Pasadena setbacks are set by zoning district under Title 17. Front yards generally require 25 ft minimum. ADU rear yard setback is 10 ft minimum. Attached ADUs above a garage need 5 ft side/rear. Hillside areas use varying setbacks to blend with terrain.
Pasadena zoning ordinance establishes minimum setback distances that structures must maintain from property lines. Typical residential setbacks include 20 to 25 feet front, 5 to 10 feet side, and 15 to 20 feet rear. Corner lots may have increased side setbacks along the street. Accessory structures like sheds and garages often have reduced rear setbacks of 3 to 5 feet. Setbacks vary by zoning district (R-1, R-2, commercial, etc.). Variances require a hearing before the zoning board. Encroachments like eaves and decks may have exceptions.
Building in setback: stop-work order and required correction. Fines $100 to $1,000. May require structure removal at owner expense.
Pasadena, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle setback rules.
See how Pasadena's setback rules rules stack up against other locations.
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