The City is committed to proactive economic development and has had many accomplishments related to economic development activities in recent years. However, the current local, state and national economies are negatively affecting our business community. The majority of small businesses are struggling to make ends meet and the larger businesses are experiencing a decline in sales. Earlier this year, the City Council directed staff to develop a Local Economic Stimulus and Business Assistance Plan (Plan) to help stimulate the local economy and help businesses survive during the recession.

The Plan includes nine economic development activities. Some of the activities are temporary for the 2009-2010 fiscal year only—July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010—to immediately assist businesses save money. Some programs in the Plan are new and will be on-going such as the Storefront Glass Replacement Program within Uptown Whittier which will help storefront retail businesses as well the overall improvement and elimination of blight in Uptown. For complete details on the Local Stimulus and Business Assistance Plan, click here.

The City Council adopted a new specific plan for Uptown Whittier in the fall of 2008, and it is expected to bring new life to the business district with its updated zoning regulations and City infrastructure improvements such as a new “park once” plan. Despite the current economic down turn, there is an increased awareness of the potential for economic development as evidenced by the continued private investment in the area. Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital recently purchased the building at the northwest corner of Greenleaf Avenue and Bailey and will relocate 150 to 200 administrative and clerical staff to Uptown by early next year. The PIH move into Uptown is the first major project since the adoption of the Uptown Specific Plan last fall.

The City is moving forward with the next steps to consider drilling for oil in the Whittier hills. An environmental impact report (EIR) will begin this summer and will analyze all potential impacts to the natural environment including noise, traffic, aesthetics, water issues, etc. The report is expected to be completed within a year (summer 2010). While oil prices tend to fluctuate, the Council recognizes oil as a commodity that may help secure a better future for Whittier. It is believed that significant quantities of oil may still be extracted and produce significant revenue for the City of Whittier and its residents. It is estimated that the income to the City might be between $2 million and $10 million per year for perhaps as long as 50 years.

Recently, the City received encouraging news with regard to the Fred C. Nelles site, the California youth correctional facility at 12000 Whittler Boulevard, which closed in 2004. The site, which has been under the control of a Federal Receiver, is no longer being considered for use as a prison hospital. Furthermore, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has indicated they will release the site to the Department of General Services which is expected in turn to release a request for proposals for sale of the property to the public sometime this Fall (2009). The Nelles site is the last large piece of developable land in the City and would have a significant positive impact on the local economy. The City of Whittier will continue to stay involved through the process of the State releasing the Nelles property for redevelopment and community improvement.

Finally, the City of Whittier remains confident about the future of economic development activities and everyone can help. Residents who shop in Whittier can significantly impact the local economy since 1% of all sales taxes paid goes to the city to fund important services to residents including police protection and library services to name two. For more information on City initiatives and Economic Development in the City of Whittier, please call the Community Development Department at (562) 464-3380.

Local non-profit agencies are funded through grants allocated annually in four major categories: Small Grants, Matching Funds, Contingency and Request for Proposal. The Social Services Commission focuses on violence prevention programs for young people; homelessness programs youth services including child care; substance abuse prevention programs; affordable housing; community counseling; and juvenile delinquency prevention.

The Social Services funding program is supported by the City’s General Fund and HUD Community Development Block Grant funds. The Commission and staff continue to work with the Whittier Area Interfaith Council, the Uptown Business Association and the community regarding concerns about homelessness and panhandling. The City Council has created a subcommittee to investigate funding opportunities and locations to create a regional “One-Stop Center” to address community and homeless needs.

WHITTIER SOCIAL SERVICES FUNDING APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE

The Whittier Social Services Commission invites applications for funding from local non-profit organizations that provide needed social services for City of Whittier residents for fiscal year 2010-11. The deadline for submitting applications is Friday, December 18, 2009.

The Social Services Commission encourages innovative programming that could include agencies submitting joint applications for projects to better the quality of life in Whittier.

Applications and an informational letter may be obtained by calling the Community Services Department at (562) 464-3360; in person at the Department office at Whittier City Hall, 13230 Penn Street; or downloaded from this website.

All groups applying for funding must supply proof of non-profit status with the application. The following documents are required as proof of non-profit status: a Certificate of Filing, Certificate of Status or Certificate or Articles of Incorporation or Exemption Determination Letter of the California Secretary of State and a Determination Letter of Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recognition of their section of 501 c (3) exempt status.

Examples of social services programs which may be eligible for grant funding include employment assistance, crime prevention, child care and education, health, drug abuse and recreational needs that primary assist low to moderate income residents including abused children, battered spouses, senior citizens, those with disabilities, homeless persons, illiterate persons and migrant farm workers.

The Whittier Social Services Commission will review all applications to determine eligibility. The Commission’s recommendations regarding funding will be forwarded to the City Council for final approval.

Agencies that receive funding may be required to make presentations at Commission meetings.

For more information regarding this Social Services funding application process, please call the Community Services Department at (562) 464-3360.

To obtain a copy of the informational letter, click here. To obtain a copy of the funding application, click here.

Commission Goals
Meet identified community needs for the provision of social services.
Assist non-profit social service providers in aiding Whittier citizens.
Provide information and referral services in the community.

Information and Referral

The Information and Referral office is located at the Whittier Senior Center. City staff and trained volunteers provide residents with information on social service agencies in the area and the services they provide. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located at 13225 Walnut Street, Whittier, CA 90602. They may be reached at (562) 464-3368.

The Commission publishes a Social Services Directory. The directory is available for purchase at the Senior Center. To download the complete 2009 Social Services Directory in pdf format click here. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to read or print the directory.

This Traffic Calming Policy was developed to address the needs of the City of Whittier. Specific methods and/or calming techniques are to be evaluated during the comprehensive process that heavily involves the citizens’ participation. The funding authority rests with the Whittier City Council from recommendations of the Parking and Transportation Commission.

HOMES BUILT IN 1941 OR EARLIER
All homes built from 1941 or earlier will require a Certificate of Appropriateness application for any improvements such as additions, window change-outs, exterior modifications, etc.

WHITTIER BOULEVARD SPECIFIC PLAN
In the summer of 2005, the City Council approved the Whittier Boulevard Specific Plan as the zoning designation along the commercial portions of Whittier Boulevard. This zoning set forth five land-use districts: the Gateway Segment, Workplace District, Shopping Clusters, Commercial Expansion/Auto Sales Segment and Neighborhood Spine. The zoning clusters specific land uses into distinct districts. For example, within the Neighborhood Spine in east Whittier, multi-family housing is permitted along Whittier Boulevard. The Plan also includes street and landscape design enhancements to Whittier Boulevard. Plans for street lighting and median improvements along Whittier Boulevard are currently underway. These improvements will provide a significant enhancement to the Boulevard. Click here to view the Whittier Boulevard Specific Plan.

UPTOWN SPECIFIC PLAN
On November 10, 2008, the City Council unanimously adopted the Uptown Whittier Specific Plan which provides guidelines for well-designed new development. The Plan is expected to encourage investment and help to revitalize the area.

The specific plan changes land use regulation from traditional land use zoning to a form-based code. Form-based codes focus on the visual aspects of development; for example, how a proposed building fits with the existing buildings and street. Other concepts presented in the plan include: a “park once” parking strategy; wider sidewalks to provide for a more pedestrian friendly environment; and more residential housing so as to support the businesses and provide for a culture that promotes a sense of place.

The City looks forward to seeing the transformation of Uptown and the return of a thriving business district. To download the Draft Uptown Specific Plan click here.

RESIDENTIAL WALLS & FENCES

The City has amended the residential walls and fences provisions of the Municipal Code to establish a streamlined review process for front yard and street yard fences and walls, that includes over the counter approvals, when proposals are consistent with the pre-approved fence palette for front yards and street side yards. A process was also established that allows for design exceptions to be reviewed by the Planning Commission.

Planning Review:
Proposals for a new front yard fence and/or street side, side yard fence, wall, or retaining wall on a residentially zoned property will require the submittal of a Development Review Application to the Planning Division. The Planning review fee is $100.00.

Building Permit:
Proposals for a or reconstructed fence, wall, or retaining wall on a residentially zoned property will require a Building Permit. Building permits and inspections help ensure that fences and walls are located in the correct location. are the correct height, and are structurally sound. The Building Permit fee is based on project valuation, please contact the Building and Safety division for a fee estimation.

In addition to assisting over 50 households per year in fixing up their homes, past accomplishments of the Housing Assistance Program include the completion of a six unit single family home project on Penn Street and the rehabilitation of the 50-unit historic Hoover Hotel.

On June 10, 2008, the City of Whittier adopted an Inclusionary Housing Ordinance that requires new housing developments with seven or more dwelling units to provide a portion of the new units to low- and moderate income buyers or tenants. It is anticipated that the provisions will produce a significant number of affordable units in Whittier for generations to come.

Affordable Home Ownership Program (AHOP)
The Whittier Redevelopment Agency is pleased to announce the new Affordable Home Ownership Program (Program). The Program is essentially a silent second loan that allows moderate income households to purchase a designated home at an affodrable first mortgage amount that has been fixed by a predetermined formula set by State Law. Affordable units are designated in certain new housing development projects. Additional information, including eligibility criteria and more Program details can be downloaded by clicking here. If you are interested in the Program be sure to contact staff (562) 464-3380 and request to be placed on the affordable housing interest list.

Housing Rehabilitation Program
Whittier’s Housing Rehabilitation program is charged with assisting in the maintenance and improvement and rehabilitation and/or preservation of low and moderate income housing. This is achieved by providing low interest loans and/or deferred loans to eligible families. The program was designed to provide loans that are intended to correct housing deficiencies for low to moderate income homeowners who would not be capable of receiving conventional home repair loans in the private market. The loans are also intended to help arrest neighborhood decline by providing financial incentives to improve housing in targeted areas that contain a high level of blighted properties.

The City’s financing assistance to homeowners is to be used for improvements such as roofing, plumbing, electrical, windows, stucco, painting, flooring, and other repairs to eliminate code violations, incipient code violations and slum/blight conditions. The Housing Rehabilitation program is funded by Community Development Block Grant Funds (CDBG) and HOME Funds.

In addition to the Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program, the City offers several grant programs. The scope of work covered under the grant programs is more limited and households must still qualify as low or moderate income.

Goals of the Housing Rehabilitation Program:
- To improve the quality of Whittier’s low and moderate income housing stock through provision of non-interest bearing, low interest and/or deferred home rehabilitation loans.

- To eliminate visual and economic blight.

- To encourage private investment in the community.

- To ensure development of real property to its highest and best use.

- To promote the preservation and rehabilitation of existing housing stock occupied by low and moderate income persons.

- To provide safe, decent and sanitary housing for low and moderate income persons.

HOME Program
The HOME Program is designed by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to assist low and very low income families in securing affordable housing. The Participating Jurisdiction (City) is free to decide how to spend the funds within certain guidelines. This program is distinct from the CDBG program in that it can only be used for housing, not for economic development or social services. Pursuant to the 5-Year Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan, HOME funds are proposed to be spent on owner-occupied rehabilitation loans and new housing construction.

For more information on Housing Programs or for a copy of the current annual Action Plan, call (562) 464-3380.

Housing Rights Center
The Housing Rights Center provides telephone and in-person counseling for City of Whittier tenants and landlords regarding their respective rights and responsibilities under California law. In addition, the Housing Rights Center provides services in three other areas: 1) discrimination complaint investigation, 2) enforcement and legal services, and 3) education and outreach. Individuals may contact the Housing Rights Center toll free at (800) 477-5977 or visit their website at www.hrc-la.org.

The Housing Rights Center’s mission is to actively support and promote freedom of residence through education, advocacy, and litigation, to the end that all persons have the opportunity to secure the housing they desire and can afford, without regard to their race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, familial status, marital status, disability, ancestry, age, source of income or other characteristics protected by law.

The City’s Public Works Department has the responsibility to abate all graffiti within the City. Our objective is to maintain an aesthetically pleasing environment and to beautify the City through the prompt removal of graffiti and to deter further graffiti vandalism. Experience has shown that removing graffiti as soon as it is reported is the best prevention against future graffiti. The vandals lose the ability to show off their work when the graffiti is removed in a timely manner.

The City Council has adopted a Graffiti Abatement Program that allows unlimited graffiti removal requests for residential properties. As a homeowner and resident of the City, you can access our 24-hour Graffiti Hotline to report the vandalism. Our City’s Graffiti Abatement crew will respond to the location and remove the graffiti within 24 hours. The graffiti will be removed within hours of receiving your report.

For commercial properties, the City Council has authorized three (3) free graffiti removals. The property owners (commercial properties only) will be responsible for the expenses after three abatement requests.

24-hour Graffiti Abatement Hotline: (562)464-3560

To report Graffiti, please send email to graffiti@cityofwhittier.org.

Our City’s Graffiti Abatement crew will respond to the location and remove the graffiti within 24-48 hours of receiving your report.

You are also welcome to contact us during regular hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m.)

Whittier Public Works Department: (562)464-3510 or
Whittier Police Department: (562)945-8250.

$500 Graffiti Reward ProgramAs an additional effort to discourage graffiti vandalism in the City, the City Council has adopted a Graffiti Reward Program. Any person who observes a graffiti vandal and files a report with the City’s Police Department leading to the arrest of the graffiti vandal(s) will receive a $500 reward from the City Council as a token of thanks and recognition. For further information on this program, please contact the Department at (562)945-8250

Whittier City Council Approves a Local Economic Stimulus and Business Assistance Plan, click here to view press release.

“Growing Whittier-Planning the Future, Preserving the Past” is the theme for economic development activities in the City of Whittier. The City values the unique history and strives to maintain the character of the community while recognizing the importance of being flexible to accommodate the changing economy in Southern California. Economic development is a top priority for the Council because it plays an integral role in the community. Prosperous business owners, quality, high-paying jobs, and an increased tax base produce a healthy city. With an increased economic vitality, the City may continue to provide a high quality of life for workers, business owners, property owners and all residents.

The Vision for economic development in the City of Whittier is: A well balanced City where business complements and adds to the quality of life for all who live, work, shop and play in Whittier.

The Mission statement established to achieve this vision is to:

Facilitate the growth, diversification and stability of the Whittier economy; create prosperous income opportunities for all citizens of the City; expand the economy; and provide a sustainable future for Whittier.

The City of Whittier’s Business Development Manager serves as the ombudsman or point-person at City Hall for the business community and is available for assistance with permit status and problem solving; technical assistance referrals; and local demographic information. Other responsibilities include:
Business Attraction
Business Outreach & Retention
Marketing the Commercial Façade Loan Program
Producing the Growing Whittier Economic Development Newsletter
Storefront Glass Replacement Program – program area map and program application.

The Business Development Manager is also responsible for the City’s Economic Development Strategy. The Strategy is designed to be a “road map” for a successful Whittier economy and will be revised on a yearly basis. To request a copy of the current Economic Development Strategy, please call the Community Development Department at (562) 464-3380 or to view an electronic file, click here.

For more information about Economic Development efforts in the City of Whittier, please contact Angelica Frausto in the Community Development Department. To see more information about Whittier’s projects and demographics please visit www.insidewhittier.com.

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

Once the Election results are final, the City Clerk administers the oath of office to each Council Member. The first order of business is the election of the mayor from the members of the Council. The selected Council Member will serve as mayor for one year.

The City Clerks office mails sample ballot pamphlets containing a facsimilie ballot and polling place information to all registered City voters. This department also issues ballots to mail ballot voters.

Voter registration is available from the Los Angeles County RR/CC at www.lavote.net or by calling 1-800-815-2666. Voter registration forms can also be picked-up from City Hall, Whittier Libraries, and post offices.

The City of Whittier requires all businesses operating in the City to pay an annual business license tax. Any person who conducts any business, trade, profession, calling or occupation in the city is required to obtain a license whether or not the physical business address is in or outside the City. Owners of businesses in the City are encouraged to come to City Hall to review land use issues at the time they submit a license application. Owners of businesses located within the city limits must apply in person. However, businesses located outside the City limits may apply by mail.

The business license application requires a physical address for the business location. The Planning Division checks the zoning on every in-city business license application. Private mailbox addresses are for mailing purposes only and cannot be used as a business address. A separate license must be obtained for each branch establishment or separate place of business. Whittier Municipal Code Section 18.10.02 regulates businesses based out of the home. Contact the Planning Division of the Community Development Department at (562) 464-3380 for the regulations.

Licenses cannot be transferred unless a licensee sells the entire business as a corporation. No license shall be valid for any location other than that specified on the business license. If you are using a fictitious business name (dba-doing business as), the California Business & Professions Code requires that you file a fictitious name statement. Contact the Los Angeles County Clerk/Recorder’s Office at (562) 466-1694 or visit their website at http://regrec.co.la.ca.us/ for further information.

Business licenses must be posted or exhibited in a conspicuous place at the business location. The owner of a mobile business must carry his/her license with him/her at all times while engaged or operating within the city.

The City of Whittier now offers license renewal online for many businesses. Due to land use and other requirements, not all businesses may renew online. Businesses eligible for online renewal will have a PIN number on the bottom right corner of their renewal form. This PIN number, along with the license number, are needed to renew online by credit card. The online renewal process includes review of all license information and the ability to update the mailing address, phone numbers and other contact information. If there is a change in ownership or business address, the renewal must be completed in person. If your business is based on gross receipts, have the gross receipts total available to enter and the tax will be calculated for you. Licenses can be renewed online up to six (6) months after the expiration date. If the tax is paid after the one month grace period, penalties due will be calculated and can be paid online too