Building Setbacks & Zoning in Whittier, CA (2026)
3 verified building setbacks & zoning rules for Whittier, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Setback Rules
Whittier's R-1 single-family zone requires a 20-foot front yard (15 feet on key lots), 5-foot interior side yards, a 10-foot street-side yard on corner lots, and a 5-foot rear yard, under Municipal Code Section 18.16.030(B). The Community Development Department checks these minimums at plan check before issuing any building permit.
Whittier R-1 Yard Setback Minimums
Some RestrictionsWhittier Municipal Code § 18.16.030(B)
B.Minimum Yard Areas. Each lot in the R-1 zone shall have front, side and rear yards conforming to the following requirements:1.Front Yards. Each lot in the R-1 zone shall maintain a front yard of not less than twenty feet in depth, except that the front yard area for a key lot shall be not less than fifteen feet.2.Side Yards. Each lot in the R-1 zone shall maintain the following side yards:a.I...
Structure Height Limits
Buildings in Whittier's R-1 single-family zone cannot exceed 35 feet in height, though chimneys and similar architectural features may project up to 2 feet higher, under Municipal Code Section 18.16.030(D). The approving authority can further restrict second-story additions in predominantly single-story neighborhoods to protect architectural character.
Whittier R-1 Building Height Limit
Some RestrictionsWhittier Municipal Code § 18.16.030(D)
D.Maximum Heights Limits. No building or structure located on a lot in zone R-1 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, a...
Lot Coverage Limits
In Whittier's R-1 single-family zone, buildings and accessory structures together cannot cover more than 40 percent of the lot area, under Municipal Code Section 18.16.030(E)'s building bulk standard. The same 40 percent cap applies uniformly to every R-1 lot regardless of size, alongside the zone's other bulk and yard requirements.
Whittier R-1 Lot Coverage Limit
Some RestrictionsWhittier Municipal Code § 18.16.030(E)
E.Building Bulk. Buildings, including accessory buildings, may cover not to exceed forty percent of the lot area of any lot in an R-1 zone.
Looking for Los Angeles County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Whittier city rules.
Building Setbacks & Zoning in Los Angeles County →