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Discover what you can build in the Pasadena. This city guide covers essential ADU regulations and zoning laws to help you navigate the process and make informed decisions for your property.
On single-family residential lots in Pasadena, you may build one ADU, either attached or detached, on your property. You can also build up to one JADU into the existing primary residence.
Multifamily property owners in Pasadena may convert at least one ADU, and additional ADUs not to exceed a maximum number equal to 25% of the existing units out of existing uninhabitable space. Ergo:
No more than two detached ADUs may be constructed on a multifamily lot in Pasadena.
In Pasadena, the maximum size your detached ADU can be is 1,200 square feet. For multifamily lots, the maximum size can vary depending on the lot size. A 1-bedroom detached ADU must typically be a minimum of 850 square feet; a 2-bedroom detached ADU, a minimum of 1,000 square feet.
It depends on the lot size and number of bedrooms. For lots smaller than 10,000 square feet, a 1-bedroom ADU can be a maximum of 850 square feet. A 2-bedroom ADU can be a maximum of 1,000 square feet.
For lots equal to or greater than 10,000 square feet, an 1-bedroom ADU still can only be a maximum of 850 square feet. However, a 2-bedroom ADU can be a maximum of 1,200 square feet.
In Pasadena, conversion of existing structures into ADUs carry no height restriction.
For new-construction detached ADUs, the height must be less than 16 feet. If the property is located within ½ mile walking distance of a major transit stop or a high-quality transit corridor, the ADU can be an additional two feet higher for a total of 18 feet. An ADU can also be up to 18 feet if built on the same lot as an existing or proposed multi-story multifamily dwelling.
For attached ADUs, the maximum height requirement is typically limited to the height of the primary dwelling unit, up to a maximum of 25 feet.
In Pasadena, detached ADUs are not necessarily restricted from being two stories, but the height limitation of 16 feet may make it functionally impossible, or at least very difficult, to get approval of two-story plans. If the ADU has an 18-25 foot height limit under the statute, a two-story ADU is much more feasible.
In Pasadena, detached ADUs are not necessarily restricted from being stacked one on top of the other, but a height limitation of 16 feet may make it functionally impossible, or at least very difficult, to get approval of two-story plans. If the ADU has an 18-foot height limit under the statute, a two-story stacked ADU is much more feasible.
The City of Pasadena only allows one detached ADU per single-family residence. As such, you cannot create two ADUs attached to each other on a single-family lot.
Multifamily property can have up to two detached ADUs, and plans for two attached ADU units within one structure may be approved if it meets other criteria.
No, a JADU is defined as an ADU converted from existing space within the main structure of the primary dwelling unit. As such, it cannot be attached to an ADU.
Generally roof decks would be permitted, but must meet the height restrictions for the zone. Roof decks cannot encroach into the required setbacks. Generally railings and access staircases above 42″ need to be included in height calculations.
Pasadena makes no mention of specific requirements for the exterior of the ADU. However, general guidance is that the exterior roofing, trim, walls, windows and the color palette of the ADU shall incorporate the same features as the primary dwelling unit (similar to a garage conversion).
In the City of Pasadena, side and rear setback requirements for an ADU are at least 4 feet. All other setbacks must comply with ordinary zoning setback requirements. No additional setback requirements apply to existing structures that are converted into ADUs.
Pasadena rules stipulate a minimum separation of 6 feet between structures within a lot, so your new detached ADU must be a minimum of 6 feet from the main house and any other structures.
Typically an ADU cannot be built in the front yard of a lot in Pasadena due to the requirement to preserve the aesthetic character of the surrounding neighborhood.
No, Pasadena does not require in-person submission of plans for an ADU. The Pasadena Planning Division offers the Pasadena Citizen Self-Service (CSS) Portal, which includes https://mypermits.cityofPasadena.net/, a web portal for online submission of plans for review.
Not always. Pasadena typically only requires a soils report for ADU plans on properties situated on a slope or a hillside, or if the site presents other geotechnical concerns.
ADU landscaping is generally required to blend into existing landscaping and enhance the overall aesthetic appeal. Rules for limitations of non-permeable surfaces, as well as requirements for the planting of drought-resistant vegetation and the preservation of existing trees.
To receive permits for your ADU, plans must be submitted to the Pasadena Planning and Community Development Department for preliminary review. The plans must then be sent to a variety of other County departments for clearance. The basic process is as follows:
From submission to approval, average turnaround time is 4-6 weeks. For complicated plans it can be longer.
The Pasadena Planning and Community Development Department may send inspectors periodically to check the progress of the project and verify that it is being constructed to plan.
The parking requirements for residential property are one additional parking spot per ADU. Properties located within ½ mile of walking distance from a public transit stop or station or within a historic district may be exempt from parking requirements, as may be ADUs that are part of an existing structure.
If a garage or carport is replaced with an ADU, property owners must maintain a number of off-street parking spaces commensurate to the number of parking spaces eliminated by the garage conversion, though those spaces can be uncovered.
If a parking space is required, it may be located within the setbacks and in an existing driveway as tandem parking. Parking spaces don’t need to be replaced when a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is demolished in conjunction with an ADU construction or converted to an ADU.
Most newly constructed ADUs must comply with California Title 24 Building and Energy Efficiency Standards. If you submitted your permit application later than January 1, 2020, this means you must provide solar panels on new ADUs to offset their reliance on the grid. This does not necessarily mean the solar panels need to be installed on the ADU itself. They can be installed on the primary dwelling unit or a new or existing array.
Some exemptions may apply to certain ADUs. Possible exemptions include:
No, a separate electric and water meter is not required for an ADU. However, you may request one from the city.
Not necessarily. An ADU can be permitted under the existing address. If you want your ADU to have its own address, you can apply to the Mapping and Property Management Division (MPM) for a “½” address designation. In other words, if your address is 1234 Elm Street, your ADU could have a separate address of “1234½ Elm Street.”
If the ADU has its own driveway or direct street access, a new address will be required.
Low Impact Development (LID) is an approach to land development or redevelopment that seeks to preserve and conserve onsite water quality and natural features, with minimal detrimental effect to local waterways and ecosystems. The City of Pasadena requires LID for ADUs of 500 square feet or more.
ADUs can only be used as a short-term rental or Airbnb in the City of Pasadena if the unit is the owner’s primary residence — meaning the owner must actually live in the ADU. Rentals are limited to 30 consecutive days or less, and owners must register the rental with the city and pay a fee.
City Charter Article XVIII, Section 1811, also known as Measure H, will usually apply to your ADU, including rent control provisions, if they were built before February 1995.
Properties with more than one housing unit on the plot are considered “multifamily” property under Measure H and will be subject to Measure H rent stabilization if one or more of the units are used as a long-term rental.
The City of Pasadena sets allowable rent increases by month and year for rental units subject to Measure H.
As of July 2023, new-construction ADUs in the City of Pasadena must be all-electric, no gas. Conversions of existing space within or additions to older dwelling units are exempt.
You are not required to put fire sprinklers in your ADU if the main dwelling unit is not required by law to have fire sprinklers.
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