CHAPTER 1 - PURPOSE - DISTRICTS ESTABLISHED

a) In order to provide the economic and social advantages resulting from an orderly planned use of land resources, and to conserve and promote the public health, safety and general welfare, there is hereby adopted and established an Official Land Use Plan for the City of Torrance. This plan is adopted pursuant to the authority of Chapter 838, Statutes 1929, State of California, and all acts amendatory thereof or supplementary thereto.

b) The provisions of this Division shall be binding and shall regulate:

1) All individuals, partnerships, joint adventures, firms, unincorporated associations, syndicates, clubs, societies, trusts and all private or political or charitable or social organizations doing business or existing under or by virtue of any law as a corporation or otherwise;

2) All governmental bodies, officers, agencies, including, but not limited to the County of Los Angeles, and all officers and agencies thereof; municipal corporations (other than the City of Torrance) and all officers and agencies thereof; all special taxing or assessment districts, including, but not limited to sanitation districts, hospital districts, and air pollution control districts;

3) Provided, however, that the provisions of this Division shall not bind any person or governmental body or agency who or which is exempt therefrom by the provisions of the Constitution of the United States or of the State of California.

SECTION 91.1.2. NAME.

This Division shall be known as the “Official Land Use Plan” of the City of Torrance.

ARTICLE 2 - DEFINITIONS (Amended by O-2436)

*Note to Article 2

For the purpose of this Chapter, certain words and terms are defined as follows:

SECTION 91.2.1. GENERALLY.

All words in the present tense include the future; all words in the singular number include the plural and the plural the singular; the word “building” includes the word “structure”; the word “shall” is mandatory and the word “person” includes a firm, corporation, or municipal corporation, as well as a natural person. The word “map” shall mean the “Official Land Use Plan of the City of Torrance, California.” The term “City Council” shall mean the City Council of the City of Torrance; and the “Planning Commission” shall mean the City Planning Commission of the City of Torrance; and the word “City” shall mean the City of Torrance, a municipal corporation of the State of California. The word “Used” shall be deemed to include the words “arranged, designed or intended to be used,” and the word “occupied” shall be deemed to include the words “arranged, designed or intended to be occupied.”

SECTION 91.2.2. (Repealed by O-3429)

SECTION 91.2.3. ACCESSORY BUILDING.

(O-3535)
An accessory building is a detached building which is subordinate and directly related to, and supportive to a primary use located on the same premises (excludes second residential dwelling units).

SECTION 91.2.4. ALLEY.

A public or private way, permanently reserved as a secondary means of access to abutting property.

SECTION 91.2.5. ALL PURPOSE ROOM.

See Rumpus Room.

SECTION 91.2.6. APARTMENT.

A room or a suite of two (2) or more rooms in a multiple residence, occupied or suitable for occupancy as a residence for one (1) family.

SECTION 91.2.7. APARTMENT HOUSE.

(Amended by O-2436)
Any building, structure, or portion thereof which has three (3) dwelling units or more occupied, intended or designed to be occupied by family groups and which provides in each dwelling unit all the customary sleeping, cooking and bathing facilities for that purpose. The occupancy of the dwelling unit is based upon an agreement between landlord and tenant and the tenant acquires certain rights and interests in the property. Dwelling units may be occupied, intended or designed to be occupied by single persons, but they must provide enough facilities to allow for permanent residence, independent from other dwelling units or from facilities provided by the landlord. Collection of a bed tax is not required and occupancy of the dwelling units is usually by specific agreement as to terms, conditions, and length of tenancy. The tenant pays his rent in money, labor or commodities.

SECTION 91.2.8. AUTOMOBILE WRECKING.

The dismantling or wrecking of used motor vehicles or trailers, or the storage, sale or dumping of dismantled or wrecked vehicles or their parts.

SECTION 91.2.9. BACHELOR APARTMENT.

An apartment consisting of a combined room for living and sleeping and a separate room for cooking.

SECTION 91.2.10. BOARDINGHOUSE.

A building where lodging and meals are provided for compensation for five or more persons not including rest homes, homes for the aged, or homes for children.

SECTION 91.2.12. BUILDING SITE.

The ground area of a building or a group of buildings together with all open spaces as required by this Chapter.

SECTION 91.2.13. BLOCK.

All property upon one side of a street between intersecting and intercepting streets, or between a street and right-of-way, water-way, end of deadend street, or city boundary. An intercepting street shall determine only the boundary of the block on the side of the street which it intercepts.

SECTION 91.2.14. BUNGALOW COURT.

A group of three (3) or more detached one (1) story, one (1) or two (2) family residences located upon a single lot, or group of lots, together with all open spaces as required by this Chapter. Two (2) family residences shall mean two (2) units as defined under Section 91.2.49.

SECTION 91.2.15. CARPORT OR PORTE COCHERE.

(Amended by O-628)
An accessory residential use consisting of a reserved area attached to and adjoining the side of a residence for the convenient loading and unloading of passengers and for the accommodation of a passenger car when not in use; such space to consist of a hard surface floor, roofed and open on not more than three (3) sides.

SECTION 91.2.16. CLUB.

An association of persons for some common nonprofit purpose, but not including groups organized primarily to render a service which is customarily carried on as a business.

SECTION 91.2.17. COMMISSION.

Shall mean the City Planning Commission.

SECTION 91.2.18. (Repealed by O-2930; O-2933)

SECTION 91.2.19. (Repealed by O-2930; O-2933)

SECTION 91.2.20. (Repealed by O-2930; O-2933)

SECTION 91.2.21. CONVALESCENT HOMES.

See Rest Homes.

SECTION 91.2.22. DAIRY.

An establishment or enterprise maintaining more than two (2) cows for the commercial production and sale of milk and dairy products.

SECTION 91.2.23. (Repealed by O-3429)

SECTION 91.2.24. FAMILY.

(Amended by O-2571)

a) One (1) person living alone; or

b) Two (2) or more persons related by blood, adoption or marriage, living and cooking together as a single housekeeping unit, exclusive of household servants, and one (1) or two (2) additional persons forming part of such single housekeeping units who are non-paying guests of such related persons; or

c) Two (2) adults and their dependents living and cooking together as a single housekeeping unit; or

d) Three (3) persons living and cooking together as a single housekeeping unit though not related to each other by blood or marriage, exclusive of household servants; or

e) Four (4) or more unrelated persons living and cooking together as a single housekeeping unit for which a waiver has been obtained as provided in Article 2 of Chapter 4 of this Division (Section 94.2.1. et seq.).

f) Nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit foster homes licensed in accordance with Section 31.7.3. of this Code.

SECTION 91.2.25. (Repealed by O-3429)

SECTION 91.2.26. FLAT BUILDING.

See Residence, multiple-family.

SECTION 91.2.27. GARAGE APARTMENT.

An apartment consisting of three (3) rooms or more including a room for cooking and located over a garage on the rear one-half of a property.

SECTION 91.2.28. GARAGE, PRIVATE.

(Amended by O-1357; O-1397)
An accessory building or an accessory portion of the main building, enclosed on all sides and designed or used only for the shelter or storage of vehicles owned or operated by the occupants of the main building.

SECTION 91.2.29. GARAGE, PUBLIC.

A building other than a private garage used for the care, repair or equipping of automobiles, or where such vehicles are kept for remuneration, hire or sale.

SECTION 91.2.30. GUEST HOUSE.

See Accessory Living Quarters.

SECTION 91.2.31. Repealed by O-3453.

SECTION 91.2.32. HOTEL.

(Amended by O-1609)
A building in which there are six (6) or more guest rooms where lodging with or without meals is provided for compensation, and where no provision is made for cooking in any individual room or suite. Jails, hospitals, asylums, sanitariums, orphanages, prisons, detention homes or similar buildings where human beings are housed and detained under legal restraint, are specifically excluded.

SECTION 91.2.33. KITCHEN.

Any room used, or intended or designed to be used, for cooking or the preparation of food.

SECTION 91.2.34. LOT--A PARCEL OF LAND.

(Amended by O-1422; O-1641)
For the purposes of Article 36 of this Chapter, a unit of air space shall not be considered a lot, but as a space.

SECTION 91.2.35. LOT AREA.

(Amended by O-3356)
Except as provided in Section 91.4.3, the total horizontal area within the lot lines of a lot.

SECTION 91.2.36. LOT DEPTH.

(Amended by O-3356)
Except as provided in Section 91.4.3, the horizontal distance between the front and rear lot lines, measured in the mean direction of the side lot lines.

SECTION 91.2.37. LOT LINE; FRONT.

(Amended by O-3356)
Except as provided in Section 91.4.4, the line separating the lot from the street in the case of an interior lot, and the line separating the narrowest street frontage of the lot from the street in the case of a corner lot.

SECTION 91.2.38. LOT LINE; REAR.

(Amended by O-3356)
Except as provided in Section 91.4.6, a lot line which is opposite and most distant from the front lot line and, in the case of an irregular, triangular or gore-shaped lot, a line at least ten (10) feet in length within the lot parallel to and at the maximum distance from the front lot line.

SECTION 91.2.39. LOT; THROUGH.

A lot having frontage on two (2) parallel or approximately parallel streets.

SECTION 91.2.40. LOT WIDTH.

(Amended by O-3356)
Except as provided in Section 91.4.3, the horizontal distance between the side lot lines, measured at right angles to the lot depth at a point midway between the front and rear lot lines.

SECTION 91.2.41. MOTEL.

(Amended by O-1609)
A building or group of buildings where a minimum of eighty (80) percent of the living units have no kitchen or cooking facilities, but have individual sleeping units, with garage attached or parking space conveniently located to each unit, all for the temporary use by automobile tourists or transients; includes auto courts, tourist courts and motor lodges.

SECTION 91.2.42. Repealed by O-3418.

SECTION 91.2.43. Repealed by O-3418.

SECTION 91.2.44. PARKING AREA; PUBLIC.

An open area other than a street, alley or place used for the temporary parking of more than four (4) automobiles and available for public use whether free, for compensation or as an accommodation for clients or customers.

SECTION 91.2.45. PARKING SPACE; AUTOMOBILE.

Space within a building or parking area for the temporary parking or storage of one (1) automobile.

SECTION 91.2.46. PLAY ROOM.

See Rumpus Room.

SECTION 91.2.47. RESIDENCE HOTEL.

Any building, structure or portion thereof which has three (3) or more rooms occupied, intended or designed to be occupied by guests for sleeping quarters. The building is characterized by a central lobby through which guests must pass when entering or leaving. All the sleeping quarters open onto an internal hall or a series of internal halls. The equipment, services, and facilities are provided by the innkeeper, and the guest pays for the services, equipment, and facilities in money, labor or commodities and acquires no interest in the property. Guests are free to relinquish their rooms at any time without prior notice but customarily forty (40) or more of the guests remain in continuous residence for thirty (30) days or longer. The collection of a bed tax is required except upon written agreement between the innkeeper and the guest that the guest will occupy his room for longer than thirty (30) days in continuous residence. Cooking may be permitted in not more than twenty (20) percent of the rooms provided that they have been designed for that purpose and are suitably equipped.
This definition includes, but is not limited by this enumeration, boarding houses, lodging houses, rooming houses, sorority houses, fraternity houses, and dormitories. This definition specifically excludes such facilities as jails, prisons, hospitals, rest homes for the aged, foster homes and institutions for the confinement of human beings under restraint of law.

SECTION 91.2.48. RESIDENCE MOTEL.

Any building, structure, or portion thereof which has three or more rooms occupied, intended, or designed to be occupied by guests for sleeping quarters. The building is characterized by automobile parking facilities available adjacent to the sleeping quarters, and all rooms open to the outside, or to a central parking court. The equipment, services and facilities are all provided by the innkeeper and the guest pays for the services, facilities and equipment with money, labor or commodities and acquires no interest in the property. Guests are free to relinquish their rooms at any time without prior notice, but customarily forty (40) percent or more of the guests remain in continuous residence for thirty (30) days or longer. The collection of a bed tax is required except upon written agreement between the innkeeper and the guest to the effect that the guest will occupy his room for longer than thirty (30) days in continuous residence. Cooking may be permitted in not more than twenty (20) percent of the rooms, provided that they have been designed for that purpose and are suitably equipped. This definition includes, but is not limited by this enumeration, auto courts, hotels, tourist cabins, etc. This definition specifically excludes such facilities as jails, prisons, hospitals, retirement homes, homes for the aged, foster homes, and institutions for the confinement of human beings under restraint of law.

SECTION 91.2.49. RESIDENCE, MULTIPLE FAMILY.

(Amended by O-1609)
A building or portion thereof, designed for occupancy by three or more families, living independently of each other. If said building contains cooking facilities in more than twenty (20) percent of the dwelling units, it shall be conclusively presumed to be a multiple-family residence.

SECTION 91.2.50. RESIDENCE, SINGLE FAMILY.

A detached building designed exclusively for occupancy by one (1) family.

SECTION 91.2.51. RESIDENCE, TWO FAMILY.

A building designed exclusively for occupancy by two (2) families living independently of each other.

SECTION 91.2.52. RESIDENCE UNIT.

Two (2) or more rooms in a residence designed for occupancy by one (1) family for living or sleeping purposes, having only one (1) kitchen.

SECTION 91.2.53. REST HOMES.

Permitting nursing, dietary and other personal services rendered to convalescents, invalids and aged persons, but excluding cases of contagious or communicable diseases and excluding surgery or primary treatments such as are customarily in sanitariums and hospitals.

SECTION 91.2.54. RUMPUS ROOM.

A room containing no cooking equipment other than a barbeque or similar apparatus for the purpose of preparing snacks for guests.

SECTION 91.2.55. SANITARIUMS.

A health station or retreat or other place where patients are kept and where medical or surgical treatment is given, but not mental.

SECTION 91.2.56. (Repealed by O-3429)

SECTION 91.2.57. SERVANTS QUARTERS.

See Accessory Living Quarters.

SECTION 91.2.58. STABLE; PRIVATE.

A detached accessory building for the keeping of horses owned by the occupants of the premises and not kept for remuneration, hire or sale.

SECTION 91.2.59. STABLE; PUBLIC.

A stable other than a private stable.

SECTION 91.2.60. STORY.

That portion of a building included between the surface of any floor and the surface of the floor next above it; if there be no floor above it, the space between such floor and the ceiling next above it.

SECTION 91.2.61. STREET.

A public or private throughfare which affords principal means of access to abutting property.

SECTION 91.2.62. STREET LINE.

The boundary line between street and abutting property.

SECTION 91.2.63. STREET; SIDE.

That street bounding a corner lot and which extends in the same general direction as the line determining the depth of the lot.

SECTION 91.2.64. STRUCTURE.

Anything constructed or erected which requires location on the ground, or attached to something having a location on the ground, but not including fences or walls used as fences less than six (6) feet in height.

SECTION 91.2.65. STRUCTURAL ALTERATIONS.

Any change in the supporting members of a building, such as bearing walls, columns, beams, floor or roof joists, girders or rafters, or changes in roof or exterior lines.

SECTION 91.2.66. (Repealed by O-3429)

SECTION 91.2.67. TRANSIENT HOTEL.

Any hotel in which cooking facilities are not provided and less than forty (40) percent of the guests remain in continuous residence for more than thirty (30) days.

SECTION 91.2.68. TRANSIENT MOTEL.

Any motel in which less than forty (40) percent of the guests stay for more than thirty (30) days.

SECTION 91.2.69. (Repealed by O-3429)

SECTION 91.2.70. YARD.

A portion of the same lot or building site upon which a building is situated, other than a courtyard which remains unoccupied and open from the ground upward except for projection permitted by the Code.

SECTION 91.2.71. FRONT YARD.

(Amended by O-3356)
Except as provided in Section 91.4.4, a yard between the front line of the lot and the front line of the main building, which extends from one (1) side yard to the other.

SECTION 91.2.72. REAR YARD.

(Amended by O-3356)
Except s provided in Section 91.4.6, a yard which extends across the entire width of the lot between the extreme rear line of the lot and the extreme rear line of any building, other than an accessory building.

SECTION 91.2.73. SIDE YARD.

(Amended by O-3356)
Except as provided in Section 91.4.5, a yard between the side line of the lot and the side line of the building, which extends from the front line of the lot to the required rear yard.

SECTION 91.2.74. HOSPITAL.

(Added by O-2061)

a) General: A facility equipped and staffed to provide various types of intensified hospital care including, but not limited to, short term care in acute medical, surgical and obstetrical services.

b) Special: A facility that provides the services required of a general hospital and in addition is equipped and staffed with specialized diagnostic and therapeutic facilities to provide care in a recognized medical or dental specialty.

c) Extended Care Facility: A facility primarily engaged in providing to in-patients the nursing care and related services for patients who require twenty-four (24) hour medical, nursing, or rehabilitation services. These facilities include the following types of institutions:

1) Convalescent or nursing homes;

2) Sanitarium.

d) Day Treatment Clinic: A facility for the medical treatment of patients who are provided with an organized program of treatment and rehabilitation activities under medical supervision. Persons are not permitted to remain overnight.

SECTION 91.2.75. TOWNHOUSE PLANNED DEVELOPMENT.

(Added by O-2179)
A subdivision located in the R-TH District, consisting of single family dwelling units attached in groups of two (2) or more units, each of which, together with the lot on which it is situated is separately owned; and including, in addition, open space and/or recreational areas and facilities which are for the use of all occupants of the development and are held in common ownership.

SECTION 91.2.76. BALCONY.

(Added by O-2307)
A platform enclosed by a parapet or railing that projects, in whole or in part from the wall of a building and which is designed in such a manner that it can be entered only from adjacent rooms.

SECTION 91.2.77. PATIO.

(Added by O-2307)
A ground level recreation space located in an area that adjoins a dwelling.

SECTION 91.2.78. COURTYARD.

(Added by O-2307)
An open unoccupied space other than a yard, bounded on two (2) or more sides by buildings located on the same parcel.

SECTION 91.2.79. HILLSIDE LOT.

(Added by O-2665)
A hillside lot is defined as any lot or parcel having a slope of fifteen (15) percent or more as measured from any point on the property line and which slope affects the front eighty (80) feet of the property. Slope is measured from the highest to the lowest point within the front eighty (80) feet of depth of the lot. Determination of slope shall be made at the time of application for a building permit or other entitlement for use, and shall be measured on the lot as it exists at the time of such application.

SECTION 91.2.80. INTEGRATED PARKING FACILITY.

(Added by O-2907)
Integrated Parking Facility shall mean any parking facility consisting of contiguous parking spaces under a common ownership, operation, or subject to binding, non-exclusive cross access easements.

SECTION 91.2.81. MULTIPLE OWNER-OCCUPIED RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURE.

(Added by O-2930; O-2933)
The term multiple owner-occupied residential structure shall mean a condominium as defined in Section 783 of the Civil Code of California, a community apartment project as defined in Section 11004 of the California Business and Professions Code, a stock cooperative as defined in Section 11003.2 of the California Business and Professions Code, and any other similar form of multiple family dwelling in which the residents have acquired an ownership interest in the land or buildings, or both, and have a right to use or occupy said land or buildings for a permanent residence. Such term shall also include any unusually long-term lease agreements which require payment of a price equivalent to purchasing said dwelling unit. Said term shall not include any condominium or stock cooperative or similar joint ownership agreement which is for offices, retail or wholesale stores, shops, manufacturing buildings or similar exclusively commercial or industrial uses.

SECTION 91.2.82. FLOOR AREA RATIO.

(Amended by O-3291; O-3319)
In calculating the Floor Area Ratio (FAR), the measurements from outside wall to outside wall, using gross square footage shall be used. The gross square footage includes the area of all floors of the main structure, accessory structures and habitable attic area, but excluding basements, covered porches, patios and balconies enclosed on not more than two (2) sides, and chimneys.
Stairwells and floor area in portions of the structure where the distance between any floor and roof directly above it is seventeen (17) feet or more shall be counted twice. If the distance between any floor and roof directly above it is twenty-six (26) feet or more, the floor area shall be counted three (3) times.
For purposes of this section, basement shall mean any habitable area located below any story which has a finished floor level not more than three (3) feet above finished grade, excluding any berms or raised planters, and which does not have windows more than eighteen (18) inches above finished grade at any point along the perimeter of the building.

SECTION 91.2.83. FLAG LOT SUBDIVISION; FLAG LOT.

(Added by O-3356)

a) A flag lot subdivision is a subdivision of land zoned for single-family residential use, wherein the lots or parcels of land are laid out one behind the other, with only one lot or parcel of land (referred to as the front lot) having frontage on a public street other than a driveway or access easement.

b) Each lot or parcel behind the front lot obtains access to the public street by means of a narrow driveway which may be owned in fee, or by easement, which shall be hereinafter referred to as an access easement. A flag lot is any lot or parcel of land within a flag lot subdivision, including the front lot.

SECTION 91.2.84. ALTERATION.

(Added by O-3423)
Any change or rearrangement in the supporting members of an existing building or structure, such as bearing walls, columns or beams, any horizontal or vertical enlargement or diminution, or any physical change in the appearance of any building or structure.

SECTION 91.2.85. AMBULANCE SERVICES.

(Added by O-3423)
An establishment providing emergency medical care or transportation, including incidental storage and maintenance of vehicles and crew facilities.

SECTION 91.2.86. ANIMAL SALES AND SERVICES.

(Added by O-3423)
Establishments providing the following retail and/or service uses:

a) Animal feed and supplies: Retail sales of pet food and supplies, but excluding the sale of animals, provided such activities take place within an entirely enclosed building.

b) Animal grooming: Provision of bathing and trimming services for household pets on a commercial basis, provided such activities take place within an entirely enclosed building.

c) Animals, retail sales: Retail sales of household pets (such as dogs, cats, birds, and fish), provided such activities take place within an entirely enclosed building.

SECTION 91.2.87. ANTENNA AND/OR COMMUNICATION FACILITY.

(Added by O-3423)
Any public, commercial or private transmission or receiving device, for radio, television, telegraph, telephone, cellular telephone, and data network communications, including, but not limited to antennae, towers, reflectors and equipment buildings. This classification does not include home television and radio receiving antennae.

SECTION 91.2.88. ANTIQUE.

(Added by O-3423)
Any object of art or pieces of furniture, household implements and the like, which, because of age, rarity and fabrication, or manufacture at a time much earlier than the present, have acquired a collector’s quality and value. This definition does not include any objects or materials that are obsolete and have secondhand or salvage value only.

SECTION 91.2.89. ANTIQUE SHOP.

(Added by O-3423)
An establishment engaged primarily in the sale of antiques.

SECTION 91.2.90. ARCADES.

(Added by O-3423)
An establishment which provides five (5) or more electronic, mechanical, or manually operated games which are activated by money or tokens or for which the participant pays money for the privilege of playing such electronic, mechanical, or manually operated games.

SECTION 91.2.91. ARTISANS STUDIO.

(Added by O-3423)
A building containing work space and retail sales space for artists, artisans and craftspersons producing individual or one-of-a kind works of art, including individuals practicing a fine art, or a skill in an applied art or craft, provided that the use does not impact any other use or property with noise, odor, dust, vibration, or other nuisance. This classification includes, but is not limited to, painters’ studios, ceramic or sculpting studios, custom jewelry studios, custom furniture building, or a saddlery. This classification does not include the use of mechanical equipment individually exceeding two (2) horsepower or collectively exceeding five (5) horsepower; or the use of more than one (1) kiln, and such kiln shall not exceed eight (8) kilowatts.

SECTION 91.2.92. AUTOMOBILE SALES AND LEASING.

(Added by O-3423)
The use of any building, premises or land for the display and sale and/or lease of new or used passenger vehicles, including storage, and which may include any warranty repair work and other repair as defined under “Automobile/Vehicle Repair Garage” conducted as an accessory use.

SECTION 91.2.93. AUTOMOBILE RENTAL.

(Added by O-3423)
The use of any building, premises or land for the rental of passenger vehicles, including storage.

SECTION 91.2.94. AUTOMOBILE SERVICE STATION.

(Added by O-3423)
Any site or improvement where the primary use is the retail sale and dispensing of motor vehicle fuel. This classification includes facilities for passenger vehicle service and repair, provided there no more than three (3) service bays. Such service and repair may include the sale of tires, batteries, and other parts and products related to the operation of passenger vehicles; minor tune-up; lubrication and parts replacement; and other light work related to preventive maintenance and upkeep. Such services may not include maintenance and repair of commercial or recreational vehicles, tire recapping, sale or rebuilding of engines, radiator repair or steam cleaning, paint spraying, body and fender work, the installation of auto glass, or the outdoor storage of vehicles. This classification may include accessory towing, and the accessory sales of food.

SECTION 91.2.95. AUTOMOBILE/VEHICLE BODY AND FENDER SHOP.

(Added by O-3423)
Any facility use for the activities of repairing, restoring, and/or painting the bodies, frames or fenders of passenger or nonpassenger vehicles.

SECTION 91.2.96. AUTOMOBILE/VEHICLE REPAIR GARAGE.

(Added by O-3423)
Any facility used for the repair, alteration, restoration, maintenance or towing of passenger vehicles, which shall be construed broadly to include the place where the following types of commonly known garage or shop activities occur: fluid replacement and lubrication, tune-up and muffler work, parts and tire sales and installation, wheel and brake work, engine and transmission repair, rebuilding or reconditioning of engines, and installation of car alarms and car stereos. This classification excludes automobile wrecking, body and fender shops, tire retreading or recapping, or storage of inoperative vehicles. Also excluded is the repair or maintenance of commercial or recreational vehicles. This classification includes fluid replacement facilities.

SECTION 91.2.97. AWNING.

(Added by O-3423)
A roof-like cover supported entirely from the exterior wall of a building, and installed over or in front of openings or windows in a building, and consisting of a fixed or movable frame and a top of canvas or other similar material covering the entire space enclosed between the frame and the building.

SECTION 91.2.98. BAIL BONDS.

(Added by O-3423)
An establishment engaged in the selling of bail bonds.

SECTION 91.2.99. BANKS, CREDIT UNIONS, AND/OR SAVINGS AND LOANS.

(Added by O-3423)
A state or federally chartered financial institution that provides retail banking services to individuals and businesses.

SECTION 91.2.100. BAR AND COCKTAIL LOUNGES.

(Added by O-3423)
Any establishment primarily used for the on-site sales and consumption of alcoholic beverages, sometimes with, but more commonly without, meals. This classification includes, but is not limited to, saloons, bars, cocktail lounges, nightclubs, pubs, taverns and similar places, but excludes restaurants and commercial recreation uses which may serve alcoholic beverages incidental to the primary use.

SECTION 91.2.101. BILLIARD PARLOR.

(Added by O-3423)
An establishment which provides five (5) or more billiard and/or pool tables.

SECTION 91.2.102. BUILDING MATERIAL SALES.

(Added by O-3423)
An establishment engaged in retailing or wholesaling or building supplies or equipment. This classification includes lumber yards and tool and equipment sales, but excludes retail sales of paint and hardware, and activities classified under “Equipment Leasing and Rentals.”

SECTION 91.2.103. BUSINESS AND TRADE SCHOOL.

(Added by O-3423)
A specialized instructional establishment which provides on-site training of business, commercial, and/or trade skills such as accounting, data processing and computer repair. This classification excludes establishments providing training in an activity that is not otherwise permitted in the zone. Incidental instructional services in conjunction with another primary use shall not be considered a business and trade school.

SECTION 91.2.104. CARWASH, HAND.

(Added by O-3423)
Any permanent facility where stall(s) with water-spraying devices are used for the washing of vehicles as a retail service, and where typically vacuuming services are provided. Hand carwashes are further classified as either full-service or self-service carwashes.

SECTION 91.2.105. CARWASH, FULL-SERVICE.

(Added by O-3423)
A mechanical and/or hand wash carwash typically offering vacuuming and towel-drying services and where customers leave their vehicles during washing operations.

SECTION 91.2.106. CARWASH, MECHANICAL.

(Added by O-3423)
Any permanent facility where power-driven equipment, or steam-cleaning equipment are used for the washing of vehicles as a retail service. Mechanical carwashes are further classified as either full-service or self-service carwashes. This classification includes automatic carwashes.

SECTION 91.2.107. CARWASH, SELF-SERVICE.

(Added by O-3423)
A mechanical and/or hand carwash where facilities are provided for customers to wash their own vehicles. This classification includes a drive-through car wash where customers remain in the vehicles during washing operation.

SECTION 91.2.108. CHECK-CASHING BUSINESS.

(Added by O-3423)
An establishment that for compensation engages in the business of cashing checks, warrants, drafts, money orders, or other commercial paper serving the same purpose. This classification does not include a state or federally chartered bank, savings association, credit union, or industrial loan company. Further, this classification does not include establishments selling consumer goods, including consumables, where the cashing of checks or money orders is incidental to the main purpose of the business.

SECTION 91.2.109. COMMERCIAL RECREATION.

(Added by O-3423)
An establishment exclusively or primarily engaged in the provision of participant or spectator recreation or entertainment, either indoors or outdoors. This classification includes, but is not limited to, sports arenas, amusement parks, bowling alleys, billiard parlors, ice/roller skating rinks, golf courses, miniature golf courses, swimming pools, hot tubs, and arcades. This classification may also include such incidental uses as restaurants and bars.

SECTION 91.2.110. COMMERCIAL VEHICLE.

(Added by O-3423)
Any motor vehicle other than a standard passenger vehicle and which, when operated upon a street, is required to be registered as a commercial vehicle by the state Vehicle Code, and which is used or maintained for the transportation of persons for hire, compensation, or profit, or which is designed, used, or maintained primarily for the transportation of property.

SECTION 91.2.111. COMMUNITY CENTER.

(Added by O-3423)
A building, buildings, or portions thereof used for recreation, social, educational, and cultural activities which buildings are owned and/or operated by a public, nonprofit, or public serving group or agency.

SECTION 91.2.112. CULTURAL INSTITUTION.

(Added by O-3423)
A nonprofit institution displaying or preserving objects of interest in one or more of the arts or sciences. This classification includes, but is not limited to, libraries, museums, and art galleries.

SECTION 91.2.113. DANCE/GYMNASTICS/MARTIAL ARTS STUDIO.

(Added by O-3423)
A private facility which conducts classes to groups of individuals generally in one (1) room, and does not provide showers, pools, saunas, and other features of a full service health club.

SECTION 91.2.114. DAY CARE CENTER, ADULT.

(Added by O-3423)
A state-licensed community care facility for the regular care and supervision of the elderly, developmentally disabled adults, or mentally disordered adults for periods less than twenty-four (24) hours with incidental non-acute medical care and a variety of social and related support services in a non-residential setting outside the licensee’s own residence, as defined and licensed under the Community Care Licensing Division of the State Department of Social Services. Adult day care centers shall include the various types of adult day care services as defined under state law and periodically amended, which includes “adult day care facilities,” “adult social day care facilities,” and “adult day health care facilities.”

SECTION 91.2.115. Repealed by O-3453.

SECTION 91.2.116. DISPLAY.

(Added by O-3423)
The placement of goods, merchandise, equipment or exhibits for viewing at a location visible to or accessible to the public.

SECTION 91.2.117. DRIVE-IN OR DRIVE-THROUGH SERVICES.

(Added by O-3423)
Any use, establishment, operation or business providing services accessible to persons who remain in their automobiles. This classification shall not include automobile service stations and/or car washes.

SECTION 91.2.118. DRIVEWAY.

(Added by O-3423)
An appropriately paved and privately-owned roadway for vehicular travel which provides access from a street or alley to off-street parking, loading area, drive-in or drive-through service area, or to an entrance to a building or other facility. Parking aisles within parking area and truck maneuvering areas are not included within this definition.

SECTION 91.2.119. EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION.

(Added by O-3423)
A public, parochial or other nonprofit institution conducting regular academic instruction at kindergarten, elementary, secondary, collegiate, university or graduate level. Such institution must either offer general academic instruction equivalent to the standards prescribed by the State Board of Education or confer degrees as a college or university of undergraduate or graduate standing. This definition does not includes schools, academies or institutes, incorporated or otherwise, which operate for a profit, nor does it include commercial or trade schools.

SECTION 91.2.120. ENTERTAINMENT, LIVE.

(Added by O-3423)
Any act, play, revue, pantomime, scene, dance act, or song and dance act, or any combination thereof, performed by one (1) or more persons whether or not they are compensated for the performance.

SECTION 91.2.121. EQUIPMENT LEASING AND RENTALS.

(Added by O-3423)
An establishment leasing or renting construction equipment, or horticultural or agricultural equipment, including storage and incidental maintenance.

SECTION 91.2.122. ESTABLISHMENT.

(Added by O-3423)
A premises or portion thereof occupied by a nonresidential use under the unified management and control of one person or organization.

SECTION 91.2.123. FORTUNETELLING.

(Added by O-3423)
The practice or carrying on of any art, profession or business which shall include, but not be limited to, the telling of fortunes, forecasting of knowledge of futures, of furnishing of any information not otherwise obtainable by the ordinary process of knowledge, for or without pay. Fortunetelling shall include, but not be limited to, psychic reading, occult reading, clairvoyance, cartomancy, psychometry, phrenology, spirits, mediumship, seership, prophecy, augury, astrology, palmistry, necromancy, mindreading, tarot card readings, tea leaves, telepathy, or other craft, art, science, cards, talismans, charms, potions, magnetism, magnetized article or substance, gypsy cunning or foresight, crystal gazing, and crystal reading of any kind or nature.

SECTION 91.2.124. GROCERY STORES.

(Added by O-3423)
An establishment where the primary use is retail sales of food and beverages for off-site preparation and consumption. This classification includes delicatessens.

SECTION 91.2.125. HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS CLUBS.

(Added by O-3423)
Private athletic clubs and gymnasiums, including but not limited to weight training facilities, aerobic floors, tennis/racquetball courts, swimming pools, and similar athletic facilities, with full service facilities including but not limited to showers, lockers, pools and saunas.

SECTION 91.2.126. KENNEL.

(Added by O-3423)
Any lot or premises on which four (4) or more dogs or cats at least four (4) months of age are kept, boarded, or trained, whether in special buildings or runways or not.

SECTION 91.2.127. LIQUOR, OFF-SALE.

(Added by O-3423)
The sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption off the premises as defined in Business and Professions Code Section 23394.

SECTION 91.2.128. LIQUOR, ON-SALE.

(Added by O-3423)
The sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises as defined in Business and Professions Code Section 23396.

SECTION 91.2.129. MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT.

(Added by O-3423)
The development or a parcel(s) or structure(s) with a combination of residential and at least one (1) or more commercial uses, including but not limited to office, retail, or entertainment uses, in a single or physically integrated group of structures.

SECTION 91.2.130. OFFICES.

(Added by O-3423)
Offices shall include the following:

a) Offices, Governmental. Administrative, clerical, or public contact offices of a government agency, including postal facilities, together with incidental storage and maintenance of vehicles.

b) Offices, Professional. Offices of firms or organizations providing professional, executive, management or administrative services, such as architectural, engineering, real estate, insurance, investment, or legal offices. This classification excludes retail banking services and medical offices.

c) Offices, Medical or Dental. Offices or health facilities which provide health services include diagnosis, testing and analysis, treatment or care to patients not confined to the facility as inpatients. Care may include, but is not limited to, the provision of medical, surgical, dental, mental health, rehabilitation, podiatral, optometric, chiropractic, acupuncture, or psychiatric services, and medical or dental laboratories incidental to such offices. Medical clinic or dental clinic shall have the same meaning as medical office or dental office. This classification also includes urgent care or immediate care medical facilities, but does not allow for surgical services such as are customarily provided in a hospital.

SECTION 91.2.131. OUTDOOR DINING.

(Added by O-3423)
Any restaurant or other eating establishment where seating is provided and food or beverages are served, on private property, and where there is not a roof and walls on all sides of the seating area.

SECTION 91.2.132. OUTDOOR STORAGE.

(Added by O-3423)
The keeping in an unroofed area, of any goods, material, merchandise or vehicles in the same place for more than twenty-four (24) hours.

SECTION 91.2.133. PASSENGER VEHICLE.

(Added by O-3423)
Motor vehicles, including automobiles, motorcycles, sports utility vehicles, passenger vans, and light trucks equipped with an open box-type bed less than nine (9) feet in length, all having a rating of less than ten thousand one (10,001) pounds, and an unladen weight of less than six thousand one (6,001) pounds, or other similar passenger vehicles specified by the State Vehicle Code.

SECTION 91.2.134. PAWNSHOP.

(Added by O-3423)
An establishment engaged in the buying or selling of new or secondhand merchandise and offering loans secured by personal property.

SECTION 91.2.135. PERSONAL SERVICES.

(Added by O-3423)
An establishment which provides services of a personal nature. This classification includes, but is not limited to:
accupressure
barber and beauty shops
fortune telling
massage
photo-copying
repair and maintenance, consumer products
retail dry cleaning establishments (excluding wholesale dry cleaning plants)
seamstresses
self-service laundromats
shoe repair shops
tailors
tanning salons
Such uses may also include incidental retail sales of products related to the services provided. This classification excludes tattoo parlors.

SECTION 91.2.136. PERSONAL IMPROVEMENT SERVICES.

(Added by O-3423)
An establishment providing instructional services or facilities, including but not limited to, photography, fine arts, language schools, crafts, music studios, tutorial services, computer instruction, and driving schools. Incidental instructional services associated with a retail use shall be classified as “retail sales” rather than “personal improvement services.”

SECTION 91.2.137. PLANT NURSERIES.

(Added by O-3423)
A commercial agricultural establishment engaged primarily in the sale of ornamental plants and other nursery products to the public. This classification may also provide for the incidental production of ornamental plants.

SECTION 91.2.138. RECREATIONAL VEHICLE.

(Added by O-3423)
A motor home, travel trailer, truck camper, or camping trailer, with or without motive power, designed for human habitation or recreational or emergency occupancy, with a living area less than two hundred twenty (220) square feet, excluding built-in equipment such as wardrobes, closets, cabinets, kitchen units or fixtures, bath and toilet rooms. The term recreational vehicle shall also include boats and boat trailers.

SECTION 91.2.139. RELIGIOUS FACILITIES.

(Added by O-3423)
A permanent use of a structure or interior space for religious worship and related religious activities, including customary incidental educational, residential and social activities in conjunction therewith, and where the premises are maintained by an organized religious body.

SECTION 91.2.140. REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE, CONSUMER PRODUCTS.

(Added by O-3423)
An establishment in which the principal activity is the repair of consumer products, including bicycles; electrical repair shops, television, radio, and other electronic appliance repair; household appliances; computers and office machines repair; watch, clock and jewelry repair; re-upholstery and furniture repair. This classification does not include repair or services incidental to retail sales.

SECTION 91.2.141. RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITY.

(Added by O-3423)
A facility licensed by the State to provide twenty-four (24) hour residential care to persons in need of personal services, supervision, or assistance essential for sustaining the activities of daily living or for the protection of the individual, excluding jails and other facilities. Such facilities may provide nursing, dietary and other personal services, but not surgery or other primary medical treatments such as are customarily provided in convalescent facilities or hospitals. This classification includes retirement homes.

SECTION 91.2.142. RESTAURANTS.

(Added by O-3423)
Restaurants shall include the following.

a) Restaurant, Class I, Full-Service. An establishment which sells and serves prepared foods and drinks to the public primarily for on-site consumption inside a building or in an outdoor seating area. This classification may include licensed “on-site” provision of alcoholic beverage for consumption on the premises when incidental to such food services, as well as facilities for dancing and other entertainment that are secondary and subordinate to the principal use of the establishment as an eating and drinking place.

b) Restaurant, Class II, Fast-Food. An establishment where the public is served food and beverages from a serving counter in dispensable containers or wrappers for either on- or off-premises consumption, and where food and meals are generally prepared in advance for immediate sale, and which may include indoor or outdoor seating, drive-through service, and/or delivery service.

c) Restaurant, Class III, Take-Out. An establishment were orders for food and beverage are served in disposal containers or wrappers from a serving counter for consumption exclusively off the premises.

d) Restaurant, Class IV, Snack Shops. An establishment serving snack foods, such as donuts, ice cream, yogurt, candy, cookies, bakery items, beverages, and similar items to be consumed either on the premises, either indoors or outdoors, or off the premises.

SECTION 91.2.143. RETAIL SALES.

(Added by O-3423)
An establishment engaged in the retail sale of new merchandise not specifically listed under another use classification. This classification includes, but is not limited to:
appliances
art supplies
auto parts (new, excluding service, installation and machine shops)
bicycles
books
cameras and photographic supplies
carpeting and floor covering
clothing and accessories
department stores
drug and discount stores
dry goods
electronic equipment
fabrics and sewing supplies
florists and houseplant stores (indoor sales only--outdoor sales are “Plant Nurseries”)
furniture
general stores
gifts, novelties and souvenirs
hand-crafted items (stores may include crafting operations subordinate to sales)
hardware
hobby materials
jewelry
luggage and leather goods
musical instruments, parts and accessories
newsstands
office supplies
orthopedic supplies
paint and wallpaper
pet stores
religious goods
small wares
specialty shops
sporting goods and equipment
stationary
toys and games
variety stores

SECTION 91.2.144. SHOPPING CENTER.

(Added by O-3423)
A commercial development located on a single parcel or on continuous parcels under the same ownership, containing three (3) or more retail stores, service uses, or other tenants, where each have individual entrances from a commonly-owned public area such as a parking lot or mall corridor. This classification may also apply to commercial developments where continuous parcels are under separate ownership, subject to provisions providing through Conditions, Covenants, and Restrictions a means of common maintenance, an integrated and consistent overall architectural design theme, a comprehensive sign program, and through recorded cross-access and reciprocal parking agreements an integrated parking and on-site pedestrian and vehicular circulation system.

SECTION 91.2.145. SWAP MEET.

(Added by O-3423)
Any indoor or outdoor place, location, or activity where new or used goods or secondhand personal property is offered for sale or exchange to the general public by a multitude of individual vendors, usually in compartmentalized spaces; and, where a fee may be charged to prospective buyers for admission, or a fee may be charged for the offering or displaying such merchandise. The term swap meet is interchangeable with and applicable to: flea markets, open air markets, or other similarly named activities.

SECTION 91.2.146. TATTOO PARLOR.

(Added by O-3423)
Any business where tattooing is practiced, as regulated and defined by Division 4, Chapter 5, Article 6, Section 45.6.2 of the Torrance Municipal Code.

SECTION 91.2.147. THEATER.

(Added by O-3423)
Any structure used for public assembly and/or entertainment, including theatrical performances, concerts and recitals, and the showing of movies. This classification includes cinemas.

SECTION 91.2.148. THRIFT SHOPS, OR SECONDHAND STORES.

(Added by O-3423)
An establishment primarily engaged in the sale of used clothing, household goods, furniture, or appliances. This classification does not include antique shops or establishments selling used jewelry, old coins and stamps. Nor does it include auto wrecking, dealers in used motor vehicles, and secondhand automobile parts and supplies.

SECTION 91.2.149. USE.

(Added by O-3423)
The type of activity or occupancy occurring or intended to occur at a given location.

SECTION 91.2.150. USE, ACCESSORY.

(Added by O-3423)
An activity or use of property which is subordinate, directly related, and supportive to a primary use located on the same premises. An accessory use is necessarily or customarily associated with a primary use in an interdependent relationship.

SECTION 91.2.151. USE, INCIDENTAL.

(Added by O-3423)
An activity or use of property which is secondary to a primary use located on the same premises, and which does not make use of more than ten (10%) percent of the total floor area of the primary use.

SECTION 91.2.152. USE, PRIMARY.

(Added by O-3423)
The prevalent activity or occupancy occurring or intended to occur at a given location.

SECTION 91.2.153. VETERINARY CLINICS AND ANIMAL HOSPITALS.

(Added by O-3423)
Any establishment used by veterinarians to provide office, and medical and surgical treatment and care for household pets. The boarding of household pets may be permitted as incidental to such hospital uses. However, this classification includes only facilities that are entirely enclosed, soundproofed, and mechanically ventilated, otherwise such facilities shall be considered as “kennel.”

SECTION 91.2.154. WALKWAY.

(Added by O-3423)
A public or private pathway exclusively for the use of pedestrians.

SECTION 91.2.155. WAREHOUSE RETAIL.

(Added by O-3423)
An off-price or wholesale retail/warehouse establishment exceeding fifty thousand (50,000) square feet of gross floor area and offering a full range of general merchandise to the public, or offering a limited range of merchandise serving both wholesale and retail customers.

SECTION 91.2.156. ADULT BUSINESS.

(Added by O-3423)
Any business based upon either the sale of materials or performances that depict, describe, or relate to “specified sexual activities” or “specified anatomical areas,” as defined by Article 33, Section 92.33.2 of Division 9.

SECTION 91.2.157. CHILD DAY CARE FACILITY.

(Added by O-3453)
A facility that provides nonmedical care to children under eighteen (18) years of age in need of personal services, supervision, or assistance essential for sustaining the activities of daily living or for the protection of the individual on less than a twenty-four (24) -hour basis. Child day care facilities include child day care centers, employer-sponsored child care centers, and family day care homes for children.

SECTION 91.2.158. CHILD DAY CARE CENTER.

(Added by O-3453)
Any child day care facility other than a family day care home, and includes infant centers, preschools, nursery schools and extended day care facilities.

SECTION 91.2.159. INFANT.

(Added by O-3453)
Infants are children under two (2) years of age.

SECTION 91.2.160. SMALL FAMILY DAY CARE HOME.

(Added by O-3453)
A single family residence which regularly provides care, protection and supervision of a maximum of eight (8) children in the provider’s own residence, including children under the age of ten (10) years who reside at the single family residence, for periods of less than twenty-four (24) hours a day. A small family day care home may provide care for more than six (6) and up to eight (8) children without an additional adult attendant, if the requirements of California Health and Safety Code 1597.44 are met.

SECTION 91.2.161. LARGE FAMILY DAY CARE HOME.

(Added by O-3453)
A single family residence which regularly provides care, protection and supervision for seven (7) to fourteen (14) children, inclusive, in the provider’s own residence including children under the age of ten (10) years who reside at the single family residence, for periods of less than twenty-four (24) hours a day. A large family day care home may provide care for more than twelve (12) children and up to and including fourteen (14) children if the requirements of California Health and Safety Code Section 1597.465 are met.

SECTION 91.2.162. HOME OCCUPATION.

(Added by O-3453)
The secondary use of a person’s own residence for a business activity carried on for profit.

SECTION 91.2.163. PUMPKIN SALES LOT.

(Added by O-3485)
A pumpkin sales lot is a temporary sales operation on a vacant property where pumpkins are maintained, stored, and sold to the public.

SECTION 91.2.164. CHRISTMAS TREE SALES LOT.

(Added by O-3485)
A Christmas tree sales lot is a temporary sales operations on a vacant property where cut natural Christmas trees, potted live trees, Christmas wreaths, or tree ornaments and decorations are maintained, stored, and sold to the public, and which may include the flocking, spraying, and processing of Christmas trees.

SECTION 91.2.165. TEMPORARY PARKING LOT SALES EVENT.

(Added by O-3485)
A temporary parking lot sales event is an event held in a portion of a parking lot, conducted by the permanent on-site business in control of the subject parking lot area, and may include the following:

a) The temporary outdoor sales of merchandise customarily sold on the premises by the permanent on-site business; or

b) The temporary sales of pumpkins and/or Christmas trees.

SECTION 91.2.166. TEMPORARY PARKING LOT SPECIAL EVENT.

(Added by O-3485)
A temporary parking lot special event is an event held in a portion of a parking lot, conducted by the permanent on-site business in control of the subject parking lot, and may include the following:

a) A temporary promotional outdoor event; or

b) A temporary outdoor gathering of people; or

c) Other similar temporary outdoor promotional events and/or gatherings as determined by the Planning Director to be consistent with Section 93.1.7.

SECTION 91.2.167. SMALL ANIMAL PETTING ZOO.

(Added by O-3485)
A small animal petting zoo is a temporary outdoor display of small farm or barnyard type animals. As a small animal, no single animal may weigh more than one hundred fifty (150) pounds. No more than thirty (30) such animals may be present on-site at any one time. The total number of animals allowed may be reduced subject to the determination by the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control.

SECTION 91.2.168. PONY RIDE.

(Added by O-3485)
A pony ride is a ride using live small ponies as the mode for conveyance of children in a repetitious predetermined fixed path of travel for amusement purposes. A pony ride is not a merry-go-round. As a pony ride, no more than five (5) ponies are permitted for riding at any one (1) time. The total number of ponies allowed in a ride may be reduced subject to determination by the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control.

SECTION 91.2.169. SECOND RESIDENTIAL DWELLING UNIT.

(Added by O-3535)
A second residential dwelling unit is an attached or detached residential dwelling unit that provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons. It shall include permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same parcel as the single-family dwelling is situated on.

ARTICLE 3 - ESTABLISHMENT OF DISTRICTS (Added by O-51; Amended by O-63; O-75; O-86; O-228; O-316; O-612; O-791; O-1185)

SECTION 91.3.1. PURPOSE.

a) It is hereby declared that in the creation by this Article of the respective classes of districts set forth herein, the City Council has given due and careful consideration to the peculiar suitability of each and every such district for the particular regulations applied thereto, and the necessary, proper and comprehensive grouping and arrangement of the various uses and densities of population in accordance with a well considered plan for the development of the City, and in relation to established plans in adjoining unincorporated areas of the County of Los Angeles, and in the incorporated areas of adjacent municipalities.

b) The boundaries of such districts as are shown upon the maps adopted by this Article or amendments thereto, are hereby adopted and approved and the regulations of this Division governing the use of land and buildings, the height of buildings, building site areas, the sizes of yards about buildings and other matters as hereinafter set forth, are hereby established and declared to be in effect upon all land included within the boundaries of each and every district shown upon said maps.

SECTION 91.3.2. DISTRICTS ESTABLISHED.

(Amended by O-791; O-1372; O-1422; O-1423; O-1476; O-2819; O-3018)
In order to classify, regulate, construct and segregate the use of land and buildings, to regulate and restrict the height and bulk of buildings, and to regulate the area of yards and other open spaces about buildings, twenty-five (25) classes of districts are hereby established, which said several classes of districts are shown and delineated on that certain series of maps entitled “City of Torrance - Official Land Use Plan” which are hereby adopted and made a part of this Chapter by this reference:

R-1	Single family residence district
R-2	Two family residence district
R-3	Limited multiple family residence district
R-R-3	Restricted multiple family residence district
R-4	Unlimited multiple family residence district
R-5	Highrise residential district
L-P	Limited professional office district
A-1	Light agricultural district
C-1	Retail commercial district
C-2	General commercial district
C-3	Solely commercial district
C-4	Shopping center district
C-5	Conditional commercial district
C-R	Restricted commercial district
	Civic Center district
M-1	Light manufacturing district
M-2	Heavy manufacturing district
M-L	Limited manufacturing district
P-1	Open area - planting - parking
P-U	Public use district
HMD	Hospital-medical-dental district
RTH	Residential townhouse district
R-H	Hillside and local coastal overly district
P-D	Planned development district

SECTION 91.3.3. UNCERTAINTY OF BOUNDARIES.

Where uncertainty exists as to the boundaries of any district shown on said maps, the following rules shall apply:

a) Where district boundaries are indicated as approximately following street lines, alley lines or lot lines, such lines shall be construed to be such boundaries;

b) In unsubdivided property or where a district boundary divides a lot, the location of such boundary, unless the same is indicated by dimensions, shall be determined by the use of the scale appearing on the maps;

c) In case any further uncertainty exists, the Planning Commission shall interpret the intent of the maps as to the location of such boundaries;

d) Where any public street or alley is hereafter officially vacated or abandoned, the regulations applicable to each parcel of abutting property shall apply to that portion of such street or alley added thereto by virtue of such vacation or abandonment.

ARTICLE 4 - R-1 SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT (Added by O-228; Amended by O-316; O-612; O-791; O-1962; O-2008; O-2009; O-2329; O-2330; O-3283)

SECTION 91.4.1. PERMISSIBLE USES.

(Amended by O-3453; O-3535)
No building, structure, improvement or premises shall be used, and no building, structure or improvement shall be erected, constructed, established, altered or enlarged, which is designed, arranged or intended to be occupied or used for any purpose other than the following:

a) Single family residence, together with the accessory buildings customary to such use and located on the same lot or parcel of land, including:

1) Private garage with a capacity not to exceed one thousand (1,000) square feet;

2) Child’s playhouse;

3) Buildings for the housing of domestic animals, such animals not to exceed two (2) full grown cats and two (2) full grown dogs in number;

4) Lath or greenhouse, not operated commercially;

5) Tool house or workshop, not operated commercially.

b) Flower and vegetable gardens, orchards, the raising of tree crops, berry or bush crops, for the purpose of propagation and culture, including wholesaling of the crops raised upon the premises; provided, no signs, displays or stands are used in conjunction therewith.

c) Commercial radio and television antennae, towers and transmitters and auxiliary equipment where located on property owned by the United States, the State, the City, the Torrance Unified School District or other public agency and for which a use permit has been granted in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 5.

d) Home occupation in a residential unit.

e) Small family day care home.

f) Large family day care home subject to approval of a large family day care permit.

g) Child day care centers as a conditionally permitted use in conjunction with churches and schools only and subject to the provisions of Article 3 of Chapter 5, Conditional Use Permits.

h) A maximum of one second residential dwelling unit shall be permitted on a R-1 zoned property, or other residentially zoned property, improved with a single-family dwelling, subject to the provisions of this Chapter, and Chapter 2, Article 2 (General Provisions).

SECTION 91.4.2. BUILDING HEIGHT.

(Amended by O-2664; O-2665; O-3254; O-3283)

a) 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.

b) Except as provided in Sections 91.41.7 and 91.4.11, the maximum height of a two-story dwelling shall be twenty-seven (27) 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.

c) The height limitation shall apply to any building or structure for which a building permit is issued on or after October 10, 1989.

d) Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 22 of Chapter 2 of this Division 9, any building or structure for which a building permit was issued prior to October 10, 1989 may be rebuilt to its original height in the event it is damaged to an extent that the expense of such restoration exceeds fifty (50) percent of the replacement cost of the building or structure at the time the damage occurred; provided, that no new or enlarged portion shall be added to such restored building or structure either as a part of said restoration, or in addition to any such restoration which exceeds the original height.

e) Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 22 of Chapter 2 of this Division 9, any building or structure for which a building permit was issued prior to October 10, 1989 may be repaired, altered or enlarged; provided, that any such repair, alteration or enlargement shall comply with the provisions of this section.

f) Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 22 of Chapter 2 of this Division 9, any building or structure for which a precise plan or height waiver has been approved and which has been damaged to an extent that the expense of such restoration exceeds fifty (50) percent of the replacement cost of the building or structure at the time the damage occurred, may be rebuilt or repaired to the height permitted by said precise plan or height waiver.

SECTION 91.4.3. LOT DIMENSIONS.

(Amended by O-1229; O-2329; O-2330; O-2747; O-3266; O-3283; O-3356)

a) 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. Each lot shall be not less than eighty (80) feet in depth. Each interior lot shall have a minimum width of fifty (50) feet. Each exterior lot shall have a minimum width of sixty (60) feet. The width of any lot fronting on a cul-de-sac or on the radius of a curve shall be measured at the building setback line.

b) In the case of flag lot subdivisions, no portion of the required access easement shall be counted in calculating the minimum area of any lot.

SECTION 91.4.4. FRONT YARD.

(Amended by O-2329; O-2330; O-2437; O-3283; O-3291; O-3356)
A front yard shall be provided with a depth of twenty (20) feet, provided however that:

a) Where a portion of a building is set back more than the required twenty (20) feet, an equal amount of the building may project nearer to the front property line, provided that no portion of a building shall be closer than fifteen (15) feet from the front property line, and in no case shall garages which face the street be set back less than twenty (20) feet, thereby creating an average front yard setback.

b) For purposes of calculating the average setback:

1) The area comprising the required side yards on either side of the lot shall be excluded;

2) The average setback shall be measured at the front building line of the main building provided that:

A) In the case where a portion of the building is set back more than twenty-five (25) feet from the front property line, and in open areas enclosed on not more than two (2) sides, there shall be presumed to be a building line not exceeding a depth of twenty-five (25) feet; and

B) In the case of a two (2) story dwelling, in which the first and second floors are not an equal distance from the front property line, that portion of the dwelling which is closest to the front property line shall be used as the building line.

c) In the case of a flag lot subdivision, the front yard shall be calculated as in a) and b) above, but its orientation shall be determined as follows:

1) The front yard setback of any lot having full width frontage on a public street shall be measured from the line separating the lot from the street;

2) The front yard of the lot furthest from the public street, shall be oriented in the same direction as that of the front lot; and

3) In subdivisions which have three (3) or more lots, the front yard of the middle lot(s) shall be oriented toward either the public street or the access easement. In the latter instance, the front yard setback shall be measured from the interior edge of the access easement.

SECTION 91.4.5. SIDE YARD.

(Amended by O-2437; O-3283; O-3319; O-3356)
Side yard setbacks shall equal ten (10) percent of the width of the lot except:

a) Interior side yards shall be provided as follows:

1) No setback shall be required to exceed five (5) feet nor be less than three (3) feet.

2) Provided, however, that construction may be permitted in any required interior side yard subject to the City and Building Codes and meeting the following conditions:

A) That the distance between buildings on any two (2) adjacent lots shall not be less than ten (10) percent of the combined widths of the lots.

B) That the consent of the adjacent property owner shall be recorded as provided in Section 92.6.1.

3) Provided further, however, that if a two-story dwelling is constructed, or in the event an existing dwelling is to be remodeled in such a manner that it falls within the definition provided in Section 231.1.2 of this Code, then each side yard setback shall be ten (10) percent of the width of the lot, but in no event less than three (3) feet.

b) Exterior side yards shall be not less than ten (10) feet in width.

c) In the case of a flag lot, the side yard setback shall be measured from the side property line unless there is an access easement located along one or both sides, in which case the side yard setback shall be measured from the interior edge of the access easement.

SECTION 91.4.6. REAR YARD.

(Amended by O-1852; O-2329; O-2330; O-3283; O-3291; O-3319; O-3356)
Rear yard setbacks shall be provided as follows:

a) 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.

b) A rear yard shall be provided with an average depth of twenty (20) feet for a two-story dwelling; provided, however, that no portion of such two-story dwelling shall be built closer than fifteen (15) feet from the rear property line.

c) In the event a single-story dwelling is remodeled in such a manner that a second story is added to the dwelling or any portion thereof, the rear yard setback requirement shall be met in one of the following ways:

1) If the remodeling will not result in the dwelling being subject to the definition found in Section 231.1.2 of this Code, the average twenty (20) foot setback shall be accomplished in regard to the second story only, as provided in subsection b) of this Section;

2) If the remodeling will result in the dwelling being subject to the definition found in Section 231.1.2 of this Code, then any portion of the existing building located within the area necessary to provide the required twenty (20) feet average setback shall be removed.

d) For purposes of calculating the average setback:

1) The area comprising the side yards on either side of the lot parcel shall be excluded;

2) The average setback shall be measured at the rear building line of the main building, provided that:

A) In the case where a portion of the building is set back more than twenty (20) feet from the rear property line for a one (1) story dwelling, and twenty-five (25) feet for a two (2) story dwelling, and in open areas enclosed on not more than two (2) sides, there shall be presumed to be a building line not exceeding a depth of twenty (20) feet for a one (1) story dwelling and twenty-five (25) feet for a two (2) story dwelling; and

B) In the case of a two (2) story dwelling, in which the first and second floors are not an equal distance from the rear property line, that portion of the dwelling which is closest to the rear property line shall be used as the building line, except as provided in Section 91.4.6.(c)(1) of this Code.

e) In the case of a flag lot, the rear yard shall be calculated as in a), b), c) and d) above, but for the lot farthest from the public street, the rear yard shall be oriented in the same direction as the front lot.

SECTION 91.4.7. DISTANCE BETWEEN BUILDINGS.

(Amended by O-1229; O-3283)
No dwelling shall be less than six (6) feet from any accessory building or garage unless such structures are attached by a solid roof at least six (6) feet in width.

SECTION 91.4.8. ACCESSORY BUILDINGS.

(Amended by O-1229; O-3283; O-3291; O-3319)
In addition to those development standards set forth in Section 92.5.6 the following development standards shall also apply in the R-1 zone:

a) No accessory building shall exceed fourteen (14) feet in height;

b) No accessory building shall provide living quarters;

c) A detached accessory building, located on the rear one-quarter (¼) of the property may be one (1) foot from the rear property line and one (1) foot from one (1) interior side property line only if the wall adjacent thereto is one (1) hour wall with no openings therein; the side yard setback on the other side shall be no less than ten (10) percent of the width of the rear property line, but in no case less than three (3) feet;

d) If all setbacks can be met, an accessory building of at least four hundred (400) square feet may be built on any lot or parcel of land, and in addition, any such accessory building may contain an additional area equal to one quarter (¼) the size of the required rear yard area, provided that no accessory building may exceed seven hundred (700) square feet in area, and provided further that the entire size of any such accessory building shall be counted as part of the Floor Area Ratio for the lot or parcel of land.

SECTION 91.4.9. MAXIMUM LOT COVERAGE.

(Added by O-2329; O-2330; Amended by O-2437; O-2664; O-2665; O-2747; O-3283; O-3319; O-3356)
The total land area covered by structures, excluding covered patios open on two (2) sides, shall not exceed the following:

a) For a single-story dwelling, fifty percent (50%) of the lot area;

b) For a two-story dwelling, forty percent (40%) of the lot area; provided, however, that if a single-story dwelling, occupying more than forty percent (40%) of the lot area is to be remodeled or enlarged by adding a second story, and the remodeling or enlargement does not cause the dwelling to fall within the definition found in Section 231.1.2 of this Code, the dwelling may occupy the existing percentage of lot area; providing, that lot area/coverage does not exceed fifty percent (50%).

c) In the case of a flag lot, the lot coverage shall be the same as provided in a) and b) above, but for purposes of calculating the gross square foot area of the lot, no portion of required access easement shall be included.

SECTION 91.4.10. USABLE OPEN SPACE.

(Added by O-2329; 2330; Amended by O-2437; O-2664; O-2665; O-2747; O-3283)
Open space shall constitute not less than one-third (1/3) of the total lot area in one or more areas having minimum dimensions of ten (10) feet by fifteen (15) feet. Open space shall be defined as yards unobstructed from ground to sky, except as provided in Article 5, Chapter 2, Division 9, and excepting covered patios enclosed on not more than two (2) sides.

SECTION 91.4.11. FLOOR AREA RATIO.

(Added by O-3269; O-3283; O-3356)

a) 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.

b) In calculating the F.A.R., the methods provided in Section 91.2.82 shall be followed, and the area of any garage shall be included.

c) In the case of a flag lot, the lot area to be used in the F.A.R. calculation shall include only the buildable lot area, but not including the access easement.

ARTICLE 6 - R-2 TWO FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT (Adde