Community Development

The Community Development Department (department org chart(PDF, 251KB) PDF) provides a wide range of programs and services focused on planning, building and safety, engineering services, code enforcement, affordable housing, neighborhood improvement, and historic preservation. Together, these efforts help create and maintain safe, sustainable, and livable neighborhoods throughout the community.

Divisions

Planning Division

The Planning Division helps guide growth and development to support well-planned, livable neighborhoods and communities. Find information on the General Plan, Housing Element, planning projects, commissions, and development standards outlined in the Torrance Municipal Code.

Engineering Services Division

The Engineering Division helps support safe and efficient development throughout the City by reviewing public and private improvement projects. Find information on permits, maps, engineering standards, contractor requirements, and utility plan requests to help projects meet City requirements.

Building and Safety

The Building and Safety Division helps keep construction projects safe and compliant with building codes. Find information on permits, inspections, plan review, online services, and the Torrance Online Citizen Portal to track permit status.

Major Projects

News

Phishing Scams

Fake Permit Fee Notices

Published on May 01, 2026

The City of Torrance is warning property owners and developers to be alert for a scam in which criminals impersonate city staff to request fraudulent payments of permit fees.

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Fake Entitlement Application Fee Notices

Published on May 01, 2026

The City of Torrance is warning property owners and developers to be alert for a scam involving fake notices requesting payment of "application approval fees" for rezoings, special use permits, and other land development requests.

Tagged as: , Hot Topics

Apply for a Permit and More

Learn about how our Citizen Access Portal can provide quick access to permits and other services.

Online Permit Portal

Divisions

Building and Safety Division

The Building and Safety Division helps protect public health and safety by ensuring construction projects comply with building codes and regulations. Services include building inspections, construction plan check, online permit and plan check services, and access to the Torrance Online Citizen Portal to view permit status.

Building and Safety Division Page

Engineering Services Division

The Engineering Division supports safe and efficient development throughout the City by reviewing and approving public and private improvement projects.

Services include contractor qualification requirements, permits and mapping, engineering standards and plans, and utility plan requests to ensure projects meet City requirements and infrastructure standards.

Engineering Services Division Page

Neighborhood Services Division

Welcome to the Neighborhood Services Division.

Planning Division

The Planning Division guides long-term growth and development in the City to create well-planned, livable communities. Services include the General Plan and Housing Element, support for the Planning Commission and Historic Preservation Commission, and administration of the Torrance Municipal Code.

Planning Division Page

Department Head

Michelle G. Ramirez

A Message From the Director

The Community Development Department offers multiple services through its four divisions: Building & Safety, Engineering, Neighborhood Services, and Planning.
Our team is focused on delivering a top-quality customer experience to the community through innovation and responsiveness, with integrity, flexibility, and professionalism. We look forward to serving you!

Contact Us

Phone

(310) 618-2550

Fax

(310) 618-5829

Email

CDDInfo@TorranceCA.Gov

Hours

Sunday Closed
Monday
- 07:30 AM–05:30 PM
Tuesday
- 07:30 AM–05:30 PM
Wednesday
- 07:30 AM–05:30 PM
Thursday
- 07:30 AM–05:30 PM
Friday
- 07:30 AM–05:30 PM
Saturday Closed

Permit Center
Counter Hours
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Wednesday:
Walk-In Counter Hours for
Building & Safety Division
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Closed: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

The City of Torrance is closed every other Friday.