Short Term Rentals

Background

In 2019, the City Council adopted the Short Term Rental Ordinance (O-3861(PDF, 898KB)).The Ordinance defines what types of short term rentals are permitted and establishes a registration process. To ensure compliance with regulations, a series of fines are instituted. In 2020, the California Coastal Commission approved local regulation of short term rentals in the Coastal Zone (CDP 5-20-0031(PDF, 192KB) ), and in May 2021 the City Council adopted amendments to the Short Term Rental Ordinance (O-3890(PDF, 180KB) ).Regulations for short term rentals are listed under Torrance Municipal Code Section 92.43.

Allowable Rental Types by Zone

Usage rights for short-term rentals depend entirely on the zoning of the property:

  • Residential Zones: Short-term rentals are permitted solely as a "Home Share." This means the host must live on-site in the residence for the entire duration of the rental period.
  • Commercial Zones: Short-term rentals are permitted with or without a host living on-site.
  • Coastal Zone: Regulations apply to the Coastal Zone as approved by the California Coastal Commission (CDP 5-20-0031).

Short Term Rental Requirements

  1. A short term rental permit is required to operate a short term rental. Permit applications are accepted at the Permit Center, open 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Thursday, and open alternate Fridays. The Permit Center is located at Torrance City Hall, 3031 Torrance Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503.
  2. A business license is required to operate a short term rental. For information on how to obtain a business license, please contact the Business License Division at (310) 618-5828.
  3. The short term rental operator is required to remit Uniform Occupancy Tax. For information on how to remit the Uniform Occupancy Tax, please contact the Revenue Division at (310) 618-5830.

How to File a Complaint

For complaints concerning a short term rental, please contact the Environmental Division at (310) 618-5929.

Pursuant to Torrance Municipal Code Section 92.43.090 it is unlawful and declared a public nuisance for any person to operate, maintain, allow another person to operate or maintain, or fail to cease operation of an unpermitted short term rental.  Any person in violation will be subject to civil action and/or criminal prosecution.  Each day in which a violation is committed will constitute a new and separate offense. In addition, the operation or maintenance of an unpermitted short term rental may be abated or summarily abated by the City in any manner by this Code or otherwise by law for the abatement of public nuisances.  Pursuant to the Government Code Section 38773 all expenses incurred by the City in connection with any action to abate a public nuisance will be chargeable to the persons creating, causing, committing, or maintaining the public nuisance.

 

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