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ADU design-build · PasadenaADUs in Pasadena
Bungalow Heaven, Craftsman streets and large historic lots: in Pasadena, an ADU must be as well designed as the house it sits behind.
What applies to your lot
Building an ADU in Pasadena
Who approves your ADU
City of Pasadena: ADUs follow Section 17.50.275 of the Pasadena Municipal Code, reviewed by Planning & Community Development. State law applies everywhere: a decision within 60 days of a complete application, no public hearing, and at least 800 sq ft with 4 ft side and rear setbacks.
Landmark and historic districts
In Landmark or Historic Districts and on designated properties, most new ADUs must not be visible from the street, unless that would prevent building the unit.
Standard Plans Program
Pasadena runs an ADU Standard Plans Program with pre-reviewed designs, a useful start on many lots.
Hillside areas
Hillside overlay districts add conditions on access and safety. We check your parcel on the city maps before design.
California law, everywhere
The rules every city must respect
800 sq ft
Every city must allow at least an 800 sq ft detached ADU with 4 ft setbacks.
4 ft
Maximum side and rear setback for a new detached ADU.
750 sq ft
No impact fees up to this size.
60 days
To approve or deny a complete application, without a hearing.
Ideas for your lot
Plans that suit Pasadena lots
1 bedroom
One-bedroom with front porch
1 bed1 bath
Two-story
Compact two-story one-bedroom
1 bed1.5 baths
FAQ
ADU questions in Pasadena
Who approves an ADU in Pasadena?
The City of Pasadena, not Los Angeles. Historic Preservation staff may review the design in historic districts.
I live in Bungalow Heaven. Can I build?
Yes. The ADU is usually placed so it is not visible from the street, with materials that respect the house.
Do you come to my property?
Yes. The visit is free: we look at the lot, the access and the utilities, then give you a realistic estimate.
Nearby areasGlendaleBurbankCentral Los Angeles
Free feasibility call
Book a free 15-minute feasibility call
A project lead reviews your address, tells you what your lot can hold and gives you a first look at your financing eligibility.
What you get
- Free, with no obligation
- A clear answer on what your lot can hold
- A first look at financing eligibility, by phone or at your property
- A site visit only if it makes sense
Prefer to talk now? (424) 448-4895
Email: [email protected]
Los Angeles, CA · We come to your property
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Preferred time
Tell us when to call you. A project lead calls you back at that time of day (Pacific time).
Your call is booked
We’ll confirm by text or phone. No obligation.
Service areas
Serving homeowners across Los Angeles
Los Angeles, the South Bay and Orange County, within about 40 miles of Paramount. Farther on request.
Service areas
ADU rules, city by city
Permits, fire and coastal zones, pre-approved plans: see what applies in the 36 cities we serve.
Central Los AngelesSan Fernando ValleyThousand OaksSimi ValleyParamountWest AdamsMid-CityCulver CityLong BeachDowneyWhittierNorwalkTorranceInglewoodComptonCarsonAnaheimSanta AnaIrvineHuntington BeachPasadenaGlendaleBurbankRialto (on request)Garden GroveOrangeFullertonCosta MesaNewport BeachTustinSherman OaksEncinoVan NuysWoodland HillsNorthridgeCalabasas