EcoSmart Builders
What are the requirements to build ADU in South Pasadena?
Building an ADU in South Pasadena provides an opportunity to expand your living space and offer affordable housing for adult children transitioning to independent living. To ensure the success of your ADU project, it's essential to understand local regulations and evaluate the financial implications of construction in South Pasadena. This guide provides detailed insights into South Pasadena's ADU regulations and critical financial considerations, helping you plan and execute your project efficiently.
ADU regulations for properties with a single-family home
How many ADUs can you build in South Pasadena?
In South Pasadena, a single-family property is allowed to have one ADU, which can be either attached or detached from the primary building.
How large can an attached ADU be in South Pasadena?
In South Pasadena, attached ADUs can have a maximum floor area of 850 square feet for one bedroom or 1,000 square feet for two or more bedrooms, with up to 800 square feet allowed to go beyond lot coverage and FAR requirements.
How large can a detached ADU be in South Pasadena?
Detached ADUs can have a maximum floor area of 1,200 square feet, with up to 800 square feet allowed to go beyond the property's lot coverage and FAR requirements.
Can I build a 2-story ADU in South Pasadena?
Yes, you can build a two-story ADU in South Pasadena.
Is there a minimum size for an ADU?
Yes, in South Pasadena, the minimum size of an ADU is 150 square feet.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, in South Pasadena, you can convert existing space into an ADU.
What is the maximum height for an ADU?
For a one-level ADU, it can extend up to 16 feet high to the peak of its parapet or pitched roof. If it's a two-story ADU, which might include one built atop an accessory structure, it can rise to a maximum of 18 feet for a flat roof plus 1 additional foot for a parapet, or up to 22 feet for a pitched roof. If it's a conversion ADU without expansion, its height is limited to that of the existing structure.
ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building
How many ADUs does South Pasadena allow for multifamily properties?
Multifamily properties can have up to 25% of existing units converted to ADUs from nonliving space or at least one unit. Additionally, a maximum of two detached ADUs is also allowed.
How large can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in South Pasadena?
For multifamily buildings in South Pasadena, attached ADUs can have a maximum floor area of 850 square feet for one bedroom or 1,000 square feet for two or more bedrooms, with up to 800 square feet allowed to go beyond lot coverage and FAR requirements.
How large can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in South Pasadena?
Detached ADUs for multifamily buildings in South Pasadena can have a maximum floor area of 1,200 square feet, with the potential for up to 800 square feet to go beyond the property's lot coverage and FAR requirements.
Can I stack detached ADUs on top of each other?
No, in South Pasadena, you cannot stack detached ADUs on top of each other. The regulation allowing a second-story addition applies to adding another story above an existing structure or a garage, rather than stacking one detached ADU on top of another.
Can I attach two ADUs to each other?
No, South Pasadena does not allow attaching two ADUs to each other. Instead, they should be attached to the primary unit.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, it is allowed to convert nonliving space within the existing building envelope on lots with a multifamily dwelling into an ADU.
What is the maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multi-family building
For a single-story structure, the maximum height is 16 feet, while for a two-story one, it can reach up to 18 feet with a flat roof and an additional foot for a parapet, or 22 feet with a pitched roof.
What ADU types are allowed to build in South Pasadena?
South Pasadena allows several types of ADUs, including:
(A) Detached ADU: A completely separate structure built away from the main residence.
(B) Attached ADU: A newly constructed structure physically connected to the main home.
(C) Converted ADU: A modification of an existing non-livable area, such as a garage, shed, or storage space, into a functional living unit with a kitchen or kitchenette and a bathroom.
Repurposing existing structures into ADUs offers more flexibility, as setback and height restrictions are generally not applicable. These structures can also be expanded for more space. However, renovating older buildings may uncover unforeseen issues that could increase costs.
ADU setbacks from the property lines and other buildings
What are the required setbacks for an ADU in South Pasadena?
In South Pasadena, new ADUs should have setbacks of 4 feet from the side and rear lot lines.
What is the minimum distance the ADU must have from the existing structures?
Detached ADUs on lots larger than 800 square feet should have a 10-foot building separation.
Are setbacks required when converting existing structures into ADU?
For conversions of existing structures, walls can extend up to 10 feet from the existing setback, maintaining at least 3 feet from the side and 4 feet from the rear property lines.
Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in South Pasadena?
Yes, you can build an ADU in the front yard of your house in South Pasadena, as long as 50 percent or more of the existing primary dwelling is located in the rear one-third of the property (if the property is not historic).
Design requirements for ADU
How many bedrooms can an ADU have?
An ADU in South Pasadena can have at least one bedroom unless it's proposed as a studio unit.
Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?
Yes, an ADU in South Pasadena is required to have a full kitchen, unlike JADUs, which only need efficiency kitchens.
Does an ADU require independent utility meters?
For an ADU in South Pasadena, it's possible to have shared or separate utility meters, independent of the primary dwelling.
What is the minimum ceiling height?
The minimum ceiling height in South Pasadena is 7 feet, as required by the California Building Code.
Find out the maximum ADU size for your property here
The parking requirements for ADU
What is the parking requirement for an ADU in South Pasadena?
In South Pasadena, one off-street parking space is required, or if within a multifamily structure, it would be one space per 3 ADUs, but exemptions apply: if the ADU is within a half-mile walking distance of a bus stop or light rail station if on-street parking permits aren't provided to the ADU occupant if it's in a historic district if it's part of the primary dwelling, or if there's a car share vehicle nearby.
Where can I have a parking space on my property?
In South Pasadena, there are no specific regulations regarding the location of parking spaces. However, in many cities throughout Los Angeles County, parking spaces are typically situated in setbacks or existing driveways, often arranged as tandem parking.
How to get permits for your ADU
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in South Pasadena?
The approval process generally takes between 3.5 and 4 months. After preparing your permit drawings, you or your architect should submit them for a Plan Check. It’s recommended to meet with a city planner beforehand to review your application.
Once your application is submitted and all fees are paid, the city has 60 days to confirm if it’s complete. If no response is given within that period, your permit will be automatically approved. If corrections are required, your designer must revise and resubmit the application. The application should show that it meets ADU requirements, and that missing information won’t lead to a denial. The estimated Plan Check fee for ADUs in South Pasadena is $2,922.
Does South Pasadena require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?
No, it's not required. Plans for ADUs are submitted digitally in PDF format through the Building and Safety Division Plan Submittal Portal.
Does South Pasadena require coastal development permits?
No, South Pasadena does not require coastal development permits.
When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in South Pasadena?
In South Gate, the requirement for a licensed professional to design an ADU is determined by the project's complexity.
How Much Value Does a Mother-in-Law Suite Add to Your Home?
How much does it cost to build an ADU in South Pasadena?
Building an ADU in South Pasadena typically costs around $380 per square foot, covering expenses such as permits, architectural design, and engineering services. For example, constructing a 900-square-foot ADU would generally amount to approximately $390,000, inclusive of both soft and hard costs.
Is it profitable to build an ADU in South Pasadena?
Assessing the financial viability of building an ADU in South Pasadena involves comparing construction costs with local real estate market values. For instance, a 900-square-foot ADU could potentially have a market value of about $800,000. With construction expenses estimated at $390,000, this suggests a potential return on investment of 100%.
Furthermore, profitability considerations can also include potential rental income or the advantages of accommodating family members on the same property.
Can you sell an ADU in South Pasadena?
Under California's AB 1033, local governments can establish rules for selling ADUs as condominiums in conjunction with primary homes, provided they adhere to relevant ADU regulations.
In South Gate, specific local laws govern the sale of these units. ADUs constructed by recognized nonprofit organizations can be sold, and they may also be offered through a tenancy-in-common agreement or if the city permits the separate sale of the ADU and the main residence as condominiums.
Are ADUs rent-controlled in South Pasadena?
No, ADUs in South Pasadena are not subject to rent control laws. They are treated as new constructions and are exempt from regulations like AB 1482, which allows landlords to adjust rents annually. This exemption applies to buildings that are at least 15 years old.
How do I get money to build an ADU in South Pasadena?
In South Pasadena, homeowners can apply for the CalHFA's ADU grant program, administered by the California Community Economic Development Association (CCEDA), to finance the construction of an ADU. This program offers eligible homeowners grants of $40,000 to cover pre-construction expenses for ADU construction. Furthermore, more than half of these grants are reserved for low-income households, enhancing affordability.
Find out how much value an ADU could add to your property.
Related Articles
ADU Solutions for Aging in Place in South Pasadena
All You Need to Know About Building on Properties in South Pasadena Under SB-9
Everything You Need to Know About SB-684 Development in South Pasadena
How to get your permits fast or the benefits of using SB-423 in South Pasadena
How to Make My ADU a Profitable Investment in South Pasadena?