DIVISION 1
ADMINISTRATION Revised 5/24
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 1 - General Provisions
Article 1 - Adoption of Code
11.1.1. How code designated and cited.
11.1.2. Nature of code.
11.1.3. Provisions considered continuations of existing ordinances.
11.1.4. Effect of repeal of ordinances.
11.1.5. Validity of code.
Article 2 - Penal Provisions
11.2.1. General penalty; continuing violations.
11.2.2. Issuance of citations for violation of this code and other city ordinances.
11.2.3. Failure to appear in court is a misdemeanor.
11.2.4. Issuance of warrant for failure to appear in court.
11.2.5. Enforcement personnel.
11.2.6. Issuance of citations.
11.2.7. Fees for the collection of delinquent parking citations.
Article 3 - Rules of Construction
11.3.1. Construction; provisions governing.
11.3.2. Headings, effect of.
11.3.3. Reference applies to amendments.
Article 4 - Definitions
11.4.1. Charter.
11.4.2. City.
11.4.3. Code.
11.4.4. Computation of time.
11.4.5. Council.
11.4.6. County.
11.4.7. Day.
11.4.8. Daytime, nighttime.
11.4.9. Gender.
11.4.10. In the city.
11.4.11. Joint authority.
11.4.12. Month.
11.4.13. Number.
11.4.14. Oath.
11.4.15. Official time.
11.4.16. Or, and.
11.4.17. Owner.
11.4.18. Person.
11.4.19. Personal property.
11.4.20. Preceding, following.
11.4.21. Process.
11.4.22. Property.
11.4.23. Real property.
11.4.24. Roadway.
11.4.25. Shall, may.
11.4.26. Sidewalk.
11.4.27. Signature or subscription by mark.
11.4.28. State.
11.4.29. Street, highway.
11.4.30. Tenant or occupant.
11.4.31. Tenses.
11.4.32. Week.
11.4.33. Writing.
11.4.34. Year.
Article 5 - Appeals; Procedures
11.5.1. Filing of notice of appeal.
11.5.2. Contents of notice of appeal, fees.
11.5.3. Procedure after filing.
11.5.4. Hearing before Council.
Article 6 - In General
11.6.1. Notices, service of.
11.6.2. Proof of notice.
11.6.3. Effect of issuance of permit or license.
11.6.4. Service of notice on City Clerk.
Article 7 - City Council Meetings
11.7.010. Adoption of City Council Rules of Order.
11.7.020. Disrupting, disturbing, or otherwise impeding the City Council meeting.
11.7.030. Failure to clear City Council chambers.
Article 8 - Use of Electronic Signatures
11.8.010. Authorization to implement a digital signature system.
Article 9 - Abandoned or Unclaimed Property, Money, and Goods
11.9.010. Disposition of unclaimed property, money, and goods.
Chapter 2 - Administration
Article 1 - General
12.1.1. Authority to act or decide.
12.1.2. Bonds of City Clerk and City Treasurer.
12.1.3. Failure or refusal of officers or employees to surrender books, papers, etc., for inspection.
12.1.4. Repealed by O-3003.
12.1.5. Destruction of City records.
12.1.6. Eligibility for elective office.
12.1.7. Employees ineligible for appointive office.
12.1.8. City Manager’s authority to appropriate and expend funds.
Article 2 - Administrative Hearing Board
12.2.1. Administrative Hearing Board.
12.2.2. Membership.
12.2.3. Appeals.
Article 3 - Environmental Quality Enforcement
12.3.1. Environmental quality enforcement.
12.3.2. Hearing Officer.
12.3.3. Notice to appear.
12.3.4. Definitions.
12.3.5. Hearing.
12.3.6. Order.
12.3.7. Enforcement of order.
12.3.8. Right of appeal.
Article 4 - Claims Administration
12.4.1. Liability claims.
12.4.2. Powers and duties.
12.4.3. Rules and regulations.
12.4.4. Meetings.
12.4.5. Authority of City Manager, and the Finance Director.
Article 5 - Insurance
12.5.1. Automobile towing contractors.
Article 6 - Representative of the Metropolitan Water District
12.6.1. Creation, compensation.
12.6.2. Appointment and term of representative.
12.6.3. Removal of representative.
Article 7 - District Elections
12.7.1. By-district electoral system.
12.7.2. Establishment of City Council electoral districts.
12.7.3. Election schedule.
Article 8 - Administrative Citations and Fines
12.8.010. Legislative purpose.
12.8.020. Findings.
12.8.030. Definitions.
12.8.040. Issuances of administrative citations.
12.8.050. Administrative fines.
12.8.060. Satisfaction of administrative citation.
12.8.070. Appeal of administrative citation.
12.8.080. Hearing officer.
12.8.090. Administrative hearing procedure.
12.8.100. Administrative Hearing Officer’s decision.
12.8.110. Collection of administrative fines and failure to pay administrative fines.
12.8.120. Late payment charges.
12.8.130. Judicial review.
12.8.140. Procedural compliance.
12.8.150. Remedies cumulative.
Chapter 3 - Boards and Commissions Revised 5/24
Article 1 - Planning Commission Revised 5/24
13.1.1. Created, composition, compensation and qualifications
13.1.2. Appointments and term of members. Revised 5/24
13.1.3. Filling of vacancies. Revised 5/24
13.1.4. Removal of members.
13.1.5. Appointment of a chairman.
13.1.6. Meetings and failure to attend.
13.1.7. Powers and duties of the commission.
13.1.8. Rules and regulations.
Article 2 - Park and Recreation Commission Revised 5/24
13.2.1. Created, composition, compensation and qualifications.
13.2.2. Appointments and term of members. Revised 5/24
13.2.3. Filling of vacancies. Revised 5/24
13.2.4. Removal of members.
13.2.5. Appointment of a Chairman.
13.2.6. Meetings and failure to attend.
13.2.7. Powers and duties of the Commission.
13.2.8. Rules and regulations.
Article 3 - Library Commission Revised 5/24
13.3.1. Created, composition, compensation and qualifications.
13.3.2. Appointments and term of members. Revised 5/24
13.3.3. Filling of vacancies. Revised 5/24
13.3.4. Removal of members.
13.3.5. Appointment of a Chairman.
13.3.6. Meetings and failure to attend.
13.3.7. Powers and duties of the Commission.
13.3.8. Rules and regulations.
Article 4 - Airport Commission Revised 5/24
13.4.1. Created, composition, compensation and qualifications.
13.4.2. Appointments and term of members. Revised 5/24
13.4.3. Filling of vacancies.
13.4.4. Removal of members.
13.4.5. Appointment of a Chairman.
13.4.6. Meetings and failure to attend.
13.4.7. Powers and duties of the Commission.
13.4.8. Rules and regulations.
Article 5 - Water Commission Revised 5/24
13.5.1. Created, composition, compensation and qualifications.
13.5.2. Appointments and term of members. Revised 5/24
13.5.3. Filling of vacancies. Revised 5/24
13.5.4. Removal of members.
13.5.5. Appointment of a Chairman.
13.5.6. Meetings and failure to attend.
13.5.7. Powers and duties of the Commission.
13.5.8. Rules and regulations.
Article 6 - Repealed by O-2419
Article 7 - Repealed by O-2409
Article 8 - Repealed by O-3687
Article 9 - Traffic Commission Revised 5/24
13.9.1. Created, composition, compensation and qualifications.
13.9.2. Appointments and term of members. Revised 5/24
13.9.3. Filling of vacancies. Revised 5/24
13.9.4. Removal of members.
13.9.5. Appointment of a Chairman.
13.9.6. Meetings and failure to attend.
13.9.7. Powers and duties of the Commission.
13.9.8. Rules and regulations.
Article 10 - Civil Service Commission Revised 5/24
13.10.1. Created, composition, compensation and qualifications.
13.10.2. Appointments and term of members. Revised 5/24
13.10.3. Filling of vacancies.
13.10.4. Removal of members.
13.10.5. Appointment of a Chairman.
13.10.6. Meetings and failure to attend.
13.10.7. Powers and duties of the Commission.
13.10.8. Rules and regulations.
Article 11 - Parking Place Commission Revised 5/24
13.11.1. Created, composition, compensation and qualifications.
13.11.2. Appointments and term of members. Revised 5/24
13.11.3. Filling of vacancies.
13.11.4. Removal of members.
13.11.5. Appointment of a Chairman.
13.11.6. Meetings and bylaws.
13.11.7. Powers and duties of the Commission.
13.11.8. Rules and regulations.
Article 12 - Repealed by O-3690
Article 13 - Repealed by O-2185
Article 14 - Repealed by O-2796
Article 15 - Cultural Arts Commission Revised 5/24
13.15.1. Created, composition, compensation and qualifications.
13.15.2. Appointments and term of members. Revised 5/24
13.15.3. Filling of vacancies. Revised 5/24
13.15.4. Removal of members.
13.15.5. Appointment of a Chairman.
13.15.6. Meetings and failure to attend.
13.15.7. Powers and duties of the Commission.
13.15.8. Rules and regulations.
Article 16 - Environmental Quality and Energy Conservation Commission Revised 5/24
13.16.1. Created, composition, compensation and qualifications.
13.16.2. Appointments and term of members. Revised 5/24
13.16.3. Filling of vacancies. Revised 5/24
13.16.4. Removal of members.
13.16.5. Appointment of a Chairman.
13.16.6. Meetings and failure to attend.
13.16.7. Powers and duties of the Commission.
13.16.8. Rules and regulations.
13.16.9. Merger of Oil Board into Environmental Quality Commission.
Article 17 - Repealed by O-3816
Article 18 - Commission on Aging Revised 5/24
13.18.1. Created, composition, compensation and qualifications.
13.18.2. Appointments and terms of members. Revised 5/24
13.18.3. Filling of vacancies. Revised 5/24
13.18.5. Removal of members.
13.18.6. Appointment of Chairperson.
13.18.7. Meetings and failure to attend.
13.18.8. Powers and duties of the Commission.
13.18.9. Rules and regulations.
Article 19 - Torrance Telecommunications Committee
13.19.010. Creation.
13.19.020. Composition.
13.19.030. Meetings.
13.19.040. Rules and regulations.
13.19.050. Powers and duties of the Committee.
Article 20 - Social Services Commission Revised 5/24
13.20.010. Created, composition, compensation and qualifications.
13.20.020. Appointments and term of members. Revised 5/24
13.20.030. Filling of vacancies. Revised 5/24
13.20.040. Removal of members.
13.20.050. Appointment of a Chairperson.
13.20.060. Meetings and failure to attend.
13.20.070. Powers and duties of the Commission.
13.20.080. Rules and regulations.
Article 21 - Historic Preservation Commission Revised 5/24
13.21.010. Historic Preservation Commission.
13.21.020. Created, composition, compensation and qualifications.
13.21.030. Appointments and terms of members. Revised 5/24
13.21.040. Filling of vacancies. Revised 5/24
13.21.050. Removal of members.
13.21.060. Appointment of a Chair.
13.21.070. Meetings and failure to attend.
13.21.080. Powers and duties of the Commission.
13.21.090. Rules and regulations.
Chapter 4 - Civil Service and Personnel
Article 1 - Civil Service
14.1.1. System adopted.
14.1.2. Civil Service Board; Personnel Board and Board of Review construed as single board.
14.1.3. Applicability of Article generally.
14.1.4. Classified service applicable to appointive officers and regular employees; qualifications generally.
14.1.5. Status of employees holding positions at effective date of Article.
14.1.6. Executive officer.
14.1.7. Reports to Civil Service Commission.
14.1.8. Minutes.
14.1.9. Amendment of the rules.
14.1.10. Rules and regulations; matters to be included in contents.
14.1.11. Appropriation of funds.
14.1.12. Appointment to positions in classified service generally.
14.1.13. Acquisition of utility.
14.1.14. Contracting for technical service in connection with Personnel Selection Administration.
14.1.15. Examinations to be open and competitive; appointments to be made from those certified as qualified.
14.1.16. Temporary appointments.
14.1.17. Repealed by O-2534.
14.1.18. Emergency appointments.
14.1.19. Repealed by O-2534.
14.1.20. Repealed by O-2534.
14.1.21. Repealed by O-2534.
14.1.22. Repealed by O-2534.
14.1.23. Repealed by O-2534.
14.1.24. Vacancies due to suspension, etc. to be filled by temporary appointment.
14.1.25. Abolition of positions; rights of discharged employee if position reinstated within two years.
14.1.26. Soliciting, receiving and making political contributions.
14.1.27. Repealed by O-2316.
14.1.28. Effective date.
14.1.29. Type of examinations.
14.1.30. Repealed by O-2562.
14.1.40. Repealed by O-3172.
14.1.41. Repealed by O-3172.
14.1.42. Repealed by O-3172.
14.1.43. Criminal conduct - employment eligibility.
14.1.44. Criminal record distribution.
14.1.45. Procedure for obtaining criminal history information.
14.1.46. Criminal record distribution.
Article 2 - Position and Classification Plan
14.2.1. Classification plan.
14.2.2. Classification plan maintenance.
14.2.3. Allocation of new positions; re-allocations.
14.2.4. Setting of compensation.
Article 3 - Police and Fire Departments Generally
14.3.1. All officers and men to belong to classified service; promotions generally.
14.3.2. Promotions to be made from eligible list; method of choosing; no person eligible to be passed over more than twice in preference to other appointment.
14.3.3. Cost of conducting examinations, etc.
14.3.4. Examinations and tests; preparation of eligible list.
14.3.5. Re-examination of persons on eligible list after two years.
14.3.6. Exceptions as to active members upon date of adoption of Article.
14.3.7. Political or religious favors or discrimination prohibited.
14.3.8. Repealed by O-2082.
14.3.9. Suspension and discharge of policemen and firemen.
14.3.10. Repealed by O-1982.
Article 4 - Department Heads Defined
14.4.1. Department heads not appointed by the City Manager.
14.4.2. Department heads appointed by the City Manager.
14.4.3. Probationary period.
14.4.4. Post employment restrictions on Department heads and other designated employees.
Article 5 - Police Department
14.5.1. Composition.
14.5.2. Qualifications of members.
14.5.3. Successive temporary appointments prohibited.
14.5.4. Powers and duties of Chief generally.
14.5.5. Authority of Chief to fill temporary vacancies.
14.5.6. Repealed by O-2097.
14.5.7. Repealed by O-1995; O-1996.
14.5.8. Policemen not to receive compensation for service as firemen.
14.5.9. Rewards for heroic or meritorious service.
14.5.10. Pay while absent from duty.
14.5.11. False, misleading or unfounded reports.
14.5.12. Prisoners; laboring on public works.
14.5.13. Prisoners; powers and duties of Chief as to security; rules and regulations.
14.5.14. Prisoners; to be treated with kindness, etc.
14.5.15. Repealed by O-2097.
14.5.16. Training of corrections personnel.
14.5.17. Recruitment and training of public safety dispatchers.
14.5.18. Authorization of inquiries.
Article 6 - Fire Department
14.6.1. Repealed by O-3020.
14.6.2. Repealed by O-3020.
14.6.3. Repealed by O-3020.
14.6.4. Repealed by O-3020.
14.6.5. Repealed by O-3020.
14.6.6. Repealed by O-2101.
14.6.7. Repealed by O-1995; O-1996; O-2343.
14.6.8. Firemen not to receive compensation for service as policemen.
14.6.9. Rewards for heroic or meritorious service.
14.6.10. Repealed by O-3020.
14.6.11. Repealed by O-3020.
14.6.12. Repealed by O-3020.
14.6.13. Repealed by O-3020.
14.6.14. Repealed by O-3020.
14.6.15. Repealed by O-3020.
14.6.16. Repealed by O-3020.
14.6.17. Repealed by O-2101.
Article 7 - Bureau of Fire Prevention
14.7.1. Bureau of Fire Prevention Established.
14.7.2. Appointment of Chief or Fire Marshal in charge of bureau.
14.7.3. Arson investigators.
14.7.4. Inspectors.
Article 8 - Employer-Employee Relations
14.8.1. Employee relations officer; powers and duties.
14.8.2. Definitions.
14.8.3. Employee rights.
14.8.4. City rights.
14.8.5. Scope of representation.
14.8.6. Employee relations committee.
14.8.7. Powers and duties of employee relations committee.
14.8.8. City services to employee relations committee.
14.8.9. Conflict of interest.
14.8.10. Registration of employee organization.
14.8.11. Establishment of representation units.
14.8.12. Recognition of employee organization.
14.8.13. Grievances.
14.8.14. Meet and confer in good faith.
14.8.15. Availability of data.
14.8.16. Attendance at meetings.
14.8.17. Employee representation.
14.8.18. Management and confidential employees.
14.8.19. Prompt attention to request.
14.8.20. Communication with employees.
14.8.21. Use of City buildings.
14.8.22. Advance notice.
14.8.23. Payroll deductions.
14.8.24. Resolution of impasse on agreement terms.
14.8.25. Unfair employee relations practices.
14.8.26. Administration.
14.8.27. Construction.
Article 11 - Applications
14.11.1. Filing application.
14.11.2. Time of filing applications.
14.11.3. Rejected applications.
14.11.4. Persons excluded.
14.11.5. Late applicants.
14.11.6. Failure to appear.
Article 12 - Examinations
14.12.1. Preparing and conducting examinations.
14.12.2. Public notices.
14.12.3. Postponement of examinations.
14.12.4. Subjects, weights and general average.
14.12.5. Special examiners, returns after examinations.
14.12.6. Promotions.
14.12.7. Types of promotional examinations.
14.12.8. Eligibility for promotional examinations.
14.12.9. Credit for seniority.
14.12.10. Promulgation of examinations.
14.12.11. Inspection of examination papers.
14.12.12. Appeals.
Article 16 - Eligible Lists
14.16.1. Preparation of eligible list.
14.16.2. Order of names on eligible list.
14.16.3. Duration of eligible list.
14.16.4. Automatic cancellation of list.
14.16.5. Canvass of eligible list.
Article 17 - Certification
14.17.1. Requisition.
14.17.2. Certification.
14.17.3. Certification containing fewer than the minimum number of names.
14.17.4. Objections and substitutions.
14.17.5. Failure to respond; declination.
14.17.6. Striking from list; restoration.
14.17.7. Disqualification of applicants or removal of names from eligible lists.
Article 20 - Probationary Period
14.20.1. Regular appointment following probationary period.
14.20.2. Objective of probationary period.
14.20.3. Rejection of probationer.
14.20.4. Rejection following promotion.
Article 21 - Recurrent Employees
14.21.1. Recurrent reemployment lists.
14.21.2. Removal of names from recurrent reemployment list.
14.21.3. Transfer of recurrent employees.
14.21.4. Release of recurrent employees.
Article 22 - Efficiency Ratings
14.22.1. Efficiency records.
14.22.2. Reasons for ratings.
14.22.3. Expression of performance evaluations.
14.22.4. Dismissal based on unsatisfactory rating.
14.22.5. Review of ratings.
14.22.6. Appeals.
14.22.7. Investigations.
Article 23 - Reinstatement
14.23.1. Reinstatement to eligible list.
14.23.2. Inactive status.
14.23.3. Reinstatement of probationers to employment lists.
Article 24 - Veteran’s Preference
14.24.1. Definition.
14.24.2. Amount of preference.
14.24.3. Wives of veterans.
14.24.4. Proof of discharge.
Article 25 - Lay-Offs
14.25.1. Lay-offs.
14.25.2. Ties in efficiency ratings and seniority.
14.25.3. Reduction.
14.25.4. Re-employment list and restoration.
14.25.5. Memorandum of understanding amendments.
Article 30 - Repealed by O-2573
Article 31 - Move-Up Assignment and Pay
14.31.1. Assignment.
14.31.2. Duration of assignment.
14.31.3. Objective.
14.31.4. No probationary period credit.
14.31.5. Priority in police department.
14.31.6. Priority in fire department.
14.31.7. Priority in other departments.
14.31.8. Determination of priority.
14.31.9. Absence of moved up employee.
14.31.10. Move-up pay for vacant positions.
14.31.11. Move-up pay for training purposes.
14.31.12. Acting department heads
14.31.13. Scope of Article.
Article 35 - Vacations
14.35.1. Vacation eligibility.
14.35.2. Accrual of time.
14.35.3. Time of accrual
14.35.4. Effect of holidays.
14.35.5. Effect of separation.
14.35.6. Computation of service.
14.35.7. Scope of Article.
Article 36 - Sick Leave
14.36.1. Sick leave with pay.
14.36.2. Use of sick leave.
14.36.3. Notification of sickness.
14.36.4. Overtime rate after sick leave.
14.36.5. Family sick leave.
14.36.6. Return from sick leave.
14.36.7. Industrial accident.
14.36.8. Scope of Article.
Article 37 - Outside Employment
14.37.1. Definition.
14.37.2. Application.
14.37.3. Restrictions.
Article 40 - Leave of Absence
14.40.1. Leave without pay.
14.40.2. Application for leave of absence.
14.40.3. Refusal of leave of absence.
14.40.4. Holding position open.
14.40.5. Medical examination at termination of leave.
14.40.6. Military leave of absence.
14.40.7. Return from military leave.
14.40.8. Employee organization leave.
14.40.9. Scope of provisions.
Article 41 - Transfer and Reassignment
14.41.1. Transfer with consent.
14.41.2. Emergency transfer.
14.41.3. Reassignment.
14.41.4. Incapacity.
14.41.5. Rescinding of transfer or reassignment.
14.41.6. Scope of provisions.
Article 47 - Suspension, Demotion and Discharge
14.47.1. Powers of Department Heads.
14.47.2. Department Heads, peace officers.
14.47.3. Suspension for felony charge.
14.47.4. Relief from duty pending investigation.
14.47.5. Failure to testify before grand jury.
14.47.6. Reduction in pay deemed demotion.
14.47.7. Written charges and administrative review.
14.47.8. Request for review.
14.47.9. Review by Commission.
14.47.10. Delegation to hearing officer.
14.47.11. Subpoenas.
14.47.12. Decision of Commission.
14.47.13. Appeal to City Council.
14.47.14. Record on appeal.
14.47.15. Newly discovered evidence.
Chapter 5 - Police Department; Miscellaneous
Article 1 - Aid for Training of Law Enforcement Officers
15.1.1. Qualifying for aid.
15.1.2. Adherence to standards.
Article 2 - Police Reserve Corps
15.2.1. Established, composition and compensation.
15.2.2. Employment status of Police Reserve Officers.
15.2.3. Function of Corps.
15.2.4. Qualifications.
15.2.5. Rules and regulations.
15.2.6. Training and assignments.
15.2.7. Issuance of identification.
15.2.8. Carrying arms.
15.2.9. Authority of Police Reserve Corps members.
15.2.10. Termination and resignation from membership.
15.2.11. Increasing or decreasing membership.
15.2.12. Uniform, sidearms, belt, holster, etc.
15.2.13. Misrepresentation unlawful.
15.2.14. Court attendance pay.
Article 3 - Military Equipment Use Policy
15.3.010. Military equipment use policy.
Chapter 6 - Emergency Preparedness
Article 1 - General
16.1.1. Definitions.
16.1.2. Purpose.
Article 2 - Organization
16.2.1. Disaster Council created, composition, compensation and qualifications.
16.2.2. Meetings.
16.2.3. Powers and duties generally; recommendations to council.
16.2.4. Director, Assistant Director, Deputy Director, Division Commander and Emergency Services Coordinator; offices created; City Manager, Assistant City Manager, Police Chief, Police Lieutenant, Emergency Services Coordinator designated.
16.2.5. Powers and duties of the Director.
16.2.6. In event of an emergency.
16.2.7. Appointment, powers, duties, etc. of Assistant Director of Emergency Services.
16.2.8. Same; Deputy Director of Emergency Services.
16.2.9. Same; Division Commander of Emergency Services.
16.2.10. Same; Emergency Services Coordinator.
16.2.11. Emergency organization.
16.2.12. Emergency plan.
16.2.13. Prohibited acts.
Chapter 7 - Campaign Contribution Limits
Article 1 - General Provisions
17.1.1. Purpose.
17.1.2. Relation to Political Reform Act of 1974.
17.1.3. Definitions.
17.1.4. Limitations on campaign contributions.
17.1.5. Limitation on loans.
17.1.6. Cash contributions.
17.1.7. Late contributions.
17.1.8. Identification of senders of campaign information.
17.1.9. Electronic filing of campaign statements and statements of economic interests.
Chapter 8 - Use of City Buildings and Equipment
Article 1 - General Provisions
18.1.1. Purpose.
18.1.2. Definitions.
18.1.3. Prohibitions.
Chapter 9 - Lease of City Property
19.1.010. Long-term lease of City property.