Local zoning · Whittier

Whittier — Zoning

Q: What are Whittier’s setback requirements for R‑2 and R‑3?

R‑2 front yard is 20 ft (key lot 15 ft ) and side yards are generally 5 ft (corner street side 10 ft ) with rear 5 ft ; see § 18.18.030 . R‑3 sets front yard as the block average but not less than 15 ft , side yard totals must equal 30% of lot width (interior minimums) and rear 5 ft — see § 18.20.030 .

Q: What parking standard will apply to a mixed‑use MU‑3 project?

MU‑3 projects reference the off‑street parking chapter 18.48 ; shared / mixed‑use parking rules and joint use authorization are in § 18.48.030–040 , and MU‑3 can participate in the community benefits program that may affect density and parking treatment; also check the Uptown Whittier Specific Plan where applicable (§ 18.35.040; § 18.48) .

Q: How do I get a variance or a minor variance in Whittier?

Chapter 18.52 sets conditional use and special permits and 18.58 sets minor variances and zoning administrator jurisdiction. Minor variances are limited in scope (statutory percentage caps for yard/fence deviations) — see § 18.58.060 for the zoning administrator’s minor variance jurisdiction and the percentage limits (§ 18.58.060) .

Zoning under the Whittier local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

Whittier’s zoning ordinance is codified in Title 18 — ZONING (the city's zoning regulations). The code establishes an official zoning map, the list of base zones (the H-R, R-E, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, MU-1 / MU-2 / MU-3, C-O, C-1, C-2 / C-2-HO, C-3, MED, INV, M, PUT, OS, GC, PQP, and SP designations) and rules that govern uses, development standards and overlays (§ 18.08.010; § 18.08.020) . The city uses discrete chapters for each zone’s purpose, permitted uses and dimensional standards (for example, R‑1 standards are in Chapter § 18.16 and R‑3 standards in § 18.20) .

NOTE: this page explains what the Whittier zoning ordinance itself says about zoning (zones, permitted uses, dimensional standards, overlays, review authorities). For procedural pages (building code / permits / tenant law), consult the other local/state pages (and the California Building Standards Code).

How this page links to related topics

The city’s off-street parking rules are in Chapter 18.48; see the parking rules used by the zoning code (§ 18.48) .
Dimensional rules and special development rules are collected under the development standards chapters (§ 18.10 and individual zone chapters) .
Projects that require aesthetic or façade review go through design review per § 18.56.045 and related sections .
Overlay types (P, PD, specific-plan overlays and Housing Overlays) are described in overlay districts and in § 18.08.010 (zones list) .
Where a property is in a local historic area, the historic preservation provisions and certificate-of-appropriateness rules apply (see Chapter 18.84 / 18.89 excerpts) .
Sign rules are handled in Division II of Title 18; see signage (Chapters 18.72–18.76) and freestanding sign tables (§ 18.76.060) .
Rules on nonconforming uses are in Chapter 18.62; see nonconforming uses (§ 18.62) .
Relief routes (variances, minor variances, CUPs) are in variances and exceptions (Chapter 18.52 / 18.58) .
Landscape requirements and screening are in Chapter 18.10 and zone-specific landscaping sub-sections; see landscaping and screening (§ 18.10 and zone chapters) .
Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are permitted subject to the ADU rules in § 18.10.020(I); see the ADUs page and state ADU law guidance (/us/california/california-adu-laws) .

District-by-district breakdown

Below are the main zoning district summaries pulled from Whittier’s Title 18. I state the ordinance chapter or section that controls each item so you can look it up directly.

Note: the official list of zone symbols and names is codified at § 18.08.010 and the official zoning map is adopted at § 18.08.020 .

H-R (Hillside Residential)

Purpose: limited development in hillside areas; protect natural terrain and open space (§ 18.14.010) .
Typical permitted uses: one single‑family dwelling, limited recreational facilities for residents, certain R‑E uses with a conditional use permit, and residential care facilities for six or fewer (§ 18.14.030) .
Key standards / controls: hillside development plan required before permits; specific application and plan content rules apply (§ 18.14.040‑050) .
Where it applies: lots identified on the official hillside/bio-sensitivity maps; zoning map is controlling (§ 18.14.020; § 18.08.020) .

R-E (Single-Family Residential — Estate)

Purpose: large‑lot single‑family (estate) residential (§ 18.12.010) .
Typical permitted uses: one single‑family dwelling, limited residential care, ADUs/Jr ADUs subject to § 18.10.020(I) (§ 18.12.020) .
Key dimensional standards: minimum lot area 15,000 sq ft, front setback 25 ft, side yards 10 ft interior / 25 ft street side on corner lots, height limits and accessory building setbacks as listed at § 18.12.030 (see that section for full table) .
Where it applies: R‑E parcels on the official city zoning map (§ 18.08.020) .

R-1 (Single-Family Residential)

Purpose: conventional single‑family neighborhoods (§ 18.16.010) .
Typical permitted uses: one single‑family dwelling, foundational/mobile/modular homes, family day‑care (14 or fewer), small residential care (≤6), transitional/supportive housing; ADUs allowed per § 18.10.020(I) (§ 18.16.020) .
Key dimensional standards: min lot area 7,000 sq ft, front setback 20 ft (15 ft for key lots), side yards 5 ft (10 ft street side on corner), rear yard 5 ft, max height 35 ft, and max lot coverage 40% (§ 18.16.030) .
Where it applies: parcels designated R‑1 on the official zoning map (§ 18.08.020) .

R-2 (Light Multiple Residential)

Purpose: light multi‑family housing; step up from single‑family (§ 18.18.010) .
Typical permitted uses: multi‑unit dwellings at R‑2 densities, accessory uses, and conditional uses listed in § 18.52.030 (§ 18.18.020) .
Key dimensional standards: front setback 20 ft (15 ft key lot), side yards 5 ft (10 ft street side on corner), rear yard 5 ft, min lot width (interior) 60 ft / corner 65 ft, max height 35 ft, and open space requirements per unit (private open space minimums) (§ 18.18.030) .
Where it applies: R‑2 parcels on official map (§ 18.08.020) .

R-3 (Medium Multiple Residential)

Purpose: medium-density multi‑family; preserves existing medium multi‑family areas (§ 18.20.010) .
Typical permitted uses: multi‑unit dwellings (density formulas in § 18.20.020), accessory uses, certain conditional uses (§ 18.20.020) .
Key dimensional standards: min lot area 7,000 sq ft (for newly created lots), front setback = average of block existing front setbacks but not less than 15 ft, side yard total = 30% of lot width (and not less than 5 ft each interior), rear yard 5 ft, min lot width 70 ft, see § 18.20.030 for full table .
Where it applies: designated R‑3 parcels (§ 18.08.020) .

R-4 (Heavy Multiple Residential)

Purpose: heavier multi‑family densities and associated standards (§ 18.22.010) .
Typical permitted uses: denser apartment/multi‑family projects, accessory uses; conditional uses per § 18.52.030 (§ 18.22.020) .
Key dimensional standards: min lot width 70 ft for new lots, rear yard 5 ft, height limit 35 ft, private open space and common open space requirements (see § 18.22.030) .
Where it applies: R‑4 parcels on the zoning map (§ 18.08.020) .

R-5 (Very Heavy Multiple Residential)

Purpose: highest residential densities; tailored to very high density housing (§ 18.23.010) .
Typical permitted uses: multi‑family with density formulas, accessory uses; conditional uses as listed (§ 18.23.020) .
Key dimensional standards: min lot area for new lots 25,000 sq ft, front yard 10 ft, side yards (interior 5 ft; corner 10 ft or 15 ft when abutting residential), rear yard 5 ft, height up to 60 ft, private & common open space minimums per unit (§ 18.23.030) .
Where it applies: R‑5 parcels on zoning map (§ 18.08.020) .

MU-1 / MU-2 / MU-3 (Mixed-Use)

Purpose (general): mixed‑use corridors and nodes with varying residential/commercial mixes; MU‑3 has a detailed community benefits program and objective design standards (see § 18.35.040 for MU‑3 and related MU provisions) .
Typical permitted uses: mixed residential/commercial projects where residential is allowed with retail/service/office on lower floors; use tables vary by MU subzone (see Table 18.35.x) (§ 18.35 chapters) .
Key standards: MU‑3 may use a tiered community benefits program to achieve higher densities; parking and frontage rules reference Chapters 18.48 and 18.93; open space and design guidelines must be met (§ 18.35.040; § 18.93.020) .
Where it applies: parcels labeled MU‑1 / MU‑2 / MU‑3 on the official map (§ 18.08.010–020) .

C-O (Commercial‑Office)

Purpose: office and light commercial uses (§ 18.26.010) .
Typical permitted uses: medical/dental offices, business/professional offices, studios, limited retail when in office buildings, senior housing (subject to Chapter 18.42), parking structures, and other listed uses (§ 18.26.020 provides a detailed use list) .
Key standards: see Chapter 18.26 for building and yard standards and Chapter 18.48 for parking requirements; non‑residential development review thresholds apply (§ 18.26.020; § 18.48) .
Where it applies: parcels shown as C‑O on the zoning map (§ 18.08.020) .

C-1 / C-2 / C-2‑HO / C-3 (Commercial categories)

Purpose: tiered commercial intensity from neighborhood (C‑1) to general (C‑2) to commercial/manufacturing hybrid (C‑3). The C‑2‑HO is the Housing Overlay variant of C‑2 noted in § 18.08.010 (implements housing overlay rules) (§ 18.08.010) .
Typical permitted uses and standards: each commercial chapter contains its use tables and yard/height rules; adult/conditional uses and signs reference the appropriate C chapters (see Chapter 18.30/18.32/18.34 references used elsewhere) .
Where it applies: parcels labeled C‑1/C‑2/C‑3 (and C‑2‑HO) on official map (§ 18.08.020) .

MED (Medical), INV (Innovation), M (Manufacturing), and other non‑residential zones

INV (Innovation): purpose and a use table (intended for creative manufacturing, maker industries, R&D) are in § 18.33.010–020; INV limits major warehousing and focuses on on‑site production + retail of products made on‑site (§ 18.33.010–020) .
M (Manufacturing) and C‑3 (Commercial‑Manufacturing): have chaptered standards including heights, loading and parking (see Chapters 18.34 and related) — check the commercial/manufacturing chapters referenced in the code (adult use rules reference 18.34) .
MED (Medical) and others: see their Chapter headings in Title 18 (Table in § 18.08.010 lists these zones) .

Open Space / Parks / Public Uses

PUT (Parks and Urban Trails), OS (Open Space), GC (Golf Course) and PQP (Public and Quasi Public) are zone symbols in § 18.08.010; the code contains specific restrictions (for example, OS prohibits residential uses except caretaker units) — consult each zone chapter and § 18.09.x as applicable .

Planned Development and Overlays

Planned Development (PD) overlay and P (Parking) overlay may be applied to specified underlying zones (the P and PD overlay application is noted at § 18.08.010). PD districts follow the Chapter 18.42 planned development procedures and standards (§ 18.42.010–060) .
Housing overlays and special specific plans (SP) are adopted as map notations and carry extra standards (§ 18.08.010 and relevant SP chapters) .

Quick reference table — common residential development controls

District	Min lot area (new)	Front setback	Side setbacks	min height / max height or open space	Code reference
R‑E	15,000 sq ft	25 ft	Interior 10 ft / street side 25 ft	See § 18.12.030 for height and accessory rules (§ 18.12.030) § 18.12.030	§ 18.12.030
R‑1	7,000 sq ft	20 ft (key lot 15 ft)	5 ft (corner street side 10 ft)	Max 35 ft; lot coverage ≤ 40% § 18.16.030	§ 18.16.030
R‑2	(varies) — see § 18.18.030	20 ft (key lot 15 ft)	5 ft (corner street side 10 ft)	Max 35 ft; open space min per unit (350 sq ft) § 18.18.030	§ 18.18.030
R‑3	7,000 sq ft	Avg of block; min 15 ft	Side yards total = 30% of lot width; interior min 5%	Min lot width 70 ft; rear 5 ft § 18.20.030	§ 18.20.030
R‑4	(see § 18.22.030)	See § 18.22.030	See § 18.22.030	Max 35 ft; open space per unit rules § 18.22.030	§ 18.22.030
R‑5	25,000 sq ft (new lots)	10 ft	Interior 5 ft; corner 10 ft (15 ft abutting residential)	Max 60 ft; private open space 100 sq ft/unit; common 150 sq ft/unit § 18.23.030	§ 18.23.030

(Refer to each chapter for exceptions, optional/alternative development standards and application-specific rules such as hillside plan submittal or PD plan submittal) .

Checklist — what an applicant must demonstrate under Whittier zoning

Confirm the parcel’s zone on the official zoning map (§ 18.08.020) .
Verify whether overlays or specific plans (PD, P, Housing Overlay, Specific Plan area) apply and read overlay chapter(s) (§ 18.08.010; PD rules § 18.42.010 et seq.) .
Meet the applicable district’s permitted uses and development standards (e.g., lot area, setbacks, heights, open space) — use the district chapter (e.g., § 18.12.030 for R‑E; § 18.16.030 for R‑1) .
Provide required drawings and materials for development review per § 18.56.030 (site plan, elevations, parking, landscaping, grading, etc.) and follow development standards (§ 18.56.030–040) .
Comply with off‑street parking requirements in Chapter 18.48 (or justify reductions via parking study / alternative standards where allowed) and coordinate if in Uptown Whittier Specific Plan (§ 18.48; § 18.66 alternative parking for density-bonus projects) .
If project is subject to design review (see § 18.56.045 thresholds), prepare materials for the Design Review Board or Planning Commission as required; anticipate public notice rules (§ 18.56.045; § 18.56.050) .
If historic resources are involved, obtain required review/certificate of appropriateness under historic chapters (see § 18.89.x and Chapter 18.84) .
If relief is needed (variances, CUPs, minor variances), identify the exact procedure and thresholds in Chapters 18.52 and 18.58 and prepare findings/supporting materials (§ 18.52.x; § 18.58.x) .
Confirm any nonconforming status and applicable repair, reconstruction, or abatement rules in Chapter 18.62 before proposing changes (§ 18.62) .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Overlay or Specific Plan applies	Overlays (PD, Housing Overlay, Specific Plan) can change permitted uses, development standards, parking, or approval authority; missing overlay triggers wrong submittal	Check the official zoning map and PD/SP ordinances and the implementing chapter(s) (§ 18.08.010; § 18.42)
Parcel-specific standard (lot created pre/post ordinance)	Standards often differ for “lots created after” adoption — lot history affects min lot area, setbacks	Confirm lot creation dates, prior entitlements, and whether grandfathering/nonconforming rules apply (§ 18.16.030 notes; § 18.62)
Historic designation	Historic designation may preclude parking/alteration and requires certificates of appropriateness (§ 18.89.x)	Verify local Register status and refer to Chapter 18.84 / 18.89 for certificate-of-appropriateness rules
Parking reductions for ADUs / housing	State law and local exceptions interact; Whittier has specific exemptions and alternative parking standards (§ 18.48; § 18.66)	Confirm applicable parking chapter and whether the project qualifies for alternative standards or exemptions (§ 18.48.080; § 18.66.090)
Approval authority (Director vs. Zoning Admin vs. Commission)	Who decides affects timeline, noticing, and appeal rights (ministerial vs discretionary)	Confirm review threshold in § 18.56.045 and § 18.58.x to know whether development review, design review board, zoning administrator, or planning commission acts (§ 18.56.045; § 18.58.060)
Unlisted use or new technology use (e.g., micro‑manufacturing)	If a use isn't clearly listed, it may be prohibited or require a CUP; classification matters for parking and compatibility	Ask the director for a use determination and check § 18.07 use definitions and conditional use permit rules (§ 18.07; § 18.52.030)

Plain‑English summary

Whittier’s zoning code (Title 18) places every parcel into a named zone on the official zoning map ( § 18.08.010–020 ), each zone (e.g., R‑1, R‑2, MU‑3, C‑O, H‑R) has a chapter that states what you can build there and the yard, height, coverage and open‑space rules that apply (see chapters like § 18.16 for R‑1 or § 18.12 for R‑E). If your project deviates from those rules you typically need conditional permits, variances or planned development approval — and some projects also require design review or historic review depending on location (§ 18.16.030; § 18.12.030; § 18.56.045; § 18.84/18.89) .

Source References

Zoning districts list and map adoption: § 18.08.010; § 18.08.020
H‑R Hillside Residential: § 18.14.010–050 (purpose, uses, plan requirements)
R‑E Single‑Family Residential Estate: § 18.12.010–030 (uses and development standards)
R‑1 Single‑Family Residential: § 18.16.010–030 (uses and development standards)
R‑2 Light Multiple Residential: § 18.18.010–030 (purpose, standards)
R‑3 Medium Multiple Residential: § 18.20.010–030 (uses and development standards)
R‑4 Heavy Multiple Residential: § 18.22.010–030 (uses and development standards)
R‑5 Very Heavy Multiple Residential: § 18.23.010–030 (uses and development standards)
Planned Development (PD) procedures and standards: Chapter 18.42 (e.g., § 18.42.010–060)
Development review & approval thresholds (director / design review / planning commission): § 18.56.045; § 18.56.050
Parking rules and charts: Chapter 18.48 and Appendix B (parking dimensions, standards)
Alternative development standards, optional standards and approvals: § 18.10.040–050
Nonconforming uses, reconstruction and abatement: Chapter 18.62 (§ 18.62.010 et seq.)
MU‑3 community benefits / mixed‑use rules: § 18.35.040 (community benefits program) and related MU rules
Design guidelines / Objective Design Standards: Chapter 18.93 and related relationship to zoning district standards (§ 18.93.020)
Historic district certificate and preservation rules: Chapter 18.84 / 18.89 references and procedures (§ 18.89.x)

(These citations reference the Whittier Zoning Regulations as obtained from the city’s Title 18 print/export in the uploaded materials) .

Sources

Retrieved passages

Whittier Zoning Code (§ 3) High relevance
Whittier Zoning Code (chapter shall) High relevance
Whittier Zoning Code (Section 18.10.030) High relevance
Whittier Zoning Code (section having) High relevance
Whittier Zoning Code (Chapter 18.48) Medium relevance
Whittier Zoning Code (Chapter 18.93.) Medium relevance
Whittier Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
Whittier Zoning Code (Title 17) Medium relevance
Whittier Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
Whittier Zoning Code (§ 3) High relevance
Whittier Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
Whittier Zoning Code (Section 18.52.030) Medium relevance
Whittier Zoning Code (§ 9434) Medium relevance
Whittier Zoning Code (Section 18.24.040) Medium relevance
Whittier Zoning Code (Section 18.66.100.) Medium relevance
Whittier Zoning Code (section and) Medium relevance
Whittier Zoning Code (§ 6) Medium relevance
Whittier Zoning Code (§ 12) Medium relevance
Whittier Zoning Code (§ 6) Medium relevance
Whittier Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Whittier Zoning Code Medium relevance
Whittier Zoning Code (Section 8.28.030) Medium relevance
Whittier Zoning Code (Section 18.55.040) Medium relevance
Whittier Zoning Code (Chapter 18.48.) Medium relevance
Whittier Zoning Code (Chapter 18.20) High relevance
Whittier Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Whittier Zoning Code (§ 9130) Medium relevance
Whittier Zoning Code (§ 4) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Whittier code library

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an R‑1 lot in Whittier?

R‑1 (Single‑Family Residential) allows one single‑family dwelling per lot plus accessory uses defined in § 18.16.020 (foundational/modular homes, small day‑care, small residential care, ADUs under § 18.10.020(I)). The lot must meet the development standards in § 18.16.030 (min lot area 7,000 sq ft, front yard 20 ft, side yards 5 ft, max height 35 ft) .

What are Whittier’s setback requirements for R‑2 and R‑3?

R‑2 front yard is 20 ft (key lot 15 ft) and side yards are generally 5 ft (corner street side 10 ft) with rear 5 ft; see § 18.18.030. R‑3 sets front yard as the block average but not less than 15 ft, side yard totals must equal 30% of lot width (interior minimums) and rear 5 ft — see § 18.20.030 .

Do I need design review in Whittier?

Design review is required for many projects: nonresidential additions > 1,000 sq ft, residential >4 units (with ODS), façade changes in specified SP areas, signs not meeting standards, certain parking structures, and projects referred by approval authority — see § 18.56.045 and the design review board duties/thresholds in that section .

Where is the official zoning map kept and how do I confirm my parcel’s zone?

The official zoning map is adopted and maintained by reference in § 18.08.020; the map is a true copy attached to the ordinance and kept on file in the city clerk’s office — verify the parcel’s zoning with the city because the map controls in case of discrepancy (§ 18.08.020) .

Can I put an ADU on an R‑E or H‑R lot?

ADUs and junior ADUs are explicitly allowed in several residential chapters when in compliance with the local ADU rules; for example, § 18.12.020 (R‑E) specifically allows accessory dwelling units in compliance with § 18.10.020(I) — check § 18.10.020(I) for ADU/process standards and state ADU law if applicable .

If my property is “nonconforming,” can I renovate or rebuild?

Nonconforming uses and structures may be maintained and repaired but are subject to Chapter 18.62 rules: repairs are allowed but expansions, intensifications or reconstruction after certain damage thresholds are restricted and reconstructed work must comply with current code to the extent possible (§ 18.62.010–060) .

What parking standard will apply to a mixed‑use MU‑3 project?

MU‑3 projects reference the off‑street parking chapter 18.48; shared / mixed‑use parking rules and joint use authorization are in § 18.48.030–040, and MU‑3 can participate in the community benefits program that may affect density and parking treatment; also check the Uptown Whittier Specific Plan where applicable (§ 18.35.040; § 18.48) .

How do I get a variance or a minor variance in Whittier?

Chapter 18.52 sets conditional use and special permits and 18.58 sets minor variances and zoning administrator jurisdiction. Minor variances are limited in scope (statutory percentage caps for yard/fence deviations) — see § 18.58.060 for the zoning administrator’s minor variance jurisdiction and the percentage limits (§ 18.58.060) .

Are there special height/lot coverage rules for hillside (H‑R) lots?

Yes — the H‑R chapter prioritizes protecting natural topography and requires a hillside development plan before issuance of building permits (§ 18.14.040–050). The code emphasizes environmental protection as a primary finding for approvals in H‑R areas (§ 18.14.010–020) .

Where are the sign rules that interact with zoning?

Signs are addressed in Title 18 Division II (Chapters such as 18.72–18.76). Freestanding sign sizes and setbacks for residential and commercial zones are in § 18.76.060 and related tables; sign design and master sign program rules also appear there (§ 18.76.060) .

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