ADUByCity
Verified March 14, 2026

ADU Regulations in Torrance, California

Los Angeles County · CA · Pop. 148,000

Max ADU Size

1,200

sq ft detached

Rear Setback

4 ft

Permit Timeline

60 days

Build Cost

$175,000 – $360,000

Zoning

Allowed ADU Types

✓Detached ADU
✓Attached ADU
✓JADU (Junior ADU)
✓Garage Conversion
Max per lot: 2 ADUs✓ No owner-occupancy required

ADUs are permitted by right on single-family and multifamily residential lots. Torrance's well-established South Bay neighborhoods feature large R-1 lots, many with detached garages ideal for conversion. Multifamily parcels may add one ADU per four existing units.

Source: City of Torrance — Accessory Dwelling Units · Torrance Municipal Code Title 4, Division 9, Article 16

Dimensions

Size & Setback Requirements

Detached

1,200

sq ft max

JADU

500

sq ft max

Attached

50% of primary home, max 1,200 sq ft

Setbacks

front

Same as primary dwelling

side

4 ft

rear

4 ft

Max height: 16 ft (detached); up to 25 ft if attached or above garage

Lot coverage: Per underlying zone; R-1 typically 45%

Garage conversions do not require replacement parking spaces, a major advantage in Torrance's denser neighborhoods. ADUs built above existing garages can reach the 25 ft limit under 2025 state law.

Permitting

Permit Process

Department

Community Development — Planning & Building Division

Review Timeline

60 days

Permit Fees

$9,000 – $18,000

Impact Fees

Impact fees waived for ADUs under 750 sq ft; fees apply pro-rated above that threshold

Required Documents

  • ›Site plan with setbacks and utilities
  • ›Floor plans
  • ›Elevations
  • ›Title 24 energy compliance
  • ›Structural drawings
  • ›Soils report (if new foundation)

Torrance has streamlined its ADU checklist through a dedicated pre-application form available on the Planning Division portal. Fees are higher than the Inland Empire but in line with other South Bay cities. Plan check can be expedited for an additional fee.

Visit Community Development — Planning & Building Division →

Infrastructure

Utilities & Requirements

Solar

Required

Parking

Not required

Separate Meter

Optional

Fire Sprinklers

See note

Sewer: Connection to LA County sanitation district sewer; capacity verification required for new detached units
Fire Sprinklers: Not required unless primary structure requires them
Parking: No additional parking required

Financials

ADU Costs in Torrance

Typical Build Cost

$175,000 – $360,000

Cost per Sq Ft

$245 – $320

Monthly Rental

$1,900 – $3,000/mo/mo

Property Value Added

Adds $180,000 – $350,000 to property value

Available Grants & Programs

  • ★CalHFA ADU Grant Program available (up to $40,000 for pre-development costs)
  • ★LA County Community Development Commission financing programs

Torrance benefits from Honda North America's headquarters and a dense South Bay employment base, keeping rental vacancy rates low. ADUs near the Torrance Transit hub or within walking distance of Del Amo Fashion Center command the upper end of the rental range.

Use the free ADU Cost Calculator →

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Disclaimer: Information is compiled from publicly available municipal codes for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, zoning, or construction advice. Regulations change frequently. Always verify with your local planning department. Last verified: March 14, 2026. Verify with Community Development — Planning & Building Division

Explore More

Nearby Cities in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles

Max 1,200 sq ft · $150,000 – $450,000

Long Beach

Max 1,200 sq ft · $150,000 – $420,000

Santa Clarita

Max 1,200 sq ft · $150,000 – $320,000

Glendale

Max 1,200 sq ft · $160,000 – $370,000

Palmdale

Max 1,200 sq ft · $130,000 – $270,000

Lancaster

Max 1,200 sq ft · $120,000 – $250,000

Torrance Quick Facts

  • Max size1,200 sq ft
  • Rear setback4 ft
  • Permit timeline60 days
  • Build cost$175,000 – $360,000
  • Rental income$1,900 – $3,000/mo/mo
  • Owner occupancyNot required

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Official Source

City of Torrance — Accessory Dwelling Units

Torrance Municipal Code Title 4, Division 9, Article 16

Last verified: March 14, 2026

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ADU rules change often.

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