Pico Rivera council advances ordinance to curb predatory towing; introduction passes 5–0

The Pico Rivera City Council voted 5–0 to introduce and give first reading to amendments to the municipal code aimed at addressing predatory towing and clarifying enforcement authority.

City Manager Steve and the city attorney explained the changes would amend titles dealing with administration, business licensing, health and safety, and vehicle and traffic to authorize parking enforcement to cite property owners who contract with tow companies that do not comply with state requirements. Staff described recurring resident complaints alleging tow firms and some property owners had not observed California Vehicle Code procedures, including minimum waiting periods and required documentation.

City Attorney Mr. Coney told the council the changes are intended to give the city an enforcement tool when towing occurs without adherence to state rules. Council members said they had received numerous complaints from residents who paid hundreds of dollars and faced inconvenience after vehicles were towed; one member noted staff and the city attorney are engaged with affected businesses.

The ordinance was introduced on a unanimous voice/roll-call vote (Council member Garcia: yes; Council member Laura: yes; Council member Lutz: yes; Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Sanchez: yes; Mayor Kamacho: yes). No ordinance number was specified at the meeting; staff said more comprehensive towing code work is ongoing and that the current amendments target the immediate issues residents raised.

The council also discussed next steps including enforcement, possible citations for tow companies or property owners, and additional outreach to affected businesses. The ordinance will return to the council for further readings and formal adoption per the municipal code process.