Torrance, CA

Torrance enforces noise standards that protect residential neighborhoods from excessive noise. The city prohibits unnecessary, excessive, and annoying noises under TMC Division 4, Chapter 6. Noise exceeding the ambient level by more than 5 decibels at any residential property line constitutes a prima facie violation. Amplified sound equipment is restricted to operating between 9:00 AM and 9:00 PM.

Torrance restricts construction noise to weekday hours of 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM and Saturday hours of 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Construction is prohibited on Sundays and City Hall holidays, with limited exceptions for homeowners working on their own property between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Noise from construction must not exceed 50 dB at property lines.

Torrance sets decibel limits based on geographic regions. Standard residential areas have lower thresholds, while areas near the oil refineries (Region 1) allow up to 70 dBA daytime and 65 dBA nighttime. Any noise exceeding the ambient level by more than 5 dB at a residential property line is a prima facie violation.

Torrance requires a permit for any amplified sound in public places including streets, parks, and sidewalks. Amplified sound may only operate between 9:00 AM and 9:00 PM (except Sundays and legal holidays). Only music or human speech may be amplified. Exceptions for events outside these hours require City Council approval.

Torrance requires a Short Term Rental Permit, a Business License, and Uniform Occupancy Tax (UOT) registration for any rental of 30 days or fewer. In residential zones, only home-share STRs (host lives onsite) are permitted. In commercial zones, STRs are allowed with or without a host onsite. All advertising must display the city-issued permit number.

Torrance requires a three-step registration process for short-term rental operators: STR permit, business license, and Uniform Occupancy Tax (UOT) registration. Hosts must collect and remit the UOT quarterly to the Finance Department. All advertising must include the city-issued permit number. Neighbor notification is required as part of the permitting process.

Torrance does not impose a specific annual night cap (maximum number of rental nights per year) for permitted short-term rentals. Instead, the city regulates STRs through the home-share requirement in residential zones, which requires the host to live onsite during each rental period. STRs in commercial zones have no night limitations.

Torrance adopts the California Fire Code (2025 Edition) with local amendments for fire pit and outdoor fire regulations. Gas-fueled fire pits (propane or natural gas) are generally preferred. Fire pits must maintain at least 10 feet of clearance from structures and combustible materials. Multi-family residential units face additional restrictions under CFC Section 308.

Torrance falls under the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), which declares mandatory no-burn days during winter months when air quality is poor. On no-burn days, wood-burning in fire pits, fireplaces, and outdoor fire features is prohibited. Open burning of yard waste or debris is prohibited year-round without a permit.

Backyard recreational fires in Torrance are governed by the California Fire Code Section 307 as adopted locally. Recreational fires must be contained in an approved fire pit or fireplace, maintain proper clearances from structures, and comply with SCAQMD burn restrictions. Charcoal and wood-burning grills on multi-family balconies and patios are restricted.

Torrance strictly regulates parking of oversized vehicles (over 20 feet long, 7 feet wide, or 8 feet tall) including RVs and boats. Street parking of oversized vehicles requires a permit limited to 3 consecutive days (72 hours) with a maximum of 96 permits per year. Parking on grass, dirt, or landscaped areas is prohibited. Vehicles may not be used as permanent housing.

Torrance allows driveway parking provided vehicles do not block sidewalks or the public right-of-way. Parking on grass, dirt, or landscaped areas is strictly prohibited. The front yard may not be paved more than 50% and must have maintained landscaping. Tandem and side-by-side driveway parking is acceptable.

Torrance regulates commercial and oversized vehicles on residential streets primarily through its oversized vehicle ordinance. Vehicles exceeding 20 feet in length, 7 feet in width, or 8 feet in height may not park on residential streets without a permit. Commercial vehicles are also subject to the general 72-hour street parking limit and zoning restrictions.

Torrance enforces a 72-hour street parking limit citywide. Vehicles parked in one spot without moving for 72 consecutive hours are subject to citation and towing. The city also has Permit Parking Districts in certain residential areas near commercial centers. Park parking lots are limited to 2-hour stays during certain hours.

Torrance limits fences and walls to 6 feet in rear and side yards, with the Planning Director able to approve up to 8 feet upon finding the exception standards are met. Front yard fences, hedges, and shrubbery may not exceed 4 feet in height. Walls or fences exceeding 6 feet require a permit.

Torrance follows California state law regarding shared boundary fences. Under California Civil Code Section 841, adjoining landowners are presumed to share equal responsibility for the reasonable costs of maintaining a boundary fence. Fence disputes are generally considered civil matters between neighbors, though Code Enforcement will address height and permit violations.

Torrance requires permits for fences and walls exceeding 6 feet in height or constructed of masonry or concrete. The Planning Director can approve exceptions for fences up to 8 feet. Permit applications are processed through the Building & Safety Division at Torrance City Hall. Standard wood or vinyl fences under 6 feet generally do not require a permit.

Torrance requires property owners to maintain landscaping on their property. The front yard may not be paved more than 50% and must have maintained landscape. Bushes and shrubbery may not exceed 4 feet. Parkway vegetation is limited to 18 inches above curb height. Overgrown vegetation and weeds are subject to code enforcement as nuisances.

Torrance regulates tree trimming and removal on public property through a permit system. No trimming, cutting, or removal of street trees may be done without a permit from Public Works. The city trims trees only for health, sustainability, and public safety. Property owners may hire city-approved contractors to trim parkway trees at their own expense.

Torrance enforces weed abatement under its nuisance code and California Government Code Section 39501. Overgrown weeds, dry vegetation, and debris that pose fire hazards or create nuisances must be removed by property owners. LA County fire clearance requires weeds to be cut to 3 inches or less. Code Enforcement responds to complaints and follows a progressive enforcement process.

Torrance prohibits any exterior signage or display identifying a home occupation that is visible from outside the premises. Advertisements in any media, including online listings and telephone directories, may not include the street address of the home occupation. The only signage exception is on a permitted vehicle.

Torrance requires both a Home Occupation Permit from Community Development and a Business License for any business operated from a residence. The home occupation must be limited to one room or 20% of the living area, whichever is greater. No employees other than residents may work at the premises, and no customers may visit the home.

Torrance strictly prohibits customers, clients, or visitors from coming to a home occupation residence. This is one of the most restrictive home business regulations in the region. No deliveries beyond standard residential mail and parcel service are permitted. The home occupation must remain invisible to the surrounding neighborhood.

Torrance requires dogs to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet in all public places, including all 33 city parks. Dogs must be licensed, fully vaccinated, and tethered when in public. Dogs are not allowed on sports courts, playgrounds, or at special events and Farmers' Markets. The city has approved a pilot off-leash dog park program.

Torrance does not have breed-specific restrictions. Consistent with California state law, the city cannot ban or restrict specific dog breeds. Instead, Torrance follows California's dangerous and vicious dog laws, which target individual dog behavior regardless of breed. Breed-specific ordinances are only allowed for spay/neuter programs.

Torrance allows backyard hens with a special animal permit from the Community Development Director. Properties under 10,000 sq ft may keep up to 4 hens; larger properties up to 6. Roosters are prohibited. Coops must be in the rear yard with specific setback requirements and may not exceed 60 square feet.