Torrance ADU Plans Could Make Backyard Housing Easier |
The city’s pre-approved ADU program gives property owners a faster starting point for small housing projects. |
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Torrance homeowners exploring backyard housing have a helpful city resource to review before starting from scratch.
The City of Torrance offers a Pre-Approved Accessory Dwelling Unit Program designed to reduce pre-construction costs and simplify the permitting process for property owners.
Accessory dwelling units, often called ADUs, can be used for extended family, aging parents, adult children, rental income, or flexible long-term housing needs. But the planning and permitting process can feel overwhelming for homeowners who have never taken on a project like this.
That is where the city’s pre-approved plans may help. Torrance says the plans have been pre-reviewed by the Building and Safety Division and Planning Division and are approximately 80% complete for permitting.
Homeowners still need to contract with the designer, secure a building permit, and add site-specific property details. The city also notes that additional review may still be required for grading, drainage, soils reports, retaining walls, utilities, fire sprinklers, or other conditions.
Still, for homeowners who are curious about an ADU, this program gives them a clearer place to begin.
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