Whittier PQP zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

PQP (PUBLIC AND QUASI-PUBLIC ZONE) 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 PQP

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	75 feet Applies: primary structures; accessory structures 40 feet § 18.39.030 · code text Table row “Primary Structures”, column “PQP”: 75 feet
Minimum front setback	10 feet Applies: all other building frontage § 18.39.030 · code text Table row “Front”, column “PQP”: 15 feet minimum for all building entrances with pedestrian access oriented toward the street 10 feet minimum all other building frontage
Minimum side setback	10 feet Applies: a building step back applies where adjacent to residential uses § 18.39.030 · code text Table row “Side - Interior”, column “PQP”: 10 feet minimum Building step back requirement applies where adjacent to residential uses (see Section B)
Minimum rear setback	10 feet Applies: 25 ft adjacent to an R zone; a building step back applies adjacent to residential uses § 18.39.030 · code text Table row “Rear”, column “PQP”: 10 feet minimum Adjacent to R zone: 25 feet minimum Building step back requirement applies where adjacent to residential uses (see Section B)
Maximum lot coverage	80% Applies: Provided all setback, parking, and landscaping requirements are met § 18.39.030 · code text Table row “Lot Coverage”, column “PQP”: Maximum 80 percent, provided all setback, parking, and landscaping requirements are met
Maximum floor area ratio (FAR)	0.35 § 18.39.030 · code text Table row “Maximum”, column “PQP”: 0.35 FAR

Uses in PQP

Uses the code's use tables allow in PQP, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.

Single-family home — Needs a conditional use permit — see note
Apartment building — Needs a conditional use permit — see note

When a different number applies

The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in PQP:

Minimum front setback: 15 feet — For all building entrances with pedestrian access oriented toward the street § 18.39.030
Minimum rear setback: 25 feet — Adjacent to R zone § 18.39.030

Not on this page

We did not find a general stories, lot size, density limit for PQP 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

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in Whittier's PQP zone?

75 feet (primary structures; accessory structures 40 feet) — Whittier Municipal Code § 18.39.030.

What is the minimum front setback in Whittier's PQP zone?

10 feet (all other building frontage) — Whittier Municipal Code § 18.39.030.

What is the minimum side setback in Whittier's PQP zone?

10 feet (a building step back applies where adjacent to residential uses) — Whittier Municipal Code § 18.39.030.

What is the minimum rear setback in Whittier's PQP zone?

10 feet (25 ft adjacent to an R zone; a building step back applies adjacent to residential uses) — Whittier Municipal Code § 18.39.030.

What is the maximum lot coverage in Whittier's PQP zone?

80% (provided all setback, parking, and landscaping requirements are met) — Whittier Municipal Code § 18.39.030.

General information, not legal advice.