Local zoning · Pasadena

Pasadena — Overlay Districts

Q: What are the ND overlay height limits for Lower Hastings Ranch?

For the ND overlay the Chapter prescribes that the maximum height of main structures is 26 feet and the maximum top plate height of the first story is 10 feet (with exceptions addressed by other height rules) — § 17.28.090.E.2 .

Q: What is the HL‑1 height rule I keep seeing on multi‑family parcels?

The HL‑1 overlay contains explicit multi‑family height controls; for example, on lots 60 ft + wide, the rear 40% of the site is limited to 23 ft to the top plate and 32 ft to highest ridgeline and other two‑story limits at garden rectangles — § 17.28.050 .

Q: What if the Zoning Map shows a WAH suffix — what does that mean?

Table 2‑1 lists WAH (Workforce/Affordable Housing) as an overlay classification, and Workforce/Affordable housing terms are defined in Article 8 and Chapters 17.42/17.43; however a discrete 17.28.WAH overlay text was not found in the retrieved materials — verify with the Planning Department whether a specific overlay ordinance or guidelines exist for parcels labeled WAH — Not found in retrieved materials .

Overlay Districts under the Pasadena local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

Overlay districts in Pasadena are suffixes to the base zoning shown on the City Zoning Map and add site-specific rules for design, safety, preservation, and use compatibility on top of the underlying zone. The overlay rules are implemented by Title 17 (Zoning Code) and are applied where the official Zoning Map shows the overlay symbol appended to the base district (for example, RS-4‑HD) — see § 17.20.020 . The overlay chapter establishes how overlays interact with base district regulations and identifies specific overlays (e.g., AD, HD, HL, ND, LD, OC, PK, SS, IS, HH, HL‑1) — see § 17.28.010 and § 17.28.020 .

Note: For the City's general zoning and planning context see the Pasadena overview page. For technical development rules (setbacks, FAR, etc.) consult the City's Pasadena Development Standards. When overlays affect parking or historic review this page will point to Pasadena Parking and Pasadena Historic Preservation. For building-code compliance see the California Building Standards Code.

Chapter-level rules that control overlays (how they map, how conflicts are resolved, and that base-district standards normally apply) are concentrated in Chapter 17.28 (Overlay Zoning Districts) and the Zoning Map rules in § 17.20.020; both must be consulted when an overlay label appears on a parcel. See § 17.28.020 for the basic applicability rule that “any land use allowed in the base zoning district may be allowed within an overlay district, subject to any additional requirements of the overlay district” and that the most restrictive provision controls when a conflict arises — § 17.28.020 .

District-by-district breakdown (Pasadena-specific)

Below are the overlay districts that appear in Pasadena's Title 17 and the most decision-relevant features from the Zoning Code. Each subsection states the purpose, typical permitted uses (how uses differ from the base zone), key dimensional or procedural standards and where it applies (what the code says about mapping).

Notes on reading this section: in many overlays the code explicitly leaves permitted uses and most dimensional standards to the underlying base district; where overlays impose additional rules or permit processes those are noted and cited.

General overlay mapping and conflict rule

Mapping: overlays are shown by a suffix appended to the base district on the official Zoning Map (example: RS‑4‑HD) — § 17.20.020 .
Uses and standards: overlays normally defer to the underlying base district except where the overlay states otherwise; the most restrictive rule applies when there is a conflict — § 17.28.020 .

AD — Alcohol Density Overlay

Purpose: regulate public notice and density of new alcohol-serving uses to prevent over‑concentration — § 17.28.030 .
Typical permitted uses: the overlay does not add new allowed uses; it applies extra notice and separation rules for uses that sell alcohol (bars, taverns, liquor stores, grocery/convenience with off‑site alcohol) — § 17.28.030 .
Key standards and process:
- Additional mailed and posted notice at least 28 days before hearing (mail to occupants within 300 feet) — § 17.28.030.B .
- Separation distances depend on map designation: AD‑1 = 250 feet, AD‑2 = 1,000 feet (measured in a straight line from property line to property line) — § 17.28.030.C and § 17.28.030.D .
Where applied: specific parcels are designated AD, AD‑1 or AD‑2 on the Zoning Map — § 17.28.030 .

HD / HD‑SR / HD‑1 — Hillside Development Overlays

Purpose: protect hillside resources, preserve views and minimize environmental hazards and grading impacts — § 17.29.010 .
Typical permitted uses: uses allowed by the base zone remain allowable but subdivision and new development on HD/HD‑SR/HD‑1 sites are subject to additional standards and usually special permit/review (Hillside Development Permit) — § 17.29.010 and § 17.29.020 .
Key standards and process:
- Chapter lists design and environmental objectives (preserve ridgelines, limit density in low-carrying-capacity areas, ensure safe ingress/egress) — § 17.29.010 .
- Applicability: all subdivisions, new development or new land uses within HD/HD‑SR are subject to the chapter; HD‑1 (Upper Hastings Ranch) has its own standards in § 17.29.090 — § 17.29.020 .
Where applied: properties labeled HD, HD‑SR or HD‑1 on the Zoning Map; see Chapter 17.29 for detailed hillside standards and thresholds for required discretionary review — § 17.29.010 .

HL and HL‑1 — Height Limit Overlays

Purpose (HL): to establish special height limits to preserve neighborhood character in areas where the base district heights are not appropriate — § 17.28.040 .
Purpose (HL‑1): to set special height limits in multi‑family districts to ensure compatibility — § 17.28.050 .
Typical permitted uses: base‑district uses remain allowable; HL/HL‑1 modify only height/dimensional rules where applied — § 17.28.040 and § 17.28.050 .
Key standards (HL‑1 example):
- On lots 60 feet width or greater, the rear 40% of the site is limited to 23 ft to the top plate and 32 ft to the highest ridgeline; maximum height at garden rectangle limited to two stories — § 17.28.050 .
Where applied: parcels designated HL or HL‑1 on the Zoning Map — § 17.28.050 and § 17.28.040 .

HH — Hospitality Home Overlay

Purpose: to allow and regulate hospitality homes (short‑term hosted lodging) in specified zones while managing impacts — § 17.28.060 .
Typical permitted uses: base district uses remain; a hospitality home may be established with a Minor Conditional Use Permit when the property carries the HH suffix — § 17.28.060.C and § 17.28.060.D .
Key standards: Development standards are those of the base district; parking and permit conditions may be specified by the Minor Conditional Use Permit — § 17.28.060.D .
Where applied: parcels mapped as HH on the Zoning Map — § 17.28.060.B .

IS — Interim Study Overlay

Purpose: to allow discretionary review in areas under study or where zoning changes are being considered; IS designations are temporary and must include a study plan — § 17.28.070 .
Typical permitted uses: uses are limited to those of the underlying base district; new or expanded uses generally require a Conditional Use Permit while IS is in effect — § 17.28.070.C .
Key standards and process:
- An ordinance adopting an IS overlay must contain an expiration (generally one year) unless extended — § 17.28.070.B.2 .
- Conditional Use Permit approvals in IS must include a finding that the proposed use will not conflict with the study plan standards — § 17.28.070.D .
Where applied: temporary IS suffixes on the Zoning Map; see the adopting ordinance for duration and study plan terms — § 17.28.070.B .

LD — Landmark (Landmark Overlay)

Purpose: conserve and protect architecturally or historically significant buildings and groups of buildings; implement historic‑preservation policy — § 17.28.080.A .
Typical permitted uses: base district uses remain allowable but exterior modifications and demolition are subject to historic review procedures — § 17.28.080.B–C .
Key standards and process:
- Development standards are those of the base district unless the LD provisions control in conflicts; review procedures are in Chapter 17.62 (Historic Preservation) — § 17.28.080.C–E .
Where applied: parcels shown with LD suffix on Zoning Map; the LD suffix is displayed with a numeric ID tied to adoption order — § 17.28.080.D .

ND — Neighborhood Overlay (Lower Hastings Ranch)

Purpose: protect the distinct scale and modern‑ranch character of Lower Hastings Ranch and limit visual intrusion and privacy impacts — § 17.28.090.A .
Typical permitted uses: underlying base-district uses allowed, but new houses, second‑story additions or any façade work visible from the public right‑of‑way require a Neighborhood Development Permit — § 17.28.090.D .
Key dimensional standards (exceptions to underlying RS standards):
- Development standards generally default to RS‑6 except where Chapter 17.28 specifies otherwise — § 17.28.090.E .
- Heights are capped: maximum main structure height = 26 feet; maximum top plate of first story = 10 feet (with exceptions in 17.40.060) — § 17.28.090.E.2 .
- Slope reductions and protected-view rules apply; new visible second stories typically require Neighborhood Development Permit — § 17.28.090.E.1 and § 17.28.090.D .
Where applied: the Zoning Map marks the ND overlay for Lower Hastings Ranch — § 17.28.090.B .

OC — Office Conversion Overlay

Purpose: allow conversion of historic structures to office use while placing limitations on scope and operations — § 17.28.100.A .
Typical permitted uses: base district uses remain, but reuse of historic structures is limited to uses under the “Offices — Administrative Business Professional” category and requires a Minor Conditional Use Permit for reuse — § 17.28.100.C–D .
Key standards and permit conditions:
- Exterior modifications are subject to historic review procedures (category 1 review under § 17.62.090.E.1) — § 17.28.100.E.1 .
- Hours of operation, signage, lighting, parking, and a requirement of one residential unit for structures over 3,000 sq ft are examples of OC conditions — § 17.28.100.E.2–5 .
Where applied: parcels shown as OC on the Zoning Map — § 17.28.100.B .

PK — Parking Overlay

Purpose: allow off‑street parking for commercial, industrial or PS uses to be located in adjacent residential areas while protecting residential neighbors — § 17.28.110.A–B .
Typical permitted uses: base district uses remain; off‑street at‑grade parking lots in an R district are allowed only with Minor Conditional Use Permit approval — § 17.28.110.C .
Key development standards:
- Parking lot driveway located as close to the C or PS boundary as possible; parking landscaping subject to Chapter 17.44; a six‑foot masonry or concrete wall abutting R property lines (four feet max within front yards) may be required — § 17.28.110.D.1–3 .
- Parking lot hours limited to 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. unless extended by Minor CUP — § 17.28.110.D.5 .
Where applied: parcels labeled PK on the Zoning Map — § 17.28.110.B .

SS — Specialty Shop Overlay District

Purpose: permit a specialty shop (a mix of retail, food sales and restaurant uses) in an historic resource under controlled conditions — § 17.28.115.A–C .
Typical permitted uses: the underlying base district controls, but a specialty shop may be allowed by Conditional Use Permit; the shop must be in an historic resource and have up to 60% retail + food sales and 40% restaurant (floor‑area based), subject to review — § 17.28.115.C–D .
Key standards:
- Development standards default to the base district except that hours of operation, signage and lighting are set by the CUP, and exterior changes require Historic Preservation Commission review — § 17.28.115.E .
- Parking and loading exceptions: number of parking spaces set by CUP; parking not allowed in front/corner setbacks; no loading or refuse requirements in certain cases — § 17.28.115.F .
Where applied: defined areas designated SS on the Zoning Map — § 17.28.115.B .

WAH — Workforce/Affordable Housing Overlay

Presence on Table: WAH is listed in the Zoning Map table as Workforce/Affordable Housing (multi‑family) — § 17.20.020 Table 2‑1 .
What the code materials show: definitions related to workforce/affordable housing appear in Article 8 and Chapters 17.42–17.43 (Inclusionary and Density Bonus programs), but a dedicated text body describing a 17.28.WAH overlay rule is not found in the retrieved materials. Verify with the jurisdiction whether a separate overlay text exists and where (if adopted by ordinance) — Not found in retrieved materials .

Quick decision table — most action-relevant overlays

Overlay District	What it changes (quick)	Typical permit or check you will need	Code Reference
AD	Adds notice and separation rules for alcohol‑selling uses; map shows AD‑1/AD‑2 distances	Confirm separation distance; public noticing; CUP if required	§ 17.28.030
HD / HD‑SR / HD‑1	Hillside design, slope, view protection, grading limits; special permit thresholds	Hillside Development Permit; predevelopment review for some projects	§ 17.29.010–020
HL / HL‑1	Overlay height caps (HL‑1 lists explicit rear‑area height limits)	Check lot width and applicable HL‑1 conditions; coordinate height measurement with 17.40	§ 17.28.040; § 17.28.050
ND	Neighborhood design/scale limits (Lower Hastings Ranch); 26 ft max height, top plate caps	Neighborhood Development Permit for visible additions/new dwellings	§ 17.28.090
OC	Limits conversions of historic structures to office uses; hours/sign/parking rules	Minor Conditional Use Permit; historic review on exterior changes	§ 17.28.100
PK	Allows parking lots in R districts with buffering and restricted hours	Minor Conditional Use Permit; landscape and wall requirements	§ 17.28.110
LD	Historic/landmark district; adds Chapter 17.62 review	Historic Preservation (Chapter 17.62) review and design controls	§ 17.28.080
IS	Temporary study overlay: discretionary review and time‑limited ordinance	Conditional Use Permit; check ordinance for termination/extension dates	§ 17.28.070
SS	Specialty shop rules for historic resources; parking and signage exceptions	Conditional Use Permit; Historic Preservation review	§ 17.28.115

Checklist — what an applicant must satisfy for an overlay site

Confirm the exact Zoning Map designation (base zone + overlay suffix) with the Planning Department or Zoning Map and confirm overlay boundaries — § 17.20.020 .
Verify whether the overlay adds a specific permit requirement (e.g., Neighborhood Development Permit for ND, Minor CUP for OC/HH/PK) — consult the overlay section (e.g., § 17.28.090, § 17.28.100, § 17.28.060, § 17.28.110) .
Confirm which development standards of the base district remain in effect and identify overlay exceptions (height, parking, hours) — § 17.28.020 .
For historic overlays (LD, SS, OC) submit materials prepared for historic review pursuant to Chapter 17.62 and check Pasadena Historic Preservation procedures — § 17.28.080.E .
Check parking and loading requirements and any overlay exceptions; coordinate with Pasadena Parking rules (Chapter 17.36 / 17.46 references in overlay sections) — see § 17.28.100.F and § 17.28.110.D .
If proposing multi‑family or affordable units in a site with WAH/affordable overlays, check Chapters 17.42 and 17.43 for inclusionary, density bonus and affordability covenants — see definitions and standards in Article 8 and Chapter 17.42–17.43 .
For HD sites, include slope analysis, view impact diagrams and meet predevelopment plan review if thresholds trigger it — § 17.29.010–020 and § 17.60.040.C .
Where projects require design review, coordinate with Pasadena Design Review processes — many overlay sections cross‑reference Chapter 17.61 and design review rules (e.g., § 17.28.100.E.1) .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Zoning Map boundary precision	An overlay label on the map determines whether overlay standards (and permit triggers) apply	Ask the Zoning Administrator for a map interpretation and parcel‑level confirmation (see § 17.20.020)
Conflict between overlay and base district	Code says “most restrictive controls” — affects setbacks, height, parking	Identify all applicable provisions (Chapter 17.28 says overlays add rules but base standards apply unless overlay specifies otherwise) — § 17.28.020
WAH overlay text not located	Table lists WAH but I could not find a 17.28.WAH section in the retrieved files	Verify whether a separate ordinance or administrative guideline implements the WAH overlay (Not found in retrieved materials)
Parcel-specific slope/view triggers in HD	Hillside overlay may impose additional review and limits on buildable area	Confirm slope thresholds, whether the lot is in HD/HD‑SR/HD‑1, and whether predev review is required — § 17.29.010–020
Historic review overlap (LD / SS / OC)	Historic review can add design constraints and longer timelines	Confirm whether Chapter 17.62 historic procedures apply to your site and whether exterior work triggers HPC or category 1 review — § 17.28.080.E; § 17.28.100.E
How to measure AD separations	Incorrect measuring can wrongly block or allow alcohol uses	Separation measured in a straight line from closest property line to closest property line per § 17.28.030.D

Plain‑English summary

Overlays are map‑suffixes to the regular zoning for a parcel that add narrow, site‑specific rules (for example, special height caps, historic review, parking‑in‑residential rules, or alcohol separation standards). In most overlays the allowed uses stay the same as the base zone but you will frequently face extra permit requirements, different height or parking rules, and additional notice or review — always check the overlay section of Title 17 and the official Zoning Map for the parcel in question (verify with the Planning Department for borderline cases).

Source References

Pasadena Municipal Code, Title 17 — Zoning Code, Table of Zoning Districts and Zoning Map rules: § 17.20.020 .
Overlay chapter purpose and applicability: § 17.28.010 and § 17.28.020 .
Alcohol Density Overlay (AD): § 17.28.030 and separation measurement § 17.28.030.D .
Height Limit Overlays: § 17.28.040 (HL) and § 17.28.050 (HL‑1) .
Hospitality Home Overlay: § 17.28.060 .
Interim Study Overlay: § 17.28.070 .
Landmark Overlay and historic review cross‑reference: § 17.28.080; see Chapter 17.62 for procedures .
Neighborhood Overlay (Lower Hastings Ranch): § 17.28.090 (includes height limits) .
Office Conversion Overlay: § 17.28.100 (permits, signage, hours, parking exceptions) .
Parking Overlay: § 17.28.110 (buffer walls, landscaping, parking hours) .
Specialty Shop Overlay: § 17.28.115 (historic resource retail/restaurant mix) .
Hillside Development (HD / HD‑SR / HD‑1) chapter: § 17.29.010 and § 17.29.020 (purpose and applicability) .
Workforce/Affordable housing definitions and inclusionary rules (related but overlay text not found in retrieved materials): Article 8 definitions and Chapters 17.42–17.43 (Inclusionary & Density Bonus) — see definitions and standards .

Primary source (Title 17 Zoning Code print export): Pasadena Municipal Code, Title 17 (Zoning Code), City of Pasadena, source: library.municode.com (print export) — see the City's Municode Title 17 for the full, current text: https://library.municode.com/ca/pasadena/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT17ZO

Sources

Retrieved passages

Pasadena Zoning Code (§ 8) High relevance
Pasadena Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
Pasadena Zoning Code (Section 17.20.020) High relevance
Pasadena Zoning Code (§ 5) High relevance
Pasadena Zoning Code (Chapter 17.62) High relevance
Pasadena Zoning Code (Article 2) High relevance
Pasadena Zoning Code (Chapter 17.74.) Medium relevance
Pasadena Zoning Code (Article 4) Medium relevance
Pasadena Zoning Code (Chapter 17.28) Medium relevance
Pasadena Zoning Code (Chapter as) Medium relevance
CBC § 14.12.390 (Section 14.12.390.) Medium relevance
Pasadena Zoning Code (Section 17.22.070) Medium relevance
Pasadena Zoning Code (Title of) Medium relevance
Pasadena Zoning Code (Section 17.20.020) Medium relevance
Pasadena Zoning Code (Title 17) Medium relevance
Pasadena Zoning Code (Chapter 17.43) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Pasadena code library

Frequently asked questions

What does an overlay district do in Pasadena?

An overlay district adds site‑specific rules on top of the base zoning for a parcel (shown as a suffix on the Zoning Map) and may change height, parking, review procedures, or notice requirements; overlays generally defer to the underlying district unless the overlay says otherwise — § 17.28.020 .

How do I know if my property is inside an overlay?

Check the official Zoning Map for a suffix added to your base zone (for example, RS‑6‑ND or RM‑16‑HL‑1). If the map is ambiguous ask the Zoning Administrator for an interpretation — mapping and district list are in § 17.20.020 and overlay applicability is in § 17.28.020 .

Do overlays change what uses are allowed on my lot?

Most overlays state that “any land use allowed in the applicable base zoning district may be allowed” but add conditions or additional permit requirements for certain uses (e.g., AD adds notice and separation rules for alcohol uses) — § 17.28.020 and § 17.28.030 .

What are the ND overlay height limits for Lower Hastings Ranch?

For the ND overlay the Chapter prescribes that the maximum height of main structures is 26 feet and the maximum top plate height of the first story is 10 feet (with exceptions addressed by other height rules) — § 17.28.090.E.2 .

What permit triggers are common in overlays (do I need design review)?

Many overlays add discretionary review: ND requires a Neighborhood Development Permit for visible additions; OC/SS/LD frequently require historic preservation review; HH/OC/PK reference Minor Conditional Use Permits. Design review and permit procedures are implemented through Chapter 17.61 and historic review through 17.62 — see § 17.28.090, § 17.28.100, and § 17.28.080 .

What is the HL‑1 height rule I keep seeing on multi‑family parcels?

The HL‑1 overlay contains explicit multi‑family height controls; for example, on lots 60 ft+ wide, the rear 40% of the site is limited to 23 ft to the top plate and 32 ft to highest ridgeline and other two‑story limits at garden rectangles — § 17.28.050 .

What is an IS (Interim Study) overlay?

An IS overlay is temporary, adopted where zoning changes are under study; it generally requires a study plan, makes new/altered uses subject to Conditional Use Permit review while in effect, and the ordinance that creates an IS usually includes a time limit (commonly one year, with limited extensions) — § 17.28.070 .

How does the Parking overlay (PK) work if I want to use a residential lot for a commercial parking lot?

The PK overlay allows off‑street at‑grade parking lots in residential districts when combined with a Minor Conditional Use Permit, requires landscaping (Chapter 17.44), perimeter walls (solid masonry 6 feet where adjoining R districts; 4 feet max within front yards), and limits operating hours (typically 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.) — § 17.28.110 .

Can I convert a historic bungalow court to office under OC?

The OC overlay allows conversion of historic structures to office uses, but those conversions are restricted to certain office types, require a Minor Conditional Use Permit, and exterior changes are subject to historic review procedures (category 1 review under Chapter 17.62) — § 17.28.100 .

What if the Zoning Map shows a WAH suffix — what does that mean?

Table 2‑1 lists WAH (Workforce/Affordable Housing) as an overlay classification, and Workforce/Affordable housing terms are defined in Article 8 and Chapters 17.42/17.43; however a discrete 17.28.WAH overlay text was not found in the retrieved materials — verify with the Planning Department whether a specific overlay ordinance or guidelines exist for parcels labeled WAH — Not found in retrieved materials .

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