§ 36.100

This Zoning Code implements the policies of the South Pasadena General Plan by classifying and regulating the uses of land and structures within the City in a manner consistent with the General Plan. To achieve this purpose, it is the intent of this Zoning Code to:

• A. Provide standards for the orderly development of the City, and continue a stable pattern of land uses;

• B. Conserve and protect the historical integrity and character of the City’s neighborhoods;

• C. Maintain and protect the value of property;

• D. Protect views of hillsides, ridgelines, open space, and other natural resources of the City;

• E. Ensure compatibility between land uses; and

F. Encourage a pedestrian-friendly community by promoting a mix of land uses and pedestrian oriented development in commercial areas.

(Ord. No. 2108 § 1.)

This Zoning Code is enacted based on the authority vested in the City of South Pasadena by the State of California, including but not limited to: the State Constitution; the Planning and Zoning Law (Government Code Sections 65000 et seq.); the Subdivision Map Act (Government Code Sections 66410 et seq.); and the California Health and Safety Code.

(Ord. No. 2108 § 1.)

This Zoning Code applies to all land uses, structures, subdivisions, and development within the City of South Pasadena, as provided by this Section.

A. New land uses or structures, changes to uses or structures. Compliance with the requirements of Division 36.210 (Development and Land Use Approval Requirements) or, where applicable, Division 36.360 (Nonconforming Uses, Structures, and Parcels), is necessary for any person or public agency to lawfully establish, construct, reconstruct, alter, or replace any use of land or structure.

B. Issuance of Building or Grading Permits. The City may issue building, grading, or other construction permits only when:

1. The proposed land use and/or structure satisfy the requirements of Subsection A. above, and all other applicable statutes, ordinances and regulations; and

2. The site was subdivided in compliance with Article 5 (Subdivisions).

C. Subdivisions. Any subdivision of land proposed within the City after the effective date of this Zoning Code shall be consistent with: the minimum lot size requirements of Article 2 (Zoning Districts, Allowable Land Uses, and Zone-Specific Standards), all other applicable requirements of this Zoning Code, and the City’s subdivision regulations.

D. Effect of Zoning Code on existing uses and structures. An existing land use or structure is lawful only when it was legally established, and is operated and maintained in compliance with all applicable provisions of this Zoning Code, including Division 36.360 (Nonconforming Uses, Structures and Parcels).

Existing land uses or structures that were in violation of City zoning regulations applicable before the effective date of the ordinance codified in this Zoning Code are in violation of this Zoning Code, and shall continue to be in violation unless they conform to the current requirements.

E. Effect of Zoning Code changes on projects in progress. An application for zoning approval that has been accepted by the Department as complete prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this Zoning Code or any amendment shall be processed according to the requirements in effect when the review authority first considers the application in a public hearing.

F. Minimum requirements. The provisions of this Zoning Code shall be minimum requirements for the promotion of the public health, safety, and general welfare. When this Zoning Code provides for discretion on the part of a City official or body, that discretion may be exercised to impose more stringent requirements than set forth in this Code as may be necessary to promote orderly land use development, environmental resource protection, and the other purposes of this Zoning Code.

G. Other requirements may apply. Nothing in this Zoning Code eliminates the need for obtaining any permit, approval, or entitlement required by other provisions of the South Pasadena Municipal Code, or the regulations of any County, regional, State, or Federal agency.

H. Conflicting requirements. Any conflict between different requirements of this Zoning Code, or between this Zoning Code and other regulations, shall be resolved in compliance with Section 36.110.030.F (Conflicting Requirements).

(Ord. No. 2108 § 1.)

This Zoning Code shall be administered by the South Pasadena City Council, Planning Commission, Cultural Heritage Commission, Director of Community Development and the Community Development Department in compliance with Division 36.600 (Administrative Responsibility).

(Ord. No. 2108 § 1; Ord. No. 2394 § 4 (Exh. A), 2025.)

Division 36.110. Interpretation of Zoning Code Provisions

Sections:

36.110.010 Purpose of Division.

36.110.020 Authority for Interpretations.

36.110.030 Rules of Interpretation.

36.110.040 Procedure for Interpretations.