Torrance City Council Meeting - March 24, 2026

The Torrance City Council met on March 24, 2026, at 6:30 PM (following a closed session that began at 5:00 PM) in the LeRoy J. Jackson Council Chamber. The meeting included public hearings, economic development updates, and a resolution opposing a proposed county sales tax measure. Key actions included unanimous approval of a minor hillside exemption appeal for an as-built deck, acceptance of the economic development report with direction to explore expanded business assistance, and adoption of a resolution opposing the Los Angeles County Essential Services Restoration Act.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously (7-0): All items 8A through 8R, including:
  • Approval of February 24, 2026 City Council minutes
  • Amendments to Measure R transit investment funding agreements (trolleybuses, expansion buses, parking structure, microtransit vehicles, electric charging station)
  • Purchase orders for a stencil truck ($179,240.13), three ADA-equipped Toyota Sienna hybrids ($233,590.46), and four utility trucks ($520,496.10)
  • Side letter agreement with AFSCME Local 1117 for police recruitment retention ($45,000 annually)
  • First amendment for Emergency Operations Center at Fire Station 1 ($31,148.50)
  • Memorandum of Agreement with County of Los Angeles for police recruit training
  • New/revised class specifications for Project Manager-IT, Public Works Supervisor, Police Records Technician
  • 2025 Housing Element Annual Progress Report (accepted and filed)
  • Mills Act contract for historic residence at 1504 Acacia Avenue
  • Fourth amendment to payroll services contract with ADP (approx. $920,000 total, $19.61-20.95 per employee per month)
  • January 2026 Investment Report (accepted and filed)
  • Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and Mid-Year Budget Review (accepted; budget adjustments: $31,954 in General Services, $4,500,000 Airport Fund, $2,000,000 Self-Insurance Fund)
  • Tenth amendment to legal services fee agreement (Rutan & Tucker, rate cap $525/hour)
  • Owner’s representative services contract for new parking structure at Transit Regional Center ($1,809,600)

Public Comments & Testimony

• Oral Communications #1 (Hillside Overlay issues): Multiple residents from the Riviera area spoke during the 30-minute period. They urged the Council to update the Hillside Overlay Ordinance with objective development standards (height limits, upper story setbacks, step-down requirements) and to enforce existing rules. Speakers expressed that state ADU laws are being used to bypass protections, leading to loss of views, privacy, and property values. They requested a community meeting with Council and staff. Some speakers criticized the city staff for claiming hands are tied, arguing that state law allows local objective standards. One resident (Addy) shared personal struggles with homelessness, appealing for compassion.
• Public Hearing 9A (5608 White Court deck): Six speakers opposed the appeal (downslope neighbors), citing privacy violations, safety/drainage concerns, and the precedent of unpermitted construction. One speaker (proponent’s rebuttal) defended the deck, noting it complies with zoning code and that safety inspections will follow. Several neighbors argued the deck was built without permits and that the staff report ignored their concerns. One Boy Scout troop leader asked the Council to address the moral lesson of seeking forgiveness versus permission.
• Oral Communications #2: Resident Michelle Brooks requested a facilitated community dialogue on hillside overlay issues.

Discussion Items

• Item 9A: Public Hearing and Appeal – Minor Hillside Exemption for Deck at 5608 White Court

  • Staff presented recommendation to uphold the appeal and approve the as-built deck (1,755 sq ft, 16-24 inches above grade), concluding no substantial adverse impact to privacy based on site assessments. The deck complies with all zoning regulations (under 24 inches allows building to property line). The Planning Commission had previously approved with a condition requiring a 10-foot setback (blue line), which the owner appealed.
  • Council discussion: Members disclosed site visits. Councilman Matucci noted the deck meets code and that privacy impact is minimal compared to pre-existing conditions. Councilman Sheikh and Councilwoman Kalani questioned safety, drainage, and the enforcement of building permits. Staff clarified that all safety, drainage, and geotechnical issues will be reviewed during the building permit process. The applicant stated the deck was built without permits due to contractor advice but they are now working with the city.
  • Vote: Motion to uphold the appeal, adopt Resolution 2026-27 approving the minor hillside exemption, determine a CEQA categorical exemption, and address encroachment, drainage, and other code issues (including assessment of fines) – passed 7-0.

• Item 10A: Economic Development Update and Proposed Initiatives

  • Fran Fulton (Economic Development Manager) presented highlights: successful Business Attraction and Torrance Incentive (BAIT) program attracted Sony Honda Mobility Afila studio and Hadrian advanced manufacturing expansion (adding 260,000 sq ft). Facade Improvement Program underused due to state prevailing wage requirements. Staff proposed alternatives: offsetting city permit fees, covering design/pre-planning expenses, or providing vetted vendor lists. Other updates: passport dining program launching, 26 film permits issued ($110,000 revenue), and international engagement (Taiwan Olympic Committee delegation for 2028, exploring friendship city in Spain).
  • Council discussion: Councilman Sheikh and others emphasized focusing on small businesses. Staff agreed to bring back a menu of options for the facade program and to target small business support. Councilwoman Lewis praised the marketing.
  • Vote: Motion to accept and file the report and direct staff to expand options for the Commercial Facade Improvement Program (including possibly lowering/waiving fees) and consider budget increases for small business assistance – passed 7-0.

• Item 10B: Resolution Opposing Essential Services Restoration Act and AB 1768

  • Staff presented reasons: the proposed 0.5% countywide sales tax (raising Torrance rate from 10.25% to 10.75%) is a general tax with no legally binding spending restrictions. Cities like Torrance receive only about 20% of locally generated revenue back. The measure would reduce city flexibility for future local revenue measures. The oversight committee is only advisory.
  • Councilman Gerson noted Orange County’s rate is 7.75%.
  • Vote: Motion to adopt Resolution 2026-28 opposing the measure and AB 1768, and authorize a letter of opposition – passed 7-0.

• Public Housing Agency Meeting (recessed and reconvened)

  • Approved minutes of November 4, 2025. Held public hearing on 2026 Annual PHA Plan (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027). No public testimony. Motion to approve the plan and authorize signatures – passed 7-0.

Key Outcomes

• Hillside Overlay Ordinance: Councilman Matucci requested and received concurrence to bring back a future item for discussion of the Hillside Overlay Ordinance, including options to strengthen protections. The item will be advertised and invite public input.
• Park Rental Fee Waiver: Councilman Matucci’s proposal to explore waiving park rental fees for Torrance residents was discussed; it lacked sufficient concurrence (only 2 thumbs) to send to the Parks and Recreation Commission. It may be considered as part of the citywide fee study.
• Next Meeting: The Council adjourned to Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 5:00 PM for closed session, with regular business at 6:30 PM. March 31, 2026 is a dark night.

Community Recognitions

• Unveiling of “Samurai of the Diamond” mural by Robert Vargas at DoubleTree by Hilton Torrance South Bay; artist named honorary Torrance Cultural Ambassador.
• Torrance High School delegates for the Kashiwa, Japan sister city exchange program (July 7-28, 2026) were introduced.
• Proclamation declaring March 25, 2026 as National Medal of Honor Day in Torrance, honoring Technical Sergeant Ted Tanaway (Medal of Honor recipient).
• Announcement of Cherry Blossom Cultural Festival (March 29, 2026) and Ralph Steadman exhibition at Torrance Art Museum (March 28 – May 9, 2026).