Introduction
Views are primarily impacted when a structure considerably increases its height. Here are the laws for the State of California and City of Torrance as it pertains to ADU heights.
If a proposed ADU complies with state-mandated height limits, the city cannot deny ministerial approval based on the height of the structure.
Our interpretation of these laws is provided in blue.
Disclaimer: We are not lawyers
Organization of this Page
- California State Law for ADU Height Summary
- Torrance Municipal Code for ADU Height Summary
- Comparison between California and Torrance
- How the Torrance Planning Department is Currently Handling ADU Height
- Exact California Government Code Language for ADU Height
- Exact Torrance Municipal Code Language for ADU Height
1. California State Law for ADU Height Summary
California law sets “statewide mandated height limits” that local cities must allow. Under Government Code Section 66321, local agencies cannot impose height limits that are lower than these thresholds:
| Height | Law Language | ADU Type |
| 16 Feet | For any detached ADU on a lot with an existing or proposed single-family or multi-family dwelling. [Gov. Code § 66321(a)(1)] | Detached |
| 18 Feet | For a detached ADU on a lot within one-half mile walking distance of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor. An additional 2 feet (total of 20 feet) must be allowed if necessary to match the roof pitch of the primary dwelling. [Gov. Code § 66321(a)(2)] | Detached |
| 25 Feet or Base Zone Height | For an ADU that is attached to the primary dwelling, whichever is lower. [Gov. Code § 66321(a)(3)] | Attached |
This means for Detached ADUs, this city must
2. Torrance Municipal Code for ADU Height Summary
3. Comparison between California and Torrance
4. How the Torrance Planning Commission is Currently Handling ADU Height
5. Exact California Government Code Language
The below is from California Government Code § 66321, as of March 10, 2026
(a) Subject to subdivision (b), a local agency may establish minimum and maximum unit size requirements for both attached and detached accessory dwelling units.
(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), a local agency shall not establish by ordinance any of the following:
(4) Any height limitation that does not allow at least the following, as applicable:
(A) A height of 16 feet for a detached accessory dwelling unit on a lot with an existing or proposed single family or multifamily dwelling unit.
(B) A height of 18 feet for a detached accessory dwelling unit on a lot with an existing or proposed single family or multifamily dwelling unit that is within one-half of one mile walking distance of a major transit stop or a high-quality transit corridor, as those terms are defined in Section 21155 of the Public Resources Code. A local agency shall also allow an additional two feet in height to accommodate a roof pitch on the accessory dwelling unit that is aligned with the roof pitch of the primary dwelling unit.
(C) A height of 18 feet for a detached accessory dwelling unit on a lot with an existing or proposed multifamily, multistory dwelling.
(D) A height of 25 feet or the height limitation in the local zoning ordinance that applies to the primary dwelling, whichever is lower, for an accessory dwelling unit that is attached to a primary dwelling. This subparagraph shall not require a local agency to allow an accessory dwelling unit to exceed two stories.
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