General Features

Covina is a mature, suburban city located twenty-three miles east of downtown Los Angeles in the eastern portion of the San Gabriel Valley. Much of the local development occurred during the post World War II building boom, which took place from the late 1940's through the 1960's. Prior to the building boom, Covina was a major citrus producing area. Covina originally was founded in 1886 and incorporated in 1901.

Today the city is about ninety-nine percent built out. The character of the seven square mile municipality is one of predominantly low to medium density residential (under 25 dwelling units per acre) and low intensity commercial and light industrial uses (under .5 floor area ratio). Single-family residential properties are the most common use. In addition, there are many commercial establishments, particularly community and neighborhood as well as strip shopping centers, and a relatively large number of small to medium size professional offices and light manufacturing operations. The local economy is thus based on a variety of service, retail, and light manufacturing businesses as well as government agencies. The city's economy always has been healthy in that Covina, though relatively small in population and area, consistently ranks high in retail sales tax generation and in sales tax per capita among San Gabriel Valley cities. Despite being in the middle of the well established San Gabriel Valley, Covina retains a small town atmosphere. The nearby San Bernardino, Foothill, Orange Freeways and the Southern California Regional Rail Authority Metrolink Commuter Rail Line link the city to other areas of metropolitan Los Angeles.

Current major issues in Covina are the continued revitalization of the historic, architecturally significant downtown and various commercial properties, the enhancement of the local revenue and employment bases, the maintenance of the infrastructure and levels of various services, the preservation of the housing stock and private properties, the updating of the Covina General Plan, and the expansion of the Metrolink Commuter Train Station. The city is also involved in conceptualizing and implementing innovative public safety, recreation, land use, housing, transportation, redevelopment, and environmental programs to bolster Covina's quality of life. In all areas of government, Covina City officials are sensitive to the needs and desires of local residents and businesses and, through public hearings and other forums, always attempt to solicit community views on important matters. All in all Covina is a mature, though dynamic, community with a rich history and a prosperous outlook.

AREA - 7.0 square miles (surrounding unincorporated islands within sphere of influence - approximately 3.0 square miles).

Location - 23 miles east of downtown Los Angeles in East San Gabriel Valley.

Miles of Improved City Streets - 109.1

Form of Government - Council/Manager, with 5 Council members elected at large and a Mayor selected by City Council.

Type of City - General Law, under the statutes of the State of California.

Year Incorporated - 1901

Actual Full-Time City & Redevelopment Agency Employment - 217 persons (10/95).

Elevation at City Hall - 548 feet.

Average Temperature - 77.5 F.

Average Annual Rainfall - 17 inches.

Century 21 Hanich
501 West San Bernardino Road
Covina, California, 91722
Tel: (626) 967-5371 • Fax: (626) 339-2184