Solid Waste, Nonorganic Recyclables, and Organic Waste Containers

1. Containers. All solid waste, nonorganic recyclables, and organic waste shall be placed, maintained, and stored in containers provided by the City’s solid waste contractor. If the Planning and Building Director or designee determines that a receptacle size is inadequate ORDINANCE NO. 1207

Page 5 ends

for the amount of waste generated, the property owner is responsible for promptly securing an adjustment to the levels of service for waste collection with the solid waste contractor.

2. Container Separation. Designated materials shall be separated and placed in designated black, blue, brown, and green containers in accordance with Chapter 13.09.020 of the Paramount Municipal Code. Prohibited container contaminants shall not be placed in collection containers.

3. Container Lid. Each container lid shall be completely closed at all times when the container is not being filled or emptied.

4. Container Storage. With the exception of the weekly day in which the City’s solid waste contractor collects solid waste, nonorganic recyclables, and organic waste from a property when stored in a designated container, garbage, waste, refuse, trash, organic waste, and nonorganic recyclable materials and/or containers shall not be stored in the front yard, or in any other place that is visible from a public street. If the physical design of the dwelling does not allow for obscuring containers from public view because of the type of fencing or lack thereof, or lack of an appropriate enclosed area, containers shall be stored in an area adjacent to the dwelling at the point farthest from the closest public street or roadway or in an enclosure adjacent to the dwelling.

5. Container Maintenance. It shall be the duty of every owner or occupant of any residential dwelling within the City to maintain such containers in a clean condition, free of graffiti and vandalism, at all times.

6. Containers in Disrepair. If such containers are broken, vandalized, or in unusable condition, the household is responsible to promptly inform the City’s solid waste contractor of said condition to ensure that the solid waste contractor can replace the containers in a timely manner to prevent substandard conditions from the improper storage of solid waste, nonorganic recyclables, and organic waste.

7. Container Use. It is unlawful to use any container furnished by a solid waste contractor for any purpose other than the collection, accumulation and storage of waste, or to convert or alter such containers for other uses, or to intentionally damage such containers.

ORDINANCE NO. 1207

Page 6 ends

B. Waste Outdoors. No person(s) shall deposit, maintain, accumulate, dispose of, or allow the deposit, accumulation, maintenance, or any disposal of any garbage, waste, refuse, trash, organic waste, or nonorganic recyclables outside of a building except as authorized in this section. It is the sole responsibility of the person(s) associated with the property to resolve any of the above conditions described in a timely fashion or as determined by the City.

17.118.040 Trash storage facilities – commercial, industrial, institutional, and residential – five or more housing units per property.

A. Enclosure

1. Access and Location Requirements
a. Distance from Building. There shall be provided and
maintained within 100 feet of each building, an enclosure for the purpose of storing garbage, waste, refuse, trash,
nonorganic recyclables, and organic waste of all persons utilizing said parcel.
b. Access. Maneuvering areas shall meet the minimum
requirements of equivalent size loading area. A turnaround must be provided for any street, driveway, or travel aisle that would otherwise require the collection vehicle to back up a distance greater than 100 feet. A minimum of a 42-foot turning radius is required for solid waste collection vehicles. c. Overhead Clearance. Overhead clearance of 20 feet must be provided in front of the enclosure to allow containers to be emptied by the front-end loader collection vehicles.

2. Enclosure Construction Requirements.
a. Block Construction. Said enclosure for the purpose of storing garbage, waste, refuse, trash, nonorganic recyclables, and organic waste shall have on each side thereof a solid masonry wall constructed of minimum six-inch reinforced block, of not less than six feet in height except for openings.
b. Openings. All openings shall be equipped with gates or doors which meet the height requirement of this subsection and requirements for durability. Such gates or doors shall be equipped at all times with a fully operating, self-closing device.

Gates or doors shall be not less than five feet in height and ORDINANCE NO. 1207

Page 7 ends

made of a solid noncombustible material with latches and bolts. The enclosure opening, including gates and hinges, must provide a minimum opening of nine feet to allow containers to be moved in and out of the enclosure. At least one opening or gate or door shall be of sufficient width to provide reasonable and necessary access to the storage area and said opening door or gate shall at all times be located and maintained at such a place and in such fashion that access to the storage area for the deposit and removal of waste, trash, refuse, nonorganic recyclables, organic waste, and garbage is reasonably afforded. c. Surface. The floor of an enclosure shall be a concrete pad, flush with the adjacent driveway.
d. Interior Curb. A six-inch-wide by eight-inch-high concrete curb at the base of interior walls for the protection of walls from containers/bins shall be installed within an enclosure. e. Roof. Enclosures shall be constructed with a sloped
noncombustible material solid roof, designed to screen the bins and direct rainfall away from the enclosure. An enclosure roof shall be of a noncombustible decorative material and color to complement the design of the primary structure. The enclosure roof shall extend sufficiently outward so that wind-blown rain will not enter the interior of the storage area within an enclosure. A minimum of eight feet of vertical clearance within the storage area shall be provided to allow the container lids to be fully opened and closed inside the trash enclosure. If fire sprinklers or drop lighting are installed within the enclosure, the minimum vertical clearance of eight feet will be measured from the lowest point of the sprinkler heads, lighting, or any other fixture. f. Lid. All garbage, waste, refuse, trash, nonorganic recyclables, and organic waste stored within such enclosure shall be placed and maintained in a metal bin container, plastic barrel container, or any receptables as assigned by the hauler, with an overlapping fly-tight lid as provided and designated by the City’s solid waste contractor. The lid shall be secured in place at all times when the container is not being filled or emptied. g. Structural and Accessibility Review. Structural and
accessibility details for an enclosure shall be reviewed by the Building and Safety Division for possible approval.

ORDINANCE NO. 1207

Page 8 ends

3. Containers.
a. Container Contents. Designated materials shall be separated and placed in designated containers in accordance with
Chapter 13.09.020. In addition to or in place of storage in designated black, blue, brown, and green barrel containers; garbage, waste, refuse, trash, and nonorganic recyclables may be stored in metal bins equipped with wheels as provided and designated by the City’s solid waste contractor. All garbage, waste, refuse, trash, and nonorganic recyclables designated to be contained in such bins shall be maintained within the interior of said metal bins. The bins shall be equipped with a lid which shall be completely closed at all times except when being filled or emptied. Prohibited
container contaminants shall not be placed in collection containers.
b. Container Location. All of said aforementioned containers, including bins and barrels, shall be kept and maintained within the walls of said enclosure except when being emptied by a collector.
c. Containers in Disrepair. If such containers are broken, vandalized, or in unusable condition, the container user or property owner is responsible to inform the City’s solid waste contractor of said condition to ensure that the solid waste contractor can replace the containers in a timely manner to prevent substandard conditions from the improper storage of solid waste, nonorganic recyclables, and organic waste. d. Container Use. It is unlawful to use any container furnished by a solid waste contractor for any purpose other than the collection, accumulation and storage of waste, or to convert or alter such containers for other uses, or to intentionally damage such containers.

4. Enclosure Area. Enclosures shall provide sufficient space for adequate capacity, number and distribution of solid waste, nonorganic recyclables, and organics containers to serve a development or use. The developer, property owner, or business owner associated with the property is responsible for contacting the City's solid waste contractor to review the specific service level needs for a development or use. If at any time it is determined by the City or the City’s solid waste contractor that the established service levels are no longer adequate for the generation of any waste stream ORDINANCE NO. 1207

Page 9 ends

onsite, it is the responsibility of the person(s) and/or business associated with the property to establish an adjustment to service levels with the City’s solid waste contractor.

5. Enclosure Landscape Screening. Following separate Planning Division review and approval, landscaping (with appropriate irrigation) shall be utilized to screen the trash enclosure on all sides visible from a public right-of-way or parking lot. The landscaping shall consist of hedges or vines to be maintained between four and five feet high.

6. Existing Enclosure Expansion. If the required expansion of any existing enclosure for garbage, waste, refuse, trash, nonorganic recyclables, and organic waste requires the removal of one parking space beyond the minimum parking space requirement under Chapter 17.44, and/or the equivalent area of a landscaped planter that is not within the required front setback of a property, it may be granted following Planning and Building Department review of an Administrative Permit application. Proposed enclosure expansion area materials, including wall/screening materials and surface, and precise location, dimensions, and floor area shall be submitted with the Administrative Permit application for Planning and Building Department consideration. Approval criteria are based on the proposed expansion location in regard to the surroundings and the specific storage requirements of a business and/or property.

7. Maintenance. All enclosures, containers/bins, and adjacent paving shall be maintained in good, clean condition. Graffiti and vandalism shall be promptly removed and repaired as needed. Chipped or faded paint and rusted metal shall be repainted to result in a consistent as-new paint color on the subject surface. Changes in paint color shall be submitted to the Planning Division for review and possible approval. Irrigation serving vines or other plants upon or adjacent to an enclosure shall be maintained in working condition without leaks or loss of pressure. Vines or other plants upon or adjacent to an enclosure shall be maintained in a thriving and orderly condition.

B. Waste Outdoors. No person(s) shall deposit, maintain, accumulate, dispose of, or allow the deposit, maintenance, accumulation, or disposal of any garbage, waste, refuse, trash, organic waste, or nonorganic recyclables outside of a building except as authorized in this section. It is the sole responsibility of the person(s) associated with the property to resolve any of the above conditions described in a timely fashion or as determined by the City.

ORDINANCE NO. 1207

Page 10 ends

SECTION 14. California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). This ordinance is exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) which is the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment and CEQA does not apply where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity may have a significant effect on the environment.

SECTION 15. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase in this ordinance or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is for any reason held invalid, the validity of the remainder of the ordinance or the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances shall be adopted thereby. The City Council hereby declares it would have passed this ordinance and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, or phrases or the application thereof to any person or circumstance be held invalid.

SECTION 16. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect thirty days after its adoption, shall be certified as to its adoption by the City Clerk, and shall be published as required by law, together with the names and members of the City Council voting for and against the Ordinance.

PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Paramount this __ day of ____ 2025.

Peggy Lemons, Mayor
ATTEST
Heidi Luce, City Clerk
To: Honorable City Council
From: John Moreno, City Manager
By: Grissel Chavez, Assistant City Manager
Lana Dich, Finance Director
Date: October 28, 2025
SUBJECT: AGREEMENT WITH FAIRBANK, MASLIN, MAULIN, METZ & ASSOCIATES (FM3) TO CONDUCT COMMUNITY SURVEYS FOR

PROPOSED REVENUE ENHANCEMENT MEASURES ON THE JUNE
AND NOVEMBER 2026 BALLOTS

BACKGROUND
During the October 14th City Council special meeting discussing the topic of revenue enhancement measures, City Council gave direction for staff to further explore the possibility of a 1/4 cent sales tax increase along with establishing a new parcel tax. City Council also authorized the City Manager to hire a firm to conduct community polling services to determine the viability of such measures being placed on the 2026 ballot.

The Council considered pursuing these revenue enhancement measures in order to address a growing structural deficit with the General Fund. The City regularly evaluates cost saving measures in order to avoid the need for additional revenue. However, additional revenue is needed in order to maintain the high-quality services that Paramount residents expect. At this time, no specific ballot measure has been identified, drafted, or evaluated.

DISCUSSION
The City has received a proposal from FM3 to conduct two surveys of Paramount residents to gauge their perceptions of and attitudes towards the City, gauge their budget priorities, and test the viability of possible ballot initiatives that the City may consider placing in front of voters. Data collection and survey efforts will consist of telephone and online interviews, as well as email/text invitations; in both the English and Spanish languages.

Baseline Survey – FM3 will conduct an 18-minute dual-mode survey (online and by telephone, featuring approximately 35-50 unique questions) among a random sample of up to 300 likely November 2026 General Election voters, to include an approximate sample of between 150 and 175 registered voters who would also be likely to vote in the June 2026 Municipal Election. The baseline survey will primarily focus on two potential revenue generating initiatives that the City is considering pursuing in the 2026 elections.

Agenda Report October 28, 2025
FM3 AGREEMENT – COMMUNITY SURVEYS Page 2
Follow-up Survey – FM3 will conduct a follow-up survey featuring approximately 35-50 unique questions in the first quarter of 2026 to focus primarily on topics to be explored for the November 2026 Election. They would conduct an 18-minute survey among a random sample of up to 300 likely November 2026 voters.

If approved by City Council, FM3 is prepared to begin the work in November 2025. Results of the polling/data would be presented to City Council by spring 2026.

FISCAL IMPACT
FM3 can complete the baseline and follow-up surveys for a total not-to-exceed cost of $60,500. This price includes all costs for questionnaire design and translation, sample acquisition and preparation, programming, email and text message invitations, bilingual online survey hosting, bilingual telephone interviewing, data entry and analysis, and reporting.

This expense is not included in the FY 2025-26 adopted budget. However, staff has identified savings from the Hay Tree Acquisition project that can be reallocated to offset the budget shortfall for this effort. Therefore, staff recommends that the City Council approve the reallocation of $60,500 from Hay Tree Acquisition project within the Capital Improvement Fund (Fund 112) to cover this cost.

Fund Division Account Service
Description
Increase (Decrease)
Capital
Project
Fund
(112)
Capital
Improvement
112-95-
70-7146
Hay Tree
Acquisition
($ 60,500)
Capital
Project
Fund
(112)
Finance 112-15-
11-5151
Surveying
Services (FM3)
$ 60,500

Agenda Report October 28, 2025
FM3 AGREEMENT – COMMUNITY SURVEYS Page 3

RECOMMENDED ACTION
1) Approve the reallocation of savings from the Hay Tree Acquisition project within CIP Fund 112 in the amount of $60,500 to cover this project cost; and 2) Approve the draft agreement with Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates (FM3) in an amount not to exceed $60,500 to conduct two community surveys for the City’s exploration of revenue generating ballot initiatives, and authorize the City Manager to make additional minor edits to the draft agreement until it is finalized in a form approved by the City Attorney.

Paramount PSA (January 2025) 1

CITY OF PARAMOUNT

SERVICES AGREEMENT
This Agreement is made and entered into as of October 28th, 2025 by and between the City of Paramount, a municipal corporation organized and operating under the laws of the State of California with its principal place of business at 16400 Colorado Avenue, Paramount, CA 90723 (“City”), and Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates (FM3), a California corporation with its principal place of business at 12100 Wilshire Boulevard, suite 350, Los Angeles, CA 90025 (hereinafter referred to as “Consultant”). City and Consultant are sometimes individually referred to as “Party” and collectively as “Parties” in this Agreement.

RECITALS
A. City requires provision of the following professional services:

Public opinion research services/polling of the community for possible 2026 ballot initiatives, all as more fully set forth and described in this Agreement.

B. Consultant is duly licensed and/or otherwise fully authorized by law, and has the necessary experience and qualifications, to provide such services. City enters into this Agreement in substantial reliance on such experience and qualifications.

C. The Parties enter this Agreement in order to set forth terms and conditions governing Consultant’s performance of the services described herein.

AGREEMENT
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS AGREED AS FOLLOWS:

1. Scope of Services.

Consultant shall perform the services generally described in (i) the Scope of Services attached hereto as Exhibit “A”; (ii) any applicable request for proposals issued by the City; and (iii) as otherwise required by this Agreement, all to City’s satisfaction (collectively, “Services” herein.)

2. Compensation.
a. Subject to Section 2.b, below, the City shall pay for the Services satisfactorily performed, in accordance with the Schedule of Rates/Payments set forth in Exhibit “B”, attached hereto.
b. In no event shall the total amount paid for the Services exceed the sum of sixty thousand five hundred dollars ($60,500). This amount covers and is inclusive of all labor, materials, and any and all other costs incurred by Consultant in performing the Services, unless otherwise agreed upon in writing. Consultant shall be deemed to have made all necessary inquiries and site inspections prior to agreeing to perform the Services. Periodic payments for undisputed work shall be made within thirty (30) days of receipt of an invoice which includes a detailed description of the work Paramount PSA (January 2025) 2
performed. Payments to Consultant for work performed will be made on a monthly billing basis.

3. Additional Work.

The Parties may agree on additional work to be provided as part of the Services. An amendment to this Agreement shall be prepared by the City and executed by both Parties authorizing such additional work and compensation therefor, prior to such work being performed.

4. Maintenance of Records.

Books, documents, papers, accounting records, and other evidence pertaining to costs incurred shall be maintained by Consultant and made available for review by the City at all reasonable times during the term of this Agreement and for four (4) years from the date of final payment by City.

5. Term; Time of Performance.

The term of this Agreement shall commence on the date first set forth above and shall expire on June 30, 2026, unless extended or earlier terminated as provided herein.

Consultant shall complete the Services within the term of this Agreement, and shall meet any other established schedules and deadlines agreed upon in writing. Consultant represents that it has the professional and technical personnel required to satisfactorily perform the Services as required by this Agreement. All indemnification provisions of this Agreement shall survive and remain in effect following the termination of this Agreement.

The Parties may, by mutual, written consent, extend the term of this Agreement.

6. Delays in Performance.
a. Force Majeure. Neither City nor Consultant shall be considered in default of this Agreement for delays in performance caused by force majeure events. Force majeure events mean and refer to circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the nonperforming party including, but not limited to, abnormal weather conditions; floods; earthquakes; fire; epidemics; war; riots and other civil disturbances; strikes, lockouts, work slowdowns, and other labor disturbances; sabotage or judicial restraint.

Consultant’s lack of financial capability, not due to any of the foregoing events, shall not constitute a force majeure event.
b. Should a force majeure event occur, the non-performing party shall, within a reasonable time of being prevented from performing, but not more than three (3) business days, give written notice to the other party describing the circumstances preventing continued performance and the efforts being made to resume performance of this Agreement.

Paramount PSA (January 2025) 3

7. Compliance with Law.
a. Consultant shall comply with all applicable local, State, and federal laws, ordinances, statutes, codes and regulations, including Cal/OSHA requirements, in the performance of the Services.
b. City may, but is not required, to assist Consultant in obtaining and maintaining all permits required of Consultant by federal, state and/or local regulatory agencies. c. If applicable, and unless otherwise provided in the Scope of Services, Consultant is responsible for all costs of clean up and/or removal of hazardous and toxic substances spilled as a result of his or her services or operations performed under this Agreement.

8. Standard of Care.

Consultant’s Services shall be performed in accordance with the generally accepted professional standards of practice and principles and in a manner consistent with the level of care and skill ordinarily exercised by members of the profession currently performing similar services under similar conditions in the County of Los Angeles. Consultant shall, at all times herein, possess any and all State of California and/or federal professional licenses and certifications, as applicable, required to lawfully perform the Services.

9. Assignment and Subcontracting.

Consultant shall not assign or transfer this Agreement or any rights or obligations under, or any interest in this Agreement, or subcontract any required performance hereunder, without the prior written consent of the City, which may be withheld for any reason. The Services required to be performed by the Consultant are personal to the Consultant. Any attempt to so assign, transfer, or subcontract without such consent shall be void and without legal effect and shall constitute grounds for termination. Authorized subcontracts, if any, shall contain a provision making the subcontractor subject to all requirements of this Agreement.

10. Independent Contractor.

Consultant is retained as an independent contractor and is not an employee of City. No employee or agent of Consultant is or shall become an employee of City. The work to be performed shall be in accordance with the Scope of Services described in this Agreement, subject to such directions and amendments from City as herein provided. a. All work and other Services provided pursuant to this Agreement shall be performed by Consultant or by Consultant’s employees or other personnel under Consultant’s supervision, and Consultant and all of Consultant’s personnel shall possess the qualifications, permits, and licenses required by State and local law to perform the Services, including, without limitation, a City of Paramount business license as required by the Paramount Municipal Code. Consultant will determine the means, methods, and details by which Consultant’s personnel will perform the Services.

Consultant shall be solely responsible for the satisfactory work performance of all Paramount PSA (January 2025) 4
personnel engaged in performing the Services and compliance with the customary professional standards.
b. None of Consultant’s employees and/or other personnel performing any of the Services under this Agreement on behalf of Consultant shall be employees of City and shall at all times be under Consultant’s exclusive direction and control. Consultant and Consultant’s personnel shall not supervise any of City’s employees; and City’s employees shall not supervise Consultant’s personnel. Consultant’s personnel shall not wear or display any City uniform, badge, identification number, or other information identifying such individual as an employee of City; and Consultant’s personnel shall not use any City e-mail address or City telephone number in the performance of any of the Services under this Agreement. Consultant shall acquire and maintain at its sole cost and expense such vehicles, equipment and supplies as Consultant’s personnel require to perform any of the Services required by this Agreement.

Consultant shall perform all Services off of City premises at locations of Consultant’s choice, except as otherwise may from time to time be necessary in order for Consultant’s personnel to receive projects from City, review plans on file at City, pick up or deliver any work product related to Consultant’s performance of any Services under this Agreement, or as may be necessary to inspect or visit City locations and/or private property to perform such Services. City may make a computer available to Consultant from time to time for Consultant’s personnel to obtain information about or to check on the status of projects pertaining to the Services under this Agreement. c. Consultant shall be responsible for and pay all wages, salaries, benefits and other amounts due to Consultant’s personnel in connection with their performance of any Services under this Agreement and as required by law. Consultant shall be responsible for all reports and obligations respecting such additional personnel, including, but not limited to: Social Security taxes, other retirement or pension benefits, income tax withholding, unemployment insurance, disability insurance, and workers' compensation insurance. Notwithstanding any other agency, State, or federal policy, rule, regulation, statute or ordinance to the contrary, Consultant and its officers, employees, agents, and subcontractors providing any of the Services under this Agreement shall not become entitled to, and hereby waive any claims to, any wages, salaries, compensation, benefit or any incident of employment by City, including but not limited to, eligibility to enroll in, or reinstate to membership in, the California Public Employees Retirement System (“PERS”) or any other retirement program, as an employee of City, and entitlement to any contribution to be paid by City for employer contributions or employee contributions for PERS benefits or any other retirement benefits.
d. To the maximum extent permitted by laws, Consultant shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the City and other Indemnitees (as defined in Section 13.a herein), from any and all liabilities, damages, claims, costs and expenses of any nature to the extent arising from, caused by, or relating to Consultant’s violation of any provision of this Section 10, or any of Consultant’s personnel practices. In addition to all other remedies at law, City shall have the right to offset against the amount of any fees due to Consultant under this Agreement any amount due to City from Consultant as a result of Consultant’s failure to promptly pay to City any reimbursement or indemnification obligation arising under this Section. The duty of indemnification set Paramount PSA (January 2025) 5
forth in this Section is in addition to all other indemnification provisions of this Agreement.

11. PERS Compliance.

General Requirements. The Parties acknowledge that City is a local agency member of PERS, and as such has certain pension reporting and contribution obligations to PERS on behalf of qualifying employees. Consultant agrees that, in providing its employees and any other personnel to City to perform any work or other Services under this Agreement, Consultant shall assure compliance with the Public Employees’ Retirement Law, commencing at Government Code § 20000, the regulations of PERS, and the Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act of 2013, as amended. Without limitation to the foregoing, Consultant shall assure compliance with regard to personnel who have active or inactive membership in PERS and to those who are retired annuitants and in performing this Agreement shall not assign or utilize any of its personnel in a manner that will cause City to be in violation of the applicable retirement laws and regulations.

12. Insurance.

Unless otherwise permitted in writing by City’s Risk Manager, Consultant shall not commence work for the City until it has secured insurance in such forms and with such limits as set forth in Exhibit “C“ attached hereto, and provided evidence thereof that is acceptable to the City. In addition, Consultant shall not allow any subcontractor to commence work on any subcontract until it has secured all insurance required under this section.

13. Indemnification.
a. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Consultant shall defend (with counsel reasonably approved by City), indemnify and hold the City, its elected and appointed officials, officers, attorneys, agents, employees, servants, designated volunteers, successors, assigns and those City agents serving as independent contractors in the role of City officials (collectively “Indemnitees” in this Section 13) free and harmless with respect to any and all claims, demands, causes of action, costs, expenses, liabilities, losses, damages, stop notices and/or injury of any kind, in law or equity, to property or persons, including bodily injury, wrongful death, personal injury and property damage, in any manner arising out of, pertaining to, or incidental to any acts, errors, omissions, or willful misconduct of Consultant, its owners, officials, officers, employees, servants, subcontractors, consultants or agents in connection with the performance of the Consultant’s Services, and/or this Agreement, including without limitation the payment of all damages, expert witness fees and attorney’s fees and other related costs and expenses. Consultant's obligation to indemnify shall not be restricted to insurance proceeds, if any, received by Consultant, or by the City or any of the other Indemnitees. Consultant’s duty to indemnify and hold harmless City shall not extend to the City’s sole or active negligence or willful misconduct. b. The provisions of this Section 13 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

Paramount PSA (January 2025) 6

14. California Labor Code Requirements.
a. Consultant is aware of the requirements of California Labor Code Sections 1720, et seq. and 1770, et seq., which require the payment of prevailing wages and the performance of other requirements on certain “public works” and “maintenance” projects (“Prevailing Wage Laws”). If the Services are being performed as part of an applicable “public works” or “maintenance” project, as defined by the Prevailing Wage Laws, and if the total compensation is $1,000 or more, Consultant agrees to fully comply with the Prevailing Wage Laws. These rates are on file with the City Clerk or may be obtained at: http://www.dir.ca.gov/OPRL/DPreWageDetermination.htm. (i) Copies of the prevailing wage rates may be obtained at cost at the City Clerk's office. Consultant shall post a copy of such wage rates at the job site and shall pay the adopted prevailing wage rates as a minimum. Consultant shall comply with the provisions of Sections 1775, 1776, 1777.5, 1777.6, and 1813 of the Labor Code. Pursuant to the provisions of 1775 of the Labor Code, Consultant shall forfeit to the City, as a penalty, not more than $200.00 for each calendar day, or portion thereof, for each laborer, worker, or mechanic employed, paid less than the stipulated prevailing rates for any work done under this Agreement, by them or by any subcontractor under them, in violation of the provisions of this Agreement. (ii) Consultant shall defend, indemnify and hold the City, its officials, officers, employees and agents free and harmless from any claims, liabilities, costs, penalties or interest arising out of any failure or alleged failure to comply with the Prevailing Wage Laws. It shall be mandatory upon the Consultant and all subcontractors to comply with all California Labor Code provisions, which include but are not limited to prevailing wages (Labor Code Sections 1771, 1774 and 1775), employment of apprentices (Labor Code Section 1777.5), certified payroll records (Labor Code Sections 1771.4 and 1776), hours of labor (Labor Code Sections 1813 and 1815) and debarment of contractors and subcontractors (Labor Code Section 1777.1). The requirement to submit certified payroll records directly to the Labor Commissioner under Labor Code Section 1771.4 shall not apply to work performed on a public works project that is exempt pursuant to the small project exemption specified in Labor Code Section 1771.4. b. If the Services are being performed as part of an applicable “public works” or “maintenance” project, then pursuant to Labor Code Sections 1725.5 and 1771.1, the Consultant and all subcontractors performing such Services must be registered with the Department of Industrial Relations. Consultant shall maintain registration for the duration of this Agreement and require the same of any subcontractors, as applicable.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the contractor registration requirements mandated by Labor Code Sections 1725.5 and 1771.1 shall not apply to work performed on a public works project that is exempt pursuant to the small project exemption specified in Labor Code Sections 1725.5 and 1771.1.
c. This Agreement may also be subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the Department of Industrial Relations. It shall be Consultant’s sole responsibility to comply with all applicable registration and labor compliance requirements. Any stop orders issued by the Department of Industrial Relations against Consultant or any Paramount PSA (January 2025) 7
subcontractor that affect Consultant’s performance of the Services, including any delay, shall be Consultant’s sole responsibility. Any delay arising out of or resulting from such stop orders shall be considered Consultant caused delay and shall not be compensable by the City. Consultant shall defend, indemnify and hold the City, its officials, officers, employees and agents free and harmless from any claim or liability arising out of stop orders issued by the Department of Industrial Relations against Consultant or any subcontractor.

15. Data Security.
a. As used in this Agreement, “City Data” means any and all information and data provided or made accessible, directly or indirectly, to Consultant by City, or otherwise acquired from City, in connection with Consultant’s performance of the Services. As between the Consultant and the City, any and all City Data is solely owned by City.

Consultant is granted a limited, non-exclusive, and revocable license to use City Data solely as necessary to perform the Services. At no time shall Consultant use City Data for its own purposes, or sell, disclose or disseminate City Data, except as required by law or to provide the Services. At all times herein, Consultant shall protect and maintain the security of City Data using methods providing not less than the level of security Consultant uses for its own confidential data, and that otherwise comply with recognized industry data security standards applicable to similar kinds of governmental data and information.
b. To the extent any City Data consists of personal information as defined in the California Consumer Privacy Act (Civil Code Section 1798.100, et seq.), Consultant shall comply with that statute and with Civil Code Section 1798.80. et seq., including providing the required notifications in the event of any unauthorized access or disclosure of personal information stored, maintained, accessed, used or transmitted by Consultant in connection with this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Consultant shall within 24 hours notify the City Representative by telephone and in writing of any unauthorized access of City Data. Thereafter, Consultant shall render any assistance to City and law enforcement as necessary to ascertain the nature and extent of such unauthorized access.
c. Consultant shall not store City Data using cloud-based storage without City’s prior, written consent, unless the use of such storage is clearly described in the Scope of Services. Where permitted herein, any and all cloud-based storage shall be on servers and other hardware located within the continental United States, and shall be in compliance with ISO/IEC 27001 - 27018, as applicable, unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the City Representative. Cloud storage using Amazon Web Service or Microsoft Azure shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements of this subsection c.

16. Confidential Information
Consultant understands and agrees that, in the performance of the Services under this Agreement or in contemplation thereof, Consultant may have access to private or confidential information which may be owned or controlled by the City and that, if disclosed to third parties, could be damaging to the City. Consultant agrees that all City information and data provided or made accessible to Consultant by City shall be held in confidence and Paramount PSA (January 2025) 8
disclosed only as needed in performance of this Agreement, or as required by law.

Consultant shall exercise the same standard of care to protect such information as a reasonably prudent consultant would use to protect its own confidential and/or proprietary information and data.

17. Laws and Venue.

This Agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of California without regard for conflicts of laws rules. If any action is brought to interpret or enforce any term of this Agreement, the action shall be brought in a state or federal court situated in the County of Los Angeles, State of California. Consultant must comply with the claim procedures set forth in Government Code section 900, et seq. prior to filing any lawsuit against the City.

18. Termination.
a. City has the right to terminate any portion or all of the Services under this Agreement with or without cause, by giving ten (10) calendar days’ prior, written notice to Consultant. In such event, City shall be immediately given title to and possession of all Work Product, including all related intellectual property rights, and original field notes, drawings and specifications, written reports and all other documents produced or developed pursuant to this Agreement. Provided Consultant is not then in breach, City shall pay Consultant the reasonable value of services rendered for any portion of the Services completed prior to termination. If said termination occurs prior to completion of any specific task for which a payment request has not been received, the charge for Services performed shall be the reasonable value of such Services, based on an amount agreed to by City and Consultant. City shall not be liable for any costs other than the charges or portions thereof which are specified herein.

Consultant shall not be entitled to payment for unperformed services or services within the Scope Services performed prior to the effective date of this Agreement, and shall not be entitled to damages or compensation resulting from such termination of the Services.
b. Consultant may terminate its obligation to provide further Services under this Agreement by serving written notice of termination to the City, provided Consultant has first served the City with a written notice of default and demand to cure, and City has failed to cure such default within thirty (30) days of receipt of such notice.

19. Ownership of Work Product.
a. Except as otherwise provided in Section 18, “Termination”, above, and unless otherwise agreed upon in writing, all draft and final reports, documents, and other written material, and any and all images, ideas, concepts, designs including website designs, source code, object code, electronic data and files, and/or other media whatsoever created or developed by Consultant in the performance of this Agreement (collectively, “Work Product”) shall be considered to be “works made for hire” for the benefit of City. All Work Product and any and all intellectual property rights arising from their creation, including, but not limited to, all copyrights and other proprietary rights, shall be and remain the property of City without restriction or limitation upon Paramount PSA (January 2025) 9
their use, duplication or dissemination by City upon final payment being made or termination of the Agreement by City, provided that any such use shall be at City’s sole risk. Consultant shall not obtain or attempt to obtain copyright protection as to any of the Work Product. “Work Product” does not include intellectual property lawfully owned by or licensed to Consultant prior to the effective date of this Agreement. b. Consultant hereby assigns to City all rights of ownership to the Work Product, including any and all related intellectual property and proprietary rights that are not otherwise vested in the City pursuant to subsection (a), above. c. Consultant warrants and represents that it has secured all necessary licenses, consents or approvals necessary to the production of the Work Product, and that upon final payment or Consultant’s default, City shall have full legal title to the Work Product, and full legal authority and the right to use and reproduce the Work Product for any purpose. Consultant shall defend, indemnify and hold City, and the other Indemnitees (as defined in Section 13(a), above) harmless from any and all loss, claim or liability in any way related to a claim that City’s use of any of the Work Product violates federal, state or local laws, or any contractual provisions, or any rights or laws relating to trade names, licenses, franchises, copyrights, patents or other means of protecting intellectual property rights and/or interests in products, ideas or inventions. Consultant shall bear all costs arising from the use of patented, copyrighted, trade secret or trademarked documents, materials, equipment, devices or processes in connection with its provision of the Work Product produced under this Agreement. In the event the use of any of the Work Product or other deliverables hereunder by City is held to constitute an infringement and the use of any of the same is enjoined, Consultant, at its expense, shall: (a) secure for City the right to continue using the Work Product and other deliverables by suspension of any injunction, or by procuring a license or licenses for City; or (b) modify the Work Product and other deliverables so that they become non-infringing while remaining in compliance with the requirements of this Agreement. This covenant shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

20. Party Representatives.

Consultant hereby designates Richard Bernard, or his or her designee, as Consultant’s Representative for this Agreement, unless and until written notice of a new representative acceptable to City is provided to City. City hereby designates John Moreno, or his or her designee, as City’s Representative for this Agreement. The foregoing Representatives shall be authorized to approve non-monetary revisions to this Agreement, provide consent where required herein, and to make other administrative decisions that will be binding on their respective Party, except as otherwise specifically required herein.

21. Notices.

Any notice or instrument required or permitted to be given or delivered by this Agreement may be given or delivered by depositing the same in any United States Post Office, certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to:

Paramount PSA (January 2025) 10
CITY:

City of Paramount
16400 Colorado Avenue
Paramount, CA 90723
Attn: John Moreno, City Manager
CONSULTANT:

Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz &
Associates (FM3)
2054 University Ave, Suite 600
Berkeley, CA 94704
Attn: Richard Bernard, Partner/Senior
Vice President
and shall be effective upon receipt thereof.

22. Third Party Rights.

Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to give any rights or benefits to anyone other than the City and the Consultant.

23. Equal Opportunity Employment.

Consultant represents that it is an equal opportunity employer and that it shall not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age or other interests protected by the State or Federal Constitutions. Such non-discrimination shall include, but not be limited to, all activities related to initial employment, upgrading, demotion, transfer, recruitment or recruitment advertising, layoff or termination.

24. Entire Agreement.

This Agreement, with its exhibits, all of which are incorporated by reference herein, and all documents incorporated by reference, represents the entire understanding of City and Consultant as to those matters contained herein, and supersedes and cancels any prior or contemporaneous oral or written understanding, promises or representations with respect to those matters covered hereunder. Each party acknowledges that no representations, inducements, promises or agreements have been made by any person which are not incorporated herein, and that any other agreements shall be void. This Agreement may not be modified or altered except in writing signed by both Parties hereto.

This is an integrated Agreement. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between the provisions of this Agreement and any exhibit hereto or document incorporated by reference herein, the provisions of this Agreement shall govern.

25. Severability.

The unenforceability, invalidity or illegality of any provision(s) of this Agreement shall not render any other provisions unenforceable, invalid or illegal.

26. Successors and Assigns.

This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the successors in interest, executors, administrators and assigns of each party to this Agreement.

However, Consultant shall not assign or transfer by operation of law or otherwise any or Paramount PSA (January 2025) 11
all of its rights, burdens, duties or obligations without the prior written consent of City. Any attempted assignment without such consent shall be invalid and void.

27. Non-Waiver.

None of the provisions of this Agreement shall be considered waived by either party, unless such waiver is agreed to in writing, and any such waiver shall be limited to that set of circumstances and not to any future circumstances unless another written waiver is executed.

28. Time of Essence.

Time is of the essence in each and every provision of this Agreement.

29. City’s Right to Employ Other Consultants.

City reserves its right to employ other consultants to provide the Services or similar services to the City.

30. Interest of Consultant.

Consultant covenants that it presently has no interest, and shall not acquire any interest, direct or indirect, financial or otherwise, which would conflict in any manner or degree with the performance of the Services under this Agreement. Consultant certifies that no one who has or will have any financial interest under this Agreement is an officer or employee of the City.

31. Interest of Subcontractors.

Consultant further covenants that, in the performance of this Agreement, no subcontractor or person having any interest, direct or indirect, financial or otherwise, which would conflict in any manner or degree with the performance of the Services under this Agreement shall be employed. Consultant has provided City with a list of all subcontractors and the key personnel for such subcontractors that are retained or to be retained by Consultant in connection with the performance of the Services, to assist the City in affirming compliance with this Section.

32. Prohibited Interests.

Consultant maintains and warrants that it has not employed nor retained any company or person, other than a bona fide employee working solely for Consultant, to solicit or secure this Agreement. Further, Consultant warrants that it has not paid nor has it agreed to pay any company or person, other than a bona fide employee working solely for Consultant, any fee, commission, percentage, brokerage fee, gift or other consideration contingent upon or resulting from the award or making of this Agreement. If required, Consultant further agrees to file, or shall cause its employees or subcontractors to file, a Statement of Economic Interest with the City’s Filing Officer as required under state law in the performance of the Services. For breach or violation of this warranty, City shall have the right to rescind this Agreement without liability. For the term of this Agreement, no Paramount PSA (January 2025) 12
director, official, officer or employee of City, during the term of his or her service with City, shall have any direct interest in this Agreement, or obtain any present or anticipated material benefit arising therefrom.
[SIGNATURES ON FOLLOWING PAGE]
Paramount PSA (January 2025) 13

SIGNATURE PAGE FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT

BETWEEN THE CITY OF PARAMOUNT
AND FAIRBANK, MASLIN, MAULLIN, METZ & ASSOCIATES (FM3)
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

CITY OF PARAMOUNT CONSULTANT: Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates (FM3)
By:____________________________ By:____________________________ John Moreno, City Manager RICHARD BERNARD, PARTNER/SENIOR

VICE PRESIDENT
By: ____________________________

CURTIS BELOW

PARTNER/COO
ATTEST:

By:___________________________
Heidi Luce, City Clerk
Paramount PSA (January 2025) Exhibit - 1

EXHIBIT A
Scope of Services
Baseline survey: FM3 shall conduct an 18-minute dual-mode survey (online and by telephone) among a random sample of up to 300 likely November 2026 General Election voters, which should also include an approximate sample of between 150 and 175 registered voters who would also be likely to vote in the June 2026 Municipal Election.

The baseline survey will primarily focus on a potential initiative that the City is interested in pursuing in the June 2026 Election, but will also ask a small number of questions about another potential initiative that the City might want to explore in the November 2026 Election.

Follow-up survey: FM3 shall conduct a follow-up survey in the first quarter of 2026 to focus primarily on topics to be explored for the November 2026 Election. In this scenario, FM3 shall conduct an 18-minute survey among a random sample of up to 300 likely November 2026 voters.

Up to 300 City of Paramount registered voters likely to participate in the November 2026 General Election, of which FM3 will try to complete up to 175 surveys among City of Paramount registered voters likely to participate in the June 2026 Municipal Election. We will work hard to complete 300 interviews, but if we are unable to obtain that number, we will pro-rate the price. If we are able to obtain more than 300 responses, we will do so at no extra cost to the City.

Research Methodology: Dual-mode voter survey
Data Collection Mode: Telephone and online interview
Respondent Contact Method: Telephone calls, email invitations and text message invitations
Questionnaire: 18-minute baseline and follow-up survey, featuring between approximately 35-50 unique questions (including battery question items and demographic questions)
Language: English and Spanish (online and by telephone - cellular and landlines) Deliverables: Following the completion of each survey, we will provide:

An approved questionnaire for easy reference
An analysis of survey results in PowerPoint
A presentation of the survey results (if requested)
Paramount PSA (January 2025) Exhibit B - 1

EXHIBIT B
Schedule of Rates/Payments
Consultant will invoice City on a monthly cycle, or otherwise as expressly provided in this Agreement. Consultant will include with each invoice a detailed progress report that indicates the amount of budget spent on each task, as applicable. Consultant will inform City regarding any out-of-scope work being performed by Consultant. Any other terms and conditions relating to the amount of compensation to be paid to Consultant are as follows:

FM3 shall conduct an 18-minute baseline and follow-up dual-mode survey among a random sample of up to 300 likely November 2026 General Election voters, as described above, for a total not-to-exceed cost of $30,250 per survey, for a total not to exceed $60,500.

If 300 completes per survey are not achieved, FM3 will just charge for the number of surveys completed on a pro rata basis. If we are able to obtain more than 300 responses, we will do so at no extra cost to the City.

This price is comprehensive, and includes all costs for questionnaire design and translation, sample acquisition and preparation, programming, email and text message invitations, bilingual online survey hosting, bilingual telephone interviewing, data entry and analysis, and reporting.

Paramount PSA (January 2025) Exhibit C - 1

EXHIBIT C

INSURANCE

1. Time for Compliance. Consultant shall not commence work under this Agreement until it has provided evidence satisfactory to the City that it has secured all insurance required under this section, or as may otherwise be permitted or required in writing by the City’s risk manager.

2. Types of Insurance Required. As a condition precedent to the effectiveness of this Agreement for work to be performed hereunder, and without limiting the indemnity provisions of the Agreement, the Consultant, in partial performance of its obligations under such Agreement, shall procure and maintain in full force and effect during the term of the Agreement the following policies of insurance. If the existing policies do not meet the insurance requirements set forth herein, Consultant agrees to amend, supplement or endorse the policies to do so.

A. Commercial General Liability: Commercial General Liability Insurance which affords coverage at least as broad as Insurance Services Office “occurrence" form CG 0001, or the exact equivalent, with limits of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence and no less than $2,000,000 in the general aggregate. Defense costs shall be paid in addition to the limits. The policy shall contain no endorsements or provisions (1) limiting coverage for contractual liability; (2) excluding coverage for claims or suits by one insured against another (cross-liability); or (3) containing any other exclusion(s) contrary to the terms or purposes of this Agreement.

B. Workers' Compensation: Workers' Compensation Insurance, as required by the State of California and Employer's Liability Insurance with a limit of not less than $1,000,000 per accident for bodily injury and disease.

C. Commercial Automobile Liability Insurance: Consultant shall maintain automobile insurance at least as broad as Insurance Services Office form CA 00 01 covering bodily injury and property damage for all activities of the Consultant arising out of or in connection with Work to be performed under this Agreement, including coverage for any owned, hired, non-owned, or rented vehicles, in an amount not less than 1,000,000 combined single limit for each accident. The City of Paramount, its elected or appointed officers, officials, employees and volunteers shall be named as additional insureds on such policy.

D. Cyber Liability: Vendor shall maintain comprehensive cyber liability insurance with limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence/loss and $2,000,000 general aggregate. If the coverage is maintained on a claims-made basis, the Vendor shall maintain such coverage for an additional three (3) years following termination of the contract.

E. For Commercial General Liability and Commercial Automobile Liability (CGL Coverage): The City will be named as an additional insured, under the commercial general liability (“CGL”) liability insurance policy coverage, for all liability arising out of the operations by or on behalf of the named insured, and this CGL liability policy protects the additional insured, its officers, agents and employees against liability for personal and bodily injuries, deaths or property damage or destruction arising in any respect, directly or indirectly, in the performance of the contract.

Paramount PSA (January 2025) Exhibit C - 2
(i) Each such CGL policy shall be endorsed with the following language: The City of Paramount, its elected or appointed officers, officials, employees and volunteers are included as insureds with regard to damages and defense of claims arising from: (a) activities performed by or on behalf of the Named Insured, including the insured's general supervision of the Named Insured, (b) products and completed operations of the Named Insured, or (c) premises owned, leased or used by the Named Insured.
(ii) This CGL policy shall be considered primary insurance as respects the City, its elected or appointed officers, officials, employees, agents and volunteers. Any insurance maintained by the City, including any self-insured retention the City may have, shall be considered excess insurance only and shall not contribute with it. (iii) The inclusion of more than one insured shall not operate to impair the rights of one insured against another insured, and the coverages afforded shall apply as though separate policies had been issued to each insured.
(iv)The Additional Insured coverage under the Consultant’s policy shall be primary and non-contributory and will not seek contribution from the City’s insurance or self-insurance and shall be at least as broad as CG 20 01 04 13.

F. Deductibles and Self-Insured Retentions: Any self-insured retentions must be declared to and approved by City. City reserves the right to require that self-insured retentions be eliminated, lowered, or replaced by a deductible, or require proof of ability to pay losses and related investigations, claim administration, and defense expenses within the retention.

3. Waiver of Subrogation. All policies of Commercial General Liability, Commercial Automobile Liability, and Worker’s Compensation shall specifically allow Consultant or others providing insurance evidence in compliance with these specifications to waive their right of recovery prior to a loss. Consultant hereby waives its own right of recovery against the City, its officials, officers, employees, and agents to the extent of such coverage.

4. Evidence of Insurance. The Consultant shall deliver redacted copies of the required policies or original certificates of insurance and redacted or specimen endorsements issued by their insurer. The Consultant and its insurer are solely responsible for ensuring that the required insurance complies with this Agreement and provides adequate coverage for all services performed. The Consultant shall procure insurance policies that meet the stated standards.

At least fifteen (15) days before any policy expires, or within a reasonable time after policy renewal, the Consultant shall provide evidence of renewal or replacement coverage. If any policy is canceled or reduced, the Consultant must file evidence of reinstatement or replacement coverage within ten (10) days of receipt of written notice of the change.

The City may request copies of insurance policies and endorsements for informational purposes only, without assuming any obligation to verify compliance or adequacy.

Paramount PSA (January 2025) Exhibit C - 3

5. Failure to Maintain Coverage. In the event any policy of insurance required under this Agreement does not comply with these specifications or is canceled and not replaced immediately so as to avoid a lapse in the required coverage, City has the right but not the duty to obtain the insurance it deems necessary and any premium paid by City will be promptly reimbursed by Consultant or City will withhold amounts sufficient to pay premium from Consultant payments. In the alternative, City may cancel this Agreement effective upon notice.

6. Acceptability of Insurers. Each such policy shall be from a company or companies with a current A.M. Best's rating of no less than A- VII and authorized to transact business of insurance in the State of California, or otherwise allowed to place insurance through surplus line brokers under applicable provisions of the California Insurance Code or any federal law.

7. Enforcement of Agreement Provisions (non-estoppel). Consultant acknowledges and agrees that actual or alleged failure on the part of the City to inform Consultant of noncompliance with any requirement imposes no additional obligation on the City nor does it waive any rights hereunder.

8. Requirements Not Limiting. Requirement of specific coverage or minimum limits contained in this Agreement are not intended as a limitation on coverage, limits, or other requirement, or a waiver of any coverage normally provided by any insurance .

Paramount PSA (January 2025) Exhibit C - 4
WORKER’S COMPENSATION INSURANCE CERTIFICATION

WORKERS' COMPENSATION DECLARATION
I hereby affirm under penalty of perjury one of the following declarations: (ONE OF THE

PARAGRAPHS BELOW MUST BE CHECKED)
 I have and will maintain a certificate of consent from the California Labor Commission to self-insure for workers' compensation, as provided for by Section 3700 of the Labor Code, for the performance of the work to be performed under this Agreement.
 I have and will maintain workers' compensation insurance, as required by Section 3700 of the Labor Code, for the performance of the work to be performed under this contract. My workers' compensation insurance carrier and policy number are:

Carrier_____________________________________________
Policy Number_______________________________________
 I certify that, in the performance of the work under this Agreement, I shall not employ any person in any manner so as to become subject to the workers' compensation laws of California, and I hereby agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the City of Paramount and all of its officials, employees, and agents from and against any and all claims, liabilities, and losses relating to personal injury or death, economic losses, and property damage arising out of my failure to provide such worker’s compensation insurance. I further agree that, if I should become subject to the workers' compensation provisions of Section 3700 of the Labor Code, I shall forthwith comply with those provisions.

WARNING: FAILURE TO SECURE WORKERS’ COMPENSATION COVERAGE IS

UNLAWFUL, AND SHALL SUBJECT AN EMPLOYER TO CRIMINAL PENALTIES AND CIVIL FINES UP TO ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($100,000), IN

ADDITION TO THE COST OF COMPENSATION, DAMAGES AS PROVIDED FOR IN SECTION 3706 OF THE LABOR CODE, INTEREST, AND ATTORNEY’S FEES.

By: _________________________________ Dated:______________, 20_____ To: Honorable City Council
From: John Moreno, City Manager
By: Grissel Chavez, Assistant City Manager
John King, Planning and Building Director
Date: October 28, 2025
SUBJECT: AMENDING THE AUTHORIZED POSITION LISTING AND SALARY

SCHEDULE FOR FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES AND APPROVING NEW

CLASS SPECIFICATIONS FOR DESIGNATED FULL-TIME POSITION

BACKGROUND
The City Council approves the position classification listings and salary ranges for City employees during each Fiscal Year budget adoption. From time to time, modifications to position classifications and specifications are needed to ensure effective and efficient business operations. Pursuant to the Paramount Municipal Code, the City Manager has the authority to make personnel changes in their capacity as the City’s Personnel Officer.

However, modifications that impact the City’s Budget (i.e. compensation, Authorized Position Listing) must be approved by the City Council.

Staff is requesting City Council approval of the reclassification of Building and Safety Manager to Building and Housing Manager as further described below. Resolution No. 25:036 includes the amended FY 2025-26 Authorized Position Listing and Salary Schedule for Full-Time Employees to reflect this new position. Additionally, Section

2.16.030 of the Municipal Code requires City Council to review and approve any changes to position class specifications. At this time, City Council is requested to approve the new class specifications for the Building and Housing Manager.

DISCUSSION
The City’s Building and Safety Manager retired earlier this month, leaving a vacancy in the Planning and Building Department. At this time, based upon review of the Department’s operational needs, staff is requesting City Council approval of the reclassification of the Building and Safety Manager to Building and Housing Manager.

The proposed changes are necessary to accurately reflect the expanded scope of responsibilities, evolving community needs, and the City’s integrated approach to managing both building safety and housing programs. This new position will provide higher management support towards the administration of housing-related programs, housing grant management, and implementation of housing policies consistent with State mandates such as the Housing Element and Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA). The new title and role better align with the City’s strategic goals of promoting Agenda Report October 28, 2025
RESOLUTION NO. 25:036 Page 2
safe, habitable, and compliant buildings while addressing housing availability, affordability, and quality. Consolidating building and housing oversight under a single management position enhances operational efficiency, improves coordination between related functions, and provides a unified point of leadership for both regulatory enforcement and housing program delivery.

FISCAL IMPACT
No impact. The salary for the new Building and Housing Manager remains the same as the salary for the former Building and Safety Manager.

VISION, MISSION, VALUES, AND STRATEGIC OUTCOMES
The City’s Vision, Mission, and Values set the standard for the organization, establish priorities, uniformity and guidelines; and provide the framework for policy decision making. The Strategic Outcomes were implemented to provide a pathway to achieving the City’s Vision. This item aligns with Strategic Outcome No 6: Efficient, Effective, and Fiscally Responsible - Deliver an efficient and effective City government in a fiscally responsible, transparent and collaborative manner.

RECOMMENDED ACTION
Adopt Resolution No. 25:036 amending the authorized position listing and salary schedule for full-time employees by adding the new Building and Housing Manager, and approving the class specifications for that new position.

CITY OF PARAMOUNT

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
RESOLUTION NO. 25:036

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARAMOUNT

AMENDING THE AUTHORIZED POSITION LISTING AND SALARY

SCHEDULE FOR FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES AND APPROVING NEW

CLASS SPECIFICATIONS FOR DESIGNATED FULL-TIME POSITION
WHEREAS, as part of the annual budget adoption process, the City Council adopted the Authorized Position Listing for Full-Time and Part-Time Employees by separate resolution; and
WHEREAS, the City Council also approves the position classification listings for City employees as authorized by the Municipal Code; and WHEREAS, from time to time, modifications to position classifications and specifications are needed to align with updated job responsibilities to ensure effective business operations; and
WHEREAS, there is a need to reclassify the existing Building and Safety Manager position based on the Department’s operational need; and WHEREAS, the new full-time position of Building and Housing Manager is hereby added to the City’s position listing and the position of Building and Safety Manager shall be removed from the position listing; and
WHEREAS, the new full-time position classification of Building and Housing Manager is necessary to reflect the expanded scope of responsibilities and ensure alignment with the City’s organizational and operational needs; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARAMOUNT AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. The above recitations are true and correct.

SECTION 2. The City Council approves the updated Authorized Position Listing and Salary Schedule for Full-Time Positions attached hereto as Exhibit “A” and Exhibit “B” and incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth.

SECTION 3. The City Council approves the new class specifications for the designated Full-time Position of Building and Housing Manager, attached hereto as Exhibit “C” and incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth.

SECTION 4. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.

RESOLUTION NO. 25:036

Page 2 ends

PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Paramount this 28th day of October 2025.

Peggy Lemons, Mayor
ATTEST:

Heidi Luce, City Clerk
RESOLUTION NO. 25:036

Page 2 ends

EXHIBIT A

AUTHORIZED POSITION LISTING FOR FULL-TIME POSITIONS
FY 2026
RESOLUTION NO. 25:036

Page 4 ends

* represents frozen positions.

EXHIBIT B
SALARY SCHEDULE – FULL-TIME POSITIONS
FY 2026
RESOLUTION NO. 25:036

Page 5 ends

EXHIBIT C

NEW POSITION CLASS SPECIFICATIONS

BUILDING AND HOUSING MANAGER
Definition

THE POSITION
Under direction, to plan, organize, supervise and evaluate the work of building inspection, permitting, and housing program and project staff in the Planning and Building Department; to oversee and supervise the day-to-day operational activities of the Building and Safety Division and Housing Program; to coordinate and communicate with other departments, City officials, external agents and the public to provide information and address issues related to assigned functions; to assist in the development and administration of the Building and Safety Division and Housing Program budget; and to perform other related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is a mid-management class in the Planning and Building series. Incumbents supervise staff responsible for conducting building inspection, plan examination, building permitting, housing program and project administration to ensure the safety, habitability, and compliance of buildings and residential structures; and administer housing grants, programs, and projects. Duties require extensive knowledge of building codes, housing regulations, and appropriate certification in building inspection.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
An incumbent in this class receives direct supervision from the Planning and Building Director and the Assistant Planning and Building Director. An incumbent in this class exercises direct supervision over subordinate, Building Inspectors, Building Permit Technicians, Management Analyst, and other support staff as assigned.

Examples of Duties
• Supervise and direct the work of subordinate personnel engaged in building inspection, plan examination, permitting, housing enforcement, housing grant management, and related activities; plan, organize and coordinate staff assignments; participate in the recruitment and selection of new employees; develop employee schedules; assign staff duties and review work for compliance with established standards, requirements and procedures; monitor employee performance and initiate transfers, reassignments and/or disciplinary actions as required.

RESOLUTION NO. 25:036

Page 6 ends

• Plan, schedule and ensure appropriate training and compliance with certification requirements; maintain and verify training records and certifications and ensure that staff receive ongoing training needed to maintain competence and knowledge, develop new skills, and perform work efficiently and effectively. • Monitor staff work for quality and compliance with applicable laws, codes, regulations and ordinances; review staff inspection reports for consistency and accuracy; research and investigate problems or issues and resolve expediently and appropriately.
• Provide input to the development and implementation of departmental policies and procedures; review Building and Safety Division and Housing Program activities and recommend policy or procedure changes to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Provide information to the public regarding building code requirements; interpret and explain necessary measures for compliance; coordinate and direct the resolution of complaints; respond to the most difficult inquiries or inspection issues and follow-up as needed to ensure that issues have been resolved. • Coordinate building inspection activities with code enforcement staff, planners and other departments as needed; arrange for joint inspections as necessary. • Assist code enforcement staff on cases involving structures; review County Assessor documents to identify property ownership, liens, zoning and other characteristics; provide interpretation of building permit documents. • Ensure that building plans, permits and other Building and Safety Division and Housing Program records are retained and maintained appropriately and in compliance with legal requirements.
• Prepare required reports, including State-mandated reports regarding the number of housing units constructed, the number of permits issued, and the collection of State fees.
• Coordinate and perform special projects as assigned; provide business process expertise and coordination to the development and implementation of new building-related systems and technology tools.
• Assist with the preparation and administration of the Building and Safety Division and Housing Program budget; develop plans and proposals to meet future service needs; analyze expenditures and implement appropriate fiscal control measures as needed.

RESOLUTION NO. 25:036

Page 7 ends

• May perform the most difficult building inspection, plan examination and permitting duties and/or coordinate with the Building Official for inspection assistance.
• Plan and conduct staff meetings; attend a variety of meetings, seminars and conferences related to assigned activities.
• Act in the absence of the Director and/or Assistant Director if assigned. • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge of:
• Advanced principles, practices, terminology and techniques of building and plan permitting, examination, inspection, violation investigation and enforcement; including housing program administration
• Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of assigned programs, policies and operational needs. • Principles and practices of employee supervision and leadership, including staff selection, motivation, direction, mentoring and performance evaluation. • Laws, regulations, standards and requirements applicable to assigned programs and functions, including State codes, local ordinances and City policies, including housing-related laws and tenant protections
• Basic civil engineering principles, practices and methods related to structural engineering.
• Fair housing, the Housing Element development and implementation process, and the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA).
• The Uniform/California Building, Plumbing, and Mechanical Codes, and the National Electrical Code.
• Building-related recordkeeping requirements and procedures. • Advanced methods and techniques for researching property information.

Correct English usage, including grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.

Skill to:
• Effectively utilize modern office equipment, including personal computers and standard business software such as the Microsoft Office Suite. • Operate a variety of office equipment, including a calculator, copier, computer and assigned software.

RESOLUTION NO. 25:036

Page 8 ends

Safely operate one or more types of vehicles if required by assignments.

Ability to:
• Plan, organize, schedule, supervise and evaluate the work of subordinate staff performing a variety of building inspection, plan examination, permitting, and housing program duties.
• Ensure that assigned functions are performed in compliance with applicable codes and laws.
• Interpret and explain applicable laws, codes, rules, ordinances and regulations, including housing-related regulations.
• Handle difficult public contact situations with tact. • Review and prepare complex reports based on technical and legal information. • Develop and maintain appropriate systems for maintaining building and safety records and housing records.
• Perform building inspections and investigations.
• Determine appropriate actions within broad guidelines. • Meet schedules and timelines.
• Prepare and administer budgets.
• Exercise good judgment, flexibility, creativity and sensitivity in response to changing situations and needs. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Any combination of education, training, and work experience to demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying.

A typical combination is as follows:

Experience:

Four (4) years of increasingly responsible experience in the inspection and plan review of public, commercial, industrial, and residential buildings, including housing code enforcement or housing program administration.

Training:

Bachelor's degree with major coursework in civil engineering, architecture, construction technology, urban planning, public administration, or a related field. Additional relevant experience may substitute for all or part of the college-level education.

RESOLUTION NO. 25:036

Page 9 ends

License or Certificate
• Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license. • Possession of a valid International Code Council (ICC) or equivalent building inspection certificate; or possession of housing-related compliance certification, or equivalent (e.g., HUD, HCD), within 1 year from appointment.

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work is performed in both outdoor or indoor settings and requires: the use of standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone; frequent standing in and walking between work areas and driving to work sites; finger dexterity to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or and to operate standard office equipment; occasional bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, pushing and pulling; lifting and carrying materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Environmental Elements
Work is primarily performed with moderate noise levels, varied temperature and weather conditions, and occasional potential exposure to hazards such as dust and fumes; may require interacting with upset staff and/or public and private representatives and contractors in interpreting and enforcing departmental and City policies and procedures, including housing-related concerns.

To: Honorable City Council
From: John Moreno, City Manager
By: Adriana Figueroa, Public Works Director
Date: October 28, 2025
SUBJECT: APPROVING CITY OF PARAMOUNT PUBLIC SPACES DESIGN

STANDARDS

BACKGROUND
The City places great emphasis on creating and maintaining an aesthetically pleasing environment for its residents and businesses. Throughout the years, the City has been working with architectural and engineering firms to enhance the look and feel of our public spaces. As such, a redesign of the Downtown area was done in 2016 followed by the redesign of the City’s monument signs and wayfinding signs, facility signage, bus shelter redesign, amongst other enhancements. Staff thought it prudent to package all of these designs in order to develop standards that can serve as a citywide toolkit for designing public spaces and creating a standard to be used throughout the city. The development of the Public Spaces Design Standards (Standards) was envisioned to provide a citywide framework for any future improvements within public spaces, while allowing for flexibility in design aesthetics and layout. These Standards were prepared by Studio One Eleven with input from City staff and the City Council Aesthetics Ad Hoc Committee, which met a few times this year.

DISCUSSION
The Standards emphasize the creation of spaces that foster social interaction, community engagement, and a strong sense of space. The goals of the Standards are specified as follows:
• Clearly communicate the City’s design standards and expectations for public spaces to ensure transparency, consistency and shared understanding. • Promote design innovation, excellence and creativity while ensuring consistency in the application of design objectives.
• Facilitate safe, functional and visually appealing improvements that enhance the quality of life and experience of the public realm.

Agenda Report October 28, 2025
RESOLUTION 25:037 PUBLIC SPACES DESIGN STANDARDS Page 2 • Support a sense of community, pride and stewardship by encouraging projects that are context sensitive and responsive to Paramount’s local climate, culture, and urban environment.

The Standards recommend the types and styles for hardscape and paving, crosswalk, Metro transit (Public Right of Way areas), sidewalk amenities such as seating and transit shelters, lighting, tree and plant palette, shade elements, signage and wayfinding. A draft of this document has been forwarded to designers and planners at the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) to incorporate in their final design of the Southeast Gateway Line (SGL). Once these Standards are approved by the City Council, the final document will be submitted to Metro to be incorporated in their final design of the SGL for areas in the public right of way within the City of Paramount. The Standards are attached to the agenda report for reference.

FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact related to the approval of this item.

VISION, MISSION, VALUES, AND STRATEGIC OUTCOMES
The City’s Vision, Mission, and Values set the standard for the organization, establish priorities, uniformity and guidelines; and provide the framework for policy decision making. The Strategic Outcomes were implemented to provide a pathway to achieving the City’s Vision. This item aligns with Strategic Outcome No 5: Attractive and WellMaintained Infrastructure - Develop and maintain City-owned infrastructure, parks, facilities, and amenities that enhance quality of life and the attractiveness of the community.

RECOMMENDED ACTION
Adopt Resolution No. 25:037 approving the City of Paramount Public Spaces Design Standards.

CITY OF PARAMOUNT

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
RESOLUTION NO. 25:037

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARAMOUNT

APPROVING THE CITY OF PARAMOUNT PUBLIC SPACES DESIGN

STANDARDS
WHEREAS, the City of Paramount Public Spaces Design Standards identifies the goals and expectations for public spaces; and
WHEREAS, the Public Spaces Design Standards was developed with input provided by the Aesthetic Ad Hoc Committee; and
WHEREAS, the Public Spaces Design Standards are intended to promote design innovation, excellence and creativity while ensuring consistency in the application of design objectives; and
WHEREAS, the Public Spaces Design Standards are to support a sense of community, pride, and stewardship by encouraging projects that are context sensitive and responsive to Paramount’s local climate, culture, and urban environment; and WHEREAS, the Public Spaces Design Standards outline the design principles and best practices related to multimodal mobility, urban forestry, sustainability, and resource management; and
WHEREAS, the Public Spaces Design Standards will be implemented through the City’s Capital Improvement Program, private development projects impacting the City’s right of way, and street restoration for the Metro Southeast Gateway Line (SGL) construction and other future transit system improvements.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARAMOUNT AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. The above recitations are true and correct.

SECTION 2. The City Council of the City of Paramount approves the Public Spaces Design Standards attached hereto as Exhibit A.

SECTION 3. The Mayor of the City of Paramount is hereby authorized to affix her signature to this Resolution signifying its adoption, and the City Clerk is directed to attest thereto.

SECTION 4. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.

RESOLUTION NO. 25:037
PAGE 2
C:\PGCompilerServiceRelease\temp\paramountcity\MeetingId_161\Packet\Docx\5963\1172\1.docx 7/20/2020 4:54 PM PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Paramount this 28th day of October, 2025.

Peggy Lemons, Mayor
ATTEST:

Heidi Luce, City Clerk

CITY OF PARAMOUNT

PUBLIC SPACES

DESIGN STANDARDS
October, 2025

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND REFERENCES

CITY COUNCIL CITY PERSONNEL

REFERENCES
Peggy Lemons, Mayor
Brenda Olmos, Vice Mayor
Isabel Aguayo, Councilmember
Annette C. Delgadillo, Councilmember
Vilma Cuellar Stallings, Councilmember
John Moreno, City Manager
Grissel Chavez, Assistant City Manager
Adriana Figueroa, Public Works Director
Yecenia Guillen, Community Services Director
John King, Planning Director
Rick Baptista, Building and Safety Manager
2024 Greenbook Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction https://greenbookspecs.org/
Climate Action Plan
https://paramountenvironment.org/cap/
Los Angeles County Building Code 2022 (Vol 1 & 2)
https://up.codes/viewer/los-angeles-county/ca-building-code-2022 National Association of City Transportation Officials Design Guides https://nacto.org/publications/design-guides/
Parks
https://www.paramountcity.gov/government/departments/community-services-department/parks-and-facilities/ Transit Services
https://www.paramountcity.gov/community/transit-services/ Urban Forest Action Plan
https://paramountenvironment.org/about/urban-forest-management-plan/ Paramount Boulevard Furniture and Streetscape
Paramount Boulevard Streetscape
2 City of Paramount Public Spaces Design Standards | October, 2025 A: OVERVIEW B: BEST PRACTICES C: DESIGN STANDARDS
Acknowledgments and References........................... 2 Table of Contents....................................................... 3 Overview .................................................................... 4 Introduction................................................................ 5 The City's Unique Identity......................................... 6 Goals and Use............................................................. 7 Terms and Abbreviations............................................ 8 Design Standards.................................................... 13 Design Standards Diagrams........................... 14-20 Design Elements Palette........................................ 21 Best Practices............................................................. 9 Design Principles............................................. 10-11 Maintenance Considerations.................................. 12 Hardscape and Paving.................................................. 22 Materials and Textures................................................ 23 Lighting Palette........................................................... 24 Tree and Planting Palettes................................ 25-27 Site Furnishings Palette............................................... 28 Shade Elements........................................................... 29 Site Drainage and Green Infrastructure.................. 30 Paint Colors and Fonts............................................... 31 Signage, Wayfinding, and Monuments............. 32-35
Transit Shelters............................................................. 36 Paramount City Hall Paramount Civic Center Fountain and Gardens Paramount Boulevard Streetscape

TABLE OF CONTENTS
3 City of Paramount Public Spaces Design Standards | October, 2025 A: OVERVIEW
CITY OF PARAMOUNT PUBLIC SPACES DESIGN STANDARDS 4
City of Paramount Public Spaces Design Standards | October, 2025 A: Overview

INTRODUCTION
The City of Paramount is located in the Southern
California region between Gardendale Street to the north, 70th Street to the south, Lakewood Blvd to the east and Long Beach Freeway to the west and encompasses 4.84
square miles. The City was officially incorporated in 1957 after two towns unified under the name of Paramount and has a population of approximately 50,000 as of the 2024 consensus.

The public realm refers to the parts of our environment that are accessible and open to everyone, regardless of social or economic status. It encompasses all publicly
owned spaces and amenities where people interact and
engage with one another, such as streetscapes, parks,
plazas, sidewalks, and public buildings.

The Public Spaces Design Standards serves as a citywide toolkit for designing public spaces and creating a
standard to be used throughout the city. The Standards
is envisioned to provide a citywide framework for any
improvements within public space while still allowing for flexibility in design aesthetics and layout.
5 City of Paramount Public Spaces Design Standards | October, 2025 A: Overview Jackson and Ocean - Later Paramount Blvd, early 1920s
Source: City of Paramount Historical Gallery
City Hall, 1963
Source: City of Paramount Historical Gallery
Source: City of Paramount Historical Profile
Hay and Dairy Festival Parade
Source: City of Paramount Historical Gallery
Hay Tree, Historical Landmark
The City of Paramount's rich history and unique identity have shaped it into the vibrant and distinctive community it is today.

From the early to mid 1900's the villages of Hynes and Clearwater existed as the primary suppliers within Southern California’s dairy industry. In 1948, the two towns of Hynes and Clearwater unified under the name of Paramount, becoming officially incorporated in 1957. The City is also home to the Hay Tree, where the price of hay was set each morning for the rest of the world. It is a designated a California Registered Historical Landmark since 2004 and still stands today near the Paramount Civic Center gardens.

In the years following, the City urbanized and with the addition of various homes, stores and roadways, farmers moved further inland and away from Paramount. By the early 1980's, Paramount was considered over-urbanized and many neighborhoods were labeled as blighted.

During this time, the City made a concerted effort to focus on urban renewal projects with support from businesses, residents and community members.

By 1988, Paramount was named an "All-America City" by the National Civic League due to the innovation and improvements and was commended by the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors for these efforts. In the following decades, the City undertook a broad rejuvenation effort - revitalizing the downtown business district, establishing a citywide art program, offering curb appeal improvement incentives to residents, and investing in the Paramount Boulevard Streetscape Revitalization, completed in 2016. This ongoing commitment to improvement shapes Paramount's public spaces, neighborhoods, and overall quality of life today.

THE CITY'S

UNIQUE IDENTITY
6 City of Paramount Public Spaces Design Standards | October, 2025 A: Overview The primary goals of this document are:
• Clearly communicate the City's design standards and expectations for public spaces to ensure transparency, consistency, and shared understanding among all stakeholders.
• Promote design innovation, excellence and creativity while ensuring consistency in the application of design objectives.
• Facilitate safe, functional, and visually appealing improvements that enhance the quality and experience of the public realm. • Support a sense of community, pride and stewardship by encouraging projects that are context sensitive and responsive to Paramount's local climate, culture, and urban environment.

These Standards emphasize the creation of spaces that foster social interaction, community engagement, and a strong sense of place. A thoughtfully designed public realm enhances a city's vibrancy, livability, and sustainability by supporting recreation, cultural expression, and economic activity. When well-maintained, these spaces also improve functionality and contribute to the overall quality of life for both residents and visitors.

Paramount Boulevard Streetscape

GOALS AND USE
7 City of Paramount Public Spaces Design Standards | October, 2025 A: Overview

DEFINITIONS
ACCESSIBLE DESIGN Design that complies with ADA regulations and accessibility codes to create inclusive spaces usable by individuals wit ha wide range of physical, sensory, and cognitive abilities.

BMP Best Management Practice. A physical or operational control measure used to manage stormwater and reduce pollution, supporting water quality and environmental sustainability.

CO-BENEFIT PROJECT (WIN-WIN STRATEGY) A development, policy, or measure that addresses multiple goals - both fiscal and climate based - that result in multiple “cobenefits”: Improved Air & Water Quality, Enhanced Stormwater Management, Reduced Energy Use, Reduced Waste and Maintenance Costs, Local and Regional Ecosystem Enhancements, Improved Aesthetics and Community Wellbeing.

DROUGHT TOLERANT PLANTING The use of plants that require minimal water and can survive extended dry periods. While not entirely water-free, these 'low-water' plants are well suited to arid climates and help promote water conservation in the landscape.

DRYWELL A small underground structure, typically lined with gravel, designed to collect and dispose of stormwater by allowing it to infiltrate into the surrounding soil.

FILTRATION A stormwater management process that captures and temporarily stores runoff from a rainstorm, then passes it through a filter bed or media to remove pollutants before discharge or infiltration.

FOOTCANDLE A unit of measurement that measures the intensity of light on a surface.

It's defined as the amount of light that falls on a one square foot surface from a uniform light source that's one foot away, and is equal to one lumen per square foot.

GSI/GI Green Stormwater Infrastructure/Green Infrastructure. Nature-based solutions - such as rain gardens, permeable pavement, and bioswales - that manage stormwater by capturing, filtering, and absorbing it where it falls, reducing runoff into sewer systems and local waterways.

HIGH-EFFICIENCY IRRIGATION An irrigation system designed to maximize the efficiency of water and nutrient application which helps promote sustainable water management practices and lead to long-term planting viability.

INCLUSIVE DESIGN An approach to designing spaces that considers the diverse needs of people of all backgrounds and abilities. It goes beyond accessibility to include factors such as age, economic status, language, race - ensuring environments are welcoming and usable for everyone.

INFILTRATION The process of allowing stormwater to soak into the ground, helping to manage runoff by reducing surface flow and replenishing groundwater.

LID Low Impact Development. A stormwater management approach that uses site design and planning strategies to capture, treat, and infiltrate runoff on site - mimicking natural hydrology and minimizing environmental impact.

NBS Nature-Based Solutions. Design approaches that mimic natural processes - such as infiltration, filtration, and evapotranspiration - to manage water, enhance biodiversity, and improve climate resilience, as an alternative to traditional engineered "hard" (gray) infrastructure.

PATH OF TRAVEL A continuous, unobstructed route that allows pedestrians to approach, enter, and exit a building, amenity or facility. This route connects the amenity to exterior approaches like sidewalks and parking areas, as well as plazas, parks and walkways.

UNDERDRAIN A perforated pipe installed at the base of a stormwater treatment system, such as a bioswale or planter, to collect and convey filtered water to the drainage system.

TERMS AND

ABBREVIATIONS
8 B: BEST PRACTICES
CITY OF PARAMOUNT PUBLIC SPACES DESIGN STANDARDS 9
City of Paramount Public Spaces Design Standards | October, 2025 B: Best Practices

DESIGN PRINCIPLES
The City of Paramount embraces key principles to guide the design of its public spaces. These principles aim to create vibrant, inclusive, and people centered spaces that also support economic development, local businesses, and the well-being of community members, residents, and visitors.

To foster a cohesive and resilient urban fabric, the following core design principles are emphasized:
o MULTIMODAL MOBILITY
o URBAN FORESTRY
o SUSTAINABILITY
o RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
The creation of thoughtfully designed urban spaces - featuring unique elements and best practices - helps establish a cohesive urban fabric that is essential to the vitality and livability of the City of Paramount.

Mobility Features and Traffic Calming Improvements:
• Road diet strategies and the reduction of vehicular only travel lanes
• Continuous network of sidewalks
• Designated transit shelters and stops
• Dedicated bike lanes
• Speed control elements (curb extensions and
bulb-outs, raised crossings, mid-block pedestrian
crossings)
• High visibility crosswalks/signalized crosswalks
• Roadway medians
• Protected on street parking
Streetscape Design Features:
• Streetscape furnishings (bike racks, seating,
bollards, trash receptacles, planter pots)
• Signage, Wayfinding, and Branding
• Outdoor dining and gathering areas
• Pedestrian lighting
• Urban trees and plantings
• Parklets
• Shade elements
Sustainable, nature-based solution features:
• Permeable pavement systems
• Rain gardens, bioswales and planting areas
• Drought tolerant/drought adapted plant species
• Street trees
• Pollinator gardens Bus Shelters with seating on Paramount Boulevard 10 City of Paramount Public Spaces Design Standards | October, 2025 B: Best Practices Stormwater
Objectives for management of stormwater include the
use of various Low Impact Development (LID) features
integrated within the street design that reduce dry
weather flows from reaching the storm drain system and
provide treatment and infiltration (if feasible) of rain storm events. Typical LID features include:
o Curb extensions and bulb-outs to create more
opportunities for stormwater landscape features
o Permeable pavement including concrete or
pavers
o Underground modular storage systems (to
promote soil, root growth and runoff retention
for specific tree species)
o Infiltration systems including dry wells and
planting
Stormwater landscape features in bulb outs and
parkways typically include:
o Bioswales
o Rain gardens
o Filtration planters (can be raised/above grade)
o Proprietary stormwater biofilters (i.e. modular
wetlands, filterra units, etc).

Stormwater features typically include specific soil media and plant selection to promote pollutant removals.

Smart City
A smart city uses different ways to collect specific
data to manage assets, resources, and services more
effectively with the goal of improving efficiency of
operations across the city. The goal is to support a
more sustainable and livable environment. Smart
city principles are based on human-driven problem
solving aided by advanced technology and smart
design. Implementation can occur at various scales.
o Traffic - gathering traffic pattern data and then
controlling traffic lights
o Lighting - efficient LED lighting, dark sky
compliance and automated dimming
o Power - solar or thermal to offset electricity use
and metering
o Sanitation - utilizing compactors and sensors in
trash receptacles
o Restrooms - smart public toilet facilities
o Irrigation - weather based controllers, soil
monitor, detection of water leaks
o Furniture - charging and wifi benches, bike
storage
o Mobile Apps - citizen input (report incidents,
request city services, etc)
o Energy Metering/Controls – using advanced
sensors and monitoring systems
Signalized intersection - Paramount Boulevard

BEST PRACTICES
11 City of Paramount Public Spaces Design Standards | October, 2025 B: Best Practices Regular maintenance: Develop a proactive plan for regular maintenance as a priority and allocate an appropriate annual budget.

Inspections: Regularly inspect public spaces for signs of wear, tear, damage, or deterioration.

Design for longevity: Selection of durable materials and lowmaintenance elements that will withstand heavy-use by the public.

Resources and tools: Utilize the necessary resources and tools, and use proper equipment.

Regulations and safety guidelines: Comply with all relevant regulations and safety guidelines.

Policies: Develop policies around the usage of the facilities, such as controlling access and ensuring appropriate behavior from users.

Paramount Boulevard

MAINTENANCE

CONSIDERATIONS
12 C: DESIGN STANDARDS
CITY OF PARAMOUNT PUBLIC SPACES DESIGN STANDARDS 13
City of Paramount Public Spaces Design Standards | October, 2025 C: Design Standards 1 14
3 4 5
2 10
12 11
6 8
7 9
1 2
3 4
4' minimum ADA clear path of travel adjacent to transit shelter 2' minimum clear from face of roadway curb to transit shelter canopy ADA seating area (30"x48" space)
Litter bin, located adjacent to transit shelter
Two metal benches mounted to beam between shelter columns Steel transit shelter
Wood joists under canopy
Four metal LED downlights in shelter canopy. Color to match shelter.

Signage between shelter columns, refer to page 28 for signage standards.

Solid metal roof over shelter canopy. Color to match shelter.

Solar panels, battery pack mounted on shelter canopy to match shelter where feasible. LED Hardwire lighting where not feasible.

Enhanced Bus stop/route signage, adjacent to shelter. Powdercoated to match branding colors. (Refer to page 28 for paint colors and fonts) Colored paving at bus stop
Signage distance from curb per individual transit authority

KEYNOTES
7 5
9 11
12 13
14 6
8 10
CONDITION 1: BUS STOP WITH SHELTER
13 NOTE:
• 60" diameter minimum turning radius required at all changes in direction. • 36" minimum clearance at all obstructions. (E.g., lighting poles, litter bins, signage, etc). • ADA seating must be located under the shelter roof to provide protection from the elements DESIGN

STANDARDS

DIAGRAM

TRANSIT STOPS AND SHELTERS
14 City of Paramount Public Spaces Design Standards | October, 2025 C: Design Standards 1 2
3 4' minimum clear path of travel adjacent to bench
ADA seating area (30"x48" clear space)
Litter bin, located adjacent to transit stop bench
Freestanding steel bench
Enhanced Bus stop/route signage, adjacent to seating. Powdercoated to match branding colors. Final location to be confirmed in field by City/ Transit officials. (Refer to page 28 for paint colors and fonts) Colored paving at bus stop
Signage distance from curb per individual transit authority

KEYNOTES
1 2
3 4
6 CONDITION 2: BUS STOP WITH FREESTANDING BENCH AND LITTER BIN 4 5
6 7
5 TRANSIT STOPS AND SHELTERS
7 NOTE:
• 60" diameter minimum turning radius required at all changes in direction. • 36" minimum clearance at all obstructions. (E.g., lighting poles, litter bins, signage, etc).

DESIGN

STANDARDS

DIAGRAM
15 City of Paramount Public Spaces Design Standards | October, 2025 C: Design Standards 1 2
3 4
4' minimum clear path of travel, typical
Plaza space with decorative pavers
Tables and chairs
ADA seating area (30"x48" clear space)
Adjacent planting or open space area
Level transitions between paving types, 1/4" max. elevation difference allowed per code
ADA accessible seating area with compliant table

KEYNOTES
1 2
3 5
7 5
4 6
5 6
7 OUTDOOR PLAZA SPACES
NOTE: 5% minimum of seating and tables to be ADA accessible/compliant in plazas and open space DESIGN

STANDARDS

DIAGRAM

ACCESSIBLE SPACES
16 City of Paramount Public Spaces Design Standards | October, 2025 C: Design Standards 1 2
3 4
4' minimum clear path of travel, typical
Open seating area with table and benches
ADA seating area (30"x48" clear space)
Adjacent planting or open space area
Plaza space with enhanced paving
Level transitions between paving types, 1/4" max. elevation difference allowed per code

KEYNOTES
1 2
3 6
5 4
4 5
6 OUTDOOR SEATING SPACES
NOTE: 5% minimum of seating and tables to be ADA accessible/compliant in plazas and open space DESIGN

STANDARDS

DIAGRAM

ACCESSIBLE SPACES
17 City of Paramount Public Spaces Design Standards | October, 2025 C: Design Standards

DESIGN STANDARDS DIAGRAM

STREETSCAPES
1 2
3 4
Mid-Block pedestrian crossing
Public parklet along sidewalk
Transit shelter and seating
Planted median with Palms
Parallel parking along streetscape

KEYNOTES
10 12
13 14
Street furniture and bike racks
Street trees along streetscape edge
4' minimum sidewalk/path of travel
Bus turnout integrated into the parallel parking zone
Wayfinding signage
Concrete intersection
6 8
9 Parkway planting with integrated stormwater
infiltration system
Planted bulb-outs at intersections (30" max height)
High visibility pedestrian crosswalks with
contrasted color/texture
Pedestrian lighting along streetscape edge
1 2
4 6
9 10
11 10
6 5
3 3 14
12 7
8 STREETSCAPE DESIGN
5 7
NOTE: Streetscape design depicts one condition
and recommended best practices, design may vary
slightly depending on context and specific street. 11
13 15
15 18
CUSTOM COLORS:

RAL: 7024 RAL: 5012
Low water planting design
City of Paramount Public Spaces Design Standards | October, 2025 C: Design Standards 1 2
3 4
Textured overpass concrete wall
Metal guardrail - 42" minimun height in branding colors Slope greening with drought tolerant planting
Vines on wall
Linear pavers under bridge

KEYNOTES
5 4
3 2
5 METRO TRANSIT OVERPASS BRIDGE GUARDRAIL
1 DESIGN

STANDARDS

DIAGRAM

METRO TRANSIT
NOTE: The design for the new Metro Transit overpasses should respect accessibility, lighting, and attention to aesthetic treatments.

This includes the use of distinctive railings, expressive structural elements, and thoughtful material variation tailored to the function and character of each crossing. The guardrail should incorporate an artistic element and bridge walls incorporate texture - with approval by Paramount City Council prior to final drawings.

Finishes should align with the City's established material palette, incorporating neutral grays, natural textures, metal accents, and select branding colors where appropriate, while respecting the unique context and purpose of each crossing. 19 CUSTOM COLORS:

RAL: 7024 RAL: 5012
Existing conditions - Alondra Freight Overpass
City of Paramount Public Spaces Design Standards | October, 2025 C: Design Standards 1 2
Existing overpass concrete wall
4"x4" architectural bar grate screening at 20'-0" + in height with "Paramount" lettering in branding colors

KEYNOTES
1 2

FREIGHT OVERPASS BRIDGE FENCE
DESIGN

STANDARDS

DIAGRAM

FREIGHT OVERPASS
NOTE: The design for the freight overpasses creates a visually appealing, timeless, and context-sensitive crossing. Key enhancements include the integration of perforated metal panels featuring "Paramount" lettering in branding colors. Finishes will align with the City's established material palette, incorporating neutral grays, natural textures, and metal accents.

NOTE: Height of letters 7'-10'
20 City of Paramount Public Spaces Design Standards | October, 2025

DESIGN ELEMENTS PALETTE
CITY OF PARAMOUNT PUBLIC SPACES DESIGN STANDARDS 21
City of Paramount Public Spaces Design Standards | October, 2025 C: Design Standards - Design Elements Palettes Concrete Paving Top Cast Concrete Finish Decorative Pavers Decomposed Gravel Play Area Surfaces Artificial Turf DESIGN NARRATIVES:

Sidewalks and walkways may
be finished in a natural gray
concrete with a light broom
to light topcast finish and
rectangular or square scoring
pattern.

Plazas and special paving
areas may be finished with
cool-toned decorative gray
concrete with a light to
medium topcast finish and
or seeded aggregates with
rectangular or square scoring
pattern.

Plazas and walkways may
utilize linear pavers or
geometric paving patterns
in neutral colors such as
cool and warm grays with
smooth or shot-blasted
finishes. Acceptable linear
patterns include running
bond or stacked bond, while
geometric patterns may
include chevron or gridded
layouts.

Truncated domes are
required within the public
right of way to alert users
when entering a roadway.

Safety yellow shall be used
at all Metro Rail transit stops
and dark gray elsewhere.

Plazas and walkways may be
a crushed stone material in
neutral colors such as gray
or tan. It shall be stabilized
properly in any pedestrianuse areas.

Parks and open space may incorporate materials such as
resilient play surfacing, engineered wood fiber and artificial turf to support outdoor amenity spaces. Colors of play
surfacing may include City of Paramount Branding colors or other colors or align with the specific theme of the play area.

NOTE: Consider incorporating shade or installing cooling systems for artificial turf areas.

HARDSCAPE AND PAVING
Truncated Domes
22 City of Paramount Public Spaces Design Standards | October, 2025 C: Design Standards - Design Elements Palettes Stucco Cement Tile Cast-in-place Concrete Wall Tile Zocola Tile Fence Screening Panel DESIGN NARRATIVES:

Walls and columns may be
finished in an OmegaFlex
Fine Snow stucco texture.

Cement tiles may be
used as accent surfaces
on walls, seating edges,
or feature elements. Tiles
may incorporate neutral or
earth-tone colors and subtle
speckled patterns.

Cast-in-place concrete may
be used for walls, steps, or
site furnishings. Finishes
should be smooth with
natural or charcoal gray
coloration.

Wall tiles may be used
on vertical surfaces Tile
colorways may include sky
and midnight blue. Patterns
may include stacked,
offset, or diagonal layouts
depending on the design
intent.

Zócola tiles may be applied
along the base of walls or
integrated as a feature band.

Tiles should be durable and
vandal-resistant, with glazed
finishes in bold or saturated
colors. Preferred installation
includes clean horizontal
alignment with tight grout
joints for a modern look.

Fences and gates may be
used to control access,
security and privacy around
community spaces. Materials
should be durable and antigraffiti coated. Fences and
gates may be laser-cut or
decorative metal with matte
paint finishes in bold or
neutral tones utilizing City
color palette.

Screening panels may be
composed of wood without
worry slats in warm, natural
tones to provide privacy,
shade, and visual interest.

Panels can be arranged
vertically or horizontally
and should allow for partial
transparency to maintain
airflow while screening areas.

MATERIALS AND TEXTURES
23 City of Paramount Public Spaces Design Standards | October, 2025 C: Design Standards - Design Elements Palettes The intent of the lighting design standards for
the City of Paramount is to establish a timeless
and cohesive aesthetic that complements
existing City buildings, facilities, and public
amenities. All lighting fixtures shall meet
minimum foot candle requirements for egress
and path of travel. Finishes shall be metal
in neutral colors such as cool-grays in light,
medium in dark gray tones.

NOTE: All lighting shall utilize energy-efficient LED
fixtures. Specify products that support adjustable and
programmable lighting schemes to allow for dynamic
control, flexibility, and optimal functionality across
various conditions and uses.

Integrated or concealed strip lighting at benches and site features String lights at plazas, parks, and open space Uplights at trees and palms Pedestrian pole lights
Downlighting at walls Pathway bollard lighting

LIGHTING PALETTE
24 City of Paramount Public Spaces Design Standards | October, 2025 C: Design Standards - Design Elements Palettes Cercis occidentalis
Western Redbud
Deciduous
Arbutus 'Marina'
Marina Strawberry Tree
Evergreen
Ulmus parviflora
Chinese Elm
Evergreen
Quercus ilex
Holly Oak
Evergreen
Quercus agrifolia
Coast Live Oak
Evergreen
Lagerstroemia indica and cultivars
Crape Myrtle
Deciduous
Ginkgo biloba
Maidenhair Tree
Deciduous
Pakinsonia 'Desert Museum'
Desert Museum Palo Verde
Deciduous
Phoenix dactylifera
Date Palm
Evergreen
Tipuana tipu
Tipu
Semi-Deciduous
Pinus canariensis
Canary Island Pine
Evergreen
Tristania laurina
Water Gum
Evergreen
Laurus nobilis
Sweet Bay
Evergreen
Geijera parviflora
Australian Willow
Evergreen
Platanus acerfolia 'Colombia'
London Plane Tree
Deciduous
Platanus racemosa
California Sycamore
Deciduous
NOTE: Refer to Urban Forest Action Plan for full Tree Palette List and parkway size requirements:
https://paramountenvironment.org/about/urban-forest-management-plan/ TREE

PALETTE
25 City of Paramount Public Spaces Design Standards | October, 2025 C: Design Standards - Design Elements Palettes Bougainvillea spp.

Bougainvillea
Calandrinia umbellata
Rock Purslane
Festuca glauca 'Elijah Blue'
Blue Fescue
Olea europaea 'Little Ollie'
Little Ollie Dwarf Olive
Phormium tenax
New Zealand Flax
Lantana montevidensis
Trailing Lantana
Hemerocallis 'Stella de Oro'
Daylily
Limonium perezii
Sea Lavender
Leucophyllum frutescens
Texas Sage
Coprosma kiekii
Kirk's Coprosma
Westringia fruticosa
Coast Rosemary
Trachelospermum jasminoides
Star Jasmine

PLANTING

PALETTE
Cistus purpureus
Orchid Rock Rose
Carissa macrocarpa 'Green Carpet'
Green Carpet Natal Plum
Rosmarinus officinalis 'Prostratus'
Creeping Rosemary
Myoporum parviolium
Creeping Myoporum
26 City of Paramount Public Spaces Design Standards | October, 2025 C: Design Standards - Design Elements Palettes Pyracantha 'Low Boy'
Firethorn
Leucophyllum frutescens
Texas Sage
Hemerocallis 'Stella de Oro'
Daylily
27 Olea europaea 'Little Ollie'
Little Ollie Dwarf Ollie
Lantana montevidensis
Trailing Lantana
Landscape Median Standards
Refer to package provided by Michael Baker International (Draft 6/11/2024)

TREE AND PLANT

PALETTE -

MEDIANS
Quercus ilex
Holly Oak
Geijera paviflora
Australian Willow
Rosmarinus officinalis 'Prostratus'
Creeping Rosemary
Carissa macrocarpa 'Green Carpet'
Green Carpet Natal Plum
Cistus purpureus
Orchid Rock Rose
Calandrinia umbellata
Rock Purslane
Myoporum parviolium
Creeping Myoporum
Coprosma kirkii
Kirk's Coprosma
Agapanthus africanus 'Peter Pan'
Dwarf Lily of the Nile
Ulmus parvifolia
Chinese Evergreen Elm
Limonium perezii
Sea Lavender
City of Paramount Public Spaces Design Standards | October, 2025 C: Design Standards - Design Elements Palettes Benches & Seating Planters & Pots RALs and Material Swatches Bicycle Racks Trash Receptacles Maglin: www.maglin.com
Vestre: vestre.com/us/products
Street Furniture Australia: streetfurniture.com/us
mmcite: mmcite.com/us
Big Belly: bigbelly.com
Spruce and Gander: spruceandgander.com
Neutral toned metal benches
Cafe-style tables (may be fixed in place)
Metal modular planters in neutral colors
RAL 5012
Light Blue
RAL 7024
Graphite Grey
Wood
Loungers with 'Paramount Blue' accent colors
Picnic-style tables
Precast concrete pots in neutral tones and mid-century
modern shapes
Cycle loop bike racks in 'Paramount Blue' accent
colors
Smart (solar-powered/ compacting) Litter Bins
Wall-mounted benches (vinyl-coated aluminum with a
wood finish)
Counter/Bar top style tables with seats
Metal modular planters in 'Paramount Blue' accent
colors
Tables & Chairs
Metal Litter Bins in neutral tones
Basis-of-Design Manufactures / Approved Equal Minimum
Standard:

SITE FURNISHINGS PALETTE
Bicycle racks in neutral colors and timeless shapes
with two point locking options
NOTE: Paramount Blue (RAL 5012)
28 Roman shade sails
Umbrella for shade Overhead shade trellis in timeless mid-century modern design Shade sails in neutral colors Brushed metal umbrella pole Navy Blue shade fabric
City of Paramount Public Spaces Design Standards | October, 2025 C: Design Standards - Design Elements Palettes

SHADE ELEMENTS
29 City of Paramount Public Spaces Design Standards | October, 2025 C: Design Standards - Design Elements Palettes Vegetated bulb-outs at intersection crossings
Naturalistic dry creek/rain gardens at larger-scale parks and open spaces with California native and drought adapted plantings.

Linear rain gardens along open space and passenger way edges Bioswales integrated into parking area landscape islands Permeable paving at parking areas and planted landscape fingers
The City of Paramount is committed to
integrating green infrastructure solutions
into site drainage and stormwater
management wherever feasible. Site runoff
shall be directed from hardscape areas
into filtration systems designed to prevent
ponding and promote infiltration on site.

Any overflow shall be treated through these
systems before entering the municipal storm
drain network.

These stormwater interventions should
be integrated into the design of parks,
open spaces, and streetscapes, ensuring
a seamless aesthetic. Materials used shall
complement the surrounding hardscape, site
furnishings, and planting palettes.

Curb-cuts and decorative grates to filtration planters at street edge

SITE DRAINAGE AND GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
30 City of Paramount Public Spaces Design Standards | October, 2025 C: Design Standards - Design Elements Palettes Founders Grotesk - Medium
Matthews Paint
26309 Wells Fargo Black
Satin Finish
RAL: 9005
Matthews Paint
09133 Process Cyan U
Satin Finish
RAL: 5012
Matthews Paint
18094 Bright Silver Metallic
Satin Finish
RAL: 7044
Matthews Paint
27386 Verizon White
Satin Finish
RAL: 9016
Matthews Paint
10268 Concrete Block
Satin Finish
RAL: 7024
Sapphire Blue
RAL: 5003

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
0123456789
NOTE: RAL numbers depicted are closest match to paint specs listed above.

Matthews Paint is applicable for signage/monuments (powdercoated aluminum).

See Appendix for 'Signage and Wayfinding Construction Drawing Set' 100% dated 5/23/2016 Paramount Blue (RAL 5012)

PAINT COLORS AND FONTS
31 Horizontal monument signage Vertical monument signage Branding and signage integrated into special feature such as parklets Signage and branding incorporated into transit shelters. Various locations throughout the city.

City of Paramount Public Spaces Design Standards | October, 2025 C: Design Standards - Design Elements Palettes The design intent of the City of Paramount's Signage and Wayfinding is to provide clear, durable monuments with a timeless aesthetic that reflects the City's unique identity and serves as welcoming arrival marker at key entry points.

NOTE: Refer to package provided by Hunt Design titled 'Signage and Wayfinding Construction Drawing Set' 100% dated 5/23/2016

SIGNAGE, WAYFINDING, AND MONUMENTS
32 City of Paramount Public Spaces Design Standards | October, 2025 C: Design Standards - Design Elements Palettes Street Name Signs: California follows the
MUTCD guidelines, using high-contrast color
combinations to ensure high visibility and
readability. Acceptable background colors are
blue, green, white or brown.

Reflectivity: Street name signs should use
retroreflective materials to enhance visibility at
night.

Existing Arterial Street Signage
Proposed Arterial Street Signage

ARTERIAL STREET SIGNS

DESIGN STANDARD
NOTE:
• Supplementary lettering to indicate the
type of street (such as Street, Avenue, or
Road) or the section of a city (such as NW)
may be in smaller lettering, composed of
initial upper-case letters at least 3" in height
and lower-case letters at least 2.25" in
height.
• Overall signage size depends on lettering.

Refer to Chapter 2D - Guide Signs - Conventional
Roads in the MUTCD Guidelines: mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov
Recommended Minimum Letter Heights on
Street Name Signs per MUTCD Guidelines:

Overhead-mounted -
Speed limit more than 55mph:
• Leading Upper Case: 13.33" in height
• Following Lower-Case: 10" in height
Speed limit 35-55mph:
• Leading Upper Case: 8" in height
• Following Lower-Case: 6" in height
Speed limit less than 35mph
• Leading Upper Case: 6" in height
• Following Lower-Case: 4.5" in height
RAL: 5003
Custom Color
33 Proposed Neighborhood Street Signage
RAL: 5012
City of Paramount Public Spaces Design Standards | October, 2025 C: Design Standards - Design Elements Palettes Street Name Signs: California follows the MUTCD guidelines, using high-contrast color combinations to ensure high visibility and readability. Acceptable background colors are blue, green, white or brown.

Reflectivity: Street name signs should use retroreflective materials to enhance visibility at night.

NOTE:
• Supplementary lettering to indicate the type of street (such as Street, Avenue, or Road) or the section of a city (such as NW) may be in smaller lettering, composed of initial upper-case letters at least 3" in height and lower-case letters at least 2.25" in height.
• Overall signage size depends on lettering.

Existing Neighborhood Street Signage
Recommended Minimum Letter Heights on
Street Name Signs per MUTCD Guidelines:

Post-mounted Multi-lane -
Speed limit more than 40mph:
• Leading Upper Case: 10.67" in height
• Following Lower-Case: 8" in height
Speed limit 30-40mph:
• Leading Upper Case: 8" in height
• Following Lower-Case: 6" in height
Speed limit less than 30mph
• Leading Upper Case: 6" in height
• Following Lower-Case: 4.5" in height
Post-mounted Single-lane -
Speed limit more than 40mph:
• Leading Upper Case: 8" in height
• Following Lower-Case: 6" in height
Speed limit 30-40mph:
• Leading Upper Case: 6" in height
• Following Lower-Case: 4.5" in height
Speed limit less than 30mph
• Leading Upper Case: 4" in height
• Following Lower-Case: 3" in height

NEIGHBORHOOD STREET SIGNS

DESIGN STANDARD
Refer to Chapter 2D - Guide Signs - Conventional
Roads in the MUTCD Guidelines: mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov
Custom Color
34 City of Paramount Public Spaces Design Standards | October, 2025 C: Design Standards - Design Elements Palettes

CROSSWALKS

DESIGN STANDARDS CROSSWALK GRAPHICS DESIGNS

CONTINENTAL WHITE STRIPING

WITH COLORED STRIPING BETWEEN
NOTE: Applicable to concrete crosswalks at arterial intersections.

Heavy-duty traffic rated paint over new concrete paving or thermoplastic by Streetbond or PPG. Intent is for pattern to be stenciled on for consistency and maintenance considerations.

CUSTOM COLORS: STREETBOND STANDARD COLORS TRAFFIC PAINT STANDARD COLORS RAL: 5012
Paint: Safety Blue
Thermoplastic: Aqua Blue
(on new concrete only)
Paint: Patriot Blue
Thermoplastic: Blue
(on new concrete only)
Light Blue
RAL: 5003 Blue
35 Large scale with seating designed for multi-functional use, with a combination of covered and open-air roof
The design intent of the City of Paramounts Transit Shelters is to establish a timeless, cohesive aesthetic that reflects the City's unique identity and aligns with the overall branding, signage, and design palettes.

These shelters offer covered, comfortable seating areas that provide protection from the elements for transit users. Each shelter is equipped with solar-powered downlighting and custom signage, enhancing both functionality and visual continuity across the public realm.

Integrated City signage
Examples of Station Art.

Refer to Paramount Boulevard between Jackson and Alondra, West side of street
Steel Finish IPE
Small scale: non-offset/centered roof and rail mounted benches Small scale: cantilevered roof and wall mounted seating Large scale: non-offset/centered roof and rail mounted benches City of Paramount Public Spaces Design Standards | October, 2025 C: Design Standards - Design Elements Palettes

TRANSIT SHELTERS
36 www.paramountcity.com
City of Paramount Public Spaces Design Standards | October, 2025 To: Honorable City Council
From: John Moreno, City Manager
By: John King, AICP, Planning and Building
Director
Rick Baptista, Building and Safety
Manager (retired)
Date: October 28, 2025
SUBJECT: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARAMOUNT ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 2025 EDITIONS OF THE CALIFORNIA

ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE INCLUDING CHAPTER 1, DIVISION 2, CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE,

CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE, CALIFORNIA

ENERGY CODE, CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE, CALIFORNIA

MECHANICAL CODE, CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE, CALIFORNIA

WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE, CALIFORNIA EXISTING

BUILDING CODE, CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL CODE, CALIFORNIA
REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE, AND CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE;
2024 INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE, 1998
CALIFORNIA HOUSING CODE, 1997 UNIFORM CODE FOR THE
ABATEMENT OF DANGEROUS BUILDINGS, AND THE 2017 EDITION OF THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES GRADING CODE; TOGETHER WITH
CERTAIN AMENDMENTS, DELETIONS AND ADDITIONS; AMENDING
TITLE 15 OF THE PARAMOUNT MUNICIPAL CODE, AND APPROVING A

CEQA EXEMPTION DETERMINATION

BACKGROUND
The Building and Safety Division of the Planning and Building Department reviews construction plans and related documents for compliance with the California Building Standards Code. Plan check staff review plans for compliance with current codes and for completeness to be relied upon by contractors and inspectors. City building inspectors inspect the properties for which such permits have been issued to ensure construction is consistent with approved plans and the Municipal Code.

The California Building Standards Code and related codes are updated every three years.

These codes include the California Administrative Code, California Building Code including Chapter 1, Division 2, California Residential Code, California Green Building Standards Code, California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, California Plumbing Code, California Mechanical Code, California Electrical Code, California Energy Code, California Existing Building Code, California Historical Building Code, California Referenced Standards Code, and California Fire Code. Additional codes include the 1998 edition of the California Housing Code (based on the 1997 Uniform Housing Code), the Agenda Report October 28, 2025
ORDINANCE NO. 1208 Page 2
1997 edition of the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, the 2024 edition of the International Property Maintenance Code, and the 2017 edition of the County of Los Angeles Grading Code.

These codes are applicable to the erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, removal, demolition, conversion, occupancy, use, height, area, maintenance of all buildings, structures, and real property and certain equipment specifically regulated within the City. The codes provide for the issuance of permits and the collection of fees, and they provide justification for determining violation of such codes to establish the minimum requirements to safeguard the public safety, health, and general welfare.

DISCUSSION
This purpose of this review is to set a public hearing date for the proposed Ordinance which proposes to incorporate by reference the 2025 California Building Standards Code, Parts 1 through 12 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations. The 2025 California Building Standards Code, as would be adopted and amended by the City, consists of the 2025 editions of the California Administrative Code, California Building Code including Chapter 1, Division 2, California Residential Code, California Green Building Standards Code, California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, California Plumbing Code, California Mechanical Code, California Electrical Code, California Energy Code, California Existing Building Code, California Historical Building Code, California Referenced Standards Code, and California Fire Code.

The City would further adopt by reference the 1998 edition of the California Housing Code, based on the 1997 Uniform Housing Code, the 1997 edition of the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, the 2024 edition of the International Property Maintenance Code and the 2017 edition of the County of Los Angeles Grading Code.

The Ordinance will take effect on January 1, 2026 in alignment with State law mandates for the 2025 California Building Standards Codes.

FISCAL IMPACT
None.

VISION, MISSION, VALUES, AND STRATEGIC OUTCOMES
The City’s Vision, Mission, and Values set the standard for the organization, establish priorities, uniformity, and guidelines; and provide the framework for policy decisionmaking. The Strategic Outcomes were implemented to provide a pathway to achieving the City’s Vision. This item aligns with Strategic Outcome No. 1: Safe Community - Provide a safe place to live, work, and visit; No. 4: Environmental Health - Promote, protect, and enhance a healthy, sustainably built, and natural environment; and No. 6: Efficient, Effective, and Fiscally Responsible - Deliver an efficient and effective City government in a fiscally responsible, transparent and collaborative manner.

Agenda Report October 28, 2025
ORDINANCE NO. 1208 Page 3

RECOMMENDED ACTION
Introduce Ordinance No. 1208 and set a public hearing date of November 18, 2025 for consideration of adoption of Ordinance No. 1208.

CITY OF PARAMOUNT

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
ORDINANCE NO. 1208

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PARAMOUNT ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 2025 EDITIONS OF

THE CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE INCLUDING CHAPTER 1, DIVISION 2, CALIFORNIA

RESIDENTIAL CODE, CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS

CODE, CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE, CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL

CODE, CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE, CALIFORNIA PLUMBING

CODE, CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE,

CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE, CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL

CODE, CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE, AND
CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE; 2024 INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY
MAINTENANCE CODE, 1998 CALIFORNIA HOUSING CODE, 1997

UNIFORM CODE FOR THE ABATEMENT OF DANGEROUS BUILDINGS,
AND THE 2017 EDITION OF THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES GRADING CODE; TOGETHER WITH CERTAIN AMENDMENTS, DELETIONS AND
ADDITIONS; AMENDING TITLE 15 OF THE PARAMOUNT MUNICIPAL

CODE, AND APPROVING A CEQA EXEMPTION DETERMINATION

THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARAMOUNT DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. Section 15.04.010 of Chapter 15.04 of Title 15 of the Paramount Municipal Code is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:

15.04.010 2025 California Building Standards Code and related Codes adopted.

There is adopted by reference, except as hereinafter amended, those certain codes comprising and collectively known and designated as the 2025 California Building Standards Code, Parts 1 through 12 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations. The 2025 California Building Standards Code, as adopted and amended by the City, consists of the 2025 editions of the California Administrative Code, California Building Code including Chapter 1, Division 2, California Residential Code, California Green Building Standards Code, California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, California Plumbing Code, California Mechanical Code, California Electrical Code, California Energy Code, California Existing Building Code, California Historical Building Code, California Referenced Standards Code, and California Fire Code.

The City hereby further adopts by reference the 1998 edition of the California Housing Code, based on the 1997 Uniform Housing Code, the 1997 edition of the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, the 2024 edition of the International Property Maintenance Code and the 2017 edition of the County of Los Angeles Grading Code.

ORDINANCE NO. 1208

Page 2 ends

The Codes adopted by reference herein regulate the erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, removal, demolition, conversion, occupancy, use, height, area, maintenance of all buildings, structures, and real property and certain equipment therein specifically regulated, within the City and provide for the issuance of permits and the collection of fees therefor, and provide justification for determining violation of such codes.

One copy each of the foregoing Codes, has been deposited in the office of the City Clerk, and shall be at all times maintained by the Clerk for the use and examination by the public.

Said edition of the 2025 California Building Standards Code, except as hereinafter amended, and the related Codes, adopted herein by reference collectively constitute the Building Code of the City of Paramount as set forth in this chapter.” SECTION 2. Chapter 15.04 of Title 15 of the Paramount Municipal Code is hereby amended by adding Sections 15.04.011, 15.04.012 and 15.04.013 to read as follows:

15.04.011 Amendments to the 2025 California Building Code.

The following amendments to the California Building Code shall apply in the City:

A. Administration. Division II of Chapter 1, entitled "Scope and Administration”, is applicable in the City. Where a conflict occurs between this Chapter and other Chapters the more restrictive or more specific shall govern.

B. Revision. Insert “Paramount” into the text as the name of jurisdiction in Section 101.1.

C. Section 105.2 is revised by amending 9 to read and adding 14 under “Building” as follows:

9. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 18 inches (457.2 mm) deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons (18,927.059L) and are installed entirely above ground.

14. Decks not exceeding 200 square feet (18.58 m2) in area, that are not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling and do not serve the exit door required by Section R311.2.

D. Section 105.3.2, which addresses application expiration is revised by adding a sentence as follows:

In no case shall more than one extension be granted for a project when another edition of the state codes has gone into effect during the application or which exceeds the extensions allowed by the City of Paramount’s Fee Ordinance.” E. Section 105.5, which addresses Permit expiration, is amended to read as follows:

ORDINANCE NO. 1208

Page 3 ends

[A] 105.5 Expiration. Every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work on the site authorized by such permit is commenced within 12 months after its issuance, or if the work authorized on the site by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the time the work is commenced. The building official is authorized to grant, in writing, one or more extensions of time, for periods not more than 180 days each. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated. A fee shall be collected for such extensions for an amount equal to 25% of the permit fee. A lesser amount may be established by the Building Official based on the stage of construction. In no case shall an extension be granted which would extend the construction time from start of work to completion beyond the limits which exceeds the extensions allowed by the City Fee Ordinance.

F. Section 109.6 is amended to read as follows:
109.6 Refunds. The Building Official may authorize refunding of a fee paid hereunder which was erroneously paid or collected.

The Building Official may authorize refunding of not more than eighty percent (80%) of the permit fee paid when no work has been done under a permit issued in accordance with this Code upon written application filed by the permittee not later than 12 months after the date of fee payment.

The Building Official may authorize refunding of not more than eighty percent (80%) of the plan check fee paid when an application for a permit for which a plan check fee has been paid is withdrawn or canceled before any examination time has been expended.

The Building Official shall not authorize the refunding of any fee paid except upon written application filed by the permittee not later than 12 months after the date of fee payment.

G. Board of Appeals. Section 113.3 is amended to read as follows:
‘Board of Appeals’ when used in the Building Standards Code shall mean the City Council. The Board of Appeals is hereby established for each Code comprising the Building Standards Code. Depending on the subject of the appeal, specialized expertise may be solicited for the purpose of providing input to the Appeals Board.

H. Section 1807.1.6 is amended to read as follows:
1807.1.6 Prescriptive design of concrete and masonry foundation walls.

Concrete and masonry foundation walls that are laterally supported at the top and bottom shall be permitted to be designed and constructed in accordance with this section. Prescriptive design of foundation walls shall not be used for structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F.

ORDINANCE NO. 1208

Page 4 ends

I. Section 3109-Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs Section 3109.1 is amended by revising the first sentence to read:

The design and construction of swimming pools, spas and hot tubs shall comply with Appendix CI of the California Residential Code as amended herein.

15.04.012 Amendments to the 2025 California Residential Code.

The following amendments to the California Residential Code shall apply in the City:

A. Table R301.2 is amended by adding information in the table as required to comply with local data, to read as follows:

B. Swimming Pool Safety.

Appendix CI is adopted as required by state statute in its entirety and amended as follows:
1) Section CI C100, Health and Safety Code Section 115922(a), is amended to read as follows:
(a) Except as provided in Section 115925, when a building permit is issued for the construction of a new swimming pool or spa or the remodeling of an existing swimming pool or spa at a private single-family home, the respective swimming pool or spa shall be equipped with item #1 and at least one additional of the following seven drowning prevention features:
2) Section 115922 (a)(1) is amended to read as follows:

ORDINANCE NO. 1208

Page 5 ends

1. An enclosure that meets the requirements of Section 115923 and isolates the swimming pool and spa from the private single-family home and from public access. Any walls of the residential structural or accessory structures used to complete the isolation enclosure must have door openings equipped with protection as required in 115922(a) #4 or #5. Any such door protection device provided for this purpose may not be used to comply with a second drowning prevention feature requirement. 3) Section 115922 (a)(2) is amended by adding the following sentence.

The mesh fencing setback shall be not less than 20 inches from the water’s edge.
4) Section 115923(e) is amended by adding the following text:

In order to be considered non-climbable the following minimum standards apply.
a. Horizontal members which would allow grasping and/or footholds must be separated a minimum of 45 inches.
b. The maximum opening formed by a chain link fence shall be not more than 1 ¼”.
c. There shall be a clear zone of not less than 36” between the exterior of the enclosure and any permanent structures or equipment such as pumps, filters and heaters that can be used to climb the enclosure.

All other text in Appendix CI remains unchanged.

15.04.013 Amendments to the 2025 California Electrical Code.

The following amendments to the California Electrical Code shall apply in the City:

A. The following two paragraphs are added to Article 310.3(B) to provide as follows:

In general, for all installations, if wiring is to be size 6 or smaller, the wiring must be copper. Consideration for use of aluminum wire can be made by the Building Official for feeder lines only on an individual basis where adequate safety measures can be ensured.

Aluminum conductors of size 6 or smaller may be used for branch circuits only if approved after continuous inspection by an independent testing agency approved by the Building Official for proper torquing of connections at their termination point and that an anti-oxide compound/material is applied at each connection.

B. Article 690.13(A) is amended by adding text to read as follows:
(A)Location. The PV disconnecting means shall be installed at a readily accessible location either on the outside of a building or structure or inside ORDINANCE NO. 1208

Page 6 ends

nearest the point of entrance of the system conductors. A single, visible-open, lockable AC disconnect shall be within 3 feet of the meter on the exterior of the building.”
SECTION 3. Findings. Exhibit “A” attached hereto and incorporated by reference herein, sets forth findings supporting amendments to building standards adopted by this Ordinance, based on local climatic, geological, and/or topographical conditions pursuant to Health and Safety Code Sections 17958.7 and 18941.5.

SECTION 4. California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The City Council finds that it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility the adoption of this Ordinance may have a significant effect on the environment because the Ordinance provides for greater environmental protection by adopting and amending building standards and administrative provisions designed to provide for greater energy efficiency, construction sustainability, and protection from seismic and climatic forces, including fire-related dangers. Therefore, it is exempt from California Environmental Quality Act review pursuant to Title 14, Section 15061(b)(3), of the California Code of Regulations (CEQA Guidelines).

SECTION 5. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase in this ordinance or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is for any reason held invalid, the validity of the remainder of the ordinance or the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances shall be adopted thereby. The City Council hereby declares it would have passed this ordinance and each section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, or phrases or the application thereof to any person or circumstance be held invalid.

SECTION 6. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect the later of thirty days after its adoption or January 1, 2026, and shall be certified as to its adoption by the City Clerk. The Ordinance, or summaries thereof, shall be published as required by law, together with the names and members of the City Council voting for and against the Ordinance.

PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Paramount this 18th day of November, 2025.

Peggy Lemons, Mayor
ATTEST
Heidi Luce, City Clerk
ORDINANCE NO. 1208

Page 7 ends

EXHIBIT A

FACTUAL FINDINGS ESTABLISHING THE REASONABLE NEED FOR

LOCAL AMENDMENTS TO PORTIONS OF THE BUILDING STANDARDS

CODE BASED UPON CLIMATIC, GEOLOGICAL AND/OR

TOPOGRAPHICAL CONDITIONS
Section 1 of this Exhibit sets forth various findings that apply in the City of Paramount, explaining the various local climatic, geological and/or topographical conditions that necessitate the local amendments.

Section 2 of this Exhibit explains which findings apply to which amendments.

Section 1. General Findings
The following findings apply in the City of Paramount, and explain why the changes to the Building Standards Code are necessary because of climatic, geological and/or topographical conditions in the city.

A. Climatic Conditions

1. Hot, dry Santa Ana winds are common to all areas within the City of Paramount.

These winds, which can cause small fires to spread quickly, are a contributing factor to the high fire danger in the area, and create the need for an increased level of fire protection. This added protection will supplement normal fire department response available and provide immediate protection for life and safety of multiple occupants during fire occurrences.

2. The City of Paramount is located in a semi-arid Mediterranean type climate which predisposes all fuels, including wood shingles, to rapid ignition and spread of fire.

Therefore, there exists a need for additional fire protection measures.

B. Geological Conditions

1. The City of Paramount is located in a highly active seismic area. There are earthquake faults that run along both the northeastern and southwestern boundaries of Orange & Los Angeles Counties. The Newport-Inglewood Fault Zone (NIFZ) which runs through Orange & Los Angeles Counties was the source of the destructive 1933 Long Beach earthquake (6.3 magnitude, hypocenter off Newport Beach coast), which took 120 lives, with areas damaged from Laguna Beach to Marina del Rey and inland to Whittier, and poses one of the greatest hazards to lives and property in the nation. Regional planning for reoccurrence is recommended by the State of California, Department of Conservation. There was also an earthquake in December 1989, with the epicenter located near the City of Irvine. The fault on which this quake occurred was unknown prior to this activity.

The October 17, 1989, Santa Cruz earthquake resulted in only one major San Francisco fire in the Marina district, but when combined with the 34 other fires and ORDINANCE NO. 1208

Page 8 ends

over 500 responses, the department was taxed to its full capabilities. The Marina fire was difficult to contain because mains supplying water to the district burst during the earthquake. If more fires had been ignited by the earthquake, it would have been difficult for the fire department to contain them. Experts predict a major earthquake in our area within the next 30 years. This situation creates the need for both additional fire protection measures and automatic on-site fire protection for building occupants since a multitude of fires may result from breakage of gas and electric lines as a result of an earthquake. As noted by “Planning Scenario on a Major Earthquake on the Newport-Inglewood Fault Zone, 1988, State Department of Conservation,” page 59, “unfortunately, barely meeting the minimum earthquake standards of building codes places a building on the verge of being legally unsafe.”

2. Traffic and circulation due to heavy traffic existing in the City of Paramount often places fire department response time to fire occurrences at risk. This condition will be exacerbated by any major disaster, including any earthquake wherein damage to the highway system will occur. This condition makes the need for additional onsite protection for property occupants necessary.

3. The City of Paramount is located in an area subject to a climatic condition of high winds and low humidity. This combination of events creates an environment, which is conducive to rapidly spreading fires. Control of such fires requires rapid response. Obstacles generated by a strong wind, such as fallen trees, street lights and utility poles, and the requirement to climb 75 feet vertically up flights of stairs will greatly impact the response time to reach an incident scene. Additionally, Section 6, Figure 6-2 of ASCE 7 identifies a significant increase in the amount of wind force at 60 feet above the ground. Use of aerial type firefighting apparatus above this height would place rescue personnel at increased risk of injury.

Section 2 – Which Findings Apply to Which Amendments
Amendments to the 2025 Edition of the California Building Standards Code are found reasonably necessary based on the climatic and/or geological conditions cited in Section 1 of this resolution and are listed as follows:

Code Section Findings in Section
California Building Code
1807.1.6 B-1
3109.1 B-2
California Residential Code
APPENDIX CI B-2
California Electrical Code
310.106(B), 690.13(A) A-1, A-2
The following changes were made for administrative or procedural reasons, or relate to ORDINANCE NO. 1208

Page 9 ends

subjects not covered in the Building Standards Codes, and are intended to be compatible with the other provisions of the City’s codes as well as state standards. Administrative provisions are not subject findings based on local conditions and are listed as follows:

California Building Code Building Code Sections: 101.1, 105.2, 105.3.2, 105.5, 107.6, 109.6, 113.3, California Residential Building Code Table: R301.2 and Appendix CI.

AB 130 Finding
Amendments to building standards affecting residential uses contained in Ordinance No. 1208, are changes or modifications substantially equivalent to existing changes or modifications that were previously filed by the City of Paramount and were in effect as of September 30, 2025. See Health and Safety Code Sections 17958.5 and 18941.5.

Paramount City CouncilOctober 28, 2025

Paramount City Council
October 28, 2025