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Chapter 2

Article 1 — CONTROLLED ZONING

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

92.1.1 INDICATED CONTROLLED ZONING.

Where areas are shown upon the zoning map enclosed within a heavy dashed line, the area thus shown is intended to approximate the future location for the type of land use indicated by the symbol therein enclosed within a circle. Uncircumscribed symbols shown within such areas represent the present classification.

The designation of a future classification is based on a recognition of the suitability of location for the type of use indicated by circumscribed symbol and the impracticability of precisely classifying such property for particular types of use until such lands are precisely designed and officially planned or subdivided so as to establish location and dimensions of any streets, alleys, parking areas, building sites and similar features pertinent to precise zoning.

92.1.2 TRANSLATING CONTROLLED ZONING TO PERMISSIBLE USE.

Types of land use indicated by circumscribed symbols within areas identified on the zoning map by heavy dashed lines, may be activated and made permissible uses by the adoption of any official plan of design for the area. Such official plan adopted as provided by law, shall by map, diagram or text, or all of them, indicate the design, arrangement and dimension of any streets, alleys, parking areas, building sites and similar features pertinent to precise zoning.

The proceedings for the adoption of such an official plan of design and the reclassification under this Division of properties included in such designed plan shall be accomplished separately but concurrently and in the manner prescribed by law for the adoption of official plans.

92.1.3 USE CONTROL IN RECLASSIFIED OFFICIAL PLAN.

Upon the adoption of an official plan and a reclassification based on such official plan, any properties shown therein classified for "C" or "M" purposes shall not be used for residential purposes unless expressly so authorized by such official plan.

92.1.4 PRECISE ZONING.

(Added by O-1918)

a) Where an area is shown upon the zoning map with the letters P.P. in addition to the normal zoning designation, the area thus shown is the permitted location for the types of land use allowed by the zone district represented by the normal zone symbol with the priviso, however, that no use may be made of the property so designated until a Precise Plan of Development has been submitted to and approved by the City in the manner prescribed in Article 2, Chapter 6, Division 9 of this Code.

b) The designation of precise zoning classification is based upon a recognition of the suitability of location for the types of uses permitted by the zone district represented by the normal zone symbol and the impracticability of precisely classifying such property for the particular type of use until such lands are precisely designated and officially planned or subdivided so as to establish location and dimension of any streets, alleys, parking areas, building sites, signing, landscaping, and other features pertinent to precise planning.

92.1.5 TRANSLATING PRECISE ZONING TO PERMISSIBLE USE.

(Added by O-1918)

a) Types of land use indicated by the precise zoning symbols may be activated and made permissible uses by the adoption of the official plan of design for the area. Such official plan adopted as provided by law, shall by map, diagram or text, or all of them, indicate the design, arrangement and dimension of any streets, alleys, parking areas, building sites, signing, landscaping, and similar features pertinent to precise zoning.

b) The proceedings for the adoption of such official plan of design shall be accomplished in the manner prescribed in Article 2, Chapter 6, Division 9 of this Code.

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▸ Contents — Torrance Zoning Code
Torrance Zoning Code
  1. Chapter 1
  2. ▸ Chapter 2
    Overview
    1. Article 1 — CONTROLLED ZONING
    2. Article 2 — USES GENERALLY Revised 4/25 Revised 10/25
    3. Article 3 — HEIGHT OF BUILDINGS
    4. Article 4 — MINIMUM LOT AND BUILDING SITE AREAS
    5. Article 5 — YARDS
    6. Article 6 — EXPOSED EXTERIOR WALLS
    7. Article 7 — SPECIAL SETBACK LINE.
    8. Article 8 — ACCESSORY BUILDINGS
    9. Article 9 — ZONING APPLIED TO ANNEXED AREAS
    10. Article 10 — SPLITTING LOTS
    11. Article 11 — ACCESSIBILITY TO BUILDING SITE AND LIVING QUARTERS
    12. Article 12 — SIGNS
    13. Article 13 — FENCES, WALLS, RETAINING WALLS AND HEDGES
    14. Article 14 — AUTOMATIC REZONING OF SUBDIVIDED LAND
    15. Article 15 — GARAGE DOORS
    16. Article 16 — GARAGES FACING PUBLIC STREETS
    17. Article 17 — MOBILEHOMES AND MOBILEHOME PARKS
    18. Article 18 — HOME OCCUPATIONS
    19. Article 19 — UNAUTHORIZED SALE OF VEHICLES ON VACANT LOTS
    20. Article 20 — LIVING AREAS
    21. Article 21 — BUILDING DESIGN COMPATIBILITY
    22. Article 22 — NONCONFORMING USES, BUILDINGS OR STRUCTURES
    23. Article 23 — ENFORCEMENT
    24. Article 24 — REAPPLICATION AFTER DENIAL OR WITHDRAWAL
    25. Article 26 — RECORDING CONDITIONS ON USE OF LAND
    26. Article 27 — EXTENSIONS OF TIME
    27. Article 28 — MODIFICATION OF CONDITIONS
    28. Article 29 — SUBDIVISION CONTROL
    29. Article 30 — DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
    30. Article 32 — PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
    31. Article 33 — SPACING OF BLIGHT INDUCING ENTERPRISES
    32. Article 34 — AMENDMENT TO GENERAL PLAN
    33. Article 35 — NUISANCE ABATEMENT
    34. Article 36 — DEVELOPMENT PERMITS
    35. Article 37 — LARGE FAMILY DAY CARE PERMITS
    36. Article 38 — VACANT BUILDING AND LOT MAINTENANCE AND REGISTRAT…
    37. Article 39 — WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITIES
    38. Article 40 — UNATTENDED COLLECTION BOXES
    39. Article 41 — VIEW EQUITY
    40. Article 42 — GARAGE SALES
    41. Article 43 — SHORT TERM RENTALS
    42. Article 44 — SHARED MOBILITY DEVICES
  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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