Whittier · Land use · Single-family home
Where is a single-family home allowed in Whittier?
In Whittier, a single-family home is allowed in 7 base zones (R-E, H-R, R-1, R-2, R-3 and 2 more), needs a conditional use permit in 1 (PQP, it with a condition) and not allowed in 4 (Whittier use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: R-E, H-R, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 and R-5
- Needs a permit: PQP
- Not allowed: OS, MU-1, MU-2 and MU-3
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Whittier Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where a single-family home can go
Whittier's code calls this use “One single-family dwelling / Dwelling Unit, Single-Family”. Each row links to the use table it comes from. A zone marked “see note” has a condition in the code, for example upper floors only or a larger lot.
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| R-E Single-Family Residential Estate | Allowed | § 18.12.020 |
| H-R Hillside Residential | Allowed | § 18.14.030 |
| R-1 Single-Family Residential | Allowed | § 18.16.020 |
| R-2 Light Multiple Residential | Allowed | § 18.18.020 |
| R-3 Medium Multiple Residential | Allowed | § 18.20.020 |
| R-4 Heavy Multiple Residential | Allowed | § 18.22.020 |
| R-5 Very Heavy Multiple Residential | Allowed | § 18.23.020 |
| PQP Public and Quasi-Public | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note table: Compatibility with surrounding development pattern required. Single-Family Residences: Attached and Detached | § 18.39.020 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- State law: State law lets most single-family lots add an ADU and a JADU (California ADU law) and a second home or a lot split under SB 9 (Gov. Code § 65852.21).
- Not covered here: Section 18.52.030 (conditional uses named by R-E, H-R, R-1 to R-5, C-O, C-1, C-2, C-3, M) is not in the packet; Section 18.34.060 (emergency shelter provisions) is not in the packet; Section 18.07 land use definitions are not in the packet. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Whittier
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a single-family home in the PQP zone in Whittier?
Only with a conditional use permit. Whittier's use table lists it that way in PQP (Public and Quasi-Public) (§ 18.39.020). The code adds a condition: “Compatibility with surrounding development pattern required. Single-Family Residences: Attached and Detached”
Can I have a single-family home in the OS zone in Whittier?
No. Whittier's use table does not allow it in OS (Open Space) (§ 18.09.060).
Can I have a single-family home in the R-E zone in Whittier?
Yes. Whittier's use table lists it as allowed in R-E (Single-Family Residential Estate) (§ 18.12.020).
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about a single-family home at an address in Whittier
Ask GoCodebook what the zoning at a specific address allows and get an answer that cites the section.
Ask your question