Skip to content

Chapter 17.33 — Fair Oaks-Orange Grove Specific Plan

Pasadena Municipal Code · 2026-09 edition · updated 2026-09-29 · Pasadena

17.33.010 - Purpose of Chapter

This Chapter lists the land uses that may be allowed within the zoning districts established by the Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan (FGSP), determines the type of land use permit/approval required for each use, and provides standards for site layout and building size.

17.33.020 - Purpose of FGSP Zoning Districts

The purposes of the FGSP zoning districts are to implement the Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan by balancing and optimizing economic development, historic preservation, and the maintenance of local community culture, and to:

A.

Protect, support and preserve the surrounding residential neighborhoods within the specific plan area by establishing appropriate land uses, development standards, and design guidelines;

B.

Improve the appearance of the area to enhance the quality of life for local residents and opportunities for employment and business development;

C.

Allow a mix of uses that provides for viable commercial and residential development and supports efforts to revitalize the area;

D.

Create a pedestrian-friendly environment that balances the needs of pedestrians and vehicular traffic, recognizing the status of Fair Oaks Avenue as a Principal Mobility Corridor;

E.

Build upon and enhance existing and new community-serving facilities (parks, libraries, community centers, schools, etc.) to respond to the needs of the community; and

F.

In District FGSP-CL-1:

Help stabilize the business climate by complementing the residential uses in this segment of the corridor with new and enhanced neighborhood-serving commercial uses as select nodes while serving the needs of nearby residents.

Update the overall corridor appearance through streetscape improvements, increased enforcement of housing property maintenance and Zoning Code (Code Compliance) efforts, land-use strategies, and implementation of development standards.

Retain and protect existing community-serving facilities including the Community Health Center, La Pintoresca Park, and Library.

G.

In District FGSP-C-2:

Expand opportunities for employment-generating and community-serving resources (i.e., Robinson Park, Jackie Robinson Center, the City's One Stop Career Services Center, Fire Station #36, etc.) to respond to the needs of the surrounding residents.

Encourage a mix of land uses to increase the potential for a synergy between existing and future commercial and light industrial uses to build on the "business park" concept.

Encourage development and delivery of the arts and cultural programming.

Maintain existing housing and create housing opportunities within the district by providing for work/live housing in appropriate areas.

H.

In District FGSP-C-3:

Build on the historical function of this area as a commercial and neighborhood center.

Create a pedestrian-oriented and transit-oriented district to support businesses and residential uses in the area.

Provide for commercial and mixed-use development along Fair Oaks Avenue to maintain compact urban character.

Provide for commercial retail and office, residential, and mixed-use development at the intersection of Fair Oaks Avenue and Orange Grove Boulevard and along Orange Grove Boulevard.

17.33.030 - Applicability

The standards of the FGSP zoning districts apply to proposed development and new land uses in the following areas, as shown on the Zoning Map.

A.

FGSP-RM-12. Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan - Multi-Family Residential District, 2 units per lot.

B.

FGSP-RM-16. Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan - Multi-family Residential District, 16 units per acre.

C.

FGSP-OS. Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan - Open Space District.

D.

FGSP-PS. Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan - Public and Semi-Public District.

E.

FGSP-CL-1a. Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan - Limited Commercial District 1, Subdistrict "a."

F.

FGSP-CL-1b. Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan - Limited Commercial District 1, Subdistrict "b."

G.

FGSP-C-2. Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan - Limited Commercial District 2.

H.

FGSP-C-3a. Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan -Limited Commercial District 3, Subdistrict "a."

I.

FGSP-C-3b. Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan - Limited Commercial District 3, Subdistrict "b."

J.

FGSP-C-3c. Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan - Limited Commercial District 3, Subdistrict "c."

K.

FGSP-C-3d. Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan - Limited Commercial District 3, Subdistrict "d."

17.33.040 - FGSP District Land Uses and Permit Requirements

A.

Allowable land uses and permit requirements. Table 3-14 identifies the uses of land allowed by this Zoning Code in each FGSP zoning district, and the land use permit required to establish each use, in compliance with Section 17.21.030 (Allowable Land Uses and Permit Requirements). The land use permit requirements established by Table 3-14 are as follows.

Symbol Permit Requirement Procedure is in Section:

P Permitted use, Code Compliance Certificate required 17.61.020

MC Conditional use, Minor Conditional Use Permit required. 17.61.050

AMC Conditional use, Administrative Minor Conditional Use Permit required. 17.61.050

C Conditional use, Conditional Use Permit required. 17.61.050

AC Conditional use, Administrative Conditional Use Permit required. 17.61.050

E Conditional use, Expressive Use Permit required. 17.61.060

TUP Temporary use, Temporary Use Permit required. 17.61.040

— Use not allowed. (See Section 17.21.030.A regarding uses not listed.)

Note: the right column in the tables ("Specific Use Standards") will show a section number for regulations that apply to the particular use listed, in addition to the other general standards of this Zoning Code.

TABLE 3-13 - ALLOWED USES AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FAIR OAKS/ORANGE GROVE RM-16, RM-12, PS, AND OS DISTRICTS

LAND USE (1) PERMIT REQUIREMENT BY ZONE Specific Use
Standards
FGSP -

RM-12 RM-16 PS OS

RESIDENTIAL USES

Accessory dwelling unit P P — — 17.50.275

Junior accessory dwelling unit P P P — 17.50.275.E

Caretakers quarters — — C C

Dormitories — — C —

Fraternity/sorority housing — — C —

Home occupations P P — — 17.50.110

Multi-family housing P (5) P (5) C (3) —

Residential accessory uses and structures P P C — 17.50.250

Residential care facilities, limited (5, 6) P P C (3) —

Single-family housing P (6) P (6) C (3) —

Supportive housing (5, 6) P P C (3) —

Transitional housing (5, 6) P P C (3) —

RECREATION, EDUCATION & PUBLIC ASSEMBLY USES

Clubs, lodges, private meeting halls — — MC MC

Colleges - Nontraditional campus setting — — C —

Colleges - Traditional campus setting — — C —

Commercial recreation - Indoor — — — C 17.50.130

Commercial recreation - Outdoor — — C C 17.50.130

Conference Centers — — C (3) —

Cultural institutions C (2) C (2) C C

Electronic game centers — — — C 17.50.100

Park and recreation facilities C C C C

Religious facilities C (2) C (2) C — 17.50.230

with columbarium MC (2) MC (2) MC — 17.50.230

with temporary homeless shelter C (2) C (2) C — 17.50.230

Schools - Public and private C (2) C (2) C C 17.50.270

Stadiums and arenas — — — C

Street fairs P P P P

Tents TUP TUP TUP TUP 17.50.320

OFFICE, PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS SUPPORT USES

Offices - Administrative business professional MC (7) MC (7) C (3) — 17.50.170

Offices - Government — — C —

Offices - Medical — — C —

Research and Development (8) — — C — 17.50.240

RETAIL SALES

Alcohol sales - Beer and wine — — C (3) C (3)

Alcohol Sales, Beer and Wine at Restaurants AC (3) AC (3) (including fast food)

Alcohol sales - Full alcohol sales — — C (3) C (3)

Alcohol Sales, Full Alcohol at Restaurants (including AC (3) AC (3) fast food)

Commercial nursery — — — C (4) 17.50.180

Personal property sales P P — — 17.50.190

Restaurants — — C (3) C (3) 17.50.260

Restaurants, fast food — — C (3) C (3) 17.50.260

Restaurants, formula fast food — — C (3) C (3) 17.50.260

Restaurant with limited live entertainment — — P P 17.50.260

Restaurant with walk-up window — — MC (9) MC (9) 17.50.260

Temporary uses TUP TUP TUP TUP

Swap meets — — C C

SERVICES

Charitable institutions — — MC —

Child day-care centers C C C — 17.50.080

Child day-care, large care homes, 9 to 14 persons MC MC C — 17.50.080

Child day-care, small care homes, 1 to 8 persons P P C —

Filming, long-term C C C C

Filming, short-term P P P P

Public safety facilities C (2) C (2) C C

INDUSTRY, MANUFACTURING & PROCESSING USES

Commercial growing areas C C — C (4)

Recycling - Small collection facility — — C C 17.50.220

TRANSPORTATION, COMMUNICATIONS & UTILITY USES

Accessory antenna array — — — P

Utility, major C (2) C (2) C C

Utility, minor P P P P

Wireless telecommunications facilities, major — — C — 17.50.310

Wireless telecommunications facilities, minor MC MC MC — 17.50.310

Wireless telecommunications facilities, SCL — — P — 17.50.310

Notes:
(1) See Section 17.80.020 for definitions of the listed land uses.

(2)  Uses on a site greater than two acres that was established after June 30, 1985, shall require a zone change to PS (Public, Semi-Public). (3)  Limited to accessory facilities of a principal use. (4)  A horticultural or nursery use shall not replace a park or outdoor commercial recreation use. (5)  Two units on a lot shall meet the development standards of the RM-12 district, Section 17.22.040, except as shown in Table 3-15. (6)  A single-family use shall meet the development standards of the RS-6 district, Section 17.22.040, except as shown in Table 3-15. (7)  Limited to buildings designated or listed in the National Register of Historic Places. (8)  Limited to parcels not owned by Pasadena Unified School District or used as a K-12 school as of December 4, 2023. (9)  Minor Conditional Use Permit not required if Walk-Up Window complies with Section 17.50.260.

TABLE 3-14 - ALLOWED USES AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FAIR OAKS/ORANGE GROVE CL, C-2, AND C-3
DISTRICTS

LAND USE (1) PERMIT REQUIREMENT BY ZONE Specific Use
Standards
FGSP -

CL-1a CL-1b C-2 C-3a, b, C-3c
d

RESIDENTIAL USES

Accessory dwelling unit — P — P — 17.50.275

Junior accessory dwelling unit — P — P — 17.50.275.E.

Caretakers quarters — P — P —

Dormitories — P — P —

Fraternity/sorority housing — P — P —

Home occupations — P P P — 17.50.110

Mixed-use projects — P (3) — P (3) — 17.33.050.E

Multi-family housing (14) — P — —(12) —

Residential accessory uses and structures — P — P — 17.50.250

Residential care facilities, limited (14, 15) — P — P —

Single-family housing (15) — P (14) — P —

Supportive housing (14, 15) — P — P —

Transitional housing (14, 15) — P — P —

Work/live units — — C (11) C (11) C (11) 17.50.370

RECREATION, EDUCATION & PUBLIC ASSEMBLY USES (2, 9, 10)

Clubs, lodges, private meeting halls (4, 5) MC MC MC MC MC

Colleges - Nontraditional campus setting P (3) P (3) P (3) P (3) P (3)

Colleges - Traditional campus setting C (4) C (4) C (4) C (4) C (4)

with safe parking MC MC MC MC MC 17.50.265

Commercial entertainment E (3) E (3) E (3) E (3) E (3) 17.50.130

Commercial recreation - Indoor C (3) C (3) C (3) C (3) C (3) 17.50.130

Commercial recreation - Outdoor C C C C C 17.50.130

Cultural institutions P (4) P (4) P (4) P (4) P (4)

Electronic game centers C (3) C (3) C (3) C (3) C (3) 17.50.100

Internet access studios C (3) C (3) C (3) C (3) C (3) 17.50.100

Park and recreation facilities C C C C C

Religious facilities C (4) C (4) C (4) C (4) C (4) 17.50.230

with columbarium MC (4) MC (4) MC (4) MC (4) MC (4) 17.50.230

with temporary homeless shelter P P P P P 17.50.230

with affordable housing P P P P (16) P 17.50.230

with safe parking MC MC MC MC MC 17.50.265

Schools - Public and private C (4) C (4) C (4) C (4) C (4) 17.50.270

Schools - Specialized education and training P (3) P (3) P (3) P (3) P (3)

Street fairs P P P P P

Tents TUP TUP TUP TUP TUP 17.50.320

OFFICE, PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS SUPPORT USESb (2, 9, 10)

Automated teller machines (ATM) P P P P P 17.50.060

Banks and financial services P (3) P (3) P (3) P (3) P (3)

with walk-up service P P P P P 17.50.060

Business support services P (3) P (3) P (3) P (3) P (3)

Offices - Accessory P P P P P

Offices - Administrative business professional P (3) P (3) P (3) P (3) P (3)

Offices - Government P P P P P

Offices - Medical P (3) P (3) P (3) P (3) P (3)

Research and development P P P P P 17.50.240

RETAIL SALES (2, 9, 10)

Alcohol sales - Beer and wine C (6) C (6) — C (6) C (6)

Alcohol sales - Beer and wine at Restaurants AC (6) AC (6) AC (6) AC (6) (including fast food)

Alcohol sales - Full alcohol sales C (6) C (6) — C (6) C (6)

Alcohol sales - Full alcohol sales at AC (6) AC (6) AC (6) AC (6)
Restaurants (including fast food)

Building materials and supplies sales — — — C (3) C (3)

Commercial nurseries C (3) C (3) C (3) C (3) C (3) 17.50.180

Convenience stores C C — C C

Food sales P (3) P (3) — P (3) P (3)

Internet vehicle sales P (3) P (3) P (3) P (3) P (3)

Personal property sales — — — P P 17.50.190

Restaurants P (3) P (3) — P (3) P (3) 17.50.260

Restaurants, fast food C (3) C (3) — C (3) C (3) 17.50.260

Restaurants, formula fast food C (3) C (3) — C (3) C (3) 17.50.260

Restaurants with limited live entertainment P P — P P

Restaurants with walk-up window MC MC MC (17) MC (17) 17.50.260
(17) (17)

Retail sales P (3) P (3) — P (3) P (3)

Seasonal merchandise sales P P P P P 17.50.180

Significant tobacco retailers C (3) C (3) C (3) C (3) C (3) 17.50.330

Temporary uses TUP TUP TUP TUP TUP

Vehicle services - Automobile rental (3) — — C (13) C (13) C (13)

Vehicle services - Service stations (3, 7) — — C C C 17.50.290

SERVICES (2, 9, 10)

Adult day-care, limited — P — P —

Animal services - Boarding — — — C C

Animal services - Grooming C (3) C (3) P (3) P (3) P (3)

Catering services P (3) P (3) P (3) P (3) P (3)

Charitable institution (2, 4) C C C C C

Child day-care centers P P P P P 17.50.080

Child day-care, large care homes, 9 to 14 — P — P — 17.50.080 persons

Child day-care, small care homes, 1 to 8 — P — P — persons

Drive-through business - nonrestaurants C C C C C 17.50.090

Drive-through business - restaurants C C C C C 17.50.090

Emergency shelters — MC — MC — 17.50.105

Emergency shelters, limited — P — P — 17.50.105

Laboratories P (3) P (3) P (3) P (3) P (3)

Low barrier navigation centers — P — P — 17.50.153

Maintenance or repair services P (3) P (3) P (3) P (3) P (3)

Massage establishments C (3) C (3) C (3) C (3) C (3) 17.50.155

Personal improvement services P (3) P (3) P (3) P (3) P (3)

Personal services P (3) P (3) P (3) P (3) P (3)

Personal services - Restricted C (3) C (3) C (3) C (3) C (3) 17.50.200

Printing and publishing C (3) C (3) P (3) P (3) P (3)

Printing and publishing, limited P (3) P (3) P (3) P (3) P (3)

Public safety facilities C (4) C (4) C (4) C (4) C (4)

Vehicle services - Washing/detailing, small P P P P P 17.50.290 scale

INDUSTRY, MANUFACTURING & PROCESSING USES (2, 9, 10)

Commercial growing grounds P (3) P (3) P (3) P (3) P (3) 17.50.180

Industry, restricted (3, 8) — — C C C

Industry, restricted, small scale (3, 8) P P P P P

Industry, standard (3) — — — (8) — —

Recycling - Small collection facility C C C C C 17.50.220

Wholesaling, distribution, & storage (3) — — C — —

Wholesaling, distribution, & storage, small- P P P P P scale

TRANSPORTATION, COMMUNICATIONS & UTILITY USES

Accessory antenna array P P P P P

Communications facility (2, 3, 9, 10) — — P P P

Commercial off-street parking (2, 10) C C C C C

Utility, major C C C C C

Utility, minor P P P P P

Wireless telecommunications facilities, major C C C C C 17.50.310

Wireless telecommunications facilities, minor MC MC MC MC MC 17.50.310

Wireless telecommunications facilities, SCL P P P P P 17.50.310

Notes:

(1)  See Section 17.80.020 for definitions of the listed land uses.

(2)  Uses subject to limitations on hours of operation. See Section 17.40.070 (Hours of Operation).

(3)  Conditional Use Permit approval required for new construction exceeding 25,000 sq. ft. See Section 17.61.050.J for additional requirements. (4)  Uses on a site greater than two acres that were established after June 30, 1985, shall require a zone change to PS (Public, Semi-Public). (5)  A club or lodge established prior to September 9, 1996 is a permitted (P) use. (6)  Alcohol sales is limited to sales for on-site consumption that is accessory to a principal use such as a restaurant. Alcohol sales in conjunction with the following uses is prohibited: nightclubs (commercial entertainment) and billiard parlors (commercial recreation - indoor). (7)  Vehicle/equipment repair is limited to uses which provide limited services such as oil changes, window tinting, replacement of air filters, installation of car stereos and alarms, and other related services. All repairs shall occur within an enclosed building, overnight parking or storing of vehicles receiving services shall be within an enclosed building. (8)  An industrial use established prior to December 29, 2002, is a permitted (P) use.

(9)  If within 300 feet of an R District this use shall be limited to 10 one-way truck trips by large trucks per day per 6-day work week. This restriction shall apply to new uses and uses that expand by more than 30 percent of the gross floor area. This restriction shall not apply if the site or the adjacent R District is within 500 feet of a freeway. (10)  No more than five large trucks (except trucks associated with vehicle services - sales and leasing) shall be stored on each lot. This restriction shall apply to new uses or uses which expand by more than 30 percent of the gross floor area. (11)  The residential component of a work/live unit shall be counted as part of the allowable density. (12)  In C-3d multi-family housing is permitted. (13)  Fair Oaks Ave: allowed on the west side, south of Orange Grove Boulevard and allowed on both sides, north of Orange Grove Boulevard. Orange Grove Boulevard: allowed on both sides, west of Fair Oaks Ave. Incidental maintenance is not allowed. (14)  Two units on a lot shall meet the development standards of the RM-12 district, Section 17.22.040, except as shown in Table 3-15. (15)  A single-family use shall meet the development standards of the RS-6 district, Section 17.22.040, except as shown in Table 3-15. (16)  Not permitted in FGSP-C-3d zone. (17)  Minor Conditional Use Permit not required if Walk-Up Window complies with Section 17.50.260.

(Ord. No. 7435, § 11, 10-28-2024; Ord. No. 7420, § 3, 4-15-2024; Ord. No. 7418, § 2, 2-26-2024; Ord. No. 7414, § 2, 9-11- 2023; Ord. No. 7402, § 2, 9-19-2022; Ord. 7326 § 6, 2018; Ord. 7321 § 3 (Exh. 1), 2018; Ord. 7313 § 8, 2017; Ord. 7300 § 8 (Exhs. 8, 9), 2017; Ord. 7255 §§ 8 (Exh. 7), 9 (Exh. 8), 2015; Ord. 7210 § 6, 2011; Ord. 7164 § 8, 2009; Ord. 7160 §§ 7, 18, 2009: Ord. 7135 § 6 (Exh. 6), 2008; Ord. 7099 §§ 17 (Exh. 16), 18 (Exh. 17), 2007; Ord. 7050 § 2 (Exh. 1), 2006; Ord. 7009 § 14, 2005)

17.33.050 - FGSP Development Standards

Subdivisions, new land uses and structures, and alterations to existing land uses and structures shall be designed, constructed, and established in compliance with the requirements of this Section, in addition to the applicable standards (e.g., landscaping, parking and loading, etc.) in Articles 4 (Site Planning and General Development Standards) and 5 (Standards for Specific Land Uses). Principal and accessory structures shall meet the same development standards unless otherwise modified in this Zoning Ordinance.

A.

Residential density and lot size requirements. Where allowed by Section 17.33.040 (FGSP District Land Uses and Permit Requirements), residential uses shall comply with the following maximum density and minimum lot size requirements; except that in the PS zone, maximum density shall be established by the Conditional Use Permit approval required for all residential development, and minimum lot size requirements shall be established by Conditional Use Permit and/or subdivision approval, as applicable. (Ord. 7009 §§ 15-16, 2005)

Development feature Requirement by Zoning District

FGSP- FGSP- FGSP- FGSP- FGSP- FGSP-
RM-12 RM-16 CL-1b C-3a C-3b C-3d

Maximum density 2 d.u./lot 16 d.u./acre 16 d.u./acre 40 d.u./acre 32 d.u./acre 32 d.u./acre

with density bonus N.A. See Chapter 17.43 (Density Bonus, Waivers, and Incentives)

Minimum lot area for new lots 7,200 sf 7,200 sf 7,200 sf Determined bysubdivision 10,000 sf process  with density bonus 5,400 sf See Chapter 17.42 See Chapter 17.42

Minimum lot width for new lots 55 ft 55 ft 55 ft 60 ft

B.

Site planning and building standards. New land uses and structures, and alterations to existing land uses and structures shall be designed, constructed, and established in compliance with the following requirements. Some of the requirements are based on the location of the site within one of three districts established by the Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan:

District 1. Between Montana Street and Washington Boulevard;

District 2. Between Washington Boulevard and Mountain Street; and

District 3. Between Mountain Street and Maple Street.

TABLE 3-15 - FAIR OAKS/ORANGE GROVE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS

Development feature Requirement by Zoning District

FGSP-RM-12 FGSP-RM-16 FGSP-PS FGSP-OS

Minimum lot size (1) Minimum area and width for new lots.

See Section 17.33.050.A Determined through the subdivision process

Setbacks Minimum setbacks required. See Section 17.40.160 for setback measurement,
allowed projections and encroachments into setbacks, and exceptions to setbacks.

District 1 Between Montana Street and Washington Boulevard

Front N.A.   15 ft As required by
Conditional Use Permit approval
Sides, corner side, rear As required by
17.22.060, Table 2-
4

District 2 Between Washington Boulevard and Mountain Street

Front N. A. 10 ft As required by
Conditional Use Permit approval
Sides, corner side, rear As required by
17.22.060, Table 2-
4

District 3 Between Mountain Street and Maple Street

Front As required by N.A. As required by
17.22.040, Table 2- Conditional Use Permit approval
Sides, corner side, rear 3

Height limit Maximum height of main structures. See 17.40.060 for height measurement, and
exceptions to height limits. All structures shall also comply with the encroachment
plane requirements of 17.40.160.

District 1 (see above) As required by As required by As required by
17.22.040, Table 2- 17.22.060, Table 2- Conditional Use Permit approval
District 2 3 4

District 3 32 ft N.A.

Accessory structures Nonresidential uses shall meet the same standards as the principal structure;for
residential uses see Section 17.50.250 (Residential Accessory Uses and Structures)

Landscaping Chapter 17.44 (Landscaping)

Parking Chapter 17.46 (Parking and Loading)

Signs Chapter 17.48 (Signs)

Other applicable standards Chapter 17.40 (General Property Development and Use Standards) Article 5 (Standards for Specific Land Uses)

Notes:

(1)  See Section 17.40.030 regarding development on an undeveloped lot and Section 17.40.040 regarding development on a substandard lot. (2)  In subdistrict C-3, the height of buildings with offices - administrative business professional and mixed use projects shall be measured to the top plate.

TABLE 3-15 - FAIR OAKS/ORANGE GROVE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS

Development feature Requirement by Zoning District

FGSP-CL-1a, b FGSP-C-2 FGSP-C-3a, b, c, d

Minimum lot size (1) Minimum area and width for new lots.

Determined through the subdivision process, except as provided for a specific zone
by Section 17.33.050.A.

Setbacks Minimum setbacks required. See Section 17.40.160 for setback measurement,
allowed projections and encroachments into setbacks, and exceptions to setbacks.

Front 15 ft for residential in CL- 10 ft 5 ft
1b; 5 ft for nonresidential

Corner Side As required by Section 17.22.060 for residential; 5 ft. for nonresidential.

Side or Rear 15 ft. and shall not project within the encroachment plane (17.40.160.D.3) when
adjacent to an RS or RM zone unless the adjacent lot is a PK overlay which is used
for parking; none required otherwise.

Height limit Maximum height of main structures. See 17.40.060 for height measurement, and
exceptions to height limits. All structures shall also comply with the encroachment
plane requirements of 17.40.160.

Maximum height (2) As required by Section 36 ft 40 ft and 3 stories for
17.22.060 for residential; office structures in C-3a,
36 ft for nonresidential b, and c on Fair Oaks
and mixed use projects Avenue; 36 ft elsewhere

Accessory structures Non-residential uses shall meet the same standards as the principal structure;for
residential uses see Section 17.50.250 (Residential Accessory Uses and Structures)

Landscaping Chapter 17.44 (Landscaping)

Parking Chapter 17.46 (Parking and Loading)

Signs Chapter 17.48 (Signs)

Other applicable standards Chapter 17.40 (General Property Development and Use Standards) Article 5 (Standards for Specific Land Uses)

Notes:

(1)  See Section 17.40.030 regarding development on an undeveloped lot and Section 17.40.040 regarding development on a substandard lot. (2)  In subdistrict C-3, the height of buildings with offices - administrative business professional and mixed use projects shall be measured to the top plate.

C.

Building entries. Building entries shall be oriented to and accessible from the major street frontage, and directly accessible from a public sidewalk. Entries may be set back a maximum of 15 feet from the street property line to the doorway. On corner lots with multiple buildings, the front entry shall be oriented towards the front yard. On interior lots with multiple buildings, at least 51 percent of the entries shall face the front yard.

D.

Parking lots and driveways. Parking lots and driveways shall comply with the following requirements:

For parcels that have 200 feet in width or more of street frontage, parking lots and structures may occupy up to 40 percent of the street frontage.

For parcels less than 200 feet in width of street frontage, only one driveway shall be permitted.

E.

Mixed-use development. Mixed-use development shall comply with the following requirements:

Ground floor frontage. A minimum of 20 percent of the ground floor frontage, excluding driveways and pedestrian entries, shall be devoted to nonresidential uses. Nonresidential components shall include such uses as commercial-retail, commercial-office, community facility such as community room or health fitness, and other uses permitted with frontage on a major street.

Density. Density shall be determined by the underlying zoning district. For lots less than 10,000 square feet in area, the following shall be the maximum number of units permitted:

Lot Area Allowable Number
of Units

3,999 sq.ft. or less 2

4,000 to 5,499 sq. 3 ft.

5,500 to 6,999 sq. 4 ft.

7,000 to 8,499 sq. 5 ft.

8,500 to 9,999 sq. 6 ft.

Setbacks. Mixed-use projects shall comply with the following setbacks. The Zoning Administrator shall determine the front for such projects based on the character of the neighborhood.

Setback Minimum Requirement

Front 5 ft. for nonresidential portion; 10 ft. for the residential portion in CL-1 and C-3

Side 5 ft. for a minimum distance of 40 ft. from the front setback line

Corner Side 5 ft.

Rear 5 ft. except when adjacent to residential zoning district, setback shall be 15 ft.; 15 foot rear yard may be reduced to 5 ft. when adjacent to an alley

Parking. The total off-street parking spaces required shall be the sum of the required spaces for each use classification. Required parking and loading spaces for the non-residential component of the mixed-use development shall be according to the parking standards provided by Chapter 17.46. Parking shall not be visible from a street. The Zoning Administrator may modify this requirement for secondary streets.

Open space. Every project shall provide usable open space not less than 150 square feet per dwelling unit. The minimum open space may be met through a combination of common and private open space. Required open space may be located at grade or above grade. Private above-grade patios and rooftop recreational areas may be included as open space. Driveways, parking areas, and front yards (exclusive of area devoted to patios and balconies) shall not be counted as open space. Landscaped setback areas (excluding front yards) over six feet in width may count toward open space.

a.

Common open space. At least 25 percent of this required minimum open space must be common open space. Common open space shall be accessible to all residents of a residential building or development. Common open space shall be open to the sky except for arbors, trellises, or similar amenities. Recreation rooms at least 600 square feet in area may qualify as common open space. A common open space area shall measure a minimum of 400 square feet in area, with no horizontal dimension less than 20 feet. Overhangs, balconies, and other projections may encroach into this 20-foot dimension up to 5 feet. Common open areas shall incorporate recreational amenities such as benches, sitting areas, children's play areas, spas, swimming pools, ball courts, tables, and barbecue areas.

b.

Private open space. A private open space shall be contiguous with the dwelling unit and maintain an eight-foot clearance under any projections. A private open space shall measure at least 35 square feet in area with no horizontal dimension less than seven feet, to be counted toward the minimum open space requirement.

Fences and walls. Each project shall meet the following requirements for fences and walls. All fences and walls shall be measured from existing grade.

a.

A fence or wall in a required setback adjoining a street property line shall not exceed four feet in height except that a fence or wall may extend an additional two feet provided that the fence does not come closer than half the distance to the street property line and the total length of the six-foot fence does not exceed 50 percent of the building frontage.

b.

A six-foot solid fence or wall adjoin an interior property line abutting an RS District.

c.

Solid fences or walls along the rear property line or interior side property line shall not exceed 6 feet in height. Open decorative fences (i.e., one that is not more than 50 percent filled) may extend an additional 18 inches in height when not abutting an RS District.

(Ord. 7160 §§ 18, 19, 2009; Ord. 7050 § 3 (Exh. 2), 2006; Ord. 7035 § 6 (Exh. 7), 2006; Ord. 7099 §§ 15, 16, 2005)

Get a plain-English answer with a citation back to this text.

Ask AI about this code
▸Contents — Pasadena Municipal Code
Pasadena Municipal Code
  1. Article I — NAME AND BOUNDARIES
  2. Article II — SUCCESSION
  3. Article III — POWERS OF THE CITY
  4. Article IV — THE CITY COUNCIL
  5. Article V — LEGISLATION
  6. Article VI — THE CITY MANAGER
  7. Article VII — BOARD OF EDUCATION
  8. Article VIII — THE PERSONNEL SYSTEM
  9. Article IX — FISCAL ADMINISTRATION
  10. Article X — CONTRACTS, PURCHASES AND CLAIMS
  11. Article XI — FRANCHISES
  12. Article XII — ELECTIONS
  13. Article XIII — INITIATIVE, REFERENDUM AND RECALL
  14. Article XIV — WATER AND POWER UTILITY OPERATIONS
  15. Article XV — THE FIRE AND POLICE RETIREMENT SYSTEM
  16. Article XVI — PARK PRESERVATION
  17. Article XVII — TAXPAYER PROTECTION
  18. Article XVIII — THE PASADENA FAIR AND EQUITABLE HOUSING CHARTE…
  19. Title 1 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
  20. Title 1 — FOOTNOTES
  21. Chapter 2.05 — CITY COUNCIL
  22. Chapter 2.10 — CITY COUNCIL VACANCY APPOINTMENT PROCESS
  23. Chapter 2.20 — INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
  24. Chapter 2.25 — PARKING AUTHORITY
  25. Chapter 2.28 — SURPLUS PROPERTY AUTHORITY
  26. Chapter 2.30 — CITY ATTORNEY'S DEPARTMENT
  27. Chapter 2.35 — CITY CLERK'S DEPARTMENT
  28. Chapter 2.40 — CITY MANAGER'S DEPARTMENT
  29. Chapter 2.45 — ADVISORY BODIES GENERALLY
  30. Chapter 2.47 — ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION
  31. Chapter 2.48 — ACCESSIBILITY AND DISABILITY COMMISSION
  32. Chapter 2.55 — CODE ENFORCEMENT COMMISSION
  33. Chapter 2.60 — COMMUNITY POLICE OVERSIGHT COMMISSION
  34. Chapter 2.65 — COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN
  35. Chapter 2.70 — COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
  36. Chapter 2.75 — HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
  37. Chapter 2.80 — DESIGN COMMISSION
  38. Chapter 2.85 — HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
  39. Chapter 2.86 — HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION
  40. Chapter 2.90 — LIBRARY COMMISSION
  41. Chapter 2.95 — NORTHWEST COMMISSION
  42. Chapter 2.98 — PARKING METER ZONES ADVISORY COMMISSIONS
  43. Chapter 2.100 — RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION
  44. Chapter 2.105 — PLANNING COMMISSION
  45. Chapter 2.110 — RELOCATION APPEALS BOARD
  46. Chapter 2.120 — SENIOR COMMISSION
  47. Chapter 2.130 — SOUTH LAKE AVENUE PARKING PLACE COMMISSION
  48. Chapter 2.135 — TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMISSION
  49. Chapter 2.140 — ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMISSION
  50. Chapter 2.150 — HAHAMONGNA WATERSHED PARK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
  51. Chapter 2.155 — PASADENA COMMUNITY ACCESS CORPORATION BOARD
  52. Chapter 2.165 — PASADENA CENTER OPERATING COMPANY BOARD
  53. Chapter 2.175 — THE ROSE BOWL OPERATING COMPANY
  54. Chapter 2.250 — RETIREMENT SYSTEM
  55. Chapter 2.255 — AGENCIES AND DEPARTMENTS GENERALLY
  56. Chapter 2.265 — PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPA…
  57. Chapter 2.266 — PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT
  58. Chapter 2.267 — LIBRARIES AND INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT
  59. Chapter 2.268 — HOUSING DEPARTMENT
  60. Chapter 2.270 — PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
  61. Chapter 2.275 — FINANCE DEPARTMENT
  62. Chapter 2.280 — FIRE DEPARTMENT
  63. Chapter 2.285 — HUMAN RESOURCES
  64. Chapter 2.290 — INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT
  65. Chapter 2.295 — POLICE DEPARTMENT
  66. Chapter 2.300 — PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
  67. Chapter 2.302 — RENT STABILIZATION DEPARTMENT
  68. Chapter 2.303 — TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT
  69. Chapter 2.305 — WATER AND POWER DEPARTMENT
  70. Chapter 2.350 — ACCEPTANCE OF SURETIES
  71. Chapter 2.355 — ADMINISTRATIVE RESOLUTION OF CODE VIOLATIONS
  72. Chapter 2.360 — EQUAL OPPORTUNITY IN CITY EMPLOYMENT
  73. Chapter 2.365 — CLAIMS BY AND AGAINST THE CITY
  74. Chapter 2.370 — DISASTER EMERGENCY SERVICES COUNCIL
  75. Chapter 2.375 — EMERGENCY AUXILIARY FORCES
  76. Chapter 2.380 — HOUSING MEDIATION CONTRACTOR
  77. Chapter 2.385 — PERSONS AUTHORIZED TO ARREST PURSUANT TO PENAL…
  78. Chapter 2.390 — RECORD AND DOCUMENT FEES
  79. Chapter 2.395 — UNCLAIMED PERSONAL PROPERTY
  80. Chapter 2.400 — USE AND ACCESS OF CRIMINAL HISTORY INFORMATION
  81. Title 3 — CIVIC EVENTS AND FACILITIES
  82. Article I — General Provisions
  83. Article II — Permits
  84. Article III — Use Restrictions
  85. Article IV — Uses Requiring Permission
  86. Article V — Refunds—Penalties
  87. Chapter 3.28 — CIVIL DEFENSE TRAINING CENTER
  88. Chapter 3.32 — ARROYO SECO PUBLIC LANDS
  89. Article I — General Provisions
  90. Article II — Natural Preservation Area
  91. Article III — Brookside Park Area
  92. Article IV — Rose Bowl Area
  93. Article V — Brookside Golf Course Area
  94. Title 3 — FOOTNOTES
  95. Title 4 — REVENUE AND FINANCE
  96. Article 1 — General Provisions and Definitions
  97. Chapter 4.90 — CITY OF PASADENA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REVENUE B…
  98. Chapter 4.95 — PUBLIC WORKS BENEFIT ASSESSMENT DISTRICTS
  99. Chapter 4.100 — POWER DIVISION GENERAL FUND TRANSFER
  100. Chapter 4.101 — PASADENA TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
  101. Chapter 4.105 — SALES TAX INCENTIVES
  102. Chapter 4.106 — MOBILE SOURCE AIR POLLUTION REDUCTION ORDINANCE
  103. Chapter 4.107 — CITY OF PASADENA SPECIAL TAX FINANCING IMPROVE…
  104. Chapter 4.108 — SEISMIC AND FIRE SAFETY IMPROVEMENT ASSESSMENT…
  105. Chapter 4.109 — LIBRARY SPECIAL TAX
  106. Title 4 — FOOTNOTES
  107. Chapter 5.02 — PAYMENT OF A CITY-WIDE MINIMUM WAGE
  108. Chapter 5.04 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
  109. Chapter 5.08 — DEFINITIONS
  110. Chapter 5.10 — LICENSE REGULATIONS
  111. Chapter 5.12 — EXEMPTIONS TO TAX
  112. Chapter 5.16 — FEES FOR MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESSES
  113. Chapter 5.20 — ADVERTISEMENTS
  114. Chapter 5.24 — ALARM SYSTEMS
  115. Chapter 5.28 — CANNABIS BUSINESS TAX
  116. Chapter 5.32 — BILLIARD AND POOL ROOMS
  117. Chapter 5.33 — BINGO GAMES
  118. Chapter 5.34 — CHARITABLE SOLICITATIONS
  119. Chapter 5.35 — CONCEALABLE FIREARMS—RETAIL SALES
  120. Chapter 5.40 — ESCORT BUREAUS
  121. Chapter 5.44 — FRANCHISE GRANTS FOR USE OF PUBLIC WAYS
  122. Chapter 5.45 — SEXUALLY ORIENTED BUSINESSES
  123. Chapter 5.48 — MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS
  124. Chapter 5.56 — PAWNBROKERS, JUNK AND SECONDHAND DEALERS
  125. Chapter 5.60 — SALES AND CLOSE-OUTS
  126. Chapter 5.68 — UNDERGROUND FACILITIES USE
  127. Chapter 5.72 — VEHICLES FOR HIRE
  128. Chapter 5.74 — LICENSURE OF TOBACCO RETAILERS
  129. Chapter 5.78 — COMMERCIAL CANNABIS ACTIVITY
  130. Chapter 5.80 — COVID-19 RIGHT OF RECALL
  131. Chapter 5.82 — COVID-19 WORKER RETENTION ORDINANCE
  132. Title 5 — FOOTNOTES
  133. Title 6 — ANIMALS
  134. Title 6 — FOOTNOTES
  135. Title 8 — HEALTH AND SAFETY
  136. Title 8 — FOOTNOTES
  137. Title 9 — PUBLIC PEACE, MORALS AND WELFARE
  138. Chapter 9.20 — GAMING AND GAMBLING
  139. Chapter 9.24 — ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES IN PUBLIC
  140. Chapter 9.26 — DEFECATION AND URINATION IN PUBLIC
  141. Chapter 9.28 — INDECENT EXPOSURE
  142. Chapter 9.36 — NOISE RESTRICTIONS
  143. Chapter 9.37 — LEAF-BLOWING MACHINES
  144. Chapter 9.40 — BALL GAME BACKSTOPS
  145. Chapter 9.41 — COMBUSTIBLE BALLOONS
  146. Chapter 9.42 — FORMATION FLYING
  147. Chapter 9.43 — FEES FOR SECOND OR SUBSEQUENT RESPONSE TO PROVI…
  148. Chapter 9.44 — DISTRIBUTION OF UNSOLICITED WRITTEN MATERIAL (R…
  149. Chapter 9.45 — UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS
  150. Chapter 9.48 — FIRE HYDRANTS
  151. Chapter 9.52 — TRESPASSING
  152. Chapter 9.56 — OBSTRUCTING PUBLIC PLACE OR BUSINESS
  153. Chapter 9.58 — ABANDONED VEHICLE ABATEMENT
  154. Chapter 9.60 — GRAFFITI ABATEMENT ORDINANCE
  155. Chapter 9.62 — ABANDONED SHOPPING CARTS
  156. Article VI — Consumer Protection
  157. Chapter 9.68 — CURFEW
  158. Chapter 9.69 — SEALING OF SEXUALLY EXPLICIT MATERIAL
  159. Chapter 9.70 — SALE AND DISPLAY OF NARCOTIC PARAPHERNALIA
  160. Chapter 9.75 — TENANT PROTECTION
  161. Chapter 9.76 — PROHIBITED EQUIPMENT
  162. Chapter 9.78 — UNSERIALIZED FIREARMS
  163. Chapter 9.80 — DISCHARGING
  164. Chapter 9.84 — HAZARDOUS WEAPONS
  165. Chapter 9.88 — FAIR CAMPAIGN PRACTICES AND DISCLOSURE ORDINANCE
  166. Chapter 9.89 — ELECTRONIC FILING OF CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE INFORM…
  167. Chapter 9.90 — REPORTING SALES OF UNREGULATED CHEMICALS
  168. Chapter 9.95 — EVICTION DUE TO ILLEGAL DRUG DEALING ACTIVITIES
  169. Chapter 9.97 — ELLIS ACT TENANT PROTECTIONS
  170. Title 9 — FOOTNOTES
  171. Title 10 — VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
  172. Title 10 — FOOTNOTES
  173. Title 12 — STREETS AND SIDEWALKS
  174. Title 12 — FOOTNOTES
  175. Title 13 — UTILITIES AND SEWERS
  176. Article I — Definitions and General Provisions
  177. Article II — Design and Construction
  178. Article III — Maintenance and Operation
  179. Chapter 13.28 — WATER MAIN ASSESSMENTS5
  180. Chapter 13.32 — GOVERNMENT CONTROLLED WATERCOURSES
  181. Title 13 — FOOTNOTES
  182. Title 14 — BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION
  183. Title 14 — FOOTNOTES
  184. Title 16 — SUBDIVISIONS
  185. Title 16 — FOOTNOTES
  186. Title 17 — Zoning Code
  187. Chapter 17.10 — Enactment and Applicability of Zoning Code
  188. Chapter 17.12 — Interpretation of Zoning Code Provisions
  189. Chapter 17.20 — Zoning Map
  190. Chapter 17.21 — Development and Land Use Approval Requirements
  191. Chapter 17.22 — Residential Zoning Districts
  192. Chapter 17.24 — Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts
  193. Chapter 17.26 — Special Purpose Zoning Districts
  194. Chapter 17.28 — Overlay Zoning Districts
  195. Chapter 17.29 — Hillside Overlay Districts
  196. Chapter 17.30 — Central District Specific Plan
  197. Chapter 17.31 — East Colorado Specific Plan 2022
  198. Chapter 17.32 — East Pasadena Specific Plan
  199. Chapter 17.33 — Fair Oaks-Orange Grove Specific Plan
  200. Chapter 17.34 — North Lake Specific Plan
  201. Chapter 17.35 — South Fair Oaks Specific Plan
  202. Chapter 17.36 — West Gateway Specific Plan
  203. Chapter 17.37 — Lincoln Avenue Specific Plan
  204. Chapter 17.38 — Lamanda Park Specific Plan
  205. Chapter 17.39 — East Colorado Specific Plan 2003
  206. Chapter 17.40 — General Property Development and Use Standards
  207. Chapter 17.42 — Inclusionary Housing Requirements
  208. Chapter 17.43 — Density Bonus, Waivers and Incentives
  209. Chapter 17.44 — Landscaping
  210. Chapter 17.46 — Parking and Loading
  211. Chapter 17.48 — Signs
  212. Chapter 17.50 — Standards for Specific Land Uses
  213. Chapter 17.60 — Application Filing and Processing
  214. Chapter 17.61 — Permit Approval or Disapproval
  215. Article 2 — Zoning Districts, Allowable Land Uses, and Zone-Sp…
  216. Chapter 17.62 — Historic Preservation
  217. Chapter 17.64 — Permit Implementation, Time Limits, and Extens…
  218. Chapter 17.66 — Development Agreements
  219. Chapter 17.68 — Specific Plans
  220. Chapter 17.70 — Administrative Responsibility
  221. Chapter 17.71 — Nonconforming Uses, Structures, and Lots
  222. Chapter 17.72 — Appeals
  223. Chapter 17.74 — Amendments
  224. Chapter 17.76 — Public Hearings
  225. Chapter 17.78 — Enforcement
  226. Chapter 17.80 — Glossary of Specialized Terms and Land Use Types
  227. Title 18 — CABLE, VIDEO AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDERS

GoCodebook provides public access, search, citation, multilingual explanation, and practical interpretation of legally adopted building regulations. It is not a substitute for the official ICC or California code publications.