Community Development

Jeff Collier Director

Mission Statement:

The Community Development Department is committed to delivering personalized service while encouraging a safe well-designed physical environment and seeking to facilitate balanced growth, preservation and revitalization.

Planning the Future, Preserving the Past
Community Development
City Hall, 2nd Floor
(562) 464-3380
Walk In Counter Hours for Planning and Building:
Monday through Friday 8 am to 3 pm
By Appointment: Monday through Friday 8 am to 5pm
Inspections by appointment only, call (562) 464-3380 to schedule.

Community Development is comprised of three divisions:
1) Planning Services; 2) Building & Safety; and 3) Redevelopment & Housing

The Planning Services Division is charged with the administration of the ordinances and policies relating to land use and development within the City. Staff members within the Division provide technical and administrative staff support to the City Council, Planning Commission, Zoninig Administrator, Historic Resources Commission, and various task forces. The Division also performs planning staff functions for the Whittier Redevelopment Agency. Click here for more information on Planning Services.

The Building & Safety Division is responsible for the establishment and enforcement of minimum building standards for the purpose of safeguarding public health, safety and general welfare through: providing structural strength, stability, means of egress, access to persons with disabilities, sanitation, ventilation, lighting and energy conservation; providing safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment; and in our post 9-11 environment, to provide safety to fire fighters and other first-responders during emergency operations. Click here for more information on the Building & Safety Division.

The Redevelopment & Housing Division is charged with the implementation of City policy with respect to development, redevelopment, economic development, the disbursement of federal funds for social services and housing programs within the City. One of the primary functions of the Division is the operation of the Whittier Redevelopment Agency (WRA). The WRA monitors tax increment earnings, analyzes and plans for the redevelopment of sites, markets sites for development and reviews and monitors any development occurring in project areas. The WRA enters into development agreements called Disposition and Development Agreements (DDA's) and Owner Participation Agreements and monitors those agreements for compliance. For more information on Redevelopment and to download the Whittier Redevelopment Project Area map click here. For more information on Economic Development click here.

The Redevelopment & Housing Division is also responsible for the administration of federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME funds, the Commercial Facade Improvement Loan Program, Storefront Glass Replacement Program, the Residential Rehabilitation Loan Program, and the Police Home Buyer Program and several home improvement grant programs. Click here for more information on the City's Housing programs.