Housable
What are the requirements to build ADU in Torrance?
In Torrance, adding an ADU presents a valuable chance to increase your living space and offer affordable housing for adult children transitioning to independent living. To ensure your ADU project succeeds, it's imortant to grasp the local regulations impacting your property and evaluate the financial viability of constructing an ADU in Torrance. This guide provides a comprehensive review of Torrance's ADU requirements and essential financial factors to assist you in effectively planning and implementing your project.
ADU regulations for properties with a single-family home
How many ADUs can you build in Torrance?
In Torrance, one ADU can be built on a single-family residential lot. This applies to attached or detached units from the primary building.
How large can an attached ADU be in Torrance?
The attached ADU can be up to 1,000 square feet in size. However, for a statewide exemption ADU, the maximum size is 800 square feet.
How large can a detached ADU be in Torrance?
Just like attached ADUs, detached ADUs cannot be larger than 1,000 square feet in size. However, for a statewide exemption ADU, the maximum size is 800 square feet.
Can I build a 2-story ADU in Torrance?
Yes, the regulations allow for ADUs to be built with a maximum of 2 stories.
Is there a minimum size for an ADU?
Yes, the minimum size for an ADU in Torrance is 150 square feet.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, you can convert existing space into an ADU. This includes converting areas within an existing or proposed single-family home or other existing structures.
What is the maximum height for an ADU?
In designated areas, attached ADUs can reach up to 18 feet for one story and 27 feet for two stories, while detached ADUs can reach up to 20 feet for one story and 23 feet for two stories.
In limited designated areas, attached ADUs can reach up to 18 feet for one story and 25 feet for two stories. Detached ADUs are limited to 16 feet and should not go beyond one story.
ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building
How many ADUs does Torrance allow for multifamily properties?
Multifamily properties can add up to two detached ADUs on a lot. For conversions, the property can add one ADU or ADUs equal to 25% of the existing units.
How large can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in Torrance?
An attached ADU for a multifamily building cannot be larger than 1,000 square feet. However, for a statewide exemption ADU, the maximum size is 800 square feet.
How large can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in Torrance?
For a detached ADU in a multifamily building in Torrance, the maximum size is also 1,000 square feet, with the statewide exemption ADU having a maximum size of 800 square feet.
Can I stack detached ADUs on top of each other?
In Torrance, there are no specific rules regarding stacking detached ADUs on top of each other.
Can I attach two ADUs to each other?
No, you can't attach two ADUs to each other because the Torrance municipal code does not address this.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, you can convert existing space into an ADU in a multifamily building in Torrance. The conversion is allowed without being subject to the maximum floor area size requirement as long as there is no expansion beyond the existing structure's dimensions. If an expansion of up to 150 square feet is necessary for entry and exit, it is allowed.
What is the maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multi-family building
On a property with a multifamily building, the maximum height for a detached ADU is 16 feet, except as provided in state law.
What ADU types are allowed to build in Torrance?
Torrance allows different types of ADUs, including:
(A) Detached ADU: A completely separate structure built from the main house.
(B) Attached ADU: A new addition physically connected to the main residence.
(C) Converted ADU: A modification of a non-livable area, such as a garage, shed, or storage space, into a functional living unit with a kitchen or kitchenette and a bathroom.
Converting existing structures into ADUs provides more flexibility, as setback and height restrictions usually don’t apply. These structures can also be expanded for more space. However, renovating older buildings may reveal hidden issues that could increase costs.
ADU setbacks from the property lines and other buildings
What are the required setbacks for an ADU in Torrance?
The setback requirements for an ADU are 15 feet from the front property line in the front yard and 4 feet from the side and rear property lines. The city has not stated specific setback regulations for corner or through lots.
What is the minimum distance the ADU must have from the existing structures?
The ADU should maintain a minimum distance of 6 feet from existing structures.
Are setbacks required when converting existing structures into ADU?
No, setbacks are not required if converting existing structures into an ADU.
Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in Torrance?
Yes, but only if there is insufficient space on the property for a minimum 800 sqft ADU. Zoning setback requirements should still be followed.
Design requirements for ADU
How many bedrooms can an ADU have?
The city of Torrance does not specify the number of bedrooms allowed in an ADU. However, in other cities in Los Angeles, an ADU includes at least one bedroom unless it is proposed as a studio unit.
Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?
Yes, in Torrance, ADUs require a full kitchen for cooking.
Does an ADU require independent utility meters?
The city did not specify whether ADUs require independent utility meters.
What is the minimum ceiling height?
In Torrance, livable areas, including ADUs, need to comply with the California Building Code, which requires a minimum ceiling height of 7 feet.
Find out the maximum ADU size for your property here
The parking requirements for ADU
What is the parking requirement for an ADU in Torrance?
The parking requirement for an ADU in Torrance is one parking space per unit.
Where can I have a parking space on my property?
Parking space in the city should be on the same lot as the ADU and can be tandem parking on a driveway. Also, only one curb cut per street frontage is allowed.
If a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is demolished or converted to an ADU, replacement parking is not required.
How to get permits for your ADU
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Torrance?
The permit approval process typically takes about 3.5 to 4 months. Once your permit drawings are ready, you or your architect should submit them for a Plan Check. It’s advisable to schedule a meeting with a city planner beforehand to go over your application.
After submission and payment of all fees, the city has 60 days to verify whether the application is complete. If there is no response within this time, your permit will be automatically approved. If changes are needed, your designer should revise and resubmit the application. The application should comply with ADU regulations, and missing information alone won’t result in a denial. The estimated Plan Check fee for ADUs in Torrance is $1,706.
Does Torrance require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?
In Torrance, you will need to submit your ADU plans in person to the city's Planning Division. These plans should show that your proposed construction follows the local zoning rules and guidelines.
Does Torrance require coastal development permits?
Yes, Torrance requires coastal development permits for ADUs located in the Coastal Zone. As part of the building permit application, a copy of the California Coastal Commission permit approval (such as a Coastal Development Permit, waiver, or exemption) should be submitted to the Community Development Department.
When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in Torrance?
In Torrance, whether a licensed professional is needed for ADU design is based on the complexity of the project.
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How much does it cost to build an ADU in Torrance?
Building an ADU in Torrance typically amounts to around $380 per square foot. In addition to construction costs, it's important to budget for expenses such as permits, architect fees, and engineering costs. For example, the total cost to construct a 900-square-foot ADU averages about $390,000, encompassing both hard and soft costs.
Is it profitable to build an ADU in Torrance?
The financial viability of constructing an ADU in Torrance hinges on construction expenses and the local real estate market. A 900-square-foot ADU in this area holds an estimated market value of about $550,000. With a total project cost of approximately $390,000, this yields a return on investment of roughly 120%.
Profitability can also be evaluated based on potential rental income or the benefits of having family members live on the same property.
Can you sell an ADU in Torrance?
California's AB 1033 allows municipalities to set regulations for selling ADUs as condominiums alongside primary residences, as long as they comply with existing ADU laws.
In Torrance, local regulations dictate how these units can be sold. ADUs built by approved nonprofit organizations are eligible for sale, and they can also be sold through a tenancy-in-common agreement or if the city allows the independent sale of both the ADU and the primary home as condominiums.
Are ADUs rent-controlled in Torrance?
ADUs in Torrance are not subject to rent control regulations. Typically, rent control applies to buildings at least 15 years old. However, since ADUs are new constructions, they are not covered by laws like AB 1482, which involve rent control.
How do I get money to build an ADU in Torrance?
For Torrance homeowners seeking funds to build an ADU, exploring programs like the CalHFA ADU Grant Program is advisable. This offers grants of up to $40,000, with eligibility determined by the homeowner's income, which can be as high as $158,000 for owner-occupied properties. The grant assists with initial expenses like site preparation, design, permits, and related costs, allowing homeowners the flexibility to select tenants for the ADU.