Shopping Cart Retrieval and Containment Ordinance

Shopping Cart Retrieval and Containment by Owner Ordinance Program

Like other communities, Torrance has experienced increased levels of visible blight. These challenges are neither unique to Torrance, nor are they short-term and are unlikely to self-resolve as we come out of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, these challenges adversely affect Torrance businesses and threaten the economic vitality of our community and the quality of life for our residents.

One area of continued blight has been in abandoned shopping carts. Shopping carts removed without authorization often end up abandoned on roadways, along sidewalks and in our parks. Not only do abandoned carts cause blight but the businesses are also impacted through the loss of their asset.

On January 24, 2023, the Torrance City Council adopted an Ordinance pertaining to abandoned shopping carts and the unauthorized use of shopping carts (see link below). Shopping cart owners currently engaging in business in the City with 10 or more shopping carts are now required to affix identification to each of their carts and post requisite signage within 60 days from the effective date of the ordinance and submit a Shopping Cart Retrieval and Containment Plan within 180 days from the effective date (February 24, 2023) of the ordinance or August 22, 2023 (deadline date has been extended to October 13, 2023), to the City’s Community Development Department, as shown below.

City of Torrance
Community Development Department
Attention: Carolyn Chun, Senior Planning Associate
3031 Torrance Boulevard
Torrance, California 90503

Other areas covered by the Ordinance are shown below.

Purpose

Declaration of a Public Nuisance
Definitions
Administration
Unauthorized Removal or Possession
Abandoned Shopping Carts Abatement, Removal And Storage
Cart Retrieval and Containment Plan “Plan”
Incentives for Plan Existing Retail Establishments Compliance
Plan Submission and Approval
Appeals
Violations and Enforcement

Please Note: All businesses with shopping carts will need to submit a Shopping Cart Retrieval and Containment Plan to the City of Torrance Community Development Department. If a Shopping Cart Retrieval and Containment Plan is not submitted and approved for your business before the extended deadline date of October 13, 2023 (original deadline date was August 22 2023), there will be a processing fee of $212.

Should you have any questions, please contact Community Development Department/Carolyn Chun at (310) 618-5990 or cchun@torranceca.gov or CDDinfo@torranceca.gov. Links to important documents below: