Pasadena, California

Pasadena

Pasadena is a city in southern California known for its historic homes and tree-lined streets. In recent years, the city has been exploring ways to increase its housing options, and one solution that has gained traction is building accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

ADUs are small, self-contained living units that are typically built on the same lot as a single-family home. They can take the form of a converted garage, in-law unit, or a stand-alone structure. An ADU is a beautiful addition to a Pasadena home, and as more and more residents take notice, the number of Pasadena ADUs being built has climbed.

Zoning

All properties zoned for single family and multifamily use may be eligible to build ADUs.

Number of units

The number of ADUs you’re able to build depends on how your lot is zoned:

• Lots zoned for single family use may add 1 ADU and 1 Jr. ADU (JADU).
• Lots zoned for multi-family may add 2 new detached ADUs and at least one conversion ADU (interior conversion of existing building, but no more than 25% of the original number of units. (E.g. an apartment with 4 units may add 2 detached ADUs and 1 conversion ADU.)

Building size

• The maximum size is 500.0 sq. ft. for a JADU
• Detached ADU Max Size: a) For parcels less than 10,000 square feet in size: All newly constructed, detached accessory dwelling units shall not exceed 850 square feet, except for an accessory dwelling unit that provides more than one bedroom the accessory dwelling unit shall not exceed 1,000 square feet.

b) For parcels equal to or greater than 10,000 square feet in size: All newly constructed, detached accessory dwelling units shall not exceed 850 square feet, except for an accessory dwelling unit that provides more than one bedroom the accessory dwelling unit shall not exceed 1,200 square feet.

c) When a newly constructed accessory dwelling unit is attached to the existing primary dwelling unit, the maximum allowed size of that accessory dwelling unit shall be no more than 50% of the main dwelling size or 800 square feet, whichever is greater.

• Attached ADU Max Size: a) For parcels less than 10,000 square feet in size: All newly constructed, detached accessory dwelling units shall not exceed 850 square feet, except for an accessory dwelling unit that provides more than one bedroom the accessory dwelling unit shall not exceed 1,000 square feet.

b) For parcels equal to or greater than 10,000 square feet in size: All newly constructed, detached accessory dwelling units shall not exceed 850 square feet, except for an accessory dwelling unit that provides more than one bedroom the accessory dwelling unit shall not exceed 1,200 square feet.

c) When a newly constructed accessory dwelling unit is attached to the existing primary dwelling unit, the maximum allowed size of that accessory dwelling unit shall be no more than 50% of the main dwelling size or 800 square feet, whichever is greater.

Building height

• Building height detached ADU: 16 ft

Parking

State Law - No requirements for parking if any of the following true:

• The accessory dwelling unit is located within one-half mile walking distance of public transit.
• The accessory dwelling unit is located within an architecturally and historically significant historic district.
• The accessory dwelling unit is part of the proposed or existing primary residence or an accessory structure.
• When on-street parking permits are required but not offered to the occupant of the accessory dwelling unit.
• When there is a car share vehicle located within one block of the accessory dwelling unit.

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