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Date: June 17, 2025
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Aram Chaparyan, City Manager
By: Ian McCarthy, Management Aide | [email protected] Subject: City Manager – Approve One-Time Exemption to Torrance Municipal Code (TMC) Section 46.5.3b Regarding Hours for Amplified Sound and Approve Amplified Sound Permit for Pakistan Chamber of Commerce Event at Charles H. Wilson Park.
Expenditure: None.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council:
1. Approve a one-time exemption to Torrance Municipal Code (TMC) section 46.5.3b regarding an extension of amplified sound hours; and
2. Approve an Amplified Sound Permit for the Pakistan Chamber of Commerce Event for prayer services to be held on August 2, 2025 at Charles H. Wilson Park, 2200 Crenshaw Boulevard.
FUNDING
None required.
DISCUSSION
The Pakistan Chamber of Commerce located at 1015 E. Chapman Ave, Suite C Fullerton, CA, has been an active part of the Los Angeles Pakistan community for several years. On Monday, March 10, a representative from Pakistan Chamber of Commerce approached staff to obtain a special event and amplified sound permit for a Pakistan Independence Day Festival to be held on August 2, 2025, at Charles H. Wilson Park. This event is scheduled to take place prior to the hours specified in the Torrance Municipal Code (Attachment 1). The portion of the code that applies is in Section 46.5.3b, which states, "The operation of sound amplifying equipment shall only occur between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 9:00 P.M. each day except on Sundays and legal holidays." a Pakistan Independence Day Festival is expected to take place between the hours of 4:00 P.M. and 11:00 P.M., which falls outside of the hours allowed per the Municipal Code. 1 City Council
June 17, 2025
5 3
5 Staff have reviewed the special event and amplified sound permit applications and determined the following:
1. The applicant, Ray Khan, has identified that amplified sound is a critical component of the event, as it ensures all attendees can clearly hear the proceedings.
2. The location in Charles H. Wilson Park at Fields 1 & 2 will help control the sound and limit disruption to surrounding neighborhoods.
3. A gathering of 2000-3000 people dictates that amplified sound be used to accommodate all guests in attendance.
4. If approved, staff will work with the applicant to ensure that measures are in place to reduce any impact from the amplified sound on the residents across Crenshaw Boulevard and Jefferson Street.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that City Council approve a one-time exemption to the TMC section regarding hours for amplified sound and issue an Amplified Sound Permit to Ray Khan for the Pakistan Independence Day Festival to be held on August 2, 2025, from 4:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M. at Charles H. Wilson Park.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Torrance Municipal Code--Article 5—Amplified Sound
2. Pakistan Chamber of Commerce special event permit application
3. Pakistan Chamber of Commerce amplified sound permit application 2 ATTACHMENT 1
ARTICLE 5 - AMPLIFIED SOUND
(Amended by O-3360)
46.5.1 PURPOSE.
The Council enacts the provisions of this Article for the sole purpose of securing and promoting the public health, comfort, safety, and welfare for its citizenry. While recognizing that the use of sound amplifying equipment is protected by the constitutional rights of freedom of speech and assembly, the Council nevertheless feels obligated to reasonably regulate the use of sound amplifying equipment in order to protect the correlative constitutional rights of the citizens of this community to privacy and freedom from public nuisance of loud and unnecessary noise.
46.5.2 APPLICATION REQUIRED.
It shall be unlawful for any person, other than personnel of law enforcement or governmental agencies, to install, use or operate within the City a loudspeaker or sound amplifying equipment in a fixed or movable position or mounted upon any sound truck for the purposes of giving instructions, directions, talks, addresses, lectures or transmitting music to any persons or assemblages of persons in or upon any street, alley, sidewalk, park, place or public property without first filing an application and obtaining a permit therefor as set forth in Division 3 of this Code.
46.5.3 REGULATIONS.
The commercial and noncommercial use of sound amplifying equipment shall be subject to the following regulations:
a) The only sounds permitted shall be either music or human speech, or both. b) The operation of sound amplifying equipment shall only occur between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 9:00 P .M. each day except on Sundays and legal holidays. The operation of sound amplifying equipment for noncommercial purposes on Sundays and legal holidays shall only occur between the hours of 10:00 A.M. and 6:00 P .M.
c) No sound emanating from sound amplifying equipment shall exceed fifteen (15) dBA above the ambient as measured at any property line.
d) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection c) of this Section, sound amplifying equipment shall not be operated within two hundred (200) feet of churches, schools or hospitals. e) In any event, the volume of sound shall be so controlled that it will not be unreasonably loud, raucous, jarring, disturbing or a nuisance to reasonable persons of normal sensitiveness within the area of audibility.
3 City of Torrance
Special Event Application (Non-Filming)
EVENT NAME _____________________________ EVENT DATE ______________________ Event Request Instructions
APPLICATION FEES:
Non-profit events - $50 (with letter from non-profit); Private or for-profit events - $100 STEP 1: Complete pages 1-3 of the application. The form is also available at www.TorranceCA.Gov/SEFO.
Please submit a site plan and available marketing information with the application.
STEP 2: Submit the application with payment of the application fee (check or credit card authorization form) along with appropriate supporting documents to the Special Events & Filming Office (SEFO) by email or in person. Email is [email protected].
STEP 3:As the complexity of events varies, all applications should be submitted 12 weeks prior to the requested date. If the event has previously received approval from the Special Events Committee, a lead time of six weeks may be allowed. Events that require use of public streets or facilities, special effects, food vendors, food trucks, alcohol, or amplified sound, will require a 12-week lead time.
STEP 4: Depending on the nature/complexity of the event, and whether or not it has been approved previously, the application may require a planning meeting with the Special Events Committee. All conditions for the Special Event will be explained at that meeting. Please come prepared to answer any questions from the Committee. Fees and conditions will be discussed at that time.
STEP 5: Once conditionally approved, the Applicant (Permittee) is to follow-up at the Permit Center to process and pay for the permit requirements (i.e. sound permits, safety inspections, police cov erage, etc.).
The Special Event Application fee is separate from all Permit Fees.
Insurance Requirements
A. The Applicant (Permittee) must provide, at its sole expense, the following insurance:
1. If applicable, Automobile Liability covering Symbol 1 (any auto) with at least the following limits of liability:
a) Primary Bodily Injury with limits of at least $500,000 per person, $500,000 per occurrence; and b) Property Damage of at least $250,000 per occurrence; or c) Combined single limits of at least $1,000,000.
2. General Liability including coverage for premises, products and completed operations, independent contractors and vendors, personal injury and contractual obligations with combined single limits of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence, aggregate $2,000,000 without exclusion of Event Holders; Bystanders or Participants (performers, employees, volunteers or individuals compensated by Insured) and sports/athletic contest/exhibitions not excluding athletic participants). Applicant/Permittee must identify each vendor to be on City property for this event and will name these vendors as additional insureds or provide proof vendor has met minimum insurance requirements and naming City of Torrance additional insured.
3. Workers' Compensation with limits as required by the State of California and Employers liability with limits of at least $1,000,000 per accident or illness. The policy shall be endorsed to waive the insurer’s rights of subrogation against the City of Torrance, the City Council, and each member thereof, members of boards and commissions, every officer, official, and employee.
B. The Applicant’s (Permittee’s) insurance must be primary and non-contributory.
C. The City of Torrance, City Council, members of boards and commissions, every officer, agent, official, employee and volunteer must be named an additional insured under the automobile and general liability policies.
D. Each insurance policy must contain a provision that no termination, cancellation or change of coverage can be made without prior notice to the City.
E. The insurers must be admitted to do business in California and rated B+ or better in the most recent addition of the Best's Key Rating Guide and only if they are a financial class of VII or better.
F. Applicant (Permittee) hereby grants to City a waiver of any right to subrogation which any insurer of said Applicant may acquire against the City by virtue of the payment of any loss under such insurance. Applicant (Permittee) agrees to obtain any endorsement that may be necessary to affect this waiver of subrogation, but this provision applies regardless of whether or not the City has received a waiver of subrogation endorsement from the insurer.
G. At the City’s sole discretion additional insurance may be required.
As of 9/2019
City of Torrance Special Event Request (Non-filming) Page 1 Attachment 2
4 City of Torrance
Special Event Application (Non-Filming)
Applicant (Permittee) Information
Name of Event: Date:
Requesting Organization:
Name of
Applicant/Permittee:
Profit Non-Profit Non-Profit ID
Address City State Zip
Phone Email
Contact Person Cell
Event Information
Type of Event:
5K/10K/Marathon Bike Race Charity Event Demonstration Circus/Carnival Street Fair Boutique Car Show
Outdoor Market Parade Concert Exhibit
Other
Date: Time:
Location:
Anticipated Attendance: Anticipated Participants:
Describe Event’s Activities: Provide flyer if available Additional Elements (Check all that apply):
Amplified Sound Generator Barricades No Parking
Restrooms
Vendors
Stage Bouncers Pyrotechnics Laser shows
Acrobatics Rides Animals Other
City of Torrance Special Event Request (Non-filming) Page 2 Street Closure
Tent
Lane Closure
Games
Food Sales
Alcohol
5 City of Torrance
Special Event Application (Non-Filming)
Describe where you will be parking the vehicles for your event – please show parking areas on Site Map:
Describe your plan for after event clean up:
Private Security
Private Security:
Name of Firm Contact Person
Address City State Zip
Phone License Number
Yes No
Number of Guards Armed
Department Conditions (For City Use Only)
Police Department
CONDITIONS:
1. There is a minimum 72 hour notice required for any changes in permit conditions.
2. Minimum staffing is 6 hours per officer shift.
3. There will be a non-refundable minimum charge of 6 hours per officer shift for cancellations within 48 hours of permit start time.
4. Officer staffing may be required at all times while production equipment or personnel are on location and only within the times approved on the permit.
5. The police department has the right to deny a permit request or cancel a permit within 48 hours of the permit start time in cases of unexpected staffing shortages or city emergencies.
City of Torrance Special Event Request (Non-filming) Page 3 Applicant/Permittee Signature
I have read and understand these conditions
Date
Department Signature Date
6 City of Torrance
Special Event Application (Non-Filming)
Community Development – Building and Safety Division
CONDITIONS:
Department Signature Date
Community Development – Planning Division
DEPARTMENT:
Department Signature Date
Community Development – Environmental
DEPARTMENT:
Department Signature Date
City of Torrance Special Event Request (Non-filming) Page 4 7 City of Torrance
Special Event Application (Non-Filming)
Fire Department
DEPARTMENT:
Department Signature Date
Public Works
DEPARTMENT:
Department Signature Date
Business License
CONDITIONS:
Department Signature Date
City Manager Approval
COMMENTS:
Signature Date
Finance Department
Conditions Met And Fees Paid
Signature Date
City of Torrance Special Event Request (Non-filming) Page 5 8 City of Torrance
Special Event Application (Non-Filming)
Agreement
I hereby certify that (1) the information in this application is true to the best of my knowledge; (2) I will ensure compliance with the conditions of the permit, including any attachments, and obtain approval for changes in the original permit; and (3) Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the immediate cancellation of this agreement.
I, as Applicant (Permittee), shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the City, the City Council, each member thereof, present and future, its officers, agents and employees from and against any and all liability, expenses, including defense costs and legal fees, and claims for damages whatsoever, including, but not limited to, those arising from breach of contract, bodily injury, death, personal injury, property damage, loss of use, or property loss arising out of the exercise of my rights under this Permit, unless caused by the sole negligence or willful misconduct of the City. The obligation to indemnify, defend and hold harmless includes, but is not limited to, any liability or expense, including defense costs and legal fees, arising from the negligent acts or omissions, or willful misconduct of the Permittee, its officers, employees, agents, subcontractors or vendors in the exercise of its rights under this Permit. It is further agreed, Permittee’s obligations to indemnify, defend and hold harmless will apply except to the extent of concurrent negligence, sole negligence, or willful misconduct, on the part of City, the City Council, each member thereof, present and future, or its officers, agents and employees. In the event of any dispute between Permittee and City, as to whether liability arises from the negligence of the City or its officers, employees, agents, subcontractors or vendors, Permittee will be obligated to pay for City’s defense until such time as a final judgment has been entered adjudicating the City as negligent. Permittee’s obligation to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the City, as set forth in this section of this Permit, shall survive the revocation, expiration, termination, or cancellation of this Permit.
Applicant/Permittee Name (Print) Title
Signature Date
Contact Information
Special Events and Filming Office
City Manager’s Office
3031 Torrance Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90503
310.618.2456
[email protected]
City of Torrance Business License
Finance Department
3031 Torrance Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90503
310.618.5923
Attn: Suzanne Bittner
City of Torrance Special Event Request (Non-filming) Page 6 9 City of Torrance
Special Event Application (Non-Filming)
Action Check List (to be completed by Special Events Team) Event Element Action Required
Sound Permit
No Parking
Lane Closure
Street Closure
Barricades
Tent
Vendors
Food Preparation
Food Sales
Food Truck(s)
Alcohol Provide copy of ABC license 1-2 weeks prior to event Insurance Certificate(s)
Notifications
Generator
Games/Rides/Bouncers
Restrooms
Airport
Parks
Repeating Event
Animals
Private Property
Public Property
Pyrotechnics
Casino The City does not approve casino events
Other
Other
City of Torrance Special Event Request (Non-filming) Page 7 10 Revised 7/23
APPLICATION FOR SOUND PERMIT
Date:_______________________
Name of Company or Organization:___________________________________________________________________ Address:_________________________________________________________________Phone#_________________ (Street Address, City, Zip)
Name of Person Making Application:___________________________________________________________________ Address:_________________________________________________________________Phone#__________________ (Street Address, City, Zip)
Operator of Equipment:______________________________________________________________________________ Address:_________________________________________________ ________________Phone#__________________ (Street Address, City, Zip)
Owner of Equipment
if other than above__________________________________________________________________________________ Address:_____________________________________________________ ____________Phone#___________________ (Street Address, City, Zip)
Location of intended
use:______________________________________________________________________________________________ Type of Business or
Activity:___________________________________________________________________________________________ Date to be used: From:__________________________________ To:____________________________________ Hours: From:__________________________________ To:____________________________________ Wattage of Equipment to be used___________________________________________________________________ Noise (in decibels) at 50’ 100’ 500’
(Directly in front of equipment)
Noise (in decibels) at 50’ 100’ 500’
(Directly in front of equipment)
Wattage and decibels checked by ________________________________________________________ ___________ Land Use Officer
Signature of person making application:________________________________________ Date:____________________ DATE RECEIPT NO. APPLICATION FEE
INCLUDES 1ST DAY
DAILY FEE
AFTER 1ST DAY
PERMIT NO. DATE ISSUED
$ 114.00 $ 57.00
Attachment 3
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