To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: MARC WIENER, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
TITLE
title
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON DRAFT ZONING AMENDMENTS RELATED TO ARTICLE 8 (NONCONFORMING USES AND STRUCTURES)
end
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
As part of the 2026 General Plan Update and 6th Cycle Housing Element implementation, zoning changes were made to a limited number of properties. In some instances, the changes created legal nonconformities, meaning that the structures and uses that were allowed under the prior zoning ordinance no longer comply. Some of the changes converted the block located at Torrance Boulevard between S. Irena Avenue and S. Juanita Avenue from single-family residential (R-1) to Commercial (C-2), while also rezoning a stretch along S. Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) from Residential High Density (RH) to Commercial (C-2). The intent of these zoning changes was to allow for commercial uses in these areas because they both front the commercial corridors of Torrance Boulevard and PCH.
In the October 29, 2024 City Council Administrative Report (Attachment 2), staff identified that these areas along PCH and Torrance Boulevard consist of predominantly low-density residential buildings, most of which are in good condition. It was noted that rezoning the subject areas would make these uses nonconforming and limit the ability of the owner to maintain or potentially rebuild their homes. The City Council directed staff to prepare draft amendments to Article 8 (Nonconforming Uses and Structures) to allow improvements, repairs, and reconstruction of these residential structures at the subject locations where the rezoning occurred. Recently concern was raised by some of the property owners potentially affected by the rezoning, and, as such, staff is returning with draft amendments that would provide greater flexibility for these rezoned properties.
Separately, the implementation of the 6th Cycle Housing Element required that several sites currently dev...
Click here for full text