Ordinance No. 2256. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 10.44.080 (EFFECT OF PERMISSION TO LOAD OR UNLOAD) OF CHAPTER 10.44 (LOADING AND UNLOADING ZONES), OF TITLE 10 (VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC) OF THE HAWTHORNE MUNICIPAL CODE, AND MAKING A FINDING THAT THIS AMENDMENT IS TO NOT A “PROJECT” IN COMPLIANCE WITH CEQA. 

 

Open public hearing
Take public testimony
Close public hearing
Introduce Ordinance No. 2256

The Hawthorne Municipal Code currently limits loading and unloading activities at curbside loading zones to not more than 20 minutes. The purpose of the loading zone time limit is to ensure regular availability of loading zones for multiple commercial uses in the vicinity. However, the nature of commercial deliveries has undergone considerable transition over the past two decades, and the demand for curbside loading zones is lower now that many retail and office businesses receive stock and supplies via third party delivery companies (i.e. FedEx, UPS) or online distributors (i.e. Amazon, Office Depot). These companies make multiple deliveries per day rather than scheduled regular deliveries of consolidated orders. The delivery companies and online distributors make quick stops and rarely use loading zones. There are businesses, however, for which 20 minutes is not enough time to load and unload supplies, and many of these commercial locations do not have a private loading zone on the property. To accommodate such businesses, the City desires to have the flexibility to post longer loading times than 20 minutes during certain times of the day and at certain locations, and where it will not create a hardship for surrounding businesses.

Goal 2: Develop revenue-generating programs and adjust fees.

May help to bring new businesses to the City, which may increase the City's revenue.

Notice of Public Hearing posted in Hawthorne Press Tribune on March 27, 2025.