Although the functions of the Building & Safety program are essentially a regulatory effort, they are an important tool for the orderly development and maintenance of properties within the City. In addition to the enforcement of local codes and ordinances, the Division is also responsible for the enforcement of certain state and federal regulations when they become applicable to construction projects in the City. Building & Safety also provides inspection of capital projects and is responsible for the abatement of illegal structures and dwelling units.

To accomplish its purpose, the Building & Safety Division performs examinations of development plans, issues permits and performs inspections of construction activities within the City. The division further provides essential information to its customers through records research, provision of informational handouts and by development consultation through all phases of a project from concept to completion.

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.

For further information on Building Permits, visit the Community Development Planning & Building Counter any time between 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM Monday through Friday. Building Inspectors are available by appointment Monday through Friday from approximately 3:30 to 4:30 PM. Call (562) 567-9320 to schedule an appointment.

CONTACTS

Inspection Requests          (562) 567-9320

Jon Traw                             (562) 567-9320        jtraw@cityofwhittier.org 
Contract Building Official
                 
Michelle Harencame          (562) 567-9320        mharencame@cityofwhittier.org
Senior Building Inspector/Plan Checker                                            

Cora Castillo                       (562) 567-9320         ccastillo@cityofwhittier.org  
Permit Technician

Chris Diercks                      (562) 567-9320
Senior Building Inspector/Plan Checker                 

Ray Gallardo                       (562) 567-9320
Building Inspector    

Greg Owens                        (562) 567-9320
Building Inspector