The Planning Division of the Community Development Department is responsible for implementing the City’s Zoning Code, which regulates the types of land uses and buildings that can be located in each part of the City. As such, the Division reviews business licenses to ensure that each business is in the appropriate zone, processes conditional use permits for certain uses pursuant to the Zoning Code, and reviews and processes (as necessary) plans for constructing or modifying buildings and structures. For more information on how to obtain a business license contact the Business License office at (562) 464-3315 or click here.

Planning approval must be secured prior to the issuance of building permits for all new construction and modifications to existing buildings and structures. Depending on the location, use, size and type of building or structure planned, Planning Approval may involve any or all of the following entities: Staff, the City’s Historic Resources Commission and the Planning Commission.

The City of Whittier Zoning Code has been developed to ensure a high standard of design and materials for all buildings in the City. In order to more easily interpret the requirements of the Code, the City has adopted Design Guidelines for commercial and residential structures. If you are planning to modify or construct a new building in the City of Whittier, it is recommended that you visit the Community Development Department at City Hall between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM Monday through Friday or call (562) 464-3380 to request a copy of the Design Guidelines.

HOMES BUILT IN 1941 OR EARLIER

All homes built from 1941 or earlier will require a Certificate of Appropriateness application for any improvements such as additions, window change-outs, exterior modifications, etc.

WHITTIER BOULEVARD SPECIFIC PLAN

In the summer of 2005, the City Council approved the Whittier Boulevard Specific Plan as the zoning designation along the commercial portions of Whittier Boulevard. This zoning set forth five land-use districts: the Gateway Segment, Workplace District, Shopping Clusters, Commercial Expansion/Auto Sales Segment and Neighborhood Spine. The zoning clusters specific land uses into distinct districts. For example, within the Neighborhood Spine in east Whittier, multi-family housing is permitted along Whittier Boulevard. The Plan also includes street and landscape design enhancements to Whittier Boulevard. Plans for street lighting and median improvements along Whittier Boulevard are currently underway. These improvements will provide a significant enhancement to the Boulevard.

Staff is currently working on a modification and update of the Whittier Boulevard Specific Plan. It is anticipated the amended plan will be available for council approval by December 2010.

UPTOWN SPECIFIC PLAN

On November 10, 2008, the City Council unanimously adopted the Uptown Whittier Specific Plan which provides guidelines for well-designed new development. The Plan is expected to encourage investment and help to revitalize the area.

The specific plan changes land use regulation from traditional land use zoning to a form-based code. Form-based codes focus on the visual aspects of development; for example, how a proposed building fits with the existing buildings and street. Other concepts presented in the plan include: a “park once” parking strategy; wider sidewalks to provide for a more pedestrian friendly environment; and more residential housing so as to support the businesses and provide for a culture that promotes a sense of place.

The City looks forward to seeing the transformation of Uptown and the return of a thriving business district. To download the Uptown Specific Plan click here.

RESIDENTIAL WALLS & FENCES

The City has amended the residential walls and fences provisions of the Municipal Code to establish a streamlined review process for front yard and street yard fences and walls, that includes over the counter approvals, when proposals are consistent with the pre-approved fence palette for front yards and street side yards. A process was also established that allows for design exceptions to be reviewed by the Planning Commission.

Planning Review:

Proposals for a new front yard fence and/or street side, side yard fence, wall, or retaining wall on a residentially zoned property will require the submittal of a Development Review Application to the Planning Division. The Planning review fee is $100.00.

Building Permit:

Proposals for a or reconstructed fence, wall, or retaining wall on a residentially zoned property will require a Building Permit. Building permits and inspections help ensure that fences and walls are located in the correct location. are the correct height, and are structurally sound. The Building Permit fee is based on project valuation, please contact the Building and Safety division for a fee estimation.

Counter Hours in the Planning Division

The Planning Counter is open from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily. For more information on Planning Services please call the Community Development Department at (562)464-3380.

Frequently Asked Questions

For answers to common questions on the City's Planning Services please see our frequently asked questions page and click on Planning & Building Services, or click here.

Board and Commission Meetings

Planning Commission and Historic Resources Commission meeting agendas are available on-line. Click here to see the meeting calendar and download meeting minutes.

Planning Applications and Forms

Please see below for a list of community requested planning applications and other forms.

• Certificate of Appropriateness
• Variance Application
• Conditional Use Permit
• Development Review
• Temporary Use Permit
• Planning Counter Checklist

Front Yard Palette

Non-view obscuring front yard fences shall be in substantial compliance with the design palette. When a submittal does not conform to the palette, the matter shall be reviewed by the Planning Commission. NOTE: The location of the walls and fences are for illustration purposes only. Please refer to the City of Whittier Zoning Code for walls and fences to determine the required side and front yard setbacks.

Side Yard Pallette

View obscuring street side and side yard fences shall be in substantial compliance with the palette below. When a submittal does not conform to the palette, the matter shall be reviewed by the Planning Commission. NOTE: The location of the walls and fences are for illustration purposes only. Please refer to the City of Whittier Zoning Code for walls and fences to determine the required side and front yard setbacks.

Style #17
(Stucco wall with stucco columns and brick cap)