ADU Impact Fees: Pasadena vs South Gate
How do adu impact fees rules compare between Pasadena, CA and South Gate, CA?
Pasadena and South Gate have similar restriction levels.
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 →South Gate, CA
Los Angeles County
South Gate cannot charge any impact fees on ADUs under 750 sq ft, per Gov. Code §65852.2(f)(3)(A). ADUs 750 sq ft and larger may be charged impact fees only proportional to the primary dwelling's square footage. Standard building permit and plan check fees still apply.
View full South Gate rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Pasadena | South Gate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 750 sq ft | All impact fees waived (state law) | - |
| 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) | - |
| ADUs under 750 sq ft | - | NO impact fees allowed (Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(f)(3)(A)) |
| ADUs 750+ sq ft | - | Impact fees proportional to main dwelling size |
| School fees | - | Only on ADUs 500+ sq ft (Cal. Ed. Code §17620) |
| Utility connection | - | Not required for ADUs converted from existing structures |
| Standard permit fees | - | Building/plan check fees still apply (based on construction cost) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
South Gate FAQ
Will South Gate charge me impact fees for a small ADU?
No. State law (Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(f)(3)(A)) prohibits any impact fees on ADUs under 750 sq ft. Standard building permit and plan check fees still apply.
Do I need a new water/sewer connection?
Not for ADUs converted from existing space (garage, basement, attached structure). New detached ADUs may require connection fees proportional to size.
What if South Gate charges me an illegal ADU fee?
File a complaint with the California HCD ADU enforcement unit and dispute the fee through South Gate's permit appeal process under SGMC Title 11.
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