Torrance, California Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

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.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Torrance?

Torrance hosts earn a median $37,094/year with $161 ADR and 78% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $49,628+ per year.

See the full Torrance market breakdown

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

Short-Term Rental Permit (mandatory)
Business License (mandatory)
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

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.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Torrance

Torrance sits in the southwestern corner of Los Angeles County, California, with a population of roughly 145,000 residents. The city carries a notably suburban character, blending quiet residential neighborhoods with light industrial corridors and a string of Pacific Ocean beaches. Torrance is well known for its deep roots in aerospace manufacturing, its Japanese-American cultural heritage, and its laid-back South Bay atmosphere. Located about twenty miles south of downtown Los Angeles, with the Pacific to the west and the Palos Verdes Peninsula immediately to the south, it functions as a relaxed gateway to both the metropolitan energy of LA and the more scenic coastal communities beyond.

The shoreline along Torrance's western edge, often called Torrance Beach and affectionately known to locals as "RAT Beach," offers a classic Southern California beach experience just minutes from the city center. Wide sand, tide pools, and consistent surf draw both families and surfers, and the adjacent Palos Verdes Estates provide dramatic cliffside views and hiking just a short drive south.

Inland, the Madrona Marsh Nature Preserve offers a surprising contrast to the urban surroundings. As one of the few remaining vernal marshes in Los Angeles County, the preserve features seasonal wildflowers, native wildlife, and an active education center. It is located within city limits, only a few minutes from downtown Torrance.

Shoppers gravitate to the Del Amo Fashion Center, one of the largest shopping malls in the United States by total floor area. With hundreds of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options, the mall anchors the city's commercial scene and is easily accessible from most Torrance neighborhoods.

For those willing to venture a bit further, Torrance makes an excellent base for exploring the broader South Bay and greater Los Angeles. The Pacific Coast Highway winds along the coast through the city, connecting Torrance to coastal enclaves like Redondo Beach and Hermosa Beach within minutes, while Disneyland and Anaheim are roughly thirty miles to the southeast. The combination of a quieter residential setting, walkable amenities, and quick access to both the beaches and the cultural attractions of LA positions Torrance as a versatile home base for travelers who want variety without the bustle of staying directly in the city.