Torrance Municipal Code Art. 9 Trespassing on Public Property

The term "sign" as used in this Article means a sign affixed not less than three (3) feet nor more than six (6) feet, above the ground level at the place of posting as specified in Section 74.9.5. of this Code, which sign shall consist of wood, metal, or other substantial materials, with a face of not less than one (1) square foot in area and upon which in letters not less than two (2) inches in height, either black against a white background or white against a black background, or contrasting colors, appear, in addition to such other information as may be placed thereon, the following: "TRESPASSING - LOITERING FORBIDDEN BY LAW."

The term "posted property" means any property specified in Section 74.9.4. of this Code which is posted in a manner provided in Section 74.9.5. of this Code.

The tern "posted boundary" means a line running from sign to sign and such line need not conform to the legal boundary or legal description of any lot, parcel or acreage of land, but only the area within the "posted boundary" shall constitute "posted property."

Any property maintained or owned by the City except that portion of such property to which the general public is accorded access, may be posted against trespassing and loitering in the manner provided in Section 74.9.5. hereof, and thereby become "posted property" subject to the provisions of this Article applicable to posted property.

Any property described in Section 74.9.4. of this Code may be posted against trespassing and loitering, in the following manner:

a) Any such property, if it be not enclosed within a fence and if it be of an area not exceeding one (1) acre, if it has no lineal dimension exceeding six hundred (600) feet, by posting signs at each corner of the area so posted, and at each entrance thereto.

b) Any such property, if it be not enclosed within a fence, and if it be of an area exceeding one (1) acre, or if it contains any lineal dimension exceeding six hundred (600) feet, by posting signs along or near the exterior boundaries of the area so posted at intervals of not more than six hundred (600) feet, and also at each corner thereof, and, if such property has definite entrance or entrances thereto, at each such entrance.

c) Any such property, if it be enclosed within a fence and if it be of an area not exceeding one (1) acre, and if it has no lineal dimension exceeding six hundred (600) feet, by posting signs at each corner of such fence and at each entrance thereto.

d) Any such property, if it be enclosed within a fence and if it be of an area exceeding one (1) acre, or if it has any lineal dimension exceeding six hundred (600) feet, by posting signs on, or along the line of such fence at intervals of not more than six hundred (600) feet, and also at each corner thereof and at each entrance thereto.

Every person is guilty of a misdemeanor who enters or remains upon any "posted property" without the written permission of the City Council of the City of Torrance. Application for such permission shall be made to the City Manager of said City, setting forth the permission desired and the purpose and duration thereof, and said City Manager shall investigate such application and make his recommendations thereon to the City Council of said City and said City Council may impose such terms and conditions as may be necessary to insure the proper maintenance of the property for the purpose for which it was constructed, acquired or maintained. Every person who so enters or remains upon such "posted property" without such written permission is guilty of a separate offense for each day during any portion of which he enters or remains upon such "posted property."

Every person is guilty of a misdemeanor who, without authority, tears down, defaces or destroys any sign posted under the provisions of this Code.

Every person is guilty of a misdemeanor who loiters in the immediate vicinity of any "posted property." This Section does not prohibit, in the immediate vicinity of any "posted property" or elsewhere, picketing or any lawful activity by which the public is informed of the existence of an alleged labor dispute.

a) This Article does not apply to any entry, in the course of duty, of any peace or police officer, or other duly authorized employee of the City of Torrance, nor does it apply to the lawful use of an established and existing right-of-way for public road purposes.

b) This Code does not prohibit any lawful activity for the purpose of investigation of the safety of working conditions on posted property by a representative of a labor union or other employee group who has upon his person written evidence of due authorization by his labor union or employee group to make such investigation.

c) This Code does not permit or prohibit any act or acts concerning the "Trespassing or Loitering Near Posted Industrial Property" as enacted by the Legislature in Penal Code Sections 522 through 555.5.