
In Whittier, California, driveways require approval from the Planning Division and a driveway approach permit from the Engineering Division of Public Works. While no permit is required for a patio or driveway slab, there are specific regulations that define what constitutes a driveway in Whittier. For instance, the height of any structure, including fences, walls, retaining walls, or landscaping, should not exceed 42 inches within the cut-off area along the driveway and the street right-of-way line. Additionally, there are limitations on parking vehicles in front or side yard areas, except in permitted driveways or parking facilities. Fences and walls between adjacent driveways are also subject to specific width requirements, with exceptions for certain locations and landscaping conditions. These regulations ensure the safe and proper use of driveways in residential zones within the city of Whittier.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Width of driveway for a single-family residence | Less than 10 feet |
| Width of driveway for two units | Less than 12 feet |
| Width of driveway for three or more units | Less than 18 feet |
| Width of driveway over 100 feet in length | Less than 15 feet |
| Maximum height of retaining wall on an above-grade lot | 42 inches |
| Maximum height of fence, wall, retaining wall, or landscaping in the cut-off area | 42 inches |
| Minimum width of the area between driveway and interior property line for a six-foot fence or wall | 3 feet |
| Permit requirement for patio or driveway slab | Not required |
| Permit requirement for footings for a future patio cover | Required |
| Permit requirement for driveways | Required from the Planning Division and Engineering Division of Public Works |
| Permit requirement for a block wall | Required if the wall is 18" or more in height |
| Permit requirement for retaining walls | Required for walls of any height |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Driveways require approval from the Planning Division
- Driveway approach permits are needed from the Engineering Division of Public Works
- Fences and walls are not allowed between driveways with less than ten feet in width for a single-family residence
- No parking is allowed in front or side yard areas unless in a permitted driveway
- No structure should exceed 42 inches in height within the cut-off area along the driveway and street right-of-way line

Driveways require approval from the Planning Division
In the city of Whittier, California, driveways require approval from the Planning Division. This is part of the limitations on use outlined in the Whittier Zoning Code, which also includes guidelines for parking vehicles, repairing or dismantling vehicles, and constructing fences and walls.
The Zoning Code specifies that no person shall park any vehicle in any front or side yard area on any R-zoned lot, except in a permitted driveway or parking facility. Additionally, repairing, dismantling, or storing vehicles is only allowed in areas that are completely enclosed by view-obscuring walls or buildings.
When it comes to driveways, the Zoning Code provides specific guidelines for adjacent driveways within the front yard. For a single-family residence, the minimum width for adjacent driveways is ten feet, while for two units it is twelve feet, and for three or more units, it is eighteen feet. If the driveway is over one hundred feet in length, the minimum width is fifteen feet. These guidelines ensure that there is enough space for vehicles to manoeuvre and that the driveway width conforms to the standards.
In terms of fence and wall construction, the Zoning Code states that fences or walls between adjacent driveways are not permitted if they would create a non-conforming driveway width. However, a six-foot fence or wall may be allowed if the area between the driveway and the interior property line is appropriately landscaped and meets the minimum width requirements. Additionally, the maximum height for retaining walls and other structures within the cut-off area along the driveway and the street right-of-way is forty-two inches, ensuring that driveway view clearance is maintained.
To summarise, driveways in Whittier, California, require approval from the Planning Division, and the construction of driveways must adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Whittier Zoning Code. These guidelines include specifications for driveway width, parking restrictions, and the construction of fences and walls to ensure safe and efficient use of driveways in residential areas.
America's Constitution: Truly Democratic?
You may want to see also

Driveway approach permits are needed from the Engineering Division of Public Works
In Whittier, California, driveways require approval from the Planning Division, as well as a driveway approach permit from the Engineering Division of Public Works. The Engineering Division of Public Works is responsible for ensuring that driveway approaches are safe and comply with the city's standards and regulations.
The process of obtaining a driveway approach permit typically involves submitting plans and applications to the Engineering Division for review and approval. The specific requirements and guidelines for driveway approaches in Whittier, California, are outlined in the city's code of ordinances and zoning regulations. These regulations specify standards for items such as driveway width, clearance, and the presence of any structures or landscaping that may impact visibility.
For example, according to the code of ordinances, adjacent driveways within the front yard should have a minimum width to ensure that fences do not obstruct the view. The specific width requirements depend on the number of units, with single-family residences requiring a minimum width of ten feet, and the requirements increase with the number of units. Additionally, retaining walls within the front yard setback should not exceed a maximum height of forty-two inches.
It's important to note that the Planning Division and the Engineering Division of Public Works may have specific forms, fees, and processes for submitting applications and obtaining permits. Therefore, it is recommended to contact these divisions directly or refer to their official websites for detailed instructions on obtaining a driveway approach permit in Whittier, California.
In addition to driveway approach permits, the Engineering Division of Public Works in Whittier, California, is also involved in other aspects of residential construction and modifications. For instance, they handle fire flow residential approvals for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and provide information on pool engineering plans and requirements.
The Constitution of 1791: A Short-Lived Framework
You may want to see also

Fences and walls are not allowed between driveways with less than ten feet in width for a single-family residence
In the city of Whittier, California, there are specific regulations regarding the installation of fences and walls between adjacent driveways. These regulations are outlined in the Whittier Zoning Code, which specifies limitations on the use of fences and walls in residential zones.
For single-family residences, the code states that when adjacent driveways are less than ten feet in width, fences and walls are not permitted between them. This regulation ensures unobstructed access and maintains a certain standard of design and functionality in the city.
However, there are exceptions and additional considerations to this rule. Firstly, if the area between each driveway and the interior property line is a minimum of three feet wide, a six-foot fence or wall between adjacent driveways is allowed. Proper landscaping is also required for this exception. Additionally, fences and walls may be permitted behind the backside of the house where a driveway can be expanded to a conforming width.
It's important to note that the height of fences and walls is also regulated. In the cut-off area along the driveway and the street right-of-way line, no fence, wall, or other structure should exceed forty-two inches in height. This regulation ensures that driveway view clearance is maintained, enhancing safety and visibility.
Furthermore, the City of Whittier requires approval from the Planning Division and a driveway approach permit from the Engineering Division of Public Works for any driveway installations. Block walls and retaining walls also have specific permit requirements. A permit is mandated for block walls that are 18 inches or taller, and for any retaining wall, regardless of height.
The North Dakota Constitution: A Concise Document
You may want to see also
Explore related products

No parking is allowed in front or side yard areas unless in a permitted driveway
In Whittier, California, parking is not permitted in front or side yard areas unless it is a permitted driveway or a parking facility. This rule applies to any R-zoned lot.
A driveway in Whittier, California, requires approval from the Planning Division and a driveway approach permit from the Engineering Division of Public Works. A permit is not required for a patio or driveway slab, but it is necessary for footings for a future patio cover.
Fences and walls are not permitted between adjacent driveways when they are less than ten feet in width for a single-family residence, less than twelve feet in width for two units, less than eighteen feet in width for three or more units, or less than fifteen feet in width when the driveway is over one hundred feet in length. A six-foot fence or wall between adjacent driveways is permitted if the area between each driveway and the interior property line is a minimum of three feet wide and appropriately landscaped.
The maximum height of a retaining wall on an above-grade lot is forty-two inches within the front yard setback. Retaining walls over three feet in height within the front yard setback must be set back from the right-of-way line by a minimum of four feet, and the setback space must be appropriately landscaped. No fence, wall, retaining wall, or other structure should exceed forty-two inches in height within the cut-off area along the driveway and the street right-of-way line.
Lecompton Constitution: A Civil War Catalyst
You may want to see also

No structure should exceed 42 inches in height within the cut-off area along the driveway and street right-of-way line
In the city of Whittier, California, there are specific regulations that govern the design and construction of driveways. These regulations are outlined in the Whittier Municipal Code, which ensures a high standard of design and materials for all buildings in the city.
One important regulation pertains to the maximum height allowed for structures within the cut-off area along a driveway. Specifically, "no structure should exceed 42 inches in height within the cut-off area along the driveway and street right-of-way line". This regulation is in place to maintain adequate vision clearance at the intersection of a driveway and the street.
The cut-off area is defined as a triangular area with specific dimensions. It begins at the intersection of the driveway and the street right-of-way, extending five feet along the street right-of-way and five feet up the driveway. Within this designated area, no fence, wall, retaining wall, landscaping, or other structure should exceed the specified height of 42 inches.
This height restriction is crucial for ensuring clear visibility for vehicles entering or exiting the driveway, as well as for pedestrians and other road users. It helps prevent accidents and promotes a safe and accessible environment for all.
It is worth noting that similar height restrictions apply to adjacent driveways within front yards. Fences or walls between adjacent driveways are permitted to be up to six feet in height, but only if certain conditions are met. These conditions include minimum width requirements for the driveway and appropriately landscaped areas between the driveway and the interior property line.
Constitutional Rights: Shaping Our Choices and Future
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
No permit is required for a driveway slab in Whittier, California. However, you need approval from the Planning Division and a driveway approach permit from the Engineering Division of Public Works.
Fences and walls are not permitted between driveways that are less than 10 feet in width for a single-family residence, less than 12 feet in width for two units, or less than 18 feet in width for three or more units.
No fence, wall, retaining wall, or other structure should exceed 42 inches (three feet and six inches) in height within the cut-off area along the driveway and the street right-of-way line.
Yes, parking is permitted on driveways in R-zoned lots.

























