The Building and Safety Division of the Torrance Community Development Department issues building permits from the City of Torrance Permit Center, 3031 Torrance Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503 (phone 310-618-5910, email CDDBuilding@TorranceCA.gov). The Permit Center is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday (alternating Fridays closed), 8:00 am to 5:00 pm; on Wednesday the Building & Safety walk-in counter is open 8:00 am to 12:00 pm only. The Census Bureau’s Vintage 2025 estimate puts the city’s population at 138,391.
This guide covers the City of Torrance. The Municipal Code site that lists permit-exempt work (TMC 81.2.2) could not be checked, so ask the Division whether your work is exempt. Residential permit fee amounts are not reproduced because the fee table could not be read reliably.
What requires a building permit in Torrance?
Work exempt from building permits is listed in Torrance Municipal Code 81.2.2. Before any permit application, you must obtain a Zoning Clearance from the Planning or Environmental Division, and proof of it goes in with the application.
Every ADU and JADU needs its own separate address, and all contractors doing business in Torrance need a City business license to pull permits.
Short on time to read all of this?
Get a free quote →California builds on one statewide code, Title 24, whose 2025 edition took effect on 1 January 2026; the editions in effect when the application is submitted apply, and cities and counties may adopt local amendments only with findings filed with the state (new residential amendments are largely frozen until June 2031). Title 24 and local amendments
Who handles permitting in Torrance?
| Office | Handles | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Building and Safety Division | Building permits and inspections; Permit Center, 3031 Torrance Blvd. | 310-618-5910; CDDBuilding@TorranceCA.gov |
| Plan Check Section | Appointments with a plan check engineer | (310) 618-2734 |
| Planning Division | Zoning Clearance | (310) 618-5990; PLNClearance@TorranceCA.Gov |
| Environmental Division | Zoning Clearance | (310) 618-5929; ENVClearance@TorranceCA.Gov |
Not sure this scope needs a permit?
Get a free quote →How to get a building permit in Torrance
From the Planning or Environmental Division, before you apply.
Paper plans and physical submittals are no longer accepted. Mechanical, electrical and plumbing work need separate trade permit applications.
Plans are reviewed in order of submittal date, and staff usually contact you within 4 to 6 weeks. Writing “expedited review request” in the project description expedites the Building review only, not Planning, Environmental, Engineering or Fire.
Credit and debit card payments carry an additional 2.50% transaction fee.
Projects needing Planning Commission review, or counted as a significant remodel, must post a board on the front property line with owner and contractor contacts, a copy of TMC Section 46.3.1 and the Code Enforcement phone number.
A building permit carries a validity period and can expire if work does not start or stalls between inspections; confirm the expiry with the Building and Safety Division on phased or delayed work. Permit validity in California
Torrance permit costs and fees
The residential building permit fee schedule runs from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. Other charges listed by the Building and Safety Division:
Rather talk it over?
Call 1-855-478-4290 →- School district fees: $5.38 per sq. ft. for residential construction, $0.84 per sq. ft. for commercial/industrial and $0.87 per sq. ft. for motels/hotels.
- Park & Recreation Facilities Tax: $550.00 per dwelling unit.
- Dwelling Unit Tax or Rehabilitation & Open Space Fee: $2,055.00 per dwelling unit.
- Construction Tax: 1.5% of project valuation.
Inspections in Torrance
Inspections are scheduled and cancelled through the automated Voice Permits IVR line, (310) 618-5901, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, using the permit number and a three-digit inspection code. Cancellations must be made before 6:00 AM on the inspection day. For the inspection time frame, call the same number after 8:00 AM on the day. The approved plans, stapled and in order, and the permit must be on site, or the inspector will not perform the inspection.
Construction hours: TMC Section 46.3.1 limits noisy outside construction in or next to residential areas to 7:30 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Monday through Friday and 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. on Saturdays; construction is prohibited on Sundays and City Hall holidays.
Rather not deal with the building department?
Get a free quote →Official Torrance permitting resources
These are the primary sources behind this guide. Codes, fee schedules and procedures change — confirm the position for your filing date.
- Torrance Building and Safety
- Building and Safety permits (online portal)
- Building and Safety FAQ
- Request a building inspection
- Building and Safety fees
- Hours of construction
Want this handled start to finish?
Get a free quote →Frequently asked questions
Can I still bring paper plans to the Torrance Permit Center?
No. Effective January 5, 2026, all plan reviews and permit submittals must be electronic.
What do I need before applying for a Torrance building permit?
A Zoning Clearance from the Planning or Environmental Division; proof of it is required with the application.
Does expedited review in Torrance speed up Planning and Fire?
No. It covers only the Building review.
Simplify Torrance permitting with Alliance Permitting
Inspections are where schedules slip.
Get a free quote →- Sort out which City counters, districts and outside agencies have to sign off before the building permit is issued
- Prepare the plans and forms in the file format the City’s portal or counter accepts
- Pay plan check and permit fees, answer corrections and book inspections before each cut-off
Alliance Permitting is a permit documentation and submission company in California. We prepare your paperwork, file it correctly and coordinate with the permitting authority through issuance. We are not a contractor and we do not perform licensed plan review or inspections; that work stays with your licensed team and the jurisdiction.
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More California permitting guides
This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general information about Torrance permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.