ADU Impact Fees: Glendale vs Pasadena
How do adu impact fees rules compare between Glendale, CA and Pasadena, CA?
Glendale and Pasadena have similar restriction levels.
Glendale, CA
Los Angeles County
Glendale exempts ADUs under 750 square feet from all impact fees per California Government Code §65852.2(f)(3). ADUs 750 sq ft or larger pay a Parks and Libraries development impact fee of approximately $4,700 per ADU and other fees proportional to the principal dwelling's gross floor area. School fees are governed by SB 13 (2019). Standard building permit and plan-check fees still apply through Glendale Community Development.
View full Glendale rules →Pasadena, CA
Los Angeles County
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.
View full Pasadena rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Glendale | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Under 750 sq ft | All impact fees waived | All impact fees waived (state law) |
| 750+ sq ft Parks/Libraries Fee | Approx. $4,700 per ADU | - |
| Other Fees | Proportional to principal dwelling | - |
| State Law | Gov. Code §65852.2(f) | Gov. Code §65852.2(f) |
| School Fees | Proportional under SB 13 | - |
| Under 900 sq ft | - | RIFs + Construction Tax waived (city) |
| Standard Plans | - | Added permit-fee waivers |
| Affordable Covenant | - | All RIFs waived, any size |
| Reduced Fees Effective | - | May 6 / Jul 17, 2025 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Glendale FAQ
Are ADU impact fees waived in Glendale?
Yes for ADUs under 750 sq ft — all local development impact fees are waived by California Gov. Code §65852.2(f)(3). ADUs 750 sq ft or larger pay Glendale's Parks and Libraries fee (about $4,700) plus other fees proportional to the principal dwelling's size, not the full single-family rate.
What ADU costs still apply in Glendale?
Standard building permit fees based on construction valuation, plan-check fees, and any new utility service fees from Glendale Water & Power if a separate meter is requested. Property taxes will reassess on the added square footage.
Pasadena FAQ
Are ADU impact fees waived in Pasadena?
Yes for ADUs of 900 sq ft or less — Pasadena exempts these from Residential Impact Fees (RIFs) and the Construction Tax. ADUs under 750 sq ft also receive the full state-law exemption from all local development impact fees under Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(f)(3). ADUs 900 sq ft or larger pay reduced fees effective July 17, 2025.
How do Pasadena Standard Plans help with fees?
ADUs built using Pasadena's pre-approved Standard Plans qualify for additional waivers on plan-check and several permit fees beyond the RIF and Construction Tax exemption. This is the lowest-cost path to permitting in Pasadena.
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