CODE ENFORCEMENT RESOURCES

If you have any questions regarding Code Enforcement or would like information about other municipal code sections, please call the Code Enforcement Division at (562) 464-3415.

For information about the Whittier Police Departments Neighborhood Watch Program please call (562) 945-8282.

For information about the City of Whittier’s Home Rehabilitation Program, please call (562) 464-3380.

For information about reporting potential violations of graffiti, early set out of yard trimmings, illegal dumping, or other sanitation issues, please call the Public Works Division at (562) 464-3510.

For information about reporting potential violations of Building Code violations (building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, etc.) and/or structural concerns to the public, please call the Building Division at (562) 464-3380.

To report violations of yard parking please call the Police Department at (562) 945-8250 and report the address to the Traffic Division.

ABOUT CODE ENFORCEMENT

Beautiful neighborhoods benefit everyone in the City of Whittier with higher property values and improved quality of life. It is the mission of the Department’s Code Enforcement Unit to work in partnership with the people of Whittier to promote and maintain a safe and desirable living and working environment.

Code Enforcement responds to complaints from citizens, peer to peer groups, and other agencies. Systematic inspections are also performed throughout the city in an effort to keep developing situations from becoming worse.

One of the tools the City uses to gain compliance with the Municipal Code is the Administrative Citation. In most cases, the person responsible for a code violation is given an opportunity to voluntarily comply with the law and correct the situation. Once the deadline in the Compliance Order has passed, the owner or responsible person is subject to fines and an Administrative Citation. Additionally, the Municipal Code can be enforced as criminal misdemeanor violations. The City may choose to pursue filing of criminal charges in the local court to obtain compliance.

The Code Enforcement Unit enforces regulations related to the following:

Conditions of an existing structure that constitute a clear and present danger to the public. (Building Division)

Building Code violations (building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, etc.), including construction or change of occupancy without permits. (Building Division)

Zoning Ordinance requirements for structures (such as use, location, configuration and size) and land use requirements.

Weeds on private, developed property.

Swimming pool fences.

Graffiti (Graffiti Abatement)

Signs, including signs in the public right-of-way, failure to have required permits, illegal inflatable displays, balloons and pennants.

Inoperable and abandoned vehicles on public streets (not on public streets, that’s the PD) and private property.

Blight on private and public properties. (old furniture, car parts, appliances, etc.)

Lawn parking. (Police Department)

Early set out of yard trimmings. (Public Works)

Illegal dumping. (Public Works)

Smoking in enclosed public places (Police Department)

Garage Conversions and illegal occupancy.

CODE ENFORCEMENT COMMON ISSUES

Following are some of the most frequently encountered violations in the City. It is our hope the information provided will help the citizens of Whittier to realize beautiful low-crime neighborhoods while avoiding penalties