Pasadena ADU

ADU Rules in Pasadena, CA (2026)

ADU rules, permit requirements, size limits, and fees for Pasadena, CA. Source-cited from official municipal code.

ADUs Allowed

Yes, ADUs are allowed in Pasadena, CA.

Pasadena, CA permits accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on residential properties. ADUs — also called granny flats, in-law units, backyard cottages, or secondary suites — are secondary housing units on a single-family or multifamily lot. California state law governs the approval process. In Pasadena, the local building department handles ADU permit applications. Below you will find the current size limits, setbacks, fees, and timeline for building an ADU in Pasadena.

ADU Size Limits

ADU Size Limits in Pasadena: Detached ADU: up to 1200 sq ft (max height: 18 feet). Attached ADU: 50 percent of the existing primary dwelling. Junior ADU (JADU): up to 500 sq ft — must be within the existing primary dwelling or accessory structure. Detached ADU maximum 1,200 sqft per California Gov Code §66314(d)(5) (Stats. 2024 Ch. 7 §20). JADU maximum 500 sqft within existing primary structure per Gov Code §66333 (Stats. 2024 Ch. 7 §20). Pasadena's many large Craftsman bungalows and estate homes have rear yards and garages well-suited for ADU conversion. Pasadena Zoning Code Section 17.50.030.

Type	Max Size	Max Height
Detached ADU	1200 sq ft · Verified June 4, 2026 · Source	18 feet · Verified June 4, 2026 · Source
Attached ADU	50 percent of the existing primary dwelling · Verified June 4, 2026 · Source	See official source
JADU	500 sq ft · Verified June 4, 2026 · Source	Within existing structure

Permit Fees

ADU Permit Fees in Pasadena: Plan check fee: Varies. Building permit fee: Varies. Impact fees: None. School fees: None or N/A. Total estimated permit cost: Varies.

Fee Type	Amount
Plan Check	See official source
Building Permit	See official source
Impact Fees	None
School Fees	See official source
Total Estimate	See official source

Permit Timeline

Pasadena ADU Permit Timeline: The permitting agency shall either approve or deny the application to create or serve an accessory dwelling unit within 60 days from the date the permitting agency receives a completed application if there is an existing single-family or multifamily dwelling on the lot. Apply through the local building department online permit portal. Contact them through their official website for current contact information.

Setback Requirements

ADU Setback Requirements in Pasadena: Front setback: front-yard setback requirements of the underlying zone. Side setback: 4 feet. Rear setback: 4 feet. 4-foot side and rear setbacks for new detached ADUs per California Gov Code §66314(d)(7) (Stats. 2024 Ch. 7 §20). Pasadena RS-4 zones typically require 20-25 ft front setbacks for primary dwellings. Corner lot ADUs must meet both street frontage setbacks. Historic Districts have design guidelines — exterior materials must be compatible but setbacks follow state law minimums.

Parking Requirements

Parking Requirements: Parking requirements have not been confirmed — see official source.

Restrictions & Requirements

How Many ADUs Are Allowed?

Number of ADUs Allowed in Pasadena: Single-family lots: not confirmed — see official source. Multifamily properties: not confirmed — see official source.

Single-Family Lots: See official source
Multifamily Properties: See official source

Statewide Preemption

Verified

ADU Preemption

California state law preempts local ADU rules — local governments cannot impose stricter standards.

View California preemption details

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I build an ADU in Pasadena?

Yes. Pasadena, CA allows accessory dwelling units. On a single-family lot you can build 1 ADU + 1 JADU per single-family lot.

How big can an ADU be in Pasadena?

The maximum size for a detached ADU in Pasadena is 1,200 square feet. A Junior ADU (JADU) can be up to 500 square feet.

How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Pasadena?

The typical ADU permit timeline in Pasadena is The permitting agency shall either approve or deny the application to create or serve an accessory dwelling unit within 60 days from the date the permitting agency receives a completed application if there is an existing single-family or multifamily dwelling on the lot.. Total estimated permit fees are $2,500–$10,000 total permit fees.

Do I need extra parking for an ADU in Pasadena?

Pasadena parking rules for ADUs: No additional parking required for ADUs within one-half mile of Metro Gold Line (A Line) stations (Del Mar, Memorial Park, Fillmore, Sierra Madre Villa) or Foothill Transit bus routes. No replacement parking when garage converted to ADU. Per California Gov Code §66322(a)(1) and §66314(d)(11) (Stats. 2024 Ch. 7 §20).

Do I have to live on-site to have an ADU in Pasadena?

Owner-occupancy requirement in Pasadena: No additional standards, other than those provided in Section 66314, shall be used or imposed, including an owner-occupant requirement.

Source: Pasadena Zoning Code Section 17.50.030 — Accessory Dwelling Units; California Government Code §§66314–66333 (Stats. 2024 Ch. 7 §20). Last verified April 6, 2026. View source

Last updated: April 6, 2026

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