License: No. #1076712
Discover what you can build in the City of Torrance. This city guide covers essential Custom Home regulations and zoning laws to help you navigate the process and make informed decisions for your property.
You can build one Custom Home on single-family property in Torrance, as well as convert one existing space within the primary dwelling unit to a JCustom Home.
You can build up to two Homes on multifamily property in Torrance, as well as convert as many existing non-habitable spaces within the structure as feasible into additional Homes.
In Torrance, a detached Custom Home can be a maximum of 1,200 square feet.
In Torrance, an attached Custom Home can be a maximum of 1,200 square feet or 50% of the primary dwelling unit size, whichever is smaller..
In Torrance, A Custom Home is usually limited in height to 16 feet. However, if the Custom Home is positioned over an existing structure, like a garage, specific zoning rules may allow for a taller Custom Home.
Yes, you are allowed to build a 2-story Custom Home in Torrance, but the standard 16-foot height restriction is usually insufficient for a viable 2-story building. If zoning variances allow for a greater height limit, a 2-story Custom Home may be much more feasible.
Since only one Custom Home is allowed per single-family property in Torrance, it is not possible to get approval for two Homes stacked on top of each other, one on each story. For multifamily property, which allows up to two detached Homes, these Homes can be stacked on top of each other, with one on each story, but height restrictions still apply. If you don’t qualify for an exception to the standard 16-foot height limit, it will be hard to design and permit a viable two-story structure.
Since only one Custom Home is allowed per single-family property in Torrance, it is not possible to get approval for two Homes attached to each other. However, since you can build up to two detached Homes on multifamily property, you can get approval for two Homes detached from the main structure but attached to each other into one big structure as long as all other zoning and building rules are observed.
No, a JCustom Home by definition is built into existing space within the primary dwelling unit. It would be a contradiction in terms to have a JCustom Home attached to A Custom Home.
Yes, you are allowed to build A Custom Home with a roof deck in Torrance. However, keep in mind that the required safety railing will count towards the total height limit of the Custom Home. The minimum safety railing height on a roof deck in California is 42 inches.
Torrance requires that new Homes generally conform to the external appearance of the main dwelling unit — color, material, roof pitch, roofline, door and window style, and other general characteristics to help the Custom Home blend in with the primary dwelling unit and the rest of the neighborhood.
Torrance requires 4-foot rear and side setbacks for new Homes. Homes built into existing structures are exempt from setback requirements.
Homes in Torrance must maintain a minimum of 6 feet of separation from other structures.
No, Homes cannot be permitted for the front yard in Torrance.
Torrance currently does require in-person submission of Custom Home plans. There is currently no online portal to submit plans digitally.
A soils report may be required for a new Custom Home in Torrance if the property is located in a seismic hazard zone or if the plans call for significant earthwork.
Depending on the specific zone, the City of Torrance may require between 20-30% of the lot to be maintained as open space — yards, landscaping, permeable surfaces.
Plans must be submitted to the Torrance Building and Safety Division. They must then be reviewed by a variety of departments to check for compliance with the California Building Code, zoning, fire safety, and Title 24 energy standards. The plans may be returned several times for questions, corrections, and revisions. The process takes approximately 4-6 weeks.
Santa Monica requires that residential property include at least one extra parking space per Custom Home. However, the additional parking requirement may be waived if any of the following apply:
If a new parking space is required, it can be located in the rear or side yard, or in the driveway. Tandem parking is allowed, and the parking space does not need to be covered.
Per California state law, solar panels of appropriate size and capacity are mandatory on new-construction Homes. Homes built from converted existing structures are exempt. Smaller Homes may be subject to reduced or modified solar panel requirements.
A Custom Home is not required to have a separate water or electrical meter. You can opt for the Custom Home to share service with the main dwelling unit. However, you can request separate water or electrical meters from the City of Torrance.
Torrance does not automatically assign a new Custom Home its own address. However, it may assign the Custom Home a new address if it is intended for rental or independent occupancy.
Low Impact Development (LID) is an approach to land development or redevelopment that seeks to preserve and conserve onsite water quality and natural features, with minimal detrimental effect to local waterways and ecosystems. Torrance may require LID fees for larger Homes.
Culver City does not allow residents to use A Custom Home as an Airbnb or short-term rental (30 days or less).
No, Torrance currently does not impose rent control on any property within the city limits.
While encouraging the use of electric appliances for efficiency and sustainability, West Torrance does not prohibit gas appliances in new Homes.
In Torrance you are only required to install sprinklers in a new Custom Home if the primary dwelling unit has them as well. You may also be required to install them if the Custom Home is located within a special fire hazard zone.
