The Hillside Overlay Ordinance

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 clarifying and maintaining consistent application of the Overlay Ordinance. The RHA encourages all who are vested in the Riviera and adjacent Seaside communities to read and understand the Overlay Ordinance.

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