Accessory Dwelling Units

• Required Parking. One parking space per unit or per bedroom, whichever is less, shall be provided on-site for the accessory dwelling unit. The onsite parking space may be provided as covered, uncovered, or as tandem parking on an existing driveway.
  • (1) Exception. No parking space is required for an accessory dwelling unit if it meets any of the following conditions:
    1. The site is located within one-half mile walking distance of a public transit stop;
    2. The accessory dwelling unit is contained within the proposed or existing space (i.e., all fully enclosed area, including a garage) of the primary dwelling or accessory structure
    3. Property is within a historic district (which includes landmark and historic districts); or
    4. When there is a commercial car share vehicle pick-up and drop-off location located within one block of the accessory dwelling unit; or
    5. When a permit application for an accessory dwelling unit is submitted with an application to create a new single-family or multifamily dwelling on the same lot, provided that the accessory dwelling unit satisfies any of the other criteria listed in (a)-(d) above.
• Replacement parking. Replacement parking is not required if an existing garage, carport or surface space serving as the required parking for the primary dwelling unit is demolished or converted in conjunction with the construction or conversion of an ADU.
• Driveway access. An accessory dwelling unit shall share the driveway with the existing primary residence on the site. A second driveway shall only be allowed from an alley, if there is an alley that serves the subject site.

Fire Sprinklers. Accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units are required to meet code requirements for fire department access and water. For more information, refer to page 3 of the Office of State Fire Marshall's ADU Information Bulletin.

1. Accessory Dwelling Unit. A residential dwelling unit that provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons on the same parcel as a proposed or existing legal single-family residence. An accessory dwelling unit shall include permanent provisions that include, but are not limited to, living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation. An accessory dwelling unit includes only conditioned living areas within exterior walls and a roof. An ‘attached accessory dwelling unit’ means attached to the primary single-family residence or multifamily structure.
2. Junior Accessory Dwelling Units. A Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit is limited to a maximum area of 500 square feet and shall be constructed within the walls of the proposed or existing single-family residence and/or attached garage or other non-habitable attached space.
3. Converted Accessory Dwelling Unit. An accessory dwelling unit constructed through conversion of part of the existing floor area of a primary single-family or multi-family residence or an existing structure accessory to a primary residence, such as a garage, a carriage house, a pool house, a rear yard studio, or similar enclosed structure. An ‘attached converted accessory dwelling unit’ means within the primary single-family residence or multifamily structure.
4. Newly Constructed Accessory Dwelling Unit. An accessory dwelling unit constructed as a new structure, or by addition to an existing structure, either attached to or detached from a primary single-family residence and located on the same lot.
5. Accessory Structure. A structure that is accessory and incidental to a dwelling located on the same lot.
6. Living Area. Interior habitable area of a dwelling unit, including basements and attics, but does not include a garage or any accessory structure.
7. Public Transit. A location, including, but not limited to, a bus stop or train station, where the public may access buses, trains, subways, and other forms of transportation that charge set fares, run on fixed routes, and are available to the public.

Reduced Fees for ADUs on Single-Family Sites

The following fee reductions apply to ADUs on single-family sites*:

• For ADUs that are 900 square feet or smaller and do not have a Housing Agreement**:
  • The ADU is exempt from the RIFs.
  • The ADU permit fees are reduced by 25% for the following categories: Construction Tax, General Plan Maintenance Fee, and Technology Fee.
  • The Construction and Demolition (C&D) deposit is reduced to $1,000.
• For ADUs of any size that have a Housing Agreement**:
  • Plan check fees are discounted by 50%.
  • The ADU is exempt from the RIFs.
  • The ADU is exempt from several permit fees (the RIFs, Construction Tax, General Plan Maintenance Fee, and Technology Fee).
  • The C&D deposit is also reduced to $1,000.
• For ADUs that use an ADU Standard Plan:
  • Plan check fees are discounted by 50%.
  • The ADU is exempt from the RIFs.
  • The ADU is exempt from several permit fees (the RIFs, Construction Tax, General Plan Maintenance Fee, and Technology Fee).
  • The C&D deposit is also reduced to $1,000.

• All other ADUs, regardless of size:
  • The C&D deposit is reduced to $1,000.

* Fee reductions are not retroactive. With the exception of the reduced RIFs and Construction Tax, the stated fee waivers/reductions went into effect on May 6, 2025. The reduced RIFs and Construction Tax became effective on July 17, 2025. Multi-family sites (sites with two or more attached units) do not qualify for these reductions.

**The Housing Agreement must be executed prior to permit issuance otherwise standard permit fees will apply and any previously applied fee reductions will need to be repaid. Housing Agreements executed after permit issuance will not retroactively qualify for reduced fees. 

Plan Check Submittal Questionnaire for ADUs

To assist staff with charging the correct fees for ADUs on single-family sites, applicants will need to respond to the questions below as part of the CSS Permit Portal submittal process.  Note that inaccurate responses may result in delays and/or fee errors. Please be prepared to accurately respond to the following questions when submitting your ADU plans for review:

1. Is your ADU based on a City-approved Standard Plan Design?
   (Answer ‘Yes’ if your ADU utilizes one of the City’s pre-approved ADU Standard Plans. These ADUs qualify for reduced plan check and permit fees.)

2. Will you be signing an ADU Affordability Covenant or an ADU Landlord Agreement for this ADU?
   (Answer ‘Yes’ if you will be executing one of these agreements. These ADUs qualify for reduced plan check and permit fees, regardless of ADU size.)

3. Is the ADU 900 sq. ft. or less?
   (Answer ‘Yes’ if the total size of the ADU is 900 square feet or less. These ADUs qualify for reduced permit fees.)

• For questions regarding ADU regulations: ZoningQuestions@cityofpasadena.net
• For questions related to ADUs in historic districts or in individually designated historic properties email: DHPQuestions@cityofpasadena.net
• For questions related to building codes or the permit process: Permit_Center_Manager@cityofpasadena.net
• For questions related to power utility requirements: ESP@cityofpasadena.net or 626-744-4495, Option 1 for Power
• For questions related to the residential impact fee and sidewalk repair fee: pw-permits@cityofpasadena.net
• For questions related to fire code requirements: avillegas@cityofpasadena.net (copy jmorelli@cityofpasadena.net)