8P
Date: July 8, 2025
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Aram Chaparyan, City Manager
By: Gabriella Imai, Staff Assistant | [email protected] Subject: City Manager – Approve One-Time Exemption to Torrance Municipal Code (TMC) Article 2, Section 49.2.1 Regarding Hours for Operation at Charles H. Wilson Park for the Pakistan Chamber of Commerce Event at Charles H. Wilson Park.
Expenditure: None.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Counci l approve a one -time exemption to the Torrance Municipal Code (TMC) Article 2, Section 49.2.1 regarding an ex emption to hours of operation for the Pakistan Chamber of Commerce Event on Friday, August 1st, Saturday, August 2nd, and Sunday, August 3rd 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 area Pakistani community for several years. On Monday, March 10 th, a representative from the Pakistan Chamber of Commerce , who is also a Torrance business owner, approached staff to obtain a special event permit for a Pakistan Independence Day Festival to be held on August 2, 2025, at Charles H. Wilson Park from 4:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M.
Seeing that the Farmers Market is occurring that same day, the event coordinator is requesting to proceed with the event set up the day prior to, and following the event hours specified on the application, overlapping with park hours of operation per the Torrance Municipal Code (Attachment 1). The portion of the code that applies is in Article 2, Section 49.2.1, which states, "All parks shall be open to the public between the hours of 6:00 A.M. and 10:00 P .M. No person shall enter or remain in any park between the hours of 10:00 P .M. and 6:00 A.M., except when engaged in an activity scheduled or expressly permitted by the City.”
Event preparation shall proceed on August 1st, the night prior to the event, starting at 10:00 P .M., to set up the necessary equipment such as tents and stages required for inspection the morning of the event, August 2 nd. With the event ending at 11:00 P.M. on August 2nd and breakdown 1 City Council
July 8, 2025
starting shortly after, the event coordinator is expected to finish at 5:00 A.M. on August 3rd. Event preparation, the event itself, and the event breakdown all fall outside of the hours allowed per the Municipal Code.
Staff have reviewed the special event application , met with the event coordinator and ha ve determined the following:
1. The Farmers Market, also scheduled for Saturday, August 2 nd, will significantly limit the time available for event setup on the day of the event. As a result, the event coordinator has identified that setting up the evening prior, on Friday, August 1st, is essential to ensure all necessary equipment is installed to minimize the impact to community members at the park.
2. Post-event breakdown is expected to conclude Sunday, August 3rd by 5:00 A.M., allowing the park to be cleared for public use by its opening at 6:00 A.M. This would ensure that there is continued access for community members who want to enjoy the park on Sunday or who might have park reservations on the fields where the event was held.
3. An exemption to the standard park hours will provide sufficient time for both setup and breakdown for the event coordinators, while also reducing the impact on the community.
4. There shall be no sound checks or amplified sound except during the previously approved event time frame of 4:00 P.M.to 11:00 P.M.
5. The event coordinator must notify occupied structures within a 300 ft radius of the park regarding the after-hours activity.
6. If approved, City staff will coordinate with the event coordinator to ensure all activities related to setup and breakdown at Fields 1 & 2 at Charles H. Wilson Park are conducted safely, securely, and with minimal disruption. Community members in the area will also be notified that this is taking place.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that City Council approve a one-time exemption to the Torrance Municipal Code (TMC) Section 49.2.1, to provide an extension of hours of operation on Friday, August 1 st, Saturday August 2 nd and Sunday August 3 rd at Charles H.
Wilson Park, 2200 Crenshaw Boulevard.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Torrance Municipal Code - Article 2, Section 49.2.1 - Hours of Operation
2. Pakistan Chamber of Commerce Special Event Permit Application 2 ARTICLE 2 - USE OF PARKS
49.2.1 HOURS OF OPERATION.
All parks shall be open to the public between the hours of 6:00 A.M. and 10:00 P.M. No person shall enter or remain in any park between the hours of 10:00 P.M. and 6:00 A.M., except when engaged in an activity scheduled or expressly permitted by the City.
49.2.2 FIRES PROHIBITED IN PARKS.
(Amended by O-3933)
a) No person shall make or kindle a fire in a park for any purpose, except in barbecues provided by the City for the purpose of preparing food.
b) No person shall use any fuel in the provided barbecues other than charcoal briquettes designed for food preparation.
c) Charcoal briquettes may be lit by lighter, match, or spark. No person shall use any added accelerant, lighter fluid, flammable substances or materials, or use any tinder, kindling, or fuel such as wood, grass, paper, debris, or similar substance or material to light or maintain charcoal briquettes.
d) This Section shall not
i) Prohibit sidewalk vending operations pursuant to a permit issued by the Finance Director under Chapter 14, Sidewalk Vendors, of Division 4, Public Health and Welfare; ii) Prohibit permitted Torrance Certified Farmers’ Market operations under Chapter 12, Torrance Certified Farmers’ Market, of Division 4, Public Health and Welfare; or iii) Prohibit activity allowed by permit issued by the City Manager or their designee.
49.2.3 AREAS RESTRICTED.
No person shall enter an area in a park posted as CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC, nor shall any person use, or abet the use of, any area in violation of posted notices.
49.2.4 USE OF RESTROOMS.
No person over the age of eight (8) years shall use restrooms or washroom designated for the opposite sex.
49.2.5 RECREATION SWIMMING.
No person shall swim, bathe or wade in the water of any fountain, pond, lake or stream in a park except as wading and swimming shall be permitted in pools designated for these purposes.
49.2.6 CONSUMPTION AND POSSESSION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES.
The Torrance Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 3948, passed May 20, 2025.
Torrance Municipal Code
ARTICLE 2 - USE OF PARKS
Page
1 of
5 3
(Amended by O-3683)
a) No person shall consume any alcoholic beverage at any time in any City park. This Section shall not apply where the consumption is within premises for which a permit has been issued by the Director as provided in Article 3.
b) No person shall possess any bottle, can or other receptacle containing any alcoholic beverage which has been opened, or a seal broken, or the contents of which have been partially removed, at any time in any City park. This Section shall not apply where the possession is within premises for which a permit has been issued by the Director as provided in Article 3 or where the possession is solely for the purpose of recycling.
c) Any person violating subsection (a) will be guilty of a misdemeanor. d) Any person violating subsection (b) will be guilty of an infraction as provided in Section 25620 of the California Business and Professions Code.
49.2.7 USE OF PARKS.
(Added by O-3406)
a) No person shall play upon, use, occupy, or participate in any activity, or permit others to play upon, use, occupy, or participate in any activity in or upon a park, park facility, playground, court, pool or structure, in a manner not intended for such play, use, occupancy, or participation, and which play, use, occupancy, or participation causes, or is likely to cause, damage or injury to the said park, facility, playground, court, pool or structure. b) No person shall skate, skateboard, or ride or drive any bicycle, motor scooter, motorcycle, or other vehicle, or permit others to skate, skateboard, or ride or drive any bicycle, motor scooter, motorcycle, or other vehicle in or upon any park, playground, court, pool or structure so as to cause damage or injury, or which activity is likely to cause damage or injury to the said park, playground, court, pool or structure; provided, however, that vehicles or equipment of the City or of a contractor employed by the City shall not be prohibited from driving or operating within any park, playground, court, pool or structure in the normal course of maintenance, construction or repair.
49.2.8 PARKING OF VEHICLES, CARTS, ETC. FROM WHICH FOOD PRODUCTS OR MERCHANDISE ARE SOLD. (Added by O-3665)
a) Except as otherwise provided below, no person may stand or park any vehicle, wagon or pushcart from which goods, wares, merchandise, fruits, vegetables or food products are sold, displayed, solicited, offered for sale, bartered or exchanged, on any portion of any park or park parking lot within this City except that such vehicles, wagons or pushcarts may stand or park only at the request of a bona fide purchaser for an amount of time not to exceed twenty (20) minutes at any one park or park parking lot during any twenty-four (24) hour period.
The Torrance Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 3948, passed May 20, 2025.
Torrance Municipal Code
ARTICLE 2 - USE OF PARKS
Page
2 of
5 4
b) No person may stand or park any vehicle, wagon or pushcart from which goods, wares, merchandise, fruits, vegetables or food products are sold, displayed, solicited, offered for sale, bartered or exchanged, on any portion of Wilson Park or the Wilson Park parking lot on the following days: Tuesdays from 6:00 A.M. through 2:00 P.M., Saturdays from 6:00 A.M. through 2:00 P.M., the fourth of July, the day of the Halloween Carnival, the day of the Spring Boutique, and the day of the Holiday Boutique.
c) This Section does not apply to participants of the Torrance Farmer’s Market or other City- sponsored events.
49.2.9 PARKING OF VEHICLES IN PUBLIC PARKS AND PARKING LOTS SERVICING PUBLIC PARKS BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 10 P.M. AND 6 A.M.
(Added by O-3693)
a) No person shall stop, stand, or park any vehicle in any Public Park or Park Parking lot servicing the Park or attached thereto between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Violators will be subject to citation, towing, or both. Violators will be towed at owner’s expense. b) All Public Parks and Park parking lots must be posted to provide notice of parking prohibition and consequential towing. The prohibition will not be effective unless the required signs are posted. c) The prohibition in subsection (a) does not apply to those vehicles parked in Public Parks or Park parking lots approved by a City department with jurisdiction over the Park or Park parking lot for an event approved by such a department allowing parking between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Every vehicle so approved shall display a permit issued by such a department in the bottom left hand corner of the front windshield.
d) Any vehicle found parked in a Public Park or Park parking lot between the prohibited hours listed in subsection (a) will be cited, towed at the owner’s expense, or both.
49.2.10 SPECIAL EVENTS AT WILSON PARK.
(Added by O-3709)
a) No dogs are allowed in posted areas of Wilson Park or the Wilson Park parking lot during Special Events. This prohibition will not apply to service dogs or police dogs. b) Special Events are defined as the following days: Tuesdays from 6:00 a.m. through 2:00 p.m., Saturdays from 6:00 a.m. through 2:00 p.m., the Fourth of July, the day of the Halloween Carnival, the day of the Spring Boutique, and the day of the Holiday Boutique. c) Any person who violates subsection (a) will be guilty of an infraction.
49.2.11 SMOKING PROHIBITED IN PARKS.
(Added by O-3743; Amended by O-3827)
The Torrance Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 3948, passed May 20, 2025.
Torrance Municipal Code
ARTICLE 2 - USE OF PARKS
Page
3 of
5 5
a) For the purpose of this Section, the following definitions govern:
1) "Smoke or smoking" means inhaling, exhaling, burning or carrying any lighted or heated cigar, cigarette, pipe, or any other lighted or heated tobacco or plant product intended for inhalation, whether natural or synthetic, in any manner or in any form. "Smoking" includes the use of an electronic smoking device that creates an aerosol or vapor, in any manner or in any form, or the use of any oral smoking device for the purpose of circumventing the prohibition of smoking.
2) "Tobacco product" means any of the following:
A) A product containing, made, or derived from tobacco or nicotine that is intended for human consumption, whether smoked, heated, chewed, absorbed, dissolved, inhaled, snorted, sniffed, or ingested by any other means, including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, little cigars, chewing tobacco, pipe tobacco or snuff.
B) An electronic device that delivers nicotine or other vaporized liquids to the person inhaling from the device, including, but not limited to, an electronic cigarette, cigar, pipe, or hookah.
C) Any component, part, or accessory of a tobacco product, whether or not sold separately.
3) "Cigar" means the same as defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 104550. 4) "Cigarette" means the same as defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 104556.
b) Smoking a pipe, cigar, cigarette, or any other tobacco product in any park, or using or consuming any tobacco-related product, is prohibited and is unlawful, unless it is done by an actor for filming purposes, pursuant to a permit issued by the City of Torrance. c) Disposing of pipe residue, cigar butts, cigarette butts or any other tobacco-related waste in a park is prohibited and is unlawful.
d) It is unlawful for any person to intimidate, threaten any reprisal, or effect any reprisal, for the purpose of retaliating against another person who seeks to attain compliance with this section. e) Any person who violates this section is guilty of an infraction and subject to a fine of up to $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second violation within one year, and $500 for a third or subsequent violation within one year. Punishment under this section does not preclude punishment pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Section 13002, Section 374.4 of the California Penal Code, or any other provision of law proscribing the act of littering.
The Torrance Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 3948, passed May 20, 2025.
Torrance Municipal Code
ARTICLE 2 - USE OF PARKS
Page
4 of
5 6
The Torrance Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 3948, passed May 20, 2025.
Torrance Municipal Code
ARTICLE 2 - USE OF PARKS
Page
5 of
5 7
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 8 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
9 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
10 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 11 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 12 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 13 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 14