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Pasadena · Building on your lot

Historic homes in Pasadena

Pasadena's own rules on historic homes, with the code text for every value.

Each rule below links to the section of the Pasadena Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Pasadena's code says

Pasadena code What Pasadena's code adds
Changing a historic home
  • Certificate of Appropriateness approval.
    Applies: Major or minor project to a designated historic resource, a resource eligible for designation, or new construction in a landmark or historic district.
    § 17.62.090 · code text
    Unless exempt pursuant to subsection D below, no person, owner, or other entity shall undertake a major or minor project to a designated historic resource or historic resource eligible for designation or new construction in a landmark or historic district as defined in the Category 1, 2 and 3 review procedures in subsection E below without first obtaining approval of an application for Certificate of Appropriateness in compliance with this Section.
Demolishing an older or historic home
  • Certificate of Appropriateness approval.
    Applies: Demolition of an eligible historic resource.
    § 17.62.090 · code text
    The Historic Preservation Commission may approve or disapprove an application for Certificate of Appropriateness for the demolition of an eligible historic resource.
  • Demolition delay up to 365 days.
    Applies: Contributing structures within eligible landmark districts that have completed the eligibility review phase.
    § 17.62.090 · code text
    The Historic Preservation Commission may delay for a period of time not exceeding 365 day
Work that needs no review
  • Exempt from review: paint colors, routine maintenance, landscaping, interior alterations, screens and awnings, flat concrete work.
    Applies: Landmark and historic districts outside the Central District; also exempt: rear yard walls, fences, reroofing without material change, exterior lighting, grilles.
    § 17.62.090 · code text
    In landmark and historic districts outside the Central District, the following items shall be exempt from review: Paint colors and stains, routine maintenance and minor repairs, landscaping (except for trees protected under Chapter 8.52 - Tree Protection), all interior alterations, screens and awnings, flat concrete work (including driveways and walkways), rear yard walls and fences, reroofing (except for a change of material) exterior lighting fixtures, and window/door grilles.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

What rules apply to a historic home in Pasadena?

Pasadena's code: Certificate of Appropriateness approval. (Major or minor project to a designated historic resource, a resource eligible for designation, or new construction in a landmark or historic district.) (§ 17.62.090); Certificate of Appropriateness approval. (Demolition of an eligible historic resource.) (§ 17.62.090).

General information, not legal advice.

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