Whittier · Zoning · MU-3
Whittier MU-3 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Whittier's MU-3 zone, buildings can be up to 50 ft tall and the front setback is 0 ft (Whittier code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 50 ft
- Minimum front setback: 0 ft
- Minimum side setback: 0 ft (build-to line: the building must stand at this distance, no gap)
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 1.00 FAR
- Maximum density: 40 du/ac (mixed use with residential only; community benefits Tier 1 raises it to 50)
MU-3 is a zoning district in Whittier. Every value below was read from the Whittier Municipal Code and links to its section (read October 2026). State laws such as the ADU and SB 9 rules can allow more on a residential lot. General information, not legal advice — read the code text and check with the city before you build.
Development standards in MU-3
The general rule for a typical lot in this zone. Zoning tables often attach notes, such as rules for corner lots, lots next to a residential zone, or new subdivisions only. Open “code text” under a value to see the table cell or sentence it was read from.
| Maximum building height | 50 ft § 18.35.030 · code textTable row “Primary Structures”, column “MU-3”: 50 feet Tier 1 - 60 feet Tier 2 - 75 feet |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 0 ft § 18.35.030 · code textTable row “Front”, column “MU-3”: 0 feet minimum |
| Minimum side setback | 0 ft Applies: build-to line: the building must stand at this distance, no gap § 18.35.030 · code textTable row “Interior Side”, column “MU-3”: 0 feet minimum 0 feet maximum |
| Minimum rear setback | 10 ft § 18.35.030 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “MU-3”: 10 feet minimum |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 1.00 FAR § 18.35.030 · code textTable row “Maximum”, column “MU-3”: 1.00 FAR Tier 1 - 2.00 FAR Tier 2 - 3.00 FAR (see Section 18.35.050 for Tiers) |
| Maximum density | 40 du/ac Applies: mixed use with residential only; community benefits Tier 1 raises it to 50 § 18.35.030 · code textTable row “Maximum”, column “MU-3”: 40 du/ac Tier 1 - 50 du/ac Tier 2 - 60 du/ac (see Section 18.35.050 for Tiers) |
Uses in MU-3
Uses the code's use tables allow in MU-3, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Apartment building — Allowed
- Live-work unit — Allowed
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in MU-3:
- Maximum building height: 60 ft — community benefits Tier 1 § 18.35.030
- Maximum building height: 75 ft — community benefits Tier 2 § 18.35.030
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 2.00 FAR — community benefits Tier 1 § 18.35.030
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 3.00 FAR — community benefits Tier 2 § 18.35.030
- Maximum density: 60 du/ac — community benefits Tier 2; mixed use with residential only § 18.35.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, lot size, lot coverage limit for MU-3 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Whittier Municipal Code.
Other Whittier zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Whittier's MU-3 zone?
50 ft — Whittier Municipal Code § 18.35.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Whittier's MU-3 zone?
0 ft — Whittier Municipal Code § 18.35.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Whittier's MU-3 zone?
0 ft (build-to line: the building must stand at this distance, no gap) — Whittier Municipal Code § 18.35.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in Whittier's MU-3 zone?
10 ft — Whittier Municipal Code § 18.35.030.
What is the maximum floor area ratio (far) in Whittier's MU-3 zone?
1.00 FAR — Whittier Municipal Code § 18.35.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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