ADU rules in Pasadena

In landmark and historic districts, an ADU visible from the street is capped at 16 ft. We place and shape it to fit before design starts.

Pasadena's pre-approved plans must be built as drawn; moving even a window means a full plan review. We help you decide between a free plan and a custom one.

For red-tagged lots, the city lists extra pre-approved plans of about 400 to 750 sq ft. We match the plan to the lot and the rebuild.

Pasadena runs its own utility, with its own process for service and panel upgrades. We request it early so it doesn't hold up the permit.

Pasadena has its own tree ordinance. We map protected trees before placing the ADU.