Pasadena ADU rules

No city-specific figure verified. The state minimum below applies; confirm local details with the city.

State law: a city's maximum size must allow at least 850 sq ft, or 1,000 sq ft for more than one bedroom, and local rules cannot block an 800 sq ft ADU with 4 ft side and rear setbacks (Gov. Code 66321).^[3]

No city-specific figure verified. The state minimum below applies; confirm local details with the city.

State law: detached ADUs get at least 16 ft; 18 ft within a half mile walk of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor (plus 2 ft to match roof pitch) or on a lot with a multistory multifamily building; attached ADUs up to 25 ft or the main home's limit if lower (Gov. Code 66321).^[3]

No city-specific figure verified. The state minimum below applies; confirm local details with the city.

State law: side and rear setbacks can be no more than 4 ft for new ADUs; converted existing space needs no new setback (Gov. Code 66314, 66323).^[3]

One parking space per ADU or per bedroom, whichever is less, as covered, uncovered or tandem on an existing driveway. No parking if within a half-mile walk of transit, contained in existing space, in a historic district, within one block of a car share, or when submitted with a new dwelling that meets those exceptions. Replacement parking is not required when a garage, carport or surface space is demolished or converted for an ADU. The ADU must share the primary driveway; a second driveway is allowed only from an alley.^[1]

State law: at most 1 space per ADU or per bedroom, whichever is less, and none within a half mile walk of public transit, in a historic district, within one block of a car share, or for ADUs inside the house (Gov. Code 66314, 66322).^[3]

A JADU is limited to 500 sq ft inside the proposed or existing single-family residence and/or attached garage or other non-habitable attached space.^[1]

State law: no owner occupancy requirement for ADUs (Gov. Code 66315). A JADU requires the owner to live on site if it shares a bathroom with the main home (Gov. Code 66333).^[3]

E-permitting is available. The city offers virtual ADU zoning consultations before plan check, and an ADU Standard Plans program with pre-approved designs (no modifications allowed).^[1]

State law: the city must approve or deny a complete application within 60 days when there is an existing home on the lot (Gov. Code 66317).^[3]

On single-family sites: ADUs 900 sq ft or smaller without a Housing Agreement are exempt from Residential Impact Fees (RIFs) and get 25% off listed permit fee categories; the C&D deposit is $1,000. ADUs with a Housing Agreement or that use a Standard Plan get further plan-check and fee relief. ADUs over 900 sq ft pay a proportional RIF unless a Housing Agreement applies. Multi-family sites do not qualify for these reductions.^[1]

State law: no impact fees on ADUs of 750 sq ft or less; above that, impact fees must be proportional to the size of the main home. Plan check, permit and school fees can still apply.^[3]