Introduction to Accessory Dwelling Units
An accessory dwelling unit commonly called a granny flat or in-law suite must exist on a lot that’s zoned single-family. It has its own entrance, separate from the primary house, as well as a kitchen, bathroom and living space. These units can be rented, year-round, and add a lot of value to a property.
Zoning in Pasadena
ADUs are allowed in RS and RM zones.
Lot size
No minimum lot size is imposed on CONVERSION ADUs other than that of the underlying zone. Properties in RM districts are also not subject to any minimum lot size. New construction ADUs are allowed on lots located in any RS zoning district that is not part of a Hillside Overlay District AND are 7,200 square feet or larger.
Min/Max Building Sizes
For converted structures (including conversion of part of the existing floor area
of a single-family residence or accessory structure, such as a garage, carriage house, pool house, studio, etc.): No minimum or maximum build size
For new structures:
Minimum unit size: 150 square feet
Maximum unit size: 800 square foot max, or 50% of the existing living space (whichever is less) for parcels less than 10,000 sq. ft.
1,200 square foot max or 50% of the existing living space (whichever is less) for parcels 10,000 sq. ft. or greater.
Height Restrictions
See local zoning information for specific height requirements in your neighborhood.
Parking in Pasadena
For converted ADU structures, no parking is required.
For new ADU structures, 1 space per unit in any form is required (covered, uncovered, tandem), unless:
- Located within 1⁄2 mile from a public transit stop;
- Located within a historical district;
- On-street parking permits are required but not o ered to the occupant of the ADU; or a car-share vehicle pick-up/drop-o is located within 1-block of the ADU.
Replacement parking for both converted & new structures:
If an existing garage or carport serving as the required parking for the primary dwelling is demolished to accommodate the construction of an ADU, the required replacement parking may be provided as covered, uncovered, or tandem on an existing driveway.
Setbacks
- Front: average of the block face or 25 feet
• Interior side: 10% of the lot width or 5 feet.
• Corner side: 10% of the lot width or 10 feet.
• Rear: 10 feet
Exception: interior side and rear setback for attached exterior ADUs constructed over an existing attached garage is 5 feet.
Owner Occupancy
The property owner must reside in either the main dwelling or the ADU.
Rentals
New ADUs created on or after January 1, 2017 cannot be used as a short-term rental (defined as less than 30 days.)
Additional notes
- The construction of an ADU will likely result in a reassessment of your property by the Los Angeles County Tax Assessor’s Office.
- An ADU cannot be rented short-term. (Airbnb)
- All ADUs are subject to all relevant zoning regulations including maximum floor area and maximum lot coverage.
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