Pasadena Zoning and ADU Guide for Homeowners and Sellers

Last updated November 13, 2026. Reviewed by the Cash Home Buyers CA team. Information comes from the City of Pasadena Planning & Community Development Department; sources are listed at the end.

In Pasadena, zoning and ADU questions go to the Planning Division of the Planning & Community Development Department. The city publishes its Zoning Code and Map, and offers a virtual consultation where staff give preliminary feedback on zoning code requirements for a proposed ADU.

Pasadena zoning and ADU at a glance

How do I find the zoning for a Pasadena property?

The Permit Center Online provides the city’s Zoning Code and Map. Look up the lot’s zone first, then read the code sections for that zone, because ADU and addition rules depend on it. The Planning Division can answer questions about the zoning and development process.

What are the ADU steps in Pasadena?

Pasadena’s ADU page lets owners book an ADU virtual consultation to get preliminary feedback on zoning code requirements for the proposed unit. ADU applications, along with new construction, conversions, tenant improvements and additions, are submitted through the Permit Center Online. Size, setbacks and unit counts depend on the lot, so check the city’s ADU page and zoning code rather than relying on a general rule.

Selling a Pasadena house with an ADU or converted garage

A permitted ADU is part of the property and can matter to buyers. An unpermitted unit can surface in a buyer’s inspection or in the permit records. Check the permit history first; see our Pasadena building permits guide, and our code enforcement guide for what happens if a unit is cited.

The ADU types Pasadena lists

The city’s ADU page covers converted ADUs, attached ADUs, new detached ADUs, junior ADUs, and a junior ADU combined with a detached converted or new ADU. A junior ADU is limited to 500 square feet. The page also says the city offers an ADU Standard Plans program of pre-approved plans, from studios to two-bedroom units, that Building and Safety has already approved; modifications to those plans are not allowed.

Parking rules the city publishes

Pasadena states that one parking space per unit or per bedroom, whichever is less, is provided on site for an ADU, and that it can be covered, uncovered or tandem on an existing driveway.

No space is required if the site is within half a mile walking distance of a public transit stop, if the ADU is within existing space including a garage, if the property is in a historic district, if a commercial car share pick-up location is within one block, or if the ADU application is submitted with an application for a new dwelling on the same lot and meets one of the other tests.

Replacement parking is not required, and the ADU shares the existing driveway unless an alley serves the site.

Fee reductions the city offers

• ADUs of 900 square feet or smaller without a housing agreement are exempt from residential impact fees, with some permit fees reduced by 25 percent and the construction and demolition deposit reduced to $1,000.
• ADUs of any size with a housing agreement, and ADUs built from a standard plan, get 50 percent off plan check fees and are exempt from residential impact fees and the listed permit fees.
• An ADU larger than 900 square feet is charged a residential impact fee proportional to the size of the primary home.

The housing agreement route requires the owner to sign a Landlord Agreement, which the city says the Housing Department processes within one to two weeks after acceptance. If you are selling a house with an ADU, ask whether one was recorded, because it may carry obligations the buyer should know about.

Help legalizing an unpermitted unit

The city says assistance is available to rehabilitate and bring up to code an existing unpermitted “granny flat” or illegal garage conversion through the Pasadena Second Unit ADU Program.

A converted garage that never had a permit is common in older Pasadena neighborhoods, so this program is worth a call before you decide to sell as-is.

At the state level, AB 2533 also relieves some fees for legalizing unpermitted ADUs built before January 1, 2020; see our statewide guide for the disclosure side.

Who to contact

• Zoning regulations: ZoningQuestions@cityofpasadena.net.
• Historic districts and designated properties: DHPQuestions@cityofpasadena.net.
• Building codes or the permit process: Permit_Center_Manager@cityofpasadena.net.
• Residential impact fee and sidewalk repair fee: pw-permits@cityofpasadena.net.

How to sell a house in Pasadena with an ADU or zoning problem

1. Check the zoning of the lot in the Zoning Code and Map.
2. Check the permit history for the unit or garage conversion.
3. Compare options: legalize the unit, sell with a price credit, or sell as-is to a cash buyer who prices the risk in.
4. Disclose honestly. Known unpermitted work should be disclosed.

We buy Pasadena houses as they are. See how we buy houses in Pasadena or our cash home buyer page.

Not sure what your zoning or unit means for a sale? Call (424) 435-2326 or request a cash offer. There is no cost and no obligation.

Pasadena zoning and ADU FAQ

Where do I find Pasadena’s zoning code and map?

The Permit Center Online provides the Zoning Code and Map.

Can I get feedback from the city before building an ADU in Pasadena?

Yes. The city offers an ADU virtual consultation for preliminary feedback from staff on zoning code requirements.

Can I sell a house in Pasadena with an unpermitted ADU?

Yes. It can complicate a traditional sale, so disclose it and choose between legalizing it, discounting the price, or selling as-is to a cash buyer.

Where are ADU applications submitted in Pasadena?

Through the Permit Center Online of the Planning & Community Development Department.

Does Pasadena require parking for an ADU?

The city says one space per unit or per bedroom, whichever is less, with several exceptions including within half a mile of transit, conversions of existing space such as a garage, and historic districts. Replacement parking is not required.

How big can a junior ADU be in Pasadena?

The city’s ADU page limits a junior accessory dwelling unit to a maximum of 500 square feet.

Can I get help legalizing an unpermitted garage conversion in Pasadena?

The city says assistance is available through the Pasadena Second Unit ADU Program to rehabilitate and bring an existing unpermitted granny flat or illegal garage conversion up to code.

Sources

• City of Pasadena: Accessory Dwelling Units
• City of Pasadena: Permit Center Online
• City of Pasadena: Planning Division

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Zoning and ADU rules change; confirm with the City of Pasadena.