Mission Statement

The Community Development Department is committed to delivering personalized service while encouraging a safe, well-designed physical environment and seeking to facilitate balanced growth, preservation and revitalization in Whittier.

Community Development
City Hall, 2nd Floor
(562) 567-9320

Customers may visit the Planning and Building counters Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., or by appointment for very large projects. Because the application submittal process can take time, please sign in by 3:00 p.m. to ensure that it can be completed by the 4:00 p.m. counter closure time. Please call (562) 567-9320 to schedule an inspection or make an appointment.

The Planning Services Division is charged with the administration of the ordinances and policies relating to land use and development within the City. As such, planning staff guides the City's orderly development by applying the current zoning codes, facilitating development, implementing community plans and preserving historic resources. Staff members within the division provide technical and administrative staff support to the City Council, Planning Commission, Zoning Administrator, Historic Resources Commission and various other task forces.

The Building & Safety Division is responsible for the establishment and enforcement of minimum building standards for the purpose of safeguarding public health, safety and general welfare through: providing structural strength, stability, means of egress, access to persons with disabilities, sanitation, ventilation, lighting and energy conservation; providing safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment; and providing safety to fire fighters and other first responders during emergency operations.

The Economic Development & Housing Division is charged with the implementation of City policy with respect to development, redevelopment, economic development, the disbursement of federal funds for social services and housing programs within the City. The division monitors tax earnings, analyzes and plans for the redevelopment of sites, markets sites for development and provides liaison services to developers and community organizations with the goal of improving Whittier. The division also continues to monitor development agreements called Disposition and Development Agreements (DDA's) and Owner Participation Agreements previously entered into by the now dissolved Whittier Redevelopment Agency.

• Whittier Redevelopment Project Area Map
• Economic Development

The Economic Development & Housing Division is also responsible for the administration of federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME funds, the Residential Rehabilitation Loan/Grant Programs, the Affordable Home Ownership Program (AHOP) and the Police Home Buyer Program.