Our City » Community Development

Code Enforcement Division

Permit Center Counter Hours:
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
Monday through Friday, with alternating Friday closed. 

The Code Enforcement Division provides a number of services that preserve the appearance, character and quality of our neighborhoods and our community. These efforts promote and maintain the high standards that make Torrance such a desirable place to live and do business.  

Services provided by the Code Enforcement Division include:

  • Zoning Enforcement
  • Land Use Codes
  • Property Maintenance
  • Noise Codes (Community and Airport)
  • Sign Permits
  • Plan Checks
  • Final Inspections (Residential And Commercial Developments)

If you would like to file a complaint regarding conditions in your neighborhood, the preferred method is to call our complaint line at (310) 618-5929 and speak to a staff member.  Please note, the City of Torrance does not accept anonymous complaints, your contact information will be required to file a complaint.

You may also submit a complaint using the following methods:

You will need to provide:

  • Address of the property
  • A specific description of the complaint
  • Your contact information will be required.  

Our enforcement is progressive, which means that once a violation is verified, we typically give up to three (3) notices, 1st, 2nd and final. The notices may either be posted at the property or sent in a form letter by mail or a combination of these efforts. The typical time frame allowed for compliance with each notice is thirty (30) days. However, shorter time frames may be given for issues that are not public safety concerns or for violations that are not complicated to resolve. Longer compliance times may be allowed if the issue will take longer to resolve or if there are extenuating circumstances involving the property or the persons responsible for bringing the property into compliance.

Extensions may be granted if progress is being made toward resolving the violations. To check the status of a Complaint case please visit the Torrance Online Permit Website or contact the Code Enforcement Division at (310) 618-5929.

Code Enforcement’s goal is to gain compliance, as quickly as possible, by working with Torrance residents and businesses. In some cases however, Code Enforcement staff may also issue citations, hold administrative or abatement hearings or use other legal means to achieve compliance. The overarching mission of these efforts is to maintain the quality of life for our residents and to help maintain the appearance of our neighborhoods.