Accessory Structures in Pasadena, CA (2026)
6 verified accessory structures rules for Pasadena, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Pasadena allows one detached ADU, one attached or detached conversion ADU, and one Junior ADU per single-family lot in every zoning district that permits residential use. Section 17.50.275 caps new construction at 1,200 square feet detached and sets height limits between 16 and 25 feet depending on the type.
Pasadena Accessory Dwelling Unit Zoning Rules
Some RestrictionsPasadena, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 17.50.275.B.1-2, D.1.a (Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units)
1.Permitted zones. ADUs are permitted in all zoning districts that permit single-family or multifamily dwelling residential uses on sites with at least one proposed or existing dwelling. ... (1)One detached or attached new construction ADU, one detached or attached conversion ADU, and one Junior ADU, subject to the development standards set forth in 17.50.275 D and E. ... a)New construction det...
ADU Impact Fees
Pasadena exempts accessory dwelling units of 900 square feet or less from both its traffic reduction and transportation improvement fee and its residential impact (park) fee. Larger ADUs pay a fee proportional to their size relative to the main dwelling under Municipal Code Section 4.19.040, while standard single-family projects otherwise owe $5,202 to $5,722 per new unit.
Pasadena ADU Impact Fee Exemptions
Light RestrictionsPasadena, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 4.19.040(A)(4)(i) and (A)(5)(i) (Traffic Reduction and Transportation Improvement Fee)
4.New single family residential use: $5,202 to $5,722 per new unit.i.No fees shall be paid for new accessory dwelling units (ADUs) that are 900 square feet or less. ADUs over 900 square feet shall pay a fee proportional to the size of the main dwelling structure.5.New multi-family residential use: $2,158 to $2,352 per new unit.i.No fees shall be paid for new ADUs that are 900 square feet or les...
ADU Owner Occupancy
Pasadena requires the property owner to live on-site when a Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit shares a bathroom or kitchen sanitation facility with the main house. Section 17.50.275.E.3 waives that rule only if the owner is a government agency, land trust, or housing organization.
Pasadena Junior ADU Owner-Occupancy Rule
Some RestrictionsPasadena, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 17.50.275.E.3 (Standards Applicable to Junior ADUs - Owner Occupancy)
3.Owner Occupancy. For Junior ADUs which share a sanitation facility, either the primary unit or the Junior ADU shall be owner-occupied. Owner-occupancy shall not be required if the owner is another governmental agency, land trust, or housing organization.
ADU Rental Restrictions
Accessory dwelling units and Junior ADUs built or legalized in Pasadena on or after January 1, 2017 cannot be rented short-term. Section 17.50.275.C.1 requires every rental term to run longer than 30 days, closing off Airbnb-style bookings in these units citywide.
Pasadena ADU Short-Term Rental Ban
Heavy RestrictionsPasadena, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 17.50.275.C.1-2 (Operational standards)
C.Operational standards. 1.Short-term rental prohibited. Any rental term of an ADU or Junior ADU that was legally created on or after January 1, 2017 shall be longer than 30 days. 2.Sale of units. The ADU or Junior ADU may not be sold separately from the existing single-family home unless developed by a qualified nonprofit corporation in accordance with California Government Code Section 66341.
Shed & Carport Rules
Backyard sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Pasadena residential zones answer to Section 17.50.250, which caps height at nine feet within two feet of a property line, allows up to 15 feet with a sloped setback, and limits total accessory floor area to 600 square feet or 6 percent of the lot, whichever is greater.
Pasadena Accessory Structure and Shed Standards
Some RestrictionsPasadena, CA, Municipal Code § 17.50.250 (Residential Uses - Accessory Uses and Structures)
A.Limitation on use. Accessory structures shall be limited to uses which are accessory to the main use, including but not limited to, cabana, garage or carport, gazebo, greenhouse, pergola, pool, or hot tub and related equipment, or workshop. An accessory structure shall not be used for sleeping quarters. ... a.Nine-foot limit with two-foot setback. An accessory structure shall not exceed a hei...
Garage Conversions
Pasadena lets homeowners convert an attached garage into a Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit or full ADU without meeting standard setbacks, as long as the converted space keeps its existing footprint. Section 17.50.275 treats a garage conversion as a 'conversion ADU' or Junior ADU location.
Pasadena Garage-to-ADU Conversion Rules
Some RestrictionsPasadena, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 17.50.275.B.2.a.2.b, E.2.a (Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units)
b)A detached or attached conversion ADU within an existing space. May include an expansion of not more than 150 square feet beyond the same physical dimensions as the structure limited to accommodating ingress and egress in compliance with 17.50.275 D.5. Side and rear setbacks must be sufficient for fire and safety. An attached conversion ADU must have separate exterior access from the existing...
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