ADU Permits: Los Angeles vs Pasadena
How do adu permits rules compare between Los Angeles, CA and Pasadena, CA?
Los Angeles and Pasadena have similar restriction levels.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
Los Angeles processes ADU and JADU applications ministerially under LAMC Section 12.22 A.33 and California Government Code Section 65852.2. Applications go through LADBS plan check, with no public hearing, discretionary review, or CEQA process required.
View full Los Angeles 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 | Los Angeles | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | LAMC 12.22 A.33 | PMC §17.50.275 |
| Review Type | Ministerial, no hearing | - |
| Decision Deadline | 60 days | - |
| Lead Agency | LADBS Plan Check | - |
| State Law | Cal. Gov Code 65852.2 | - |
| 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.
Los Angeles FAQ
Do I need a public hearing to build an ADU in Los Angeles?
No. Under LAMC 12.22 A.33 and Cal. Gov Code 65852.2, ADU applications are reviewed ministerially by LADBS without a public hearing, design review, or CEQA process.
How long does ADU plan check take in Los Angeles?
LADBS must approve or deny a complete application within 60 days of submission. Pre-approved Standard Plans further shorten plan check by skipping structural review.
Which Los Angeles departments review an ADU permit?
LADBS leads plan check, with sign-offs from City Planning, the Bureau of Engineering for sewer capacity, and LADWP for water and power service.
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.
Compare other topics
See how Los Angeles and Pasadena compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool