ADU Rental Restrictions: Glendale vs Pasadena
How do adu rental restrictions rules compare between Glendale, CA and Pasadena, CA?
Glendale and Pasadena have similar restriction levels.
Glendale, CA
Los Angeles County
Glendale ADUs may be rented long-term (30 days or more) without a separate license. Short-term rentals under 30 days are prohibited in ADUs citywide under Glendale Municipal Code Chapter 5.56 (Home-Sharing License and Prohibition of Vacation Rentals) and the ADU Covenant Agreement recorded at permit issuance. State law (Gov. Code §65852.2(a)(7)) also restricts STR use of ADUs permitted after January 1, 2020.
View full Glendale rules →Pasadena, CA
Los Angeles County
Pasadena ADUs permitted after January 1, 2020 must be rented for terms of 30 days or more under California Government Code §65852.2(a)(7). Short-term rental of ADUs is generally not available because PMC §17.50.296 (Ordinance No. 7317) requires the host to occupy the property as a primary residence for at least nine months per year, and prohibits vacation rentals citywide. ADUs covered by Pasadena's Measure H rent stabilization (built before Feb 1, 1995, or otherwise within scope) may also have rent-cap obligations.
View full Pasadena rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Glendale | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Long-Term (30+ days) | Permitted, no separate license | Permitted, no separate license |
| Short-Term (<30 days) | Banned in ADUs (GMC Ch. 5.56) | - |
| Home-Sharing Program | Hosted-stay only, ADUs ineligible | - |
| State Law | Gov. Code §65852.2(a)(7) | Gov. Code §65852.2(a)(7) |
| Enforcement | ADU Covenant + Code Compliance | - |
| STR Permit | - | PMC §17.50.296 (Ord. 7317) |
| Owner Occupancy | - | 9+ months/year required |
| Un-Hosted Cap | - | 90 days/year |
| Vacation Rentals | - | Prohibited citywide |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Glendale FAQ
Can I rent my Glendale ADU on Airbnb?
No. GMC Chapter 5.56 prohibits short-term rentals (under 30 days) in ADUs citywide, and the ADU Covenant Agreement recorded at permit issuance enforces the 30-day minimum. Glendale's Home-Sharing License is hosted-stay only and ADUs are not eligible.
Is there any short-term option for an ADU?
No. Even Glendale's hosted Home-Sharing program excludes ADUs. Hotel and motel uses are land-use classifications restricted to commercial zones via conditional use permit, not available in residential districts.
Pasadena FAQ
Can I rent my Pasadena ADU on Airbnb?
Generally no. PMC §17.50.296 requires the host to occupy the property as a primary residence for at least 9 months per year and prohibits vacation rentals citywide. ADUs permitted after January 1, 2020 must also be rented for 30 days or more under Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(a)(7). Long-term tenancy is the standard path.
Does Pasadena rent control apply to ADUs?
Possibly. Pasadena's Measure H (City Charter Article XVIII, effective Dec 22, 2022) covers most residential properties built before February 1, 1995 with rent caps and just-cause eviction protections. Whether a specific ADU is covered depends on the parcel's building history — consult the Pasadena Rental Housing Board for a unit-specific determination.
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