ADU Permits: Carson vs Pasadena
How do adu permits rules compare between Carson, CA and Pasadena, CA?
Carson and Pasadena have similar restriction levels.
Carson, CA
Los Angeles County
ADU applications in Carson are reviewed ministerially by the Community Development Department under CMC Article IX, Chapter 1. State law (Gov. Code §65852.2(b)) requires the city to approve or deny a complete application within 60 days without a public hearing.
View full Carson rules →Pasadena, CA
Los Angeles County
Pasadena processes ADU and JADU applications ministerially under Pasadena Municipal Code (PMC) §17.50.275 and California Government Code §65852.2. Updated ADU regulations took effect May 20, 2024 under Ordinance No. 7420. The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) issued review findings on February 26, 2025 directing further compliance updates. Standard ADUs receive ministerial review with a 60-day decision deadline once the application is complete.
View full Pasadena rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carson | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Permit issuer | Carson Community Development / Building & Safety | - |
| Review type | Ministerial (no hearing, no discretion) | - |
| Approval deadline | 60 days from complete application | - |
| Building code | 2022 CA Building Standards (Title 24 CCR) | - |
| Fire sprinklers | Not required if main dwelling lacks them | - |
| City Hall | 701 E. Carson St., Carson CA 90745 — (310) 830-7600 | - |
| Code Section | - | PMC §17.50.275 |
| Updated | - | Ordinance 7420, eff. May 20, 2024 |
| Review | - | Ministerial, 60-day cap |
| Rear Setback | - | 10 ft (new construction) |
| Zones | - | RS, RM with single-family use |
| Historic Districts | - | Not visible from right-of-way |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Carson FAQ
How long does Carson have to approve my ADU?
60 days from a complete application under Gov. Code §65852.2(b). If they miss the deadline, it is deemed approved.
Do I need a planning commission hearing?
No. State law requires ministerial approval — no hearings, no discretionary review.
Are fire sprinklers required for an ADU in Carson?
Only if the primary dwelling already has them. State law prohibits cities from requiring sprinklers in an ADU when the main house doesn't have them.
Pasadena FAQ
How long does ADU review take in Pasadena?
California Gov. Code §65852.2(b) caps ministerial review at 60 days from a complete application. Pasadena Planning and Community Development processes ADU permits without a public hearing when plans meet the objective standards in PMC §17.50.275.
Can I build an ADU in a Pasadena Landmark District?
Conversion ADUs within existing structures are always allowed. New attached or detached ADUs in Landmark Districts under PMC Chapter 17.62 are permitted only if not visible from the public right-of-way per PMC §17.50.275.
Compare other topics
See how Carson and Pasadena compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool