Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Torrance, CA?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Torrance, California, with important distinctions based on zoning and hosting requirements. Short-term rentals are defined as the rental of any residence, or portion thereof within a legally permitted residential structure, for a period of 30 consecutive calendar days or less.

The city permits short-term rentals in the vast majority of areas, including the Coastal Zone, with the following key distinctions:

• Commercial Zones: Short-term rentals are permitted in residences with or without a host living on-site
• Residential Zones: Short-term rentals are permitted solely as home sharing with a host living on-site

This regulatory framework was established through Ordinance O-3861 (adopted 2019) and subsequently amended by Ordinance O-3890 (May 2021), with regulations codified under Torrance Municipal Code Section 92.43.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Torrance

Step 1: Determine Property Eligibility

Before proceeding, verify your property's zoning classification:

• Commercial zones: Eligible for STR operation with or without host presence
• Residential zones: Eligible only for home sharing arrangements where the host lives on-site

Step 2: Obtain Required Permits and Licenses

1. Short-Term Rental Permit (mandatory)
2. Business License (mandatory)
3. Register for Uniform Occupancy Tax (mandatory)

Step 3: Complete Registration Process

The registration process can be completed:

• In-person: Visit the Permit Center at Torrance City Hall
• Email: Submit application to CDDinfo@TorranceCA.gov

Step 4: Ongoing Compliance

• Display permit number in all advertisements
• Remit Uniform Occupancy Tax as required
• Maintain compliance with all municipal regulations

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Required Permits and Licenses

1. Short-Term Rental Permit

• Application Required: Yes
• Application Method: In-person at Permit Center or via email to CDDinfo@TorranceCA.gov
• Renewal: One-time registration with no renewal fee
• Application Fee: One-time payment (specific amount not provided in source materials)

2. Business License

• Required: Yes, for all STR operations
• Application Method: Contact Business License Division
• Renewal: Annual renewal required
• Contact: (310) 618-5828

3. Uniform Occupancy Tax Registration

• Required: Yes
• Method: Contact Revenue Division for registration and remittance procedures
• Ongoing Requirement: Regular tax remittance
• Contact: (310) 618-5830

Key Documents and Guidelines

Torrance Municipal Code Section 92.43

The primary regulatory framework governing short-term rentals in Torrance, covering:

• Permit requirements
• Operating standards
• Enforcement procedures
• Nuisance abatement

Coastal Development Permit (CDP 5-20-0031)

California Coastal Commission approval (2020) for STR regulation in the Coastal Zone, ensuring compliance with coastal resource protection requirements.

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Zoning-Based Restrictions

Commercial Zones

• Host Requirement: Optional (host may or may not live on-site)
• Property Types: Residences within commercial zones
• Operating Flexibility: Full STR operation permitted

Residential Zones

• Host Requirement: Mandatory (host must live on-site)
• Operating Model: Home sharing only
• Definition: Home sharing means the host provides lodging while living on-site as an incidental use of the residence

Advertisement Requirements

All advertisements, including those on hosting platforms, must display the short-term rental permit number issued by the City of Torrance for identification and registration verification purposes.

Enforcement and Penalties

Unpermitted Operation

Pursuant to Torrance Municipal Code Section 92.43.090:

• Operating without a permit is unlawful and declared a public nuisance
• Subject to civil action and/or criminal prosecution
• Each day of violation constitutes a separate offense
• City may abate or summarily abate the nuisance
• All abatement expenses chargeable to the violator per Government Code Section 38773

Fine Structure

The ordinance establishes a series of fines to ensure compliance, though specific penalty amounts are not detailed in the provided sources.

Complaint Process

For STR-related complaints, contact the Environmental Division at (310) 618-5929.

Contact Information for Local Authorities

Planning Division

• Primary Contact: Planning Division
• Phone: (310) 618-5990
• Email: CDDinfo@TorranceCA.gov
• Address: Torrance City Hall, 3031 Torrance Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503
• Hours: Permit Center open 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Thursday, and alternate Fridays
• Services: Permit applications, general STR inquiries

Business License Division

• Phone: (310) 618-5828
• Services: Business license applications and renewals

Revenue Division

• Phone: (310) 618-5830
• Services: Uniform Occupancy Tax registration and remittance

Environmental Division

• Phone: (310) 618-5929
• Services: Complaint reporting for STR violations

General City Information

• Address: 3031 Torrance Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503
• Phone: (310) 328-5310
• Website: torranceca.gov

Source Links

1. City of Torrance Short-Term Rentals Page
2. Torrance Municipal Code Section 92.43
3. Short-Term Rental Ordinance O-3861
4. Short-Term Rental Ordinance O-3890
5. Short-Term Rental Permit Application
6. Airbnb Torrance, CA Host Guide
7. Coastal Development Permit 5-20-0031
8. Business License Division
9. Revenue Division

Note: Investors should verify current regulations and fee schedules directly with the City of Torrance, as requirements and costs may change. This guide is based on information available as of the provided sources and should be supplemented with current city information before making investment decisions.