Whittier, CA Accessory Structures: Tiny Homes (2026)

The incorporated City of Whittier does not have a dedicated 'tiny home' ordinance; how a tiny structure is treated depends on whether it has independent living facilities. If it provides complete independent living facilities (sleeping, cooking, sanitation), it is an accessory dwelling unit under Whittier Municipal Code Section 18.10.020(I), which expressly includes a manufactured home (as defined in Health & Safety Code Section 18007) as a permitted ADU type. Such a tiny-home ADU must meet the city's ADU standards: detached size limited to 1,200 sq ft (1,500 sq ft on large lots), 16-foot height (18 feet near transit), four-foot setbacks, and ministerial approval within 60 days. Separately, Section 18.10.020(H) allows one detached 'accessory living area' on H-R, R-E and R-1 lots with no more than one dwelling unit (only where the lot will not also have an ADU), subject to strict limits: it may have no kitchen facilities, may not exceed one story, may have no more than four plumbing fixtures (including one bar sink), is generally capped at 1,000 sq ft (more requires a conditional use permit), must match the style and materials of the main house, and requires a recorded restrictive covenant stating it cannot be used as a rental or permanent residence. A tiny house on wheels (movable, registered as an RV/trailer) is not a permitted permanent dwelling and falls under the city's rules barring stored trailers/RVs in required front and side yards. These are city ordinances; unincorporated Whittier areas follow LA County.