Outdoor burning rules in Torrance, CA — also called the burn ban, open burning, or fire restriction ordinance — set when you can burn yard waste, debris, or run a recreational fire.
Torrance prohibits making or kindling fire in any public place including streets, sidewalks, public rights-of-way, and greenbelts under TMC Chapter 85 (Fire Prevention). The city adopts the California Fire Code with local amendments. SCAQMD Rule 444 also restricts open burning in the South Coast Air Basin.
Torrance Municipal Code Chapter 85 (Fire Prevention) prohibits any person from making or kindling a fire in any public place, including streets, highways, alleyways, sidewalks, public passageways, public rights-of-way, publicly owned landscaped areas or greenbelts, or public places. The city adopts the California Fire Code, 2025 Edition, with local modifications and amendments as the Torrance Fire Code. Recreational fires in approved fire pits on private property may be permitted subject to SCAQMD (South Coast Air Quality Management District) rules. SCAQMD Rule 444 restricts open burning throughout the South Coast Air Basin, which includes Torrance. The Torrance Fire Department Community Risk Reduction Division handles fire code enforcement and permits. During Red Flag fire weather warnings, all outdoor burning including backyard fire pits is prohibited.
Misdemeanor. Fire Department response and extinguishment. Fines and liability for damage. SCAQMD violations carry separate penalties.
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 outdoor burning.
See how Torrance's outdoor burning rules stack up against other locations.
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