Before You Build in Torrance, CA: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

California Good Neighbor Fence Act (Civil Code 841) requires shared cost for boundary fences. Torrance limits fences to 6 ft in side/rear yards.

Torrance limits front yard hedges and shrubbery to 4 feet under TMC §92.13.1. Side and rear fences and walls are generally limited to 6 feet. Building permits may be required for taller structures.

Swimming pool fencing must be at least 5 feet high per Torrance requirements, consistent with California Swimming Pool Safety Act. Self-closing, self-latching gates required.

Building permits are required for walls exceeding 6 feet. Retaining walls over 4 feet from footing to top also require permits.

Retaining walls 4 feet or less from footing to top are generally exempt from building permits unless supporting a surcharge. Seismic requirements restrict materials.

Pool enclosures must be at least 60 inches (5 ft) high with self-closing, self-latching gates per CA Building Code and Torrance requirements.

Above-ground pools must comply with the same barrier and safety requirements as in-ground pools. Building permits may be required depending on size and permanence.

Building permit required for new pool construction. Pools in residential zones must maintain 5 ft setback from side/rear property lines and 20 ft from front.

Hot tubs and spas must comply with barrier requirements when accessible to children. Hard covers that meet ASTM standards may satisfy barrier requirements.

California Swimming Pool Safety Act requires at least one additional safety feature beyond fencing: pool cover, alarm system, or self-closing doors leading to pool area.

Torrance allows garage conversions to ADUs under TMC §92.2.10. Replaced parking is not required. JADUs up to 500 sq ft can be built within attached garages. Ministerial approval within 60 days.

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.

Torrance regulates accessory structures under TMC Division 9. Conversions of existing structures to ADUs are exempt from size limits when no expansion beyond 150 sq ft occurs.

Tiny homes on wheels are not permitted as permanent dwellings. Fixed tiny homes must meet ADU or accessory structure standards under TMC Division 9.

Carports in residential zones require building permits and must comply with setback and height requirements for accessory structures in the applicable zone.

Fire pits must be at least 15 feet from combustible structures and equipped with spark arresters. Open burning requires SCAQMD permit and fire department approval.

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.

A permit from the Public Works Director is required to cut, trim, prune, or remove any tree on public streets, parks, or rights-of-way in Torrance.

Water restrictions follow MWELO standards and local water district rules. Torrance Water Division enforces watering schedules during drought conditions.

Torrance requires a permit for any maintenance, trimming, cutting, or removal of street trees under TMC Section 75.1.5. Work must be performed by city-approved contractors at the property owner's expense. Permits valid for 30 days. The Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance applies to landscaping projects over 500 sq ft. Hedges limited to 4 feet under TMC 92.13.1.