Torrance adopts ordinance establishing administrative remedies procedure for challenges to property‑related fees

The Torrance City Council adopted an ordinance (No. 3959) establishing an administrative remedies procedure for written challenges to proposed property‑related fees, charges and assessments. Staff said the ordinance implements Assembly Bill 2257 (2024) while preserving the public hearing and protest procedures required under Proposition 218.

At the meeting staff stated the ordinance requires: (1) written objections to be submitted before the close of the public hearing comment period; (2) the council to review and respond to those written objections prior to taking final action; and (3) that subsequent legal challenges will be largely limited to issues raised in the submitted written objections, streamlining the administrative record in potential litigation.

The staff presentation emphasized the ordinance does not replace Proposition 218's mailed notice, public hearing or protest requirements; rather, it adds an administrative step intended to improve transparency and reduce litigation exposure. The council adopted the ordinance and approved the summary for publication.

Ending: The ordinance will be published in summary form and become effective according to the timeline in the municipal code; staff said there was no fiscal impact from adopting the ordinance itself.