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ADU design-build · WhittierADUs in Whittier
Craftsman and Spanish-style homes, tree-lined streets and hillside lots: in Whittier, an ADU that respects the house adds value as much as space.
What applies to your lot
Building an ADU in Whittier
Who approves your ADU
City of Whittier: ADUs follow the Whittier Municipal Code, updated in 2025 to match the latest state law. State law applies everywhere: a decision within 60 days of a complete application, no public hearing, and at least 800 sq ft with 4 ft side and rear setbacks.
A pre-approved catalog in local styles
Whittier’s pre-approved ADU catalog comes in Craftsman, Spanish and Traditional styles, close to the architecture of its older neighborhoods.
Older neighborhoods
Some streets are historic districts. We design the ADU to sit well behind the house and match its materials.
Hills and slopes
Lots toward the hills can slope. A level pad, drainage and sometimes a soils report change the budget: we check them at the visit.
California law, everywhere
The rules every city must respect
800 sq ft
Every city must allow at least an 800 sq ft detached ADU with 4 ft setbacks.
4 ft
Maximum side and rear setback for a new detached ADU.
750 sq ft
No impact fees up to this size.
60 days
To approve or deny a complete application, without a hearing.
Ideas for your lot
Plans that suit Whittier lots
1 bedroom
L-shaped one-bedroom
1 bed1 bath
Two-story
One-bedroom above a garage
1 bed1 bath
FAQ
ADU questions in Whittier
Who approves an ADU in Whittier?
The City of Whittier, through its Planning and Building divisions. Approval is ministerial when the ADU meets the objective standards.
My lot slopes. Is that a problem?
Not necessarily. It may need a soils report and more foundation work. We tell you early, before you pay for plans.
Do you come to my property?
Yes. The visit is free: we look at the lot, the access and the utilities, then give you a realistic estimate.
Free feasibility call
Book a free 15-minute feasibility call
A project lead reviews your address, tells you what your lot can hold and gives you a first look at your financing eligibility.
What you get
- Free, with no obligation
- A clear answer on what your lot can hold
- A first look at financing eligibility, by phone or at your property
- A site visit only if it makes sense
Prefer to talk now? (424) 448-4895
Email: [email protected]
Los Angeles, CA · We come to your property
1 · Preferred time2 · Your property3 · Confirmed
Preferred day (Pacific time)
Preferred time
Tell us when to call you. A project lead calls you back at that time of day (Pacific time).
Your call is booked
We’ll confirm by text or phone. No obligation.
Service areas
Serving homeowners across Los Angeles
Los Angeles, the South Bay and Orange County, within about 40 miles of Paramount. Farther on request.
Service areas
ADU rules, city by city
Permits, fire and coastal zones, pre-approved plans: see what applies in the 36 cities we serve.
Central Los AngelesSan Fernando ValleyThousand OaksSimi ValleyParamountWest AdamsMid-CityCulver CityLong BeachDowneyWhittierNorwalkTorranceInglewoodComptonCarsonAnaheimSanta AnaIrvineHuntington BeachPasadenaGlendaleBurbankRialto (on request)Garden GroveOrangeFullertonCosta MesaNewport BeachTustinSherman OaksEncinoVan NuysWoodland HillsNorthridgeCalabasas