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Title 14 — BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION›Chapter 14.04 — BUILDING CODE AND RELATED CODES

1809.3 Stepped footings.

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

The top surface of footings shall be level. The bottom surface of footings shall be permitted to

have a slope not exceeding one unit vertical in 10 units horizontal (10-percent slope). Footings shall be stepped where it is necessary to change the elevation of the top surface of the footing or where the surface of the ground slopes more than one unit vertical in 10 units horizontal (10-percent slope).

[OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Individual steps in continuous footings shall not exceed 18 inches (457 mm) in height and the slope of a series of such steps shall not exceed 1 unit vertical to 2 units horizontal (50-percent slope) unless otherwise recommended by a geotechnical report. The steps shall be detailed on the drawings. The local effects due to the discontinuity of the steps shall be considered in the design of the foundation.

For structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F, the stepping requirement shall also apply to the top surface of continuous footings supporting walls. Footings shall be reinforced with four No. 4 deformed reinforcing bars. Two bars shall be placed at the top and bottom of the footings as shown in Figure 1809.3.

FIGURE 1809.3 STEPPED FOOTING

(Ord. No. 7461, § 5, 11-10-2025)

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▸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
    Overview
    1. Chapter 14.03 — ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
    2. ▸Chapter 14.04 — BUILDING CODE AND RELATED CODES
      Overview
      1. 1613.8 Amendments to ASCE 7. The provisions of Section 1613.8 …
      2. § 12.11
      3. 1613.9 Seismic design provisions for hillside buildings.
      4. 1613.10 Suspended ceilings. Minimum design and installation st…
      5. 1704.6 Structural Observations.
      6. 1705.3 Concrete construction.
      7. 1807.2 Retaining walls.
      8. 1809.3 Stepped footings. The top surface of footings shall be …
      9. 1809.7 Prescriptive footings for light-frame construction.
      10. 1809.12 Timber footings.
      11. § 18.7
      12. Section 18.14.
      13. 2305.4 Hold-down connectors. In Seismic Design Category D, E o…
      14. 2306.2 Wood-frame diaphragms. Wood-frame diaphragms shall be d…
      15. 2306.3 Wood-frame shear walls. Wood-frame shear walls shall be…
      16. 2307.2 Wood-frame shear walls. Wood-frame shear walls shall be…
    3. Chapter 14.05 — EXCAVATION AND GRADING IN HILLSIDE AREAS
    4. Chapter 14.06 — EARTHQUAKE HAZARD REDUCTION IN EXISTING UNREIN…
    5. Chapter 14.07 — SAFETY ASSESSMENT PLACARDS
    6. Chapter 14.08 — MANDATORY SEISMIC STRENGTHENING PROVISIONS FOR…
    7. Chapter 14.12 — HOUSING CODE
    8. Chapter 14.16 — QUADRENNIAL CERTIFICATE OF INSPECTION
    9. Chapter 14.17 — PRESALE SELF-CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
    10. Chapter 14.20 — CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL BOARD
    11. Chapter 14.26 — FIRE AND EMERGENCY PLANNING REQUIREMENTS FOR H…
    12. Chapter 14.27 — FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS
    13. Chapter 14.28 — FIRE PREVENTION CODE
    14. Chapter 14.29 — FLAMMABLE VEGETATION
    15. Chapter 14.30 — FIREWORKS, PYROTECHNICS AND PRODUCTION EFFECTS
    16. Chapter 14.37 — FEES AND SCHEDULES
    17. Chapter 14.50 — PROPERTY MAINTENANCE AND NUISANCE ABATEMENT
    18. Chapter 14.60 — ABATEMENT OF BUILDINGS EXHIBITING SLUMLIKE CON…
    19. Chapter 14.70 — VACANT BUILDING AND VACANT LOT MAINTENANCE AND…
    20. Chapter 14.80 — FIRST SOURCE HIRING
    21. Chapter 14.90 — EXPEDITED PERMITTING PROCEDURES FOR SMALL RESI…
  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

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