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Whittier · Building on your lot

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures 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.

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Key points

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

Each rule below links to the section of the Whittier Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Whittier's code says

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.

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.

General information, not legal advice.

Ask about a specific Whittier property

Ask GoCodebook how Whittier's sheds, garages and other accessory structures rules apply to your situation and get an answer that cites the section.

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Whittier Municipal Code — full text