Torrance council adopts solar and EV permit rules, home‑kitchen ordinance and names new finance director

The Torrance City Council on Jan. 28 adopted changes to the municipal code covering rooftop and ground‑mounted solar systems and established an expedited permitting process for electric vehicle supply equipment, approved local rules addressing microenterprise home kitchen operations, and appointed Ian Daley as the city’s next finance director.

Solar and EV permitting: The council approved Ordinance No. 3944, which adds new sections to the Torrance Municipal Code regulating photovoltaic energy systems and establishing a streamlined review process for electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). Oscar Martinez of the Community Development Department told the council the ordinance aligns local code with state policy and California Assembly bills AB 1236 and AB 970 by establishing definitions, setbacks, screening requirements for supportive equipment (not the panels themselves), and a menu of compensating amenities where parking is removed for EV chargers. The planning commission forwarded the proposal to council after recommending edits; council adopted the ordinance unanimously.

Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations: The council adopted Ordinance No. 3945 and an urgency ordinance (No. 3946) implementing state law that allows licensed home kitchens (MEHOs) to operate within county permitting rules. Greg Lowden of Community Development summarized state statutes AB 626 and AB 377 and explained that Los Angeles County Public Health will process applications and inspections for home kitchens in the county jurisdiction. The urgency ordinance was adopted to take effect immediately; the regular ordinance will take effect after the required publication period. Staff said one MEHO permit is currently recorded within the city boundaries under county records and that the county will perform initial site reviews and investigate complaints.

Appointment: The council unanimously concurred with the city manager’s recommendation to appoint Ian Daley as finance director, effective Feb. 9, 2025. City Manager Adam Machuari and outgoing Finance Director Sheila Poisson both addressed the council. Poisson thanked the council and said she will remain with the city in a support role; Daley outlined plans to focus on customer service and to begin work on the FY 2026 budget.

CDBG/HOME annual action plan: The council held a public hearing on the city’s draft annual action plan for federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program funding for July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026. Michelle Ramirez said HUD has not announced allocations for FY 2025–26 but staff expects amounts similar to the current year ($1,002,315 for CDBG and $440,017 for HOME). Staff recommended deferring funding decisions while staff compiles and evaluates public input; council closed the hearing with no immediate allocations.

Other items: The council also approved a variety of consent items and heard public comment on airport noise, community safety and civil‑oversight proposals. Several ceremonial items were held, including a proclamation recognizing Black History Month.