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The
Planning Services Division staff guides the City's orderly
development by applying the current zoning codes, facilitating
development, implementing community plans, and preserving
historic resources. The Division 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.
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. Click
here to view the Whittier Boulevard Specific Plan.
UPTOWN
SPECIFIC PLAN
The City contracted an urban design and planning firm to
create a new Uptown Whittier Specific Plan, which will provide
guidelines for well-designed new development. The Plan is
expected to encourage investment and help to revitalize
the area.
One of the proposed changes in Uptown is to move 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 final Plan is expected to be adopted by City Council
by the fall of 2008. The City looks forward to seeing the
transformation of Uptown and the return of a thriving business
district. To download the Draft 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 a fence palette for
front yards and street side yards. A process was also established
that allows for design exceptions to be reviewed by the
Design Review Board.
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 $62.00.
Building
Permit:
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 a Building Permit. Establish
a process for building permits and inspections to help ensure
that fences and walls are located in the correct location
(i.e. outside of public right of way), height, and are structurally
sound. The Building Permit fee is based on project valuation,
please contact the Building 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, Design Review Board and Historic Resources Commission
meeting agendas are available on-line. Click
here to see the meeting calendar and download meeting
minutes. |
