abodu
What are the requirements to build ADU in Pasadena?
In Pasadena, constructing an ADU offers a valuable opportunity to expand your living space and generate rental income. To ensure your ADU project is successful, it's crucial to understand the local regulations affecting your property and evaluate the financial feasibility of building an ADU in Pasadena. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Pasadena's ADU requirements and essential financial considerations to assist you in planning and executing your project effectively.
ADU regulations for properties with a single-family home
How many ADUs can you build in Pasadena?
In Pasadena, one ADU is allowed per single-family dwelling. The unit should be located within the proposed or existing space, regardless of whether it is attached or detached from the primary building.
How large can an attached ADU be in Pasadena?
For a new attached ADU, its size cannot be larger than 50% of the primary dwelling's size or 800 square feet, whichever is greater.
How large can a detached ADU be in Pasadena?
For parcels smaller than 10,000 square feet in Pasadena, newly constructed detached ADUs can be up to 850 square feet. However, if the ADU provides more than one bedroom, it can be up to 1,000 square feet.
For parcels equal to or larger than 10,000 square feet, detached ADUs are limited to 850 square feet, except if they provide more than one bedroom, in which case they can be up to 1,200 square feet.
Can I build a 2-story ADU in Pasadena?
Yes, you can build a two-story ADU in Pasadena, with a maximum height of 25 feet, which is high enough for a two-story structure.
Is there a minimum size for an ADU?
Yes, the minimum size for an ADU in Pasadena is 150 square feet.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, however, when you're converting existing space into an ADU for a single-family home, it should have its separate entrance from the primary dwelling.
What is the maximum height for an ADU?
For a single-family house in Pasadena, the maximum height for a detached ADU is 16 feet. However, if it's within one-half of one mile of walking distance of a major transit stop or a high-quality transit corridor, it can be up to 18 feet. An additional two feet in height is allowed to align the roof pitch with the primary dwelling unit's roof pitch.
Attached ADUs are limited to a height of 25 feet or the height of the base zone, whichever is lower.
ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building
How many ADUs does Pasadena allow for multifamily properties?
For multifamily properties, two detached ADUs are allowed in Pasadena. Additionally, the city allows at least one ADU and up to 25 percent of the existing multifamily dwelling units within portions that are not used as livable space.
How large can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in Pasadena?
There is no maximum size specified for an attached ADU in Pasadena for multifamily buildings.
How large can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in Pasadena?
The size restrictions for multifamily detached ADUs vary based on the size of the parcel.
For parcels smaller than 10,000 square feet, detached ADUs have a maximum size of 850 square feet, with an exception allowing up to 1,000 square feet if the ADU provides more than one bedroom.
In contrast, for parcels equal to or larger than 10,000 square feet, detached ADUs are limited to 850 square feet, except if they offer more than one bedroom, in which case they can extend up to 1,200 square feet.
Can I stack detached ADUs on top of each other?
As of now, there's no specific guidance from Pasadena regarding the stacking of detached ADUs on top of each other.
Can I attach two ADUs to each other?
No, you cannot attach two ADUs to each other in Pasadena.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, you can convert existing space into an ADU for multifamily buildings in Pasadena.
What is the maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multi-family building
For a multifamily building in Pasadena, the maximum height for an ADU is generally 16 feet. However, it can reach up to 18 feet under specific circumstances: within one-half mile of a major transit stop or a high-quality transit corridor, or if located on a lot with an existing or proposed multifamily, multistory dwelling. An additional two feet in height is permitted for alignment with the primary dwelling unit's roof pitch.
What ADU types are allowed to build in Pasadena?
In Pasadena, there are several ways homeowners can add an ADU to their property:
1. Detached ADU: A separate building, not attached to the main home.
2. Attached ADU: A unit that is either built onto or integrated within the existing house.
3. Converted ADU: Altering existing spaces such as garages or sheds into livable units with necessary features like kitchens and bathrooms.
You can choose to build a new ADU or modify an existing structure. Converting spaces like garages or sheds may offer advantages, such as avoiding certain zoning requirements like setbacks or height limits, and may allow for smaller additions. However, renovating older structures can bring unexpected issues that could increase costs.
ADU setbacks from the property lines and other buildings
What are the required setbacks for an ADU in Pasadena?
ADUs are required to have setbacks of at least 4 feet for side and corner side setbacks, as well as 4 feet for rear setbacks.
What is the minimum distance the ADU must have from the existing structures?
The ADU in Pasadena should keep a minimum building separation of 6 feet (eave to eave) from the primary residence if it's a detached ADU.
Are setbacks required when converting existing structures into ADU?
No setbacks are required for converting an existing living area or accessory structure into an ADU.
Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in Pasadena?
Yes, only if there is no place on the property to build a min. 800 sqft ADU. You just need to follow the zoning setbacks.
Design requirements for ADU
How many bedrooms can an ADU have?
An ADU in Pasadena can have at least one bedroom, setting it apart from studio units.
Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?
Yes, an ADU in Pasadena typically requires a full kitchen, unlike JADUs, which often feature efficiency kitchens.
Does an ADU require independent utility meters?
Yes, an ADU in Pasadena can have an independent utility meter if the customer requests it, specifically an electric meter.
What is the minimum ceiling height?
In Pasadena, livable areas, including ADUs, should meet the California Building Code requirement of a minimum ceiling height of at least 7 feet.
Find out the maximum ADU size for your property here
The parking requirements for ADU
What is the parking requirement for an ADU in Pasadena?
In Pasadena, one additional on-site parking space is required for an ADU. This space can be covered, uncovered, or arranged as tandem parking on an existing driveway. Exceptions exist: no extra parking is necessary if the ADU is within half a mile of public transit, located within the primary dwelling or accessory structure if on-street parking permits are unavailable for the ADU occupant, or if there is a car share pick-up/drop-off location within one block.
Where can I have a parking space on my property?
Parking can be provided in the existing driveway shared with the primary residence, or a second driveway may be created, but only from an alley. If an existing garage or carport is removed for the ADU, replacement parking for the primary residence can be covered, uncovered, or arranged as tandem parking on the existing driveway.
How to get permits for your ADU
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Pasadena?
In Pasadena, obtaining an ADU permit generally takes about 3.5 to 4 months. It’s recommended to consult with a city planner before submitting your plans to ensure accuracy.
After submitting your plans and paying the necessary fees, the city has 60 days to verify the completeness of your application. If you don't receive a response within this time, your permit will be automatically approved. If any issues arise, you’ll need to revise and resubmit the plans. Missing information won’t cause a rejection, but it will need to be corrected. The Plan Check fee is about $3,278.
Does Pasadena require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?
No. Pasadena does not necessarily require in-person submission of plans for an ADU. The city offers the option to obtain sub-trade permits and submit plans for various projects, including ADUs, either in person or through their online Citizen Self-Service Portal or Express Portal.
Does Pasadena require coastal development permits?
No, the city of Pasadena does not require coastal development permits in any of its areas.
When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in Pasadena?
In Pasadena, you will need a licensed professional to design an ADU if the project deviates from standard construction practices.
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How much does it cost to build an ADU in Pasadena?
Building an ADU in Pasadena typically costs around $380 per square foot. Alongside construction expenses, it's essential to budget for additional costs such as permits, architect fees, and engineering fees. For example, the total cost to build a 900-square-foot ADU averages about $390,000, encompassing both direct and indirect expenses.
Is it profitable to build an ADU in Inglewood?
The financial feasibility of constructing an ADU in Pasadena depends on construction costs and the local real estate market. A 900-square-foot ADU in this area is estimated to have a market value of approximately $580,000. With a total project cost of around $390,000, this results in a return on investment of about 50%.
Profitability can also be assessed based on potential rental income or the advantages of having family members residing on the same property.
Can you sell an ADU in Pasadena?
AB 1033 allows California cities to create rules for selling ADUs as condominiums in conjunction with main residences, provided they follow current ADU legislation.
In Paramount, the sale of ADUs is regulated by local laws. An ADU can be sold if it is built by a certified nonprofit. Furthermore, sales are permitted if a tenancy in a common arrangement exists or if the city grants approval for selling the ADU and the primary dwelling as separate condominium units.
Are ADUs rent-controlled in Pasadena?
No, ADUs in Pasadena are not subject to rent control regulations. Rent control typically applies to buildings that are at least 15 years old, but since ADUs are new constructions, they are not covered by such regulations. Therefore, laws like AB 1482, which involve rent control, do not apply to ADUs in Pasadena.
How do I get money to build an ADU in Pasadena?
To secure funding for building an ADU in Pasadena, homeowners can look into the Pasadena Second Unit ADU Loan Program. This initiative encourages homeowners to create affordable rental units on their property by offering loans for ADU construction. The program provides comprehensive assistance, including financial support for designing, permitting, and constructing a new ADU. It helps homeowners with various ADU construction methods, like new construction, garage conversion, or bringing existing unpermitted units up to code. Additionally, homeowners can explore loans through the CalHFA ADU Grant Program, which offers a list of approved financial lenders for ADU construction.
Find out how much value an ADU could add to your property.
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