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Chapter 1

Article 22 — C-3 SOLELY COMMERCIAL DISTRICT

Torrance Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · updated 2026-07-07 · Torrance

91.22.1 PERMISSIBLE USES.

No building, structure, improvement or premises shall be used, and no building, structure or improvement shall be erected, or enlarged, which is designed, arranged or intended to be occupied or used for any purpose other than those permitted in Zones C-1, C-2 and R-4; provided, however, that no use permitted in Zones R-1, R-2 and R-3 shall be permitted in Zone C-3.

91.22.2 BUILDING HEIGHT.

The maximum building height shall be regulated by the Building Code of the City of Torrance.

91.22.3 LOT AREA.

91.22.4 RESTRICTION ON USE.

(Added by O-1875; Amended by O-3179)

No building, structure or improvement shall be used for commercial purposes on any lot until all buildings, used or designed or constructed to be used for residential purposes, and accessory structures existing thereon have been removed, unless a conditional use permit therefor has been obtained.

91.22.5 TRASH ENCLOSURES.

(Added by O-2470)

a) All trash from all uses permitted by this Article shall be kept at all times in enclosures of the type described in this Section.

b) Trash enclosures as required in this Section shall be bounded on three (3) sides by walls of material compatible in color, texture and appearance with the main structure and having a gated opening of sufficient width to permit the removal and replacement of standard size commercial trash bins. The gate of said enclosure shall be constructed of solid, opaque material.

c) Trash bins shall remain in the enclosures except during trash pickup.

91.22.6 PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW.

(Added by O-2624; O-2699)

a) That in order to provide for the orderly and harmonious development of the area and that any such proposed developments will enhance the commercial development of the area so as to increase the taxable value of real property and sales tax return to the City and so that such proposed developments will maintain the stability and value of the property as a desirable commercial area and so that traffic in the area is properly managed to minimize hazard and congestion, the Planning Commission shall review all plans of development in the C-3 zone. The Commission shall approve plans only after finding that the proposed development will not adversely affect the orderly and harmonious development of the area and the general welfare of the City; otherwise, such plans shall be disapproved. In making such findings, the Commission shall consider, among other factors, the following:

    1. Dimensions, shape and orientation of the parcel;
    1. Placement of buildings and structures on the parcel;
    1. Height, bulk and area of structures;
    1. Setbacks;
    1. Placement, height and direction of illumination of light standards;
    1. Location and design of parking and loading facilities;
    1. Landscaping;
    1. Design of interior traffic circulation, including placement of points of ingress and egress;
    1. Location, height and materials used for walls, fences and other barricades;
    1. Location and method of screening trash and storage areas, roof equipment, pipes, vents, utility equipment and all equipment not contained in the main buildings of the development;
    1. Signing;
    1. Such other information which the Planning Commission may require to make the necessary findings that the provisions of this Code are being complied with.

b) If the plans are approved, the Commission may impose thereon such conditions as they may deem appropriate to effectuate the purpose of the Official Land Use Plan and the best interests of the City. Such conditions may include but are not limited to:

    1. Avigation easements;
    1. Dedication of land for access purposes;
    1. Payment, in whole or in part, for traffic regulating devices;
    1. Such other conditions as the Planning Commission may deem necessary to effectuate the proper development of the property and surrounding area and insure compliance with the Official Land Use Plan of the City.

c) The provisions of this Section shall apply to all new development and to any renewal of use of a structure in the C-3 zone which has been unused for ninety (90) days prior to the proposed date of renewal of use.

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Contents — Torrance Zoning Code
Torrance Zoning Code
  1. Chapter 1
    Overview
    1. Article 1 — DECLARATION OF PURPOSE
    2. Article 2 — DEFINITIONS
    3. Article 3 — ESTABLISHMENT OF DISTRICTS Revised 10/25 Revised 1…
    4. Article 4 — R-1 SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
    5. Article 6 — R-2 TWO FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
    6. Article 7 — R-3 LIMITED MULTIPLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
    7. Article 8 — R-R-3 RESTRICTED MULTIPLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTR…
    8. Article 9 — R-4 UNLIMITED MULTIPLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
    9. Article 10 — R-P RESIDENTIAL PROFESSIONAL DISTRICT
    10. Article 11 — R-5 HIGH RISE RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
    11. Article 12 — LP - LIMITED PROFESSIONAL OFFICE DISTRICT
    12. Article 13 — R-3-3 THREE-UNIT MULTIPLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DIST…
    13. Article 15 — A-1 LIGHT AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT
    14. Article 20 — C-1 RETAIL COMMERCIAL DISTRICT
    15. Article 21 — C-2 GENERAL COMMERCIAL DISTRICT
    16. Article 22 — C-3 SOLELY COMMERCIAL DISTRICT
    17. Article 23 — C-4 SHOPPING CENTER DISTRICT
    18. Article 24 — C-5 CONDITIONAL COMMERCIAL DISTRICT
    19. Article 25 — C-R RESTRICTED COMMERCIAL DISTRICT
    20. Article 26 — CIVIC CENTER DISTRICT
    21. Article 30 — M-1 LIGHT MANUFACTURING DISTRICT
    22. Article 31 — M-2 HEAVY MANUFACTURING DISTRICT
    23. Article 32 — M-L LIMITED MANUFACTURING DISTRICT
    24. Article 35 — P-1 OPEN AREA - PLANTING - PARKING
    25. Article 36 — MULTIPLE OWNER-OCCUPIED RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES
    26. Article 37 — P-U PUBLIC USE DISTRICT
    27. Article 38 — H-M-D HOSPITAL-MEDICAL-DENTAL DISTRICT
    28. Article 39 — R-TH RESIDENTIAL TOWNHOUSE DISTRICT
    29. Article 40 — DOWNTOWN TORRANCE DISTRICT
    30. Article 41 — R-H HILLSIDE AND LOCAL COASTAL OVERLAY ZONE
    31. Article 42 — P-D PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
    32. Article 43 — MADRONA MARSH DISTRICT
    33. Article 44 — SMALL LOT, LOW-MEDIUM OVERLAY ZONE
    34. Article 45 — HAWTHORNE BOULEVARD CORRIDOR SPECIFIC PLAN ZONE (…
    35. Article 46 — RESIDENTIAL OFFICE OVERLAY DISTRICT (ROO)
    36. Article 47 — COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL TRANSITION OVERLAY DISTRIC…
    37. Article 48 — DOWNTOWN RESIDENTIAL MULTIPLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL …
    38. Article 49 — TORRANCE TRACT OVERLAY ZONE
    39. Article 50 — HISTORIC PRESERVATION ORDINANCE
    40. Article 51 — HCO HOUSING CORRIDOR OVERLAY ZONE
  2. Chapter 2
  3. Chapter 3 — OFF STREET PARKING
  4. Chapter 4 — VARIANCES - WAIVERS
  5. Chapter 5 — CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS
  6. Chapter 6 — REZONING - PRECISE PLAN.
  7. Chapter 7 — OIL.
  8. Chapter 8 — HELICOPTERS
  9. Chapter 9 — SCHEDULE OF FEES
  10. Chapter 10 — TRIP REDUCTION AND TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
  11. Chapter 11 — SIGNS Revised 4/25

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