Chapter 4.36 — REAL PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX8
Pasadena Municipal Code · 2026-09 edition · updated 2026-09-29 · Pasadena
4.36.010 - Short title.¶
This chapter shall be known as the "real property transfer tax ordinance." It is adopted pursuant to the authority contained in Part 6.7 (commencing with Section 11901) of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code of the state of California.
(Ord. 4851 § 1, 1967)
4.36.020 - Imposed and designated.¶
There is hereby imposed on each deed, instrument or writing by which any lands, tenements or other realty sold within the city shall be granted, assigned, transferred or otherwise conveyed to, or vested in, the purchaser or purchasers, or any other person or persons, by his or their direction, when the consideration or value of the interest or property conveyed (exclusive of the value of any lien or encumbrances remaining thereon at the time of sale) exceeds $100.00, a tax at the rate of $0.275 for each $500.00 or fractional part thereof.
(Ord. 4851 § 2, 1967)
4.36.030 - Persons making payment.¶
Any tax imposed pursuant to Section 4.36.020 shall be paid by any person who makes, signs or issues any document or instrument subject to the tax, or for whose use or benefit the same is made, signed or issued.
(Ord. 4851 § 3, 1967)
4.36.040 - Exception—Instrument in writing to secure debt.¶
Any tax imposed pursuant to this chapter shall not apply to any instrument in writing given to secure a debt.
(Ord. 4851 § 4, 1967)
4.36.050 - Exemption—Government agencies.¶
Any deed, instrument or writing to which the United States or any agency or instrumentality thereof, any state or territory, or political subdivision thereof, is a party shall be exempt from any tax imposed pursuant to this chapter when the exempt agency is acquiring title.
(Ord. 4958 § 1, 1970: Ord. 4851 § 5, 1967)
4.36.060 - Exemption—Conveyance of bankruptcy or reorganization.¶
A.
Any tax imposed pursuant to this chapter shall not apply to the making, delivering or filing of conveyances to make effective any plan of reorganization or adjustment:
Confirmed under the Federal Bankruptcy Act, as amended;
Approved in an equity receivership proceeding in a court involving a railroad corporation, as defined in subdivision (m) of Section 205 of Title 11 of the United States Code, as amended;
Approved in an equity receivership proceeding in a court involving a corporation, as defined in subdivision (3) of Section 506 of Title 11 of the United States Code, as amended; or
Whereby a mere change in identity, form or place of organization is effected.
B.
Subsection A, inclusive, of this section shall only apply if the making, delivery or filing of instruments of transfer or conveyances occurs within 5 years from the date of such confirmation, approval or change.
(Ord. 4851 § 6, 1967)
4.36.070 - Exemption—Conveyance for Securities and Exchange Commission order.¶
Any tax imposed pursuant to this chapter shall not apply to the making or delivery of conveyances to make effective any order of the Securities and Exchange Commission, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 1083 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954; but only if:
A.
The order of the Securities and Exchange Commission in obedience to which such conveyance is made recites that the conveyance is necessary or appropriate to effectuate the provisions of Section 79k of Title 15 of the United States Code, relating to the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935;
B.
Such order specifies the property which is ordered to be conveyed;
C.
Such conveyance is made in obedience to such order.
(Ord. 4851 § 7, 1967)
4.36.080 - Exemption—Realty held by partnership.¶
A.
In the case of any realty held by a partnership, no levy shall be imposed pursuant to this chapter by reason of any transfer of an interest in a partnership or otherwise, if:
Such partnership (or another partnership) is considered a continuing partnership within the meaning of Section 708 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954; and
Such continuing partnership continues to hold the realty concerned.
B.
If there is a termination of any partnership within the meaning of Section 708 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, for purposes of this chapter, such partnership shall be treated as having executed an instrument whereby there was conveyed, for fair market value (exclusive of the value of any lien or encumbrance remaining thereon), all realty held by such partnership at the time of such termination.
C.
Not more than 1 tax shall be imposed pursuant to this chapter by reason of a termination described in subsection B, and any transfer pursuant thereto, with respect to the realty held by such partnership at the time of such termination.
(Ord. 4851 § 8, 1967)
4.36.090 - Administration conformance.¶
The county recorder shall administer this chapter in conformity with the provisions of Part 6.7 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code and the provisions of any county ordinance adopted pursuant thereto.
(Ord. 4851 § 9, 1967)
4.36.100 - Refund claims.¶
Claims for refund of taxes imposed pursuant to this chapter shall be governed by the provisions of Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 5096) of Part 9 of Division 1 of the Revenue and Taxation Code of the state.
(Ord. 4851 § 10, 1967)
4.36.110 - Operative date.¶
This chapter shall become operative upon the operative date of any ordinance adopted by the county of Los Angeles, pursuant to Part 6.7 (commencing with Section 11901) of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code of the state, or upon the effective date of the ordinance codified herein, whichever is the later.
(Ord. 4851 § 11, 1967)
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- Title 1 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
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- Chapter 2.10 — CITY COUNCIL VACANCY APPOINTMENT PROCESS
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- Chapter 2.65 — COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN
- Chapter 2.70 — COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
- Chapter 2.75 — HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.80 — DESIGN COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.85 — HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.86 — HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.90 — LIBRARY COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.95 — NORTHWEST COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.98 — PARKING METER ZONES ADVISORY COMMISSIONS
- Chapter 2.100 — RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.105 — PLANNING COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.110 — RELOCATION APPEALS BOARD
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- Chapter 2.135 — TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.140 — ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.150 — HAHAMONGNA WATERSHED PARK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
- Chapter 2.155 — PASADENA COMMUNITY ACCESS CORPORATION BOARD
- Chapter 2.165 — PASADENA CENTER OPERATING COMPANY BOARD
- Chapter 2.175 — THE ROSE BOWL OPERATING COMPANY
- Chapter 2.250 — RETIREMENT SYSTEM
- Chapter 2.255 — AGENCIES AND DEPARTMENTS GENERALLY
- Chapter 2.265 — PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPA…
- Chapter 2.266 — PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.267 — LIBRARIES AND INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.268 — HOUSING DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.270 — PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.275 — FINANCE DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.280 — FIRE DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.285 — HUMAN RESOURCES
- Chapter 2.290 — INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.295 — POLICE DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.300 — PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.302 — RENT STABILIZATION DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.303 — TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.305 — WATER AND POWER DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.350 — ACCEPTANCE OF SURETIES
- Chapter 2.355 — ADMINISTRATIVE RESOLUTION OF CODE VIOLATIONS
- Chapter 2.360 — EQUAL OPPORTUNITY IN CITY EMPLOYMENT
- Chapter 2.365 — CLAIMS BY AND AGAINST THE CITY
- Chapter 2.370 — DISASTER EMERGENCY SERVICES COUNCIL
- Chapter 2.375 — EMERGENCY AUXILIARY FORCES
- Chapter 2.380 — HOUSING MEDIATION CONTRACTOR
- Chapter 2.385 — PERSONS AUTHORIZED TO ARREST PURSUANT TO PENAL…
- Chapter 2.390 — RECORD AND DOCUMENT FEES
- Chapter 2.395 — UNCLAIMED PERSONAL PROPERTY
- Chapter 2.400 — USE AND ACCESS OF CRIMINAL HISTORY INFORMATION
- Title 3 — CIVIC EVENTS AND FACILITIES
- Article I — General Provisions
- Article II — Permits
- Article III — Use Restrictions
- Article IV — Uses Requiring Permission
- Article V — Refunds—Penalties
- Chapter 3.28 — CIVIL DEFENSE TRAINING CENTER
- Chapter 3.32 — ARROYO SECO PUBLIC LANDS
- Article I — General Provisions
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- Article IV — Rose Bowl Area
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- Title 3 — FOOTNOTES
▸Title 4 — REVENUE AND FINANCE
Overview- Chapter 4.02 — SALE OF SURPLUS REAL PROPERTY
- Chapter 4.04 — DISPOSITION OF SALVAGE AND SCRAP PROPERTY
- Chapter 4.08 — PURCHASING
- Chapter 4.10 — CREDIT AND COLLECTION
- Chapter 4.11 — PASADENA LIVING WAGE ORDINANCE
- Chapter 4.12 — CIGARETTE TAX
- Chapter 4.16 — PARK PURCHASE AND DEVELOPMENT FUND
- Chapter 4.17 — RESIDENTIAL IMPACT FEE
- Chapter 4.18 — CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND
- Chapter 4.19 — TRAFFIC REDUCTION AND TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMEN…
- Chapter 4.20 — GAS TAX STREET IMPROVEMENT FUND
- Chapter 4.24 — UNDERGROUND UTILITIES SPECIAL ACTIVITY FUND
- Chapter 4.28 — PROPERTY TAXES
- Chapter 4.29 — TRANSFER OF PROPERTY TAX FUNCTIONS
- Chapter 4.32 — CONSTRUCTION TAX
- Chapter 4.36 — REAL PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX8
- Chapter 4.40 — SALES AND USE TAX
- Chapter 4.42 — TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX
- Chapter 4.44 — TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX
- Chapter 4.48 — ROSE BOWL ADMISSIONS TAX
- Chapter 4.52 — SEWER USE FEE AND STORM DRAIN CHARGE
- Chapter 4.53 — SEWER FACILITY CHARGE
- Chapter 4.54 — STREET LIGHT AND TRAFFIC SIGNAL TAX
- Chapter 4.56 — UTILITY USERS TAX
- Chapter 4.60 — VEHICLE OFF-STREET PARKING DISTRICTS
- Chapter 4.65 — VEHICLE OFF-STREET PARKING DISTRICTS
- Chapter 4.70 — URBAN IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS
- Article 1 — General Provisions and Definitions
- Chapter 4.90 — CITY OF PASADENA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REVENUE B…
- Chapter 4.95 — PUBLIC WORKS BENEFIT ASSESSMENT DISTRICTS
- Chapter 4.100 — POWER DIVISION GENERAL FUND TRANSFER
- Chapter 4.101 — PASADENA TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
- Chapter 4.105 — SALES TAX INCENTIVES
- Chapter 4.106 — MOBILE SOURCE AIR POLLUTION REDUCTION ORDINANCE
- Chapter 4.107 — CITY OF PASADENA SPECIAL TAX FINANCING IMPROVE…
- Chapter 4.108 — SEISMIC AND FIRE SAFETY IMPROVEMENT ASSESSMENT…
- Chapter 4.109 — LIBRARY SPECIAL TAX
- Title 4 — FOOTNOTES
- Chapter 5.02 — PAYMENT OF A CITY-WIDE MINIMUM WAGE
- Chapter 5.04 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 5.08 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 5.10 — LICENSE REGULATIONS
- Chapter 5.12 — EXEMPTIONS TO TAX
- Chapter 5.16 — FEES FOR MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESSES
- Chapter 5.20 — ADVERTISEMENTS
- Chapter 5.24 — ALARM SYSTEMS
- Chapter 5.28 — CANNABIS BUSINESS TAX
- Chapter 5.32 — BILLIARD AND POOL ROOMS
- Chapter 5.33 — BINGO GAMES
- Chapter 5.34 — CHARITABLE SOLICITATIONS
- Chapter 5.35 — CONCEALABLE FIREARMS—RETAIL SALES
- Chapter 5.40 — ESCORT BUREAUS
- Chapter 5.44 — FRANCHISE GRANTS FOR USE OF PUBLIC WAYS
- Chapter 5.45 — SEXUALLY ORIENTED BUSINESSES
- Chapter 5.48 — MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS
- Chapter 5.56 — PAWNBROKERS, JUNK AND SECONDHAND DEALERS
- Chapter 5.60 — SALES AND CLOSE-OUTS
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- Chapter 9.20 — GAMING AND GAMBLING
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- Chapter 9.28 — INDECENT EXPOSURE
- Chapter 9.36 — NOISE RESTRICTIONS
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- Chapter 9.90 — REPORTING SALES OF UNREGULATED CHEMICALS
- Chapter 9.95 — EVICTION DUE TO ILLEGAL DRUG DEALING ACTIVITIES
- Chapter 9.97 — ELLIS ACT TENANT PROTECTIONS
- Title 9 — FOOTNOTES
- Title 10 — VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
- Title 10 — FOOTNOTES
- Title 12 — STREETS AND SIDEWALKS
- Title 12 — FOOTNOTES
- Title 13 — UTILITIES AND SEWERS
- Article I — Definitions and General Provisions
- Article II — Design and Construction
- Article III — Maintenance and Operation
- Chapter 13.28 — WATER MAIN ASSESSMENTS5
- Chapter 13.32 — GOVERNMENT CONTROLLED WATERCOURSES
- Title 13 — FOOTNOTES
- Title 14 — BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION
- Title 14 — FOOTNOTES
- Title 16 — SUBDIVISIONS
- Title 16 — FOOTNOTES
- Title 17 — Zoning Code
- Chapter 17.10 — Enactment and Applicability of Zoning Code
- Chapter 17.12 — Interpretation of Zoning Code Provisions
- Chapter 17.20 — Zoning Map
- Chapter 17.21 — Development and Land Use Approval Requirements
- Chapter 17.22 — Residential Zoning Districts
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- Chapter 17.26 — Special Purpose Zoning Districts
- Chapter 17.28 — Overlay Zoning Districts
- Chapter 17.29 — Hillside Overlay Districts
- Chapter 17.30 — Central District Specific Plan
- Chapter 17.31 — East Colorado Specific Plan 2022
- Chapter 17.32 — East Pasadena Specific Plan
- Chapter 17.33 — Fair Oaks-Orange Grove Specific Plan
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- Chapter 17.38 — Lamanda Park Specific Plan
- Chapter 17.39 — East Colorado Specific Plan 2003
- Chapter 17.40 — General Property Development and Use Standards
- Chapter 17.42 — Inclusionary Housing Requirements
- Chapter 17.43 — Density Bonus, Waivers and Incentives
- Chapter 17.44 — Landscaping
- Chapter 17.46 — Parking and Loading
- Chapter 17.48 — Signs
- Chapter 17.50 — Standards for Specific Land Uses
- Chapter 17.60 — Application Filing and Processing
- Chapter 17.61 — Permit Approval or Disapproval
- Article 2 — Zoning Districts, Allowable Land Uses, and Zone-Sp…
- Chapter 17.62 — Historic Preservation
- Chapter 17.64 — Permit Implementation, Time Limits, and Extens…
- Chapter 17.66 — Development Agreements
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- Chapter 17.70 — Administrative Responsibility
- Chapter 17.71 — Nonconforming Uses, Structures, and Lots
- Chapter 17.72 — Appeals
- Chapter 17.74 — Amendments
- Chapter 17.76 — Public Hearings
- Chapter 17.78 — Enforcement
- Chapter 17.80 — Glossary of Specialized Terms and Land Use Types
- Title 18 — CABLE, VIDEO AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDERS