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Torrance Places Limit on Single-Family Home Sizes Despite Vigorous Objections

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Times Staff Writer

The Torrance City Council has unanimously approved an emergency ordinance to limit the size of single-family houses, despite objections from about 200 builders, developers and residents who crowded the council chambers this week.

The limit, which takes effect immediately, prohibits the construction of single-family houses with a floor area greater than 60% of the lot size. The limit applies to additions or modifications, but excludes up to 400 square feet of garage area.

The council also instructed the city staff to recommend an administrative approval process to review construction plans that exceed the limit.

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The council indicated that the limit would last until the city staff completes a study on new size and height limits on single-family houses. City officials said the study may continue for at least three months.

The search for new standards was prompted by residents’ complaints that oversized single-family houses being built throughout the city increase density and traffic and encroach on neighbors’ privacy, views and sunlight.

For nearly six hours Tuesday night, the council heard objections from developers, builders and residents who said the size limit is too restrictive and would hurt their businesses. Several speakers accused the council of acting in haste to implement an arbitrary limit.

“On behalf of the builders and myself, I don’t believe that an emergency truly exists,” said Julie Connell, a Torrance real estate agent. “Life and property are not at risk.”

A. J. (Tony) Kriss, another Torrance real estate agent, said the city had no reason to approve the limit as an emergency ordinance and accused the council of “breach of trust” with builders, developers and real estate brokers.

He suggested that the city create a committee composed of city officials, builders, developers and real estate brokers to consider other solutions to the problem of oversized houses.

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