§ 17.31

This Chapter lists the land uses that may be allowed within the zoning districts established by the East Colorado Specific Plan 2022 (ECSP), determines the type of land use permit and approval required for each use, and provides comprehensive design and development standards for all projects.

(Ord. No. 7394, § 3(Exh. 2), 6-13-2022)

The applicability of the ECSP land use regulations and development standards are organized by zoning district and plan chapters (Table ECSP-1). Where the standards do not apply, the relevant section of Pasadena Municipal Code (PMC) is referenced.

Table ECSP-1: Applicability

Note that Vision, Goals, and Policies included in the ECSP apply throughout the plan area.

(Ord. No. 7394, § 3(Exh. 2), 6-13-2022)

The purpose of the ECSP zoning districts (Figure ECSP-1) is to implement the plan vision for each of the subareas as described in the East Colorado Specific Plan 2022 document, and summarized below.

A.

EC-MU-C (Mixed-Use Core)

•

Create a mixed-use activity center near high frequency transit that accommodates a diverse range of retail, services, and housing where people can walk to shops and restaurants.

•

Support businesses that provide products and services to Pasadena Community College students, workers, and visitors, as well as local residents.

•

Support projects that are entirely commercial, entirely residential, or a mix of the two, integrated either horizontally or vertically consistent with ground floor use requirements.

B.

EC-MU-G (Mixed-Use General)

•

Allow for a wide variety of commercial uses that support citywide needs, as well as goods and services for local residents.

•

Support projects that are entirely commercial, entirely residential, or a mix of the two, integrated either horizontally or vertically consistent with ground floor use requirements.

C.

EC-MU-N (Mixed-Use Neighborhood)

•

Promote the development of a mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly neighborhood with a broad range of retail, office, services, and multi-family housing.

•

Support projects that are entirely commercial, entirely residential, or a mix of the two, integrated either horizontally or vertically consistent with ground floor use requirements.

D.

EC-RM-32 (Residential Multi-family)

•

Maintain the current uses and protect the existing residential character of the neighborhood.

E.

PD (Planned Development)

•

Achieve a particular mix of uses, appearance, land use compatibility, or special sensitivity to neighborhood character.

Figure ECSP-1: Zoning Districts

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(Ord. No. 7394, § 3(Exh. 2), 6-13-2022)

A.

Definitions. Definitions of specific land uses are found in Section 17.80.020.

B.

Permit Requirements. Table ECSP-2 identifies the uses of land allowed, the land use permit required to establish each use, and limitations that may apply for a particular use.

C.

Standards for Specific Land Uses. Additional standards may apply to specific land uses; refer to the Section noted in Table ECSP-2.

1.

Section 17.50.160 shall not apply to Mixed-Use Projects.

2.

Section 17.50.350 shall not apply to Multi-Family Housing.

D.

Ground Floor Frontages. In Mixed-Use zoning districts, additional commercial requirements and residential unit restrictions on the ground floor shall apply per Section 17.31.080.A.

E.

Major Construction. For all non-residential uses with a gross floor area of 25,000 square feet or greater, a Conditional Use Permit shall be required per Section 17.61.050.J.2.

F.

Prohibited Uses. Those uses not listed in Table ECSP-2 are prohibited by this Specific Plan, except as otherwise provided by Section 17.21.030.A.

G.

Nonconforming Uses. Existing uses which are made nonconforming by this Specific Plan shall be subject to Section 17.71.

H.

Initial Use of a Historic Resource. Where prohibited by Table ECSP-2, the initial use of the designated historic resources, identified on Page 17 of the ECSP, may be permitted with a Conditional Use Permit.

I.

Limited Hours of Operation. Uses listed in Table ECSP-2 shall comply with limited hours of operation as required by 17.40.070.

Table ECSP-2: Allowable Land Uses

(Ord. No. 7446, § 5, 5-12-2025; Ord. No. 7435, § 9, 10-28-2024; Ord. No. 7420, § 3, 4-15-2024; Ord. No. 7419, § 4, 2- 26-2024; Ord. No. 7418, § 2, 2-26-2024; Ord. No. 7414, § 2, 9-11-2023; Ord. No. 7394, § 3(Exh. 2), 6-13-2022)

17.31.050 - Public Realm Standards

These standards are intended to:

•

Ensure a minimum sidewalk width is achieved, appropriate to support future densities, intensities, uses, and pedestrian volumes;

•

Enhance pedestrian conditions and improve street tree health through increased landscaping and permeability at sidewalk level;

•

Provide sufficient space to support dedicated amenity and walk zones; and

•

Increase shade, carbon sequestration, and stormwater capture by allowing adequate space for street trees and parkways.

A.

Sidewalks

1.

Sidewalk Width

a.

Dimension. Projects shall provide sidewalks that meet the required widths per Figure ECSP-2. Where the existing sidewalk right-of-way is less than the required width, the difference shall be provided through a private property dedication.

(1)

Sidewalks are measured from the Primary Curb Line of each block to the sidewalk line, as illustrated in Figure ECSP-3.

(2)

This area shall be paved for general use to the standards specified by Public Works, except for landscaped parkways per Section 17.31.050.B.

(3)

Within the sidewalk width, sidewalk zones shall be provided to the dimensions set in Figure ECSP-4.

(4)

Where the curb deviates (i.e. bulb-outs), exceptions in zone width are allowed and shall be determined by Public Works.

(5)

Driveways are allowed per Section 17.31.100.B.

b.

Maintenance. Sidewalk improvements shall be installed and maintained by the abutting property owner.

Figure ECSP-2: Sidewalk Width

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Figure ECSP-3: Sidewalk Line

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2.

Sidewalk Zones

a.

Amenity Zone. Sidewalks shall provide an Amenity Zone consistent with the width illustrated in Figure ECSP-4, including the curb.

(1)

Projects shall meet minimum parkway and street tree requirements per Section 17.31.050.B.

(2)

The following elements are permitted in the Amenity Zone at the discretion of Public Works: paved area for pedestrian mobility, parkways and street trees, seating/furniture, outdoor dining (with a Public Works permit), planters, bicycle parking, bus shelters, and/or other utility facilities including streetlights, signals, meter/sign poles, and pullboxes, etc.

b.

Walk Zone. Sidewalks shall maintain a Walk Zone as a continuous path of travel for pedestrians at the width illustrated in Figure ECSP-4. This area shall be free of all furnishings, landscaping, or obstructions.

c.

Frontage Zone. Sidewalks may include a Building Frontage Zone between the Walk Zone and the sidewalk line. A maximum width is illustrated in Figure ECSP-4.

(1)

The following elements are permitted in the Frontage Zone: paved area for pedestrian mobility, seating/furniture, outdoor dining (with a Public Works permit), planters, and/or shade structures per Section 17.31.080.D.

Figure ECSP-4: Sidewalk Zones

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B.

Parkways & Street Trees

Parkways

a.

Required Parkways. Projects shall include parkways within the Amenity Zone as follows.

(1)

In EC-RM-32, parkway length shall be no less than 60 percent of street frontage, unless approved by the Director of Public Works.

(2)

In all other zoning districts, parkway length shall be no less than 30 percent of street frontage, unless approved by the Director of Public Works.

b.

Dimensions. Parkways shall be constructed at the same width as the Amenity Zones illustrated in Figure ECSP-4, minus the 6-inch width required for the curb.

(1)

When street parking is adjacent to the curb, a paved buffer with a minimum width of 18 inches is required, in addition to the 6-inch curb, except where tree grates are adjacent to the curb.

(2)

Barriers up to 24 inches high, such as low walls or fences, are permitted at the interior edge of the parkway but are not required.

c.

Access Ways. Where on-street parking is permitted, access ways shall be provided at a minimum frequency of one per every 20 feet of continuous parkway.

(1)

Access ways shall be a minimum of 4 feet in width and provide a firm, uniform walking surface in all weather conditions from the curb to the Walk Zone.

(2)

The finished surface of access ways shall be in plane with both the adjoining top of curb and sidewalk.

(3)

Access ways shall be constructed of pavers, concrete, or stabilized decomposed granite.

d.

Planted Area. A minimum of 80 percent of the total required parkway area for a given project shall be comprised of plant material.

(1)

Permitted materials include groundcovers, turf or turf substitutes, and shrubs or low perennials that are lower than 24 inches in height at full maturity.

(2)

All plant material shall be native or climate appropriate and have a water use rating of Moderate, Low or Very-Low as defined by Water Use Classification of Landscape Species (WUCOLS) for the region. Plant water use requirements may be relaxed to maximize the efficiency of parkway stormwater capture systems per approval by the Director of Public Works.

(3)

Plants with spines or thorns shall not be planted adjacent to any walkways or curbs.

(4)

Edible plants are not permitted in parkways.

(5)

Artificial turf is not permitted in parkways.

(6)

When removing existing plant material like turf grass from a parkway, there shall be no damage to the street tree roots. Parkway improvements involving excavation within an existing tree's root zone must be consistent with the City's Tree Protection Guidelines. Root pruning, if required and approved by Public Works, must be overseen by a Certified Arborist. Excavation within a tree's root zone must be replanted immediately to prevent the tree roots from exposure and undue harm.

e.

Non-planted Area. A maximum of 20 percent of the parkway area may be organic or inorganic cover.

(1)

Permitted materials include permeable pavers, decomposed granite, gravel, rocks, or mulch. Pavers are not allowed within 3 feet of any public streetlight pole or pull box or other utility facilities.

f.

Stormwater Management. Parkways shall either meet the following basic stormwater standards, or propose a biofiltration planter or swale design based on local conditions per the approval of the Director of Public Works.

(1)

The parkway shall be at the same grade as the adjacent hardscape surface at the outer edge of the parkway and slope at a minimum of 1 percent towards the center of the parkway.

(2)

For parkways with a width greater than 5 feet, the center 2 feet of the parkway shall be depressed 3 to 4 inches to form a shallow swale to collect sidewalk stormwater. Alternative means of storing runoff, such as gravel sumps within the parkway, may be provided with review authority approval.

g.

Irrigation. Irrigation systems in parkways shall be designed and constructed in a manner that will eliminate surface runoff onto any impermeable surface, public or private, under any condition.

(1)

Design of irrigation systems in parkways shall be in accordance with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations for water conservation.

(2)

Street tree roots shall not be damaged during the irrigation installation process.

h.

Maintenance. Abutting property owner shall maintain the parkway in a condition so as not to endanger persons or property, and not to interfere with the public convenience.

2.

Street Trees

a.

Species. Street tree species shall be selected according to the Master Street Tree Plan at the discretion of the Director of Public Works. Trees may be planted within parkways or tree wells. For guidance on street trees refer to Appendix A.2 of the East Colorado Specific Plan 2022 document.

b.

Spacing. Street trees shall be planted at a spacing of one per 30 feet. Exceptions can be made by the Director of Public Works due to conflicts with street lights, bus shelters, utility boxes, or other street amenities. Closer spacing is encouraged when feasible and when appropriate for the particular tree type.

c.

Well Dimension. Tree well width shall be equivalent to the required Amenity Zone, minus the 6-inch width required for the curb.

(1)

If a paved buffer zone is required due to adjacent street parking, the tree well width may be reduced to accommodate this buffer strip. The minimum length of a tree well shall be 6 feet.

(2)

Street trees planted within tree wells must be installed according to the Department of Public Works Tree Planting in Tree Well Standard Plan.

d.

Well Frames. Tree well frames, or tree grates, may be installed according to the Department of Public Works Tree Well Frame Installation Standard.

e.

Expanded Root Zone Cell. Each street tree shall be provided with an uncompacted root zone volume of 800 cubic feet minimum. The root zone volume depth shall be 2 feet minimum and 3 feet maximum.

(1)

Where this root zone volume cannot be provided within the parkway area, an expanded root zone cell volume shall be provided below adjacent pavement using a strategy such as structural soil or a suspended pavement system to provide

an uncompacted soil area suitable for tree root growth.

(2)

The root zone volume per tree requirement may be reduced by 10 percent where two or more trees share a contiguous root zone cell.

f.

Maintenance. All street trees shall be maintained by the Department of Public Works.

(Ord. No. 7394, § 3(Exh. 2), 6-13-2022)

Table ECSP-3 provides abbreviated development and design standards by zoning district for the East Colorado Specific Plan 2022. Complete standards shall be referenced within Sections 17.31.070—17.31.100.

Table ECSP-3: Summary of Development Standards

(Ord. No. 7394, § 3(Exh. 2), 6-13-2022)

17.31.070 - Scale Standards

These standards are intended to:

•

Implement the General Plan density (du/ac) and floor area ratio (FAR) values;

•

Shape development in a manner that creates a defined public realm and appropriate scale of buildings for a visually appealing community;

•

Reduce building massing through setback and stepback requirements that create appropriate transitions to residential neighborhoods;

•

Support high-quality architecture and urban design through modulation requirements and a varied roof lines incentive; and

•

Require appropriate transitions to designated historic resources.

A.

Density

1.

Residential Density. Projects that include residential dwelling units shall not exceed the allowable dwelling units per acre (du/ac) per Figure ECSP-5.

a.

Fractions shall be rounded to the nearest whole number; those at 0.50 may be rounded up.

b.

For projects utilizing state density bonus, refer to Government Code 65915.

c.

The maximum is based on total site area. If a street dedication or easement is required, density shall be calculated using the size of the lot prior to the street dedication or easement.

2.

Unit Mix. For projects west of Hill Avenue with 50 dwelling units or more, inclusive of any density bonus, at least 20 percent of the total number of units shall have a minimum of 3 bedrooms.

a.

Fractions shall be rounded to the nearest whole number; those at 0.50 shall be rounded up.

Figure ECSP-5: Residential Density

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B.

Intensity

1.

Floor Area Ratio. .....Projects that include non-residential space, including mixed-use, shall not exceed the allowable floor area ratio (FAR) per Figure ECSP-6.

a.

In mixed-use projects, residential floor area is included in FAR.

b.

Areas used exclusively for vehicle and bicycle parking and loading are excluded from FAR.

c.

The maximum is based on total site area. If a street dedication or easement is required, FAR shall be calculated using the size of the lot prior to the street dedication or easement.

Figure ECSP-6: Floor Area Ratio

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C.

Height

1.

Building Height. Projects shall not exceed the height limits set in Figure ECSP-7.

a.

Height is measured per Section 17.40.060.

b.

Maximum height for massing adjacent to street or interior property lines may be limited by required stepbacks; see Section 17.31.070.E.

c.

Exceptions allowed for Varied Roof Lines (Section 17.31.070.C.2) and projecting features such as appurtenances and railings per Section 17.40.060.

Figure ECSP-7: Building Height

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2.

Varied Roof Lines. A maximum of 30 percent of a building's footprint may exceed the height limit set in Figure ECSP-7 by up to 12 feet.

a.

This allowance is not applicable to other development standards relating to building scale such as stepbacks. It may not be used in combination with the height concession set in Section 17.43.

3.

Streetwall Height. Buildings shall meet or exceed the minimum streetwall height set in Table ECSP-4 for a minimum of 75 percent of building frontage, unless the overall building height is lower than the requirement; see Figure ECSP-8.

a.

Streetwall is defined as any street-facing façade within 10 feet of the maximum setback and is not required to be continuous.

b.

Appurtenances shall not count toward streetwall height.

Table ECSP-4: Streetwall Height

Figure ECSP-8: Streetwall Height

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D.

Setbacks

1.

Street Setbacks. Buildings shall comply with the street setbacks set in Figure ECSP-9. Setback ranges establish a minimum and maximum for the specified percentage of linear frontage; see Figure ECSP-10.

a.

Street setbacks are measured from the sidewalk line; see Figure ECSP-3.

b.

Minimum setbacks shall apply to all stories of a building; setbacks less than the minimum are prohibited. Maximum setbacks shall apply only to the ground floor and Streetwalls (Section 17.31.070.C.3), where applicable.

c.

Residential units on the ground floor shall have a minimum setback of 5 feet. Where elevated between 4 and 6 feet above sidewalk elevation, a minimum setback of 8 feet shall be required.

d.

Exceptions allowed per Section 17.40.160 (Table 4-1) and the following:

(1)

Arcades and recessed ground floors up to 15 feet in depth, as well as parking entrances per Section 17.31.100.B, are allowed when a second story or roof meets the setback range; see Figure ECSP-11.

(2)

The specified frontage percentage may be reduced for the provision of Publicly Accessible Open Space facing the street through the Design Review process with Design Commission approval.

(3)

For Restaurants in EC-MU-G, the primary frontage percentage may be reduced to 40 percent if an additional 10 percent is provided as a solid wall of 36 to 48 inches enclosing outdoor dining.

e.

Features allowed within the street setback include: landscaping and planters, hardscape (e.g. stoops, patios), shade structures per Section 17.31.080.D, arcades and galleries per Section 17.31.080.E, exterior features per Section 17.31.080.F, walls and fences per Section 17.31.080.G, seating and furniture, outdoor dining, and other open space amenities per review authority approval.

f.

For portions of buildings set back from the sidewalk line 5 feet or more, a percentage of the setback area shall be landscaped with trees, shrubs, and/or groundcover, either in the form of in-ground landscaping or planters.

Figure ECSP-9: Street Setbacks

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Figure ECSP-10: Street Setbacks Percentage

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Figure ECSP-11: Recessed Ground Floor

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2.

Interior Setbacks. Buildings shall be set back a minimum of 15 feet from an interior property line that is adjacent to a PS or RM zoning district. No setback is required when adjacent to other districts.

a.

Interior setbacks are those abutting other parcels along non-street side and rear property lines and are measured from the shared property line.

b.

Exceptions allowed per Section 17.40.160 (Table 4-1).

E.

Stepbacks

1.

Street Stepbacks. Buildings shall not exceed the height specified in Table ECSP-5 before stepping back the specified depth; see Figure ECSP-12.

a.

Street stepbacks are measured from the sidewalk line.

b.

Uses allowed within the street stepback include: private open space (e.g. balconies, terraces), shade structures, trellises, and similar, green roofs and photovoltaic panels, and other open space features per review authority approval.

Table ECSP-5: Street Stepbacks

Figure ECSP-12: Street Stepbacks

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2.

Interior Stepbacks. Adjacent to RM zoning districts, buildings shall not be located within the encroachment plane sloping upward and inward at a 45-degree angle measured from the vertical, commencing 25 feet above the existing grade along the shared property line; see Figure ECSP-13.

a.

Exceptions allowed per Section 17.40.160 (Table 4-2.1).

Figure ECSP-13: Interior Stepbacks Adjacent to RM Zoning Districts

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F.

Historic Adjacency

1.

Landmark Properties. Projects on parcels with a designated historic resource shall be subject to review for consistency with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards.

2.

Transition Massing. Projects sharing a property line with a designated historic resource are subject to the following modified standards, illustrated in Figure ECSP-14.

a.

Street Setbacks. The minimum street setback shall be an average of the minimum setback set in Figure ECSP-9 and that of the resource for a minimum of 20 feet from the shared property line. If located between two resources, the street setback shall be an average of the setbacks of the two resources.

b.

Interior Setbacks. The minimum interior setback shall be equal to that of the historic resource or 15 feet, whichever is less. No setback is required where the resource is built to the shared property line.

c.

Streetwall Height. A maximum streetwall height shall not exceed the height of the historic resource for a minimum of 20 feet from the shared property line. A stepback with a minimum depth of 10 feet is required above this height, measured from the modified minimum street setback.

d.

Interior Stepbacks. Projects shall not be located within an encroachment plane sloping upward and inward at a 30degree angle measured from the vertical, commencing 15 feet above the existing grade at the property line; see Figure ECSP-14. This plane is not applicable if the resource is built to the shared property line.

Figure ECSP-14: Historic Adjacency

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G.

Modulation

1.

Façade Length. Each street-facing façade shall not exceed 150 feet in length unless there is a minimum break of 10 percent of the building length or 20 feet, whichever is greater. This break shall be at least 10 feet deep, open to the sky; see Figure ECSP-15.

2.

Façade Area. Each street-facing façade exceeding 50 feet in length shall modulate a minimum of 25 percent of the area above the first story. This modulation shall be between 2 feet and 12 feet in depth from the primary facade plane; see Figure ECSP-16. Buildings with a total of 2 stories or less are exempt.

a.

The primary façade plane is defined as the vertical plane with the greatest surface area above the ground floor.

b.

Planes that are separated by a break of at least 20 feet in width and 10 feet in depth shall be considered separate façades for the purposes of this standard.

c.

Modulation is not required to be continuous or open to the sky, and may be recessed or projected, but not past the sidewalk line.

d.

Required stepbacks (Section 17.31.070.E), required façade breaks (Section 17.31.070.G.1), and projected balconies (Section 17.31.080.G.1) shall not count toward the modulation requirement; balconies that are recessed a minimum of 2 feet shall qualify.

Figure ECSP-15: Facade Length

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Figure ECSP-16: Facade Area

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3.

Alternative Compliance

a.

Eligibility. Modulation standards may be reduced or otherwise modified through the Design Review process if:

(1)

A minimum of 90% of the provided parking is fully or partially subterranean;

(2)

A minimum of one publicly accessible open space is provided at the ground level, visible and accessible from the sidewalk;

(3)

No other concessions, waivers, or incentives have been requested, including those associated with Section 17.43 (Density Bonus), unless the project is designed to achieve LEED Gold certification; and

(4)

The review authority makes all of the following findings.

b.

Required Findings.

(1)

The building design provides modulation on each street-facing façade in a manner consistent with the project's architectural style and/or immediate context, including adjacent historic resources.

(2)

The building design does not cause an adverse impact on the quality of the ground floor and public realm.

(3)

The ground level open space is of adequate size and integrated with the building in a functional way that ensures the space will be actively utilized.

(4)

The modification will not be detrimental to the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

(5)

The building design is consistent with the objectives and policies of the General Plan and ECSP, as well as all other standards of the ECSP.

(Ord. No. 7446, § 5, 5-12-2025; Ord. No. 7394, § 3(Exh. 2), 6-13-2022)

These standards are intended to:

•

Prioritize pedestrian access by ensuring doorways are open to a public sidewalk or public open space;

•

Increase visibility into ground floor uses to create visual interest for pedestrians;

•

Promote shade through arcades and shade structures;

•

Support a consistent character when different uses are allowed on the ground floor within the same block; and

•

Limit blank walls on the ground floor to enhance visual interest and pedestrian comfort.

A.

Ground Floor Frontages

In Mixed-Use zoning districts, ground floor use requirements are regulated by frontage type per Figure ECSP-17 and Table ECSP-6. All use requirements are regulated as a percentage of the building frontage; see Figure ECSP-18.

1.

Commercial Uses. Frontage types require a minimum amount of the building frontage to be comprised of, and designed for, commercial uses per Figure ECSP-17 and Table ECSP-6. Permitted commercial uses by zoning district are found in Table ECSP-2.

a.

Entrances to non-ground floor uses, and/or entrances to uses prohibited within 35 feet of the sidewalk, shall not qualify toward the minimum commercial use percentage.

b.

Commercial uses shall have an average interior depth of at least 35 feet and a minimum depth of 20 feet, measured wallto-wall.

c.

For Type 2A commercial corners, a minimum of 40 feet of commercial frontage along the designated street is required, measured from the perpendicular building frontage closest to the corner.

(1)

For corners with public open space, this commercial frontage may front the open space rather than the street.

2.

Residential Uses. Frontage types set limitations on ground floor residential uses facing the street per Figure ECSP-17 and Table ECSP-6. Permitted residential uses by zoning district are found in Table ECSP-2.

a.

Type A: Residential units on the ground floor shall be prohibited within 35 feet of the sidewalk line, inclusive of setbacks, per Table ECSP-6.

b.

Type B: Residential units on the ground floor shall be permitted with direct access to the street and a minimum setback of 5 feet.

c.

Residential common space on the ground floor shall be permitted per Table ECSP-2.

Figure ECSP-17: Ground Floor Frontage Types

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Table ECSP-6: Ground Floor Frontage Types

Figure ECSP-18: Ground Floor Commercial Uses

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B.

Ground Floor Design

1.

Entrances. A minimum of one primary entrance shall be located on the primary frontage of each building and open onto a sidewalk or other public space.

a.

Primary entrances shall be distinguished by architectural features or overhead projections, such as an awning or canopy.

b.

All entrances shall be recessed a minimum of 30 inches from the sidewalk line.

2.

Minimum Height. Buildings shall have a minimum ground floor height of 15 feet, measured from sidewalk elevation closest to the primary entrance to the second story floor or roof of a one-story building; see Figure ECSP-19.

a.

Exception. Ground floor residential uses with a setback of 10 feet or greater shall have a minimum ground floor height of 12 feet.

b.

For non-residential and residential common space uses, the primary entrance of the first habitable floor shall be located at existing grade along the sidewalk line.

c.

For residential units, the first habitable floor shall be located between 6 feet above and 2 feet below sidewalk elevation.

Figure ECSP-19: Ground Floor Height

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C.

Transparency

Windows & Doors. Street-facing facades shall incorporate glass providing views into work, display, sales, lobby, or similar active areas. The minimum transparency requirement is 70 percent for ground floors and 30 percent for the overall façade. For residential units, transparency requirements are reduced to 15 percent.

a.

For non-residential and residential common space uses, ground floor transparency is measured as the percentage of building frontage that consists of transparent openings between a height of 2 feet and 10 feet above sidewalk elevation.

b.

All other transparency is measured as the percentage of building frontage area, viewed in elevation.

c.

Windows shall be recessed by a minimum of 3 inches from the façade, measured from the outside wall to the frame of the window (mullion, muntin or similar element). Flush windows shall be permitted where exterior shading devices cover a minimum of 25 percent of the window surface area or per review authority approval.

d.

The use of color-tinted, mirrored, or highly reflective glass is prohibited.

e.

Blinds, drapes, posters, and shelving for product displays visible to the public right-of-way shall obscure a maximum of 10 percent of the transparent areas of each respective storefront or 50 percent for medical office uses.

2.

Blank Walls. Windowless expanses of walls shall not exceed 20 feet in length.

3.

Security Bars. Any exterior or interior security bars shall be designed to be fully hidden from view during business hours with devices such as concealed side pockets and ceiling cavities.

D.

Shade Structures

1.

Awnings & Canopies. Any ground floor shading shall project a minimum of 3 feet from the façade with a minimum of 8 feet of vertical clearance from sidewalk elevation.

a.

Shade structures shall not conflict with existing trees; exceptions to the depth requirement shall be subject to review authority approval.

2.

Colorado Boulevard. For projects on the north side of Colorado Boulevard, shade structures are required and shall project a minimum of 7 feet, up to a maximum of 10 feet, into the public right-of-way for a minimum of 70 percent of the building frontage.

a.

Where an arcade or recessed ground floor provides a minimum of 5 feet of unobstructed pedestrian clearance, shade structures are not required.

E.

Arcades & Galleries

1.

Arcades. Any arcades shall be located behind the minimum setback.

a.

Arcades shall be a minimum of 8 feet from back of column to building façade.

b.

The distance between columns shall be equal to or greater than the arcade depth dimension, as measured from the column center.

c.

The façade shall meet the ground floor transparency set in Section 17.31.080.C.

d.

Uses allowed within arcades include: pedestrian travel, seating/street furniture, outdoor dining, landscape planters, and/or bicycle parking.

2.

Galleries. Any galleries shall be located behind the minimum setback.

a.

Galleries shall be limited to one-story in height and 50 percent of the building frontage.

b.

Galleries shall allow a minimum of 10 feet of vertical clearance from sidewalk elevation.

F.

Exterior Features

1.

Façade Lighting. Lighting shall be located on façades facing streets and public open spaces at a frequency of every 30 feet or less.

a.

Façade lighting shall be full cutoff (directing light downward and outward).

b.

Fixtures shall be located between 8 and 15 feet above the sidewalk elevation, and shall not project more than 30 inches from the façade.

c.

For buildings with ground floor residential units, façade lighting shall be designed to be operable by the adjacent tenant.

d.

Façade lighting shall not be required on buildings located on designated historic resources and districts.

G.

Walls & Fences

1.

Walls & Fences. Walls and fences shall be subject to Section 17.40.180 with the following exceptions for those located within the street setback.

a.

Walls and fences shall have a maximum height of 48 inches above sidewalk elevation.

b.

Walls and fences taller than 30 inches shall be a minimum of 50 percent transparent and set back a minimum of 18 inches from the sidewalk line, separated by a planted area. Walls and fences 30 inches or less in height do not have a transparency or setback requirement.

c.

Walls and fences used to enclose outdoor dining may be located at the sidewalk line and are not required to provide a planted area if the wall or fence is 36 inches or less and more than 50 percent transparent.

d.

Guardrails may exceed the maximum height to the extent required by the Building Code. The guardrail shall be a minimum of 50 percent transparent.

2.

Stoops & Patios. The side of a patio or stoop (when parallel to a sidewalk) taller than 30 inches in height shall be set back a minimum of 18 inches from the sidewalk line, separated by planted area.

H.

Balconies & Roof Decks

1.

Balconies. Balconies may project a maximum of 4 feet from the building façade but shall not extend beyond the sidewalk line or within 6 feet of any interior property line.

2.

Roof Decks. The sum of all roof decks on a single building shall not exceed a maximum coverage of 60 percent of the roof area.

a.

Roof deck railings above the top floor shall be placed behind a parapet wall of at least the same height or set back a minimum of 5 feet from the façade. For buildings employing Varied Roof Lines, the uppermost story shall be defined per the discretion of the Director.

(Ord. No. 7446, § 5, 5-12-2025; Ord. No. 7394, § 3(Exh. 2), 6-13-2022)

These standards are intended to:

•

Provide a variety of open space types for gathering, recreation and respite that contribute to enhanced livability within an urban setting;

Give residents access to light, air, and pleasant views from their living spaces;

•

Improve building design and site planning through the integration of open space throughout the development; and

Correlate open space requirements with number of residents and size of buildings.

A.

Minimum Area.

1.

Private and Common Open Space. Projects shall provide the minimum area of Open Space based on use and size. Areas used regularly for parking, loading or storage shall not count towards minimum Open Space requirements.

a.

Residential. Projects with dwelling units shall provide the minimum area of Open Space per Table ECSP-7 as a combination of Private and/or Common Open Space.

b.

Non-residential. Projects with more than 40,000 square feet of non-residential floor area shall provide a minimum of 5 percent of the gross non-residential floor area as Common Open Space.

(1)

Research and Development uses may reduce Common Open Space area requirements by a maximum of 60 percent. Research and Development projects (or the Research and Development portion of a project with multiple uses) shall exclude mechanical space from floor area for required Open Space.

c.

Mixed-use. Projects shall comply with requirements applicable to each type of use above.

Table ECSP-7: Residential Open Space by Unit Type

2.

Publicly Accessible Open Space (PAOS). Projects with more than 80,000 square feet of gross floor area (GFA) shall provide a minimum area of PAOS, calculated as a percentage of GFA, as set in Table ECSP-8.

a.

PAOS shall be provided in addition to Private and Common Open Space requirements.

b.

Projects shall comply with PAOS standards per Section 17.31.090.D and Paseo standards per Section 17.31.090.E where relevant.

(1)

PAOS and Paseo standards may be modified through the Design Review process, if the review authority finds that the modified design continues to be accessible to the public, functional, and includes features such as landscaping, trees, and outdoor seating.

c.

Research and Development uses may reduce PAOS area requirements by a maximum of 60 percent. Research and Development projects (or the Research and Development portion of a project with multiple uses) shall exclude mechanical space from floor area for required PAOS.

Table ECSP-8: Publicly Accessible Open Space

B.

Private Open Space.

1.

Dimensions. A minimum area of 40 square feet with a minimum dimension of 5 feet in each direction is required for Private Open Space.

2.

Distribution. A maximum of 40 percent of the required residential Open Space set in Table ECSP-7 shall be Private Open Space.

a.

All Private Open Space shall be outdoors.

b.

Private Open Space may be located within a required setback.

C.

Common Open Space.

1.

Dimensions. A minimum area of 400 square feet with a minimum dimension of 15 feet in each direction is required for Common Open Space.

2.

Distribution. A minimum of 60 percent of the required residential Open Space set in Table ECSP-7 shall be Common Open Space shared among tenants.

a.

A minimum of 70 percent of Common Open Space shall be outdoors, and a minimum of 80 percent of outdoor Common Open Space shall be open to the sky.

b.

A maximum of 30 percent of Common Open Space may be indoors. Indoor Common Open Space shall not include spaces used primarily for circulation.

3.

Access. Common Open Spaces may be accessible to the public.

4.

Hardscape. A maximum of 25 percent of Common Open Space may be paved in standard concrete. Remaining areas shall use one of the following enhanced paving techniques: brick, natural stone, unit concrete pavers, textured and colored concrete, concrete with exposed or special aggregate. Alternative paving may be allowed per review authority approval.

5.

Landscape. A minimum of 25 percent of Common Open Space shall be planted area with a minimum dimension of 30 inches in length and width. Landscaping shall comply with Section 17.44.050.

6.

Trees. A minimum of one 24-inch box tree per project or for every 500 square feet of outdoor Common Open Space, whichever is greater, shall be planted within the Common Open Space. For projects with 2 or more trees, a minimum of 50 percent of trees planted shall be shade trees.

7.

Water Features. A maximum of 5 percent of the required Common Open Space shall be fountains, reflecting pools, or other decorative water features. Swimming pools are not considered water features for the purposes of this standard.

D.

Publicly Accessible Open Space (PAOS)

1.

Area. Minimum area requirements are set in Section 17.31.090.A.2 and Table ECSP-8, and may be contiguous or noncontiguous, subject to the dimension and elevation standards below.

2.

Paseos. Projects that are required to provide PAOS per Section 17.31.090.A.2 and located on parcels that include a paseo opportunity area on Figure ECSP-20, as defined as a pedestrian passageway that connects a public street to another public street, alley, or internal public space.

a.

Paseos shall meet the standards set in Section 17.31.090.E; design standards Section 17.31.090.D through Section 17.31.090.D.12 shall not apply.

b.

In opportunity areas where a paseo has already been provided by previous development, additional paseos shall not be required.

3.

Plazas. Projects that are required to provide PAOS per Section 17.31.090.A.2 and located on parcels that include a plaza opportunity location on Figure ECSP-20, shall be required to meet the minimum area requirement by providing a plaza.

a.

PAOS design standards shall apply.

4.

Dimensions. A minimum area of 400 square feet with a minimum dimension of 20 feet in each direction is required for PAOS.

5.

Access. A maximum of 20 percent of the PAOS may be used as outdoor dining for a restaurant; a minimum of 80 percent of the PAOS shall be accessible to the general public.

6.

Signage. PAOS shall have signage visible from the adjacent sidewalk identifying the space as a publicly-accessible amenity and listing accessible hours.

7.

Hours. At a minimum, PAOS shall be open to the general public from 8am to 8pm. Any gated ingress or egress points shall not be closed or locked during these hours.

8.

Elevation. A minimum of 3,000 square feet of PAOS shall be at sidewalk elevation. If less square footage is required, then all required PAOS shall be at sidewalk elevation.

9.

Hardscape. A maximum of 25 percent of PAOS shall be paved in standard concrete. Remaining areas shall use one of the following enhanced paving techniques: brick, natural stone, unit concrete pavers, textured and colored concrete, concrete with exposed or special aggregate. Alternative paving may be allowed per review authority approval.

10.

Seating. Seating shall be provided at a minimum of 1 seat per 300 square feet of required PAOS. Fractions shall be rounded down to the nearest whole number.

a.

Benches shall be calculated as 1 seat per 24 linear inches.

11.

Landscape. A minimum of 25 percent of PAOS shall be planted area with a minimum dimension of 30 inches in length, width, and depth. Landscaping shall comply with Section 17.44.

12.

Trees. A minimum of one 24-inch box tree per project or for every 750 square feet of PAOS, whichever is greater, shall be planted. For projects with 2 or more trees, a minimum 50 percent of trees planted shall be shade trees.

13.

Common Open Space Credit. PAOS in excess of the minimum may count towards a maximum of 30 percent of the Common Open Space requirement at a 1:1 ratio.

Figure ECSP-20: Required Publicly Accessible Open Space

==> picture [322 x 160] intentionally omitted <==

E.

Paseos.

Dimensions. Paseos shall have an average width of 25 feet, minimum width of 15 feet, and be a minimum of 75 percent open to the sky. Paseos shall have a walk zone with a minimum width of:

a.

10 feet for commercial/mixed-use paseos.

b.

8 feet for residential-only paseos.

2.

Access. Paseos shall be physically and visually accessible from the connecting public sidewalk.

a.

Fences, walls, and/or entry gates are permitted; however, these features shall not block passage through the paseo during public hours.

b.

Bollards (fixed or removable) shall be provided at all entry points of paseos to restrict vehicular access during public hours.

c.

Emergency vehicular access shall be provided.

3.

Signage. Paseos shall have signage visible from the adjacent sidewalk identifying the space as a publicly-accessible amenity and listing public hours. In paseos that have commercial frontages, a directory signage shall be provided at each entry the all paseos. Specific sign guidelines shall be created for all properties with building facades immediately adjoining the paseos.

4.

Hours. At a minimum, paseos shall be open to the general public from 8am to 8pm. Commercial loading shall be limited to non-public hours.

5.

Elevation. Paseos shall be at ground level and ADA accessible.

6.

Programming. A maximum of 10 percent of required paseo area may be used by adjacent restaurants or food sales uses as a space restricted to customers only. Any additional programming must be non-transactional and without financial barriers to entry.

a.

Exception: Paseos may be closed to public access for private events no more than once per month.

Hardscape. A maximum of 25 percent of paseos shall be paved in standard concrete. Remaining areas shall use one of the following enhanced paving techniques: brick, natural stone, unit concrete pavers, textured and colored concrete, concrete with exposed or special aggregate. Alternative paving may be allowed per review authority approval.

8.

Stormwater Management. A minimum of 25 percent of the total paved area shall be permeable paving to allow for stormwater infiltration. Depending on soil and site conditions, infiltration and/or flow-through planters shall be installed to capture and treat 100 percent of the stormwater run-off on-site.

9.

Seating. Seating shall be provided within the paseo at a minimum of 1 seat per 300 square feet of required space. Fractions shall be rounded down to the nearest whole number.

10.

Landscape. A minimum of 25 percent of paseo area shall be planted area a minimum of 30 inches in length, width, and depth. Landscaping shall comply with Section 17.44.

11.

Trees. A minimum of one 24-inch box tree per project or per each 750 square feet of paseo area, whichever is greater, shall be planted. For projects with 2 or more trees, a minimum 50 percent of trees planted shall be shade trees.

12.

Blank Walls. Paseos shall adhere to the blank wall standards defined in Section 17.31.080.C, or provide one of the following mitigations:

a.

Green wall, vines, or other vertical landscaping element that covers a minimum of 75 percent of non-conforming blank wall area.

b.

Public art including, but not limited to, murals.

(Ord. No. 7446, § 5, 5-12-2025; Ord. No. 7419, § 4, 2-26-2024; Ord. No. 7418, § 3, 2-26-2024; Ord. No. 7394, § 3(Exh. 2), 6-13-2022

These standards are intended to:

•

Reduce the visual impacts of parking;

•

Regulate appropriate parking supply and location in a manner that prioritizes pedestrian access and multi-modal activity;

•

Encourage change of use and adaptive reuse of existing buildings through parking reductions and exemptions;

•

Promote a more efficient use of parking spaces through shared parking among multiple uses within a project; and

•

Increase design standards for parking structures through ensuring habitable floor areas between parking and street frontage and screening.

A.

Minimum Parking.

1.

Number of Spaces. Projects shall provide off-street automobile parking spaces per Table ECSP-9 based on general use classifications, and subject to the standards of Section 17.46.

a.

Where parking minimums in this Section conflict with state law, state law shall control.

b.

For projects within one-half mile of a Metro station, a maximum number of parking spaces shall apply per Section 17.50.340.

c.

Bicycle parking shall be required per Section 17.46.320.

Table ECSP-9: Minimum Parking

• Changes of use in College District

Notes:

1 Use classifications correspond to general use categories in Table ECSP-2. The number of spaces listed above shall apply to all uses listed under these general categories, with the exception of specific uses where the parking requirement is lower per Section 17.46.040.

2 No shared parking agreement is required; each guest space shall count as 1 commercial space.

3 The number of spaces for Research and Development land uses shall be 2 per 1,000 sq ft regardless of zoning district.

2.

Shared Parking. Parking may be shared among multiple uses per Section 17.46.050.

3.

Unbundled Parking. For any building with new residential units, automobile parking spaces shall be leased or sold separately from the rental or purchase fees, such that renters or buyers have the option of renting or buying the unit at a lower price than if the parking was included.

a.

For deed-restricted affordable units, one parking space shall be included in the base rent of each unit. The tenant may choose to receive the parking space or receive a rent discount equivalent to half the amount charged for monthly lease of a parking space. Tenants of affordable units shall not sublease their parking spaces.

b.

Renters or buyers have the right of first refusal to parking built for their unit. Any remaining spaces may be leased to other users on a month-to-month basis. New occupants shall have the opportunity to lease or purchase parking built for their unit.

B.

Vehicle Access.

1.

Driveways. For Projects with less than 200 feet of primary street frontage, a maximum of 1 two-lane driveway shall be permitted. For sites with more than 200 feet of primary street frontage, a maximum of 2 two-lane driveways shall be permitted.

a.

Driveways are not permitted on primary frontages of less than 200 feet where there is access from a secondary street or alley.

b.

The Zoning Administrator shall determine the primary frontage.

C.

Layout & Design.

1.

Surface Parking. Parking lots shall be set back a minimum of 30 feet from the primary frontage, a minimum of 10 feet from any secondary frontage, and a minimum of 5 feet from RM zoning. Parking shall be buffered by habitable floor area or landscaping, except for access and driveways, and comply with Section 17.46.230.

a.

Landscaping used as a parking buffer shall be located in the required parking setback and shall include hedges or shrubs a minimum of 3 feet in height at the time of planting that form a continuous visual screen.

2.

Structured Parking. Along primary frontages, all floors of parking structures shall be lined with building floor area (e.g. commercial or residential uses) or Publicly Accessible Open Space for a minimum of 35 feet in depth. Along secondary frontages, parking structures shall be set back a minimum of 5 feet. Pedestrian access and driveways in compliance with 17.31.100.B are excluded from this requirement.

a.

Parking structure facades visible from public streets, excluding alleys, shall use materials and design at least comparable to and integrated with the building architecture.

3.

Underground Parking. Subterranean parking shall be set back a minimum of 5 feet from Green Street and RM zoning. Otherwise, it may extend up to the property line.

(Ord. No. 7446, § 5, 5-12-2025; Ord. No. 7435, § 9, 10-28-2024; Ord. No. 7418, § 4, 2-26-2024; Ord. No. 7394, § 3(Exh. 2), 6-13-2022)

This Section provides definitions of terms and phrases used in this Specific Plan that are technical or specialized or that may not reflect common usage. In case of conflict with other provisions of the Zoning Code, these definitions shall control for the purposes of this Specific Plan. If a word is not defined in this Chapter, the Zoning Administrator shall determine the correct definition.

Amenity Zone.

The portion of the sidewalk located above and adjacent to the curb, providing space for amenities such as parkways, outdoor dining, seating, trees, lighting, bicycle racks, bus stops, etc.

Building Frontage.

The horizontal distance, measured at grade, of building wall facing the street.

Building Frontage Zone.

The portion of the sidewalk immediately adjacent to the building façade, providing space for planters, outdoor dining, sidewalk signage, etc. This zone may not be present on every street or block.

Curb Zone.

See "amenity zone."

Façade.

Any exterior wall plane of a building, ground level to top of roof.

Floor Area Ratio.

Numerical value obtained by dividing the above-ground area of a building or buildings located on a lot by the total area of the lot.

Footprint.

The total ground floor area of the combined structures on a site or project area defined by the perimeter of the building(s), including parking structures but excluding parking lots and non-occupancy structures.

Frontage Zone.

See "building frontage zone."

Gross Floor Area (GFA).

The total enclosed area of all floors of a building measured to the inside face of the exterior walls including halls, stairways, elevator shafts at each floor level, service and mechanical equipment rooms and basement or attic areas having a height of more than seven feet, but excluding area used exclusively for parking or loading of vehicles or bicycles.

Ground Floor.

The first habitable floor of a building closest to sidewalk elevation.

Mixed-Use Project.

The combination or commercial and residential uses in the same structure, where the residential component is located either above (vertical mixed-use) or behind (horizontal mixed-use) the non-residential component. Non-residential uses are typically commercial uses.

Open Space.

For any form of open space (Common, Publicly Accessible, Private, etc), see Section 17.31.090 of the Specific Plan.

Parkway.

Landscaped or permeable areas located within the amenity zone of the sidewalk.

Paseo.

A publicly accessible open space that functions as a pedestrian passageway connecting a public street to another public street, alley, or internal public space. Subject to minimum dimension and design requirements established by the Specific Plan.

Plaza.

A publicly accessible open space with access from a public street. Subject to minimum dimension and design requirements established by the Specific Plan.

Primary Curb Line.

The face of the predominant curb of an individual block forming the edge of the street.

Residential Common Space.

Those portions of a residential use building not dedicated to residential units that provide common services for residents. This may include spaces such as, but is not limited to, lobby or common building entry, leasing center, gyms/exercise space, shared kitchen, recreation center, screening or living room, business center, mail room, or library. These spaces/portions of the building may be permitted on the ground floor where residential units are not permitted subject to Specific Plan standards.

Setback.

The horizontal distance by which a structure, parking area, or development feature is required to be separated from the property line or the sidewalk line where applicable. In some cases superseded by Setback range.

Setback, Interior.

Non-street side or rear setback measured at a right angle from the nearest point of the property line abutting another parcel or alley to the nearest portion of the structure, excluding any porches.

Setback, Street.

Front or street-side setback measured at a right angle from the nearest point of the sidewalk line to the nearest portion of the structure, excluding any porches.

Setback Range.

Minimum and maximum horizontal distances by which a structure or development feature is required to be separated from the sidewalk line. This measurement is similar to a "build-to" line.

Sidewalk Line.

The line parallel the property line accommodating the required sidewalk width, measured from the curb face. Where a sidewalk width is not specified, the sidewalk line is the property line.

Sidewalk Zones.

The three portions of a sidewalk that together comprise the public realm between a building and the street. Sidewalk zones are defined by the Pasadena Street Design Guide and regulated by the Specific Plan.

Shared Property Line.

The property line separating adjacent parcels.

Stepback.

The horizontal distance by which an upper story structure or development feature is required to be separated from the property line or the sidewalk line where applicable. Regulated above a specified vertical distance.

Street Frontage.

The horizontal distance along the street, measured at grade, between property lines (or sidewalk line where applicable) that are perpendicular to the adjacent street.

Streetwall.

Any building façade that faces a street within 10 feet of the minimum sidewalk line.

Streetwall Height.

The portion of the street-facing building façade that rises from the sidewalk level to the required height without an additional setback or stepback.

Subterranean.

The level of a building, inclusive of parking or habitable space, located primarily below the ground level with a top plate of two feet or less above sidewalk elevation.

Transparent Openings.

Building openings (windows or doors) or transparent glazing that provide visual access into the structure.

Unbundled Parking.

Parking spaces, in any permitted configuration, rented or sold separately from the lease or purchase price.

Walk Zone.

The portion of the sidewalk dedicated to pedestrian movement, clear of any obstructions.

(Ord. No. 7394, § 3(Exh. 2), 6-13-2022)

Chapter 17.32 - East Pasadena Specific Plan