Pasadena requires building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits for permanent outdoor kitchen installations under PMC Title 14 (Building and Construction), which adopts the 2022 California Building, Plumbing, Electrical, and Mechanical Codes. Outdoor kitchens in Pasadena's Landmark Districts (PMC Chapter 17.62) trigger additional Historic Preservation Commission review. Zoning rear-yard setbacks apply under PMC Title 17, and pool-area outdoor kitchens have separate clearance requirements.
Permanent outdoor kitchen structures in Pasadena — including masonry counters, built-in grills hard-piped to natural gas, freestanding pizza ovens, and roofed outdoor cooking pavilions — require building permits under PMC §14.04 (which adopts the 2022 California Building Standards Code). Natural gas hookups require a plumbing permit; 120/240V electrical service requires an electrical permit; permanent ventilation or hood systems require a mechanical permit. Portable propane grills, freestanding charcoal kettles, and movable kamado-style cookers are not 'structures' for permit purposes and do not require permits. Pasadena's zoning code (PMC Title 17) places outdoor kitchen structures in the accessory-use category under PMC Chapter 17.40, with setback requirements from side and rear property lines (typically 5 feet) and prohibitions on building within easements. In Pasadena's Landmark Districts and on individually designated landmark properties (PMC Chapter 17.62 - Historic Preservation), exterior work visible from the public right-of-way requires a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Director or Historic Preservation Commission — including outdoor kitchen structures in front yards or visible side yards. The Pasadena Heritage organization advocates for design consistency in historic districts. Permits are obtained through the Pasadena Permit Center; current fee schedules and submittal requirements are published by Planning and Community Development.
Constructing a permanent outdoor kitchen without permits violates PMC §14.04 and the codes adopted thereunder, with stop-work orders, double permit fees on after-the-fact applications, and required corrective work to bring installation up to code. Unpermitted gas connections create life-safety hazards and can void homeowner's insurance. Work in Landmark Districts without a Certificate of Appropriateness violates PMC Chapter 17.62 and can require restoration to the pre-existing condition.
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena restricts overnight street parking in certain posted areas. Vehicles left on public streets for 72+ hours may be cited as abandoned per CA Vehicle C...
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena has extensive metered and permit parking. Vehicles may not remain parked in one spot on a public street for more than 72 hours. Residential permit p...
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena requires EV-ready infrastructure in new construction per California Green Building Standards (CALGreen). Pasadena Water & Power offers EV charging p...
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena enforces 100 ft defensible space per CA PRC 4291 in fire hazard zones. Zone 1 (0-30 ft) and Zone 2 (30-100 ft) requirements apply. Annual brush clea...
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena allows recreational fire pits in approved containers at least 15 feet from structures. Gas-fueled fire pits are preferred. Wood-burning pits are sub...
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena prohibits open burning under South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 444 and the California Fire Code. Burning trash, yard waste, and debri...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle outdoor kitchen permits.
See how Pasadena's outdoor kitchen permits rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.