Whittier R-3 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

R-3 (MEDIUM MULTIPLE RESIDENTIAL 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 R-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	35 ft Applies: chimneys may project 2 ft above; second stories may be limited or barred in predominantly single-story neighborhoods § 18.20.030 · code text No building or structure located on a lot in zone R-3 shall have a height in excess of thirty-five feet; provided, that chimneys and similar architectural features may project above the highest point a maximum of two feet; and provided further, that where existing neighborhoods are predominantly single story in character, the approving authority may limit the height, area and/or placement of second story additions or may prohibit them in order to preserve the architectural integrity of the neighborhood.
Minimum front setback	average of existing front building setbacks, min 15 ft Applies: on corner lots, the setback must not visually close off the entrance to the block § 18.20.030 · code text Each lot in the R-3 zone shall have a front yard of not less than the average of the front building setbacks on the existing buildings within the block where the buildings are located, but shall not be less than fifteen feet in depth; provided, that on corner lots, the setback shall not result in a visual closure of the entrance to the block.
Minimum side setback	10% of lot width, min 5 ft Applies: total of both side yards at least 30% of lot width in the front 50 ft § 18.20.030 · code text Side yards on interior lot lines shall be not less than ten percent of the lot width and not less than five feet in width.
Minimum rear setback	5 ft § 18.20.030 · code text Every lot in the R-3 zone shall have a rear yard of not less than five feet.
Minimum lot size	7,000 sq ft Applies: new lots only § 18.20.030 · code text No lot in the R-3 zone created after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this section shall have a minimum lot area of less than seven thousand square feet.

Uses in R-3

Uses the code's use tables allow in R-3, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.

Single-family home — Allowed
Apartment building — Allowed — see note

Not on this page

We did not find a general stories, lot coverage, FAR, density limit for R-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

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in Whittier's R-3 zone?

35 ft (chimneys may project 2 ft above; second stories may be limited or barred in predominantly single-story neighborhoods) — Whittier Municipal Code § 18.20.030.

What is the minimum front setback in Whittier's R-3 zone?

average of existing front building setbacks, min 15 ft (on corner lots, the setback must not visually close off the entrance to the block) — Whittier Municipal Code § 18.20.030.

What is the minimum side setback in Whittier's R-3 zone?

10% of lot width, min 5 ft (total of both side yards at least 30% of lot width in the front 50 ft) — Whittier Municipal Code § 18.20.030.

What is the minimum rear setback in Whittier's R-3 zone?

5 ft — Whittier Municipal Code § 18.20.030.

What is the minimum lot size in Whittier's R-3 zone?

7,000 sq ft (new lots only) — Whittier Municipal Code § 18.20.030.

General information, not legal advice.