The Planning Division is responsible for implementing the City’s General Plan and Zoning Code, which regulates the type of land uses that can be located in each part of the City. Planning also reviews business licenses, to ensure that each business is in its appropriate zone, processes land use entitlements, as well as reviews plans for constructing or modifying buildings and structures. To speak with a Planning staff member, please contact the Planning Division at (562) 567-9320.

• More information on how to obtain a business license

Planning approval must be secured prior to the issuance of building permits for all new construction and any modification to an existing building or structure. Depending on the location, use, size and type of building proposed, Planning Division approval may involve any or all of the following entities: City staff, the Historic Resources Commission, the Planning Commission, and/or the Design Review Board.

The City of Whittier Zoning Code has been developed to ensure a high standard of design and materials for all buildings in the City. To consistently interpret the requirements of the Code, the City has adopted Design Guidelines for commercial and residential buildings. If you are planning to modify or construct a new building in the City of Whittier, it is recommended that you review the Design Guidelines located in the Whittier Municipal Code. 

Counter Hours in the Planning Division

The Planning Counter is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday - Thursday and from 8:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. on Fridays. For more information on Planning Services please call the Community Development Department at (562) 567-9320.

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.

Commission and Board Meetings

The Planning Commission meets on the first and third Mondays of each month at 6:00 p.m. The Historic Resources Commission meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. The Design Review Board meets on the second Thursday of each month at 4:00 p.m. Planning Commission, Historic Resources Commission, and Design Review Board meeting agendas are available online.

• Meeting calendar and meeting minutes

Planning Applications and Forms

Planning is now accepting submittals through the Online Portal for the following applications ONLY:

• Development Review Counter (DRC) Application  
  • Residential Additions (up to 600 sqft, not requiring Fire Flow)
  • Residential Patio Covers (up to 600 sqft)
  • Residential Fences and Walls (consistent with the design palette and on-level grade ONLY
  • Pools and Spas
  • Residential Mechanical Equipment (water heaters, air conditioners, pool equipment, etc.)
  • Comprehensive Window Changeout (Refer to the window changeout handout)
    • If the structure(s) was/were built prior to 1941 or is located in a Historic District, please contact Planning staff.
  • Commercial Wall Signs/Awnings (with some exceptions)
  • Temporary Banner or Portable Signs
  • Commercial Tenant Improvements (interior modifications ONLY)

• Development Review Project (DRP) Application
  • New Single-Family Dwellings or Residential Additions (600 sqft or greater)
  • Comprehensive Residential and Commercial Facade Remodels (major modifications to exiting architectural style and design)

• Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) Application
  • New Construction Attached/Detached ADUs/JADUs  
  • Garage or Accessory Structure Conversions to ADU/JADU

  **A Fire Flow Residential Approval (Completion of Fire Flow Availability Handout Form 195) through the Public Works – Engineering Division will be required for all ADUs. You may apply for a Fire Flow Residential Approval on our Online Portal under the Engineering Tab.

Please note that certain DRC and DRP applications may also require a completed fire flow form is they meet one of the following criteria:

• Proposed additional building sqft ≥ 1,000sqft
• Existing Building’s sqft  + Proposed Additional Building sqft  ≥ 3,600sqft
• Properties Located in a High Fire Severity Zone with Proposed Additions

• Wireless Telecommunication Facility (WTA) Application
  • Modifications or Upgrades to Existing Facilities (within the existing footprint ONLY)

 Staff recommends contacting the Planning Division at (562) 567-9320 or planning@cityofwhittier.org for all inquiries related to submittal requirements.

Online submittals will be assigned by the Planning Division for review 
within 7-14 working days.

 For reference, below is a list of planning applications and other forms.

All other application types must be submitted in person with complete, folded plan sets during operating counter hours.

• Zoning Map