Local News in Brief : 10-Block Area Downzoned

A 10-block section of downtown Torrance has been downzoned from multifamily residential to two-family residential in response to a petition and a city study that found the area cannot handle much more development.

The downzoning will decrease the possible number of additional housing units in the area from 110 to 55, according to a city staff report. It will also lower the maximum density from 25 to fewer than 20 units per acre.

In August, 181 residents signed a petition asking the city to reduce potential density in the area. Later that month, the city imposed a building moratorium on 27 acres downtown while the city staff studied the request. The study found that the area’s streets and water and sewer lines may be approaching capacity.

About half a dozen property owners opposed the downzoning at this week’s council meeting, saying the new zoning would lower property values. A similar number said they support lower density.

The area, north of Torrance Boulevard along Cota Avenue and nearby streets, is one of the oldest housing tracts in the city and has 153 houses and apartments, 60% of which are single-family houses.