Whittier · Zoning · R-5
Whittier R-5 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Whittier's R-5 zone, generally buildings can be up to 60 ft tall, the front setback is 10 ft and the minimum lot size is 25,000 sq ft, with the conditions listed below (Whittier code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 60 ft (chimneys, elevators, stairways, towers and similar features may project up to 2 ft above)
- Minimum front setback: 10 ft
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 5 ft
- Minimum lot size: 25,000 sq ft (newly created lots)
R-5 (VERY HEAVY 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-5
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 | 60 ft Applies: chimneys, elevators, stairways, towers and similar features may project up to 2 ft above § 18.23.030 · code textNo building or structure located on a lot in the R-5 zone shall have a height in excess of sixty feet; provided that any chimneys, elevators, stairways, towers or similar architectural features may project above the highest point a maximum of two additional feet. |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 10 ft § 18.23.030 · code textTen feet, provided that on corner lots, the setback shall not result in a visual closure of the entrance to the block. |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft § 18.23.030 · code textSide yard setbacks shall be at least five feet. |
| Minimum rear setback | 5 ft § 18.23.030 · code textEach lot shall maintain a rear yard of not less than five feet. |
| Minimum lot size | 25,000 sq ft Applies: newly created lots § 18.23.030 · code textTwenty-five thousand square feet for newly created lots. |
Uses in R-5
Uses the code's use tables allow in R-5, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Single-family home — Allowed
- Apartment building — Allowed — see note
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-5:
- Minimum lot size: No minimum — existing lots § 18.23.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, lot coverage, FAR, density limit for R-5 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 R-5 zone?
60 ft (chimneys, elevators, stairways, towers and similar features may project up to 2 ft above) — Whittier Municipal Code § 18.23.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Whittier's R-5 zone?
10 ft — Whittier Municipal Code § 18.23.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Whittier's R-5 zone?
5 ft — Whittier Municipal Code § 18.23.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in Whittier's R-5 zone?
5 ft — Whittier Municipal Code § 18.23.030.
What is the minimum lot size in Whittier's R-5 zone?
25,000 sq ft (newly created lots) — Whittier Municipal Code § 18.23.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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