Whittier R-1 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

R-1 (SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL ZONE) is a zoning district in Whittier. Every value below was read from the Whittier Municipal Code and links to its section (read October 2026). State laws such as the ADU and SB 9 rules can allow more on a residential lot. General information, not legal advice — read the code text and check with the city before you build.

Development standards in R-1

The general rule for a typical lot in this zone. Zoning tables often attach notes, such as rules for corner lots, lots next to a residential zone, or new subdivisions only. Open “code text” under a value to see the table cell or sentence it was read from.

Maximum building height	35 ft Applies: chimneys may project 2 ft above; second stories may be limited or barred in predominantly single-story neighborhoods § 18.16.030 · code text No building or structure located on a lot in zone R-1 shall have a height in excess of thirty-five feet; provided, that chimneys and similar architectural features may project above the highest point a maximum of two feet; and provided further, that where existing neighborhoods are predominantly single story in character, the approving authority may limit the height, area and/or placement of second story additions or may prohibit them in order to preserve the architectural integrity of the neighborhood.
Minimum front setback	20 ft § 18.16.030 · code text Each lot in the R-1 zone shall maintain a front yard of not less than twenty feet in depth, except that the front yard area for a key lot shall be not less than fifteen feet.
Minimum side setback	5 ft § 18.16.030 · code text Interior lots shall maintain side yards adjacent to each side lot line not less than five feet in width each.
Minimum rear setback	5 ft § 18.16.030 · code text Each lot in zone R-1 shall maintain a rear yard of not less than five feet in depth.
Minimum lot size	7,000 sq ft Applies: new lots only § 18.16.030 · code text Each lot in the R-1 zone created after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this section shall have a minimum lot area of not less than seven thousand square feet, or an area equal to the minimum lot area as described in Section 18.08.050.
Maximum lot coverage	40% § 18.16.030 · code text Buildings, including accessory buildings, may cover not to exceed forty percent of the lot area of any lot in an R-1 zone.

Uses in R-1

Uses the code's use tables allow in R-1, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.

Single-family home — Allowed
Horses and stables — Allowed — see note

When a different number applies

The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-1:

Minimum front setback: 15 ft — key lot § 18.16.030
Minimum side setback: 10 ft — second dwelling which has its entrance facing a side property line § 18.16.030

Not on this page

We did not find a general stories, FAR, density limit for R-1 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Whittier Municipal Code.

Other Whittier zoning districts

Who this affects

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in Whittier's R-1 zone?

35 ft (chimneys may project 2 ft above; second stories may be limited or barred in predominantly single-story neighborhoods) — Whittier Municipal Code § 18.16.030.

What is the minimum front setback in Whittier's R-1 zone?

20 ft — Whittier Municipal Code § 18.16.030.

What is the minimum side setback in Whittier's R-1 zone?

5 ft — Whittier Municipal Code § 18.16.030.

What is the minimum rear setback in Whittier's R-1 zone?

5 ft — Whittier Municipal Code § 18.16.030.

What is the minimum lot size in Whittier's R-1 zone?

7,000 sq ft (new lots only) — Whittier Municipal Code § 18.16.030.

General information, not legal advice.