Torrance R-2 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

R-2 (TWO FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT) is a zoning district in Torrance. Every value below was read from the Torrance Municipal Code and links to its section (read October 2026). State laws such as the ADU and SB 9 rules can allow more on a residential lot. General information, not legal advice — read the code text and check with the city before you build.

Development standards in R-2

The general rule for a typical lot in this zone. Zoning tables often attach notes, such as rules for corner lots, lots next to a residential zone, or new subdivisions only. Open “code text” under a value to see the table cell or sentence it was read from.

Maximum building height	27 ft Applies: buildings over two stories, counting a garage beneath the dwelling, are subject to Chapter 5 of this Division § 91.6.2 · code text The maximum building height shall be twenty-seven (27) feet, provided, however, that any building proposed to be higher than two (2) stories including any garage located beneath the dwelling unit as a story, shall be subject to the provisions of Chapter 5 of this Division.
Minimum side setback	10% of lot width, at least 3 ft and at most 5 ft Applies: Interior side yards; exterior side yards at least 10 ft § 91.6.5 · code text 1) No setback shall be required to exceed five (5) feet nor be less than three (3) feet;
Minimum rear setback	10 ft Applies: Where the rear line abuts an R-1 lot, the R-1 rear yard applies instead § 91.6.6 · code text a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this Section, there shall be a rear yard of not less than ten (10) feet.
Minimum lot size	6,000 sq ft Applies: Except for those lots or parcels legally existing on November 1, 1988 § 91.6.3 · code text Except for those lots or parcels legally existing on November 1, 1988, the minimum lot area shall be one (1) recorded lot or parcel of land not less than six thousand (6,000) square feet in area.
Maximum floor area ratio (FAR)	0.65 Applies: Two family dwelling, or two single family dwellings on a single lot; includes dwellings and accessory structures, except garage area § 91.6.10 · code text a) No two family dwelling, or two (2) single family dwellings on a single lot shall be built, enlarged, modified or remodeled in any way which will result in the dwellings and any accessory structures on the lot exceeding a floor area to lot area ratio (F.A.R.) of .65 to 1.0 except as provided for in Chapter 5 of this Division.

Not on this page

We did not find a general stories, front setback, lot coverage, density limit for R-2 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Torrance Municipal Code.

Other Torrance zoning districts

Who this affects

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in Torrance's R-2 zone?

27 ft (buildings over two stories, counting a garage beneath the dwelling, are subject to Chapter 5 of this Division) — Torrance Municipal Code § 91.6.2.

What is the minimum side setback in Torrance's R-2 zone?

10% of lot width, at least 3 ft and at most 5 ft (interior side yards; exterior side yards at least 10 ft) — Torrance Municipal Code § 91.6.5.

What is the minimum rear setback in Torrance's R-2 zone?

10 ft (where the rear line abuts an R-1 lot, the R-1 rear yard applies instead) — Torrance Municipal Code § 91.6.6.

What is the minimum lot size in Torrance's R-2 zone?

6,000 sq ft (except for those lots or parcels legally existing on November 1, 1988) — Torrance Municipal Code § 91.6.3.

What is the maximum floor area ratio (far) in Torrance's R-2 zone?

0.65 (two family dwelling, or two single family dwellings on a single lot; includes dwellings and accessory structures, except garage area) — Torrance Municipal Code § 91.6.10.

General information, not legal advice.