Pasadena exempts ADUs under 750 square feet from all impact fees per California Government Code §65852.2(f)(3) and extends the exemption to ADUs up to 900 square feet from the city's Residential Impact Fees (RIFs) and Construction Tax. Reduced citywide RIFs and Construction Tax for larger ADUs took effect July 17, 2025. ADUs using Pasadena's Standard Plans qualify for additional permit-fee waivers.
Under California Government Code §65852.2(f)(3) — enacted by AB 881 / SB 13 (2019) — ADUs under 750 sq ft are exempt from local development impact fees, including water and sewer capacity fees, parks fees, and transportation impact fees. Pasadena goes beyond the state floor: ADUs of 900 sq ft or less are exempt from the city's Residential Impact Fees (RIFs) and Construction Tax, as confirmed by Pasadena Planning and Community Development. ADUs of any size with an executed Affordable Housing Agreement are also exempt from RIFs. ADUs built using the city's pre-approved Standard Plans (under the Pasadena ADU Standard Plan Program) receive additional waivers on plan-check and several permit fees. ADUs 900 sq ft or larger pay reduced RIFs and Construction Tax under fee schedules effective May 6, 2025 and July 17, 2025, with remaining fees calculated proportionally to the principal dwelling's gross floor area under Gov. Code §65852.2(f)(2). School fees collected by Pasadena Unified School District follow the proportional formula in SB 13. Building permit and plan-check fees based on construction valuation under the California Building Standards Code (PMC Title 14) still apply where not waived.
Misrepresenting ADU square footage to claim the under-900 exemption is permit fraud and can void the Certificate of Occupancy. Failure to pay required impact fees results in permit denial and refusal of utility connection. Post-issuance audits can result in retroactive fee assessments.
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena restricts overnight street parking in certain posted areas. Vehicles left on public streets for 72+ hours may be cited as abandoned per CA Vehicle C...
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena has extensive metered and permit parking. Vehicles may not remain parked in one spot on a public street for more than 72 hours. Residential permit p...
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena requires EV-ready infrastructure in new construction per California Green Building Standards (CALGreen). Pasadena Water & Power offers EV charging p...
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena enforces 100 ft defensible space per CA PRC 4291 in fire hazard zones. Zone 1 (0-30 ft) and Zone 2 (30-100 ft) requirements apply. Annual brush clea...
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena allows recreational fire pits in approved containers at least 15 feet from structures. Gas-fueled fire pits are preferred. Wood-burning pits are sub...
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena prohibits open burning under South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 444 and the California Fire Code. Burning trash, yard waste, and debri...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle adu impact fees.
See how Pasadena's adu impact fees rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.