ADU Permits: Glendale vs Pasadena
How do adu permits rules compare between Glendale, CA and Pasadena, CA?
Glendale and Pasadena have similar restriction levels.
Glendale, CA
Los Angeles County
Glendale processes ADU and JADU applications ministerially under Glendale Municipal Code (GMC) §30.34.080 and California Government Code §65852.2 (as amended by AB 68, AB 881, SB 13, and AB 976). The City Council adopted updated ADU regulations on December 3, 2024 to address California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) compliance findings. Detached ADUs are allowed up to 1,200 sq ft and JADUs up to 500 sq ft.
View full Glendale 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 | Glendale | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | GMC §30.34.080 | PMC §17.50.275 |
| Last Amended | December 3, 2024 (HCD compliance) | - |
| Review | Ministerial, 60-day cap | Ministerial, 60-day cap |
| Detached Max | 1,200 sq ft | - |
| JADU Max | 500 sq ft | - |
| Setback | 4 ft side/rear | - |
| Updated | - | Ordinance 7420, eff. May 20, 2024 |
| 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.
Glendale FAQ
How long does ADU review take in Glendale?
California Government Code §65852.2(b) caps ministerial review at 60 days from a complete application. Glendale Community Development processes ADU permits without a public hearing when plans meet GMC §30.34.080 objective standards.
Do I need a public hearing for a Glendale ADU?
No. GMC §30.34.080 and Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2 require ministerial review only — no Planning Commission hearing, no neighbor notice, no discretionary findings. Only objective standards apply.
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.
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