ADUs in Torrance: permits and local numbers
ADUs in Torrance: permits and local data
89 ADU units with building permits were issued in Torrance in 2025 so far; the city ranked 19 of 79 Los Angeles County cities.
Torrance at a glance
- ADU units with building permits issued in 2025 so far, City of Torrance
- 89
- ADU units completed in 2025 so far, City of Torrance
- 97
- Rank of City of Torrance among 79 Los Angeles County cities for ADU permits in 2025
- 19 of 79
California HCD, Housing Element Annual Progress Report (APR), Table A2 · data as of
- Numbers from HCD public records
- Up to three local contractors, never a long list
- Free, no obligation
What do permits say an ADU costs?
From City of LA building permits, last 12 months. Not a contract price. How we calculate this
Declared values on City of Los Angeles building permits, last 12 months. The dataset covers the City of Los Angeles only, so treat it as a regional reference for Torrance. A declared value is what the permit states, not your contract price. How we calculate this.
Source: LA Department of Building and Safety, Building Permits Issued 2020 to Present (data.lacity.org), permits on one- and two-family homes issued to ; fire rebuilds excluded. ZIP medians need 20+ permits.
Official ADU numbers for the City of Torrance
Official ADU numbers for the City of Torrance
Local numbers for Torrance, each with its source and date.
- Change in ADU units permitted, City of Torrance, 2022 to 20251
- -41.8%
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 11 |
| 2019 | 41 |
| 2020 | 47 |
| 2021 | 130 |
| 2022 | 153 |
| 2023 | 160 |
| 2024 | 130 |
| 2025 | 89 |
19th of 79 LA County cities for ADU permits in 2025
* 2025 counts can still rise as late reports come in. Source: California HCD, Housing Element Annual Progress Report (APR), Table A2, data as of .
Planning your project
How active are ADUs in Torrance?
Torrance has been an active city for backyard and attached ADUs. The state's Annual Progress Report shows 89 ADU units with building permits issued in 2025 so far, and 97 ADU units completed in 2025 so far. Those counts may still rise as late reports arrive.
Torrance ranked 19 of 79 Los Angeles County cities for ADU permits in 2025. Permits fell by -41.8% between 2022 and 2025, so the pace has changed and is worth checking before you plan.
Many Torrance homeowners build an ADU for rental income or to house family. The main types are detached backyard units, attached units built onto the home, and garage conversions. Which type fits depends on your lot, setbacks and utilities.
The usual path from idea to move-in in Torrance
The usual path from idea to move-in in Torrance
Check feasibility
Look at your lot, setbacks, parking and utility access. Ask a local builder whether a detached unit, an attached unit or a garage conversion makes sense.
Prepare design and plans
Your builder or designer prepares plans that show layout, structure, energy and site details for the city's review.
City plan check and permit
The city checks your plans against its rules. Expect questions and requests for changes before the permit is issued.
Build with inspections
Construction follows the approved plans. The city inspects key stages such as foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing and final work.
Final sign-off and move-in
After the final inspection and sign-off, the unit can be occupied. Keep copies of your permits and approvals for your records.
Questions homeowners ask about ADUs in Torrance
Does an ADU in Torrance need a permit?
In most cases yes. Torrance runs its own permits, so your project goes through city plan check and inspections. Whether your lot and plans need a permit depends on the design and the city's review, so confirm the details with the city and your builder.
Can I convert my garage into an ADU in Torrance?
Garage conversions are a common idea. Whether your garage can become a legal unit depends on its size, setbacks, parking rules and utility access. A local builder can look at your property and tell you what the city's review is likely to require.
Can I rent out an ADU I build in Torrance?
Many owners build an ADU for rental income or to house family. Check your plans and any local rules on renting before you commit, and ask the city how rental use is handled for your unit.
How do I start an ADU project in Torrance?
Start by checking your lot, then talk with a local builder about layout, utilities and the permit path. You can request a free estimate from a local builder through the form on this page. Before hiring anyone, check the contractor's license status with the CSLB (Contractors State License Board).
How many ADUs does Torrance permit each year?
The city reported 89 ADU units with building permits issued in 2025 so far, and that count may still rise as late reports arrive. Torrance ranked 19 of 79 Los Angeles County cities on that measure.
Compare ADU activity across LA County
Where LA County is building ADUs
ADU units permitted in 2025, city by city. Select a city to open its guide.
- 0–21
- 22–28
- 29–56
- 57–99
- 100+
- No report
- Unincorporated
Most ADU permits in 2025
- 1Los Angeles7,446
- 2Long Beach644
- 3Glendale371
- 4Burbank241
- 5Pasadena222
- 6Lancaster209
- 7South Gate154
- 8Inglewood147
- 9Downey146
- 10Santa Monica143
Planning an ADU? A local builder can price yours.
Get my free estimatePermits: California HCD, Housing Element Annual Progress Report (APR), Table A2, data as of ; 2025 counts can still rise. Boundaries: Los Angeles County, City and Unincorporated Boundaries (Legal) (mainland only (islands omitted). simplified to about 300 m.)
Recent work by a contractor in our network
Photos from the contractor's own projects, used with permission. Captions name the type of work.
Bathroom in an ADU 
Addition / ADU interior 
Addition / ADU interior 
Addition / ADU bathroom
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