ADU rules in Torrance, CA — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Torrance regulates ADUs under TMC §92.2.10. Attached ADUs limited to 50% of primary dwelling; detached up to 1,200 sq ft. Maximum 16 feet height for detached, 25 feet for attached. Ministerial review within 60 days.
Under TMC §92.2.10, ADUs are allowed on residentially and mixed-use zoned lots with existing or proposed dwellings. Attached ADUs are limited to 50% of the primary dwelling size; detached ADUs may be up to 1,200 sq ft. Maximum height is 16 feet for detached ADUs, 25 feet for attached. Minimum setbacks: 15 feet front, 4 feet side and rear, 6 feet building separation. Conversions of existing non-livable structures (garages, sheds) are exempt from size maximums when no expansion beyond 150 sq ft occurs. Replaced garage parking does not need to be restored. Ministerial review within 60 days. JADUs limited to 500 sq ft within existing single-family or attached garage. No short-term rentals (30+ day minimum). Fire sprinklers not required if primary lacks them.
Unpermitted ADUs face code enforcement action. ADUs used as short-term rentals violate TMC §92.2.10.
Torrance, CA
Amplified sound must not exceed 15 dBA above ambient at property lines. On Sundays/holidays, amplified sound limited to 10 AM-6 PM. Must stay 200 ft from chu...
Torrance, CA
Torrance prohibits dogs from barking, howling, or making loud noises that disturb the peace of residential neighborhoods under TMC §41.1.2. Animal Control ha...
Torrance, CA
Machinery and mechanical equipment must not produce noise exceeding specified levels above ambient at residential property lines under TMC Chapter 6.
Torrance, CA
Powered gardening equipment including leaf blowers may operate Mon-Fri and 9 AM-5 PM Saturdays. Prohibited Sundays/holidays. Homeowners exempt 10 AM-4 PM on ...
Torrance, CA
Torrance adopts LA County Code Title 10 for animal control. No breed-specific bans exist, but dangerous/vicious dog declarations follow county procedures.
Torrance, CA
Dogs must be licensed annually and kept under control at all times per LA County Code Title 10, adopted by Torrance. Rabies vaccination required.
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle adu rules.
See how Torrance's adu rules rules stack up against other locations.
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