Torrance R-1 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

R-1 (SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT) is a zoning district in Torrance. Every value below was read from the Torrance Municipal Code and links to its section (read October 2026). State laws such as the ADU and SB 9 rules can allow more on a residential lot. General information, not legal advice — read the code text and check with the city before you build.

Development standards in R-1

The general rule for a typical lot in this zone. Zoning tables often attach notes, such as rules for corner lots, lots next to a residential zone, or new subdivisions only. Open “code text” under a value to see the table cell or sentence it was read from.

Maximum building height	18 ft Applies: single-story dwelling § 91.4.2 · code text Except as provided in Section 91.41.7, the maximum building height of a single-story dwelling shall be eighteen (18) feet measured from the lowest portion of the building which is above ground, but not including any berm or raised planter, to the topmost portion of the roof, exclusive of chimneys or vents.
Minimum front setback	20 ft § 91.4.4 · code text A front yard shall be provided with a depth of twenty (20) feet, provided however that:
Minimum rear setback	15 ft average, min 10 ft Applies: single-story dwelling § 91.4.6 · code text A rear yard shall be provided with an average depth of fifteen (15) feet for a single-story dwelling; provided, however, that no portion of such single-story dwelling shall be built closer than ten (10) feet from the rear property line.
Minimum lot size	6,000 sq ft § 91.4.3 · code text Except as provided in Section 92.29.31, the minimum lot area shall be one (1) recorded lot or parcel of land not less than six thousand (6,000) square feet in area.
Maximum lot coverage	50% Applies: single-story dwelling § 91.4.9 · code text For a single-story dwelling, fifty percent (50%) of the lot area;
Maximum floor area ratio (FAR)	0.6 Applies: single-family dwelling § 91.4.11 · code text Except as provided in this section, no single-family dwelling shall be built, and no single-family dwelling shall be enlarged, modified or remodeled in any way which will result in the dwelling exceeding a floor area to lot area ratio (F.A.R.) of .6 to 1.

When a different number applies

The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-1:

Maximum building height: 27 ft — two-story dwelling § 91.4.2
Minimum front setback: 15 ft — Part of the building, if an equal part sits more than 20 ft back; street-facing garages stay at 20 ft § 91.4.4
Minimum side setback: 10% of lot width, min 3 ft — two-story dwelling or existing dwelling remodeled to meet the cited two-story definition § 91.4.5
Minimum rear setback: 20 ft average, min 15 ft — two-story dwelling § 91.4.6
Maximum lot coverage: 40% — two-story dwelling § 91.4.9

Not on this page

We did not find a general stories, side setback, density limit for R-1 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Torrance Municipal Code.

Other Torrance zoning districts

Who this affects

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in Torrance's R-1 zone?

18 ft (single-story dwelling) — Torrance Municipal Code § 91.4.2.

What is the minimum front setback in Torrance's R-1 zone?

20 ft — Torrance Municipal Code § 91.4.4.

What is the minimum rear setback in Torrance's R-1 zone?

15 ft average, min 10 ft (single-story dwelling) — Torrance Municipal Code § 91.4.6.

What is the minimum lot size in Torrance's R-1 zone?

6,000 sq ft — Torrance Municipal Code § 91.4.3.

What is the maximum lot coverage in Torrance's R-1 zone?

50% (single-story dwelling) — Torrance Municipal Code § 91.4.9.

General information, not legal advice.