Lomita is a small city of its own, tucked between Torrance, Harbor City and Rolling Hills Estates. Most of its homes are older, more than half of households rent, and the city recently took over its own building permits, so who you call is different from San Pedro or Harbor City.
What’s different about Lomita
- Older housing. About 79% of homes in Lomita were built before 1980, and about 37% before 1960.
- Many renters. About 54% of households rent, and about 12% of homes are in buildings with 20 to 49 units, where one leak can reach several apartments.
- Mobile homes. About 7% of homes are mobile homes.
- Low flood risk overall. FEMA maps almost all of Lomita as minimal flood hazard, so in most cases water damage comes from plumbing, roofs and appliances rather than flooding.
Housing figures: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates (via Census Reporter), City of Lomita.
Who to call in Lomita
- Water leak at the main or meter: the City of Lomita Water Division, (310) 597-6428 (lomitawater.com). Some parts of Lomita are served by Cal Water instead; your water bill shows which.
- Sewer overflow: LA County Public Works, 1-800-675-4357, 24/7. Lomita’s local sewers are maintained by the County’s Consolidated Sewer Maintenance District.
- Permits: the city now handles all building and safety services itself: Lomita City Hall, 24300 Narbonne Ave., (310) 304-3788. (Lomita Building and Safety)
- Code enforcement: (310) 325-7110 ext. 156.
- Renters: LA County Environmental Health takes rental mold complaints for cities that use the County health code, at (888) 700-9995; ask whether they cover your address. See our renter’s guide to mold.
What to do first
- Stop the water at the fixture valve or the main shutoff, and stay away from wet outlets and cords.
- Photograph the damage before anything is moved. Insurers and landlords both ask for it.
- Start drying within 24 to 48 hours. That is the EPA’s window for keeping mold from starting.
Talk to a local water damage or mold company
Free referral service. Give your ZIP code (90717) so you’re matched with a company that serves Lomita.
Sources checked October 31, 2026: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates (via Census Reporter); City of Lomita (building and safety page updated May 5, 2026; sewer management); Lomita Water; Cal Water; LA County Sanitation Districts; LA County Public Health; FEMA.