Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in Pasadena, CA (2026)
2 verified zoning overlays & bonuses rules for Pasadena, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Density Bonus Law
Pasadena implements the state Density Bonus Law locally: developers who dedicate 5% of units to very-low-income households, 10% to low-income, 10% to moderate-income for-sale, or build 35+ senior units qualify for a density bonus, with no discretionary approval required for the base request under Section 17.43.040.A.
Pasadena Density Bonus For Affordable Housing
Some RestrictionsPasadena, CA, Municipal Code § 17.43.040.A
A.Density bonus requirement. A request for a density bonus shall not require any discretionary approval by the City. A request for a density bonus pursuant to this Chapter shall only be granted if an applicant seeks and agrees to construct one of the following:1.At least 5 percent of the units are dedicated to very low-income households;2.At least 10 percent of the units are dedicated to low-in...
Downtown Design Guide
Pasadena's Central District Specific Plan, Municipal Code Chapter 17.30, sets mandatory downtown design standards for new construction across Old Pasadena, the Playhouse District, Civic Center, and South Lake. It fixes ground floor height, window transparency, shade structures, and wall and fence dimensions, and controls over the general Zoning Code wherever the two conflict.
Pasadena Downtown District Design Standards
Some RestrictionsPasadena, CA Municipal Code § 17.30.070 (Frontage)
B.Ground Floor Design. ... 2.Minimum Height. Buildings shall have a minimum ground floor height of 15 feet, measured from the sidewalk elevation closest to the primary entrance to the second story floor or roof of a one-story building; see Figure CDSP-22.a.Exception. Ground floor residential uses with a setback of 10 feet or greater shall have a minimum ground floor height of 12 feet. ... C.Tr...
Looking for Los Angeles County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Pasadena city rules.
Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in Los Angeles County →