Torrance spans two California climate zones, 6 and 8, so your address decides which energy targets apply. Since January 5, 2026, Torrance accepts plans electronically only, through its Citizen Access Portal. We prepare the Title 24 report (CF1R) as PDF sheets ready to upload with your plans.
What climate zone is my Torrance address in?
On the California Energy Commission's ZIP code list:
| Zone | ZIP codes |
|---|---|
| 6 | 90501, 90502, 90503, 90505 |
| 8 | 90504, 90506 |
Zone lines do not follow ZIP code lines. The CEC says a local building department may assign one zone to a ZIP code that crosses a line. If you are near the boundary, look up your address in the CEC's EZ Building Climate Zone Search Tool and confirm with Building and Safety.
What changes between zone 6 and zone 8?
From the CEC's 2025 compliance manual:
- Ceiling insulation for additions: R-30 in zone 6, R-38 in zone 8.
- Refrigerant charge testing for new air conditioners: required in zone 8, not zone 6. Heat pumps need it in both zones.
- Window U-factor for additions and alterations: 0.30 maximum in both.
Who reviews plans in Torrance?
The Building and Safety Division of the Community Development Department.
How do I submit plans in Torrance?
Online only. Torrance's Building and Safety Permits page says: "Effective January 5, 2026, all plan reviews and permit submittals must be submitted electronically. Paper plans and physical submittals are no longer accepted."
The city lays out the steps:
- Create a Citizen Access Portal account. The city links an Accela user guide for building permits.
- Get a Zoning Screening.
- Submit your permit application, zoning clearance documentation and construction plans through the Citizen Access Portal.
Include the registered CF1R in your plan set PDF.
Does Torrance have pre-approved ADU plans?
Yes. Torrance's Pre-Approved Accessory Dwelling Unit Program lists plans from private designers, pre-reviewed by the Building and Safety Division and the Planning Division. At the time of writing, the list includes one-story units from a 440 square foot studio to a 798 square foot two-bedroom.
The city says these plans are "approximately 80% complete for permitting." Owners contract with the designer, secure a building permit, and add their property's details. Energy compliance depends on the site, including the climate zone and which way the windows face. Ask the designer what Title 24 documentation comes with the plan.
What will my Torrance ADU's report need?
- New detached ADU: a new home under the 2025 Energy Code. It usually needs new solar PV.
- Attached ADU or garage conversion: an addition. No solar required. The prescriptive QII inspection does not apply at 700 square feet or less.
- Conversion of already-conditioned space: an alteration.
See Title 24 for ADUs and ECC rater testing for ADUs.
Need a report for a Torrance project? See our flat prices.
Frequently asked questions
What climate zone is Torrance in?
Two zones. On the California Energy Commission's ZIP code list, most Torrance ZIP codes (90501, 90502, 90503, 90505) are zone 6, while 90504 and 90506 are zone 8.
Does Torrance accept paper plans?
No. Torrance says that effective January 5, 2026, all plan reviews and permit submittals must be submitted electronically, and paper plans are no longer accepted.
How do I submit plans in Torrance?
Create a Citizen Access Portal account, get a Zoning Screening, then submit your permit application, zoning clearance and construction plans through the portal.
Does Torrance have pre-approved ADU plans?
Yes. Torrance's Pre-Approved ADU Program lists plans from private designers that the Building and Safety and Planning Divisions have pre-reviewed. The city describes them as about 80% complete for permitting.
Related
Sources
- energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/building-energy-efficiency-standards/climate-zone-tool-maps-and
- energy.ca.gov/sites/default/files/2020-04/BuildingClimateZonesByZIPCode_ada.xlsx
- torranceca.gov/Government/Departments-Offices/Departments-Offices/Community-Development/Building-and-Safety
- torranceca.gov/City-Services/Building-Property/Building-Property-Services/Online-Permit-Center-Portal/Building-and-Safety-Permits
- torranceca.gov/Government/Departments-Offices/Departments-Offices/Community-Development/Building-and-Safety/Pre-Approved-Accessory-Dwelling-Units
- energy.ca.gov/filebrowser/download/8641?fid=8641