In 1977, the Torrance City Council adopted the Hillside Overlay to provide development standards, design review criteria, and set limitations for certain hillside and coastal development as a means to preserve, for coastal community homeowners and residents, the features that contribute to making this area so special.

The recent passing of state-wide laws regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) has generated considerable community interest in maintaining consistent application of the Overlay Ordinance, especially regarding view, privacy, and space requirements. The RHA encourages all who are vested in the Riviera and adjacent Seaside communities to read and understand the Overlay Ordinance.

• The Hillside Overlay – Section 41
• The View Equity Ordinance
• Map of the Hillside Overlay areas  (see map legend)
• Complete Torrance Municipal Code
• Torrance City City Council and Planning Commission Meetings

This tri-fold brochure briefly summarizes the main provisions of the Hillside Overlay.