Whittier · Zoning · R-E
Whittier R-E zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Whittier's R-E zone, generally buildings can be up to 30 ft tall, the front setback is 25 ft and the minimum lot size is 15,000 sq ft, with the conditions listed below (Whittier code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 30 ft
- Minimum front setback: 25 ft
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft (Interior lots)
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft
- Minimum lot size: 15,000 sq ft (new lots only)
- Maximum lot coverage: 40%
R-E (SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL ESTATE 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-E
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 | 30 ft § 18.12.030 · code textNo building or structure located on a lot classified in zone R-E shall have a height in excess of thirty feet. |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 25 ft § 18.12.030 · code textEach lot in the R-E zone shall maintain a front yard not less than twenty-five feet in depth. |
| Minimum side setback | 10 ft Applies: Interior lots § 18.12.030 · code textInterior lots shall maintain side yards adjacent to each side lot line not less than ten feet in width each. |
| Minimum rear setback | 10 ft § 18.12.030 · code textEach lot in zone R-E shall maintain a rear yard of not less than ten feet in depth. |
| Minimum lot size | 15,000 sq ft Applies: new lots only § 18.12.030 · code textNo lot classified in the R-E zone shall be created after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this section having a minimum lot area of less than fifteen thousand square feet. |
| Maximum lot coverage | 40% § 18.12.030 · code textBuildings, including necessary accessory buildings, may cover not to exceed forty percent of the lot area of any lot in an R-E zone. |
Uses in R-E
Uses the code's use tables allow in R-E, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Single-family home — Allowed
- Horses and stables — Allowed — see note
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, FAR, density limit for R-E 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-E zone?
30 ft — Whittier Municipal Code § 18.12.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Whittier's R-E zone?
25 ft — Whittier Municipal Code § 18.12.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Whittier's R-E zone?
10 ft (interior lots) — Whittier Municipal Code § 18.12.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in Whittier's R-E zone?
10 ft — Whittier Municipal Code § 18.12.030.
What is the minimum lot size in Whittier's R-E zone?
15,000 sq ft (new lots only) — Whittier Municipal Code § 18.12.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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