Gardena Municipal Code Ch. 11.06 Reservations and Permits

A. In order to guarantee use of a specific recreation facility, a person must submit a reservation request.

B. If the activity constitutes a special use as defined in Gardena Municipal Code Section 11.04.010, then the special use shall be indicated on the reservation request.

C. Reservation requests, including requests for special uses, may be submitted directly to the Department of Recreation and Human Services, made by phone or in-person, or for certain recreation facilities, submitted on-line.

D. As part of the reservation request, the applicant must sign a use permit agreement, which may be identified as "waiver" on the website. Once the reservation is approved, all applicable fees, deposits, and insurance must be provided, prior to the actual issuance of the permit. The agreement may include additional terms and conditions beyond those set forth in this title, provided such terms and conditions do not conflict with this title.

(Ord. 1889, 9/22/2026)

A. A reservation request, including a request for a special use, shall be submitted to the Department at least thirty (30) days prior to the scheduled event and no more than six (6) months prior to the scheduled event on a form approved by the City.

B. A complete reservation request shall include all necessary documentation. The reservation request shall include a use agreement, which the applicant must sign and agree to all terms and conditions thereof.

C. An applicant may not apply for the use of a recreational facility on behalf of another person or organization of which they are not a member.

D. The Director shall review the reservation request and consult with other departments of the City regarding the proposed use.

E. After review and consultation, the Director shall approve, conditionally approve, or deny the reservation request within seven (7) working days. Once conditionally approved, any applicable fees, deposits, and insurance must be submitted within seven (7) working days.

F. In approving a reservation request and issuing a permit, the Director may impose such conditions as deemed necessary to protect the public health, safety, and welfare and in order to make the required findings set forth in Section 11.06.040 below.

G. A permit holder shall not transfer, assign, or sublet use of the reserved facility and the permit holder must be present for the event.

H. If a permit is denied, the Director shall apprise the applicant in writing of his or her reasons for denial. Any aggrieved person shall have the right to appeal the decision in writing to the Parks and Recreation Commission and if the Parks and Recreation Commission refuses to issue such permit, shall have the right to further appeal in writing to the City Council. Both the Parks and Recreation Commission and the City Council shall consider the reservation request under the standards set forth in Section 11.06.040 and sustain or overrule the Director's decision at its earliest meeting date. The decision of the City Council shall be final.

(Ord. 1889, 9/22/2026)

The Director shall issue a permit unless one of the following findings are made:

A. That the recreation facility is unavailable at the requested times due to a prior reservation, the condition of the property, or the need to provide maintenance or emergency repairs to the recreation facility.

B. The proposed activity or use of the park will unreasonably interfere with or detract from the general public enjoyment of the park.

C. The proposed activity and use will unreasonably interfere with or detract from the promotion of the public health, welfare, safety, and recreation.

D. The proposed activity or use will violate any law or regulation or is reasonably anticipated to incite violence, crime, or disorderly conduct.

E. The proposed activity or use will entail unusual, extraordinary, or burdensome expense or police operation by the City.

F. The proposed facility is not capable of accommodating the proposed activity and number of people in attendance.

G. The proposed activity is likely to cause physical damage to the facility or its equipment.

H. The applicant has failed to demonstrate its ability to provide adequate security to assure that the event is conducted in a safe manner.

I. The applicant previously used a recreation facility and failed to comply with applicable rules or conditions.

J. The applicant has twice before cancelled a scheduled event in the facility without prior notice.

K. The applicant has an outstanding balance due to the City.

L. The applicant has past violations of City regulations pertaining to the use of recreation facilities.

M. That the proposed activity and use requested is for sports league or tournament play, and the permittee has failed to provide proof of liability insurance which names the City, its officers, agents, employees and volunteers as "additionally insured" in form and amount approved by the City Attorney.

(Ord. 1889, 9/22/2026)

A. No person shall occupy or enter into, loiter, or remain in any portion of a recreation facility for which a permit has been issued for exclusive use by another.

B. No person shall disturb or interfere unreasonably with any person or party occupying any area or participating in any activity under the authority of a permit.

(Ord. 1889, 9/22/2026)

A. If multiple reservation requests are received for the same recreation facility on the same day prior to approval by City staff, the priority for such use shall be as follows:

1. City Groups: City operated and/or sponsored/co-sponsored activities followed by other government entities that are providing a public benefit and service.

2. Residents: Individuals who reside within the City.

3. Non-profit groups: Groups with non-profit, 501(c)(3) status.

4. Non-residents: Individuals who do not reside within the City.

5. Commercial/Political: Entities and individuals who wish to use the facilities for business related activities or for political purposes.

B. Any permit may be cancelled by the City if the City requires the recreation facility for a City sponsored program. In such case, all fees and deposits shall be refunded in full, and City will provide as much notice as possible.

(Ord. 1889, 9/22/2026)

A permittee shall be bound by all park rules and regulations and all applicable laws as fully as if the same were inserted in the permit.

(Ord. 1889, 9/22/2026)

The person to whom a permit is issued shall be liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by any person whatever by reason of the negligence of the person to whom such permit shall have been issued.

(Ord. 1889, 9/22/2026)

The Director shall have the authority to revoke a permit upon a finding of the violation of any rule or law or upon good cause shown.

(Ord. 1889, 9/22/2026)