Code Enforcement

CODE ENFORCEMENT RESOURCES

If you have any questions regarding Code Enforcement or would like information about other municipal code sections, please call the Code Enforcement Division at (562) 464-3415.

For information about the Whittier Police Departments Neighborhood Watch Program please call (562) 945-8282.

For information about the City of Whittier’s Home Rehabilitation Program, please call (562) 464-3380.

For information about reporting potential violations of graffiti, early set out of yard trimmings, illegal dumping, or other sanitation issues, please call the Public Works Division at (562) 464-3510.

For information about reporting potential violations of Building Code violations (building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, etc.) and/or structural concerns to the public, please call the Building Division at (562) 464-3380.

To report violations of yard parking please call the Police Department at (562) 945-8250 and report the address to the Traffic Division.

ABOUT CODE ENFORCEMENT

Beautiful neighborhoods benefit everyone in the City of Whittier with higher property values and improved quality of life. It is the mission of the Department's Code Enforcement Unit to work in partnership with the people of Whittier to promote and maintain a safe and desirable living and working environment.

Code Enforcement responds to complaints from citizens, peer to peer groups, and other agencies. Systematic inspections are also performed throughout the city in an effort to keep developing situations from becoming worse.

One of the tools the City uses to gain compliance with the Municipal Code is the Administrative Citation. In most cases, the person responsible for a code violation is given an opportunity to voluntarily comply with the law and correct the situation. Once the deadline in the Compliance Order has passed, the owner or responsible person is subject to fines and an Administrative Citation. Additionally, the Municipal Code can be enforced as criminal misdemeanor violations. The City may choose to pursue filing of criminal charges in the local court to obtain compliance.

The Code Enforcement Unit enforces regulations related to the following:

  • Conditions of an existing structure that constitute a clear and present danger to the public. (Building Division)

  • Building Code violations (building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, etc.), including construction or change of occupancy without permits. (Building Division)

  • Zoning Ordinance requirements for structures (such as use, location, configuration and size) and land use requirements.

  • Weeds on private, developed property.

  • Swimming pool fences.

  • Graffiti (Graffiti Abatement)

  • Signs, including signs in the public right-of-way, failure to have required permits, illegal inflatable displays, balloons and pennants.

  • Inoperable and abandoned vehicles on public streets (not on public streets, that’s the PD) and private property.

  • Blight on private and public properties. (old furniture, car parts, appliances, etc.)

  • Lawn parking. (Police Department)

  • Early set out of yard trimmings. (Public Works)

  • Illegal dumping. (Public Works)

  • Smoking in enclosed public places (Police Department)

  • Garage Conversions and illegal occupancy.

CODE ENFORCEMENT COMMON ISSUES

Following are some of the most frequently encountered violations in the City. It is our hope the information provided will help the citizens of Whittier to realize beautiful low-crime neighborhoods while avoiding penalties.

Yard Parking
While it may be convenient, parking on a lawn or in a yard is prohibited and you will be cited. Park only on a permitted driveway or in a parking area. 		Vehicle Storage
The storage of vehicles not currently registered or not in a drivable condition is regulated and requires that the stored vehicle be screened from public view. Failure to properly store a vehicle could result in the loss of the vehicle. Please contact Code Enforcement for more information.
Trash Cans
While it may be convenient to leave the containers out at the street or curb, they create a visual blight in the neighborhood and it is prohibited by code. Do not bring the containers out until the evening before the day of pick-up. Store the containers in an area that is screened from view. Remember to consider your neighbors! 		Household Pets
Household pets and animals are limited by type and number, according to the zone where they are located. Dogs and cats are limited to a maximum of three per single-family residence or two per unit in apartments or duplexes. Some animals, like roosters, goats and other farm or exotic type animals are prohibited or require a permit. Remember to cleanup after your pets on a regular basis and maintain control over your dog at all times.
Landscaping
The one thing that does more to improve the appearance of property and set the tone of the neighborhood is a beautifully landscaped and well-maintained yard. You are required to maintain your landscaping in a manner approved or acceptable in the field of horticulture. Remember that all landscaping should be maintained on a regular basis and before it becomes a problem. Trees and shrubs growing into a neighbors yard may not violate the municipal code but it does not promote good relations between neighbors. 		Property Maintenance
Peeling Paint, dead weeds, dead & dying trees and shrubs, broken or missing windows, junk and debris in yard areas, fences that are not maintained, clotheslines or drying clothes on fences in front yards are just some examples of substandard conditions. Not only do these conditions diminish the property values of your neighborhood, but left uncorrected they also subject the property owner to fines, property tax liens and the possibility of a criminal complaint. The City’s Housing and Redevelopment Division administers programs to help property owners make needed corrections and improvements. To learn more about these programs please call (562) 464-3380.
Home Occupations
Home occupations or home-based businesses are allowed provided that the occupant first obtains a business license and adheres to all the limitations set forth in the zoning code. Those limitations are intended to ensure that the business activity of those engaged in home-based businesses do not adversely affect the peaceful use and enjoyment of the adjacent properties. For more information about zoning codes, please contact the Planning Division at (562) 464-3380. 		Yard/Garage Sales
Yard sales are allowed without a permit but are regulated by code. Those regulations include: no more than one such sale per lot during any three-month period, no sale shall be of duration in excess of two days, hours for such sales are between 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.