Local zoning · Pasadena

Pasadena — Design Review

Design Review under the Pasadena local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

Design Review in Pasadena is the zoning-process mechanism that evaluates architectural, site, landscaping, signage, and public-realm elements of new development and substantial exterior changes. The rules and the review authority live in the Pasadena Zoning Code (notably § 17.61.030) and are applied across multiple zoning districts, specific plans, and planned developments; several district chapters explicitly require Design Review as part of project approvals. Design Review decisions must be consistent with the City’s adopted design guidelines and the findings set out in the Zoning Code.

(Links: this page mentions Pasadena design review, parking, development standards, overlay districts, historic preservation, ADUs, and the California Building Standards Code where those topics naturally arise.)

How Pasadena’s Design Review works (core rules)

Purpose and scope: Design Review is intended to implement citywide urban-design goals and to apply adopted design guidelines; it promotes design quality, landscaping, protection of historic resources, and compatibility with neighborhood character. § 17.61.030.A (Purpose).
Applicability: “All projects are subject to Design Review in compliance with this Section,” except the exempted project types specifically listed in the code; the review authority is set by tables and may be delegated. § 17.61.030.B.
Review authority and delegation: The City’s Design Commission is the primary review body; the Commission may delegate review and approval functions to the Director. The applicable reviewer for a given application is identified in Tables 6‑2 and 6‑3 referenced in the code. § 17.61.030.B.1–2.
Design guidelines and findings: Design Review approval requires a finding of consistency with the applicable design guidelines and with the General Plan/plan-area policies. See Subsection K (Findings) in the Design Review chapter for required findings. § 17.61.030.B.3 & K.
Process phases commonly used: preliminary/concept review and final design review are required before building permits on many projects; projects often must submit concept and final plans and obtain Commission approval prior to permits. (Code and project-specific PD language describe concept and final review requirements.) § 17.61.030; see project-specific requirements (example: PD and project ordinances).

District-by-district breakdown (how Design Review interacts with the zoning map)

Below are Pasadena-specific districts and plan areas where Design Review is repeatedly called out in the ordinance. For each district the text identifies the way Design Review is required and points to the local standards that Design Review enforces. Verify parcel-specific applicability with the City — many Planned Developments (PDs) and Specific Plans add project-level requirements.

CG (General Commercial)

Purpose: The CG district regulates general commercial uses in the City’s commercial corridors and refers projects to the standard commercial development regulations. See the CG-referenced project conditions and signage rules. CG projects are required to comply with Design Review where new construction or substantial exterior alteration is proposed. § 17.61.030 and project PD language.
Typical permitted uses: retail, services, offices (regulated by the Title 17 land-use tables referenced in the code and in the Central District Specific Plan tables). See Title 17 Tables for exact land‑use allowance.
Key dimensional/approval notes: CG projects frequently are tied to master sign plans, landscape and refuse plans, and parking rules; these supporting items are reviewed alongside design under the Zoning Code and PD conditions. See Chapter references for signage and parking compliance.

RM series (Multi‑family residential: RM‑16, RM‑32, RM‑48)

Purpose: RM districts regulate medium- and higher-density residential development; the Zoning Code includes RM Urban Standards and garden/open-space requirements that projects must meet and that are frequently enforced through Design Review.
Typical permitted uses: multifamily dwellings and accessory uses; precise allowances vary by RM subdistrict and Table listings in Title 17.
Key dimensional/standards: RM Urban Standards specify garden/open-space percentages, modulation, façade length, and other site-level standards; Design Review can be the vehicle for alternative compliance (subject to findings). See the RM standards and the Design Review chapter.

RS / R‑Single Family and Hillside areas

Purpose: RS and single‑family neighborhoods have specific compatibility standards (hillside rules, neighborhood compatibility review) that influence the Design Review process when visible or substantial work is proposed. Where a Hillside Development Permit or major renovation is required, Design Review-level analysis of visibility, massing, and materials is incorporated. (Hillside provisions reference neighborhood compatibility within 500 ft.)
Typical permitted uses: single‑family dwellings and customary accessory structures (see RS district listings).
Key notes: Projects that increase roofline height or substantially alter facades may require a Hillside Permit and Design Review; the code limits materials, color, and visible mechanical equipment in high-visibility locations.

Central District Specific Plan (ECSP / Central District)

Purpose: The ECSP imposes design and frontage standards for the Central District; it explicitly ties several dimensional and frontage rules to the Design Review process and allows Design Review to grant alternative compliance in targeted circumstances. § 17.31.070 (modulation and alternative compliance) and § 17.31.080 (frontage and ground-floor rules).
Typical permitted uses: mixed-use residential and commercial (ground-floor pedestrian-oriented uses are required in many frontages). See ECSP Tables for permitted uses. § 17.31.080 and Table references.
Key dimensional/standards: modulation, façade length limits, ground‑floor frontage types, stepbacks, and alternative compliance pathways (Design Review may reduce modulation if findings are met). § 17.31.070.C (Alternative Compliance) and 17.31.080.

Planned Development parcels (PD — site‑specific)

Purpose: PD ordinances set project‑level standards and repeatedly require Design Review as a precondition to permits — for example, PD‑21, PD‑39, PD‑5, and others explicitly state: “Design Review. New construction shall be subject to Design Review as required by Pasadena Municipal Code Section 17.61.030.”
Typical permitted uses: PDs define allowed land uses in their Land Use tables and may supersede standard Title 17 rules. See each PD ordinance for allowed uses and permit types.
Key dimensional/approval notes: PDs also commonly require master sign plans, landscape plans, public art compliance, and that concept and final design plans be submitted for Design Review before building permits. These are PD-specific conditions enforced through the Design Review process.

Key standards and decision‑relevant references (summary table)

Topic	What matters for Design Review / applicant	Code reference
Applicability of Design Review	"All projects are subject to Design Review" except enumerated exemptions; review authority in Tables 6‑2 / 6‑3; Commission may delegate to Director.	§ 17.61.030.B
Required findings	Approval requires findings of consistency with adopted design guidelines and General Plan policies.	§ 17.61.030.K (Findings)
Central District modulation/frontage	Modulation, façade length, and ground-floor frontage rules; Design Review may grant alternative compliance with explicit findings.	§ 17.31.070 / § 17.31.080
Public art requirement for large projects	Public art allocation and review timing is tied to design approvals for qualifying commercial/mixed-use projects.	§ 17.40.100 (Public Art) and PD language
Parking and loading reviewed with design	Parking and loading must comply with Chapter 17.46 / 17.68 and are enforced as part of project review.	Chapters 17.46 / 17.68
Screening/refuse/mechanical treatments	Mechanical screening and refuse storage integration are required and reviewed during Design Review or PD approvals (screening standards: §).	§ 17.64.230; § 17.40.150 (screening)
Project‑level Design Review references	Many PD ordinances and specific plan chapters require both Concept and Final Design Review submittals prior to building permits.	PD ordinances (examples in retrieved materials) referencing § 17.61.030

Checklist — what applicants must provide or satisfy (common items)

Demonstrate that the project is subject to Design Review per § 17.61.030 and identify the required review authority (Design Commission or Director).
Submit Concept/Preliminary design plans when required (massing, site plan, elevations, materials palette) and attend the public hearing(s) (project‑specific PDs require both concept and final design submittals).
Provide full Final Design plans (detailed elevations, materials and colors, lighting, refuse and mechanical screening, and landscape plan) that demonstrate consistency with applicable design guidelines and findings in § 17.61.030.K.
Show parking and loading compliance or justified alternative(s) per Chapters 17.46 / 17.68 (attach calculations and site circulation diagrams).
If in Central District/ECSP, address frontage, modulation, and stepback standards and, if seeking alternative compliance, submit findings tied to § 17.31.070.C.
Where PD or historic resource conditions apply, include required master sign plans, public art concepts (per § 17.40.100), and any Cultural Heritage Commission advisory review materials.
Expect to supply temporary silhouettes or public-noticing materials when required for hearings (follow the local silhouette/notice rules used for public hearings).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Which review authority applies (Commission vs Director)	Different authorities have different timelines, hearing requirements, and appeal paths; incorrect assumption delays project.	Check Tables 6‑2/6‑3 and confirm with Planning staff; see § 17.61.030.B.1.
Whether a particular alteration is “substantial”	Many PDs and historic-review triggers make “substantial” changes subject to Design Review or Cultural Heritage review.	Project-specific PD language or cultural-heritage conditions (verify with Planning and Cultural Heritage Commission). Example PD text: “director shall determine whether proposed alteration is substantial.”
Overlap with Historic Preservation	Projects affecting historic resources may require Cultural Heritage Commission consultation or a Certificate of Appropriateness in addition to Design Review.	Review the Cultural Heritage / historic resource provisions cited in PDs and § 17.61.030; consult the Cultural Heritage Commission.
ADUs and small accessory work	The Design Review chapter states “all projects” but local ADU rules or State ADU law may change applicability; relying only on Title 17 text risks conflating Building Code/State ADU rules.	Verify ADU-specific exemptions or administrative review rules in Title 17 and with the ADU program; ADU‑specific text was Not found in retrieved materials. Verify with the City.
Project‑specific PD conditions that supersede Title 17	PDs often set unique setbacks, heights, or review steps that control over the base zoning; failing to check PD conditions causes noncompliance.	Always review the parcel’s PD ordinance or specific plan language referenced in the zoning map and in the PD text (many PDs explicitly call for Design Review per § 17.61.030).
Exact design‑guideline document used	The code requires consistency with “the applicable design guidelines,” but multiple guideline documents exist (Citywide, Central District, PD design guidelines).	Confirm which adopted design guidelines are applicable to the parcel and which guidelines the reviewer will use; see § 17.61.030.B.3.

Plain‑English Summary

If you are building new or making big exterior changes in Pasadena, expect your proposal to go through the City’s Design Review process under § 17.61.030: submit concept and final drawings, show how the design follows the City’s design guidelines, and be prepared to address site issues such as parking, landscaping, signage, and public‑art obligations; specific plan or Planned Development rules can add or change standards, so check the parcel’s PD or specific-plan language.

Source References

Pasadena Municipal Code, Chapter/Section: § 17.61.030 – Design Review (Purpose; Applicability; review authority; findings).
Pasadena Municipal Code, ECSP chapters: § 17.31.070 (modulation / alternative compliance) and § 17.31.080 (frontage rules) — Central District Specific Plan design standards tied to Design Review.
Project / Planned Development ordinances (examples showing mandatory Design Review references and project-level submittal requirements): PD‑21, PD‑39, and other PD text excerpts included in the retrieved materials. These repeatedly state: “Design Review … as required by Pasadena Municipal Code Section 17.61.030.”
Public art requirement reference in PD and project language: § 17.40.100 Public Art Requirements and Design Standards (cited in PD text).
Parking and loading chapters referenced alongside Design Review: Chapter 17.46 and Chapter 17.68 (parking and parking design standards).
Screening and refuse language and plan submittal examples (project-specific PDs referencing landscape plans, refuse integration, and mechanical-screening: § 17.64.230 and § 17.40.150 where referenced for screening).
Project procedural details (public‑hearing silhouette requirements and noticing): temporary silhouette rules excerpted from the PD text and permitting procedures chapter.
Where the ordinance explicitly references Design Review in project conditions: multiple PD excerpts that require design review and concept/final submittals (examples in the retrieved PD materials).

Sources

Retrieved passages

Pasadena Zoning Code (Chapter 17.92.) High relevance
Pasadena Zoning Code (Section 17.80.020.) High relevance
Pasadena Zoning Code (Chapter 17.46) High relevance
Pasadena Zoning Code (Section 17.40.060) High relevance
Pasadena Zoning Code (Chapter 17.64) Medium relevance
Pasadena Zoning Code (Section 17.61.030) Medium relevance
Pasadena Zoning Code (Section 17.31.070.E) Medium relevance
Pasadena Zoning Code (Section provides) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Pasadena code library

Frequently asked questions

Do I need Design Review to build an addition to my house in Pasadena?

Most additions that are “substantial” or that affect public views and the exterior façade will fall under the City’s Design Review rules; the Design Review chapter states that “all projects are subject to Design Review” except specified exemptions, and the Director or Commission determines applicability — see § 17.61.030.B. If your site is in a Hillside area or a Planned Development, additional permits and review steps are likely.

What are the required findings to obtain Design Review approval in Pasadena?

Approval requires findings that the project is consistent with the City’s adopted design guidelines and the General Plan/policy objectives; the code describes those required findings in the Design Review chapter (Subsection K). See § 17.61.030.K.

Which body reviews my Design Review application — the Design Commission or staff?

The applicable review authority is set out in the Code’s review tables (Tables 6‑2 and 6‑3); the Design Commission is the primary body but may delegate review/approval authority to the Director. Confirm the table applicable to your project in § 17.61.030.B.1–2.

Can Design Review change setbacks, height, or FAR in the Central District?

Design Review can approve alternative compliance for certain ECSP standards (for example modulation) if the project meets the specific findings in the ECSP; however, changes to fundamental numeric standards (setback, height, FAR) are governed by the applicable plan or PD and may require separate approvals. See § 17.31.070 (alternative compliance) and § 17.61.030 for the Design Review role.

Do parking rules get reviewed as part of Design Review?

Yes — off‑street parking and loading are required to meet Chapters 17.46 / 17.68 and are evaluated as part of project review; PDs and specific plans often include parking conditions that are enforced at Design Review and permit check. See Chapters 17.46 / 17.68 and PD provisions referencing parking.

If my property is in a Planned Development (PD), which rules apply — the PD or the base zoning?

PD ordinances typically supersede conflicting provisions of Title 17 for the subject parcel; many PDs explicitly require Design Review (referencing § 17.61.030) and add project‑specific standards (setbacks, heights, master sign plans, public art). Always start with the parcel’s PD ordinance text in addition to the base zoning. Example PD references: “Design Review … as required by Pasadena Municipal Code Section 17.61.030.”

Is historic‑resource review the same as Design Review?

Not necessarily. Projects affecting designated historic resources often require Cultural Heritage Commission review or Certificates of Appropriateness in addition to Design Review; some PDs mandate advisory Cultural Heritage review before Design Review. Check PD text and cultural‑heritage provisions. Example: PD text requiring Cultural Heritage Commission advisory review prior to concept design review.

Are public art requirements part of Design Review?

Yes — many PDs and the code require public art for qualifying projects and tie public art review timing to concept/final design review; see the Public Art standards referenced in project language (example: § 17.40.100).

Are ADUs automatically exempt from Design Review in Pasadena?

Not found in retrieved materials. The retrieved Title 17 excerpts do not clearly state ADU exemptions from Design Review; ADU applicability may be governed by specific ADU rules or administrative procedures that are separate from the Design Review chapter. Verify with the zoning administrator and the ADU program.

What documents are commonly requested for Concept versus Final Design review?

Concept review: site plan, massing studies, context photos, conceptual elevations, and a materials/colors concept. Final review: complete architectural drawings, materials samples, landscape plan, lighting and signage plans, parking/loading diagrams, refuse and mechanical screening details, and public art plan when applicable. Many PDs require concept and final submittals prior to building permits. See PD language and the Design Review chapter for process references.

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