ADU Impact Fees: Los Angeles vs Pasadena
How do adu impact fees rules compare between Los Angeles, CA and Pasadena, CA?
Los Angeles and Pasadena have similar restriction levels.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
Under California Government Code Section 65852.2(f) and LAMC 12.22 A.33, Los Angeles cannot charge impact fees on ADUs under 750 square feet. ADUs 750 sq ft or larger pay fees proportional to the primary dwelling.
View full Los Angeles 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 | Los Angeles | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | Cal. Gov Code 65852.2(f) | - |
| Under 750 sq ft | No impact fees | All impact fees waived (state law) |
| 750+ sq ft | Proportional fees only | - |
| Separate Meter | Optional, not required | - |
| Appeals | HCD ADU Ombudsperson | - |
| 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 |
| State Law | - | Gov. Code §65852.2(f) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Los Angeles FAQ
Do I pay impact fees on a Los Angeles ADU under 750 sq ft?
No. Cal. Gov Code 65852.2(f) prohibits local impact fees on ADUs under 750 sq ft. Only LADBS plan check and inspection fees apply.
Do I need a separate water meter for my Los Angeles ADU?
No. LADWP cannot require a separate water or electric meter. A separate meter is optional and billed at the standard hookup rate if requested.
What if Los Angeles charges me illegal ADU fees?
Appeal to the LADBS Board of Building and Safety Commissioners and file a complaint with the California HCD ADU Ombudsperson, which enforces Cal. Gov Code 65852.2.
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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