Whittier · Zoning · R-2
Whittier R-2 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Whittier's R-2 zone, generally buildings can be up to 35 ft tall, the front setback is 20 ft and the minimum lot size is 7,000 sq ft, with the conditions listed below (Whittier code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft (chimneys may project 2 ft above; second stories may be limited or barred in predominantly single-story neighborhoods)
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 5 ft
- Minimum lot size: 7,000 sq ft (new lots only)
R-2 (Light Multiple 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-2
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 § 18.18.030 · code textNo building or structure located on a lot in zone R-2 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 prohibited them in order to preserve the architectural integrity of the neighborhood. |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 20 ft § 18.18.030 · code textEach lot in the R-2 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 § 18.18.030 · code textInterior lots shall maintain side yards adjacent to each side lot line not less than five feet in width each. |
| Minimum rear setback | 5 ft § 18.18.030 · code textEach lot in zone R-2 shall maintain a rear yard of not less than five feet in depth. |
| Minimum lot size | 7,000 sq ft Applies: new lots only § 18.18.030 · code textEach lot classified in zone R-2 created after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this section shall have a minimum lot area of not less than seven thousand feet. |
Uses in R-2
Uses the code's use tables allow in R-2, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Single-family home — Allowed
- Apartment building — Allowed — see note
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-2:
- Minimum front setback: 15 ft — key lot § 18.18.030
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft — where the front of a dwelling unit faces the side yard, for that part of the yard and the rearmost unit's front door § 18.18.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, lot coverage, FAR, density limit for R-2 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
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Whittier's R-2 zone?
35 ft (chimneys may project 2 ft above; second stories may be limited or barred in predominantly single-story neighborhoods) — Whittier Municipal Code § 18.18.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Whittier's R-2 zone?
20 ft — Whittier Municipal Code § 18.18.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Whittier's R-2 zone?
5 ft — Whittier Municipal Code § 18.18.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in Whittier's R-2 zone?
5 ft — Whittier Municipal Code § 18.18.030.
What is the minimum lot size in Whittier's R-2 zone?
7,000 sq ft (new lots only) — Whittier Municipal Code § 18.18.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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