Building Inspection

This is the government office for the city of Torrance. Services include building inspection, building permits, business registration/licensing, city attorney, city government information lines, election information, electrical permits, housing authorities, land use planning and regulation services, large item trash/garbage pickup, mechanical permits, occupancy inspection, plumbing permits, public awareness/education, and Section 8 housing choice vouchers. Geographic restrictions apply for some services; business-related services are provided only for businesses located in Torrance.

City maintenance includes street maintenance, street construction/repair, street lighting maintenance and street cleaning.

For large item trash/garbage pickup for residents with City services for rubbish and recycling, a free pickup of large or bulky items can be requested. Large item collection is available on an on-call basis once per calendar year per address. A single family residence that is not receiving services such as refuse collection from the City of Torrance, more than likely the address is not considered City of Torrance. If the L A County Sheriff responds to your address then your refuse is serviced by the County of Los Angeles. If the Los Angeles Police Department responds to your address then your refuse is serviced by the City of Los Angeles.

The housing department is a local public housing authority that provides Section 8 rent subsidy program for residents of Torrance. The Section 8 rent subsidy program is for seniors, handicapped people, and families who meet the low-income requirements and who live or work in Torrance. The waiting list for Section 8 is currently closed.