License: No. #1076712
Discover what you can build in the City of South Pasadena. This city guide covers essential ADU regulations and zoning laws to help you navigate the process and make informed decisions for your property.
You are allowed to put one attached or detached ADU on single-family property in South Pasadena, as well as one JADU.
Up to 8 detached ADUs can be built on multifamily property, as long as the number of detached ADUs does not exceed the current number of units on the property.
A detached ADU can be up to 1,200 square feet in South Pasadena.
An attached ADU in South Pasadena can be up to 800 square feet, or 50% of the square footage of the primary dwelling unit, whichever is smaller.
An ADU with a flat roof may be built up to 18 feet high in South Pasadena. An ADU with a pitched roof may be built up to 22 feet high.
As long as the height requirement is adhered to, you can build a 2-story ADU in South Pasadena.
Since only one ADU is allowed on single-family property in South Pasadena, you cannot have two ADUs stacked one on top of another with one on each story. Stacked ADUs may be permitted on multifamily property if height restrictions and other conditions are adhered to.
Since only one ADU is allowed on single-family property in South Pasadena, you cannot have two ADUs attached to one another in one structure. Detached structures containing multiple ADUs may be permitted on multifamily property.
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 on an ADU, but must meet the height restrictions for the zone. Roof decks cannot encroach into the required setbacks. As a rule of thumb, railings and access staircases above 42″ need to be included in height calculations.
An ADU must match or harmonize with the exterior of the main dwelling unit, including color palette, roof pitch, architectural style, and other aesthetic characteristics.
ADUs behind the primary dwelling unit in South Pasadena require a minimum of 4-foot side and rear setbacks.
A detached ADU must be at least 6 feet eave-to-eave from existing structures.
An ADU can be built in the front yard of a home in South Pasadena as long as it complies with front setback and other requirements.
No, you can submit your application and plans by email to [email protected].
South Pasadena may require a soils report for ADU permitting to make sure the soil can support the new structure, especially if the ADU will be located on a hillside, an area with significant grading, or if there are special foundation requirements.
Sufficient green space and permeable surface must be maintained on the property. City regulations do not specify specific percentages and must be approved on a case-by-case basis in the planning stage.
Plans are submitted to the South Pasadena Building Division, which checks the plans for compliance with building codes, safety codes, and structural integrity. Turnaround times can vary, but the process takes an average of 7-10 business days.
One new parking spot is typically required to be added to the lot per new ADU. However, exemptions may apply if:
If a parking space must be added, it can be included on the driveway or any setback areas, and it may be configured as tandem parking.
Per Title 24 of the California Energy Code, solar panels of appropriate size and capacity are mandatory on new-construction ADUs. ADUs built from converted existing structures are exempt, as may be ADUs located under significant shading. Smaller ADUs may be subject to reduced or modified solar panel requirements.
An ADU is not required to have a separate water or electrical meter. You can opt for the ADU to share service with the main dwelling unit. However, you can request separate water or electrical meters from the City of South Pasadena.
An ADU doesn’t necessarily get its own address, but a separate address can be applied for and may be mandated if determined by the city to be necessary for public safety reasons.
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 South Pasadena may require LID fees for larger ADUs.
Per the Costa-Hawkins Act of 1995, South Pasadena does not impose rent control on dwellings constructed after February 1, 1995. This means most new-build ADUs are exempt. However, if the primary dwelling unit is subject to rent control, it might apply to the ADU as well.
If the main dwelling unit was built prior to October 1, 1978, or if the main dwelling unit was constructed after July 15, 2007 to replace a demolished housing unit built prior to October 1, 1978, the City of Los Angeles Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) may apply to the ADU, imposing rent control and eviction standards on the landlord.
If the ADU is fully detached, the RSO may not apply unless the new ADU is built as a replacement for a demolished RSO housing unit, in which case the RSO rules do apply.
If an ADU or JADU is established fully within an RSO unit’s existing structure, all RSO provisions apply.
If a new-construction ADU is built attached to an RSO main dwelling unit, some of the provisions of the RSO may apply. The Costa Hawkins Act allows landlords to set initial and subsequent rental rates for residential property issued its Certificate of Occupancy after February 1, 1995. As such, the rent-control provisions of the RSO may not apply, but all other provisions will.
While encouraging the use of electric appliances for efficiency and sustainability, South Pasadena does not prohibit gas appliances in new ADUs as long as all relevant installation and safety standards are met.
In South Pasadena you are only required to install sprinklers in a new ADU if the primary dwelling unit has them as well. You may also be required to install them if the ADU is located within a special fire hazard zone.
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