The City of Whittier and the County of Los Angeles are in the final stages of annexation of 90-acres of unincorporated Los Angeles County territory that includes portions of Whittier Boulevard and some of the territory commonly known as West Whittier. The annexation process is working its way through the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) process. (Resolution No. 2021-67, Staff Report, Zoning Ordinance No. 3139)

A formal letter and notice of a LAFCO public hearing were mailed to residents that may become part of incorporated Whittier. On October 9, 2024, the LAFCO Board of Directors voted to move forward into the protest process, setting a formal protest period that ends with a Protest Hearing on Wednesday, November 13, 2024. This process is handled fully by LAFCO; the City of Whittier does not control the process. For questions related to the LAFCO process, please email info@lalafco.org. The City has published a list of Frequently Asked Questions for residents whose properties may be affected by the annexation, which can be viewed below.

For questions regarding the annexation, areas proposed, and what to expect for your property, please contact the Whittier Public Works Department at (562) 567-9500 or the Community Development Department at (562) 567-9320.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What would annexation mean for affected residents and the following:

Schools? Assigned public schools will remain the same (no change)

Police services? Whittier Police Department

Fire and emergency response? Los Angeles County Fire Department (no change)

Water? Current service provider (no change)

Sewer? Current service provider (no change)

Electricity? Current service provider (no change)

Gas? Current service provider (no change)

Trash? Athens Services

Animal Control? Los Angeles County Department of Animal Control (no change)

Street sweeping? Performed by the City of Whittier Public Works Department

Building and construction permits? Offered by the City of Whittier Community Development Department

Business licenses? Offered by the City of Whittier Business License Division

Parks? Residents may utilize L.A. County parks and Whittier parks, among many others (no change)

Library? Residents may use L.A. County Libraries and the Whittier Public Library, among many others (no change)

Voting representatives and elections? If annexation is approved, the City of Whittier would recommend new boundaries extended for Districts 1 and 2 to reflect the changes. However, representatives at the federal, state, county, school, and community college levels would remain the same. (no change)

New residents would also become eligible to vote in City of Whittier elections as long as the annexation process is completed at least 125 days prior to the next City election (ex. deadline of December 6, 2023, for the April 9, 2024, General Municipal Election date).

Why is the City considering the annexation of portions of Whittier Boulevard and some of the territory commonly known as West Whittier?

Reasons include:

• Allow for City branding, lighting, and landscaping
• Gateway access to/from the 605 Freeway
• Uniformity of retail use along Whittier Boulevard
• Local control and autonomy independent of Los Angeles County and Caltrans
• City ordinance and code enforcement
• Reduces confusion regarding City of Whittier versus unincorporated Whittier
• Ability to improve street intersections and flow of traffic
• Widening Whittier Boulevard to reduce congestion (Street Engineering)
• Beautification of the west side of Whittier
• City design standards and expedited permitting

Notice of Public Hearing/Proceedings and Notice of Protest Hearings/Proceedings - English

Notice of Public Hearing/Proceedings and Notice of Protest Hearings/Proceedings - Spanish