ADU Permits: Long Beach vs Pasadena
How do adu permits rules compare between Long Beach, CA and Pasadena, CA?
Long Beach and Pasadena have similar restriction levels.
Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles County
Long Beach processes ADU and JADU applications ministerially under Long Beach Municipal Code Section 21.45.400 and California Government Code Section 65852.2. Applications go through the Development Services Department with no public hearing or discretionary review.
View full Long Beach 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 | Long Beach | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | LBMC 21.45.400 | PMC §17.50.275 |
| Review Type | Ministerial, no hearing | - |
| Decision Deadline | 60 days | - |
| Lead Agency | Development Services | - |
| Coastal Zone | CDP may be required | - |
| 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.
Long Beach FAQ
Do I need a public hearing for an ADU in Long Beach?
No. LBMC Section 21.45.400 and Cal. Gov Code 65852.2 require ministerial review by the Development Services Department without a public hearing, design review, or CEQA process.
How long does ADU plan check take in Long Beach?
The Building and Safety Bureau must approve or deny a complete application within 60 days under Cal. Gov Code 65852.2(b). Pre-approved plan sets further shorten plan check.
Do Long Beach Coastal Zone ADUs need extra permits?
Sometimes. Properties in the Coastal Zone require a Coastal Development Permit unless the project qualifies for an exemption under the certified Local Coastal Program.
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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