Torrance Zoning Restrictions Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

The City of Torrance defines a home occupation as the secondary use of a person's own residence for a business activity carried on for profit. The regulations are designed to protect the residential quality and character of neighborhoods. Every person wishing to operate a home occupation must first obtain a Home Occupation Permit from the Community Development Department, then apply for a City Business License.

The home occupation must be conducted entirely inside the residence or a permitted enclosed accessory structure. It may not occupy more than one room or 20% of the total living area of the main residence, whichever is greater. The garage parking area may not be used for the home occupation except in the case of a third-car garage, a permitted accessory room attached to the garage, or work areas outside the required parking area within a garage. No structural alterations related to the home occupation are permitted.

No person other than the residents may be employed on the premises. Other employees must meet the home occupation operator at an off-site job location and may not arrive at or leave from the home to start or end their workday. There is a limit of two home occupations per residence, and each requires its own business license. Business licenses are non-transferable.