Accessory Dwelling Units

Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), formerly known as a second unit or granny flat, is an attached or detached residential dwelling unit that provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons and is located on a lot with a proposed or existing primary dwelling. It includes permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same lot as the single family or multifamily dwelling is or will be situated. An ADU also includes an efficiency unit as defined in Section 17958.1 of the Health and Safety Code, and a manufactured home as defined in Section 18007 of the Health and Safety Code. An ADU shall not be operated as a short term rental or rented for a period less than 30 days.

A Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) is a unit no more than 500 square feet in size and contained entirely within a proposed or existing single family dwelling or within the walls of a garage attached to an existing single family dwelling. It includes permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, and cooking. A JADU shall not be operated as a short term rental or rented for a period less than 30 days.

Changes in State Law

Over the past several years, there has been considerable discussion throughout California regarding the statewide housing crisis. In response, one solution sought by the State legislature involved the creation of ADUs to increase housing supply. Between 2016 and 2022, State legislative actions have made significant changes to the regulation of ADUs with the intent of accelerating housing development statewide.

City Ordinance

In December 2022, the City Council adopted amendments to the ADU Ordinance (O-3910) that establish objective standards, where allowed by State law, to account for local field conditions when reviewing and processing ADU permit applications. Provided below are the ADU development standards as listed in the Torrance Municipal Code:

For more information on ADU development standards, please contact the Planning Division at (310) 618-5990.

Plan Review and Permit Process

Applicants are encouraged to follow the ADU Plan Review and Permit Process for obtaining an ADU building permit. ADU projects are reviewed and processed ministerially by the Building & Safety Division as part of the building permit process. The permit process involves submittal of a building permit application, construction documents, and covenant restriction.

The City of Torrance is currently accepting submissions for designer-owned plans for pre-approved accessory dwelling units (ADUs). To submit your design, visit the Permit Center at 3031 Torrance Blvd. Simply inform the permit technician that you're submitting a pre-approved ADU design.

For more information on building permit requirements, please contact the Building & Safety Division at (310) 618-5910.

Covenant Restriction

The property owner is required to record a covenant prior to occupancy of the ADU or JADU. The process involves completing the covenant, obtaining notarization, and submittal to the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. For instructions on how to record property documents, please visit the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. A copy of the covenant, having been notarized and recorded, is then returned to the Community Development Department for filing with the building permit record.

State Resources

For more information on ADU State law and related programs, please visit the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).

For more information on ADUs located in the Coastal Zone, please visit the California Coastal Commission.