Torrance Municipal Code Art. 3 Permit for Exclusive Use of Parks

A permit (hereinafter called a park permit) shall be obtained from the Director before participating in any activity which causes a variation from the first come, first served basis, such as the following:

a) Group picnics;

b) Group activities requiring specific areas, time, or equipment;

c) Athletic games, contests, or tournament sessions;

d) The use of buildings, tables, chairs, or City equipment;

e) The use of special equipment or demonstrations not normally used in park or athletic areas;

f) Dances, shows or exhibitions;

g) Any activity for which an admission fee is charged or a donation is received; and

h) Any of the above activities which involve the consumption of alcoholic beverages.

A person seeking issuance of a park permit shall file an application with the Director, which application shall state:

a) The name and address of the applicant;

b) The name and address of the person sponsoring the activity, if any;

c) The day and hours for which the permit is desired;

d) The park or portions thereof for which such permit is desired;

e) The estimate of the anticipated attendance;

f) Whether or not a system for amplifying sound is proposed to be used and the purpose for which it will be used; and

g) Any other information which the Director shall find reasonably necessary to a fair determination as to whether or not a permit should be issued.

The Director shall issue a park permit when he finds:

a) That the proposed activity or use of the park will not unreasonably interfere with or detract from the general public enjoyment of the park; and

b) That the proposed activity and use will not unreasonably interfere with or be detrimental to the public health, welfare, safety and recreation; and

c) That the proposed activity or use is not reasonably anticipated to incite violence, crime, or disorderly conduct; and

d) That the proposed activity or use will not entail unusual, extraordinary, or burdensome expense or police operation by the City; and

e) If a system for amplifying sound is to be used, that a permit therefor has been issued by the License Supervisor in accordance with the provisions of Article 4, Chapter 3, Division 3 (Section 33.4.1. et seq.) and Article 5, Chapter 6, Division 4 (Section 46.5.1. et seq.) of this Code; and

f) That the park facilities requested have not been previously reserved for other use at the day and hour required in the application.

a) Within three (3) days after receipt of an application, the Director shall apprise the applicant in writing of his granting the park permit or reasons for denying the permit; and

b) Any aggrieved person shall have the right to appeal such decision in writing to the Parks and Recreation Commission, and if said Commission refuses to issue such permit, shall have the right to appeal in writing to the City Council as provided in Article 5, Chapter 1, Division 1 (Section 11.5.1.) of this Code; and

c) Both the Parks and Recreation Commission and the City Council shall consider the application under the standards set forth in Section 49.3.3. and sustain, subject to reasonable conditions, or reverse the Director’s decision at the earliest practicable time. The decision of the City Council shall be final.

A park permit shall be exhibited upon the request of any authorized person who shall desire to inspect the same for the purpose of enforcing compliance with any law, rule, or regulation of the City.

No person shall disturb or unreasonably interfere with any other activity under the authority of a permit.

A permittee shall be bound by all park rules and regulations and all applicable laws as fully as if the same were inserted in the permit.

The Director shall have the authority to revoke a park permit upon a finding of the violation of any rule or law applicable to the activity or use embraced by the permit or upon good cause shown. Time permitting, such decision may be appealed to the City Council as provided in Article 5, Chapter 1, Division 1 (Section 11.5.1. et seq.) of this Code.