Planning commission recommends Whittier Council adopt ADU code updates to comply with new state laws

At its July 7, 2025 meeting, the Whittier Planning Commission voted to recommend that the City Council adopt zoning code amendment ZCA25-0001, a package of revisions to the city’s accessory dwelling unit (ADU) and junior accessory dwelling unit regulations intended to comply with recent state law changes.

The revisions seek to implement state ADU requirements that took effect this January and include allowing denial of building permits for substandard structures, removing replacement parking requirements for demolished uncovered off‑street spaces, permitting ADUs above a primary dwelling, and increasing ADU allowances on multifamily sites. Monique Garibay, Senior Planner, presented the draft ordinance and the staff recommendation that the commission adopt the attached resolution recommending council approval.

The changes staff highlighted include: “Jurisdictions can have the ability to deny a building permit if a building would be deemed as substandard. Replacement parking will no longer be required for uncovered spaces,”…