Under State Law, structures must be built pursuant to locally adopted building codes, in Whittier’s case the California Building Standards Codes. The Building Division of the Community Development Department is responsible for implementing the City’s Building Code. This includes regulating and controlling the design, construction, quality of materials, use and occupancy, location and maintenance of all buildings and structures within the city of Whittier. As part of its responsibility to ensure that buildings and structures are built to minimum standards to safeguard life or limb, health, property and public welfare, the City requires that a building permit be obtained prior to the construction of improvements to private property. Once a permit is obtained, City building inspectors visit the property at appropriate times to ensure that the construction is occurring pursuant to the plans and the Building Code.

Building permits are required to build, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert or demolish any building. Permits are also required for most plumbing and electrical improvements.