Local zoning · Pasadena

Pasadena — Development Standards

Q: What are Pasadena’s setback requirements?

Setback measurement rules and allowed projections are in § 17.40.160 ; the actual front/side/rear minimums are supplied by the district table (for example Table 2‑3 for residential § 17.22.040 or specific plan tables). Always apply the measurement method in § 17.40.160 when checking compliance.

Q: How is building height measured in Pasadena?

Height is measured according to § 17.40.060 , which defines the baseline and what counts as roof‑mounted appurtenances or allowed exceptions. Many districts also limit height numerically (36 ft, 45 ft, 50 ft, etc.)—check the district table or PD text that applies to your parcel.

Q: Do I need design review for a new building or exterior change?

Design review authority and thresholds are in § 17.61.030 ; many new construction projects, changes affecting public‑facing elevations, and projects in design districts or PDs require design review. Confirm the review route (Planning Director, Design Commission, or Planning Commission) in the cited design review rules. Link: Pasadena Design Review.

Development Standards under the Pasadena local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page synthesizes Pasadena's local zoning development standards (setbacks, heights, lot coverage, density/FAR and related site rules) as written in the Pasadena Municipal Code (Title 17, Zoning). It points you to the controlling code sections and to common, parcel‑level variations (planned developments and specific plans). For site‑specific questions (existing easements, overlays, PDs) verify with the Planning Department. See the city's zoning hub for context at Pasadena Zoning and Planning.

Note: measurements and allowed encroachments are governed separately by the measurement rules; see § 17.40.160 for setback measurement and § 17.40.060 for height measurement.

How this page uses the code

Where the code points to another rule (for example, "see Section X for measurement"), this page quotes that controlling section (with the § number) and points to the file excerpt where that citation appears. When a district's numeric standard comes from a table in the zoning code (e.g., Table 2‑3 for residential districts), I reference that table and the governing §.
This page stays within zoning/planning development standards (Title 17) and does not cover Building Code (Title 24) technical requirements; see California Building Standards Code for the latter.

Citywide rules that control most numeric standards

Setback measurement and encroachments — governed by § 17.40.160 (measurement, allowed projections into setbacks; encroachment plane rules are used for stepbacks next to lower zones).
Height measurement and exceptions — governed by § 17.40.060 (how height is measured; mechanical appurtenances, parapet and rooftop screening exceptions).
Floor Area Ratio (FAR) — the code sets maximum FARs by district and provides exceptions in § 17.32.080 and related tables.
Landscaping, screening and tree rules — Chapter 17.44 applies to landscaping requirements.
Parking and loading requirements — Chapter 17.46 controls required parking counts, shared parking, and location of parking relative to buildings. Link to Pasadena Parking for process and triggers.
Design review triggers — design review thresholds and submittal rules are in § 17.61.030 and related design‑review chapters; many new projects or exterior alterations require design review. Link to Pasadena Design Review.

(Each of the items above is repeatedly cited in the specific district/special plan excerpts that follow.)

District-by-district breakdown (selected, Pasadena terms)

Notes:

Always check the underlying Table (for residential the code points to Table 2‑3 in § 17.22.040) for the exact numeric cells that apply to a parcel; many specific plan subareas or Planned Development (PD) ordinances override those numbers.
See Pasadena Overlay Districts for overlay effects (historic, park‑related PK overlays, etc.).

RS-6 (Single‑Family Residential; code reference: § 17.22.040)

Purpose and where it applies: typical single‑family neighborhoods; minimum lot sizes and dimensional standards are set in Table 2‑3 referenced by § 17.22.040.
Typical permitted uses: single‑family dwelling, accessory uses consistent with § 17.50.250 (residential accessory uses).
Key dimensional standards: follow Table 2‑3 (front yard, side yards, corner side, rear yard, and maximum height — measurement rules in § 17.40.160 and § 17.40.060). For two‑unit (State law) exceptions, see local two‑unit provisions that cross‑reference underlying district standards.

RM-12 / RM-16 (Multi‑family Residential; see Chapter 17.22 and RM Urban Standards)

Purpose and where it applies: medium‑density multi‑family neighborhoods; RM classes (RM‑12, RM‑16, RM‑32, RM‑48) set density and form standards. See Chapter 17.22 (RM districts) for the controlling tables.
Typical permitted uses: multi‑family dwellings, residential care, compatible accessory uses; certain non‑residential uses allowed per the use tables (see § 17.50).
Key dimensional standards (examples drawn from the RM tables shown in the code excerpts): common numeric limits called out in the code include front setbacks around 20 ft, side and rear setbacks commonly 15 ft, maximum heights frequently 45 ft (may be limited to 36 ft if abutting RS or RM‑12), and FARs commonly in the 0.7–0.9 range depending on RM class and subarea. Always confirm the exact RM class cell in Table 2‑3 / RM Urban Standards; see § 17.22.040 and § 17.40.160 for measurement.

CO / CG / CL (Commercial Office / General Commercial / Limited Commercial)

Purpose and where it applies: commercial corridors, office areas and general retail/service districts; central business subdistricts (Central District/Specific Plan) have subarea exceptions. Typical uses are listed in the commercial use tables (see § 17.50 and the use matrix).
Key dimensional standards: front setbacks often called out as 20 ft in many specific plan tables, but subareas may allow build‑to or 0‑ft build line (for example Fair Oaks frontage in PDs). FAR maximums vary by subdistrict (e.g., 1.20–2.00 in some Central District tables) and are shown in the code tables; see § 17.32.080 and the table rows for "Maximum FAR."
Special notes: Commercial districts near light‑rail or in Central District may allow higher densities (e.g., higher FAR or density within 1/4 mile of stations) — consult the district table and § 17.50.350 where applicable.

Central District / CD (Central District Specific Plan and CCD subdistricts; examples: CD‑5)

Purpose and where it applies: downtown and transit‑oriented areas; subject to Central District Specific Plan and design guidelines. Many CD standards are expressed as subarea tables and can supersede Title 17. For CD projects see Chapter 17.30 (Central District Specific Plan) and PD ordinances that modify CD standards.
Typical dimensional rules: stepbacks, build‑to lines, special frontage setbacks, and specific FAR limits (e.g., PD‑31/Montana I & II example restricts FAR and sets lot coverage limits). See the CD tables and § 17.32.080 for maximum FAR cells.

Planned Developments (PD — examples PD‑5, PD‑31, PD‑39)

Purpose: project‑specific regulations that explicitly supersede Title 17 inconsistencies for the parcel(s) covered. Each PD ordinance lists permitted uses and numeric standards (setbacks, heights, FAR, parking). Examples:
- PD‑5 (Allesandro Place / Fair Oaks): max height 50 ft, lot coverage 45%, front yard min 20 ft, side/rear 10 ft (PD text). § 17.?? PD ordinances are codified in Title 17; see the PD excerpts for the governing specifics.
- PD‑31 (Montana I & II): FAR cap for the planned development site 3.1, explicit building height limits (e.g., 80 ft/6 stories in one block but with stepbacks) and lot coverage cells in the PD text.
Always read the PD ordinance text tied to the parcel; PD language controls where it conflicts with standard district rules.

Quick decision‑relevant table (high‑level)

Development standard / need	Typical Pasadena rule	Code reference
Setback measurement and allowed projections	Follow the measurement and encroachment rules in § 17.40.160 (encroachment planes for stepbacks are applied when adjacent to lower zones).	§ 17.40.160
Height measurement and exceptions	Height measurement rules and exceptions are in § 17.40.060 (mechanicals, parapets, rooftop items).	§ 17.40.060
FAR limits and exceptions	Maximum FARs are shown by district and specific plan tables; see FAR rows and § 17.32.080 for exceptions.	§ 17.32.080
Lot coverage	Many districts and PDs list maximum lot coverage in the district or PD ordinance (examples PD‑31, PD‑5). See PD text for parcel overrides.	PD ordinance / district table
Parking (count & location)	Parking counts and location rules are Chapter 17.46; shared parking and special parking allowances are described there. See Pasadena Parking for program links.	Chapter 17.46
Landscaping / tree protection	See Chapter 17.44 for minimum planting and landscape plans; PDs often have additional landscaping requirements.	Chapter 17.44
Design review thresholds	Design review and review authority and thresholds are in § 17.61.030 (projects over certain sizes or in specific districts). See Pasadena Design Review.	§ 17.61.030

Practical guidance & synthesis

Start by identifying (a) the parcel's base zoning district (RS‑6, RM‑16, CO, CG, CL, etc.), (b) any overlay districts (historic overlay, PK parking overlay, specific plans), and (c) whether the site sits inside a Planned Development (PD) or the Central District Specific Plan; PDs and specific‑plan tables commonly supersede base district numbers. The code directs you to apply the most restrictive abutting district standards for OS/PS districts until a Master Plan is approved. § 17.26.040 (Special Purpose Districts) explains this.
When the code says "see table" (for example, residential Table 2‑3), treat the numeric cell in that table as controlling for that lot — then apply § 17.40.160 for how the setback is measured and whether features may project.
Expect many downtown or transit‑adjacent parcels to have higher FAR or reduced setbacks but stricter stepback/ground‑floor activation rules in the Central District. Check the Central District tables and PDs; PD language controls where there is conflict.
For live projects, confirm parking rules with Chapter 17.46 and be aware the City enforces parking placement (e.g., “no parking between building and street” for some RM standards).
For accessory units (ADUs), state ADU law preempts certain local limits; local ADU rules are implemented within Title 17 — check Pasadena ADUs and California ADU law for interplay. Link: Pasadena ADUs and California ADU law.

Checklist (what an applicant must assemble / verify)

Confirm the parcel’s base zoning district and any PD / Specific Plan or Overlay that applies (PD text supersedes Title 17 where inconsistent). § 17.26.040
Pull the applicable district table (e.g., Table 2‑3 / RM Urban Standards / Central District tables) for numeric cells for front/side/rear setbacks, height and FAR; note any subarea exceptions. § 17.22.040, § 17.32.080.
Confirm measurement rules: setbacks per § 17.40.160; height per § 17.40.060.
Prepare parking plan complying with Chapter 17.46 and check whether shared parking or tandem parking is allowed for the district/PD. Link to Pasadena Parking.
Produce landscape plan per Chapter 17.44 and check any tree protection/retention conditions in PD text. Link to Pasadena Landscaping and Screening.
Identify design review triggers early (see § 17.61.030) and scope design submittals accordingly. Link to Pasadena Design Review.
Verify signage/monument sign allowances if signage is part of the project (Chapter 17.48 / signage). Link to Pasadena Signage.
If proposing ADU(s), confirm compliance with state ADU rules and local ADU implementation (Pasadena ADUs; California ADU law). Link to Pasadena ADUs and California ADU law.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Planned Development (PD) or Specific Plan on parcel	PD language can override base district standards (height, FAR, setbacks). Failure to read PD text causes wrong assumptions.	Check the recorded PD ordinance / specific plan exhibits for the parcel; PD text controls where inconsistent. Verify with the Planning Department.
Overlay districts (historic, PK, etc.)	Overlays change setbacks, stepbacks, or add design controls (e.g., no encroachment into an encroachment plane).	Confirm overlays recorded against the parcel and read Chapter 17.28 (Overlay Zoning Districts); contact Planning to confirm map.
Which table cell applies (district subarea confusion)	Many zones use subarea tables or Central District subdistricts where numeric cells differ.	Identify subarea/subdistrict and apply that table cell (e.g., Central District subareas, Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan tables). Verify with parcel zoning map.
Height measurement baseline (existing grade vs. finished grade)	Height measured from grade can change allowable stories.	Apply § 17.40.060 measurement rules and check PD or specific plan exceptions that reference measurement from a particular property line.
FAR exceptions and inclusions (does parking/enclosed balconies count?)	Different definitions of “floor area” change project totals and compliance.	Read § 17.32.080 for FAR exceptions and the definition of floor area. Verify whether parking, certain amenity areas or valet/drop areas are excluded per PD text.

Plain-English Summary

Pasadena’s zoning (Title 17) sets district tables for setbacks, heights, lot coverage and FAR, but many parcels sit in overlays, specific plans, or Planned Developments that change those numbers; always start with the parcel’s zoning/PD/specific plan and then apply measurement rules in § 17.40.160 and height rules in § 17.40.060. For parking, landscaping and design review you must follow the listed chapters (17.46, 17.44, 17.61) and consult the Planning Department to confirm overlays or PD overrides.

Source References

Pasadena Zoning Code excerpts (Title 17) — setback measurement, encroachment planes: § 17.40.160.
Pasadena Zoning Code excerpts — height measurement and exceptions: § 17.40.060.
District/residential tables and minimum lot widths: § 17.22.040 (Table 2‑3 and RM/RS tables).
FAR and FAR exceptions (district FAR rows / PD FAR caps): § 17.32.080 and related tables.
Parking and shared parking controls: Chapter 17.46 (Parking and Loading). See multiple PD excerpts referencing parking rules.
Landscaping requirements: Chapter 17.44 (Landscaping).
Design review triggers: § 17.61.030 and related design review chapters.
Overlay zoning districts chapter heading and purpose (maps/overlays): Chapter 17.28.
Planned Development examples and their specific numeric standards: PD‑5, PD‑31, PD‑39 excerpts (see PD ordinance text in Title 17).

For a high‑level local portal on zoning/planning see Pasadena Zoning and Planning. Link to Pasadena Zoning for general navigation. (Internal links used above: Pasadena Zoning, Pasadena Parking, Pasadena Design Review, Pasadena Overlay Districts, Pasadena ADUs, California Building Standards Code, Pasadena Landscaping and Screening.)

Sources

Retrieved passages

Pasadena Zoning Code (Chapter 17.46) High relevance
Pasadena Zoning Code (Chapter 17.44) High relevance
Pasadena Zoning Code (Section 17.40.060) High relevance
CBC § 65852.21 (Section 65852.21) High relevance
Pasadena Zoning Code (Section 17.68.160.) High relevance
Pasadena Zoning Code High relevance
Pasadena Zoning Code (Chapter 17.44) High relevance
Pasadena Zoning Code (Chapter 8.62.) High relevance

Cited sections

Official Pasadena code library

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an RS‑6 lot in Pasadena?

RS‑6 is Pasadena’s single‑family district; permitted uses are single‑family dwellings and accessory residential uses listed in the use tables. The numeric setbacks, lot width and minimum lot area are set by Table 2‑3 referenced in § 17.22.040; measure setbacks using § 17.40.160 and height using § 17.40.060. Verify any PD or overlay that may change these numbers.

What are Pasadena’s setback requirements?

Setback measurement rules and allowed projections are in § 17.40.160; the actual front/side/rear minimums are supplied by the district table (for example Table 2‑3 for residential § 17.22.040 or specific plan tables). Always apply the measurement method in § 17.40.160 when checking compliance.

How is building height measured in Pasadena?

Height is measured according to § 17.40.060, which defines the baseline and what counts as roof‑mounted appurtenances or allowed exceptions. Many districts also limit height numerically (36 ft, 45 ft, 50 ft, etc.)—check the district table or PD text that applies to your parcel.

What FAR or density can I expect in RM‑16?

RM classes set maximum FAR and density in the RM tables; RM‑16 commonly shows FARs in the mid‑range (see the RM table cells and § 17.22.040). Also consult § 17.32.080 for any FAR exceptions and the specific plan or PD that may change allowable FAR. Verify the exact cell for the parcel's subarea.

Do I need design review for a new building or exterior change?

Design review authority and thresholds are in § 17.61.030; many new construction projects, changes affecting public‑facing elevations, and projects in design districts or PDs require design review. Confirm the review route (Planning Director, Design Commission, or Planning Commission) in the cited design review rules. Link: Pasadena Design Review.

Where do I find parking requirements for my project?

Required parking counts, bicycle parking, and shared parking rules are in Chapter 17.46. Some PDs or Central District rules modify where parking can be located (e.g., no parking between building and street in certain RM rules). See Pasadena Parking for administrative steps.

If my lot is in a PD, which standard applies — the PD or the base zone?

The PD ordinance text controls where it conflicts with Title 17. Always read the PD ordinance for parcel‑specific numeric standards (heights, FAR, lot coverage, parking). § 17.26.040 explains the PD/Master Plan relationship.

Can I rely on district tables alone for a downtown (Central District) project?

No — the Central District has its own subarea tables and design guidelines and many projects are governed by Central District Specific Plan provisions or PDs; check Chapter 17.30 and CD subarea tables and any PD text for overrides.

Are ADU development standards the same as other accessory structures?

State ADU law sets certain minimum allowances; Pasadena implements local ADU rules within Title 17 but must comply with California ADU law. Local ADU processing and allowed setbacks/heights are addressed in the ADU guidance and Title 17 cross‑references — check Pasadena ADUs and California ADU law, and confirm with Planning.

What does the code say about landscaping and tree retention?

Landscape minimums and required planting percentages are in Chapter 17.44; many PDs add tree‑retention or replacement conditions that must be included in the landscape plan. Review the PD text and Chapter 17.44 together. ---

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