Building on your lot in Whittier

Each rule below is marked Whittier code or CA state law and links to the section it comes from (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures

Whittier code What Whittier's code adds
Maximum height	No higher than 12 feet. Applies: R-zoned lots; structures under 120 square feet, such as storage sheds. § 18.10.030 · code text Structures less than one hundred twenty square feet (i.e., storage sheds) shall not exceed twelve feet in height.
Side and rear setback	At least 5 feet from a side lot line. Applies: R-E-zoned lots; non-dwelling accessory buildings in the rear 1/3 of the lot. § 18.10.030 · code text on R-E-zoned lots, non-dwelling accessory buildings in the rear one-third of the lot shall not be placed closer than five feet to a side lot line, nor closer than ten feet to a rear lot line. At least 10 feet from a rear lot line. Applies: R-E-zoned lots; non-dwelling accessory buildings in the rear 1/3 of the lot. § 18.10.030 · code text on R-E-zoned lots, non-dwelling accessory buildings in the rear one-third of the lot shall not be placed closer than five feet to a side lot line, nor closer than ten feet to a rear lot line.

Solar panels and EV chargers

Whittier code What Whittier's code adds
Solar permit process	Apply by email, the city's website or fax; electronic signatures are accepted. Applies: Applies to small residential rooftop solar energy systems. § 15.34.050 · code text Electronic submittal of the required permit application and documents via e-mail, the city's website, or facsimile shall be made available to all small residential rooftop solar energy system permit applicants.
Review time	The permit is issued the same day. Applies: Over-the-counter applications for small residential rooftop solar that meet the approved checklist and standard plan. § 15.34.060 · code text the building department shall issue a building permit or other non-discretionary permit the same day for over-the-counter applications The permit is issued within 3 business days. Applies: Electronic applications for small residential rooftop solar meeting the checklist and standard plan, with all fees paid the same day. § 15.34.060 · code text within three business days for electronically filed applications so long as payment of all permit fees associated with an electronically filed application are paid the same day as filing

Swimming pools

Whittier code What Whittier's code adds
Gates	Doors and gates can be no more than 4 feet wide. Applies: Pool barrier doors and gates. § 15.13.030 · code text Doors and gates shall not exceed a maximum of four (4') feet in width.

Other Whittier rules on this

Whittier's code also has these chapters. We have not summarized their values on this page yet; read them in the library.

Beekeeping not allowed (Ch. 8.20)
Keeping homing pigeons (§ 8.28.040)
Urban lot split approval (§ 17.06.100)
Two-unit housing development (Ch. 18.57)

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

How big can a shed or accessory building be in Whittier?

On R-zoned lots, Whittier limits structures under 120 square feet, such as storage sheds, to 12 feet. On R-E lots, non-dwelling accessory buildings in the rear third need 5-foot side and 10-foot rear setbacks.

Do I need a permit for solar panels or an EV charger in Whittier?

Whittier's code: Apply by email, the city's website or fax; electronic signatures are accepted. (Applies to small residential rooftop solar energy systems.) (§ 15.34.050); The permit is issued the same day. (Over-the-counter applications for small residential rooftop solar that meet the approved checklist and standard plan.) (§ 15.34.060).

What are the pool fence and setback rules in Whittier?

Whittier's code: Doors and gates can be no more than 4 feet wide. (Pool barrier doors and gates.) (§ 15.13.030).

General information, not legal advice.