Whitley Heights Historic District is also listed in the National Register of Historic Places. In 1991, the City of Los Angeles issued a permit to the Whitley Heights Civic Association to allow the installation of gates that would turn the community into a private enclave. Construction, funded by Whitley Heights homeowners, began in January 1991 and was substantially completed by April 1992, at a cost of more than $350,000. Construction was permanently halted in 1992 when a group called "Citizens Against Gated Enclaves" successfully sued to prevent the closure of public roadways in Whitley Heights.

Among Whitley Heights' many famous residents have been Rudolph Valentino, Barbara Stanwyck, W.C. Fields, Jean Harlow, Carole Lombard, William Powell, Tyrone Power, Ellen Pompeo, Gloria Swanson, Rosalind Russell, Judy Garland, and Marlene Dietrich.

The streets in and around Whitley Heights are as follows; Bella Vista Way, Bonair Pl, Cerritos Pl, Emmet Terrace, Fairfield Ave, Grace Ave, Holly Hill Terrace, Iris Cir, Iris Dr, Iris Pl, Kendra Ct, N Las Palmas Ave, Milner Rd, Whitley Ave, Whitley Terrace, Wedgewood Pl & Wilcox Ave.