Landscaping, hardscape and concrete in Torrance

Del Mar Landscaping builds yards in Torrance, from Old Torrance and Walteria to Seaside and the Hollywood Riviera: planting, pavers, concrete, block walls, drainage, artificial turf and irrigation, all by one licensed crew (California license #904584, C-27 Landscaping and C-8 Concrete). We're a family business, founded in 1993 and based in Long Beach. Most Torrance homes were built in the 1950s and 60s, and the City has its own rules for fences, walls, parkways and watering, so we plan around them from the start.

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What we build in Torrance

Yards we build in Torrance

Front-yard makeovers, paver and concrete patios, block walls, artificial turf, drip irrigation and lawn-to-garden conversions: the same crew designs it with you and builds it.

Covered outdoor kitchen on a concrete patio

Photos of our own work. More on our project gallery.

Good to know

Planning a yard project in Torrance

Checked against city codes and official sources in October 2026. Rules change, so we confirm the details for your lot on the free estimate.

Fence and wall permits. Any residential fence or wall 3 feet or taller needs a building permit. In the front setback, fences, walls and hedges are limited to 4 feet and have to be decorative (no chain link). Up to 6 feet is allowed when the fence sits at least 10 feet back from the front property line and outside the driveway visibility area, with landscaping and irrigation between it and the street.

Source: Torrance Municipal Code 92.13.1

Side yards, back yards and pools. Side and rear fences and walls can be up to 6 feet. The Planning Director can allow up to 8 feet in some cases, such as a pool enclosure or a yard backing onto commercial property, after neighbors are notified. Pool enclosures have to be at least 5 feet high with a self-closing, self-latching gate.

Source: Torrance Municipal Code 92.13.1

Retaining walls. In rear and interior side setbacks, no single retaining wall can be over 5 feet; a bigger grade change is terraced, with a landscaped planter at least 2 feet wide between walls. A retaining wall over 3 feet needs a wall or fence at least 3 feet high on top.

Source: Torrance Municipal Code 92.13.1

Hillside and coastal lots. Torrance's hillsides run along its western and southern edges, including the Riviera. In the Hillside and Local Coastal overlay, grading, paving and landscaping have to meet the building and grading codes, roof water has to drain to the street or an approved drainage path, and new parkway trees come from a limited-height list.

Source: Torrance General Plan draft (2026) · Torrance Municipal Code Article 41 · Torrance Municipal Code 75.1

Parkways. Owners maintain the parkway between the curb and their property line, including the trees and planting. Trimming or removing a street tree needs a Public Works permit and a City-approved tree contractor, nothing planted around a parkway tree can be taller than 18 inches, and stone or concrete that cuts off water and air to tree roots needs approval.

Source: Torrance Municipal Code 75.1

Watering rules. Torrance's water conservation ordinance covers the whole city, whether your water comes from Torrance Municipal Water or Cal Water. At Level 1: no sprinklers from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., no more than 3 watering days a week, 15 minutes per station, and no watering for 48 hours after measurable rain.

Source: Torrance water conservation ordinance

Questions

Torrance landscaping questions

Do I need a permit for a block wall or fence in Torrance?

Yes, if it's 3 feet or taller. In the front setback the limit is 4 feet (up to 6 feet if it sits at least 10 feet back from the front property line), and side and rear walls can be up to 6 feet.

Does the Torrance turf rebate cover artificial grass?

No. The City's rebate page lists $2 or more per square foot for up to 5,000 square feet of lawn replaced, but synthetic turf isn't an approved conversion. The new garden needs at least 3 plants per 100 square feet, a feature that holds rainwater, and only permeable hardscape. We install both; artificial turf just doesn't earn the rebate.

When is the best time to plant in Torrance?

Fall and winter. At Torrance Airport, October through April brings about 96% of the year's rain (13.64 inches on average), while June through September averages under a quarter inch, so fall planting lets new plants settle in with the rain before the dry summer.

Other areas we serve

Palos Verdes Estates Rancho Palos Verdes Rolling Hills Estates San Pedro Home

Free on-site estimate in Torrance

Del Mar Landscaping, family-owned since 1993. California license #904584 (C-27 Landscaping, C-8 Concrete). Se habla español.

Call (310) 427-9089 Text us Request an estimate