Pasadena allows ADUs and junior ADUs by right on any lot in a zone that permits homes and that already has (or will have) a dwelling, under PMC 17.50.275 as rewritten by Ordinance 7464 (effective April 18, 2026) and cleaned up by Ordinance 7471 (effective July 25, 2026). A single-family lot may add one new-construction ADU, one conversion ADU and one JADU; a new detached unit may be up to 1,200 sq ft with 4 ft side and rear setbacks and 18 ft of height, dropping to 1,000 sq ft in most Hillside Overlay areas and 800 sq ft on hillside streets 26 ft wide or narrower. Review is ministerial on a 60-day state clock. An ADU of 900 sq ft or less pays no Residential Impact Fee and gets 25% off the Construction Tax and two permit surcharges, and since August 2026 one free city Standard Plan (a 374 sq ft studio) is available citywide again.
Outside city limits? If your property is in unincorporated Los Angeles County (not within Pasadena's boundaries), different rules apply — see our Los Angeles County (unincorporated) ADU rules.
Zoning & Size Requirements [1][2][3][4][5]
Yes — Pasadena allows ADUs. A detached ADU can typically be up to 1,200 sq ft under current California and Pasadena zoning rules.
See what this means for your lot — ask Pasadena ADU builders for a quote →
| Allowed Zones | All zoning districts that permit single-family or multifamily residential uses, on lots with at least one existing or proposed dwelling (PMC 17.50.275.B.1). JADUs only on lots with a single-family dwelling (17.50.275.E.1). In Landmark and Historic Districts and on designated historic properties, a new ADU larger than 800 sq ft may not be visible from the public right-of-way unless that would prevent the unit (17.50.275.D.2). |
| Max Size (Detached) | 1,200 sq ft for a new detached ADU on a single-family lot (17.50.275.D.1.a). Hillside Overlay lots outside HD-1: 1,000 sq ft, or 800 sq ft where the street pavement is 26 ft wide or narrower (D.1.b). Conversions of existing space have no size limit. Floor area may be measured by the Zoning Code or the California Building Code, whichever the applicant prefers (D.1.d). |
| Max Size (Attached) | 850 sq ft for a studio or one-bedroom and 1,000 sq ft for two or more bedrooms (17.50.275.D.1.a). The same caps apply in most Hillside Overlay areas, falling to 800 sq ft on hillside streets with pavement 26 ft wide or narrower (D.1.b). An attached conversion of existing space has no size limit and may add up to 150 sq ft for entry and exit. |
| Max Size (JADU) | 500 sq ft, built inside the existing or proposed single-family home or its attached garage, with an efficiency kitchen and its own exterior entrance; may share a bathroom with the house (17.50.275.E.2). |
| Max Height | New detached ADU: 18 ft and 2 stories, plus 2 ft within 1/2 mile of a major transit stop to match the main roof pitch; 16 ft in Hillside Overlay districts, in Landmark/Historic Districts when visible from the street, or for an exemption ADU in the front setback (18 ft there if the site has a multistory building or is near major transit). New attached ADU: 25 ft or the zone limit, whichever is less, up to 2 stories. Multifamily lots: 16 ft, 18 ft if multistory or near transit (17.50.275.D.3.c). |
| Max Units | Single-family lot: one new-construction ADU, one conversion ADU and one JADU (17.50.275.B.2.a, Ordinance 7464). Existing multifamily building: conversion ADUs in non-livable space (at least 1, up to 25% of existing units) plus up to 8 detached ADUs, not exceeding the number of existing units; a proposed multifamily building may add 2 detached ADUs (B.2.b, implementing SB 1211). |
Setback Requirements [1][2][3][4][5]
Pasadena requires a rear setback of about 4 ft for a detached ADU, and parking requirements vary by unit size or location. Owner-occupancy is not required — you can rent it out without living on the property.
| Rear Setback | 4 ft for new construction and for any addition to a conversion ADU. No setback beyond fire-safety needs for a conversion of existing space or for a rebuild in the same location, dimensions and height (17.50.275.D.3.a). |
| Side Setback | 4 ft for new construction; none for conversions except fire safety (17.50.275.D.3.a). A new ADU over 800 sq ft must also keep 6 ft eave-to-eave from any other building on the lot (D.3.b), and its second-story windows facing an interior side or rear line closer than 5 ft must be clerestory unless the Building Code requires otherwise (D.3.d). |
| Front Setback | An exemption ADU of 800 sq ft or less may sit 4 ft from the front lot line (17.50.275.B.2.a, as amended by Ordinance 7471). A new ADU larger than 800 sq ft must meet the front setback of the underlying zone (D.3.a). |
| Parking Required | 1 space per ADU on a single-family lot, allowed uncovered or tandem on the driveway; none required on multifamily lots. Waived for an 800 sq ft exemption ADU, within 1/2 mile walking distance of public transit, for a conversion of existing space, in a historic district, or with car share within one block. No replacement parking when a garage or carport is converted (17.50.275.D.4). |
| Owner Occupancy | None for ADUs. A JADU that shares a bathroom with the main house requires the owner to live in either unit and a recorded covenant before permit issuance (17.50.275.E.3, E.5); a JADU with its own bathroom has no owner-occupancy rule, consistent with AB 1154 (eff. Jan 1, 2026). |
| Min Lot Size | None. PMC 17.50.275 sets no minimum lot size; any lot in a zone that allows residential use with an existing or proposed dwelling qualifies (17.50.275.B.1). |
Permit Process & Fees [6][7][8][9][10]
An ADU permit in Pasadena goes through a ministerial, by-right review. Typical timeline: 60 days from a complete application for the city to act, or the ADU is deemed approved (Gov. Code 66317; SB 543 from Jan 2026). For Standard Plan submittals the city publishes about 3-4 weeks for first plan check and about 2 weeks per resubmittal. Permit fees: Valuation-based (FY2027 General Fee Schedule, adopted June 8, 2026): building permit $1,738 plus $6 per $1,000 over $100,000; plan check $2,607 plus $9 per $1,000; Construction Tax 1.92%; General Plan and Technology fees 0.5% each; refundable C&D deposit flat $1,000; new address $345.
| Approval Process | Ministerial staff review with no hearing (17.50.275.A.2). Apply and upload plans through the Citizen Self-Service permit portal; a free virtual zoning consultation is offered before submittal. Each ADU needs its own address application. Intake asks whether you use a Standard Plan, will sign a Housing Agreement, and whether the unit is 900 sq ft or less, which sets your fee reductions. |
| Review Timeline | 60 days from a complete application for the city to act, or the ADU is deemed approved (Gov. Code 66317; SB 543 from Jan 2026). For Standard Plan submittals the city publishes about 3-4 weeks for first plan check and about 2 weeks per resubmittal. |
| Permit Fees | Valuation-based (FY2027 General Fee Schedule, adopted June 8, 2026): building permit $1,738 plus $6 per $1,000 over $100,000; plan check $2,607 plus $9 per $1,000; Construction Tax 1.92%; General Plan and Technology fees 0.5% each; refundable C&D deposit flat $1,000; new address $345. |
| Impact Fees | Residential Impact Fee (PMC 4.17.050) is waived for ADUs of 900 sq ft or less and for any ADU with an executed Housing Agreement (effective July 17, 2025). A larger ADU pays a share of the per-unit fee (FY2027: $24,530 studio to $45,407 five-bedroom) prorated by ADU size against the main house. ADUs of 750 sq ft or less are also exempt under Gov. Code 66311.5. |
| Plan Check | Plan check is 50% off for ADUs using a city Standard Plan or with a Housing Agreement (affordability covenant or landlord agreement), and those units also skip the Construction Tax, General Plan Maintenance and Technology fees. ADUs of 900 sq ft or less without an agreement get 25% off those three items. Single-family sites only; reductions are not retroactive (effective May 6, 2025). |
| Pre-Approved Plans | Yes. As of August 2026 one free city Standard Plan compliant with the 2025 California Building Code is available citywide: Prototype A, a 374 sq ft studio. The five earlier plans (374-750 sq ft) expired Dec 31, 2025 and may only be used on properties red-tagged in the Eaton Fire. Plans cannot be modified, and a Hold Harmless Agreement is required. |
Get Free ADU Quotes in Pasadena
Tell us about your project and we'll pass it to ADU builders serving Pasadena. Free, no obligation — you choose who to work with. We don't have builders in every area yet; if nobody covers yours, we'll email you to say so.
1. Tell us your project
Takes about a minute.
Takes about a minute.
2. We match local pros
Up to 5 independent local ADU builders — never more, and we tell them nothing you don't submit here.
Up to 5 independent local ADU builders — never more, and we tell them nothing you don't submit here.
3. You choose
Compare quotes, verify license & insurance, hire (or don't). No spam either way.
Compare quotes, verify license & insurance, hire (or don't). No spam either way.
🔒 Your info is secure. We share it only with contractors quoting your project. No spam, no obligation.
Just browsing? Search ADU builders near you by ZIP code.
Construction Costs [11][12]
Building an ADU in Pasadena typically costs $150,000-$400,000 ($300-$450 per sq ft); a garage conversion runs $120,000-$190,000.
See what this means for your lot — ask Pasadena ADU builders for a quote →
| Average Build Cost | $150,000-$400,000 |
| Cost per Sq Ft | $300-$450 |
| Garage Conversion | $120,000-$190,000 |
| Prefab ADU (Installed) | $180,000-$300,000 |
Finance Your ADU Project
Most ADU projects are funded through HELOCs, construction loans, or cash-out refinancing. Compare rates from top lenders.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more
Rental Income Potential [13][14]
A 2-bedroom ADU in Pasadena rents for around $3,100-$3,750/mo, an estimated 7-11% gross rental yield on a $400,000 detached build at $2,300-$3,750/mo, higher for a garage conversion (estimate before taxes, vacancy and financing).
| Avg Rent (1 Bedroom) | $2,300-$3,000/mo |
| Avg Rent (2 Bedroom) | $3,100-$3,750/mo |
| Short-Term Rental | No. An ADU or JADU legally created on or after Jan 1, 2017 may only be rented for terms longer than 30 days, and neither may be sold separately from the main home except by a qualified nonprofit under Gov. |
| Est. Annual ROI | 7-11% gross rental yield on a $400,000 detached build at $2,300-$3,750/mo, higher for a garage conversion (estimate before taxes, vacancy and financing) |
Explore Prefab ADU Options
Prefab ADUs can save 20-40% vs. traditional construction and cut build time in half.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more
Recent Law Changes
What's Changed Recently
- Ordinance No. 7471 (adopted June 22, 2026, published June 25, effective July 25, 2026): clean-up of PMC 17.50.275 - an 800 sq ft exemption ADU now gets a 4 ft front setback as well as 4 ft sides and rear, height rules are split for single-family and multifamily sites, and the second-story window rule now applies to all non-exempt ADUs
- Ordinance No. 7464 (adopted Jan 26, 2026, published March 19, effective April 18, 2026): rewrote 17.50.275 to answer HCD's six findings of Feb 26, 2025 - one new-construction ADU plus one conversion ADU plus one JADU per single-family lot, up to 8 detached ADUs on existing multifamily lots (SB 1211), exemption ADUs freed from the front setback and parking, second-story attached ADUs allowed, floor area measurable by the Building Code, Gov. Code references updated to 66310-66342
- ADU Standard Plans: the five plans drawn to the 2022 codes expired Dec 31, 2025 and since Jan 1, 2026 serve only Eaton Fire red-tagged lots; a new 2025-code 374 sq ft studio plan was posted in August 2026 for citywide use, with more promised
- FY2027 General Fee Schedule and Schedule of Taxes, Fees and Charges adopted June 8, 2026 (in force from July 1, 2026): Residential Impact Fee $24,530-$45,407 per unit, Construction Tax 1.92%, ADU exemptions at 900 sq ft carried forward
- ADU fee-reduction package for single-family sites: 50% plan check cut, waived General Plan Maintenance and Technology fees and the flat $1,000 C&D deposit took effect May 6, 2025; the RIF exemption up to 900 sq ft and the Construction Tax reductions took effect July 17, 2025
- SB 543 (eff. Jan 1, 2026): ADU applications statewide deemed approved if the city fails to act within 60 days
- AB 1154 (eff. Jan 1, 2026): JADU owner-occupancy requirement removed statewide for JADUs with separate sanitation facilities; Pasadena's 17.50.275.E.3 requires it only for shared-bath JADUs
Tips for Building an ADU in Pasadena
- Since April 2026 a single-family lot can hold three accessory units - one new-construction ADU, one conversion ADU (a garage, for example) and one JADU inside the house - and each needs its own address ($345 for the first, $100 for each additional unit)
- Worked fee example (FY2027 schedule; valuation is set by the ICC Building Valuation Data table, not your contract price): a new ADU valued at $250,000 pays about $2,640 building permit, $3,960 plan check, $4,800 Construction Tax and $2,500 in General Plan/Technology fees, plus smaller Fire, Public Works and Planning plan-check items. At 900 sq ft or less the tax and the two surcharges drop 25% (about $1,825 saved) and the Residential Impact Fee is $0
- Sign an ADU Landlord Agreement (7-year commitment to house a family member or a city rental-assistance tenant) or an ADU Affordability Covenant (rent at up to 120% of area median income for 7 years) before permit issuance and an ADU of any size gets the RIF waived, 50% off plan check, and the Construction Tax, General Plan Maintenance and Technology fees waived; the Housing Department processes the agreement in 1-2 weeks and it must be executed before the permit issues
- Hillside Overlay lots (outside HD-1): new construction is capped at 1,000 sq ft detached and 850/1,000 sq ft attached, and at 800 sq ft attached or detached where the street pavement is 26 ft wide or narrower (about 1,600 properties). Conversions of existing space have no size limit, and detached height drops to 16 ft
- In Landmark and Historic Districts and on individually designated historic properties, a new ADU over 800 sq ft must not be visible from the public right-of-way; garage and interior conversions are the simplest path and parking is waived. Email DHPQuestions@cityofpasadena.net before designing
- The free 374 sq ft Prototype A studio plan needs a flat, non-hillside lot with 4 ft side and rear clearance, 5 ft to any wall with windows or doors, and 6 ft eave-to-eave from other buildings if the unit exceeds 800 sq ft; plan check runs about 3-4 weeks. Eaton Fire red-tagged properties can still use the five older plans (374-750 sq ft)
- Cost basis: GreatBuildz Los Angeles ADU cost guide (updated July 28, 2026: detached $150,000-$400,000, $300-$450 per sq ft, garage conversion $120,000-$150,000) and Ground Up Builders (2026 garage conversion $125,000-$190,000); rents from Zumper (Sept 19, 2026 medians) and RentCafe (Aug 31, 2026 averages). Pasadena tends to the upper end of LA-wide ranges
- Cost basis (2026-09-20 re-verification): short term allowed: No. An ADU or JADU legally created on or after Jan 1, 2017 may only be rented for terms longer than 30 days, and neither may be sold separately from the main home except by a qualified nonprofit under Gov. Code 66341 (PMC 17.50.275.C).
ADU Builders in Pasadena
Looking for an ADU builder in Pasadena? ADU projects need a contractor experienced with local zoning, the permit process, and utility connections — not every general contractor has built one. We match Pasadena homeowners with experienced local ADU contractors who provide free, no-obligation quotes. Getting at least three bids typically saves 20-40% on the same scope.
Sources & References
All data on this page is sourced from official government records and verified market data. View our full methodology.
- Ordinance No. 7471 amending PMC 17.50.275 (Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units), adopted June 22, 2026, published June 25, 2026 Municipal Code — Accessed 2026-09-20
- Ordinance No. 7464 amending Title 17 including PMC 17.50.275, adopted Jan 26, 2026, published March 19, 2026 Municipal Code — Accessed 2026-09-20
- Accessory Dwelling Units - Pasadena Planning & Community Development Planning Department — Accessed 2026-09-20
- Agenda Report, Oct 27, 2025: 2025 Zoning and Specific Plan Amendments (ADU section summarising HCD's Feb 26, 2025 findings) Planning Department — Accessed 2026-09-20
- PMC 17.50.275 Accessory Dwelling Units - Pasadena Municipal Code (Municode) Municipal Code — Accessed 2026-09-20
- Accessory Dwelling Units - Reduced Fees for ADUs on Single-Family Sites and Impact Fees sections Planning Department — Accessed 2026-09-20
- ADU Standard Plans Program - Pasadena Planning (August 2026 update) Planning Department — Accessed 2026-09-20
- FY 2027 General Fee Schedule - Adopted (Building permit, plan check, supporting activity fees, C&D deposit) Government Data — Accessed 2026-09-20
- FY 2027 Schedule of Taxes, Fees and Charges - Adopted (Residential Impact Fee 4.17.050, Construction Tax 4.32.020) Government Data — Accessed 2026-09-20
- City of Pasadena Announces Reduced Fees to Support ADU Construction and Affordability (May 6, 2025) Planning Department — Accessed 2026-09-20
- ADU Cost Guide Los Angeles (updated July 28, 2026) - GreatBuildz industry — Accessed 2026-09-20
- How Much Does an ADU Garage Conversion Cost in LA (2026) - Ground Up Builders industry — Accessed 2026-09-20
- Pasadena, CA Rent Report (updated September 19, 2026) - Zumper Market Data — Accessed 2026-09-20
- Average Rent in Pasadena, CA (August 2026) - RentCafe Market Data — Accessed 2026-09-20
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU in Pasadena?
Yes. ADUs are allowed in All zoning districts that permit single-family or multifamily residential uses, on lots with at least one existing or proposed dwelling (PMC 17.50.275.B.1). JADUs only on lots with a single-family dwelling (17.50.275.E.1). In Landmark and Historic Districts and on designated historic properties, a new ADU larger than 800 sq ft may not be visible from the public right-of-way unless that would prevent the unit (17.50.275.D.2). in Pasadena. The maximum size for a detached ADU is 1,200 sq ft for a new detached ADU on a single-family lot (17.50.275.D.1.a). Hillside Overlay lots outside HD-1: 1,000 sq ft, or 800 sq ft where the street pavement is 26 ft wide or narrower (D.1.b). Conversions of existing space have no size limit. Floor area may be measured by the Zoning Code or the California Building Code, whichever the applicant prefers (D.1.d).. Owner-occupancy is not required, so you can rent out the ADU.
How much does an ADU cost in Pasadena?
ADU construction in Pasadena typically costs $150,000-$400,000. Garage conversions run $120,000-$190,000, and prefab ADUs cost $180,000-$300,000.
How much can I rent an ADU for in Pasadena?
Average ADU rents in Pasadena are $2,300-$3,000/mo for a 1-bedroom and $3,100-$3,750/mo for a 2-bedroom unit.
Do I need parking for an ADU in Pasadena?
1 space per ADU on a single-family lot, allowed uncovered or tandem on the driveway; none required on multifamily lots. Waived for an 800 sq ft exemption ADU, within 1/2 mile walking distance of public transit, for a conversion of existing space, in a historic district, or with car share within one block. No replacement parking when a garage or carport is converted (17.50.275.D.4).. Check with Pasadena planning department for the latest California ADU parking rules, as many states have relaxed requirements in recent years.
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Pasadena?
The permit review timeline in Pasadena is 60 days from a complete application for the city to act, or the ADU is deemed approved (Gov. Code 66317; SB 543 from Jan 2026). For Standard Plan submittals the city publishes about 3-4 weeks for first plan check and about 2 weeks per resubmittal.. Permit fees: Valuation-based (FY2027 General Fee Schedule, adopted June 8, 2026): building permit $1,738 plus $6 per $1,000 over $100,000; plan check $2,607 plus $9 per $1,000; Construction Tax 1.92%; General Plan and Technology fees 0.5% each; refundable C&D deposit flat $1,000; new address $345.
Ready to Build in Pasadena?
Get free, no-obligation quotes from top-rated ADU contractors in Pasadena.
Get Free Quotes →Build ADUs in Pasadena?
Homeowners read this page while planning, then ask us to connect them with a local builder. We pass those requests to builders who cover Pasadena — a flat fee only on the leads you accept, no subscription, and you contract directly with the homeowner.
See who's waiting in California →