A business operated from a residence in Torrance requires an approved Home Occupation Permit  issued by the Community Development Department before the applicant can apply for a business license. 

• Home Occupation Permit Application

Starting December 14, 2022, the City of Torrance has partnered with Alarm Program Systems, LLC/CitySupport to manage the alarm program. APS will be responsible for alarm permit registrations and false alarm billings. APS will continue to provide the same level of excellent customer service to our residents, businesses, and government entities. Ultimately, the goal of all alarm system programs is to reduce false alarms within the community. APS supplies educational tools to aid in the maintenance and operation of your alarm system to reduce those unnecessary calls for service. 

If your business or home has an alarm system installed, you will be required to obtain an Alarm System Permit.

Register for an alarm permit, renew or make a payment for false alarm fees online.

To mail a payment:

Torrance Alarm Program
Dept LA 25484
Pasadena, CA 91185-5484

To access the current alarm permit and false alarm *fee information go to the Master Fee Schedule on the Finance Department, Revenue Division webpage. 

The sound permit is used for business activities where the business equipment has a sound decibel level of 50' or more. 

• Sound Permit Application

This is a temporary catering permit form for a Food Service Operator. The purpose of this form is to apply for a temporary permit to operate food as a food service provider at an event taking place in the City of Torrance. 

• Catering Permit Application

The City of Torrance will be conducting vehicle inspections which must be successfully completed in order for your company to carry on business within the City. All vehicles involved in the conducting of a regulated business in the City of Torrance are required to be inspected and licensed. This includes small Jeep (or similar type) pickups that may be used to facilitate pickup/or delivery of commercial dumpsters. 

Upon receipt of your payment and vehicle information, the submitted forms will be forwarded to the Torrance Police Department, Traffic Division. Inspections will be conducted at the Torrance City Yard by appointment only. Please call (310) 618-5557 between the hours of 7:30 am and 4:00 pm to schedule an appointment. Refer to the requirements from the Police Department to pass the vehicle inspection and be provided a sticker to be placed in a visible location at the rear of the vehicle.

• Vehicle Inspection Packet

If a Health Permit is required for your business, your license information will be forwarded to the Los Angeles County Health Department for approval. Your license and health permit will be issued when approval is received.

License Tax is payable for distributing any handbills in Torrance. The fee is charged per person/per day and the permit must be obtained from the License Division before you distribute handbills.

Handbills must be delivered to the door of any house, apartment, or place of business or handed to a person and not otherwise left or thrown on private or public property. No handbill shall be placed on any automobile in Torrance.