Local zoning · South Pasadena

South Pasadena — Design Review

Q: Are ADUs subject to South Pasadena design review?

The Zoning Code lists Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) as an exemption from the Design Review rule in § 36.410.040(B)(2)(d) , but ADU projects still must follow ADU‑specific standards (and may be subject to historic‑resource review where applicable). Verify ADU specifics at § 36.350.200 . Verify with the jurisdiction for parcel‑specific historic constraints.

Q: Do overlay districts change design review standards?

Yes. Overlays such as AM , MU , or HO add or modify development and design standards (setbacks, lot coverage, heights, parking). Projects in overlays must comply with both the base district and overlay rules; see Division § 36.250.010–060 and the specific overlay tables (e.g., Table 2‑7 for AM ).

Q: Is a landscape plan part of Design Review?

If a project meets the thresholds in Division 36.330 (new landscaping, re‑landscaping above certain sizes, additions that trigger landscape compliance) a Landscape Concept and Landscape Permit are required and no Building Permit is issued until verified. See § 36.330.030–040 .

Q: If my lot is in the Altos de Monterey (AM) overlay what special rules apply?

The AM Overlay contains unique lot, setback, coverage, driveway and parking standards (see Table 2‑7 ) and uses special nonconforming rules; applicants must meet table requirements in § 36.250.030 and consult Table 2‑7 for distances such as a 25 ft rear setback, 40% maximum lot coverage, and special second‑story setbacks. § 36.250.030 / Table 2‑7 .

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

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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

South Pasadena’s local design-review regime is codified in the Zoning Code (Title 36) and centered on the Design Review procedures in § 36.410.040 which govern exterior design, site layout, landscaping and signage for most residential, commercial and industrial projects. The rules identify which projects are subject to design review, who reviews them (Director, Planning Commission Chair, Planning Commission), required findings, and the interaction with overlays, hillside rules, the City’s design guidelines, and related standards such as parking, setbacks and landscaping. See the City’s Zoning overview for context on how design review fits into the local permitting system. § 36.410.040 .

(Note: this page covers only the local Zoning Code provisions about design review; building-code (Title 24), state housing law, and separate ADU rules are discussed on other pages.)

How to read this page: first links

The first mention of design review links to the city zoning landing page: design review.
When this page mentions parking, setbacks/development standards, overlays, ADUs, Title 24, landscaping, or historic preservation, the first occurrence links to the City menus for those topics so you can jump to related guidance: South Pasadena Parking, South Pasadena Development Standards, South Pasadena Overlay Districts, South Pasadena ADUs, California Building Standards Code, South Pasadena Landscaping and Screening, South Pasadena Historic Preservation.

Core Design Review rules (what the code actually says)

The City’s design-review program is established in § 36.410.040 (Purpose, Applicability, Submittal, Review Authority, Findings, Notice, Appeals). The section explains purpose and scope and lists the types of projects that must submit to Design Review. § 36.410.040 .
Applicability: design review is required for:
- Residential development: any single-family or multi‑family residential project that requires a Building Permit for exterior construction/modification. § 36.410.040(B)(1)(a) .
- Commercial / industrial development: any project involving construction or exterior change to structures, landscaping, or permanent signs on commercially- or industrially-zoned parcels. § 36.410.040(B)(1)(b) .
- Exemptions include like‑for‑like repair, emergency shelters, single‑room occupancy, and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) per the Design Review exemption list. § 36.410.040(B)(2)(a–d) .
Review thresholds and authorities: the Code divides projects by size/type into three review streams:
- Planning Commission: reviews major projects (e.g., projects that require a Hillside Development Permit, Conditional Use Permit, Variance, Planned Development Permit; mixed‑use or multifamily projects not qualifying for ministerial review; new single‑family structures; commercial/industrial structures > 3,000 sq ft; additions > 3,000 sq ft). § 36.410.040(D)(1) .
- Planning Commission Chair (or delegated architect Commissioner): administrative (no public hearing) review of mid‑sized projects (commercial/industrial between 500–3,000 sq ft; residential exterior modifications that would substantially change architectural style; certain additions). § 36.410.040(D)(2) .
- Director (Community Development Director): ministerial/administrative review for smaller or non‑style‑changing work (e.g., exterior modifications or new/added floor area ≤ 500 sq ft not changing style; limited additions not visible to street). § 36.410.040(D)(3) .
- The Code also creates a ministerial approval path for certain qualifying residential projects under State law; see § 36.410.040(D)(4). § 36.410.040(D)(4) .
Required findings: to approve design review the Review Authority must find the design:
1. is consistent with the General Plan, adopted design guidelines, and area design criteria;
2. accommodates the proposed functions without unreasonably interfering with neighboring uses or pedestrian/traffic safety;
3. is compatible with the surrounding neighborhood character; and
4. provides a desirable environment for occupants/neighbors and is aesthetically durable. § 36.410.040(I) .
Process details: applications are filed with the Department, must include the Design Review Submittal Checklist and fees, and the Director retains materials. Preliminary review is encouraged and may be required. Public notice rules and appeal timeframes apply (appeal period 15 days). Timeframes for Chair/Director reviews are set to 60 days with limited rounds of comments. § 36.410.040(C), (E), (F), (G), (H), (J) .
Relationship to other rules:
- Projects still must comply with the Zoning Code’s development standards (setbacks, height, lot coverage, FAR) in the applicable zoning district (see Residential and Commercial divisions). Design Review may consider and condition compliance. § 36.410.040(A), § 36.220 / § 36.230 .
- Landscape plans required where Division 36.330 applies; no Zoning Approval is granted until a Landscape Concept/Permit is approved when applicable. § 36.330.030–040 .
- Parking and loading requirements are enforced under SPMC 36.310 (Parking & Loading) and are a required consideration in design review. 36.310 reference in tables .
- Hillside properties have a separate Hillside Development Permit and extra design considerations; see § 36.410.065 and Division 36.340. § 36.410.065 .

District-by-district breakdown (how design review interacts with each local district)

Below are the primary zoning district groups in the City and the design-review / standards context a project applicant must expect. Each district name and numerical standard below is bolded; the controlling code citation is given.

Residential districts — purpose & where design review applies

Districts: RE, RS, RM, RH (Residential Estate, Residential Single‑Family, Residential Medium, Residential High). Purpose and basic application are in § 36.220.020; the district development standards and Table 2‑3 are in § 36.220.040 and related subsections. § 36.220.020 / § 36.220.040 .
Typical permitted uses: single‑family (RE/RS), duplex/attached types (RM), multi‑family (RM/RH) per Table 2‑3 and Table 2‑2 use tables. § 36.220 .
Key dimensional standards and where they apply (decision‑relevant highlights):
- Front setback: varies by district; see Table 2‑3 (e.g., front setback rules and exceptions; also see the small nonconforming parcel rules where front/back = 20 ft or 15 ft with a porch). § 36.220.040 / § 36.220.050 .
- Lot coverage: residential lot coverage caps are shown in Table 2‑3 (example: 40% for certain districts; small‑parcel rules allow 50% limit in § 36.220.050(F)). § 36.220.040 / § 36.220.050 .
- Maximum height: generally 35 ft in non‑hillside areas, with exceptions and overlay rules (see § 36.300.040 and Table 2‑3). Design Review can authorize some stylistic height clarifications. § 36.300.040 / Table 2‑3 .
How design review applies: nearly all exterior residential work that needs a building permit is subject to design review, but the size/type thresholds (Director vs Chair vs Commission) determine the route and whether a public hearing occurs. § 36.410.040(B)(1)(a), (D) .

Commercial districts (and Mixed‑Use) — purpose & design context

Districts: CO, CG, BP (Commercial Office, Commercial General, Business Park) — purposes and allowed uses are in § 36.230.020–030. § 36.230.020 / § 36.230.030 .
Typical uses: retail, personal services, offices, some manufacturing in BP; Table 2‑4 lists specific uses and permit requirements. § 36.230.030 .
Key standards: ground‑floor design rules, blank‑wall limits, glazing, building frontage and setbacks appear in Table 2‑6 (Mixed‑Use Overlay) / Article 3; rear setbacks for nonresidential 15 ft, residential front ground floor setbacks 5 ft in CG / 7.5 ft elsewhere per overlay standards. Table 2‑6 / § 36.230 / § 36.300.030 .
How design review applies: any exterior construction or change to commercial/industrial structures triggers design review; larger commercial projects (> 3,000 sq ft) go to the Planning Commission. § 36.410.040(B)(1)(b), (D)(1)(c) .

Special purpose & public districts

Districts include CF (Community Facilities), OS (Open Space), DTSP, HFSP (Downtown and Holy Family Specific Plans) — standards tailored or governed by specific plans or case‑by‑case development review. See § 36.240.020 / § 36.240.040. § 36.240.020 / § 36.240.040 .
Design review: these projects are subject to design review to the extent required by the applicable specific plan and review authority.

Overlay districts — areas with added design rules

Key overlays: AM (Altos de Monterey), MU (Mixed Use), HO (Housing Opportunity), CDC (Camino del Cielo). The overlay rules add or supersede district rules and contain special design standards; see Division § 36.250.010–060. § 36.250.010 / § 36.250.030–050 .
Example: AM Overlay Table 2‑7 sets overlay‑specific setbacks, lot coverage (40%), special driveway/parking rules and low primary‑structure heights (25 ft in some places). Table 2‑7 / § 36.250.030 .
Example: HO Overlay allows up to 70 du/acre and a maximum height of 55 ft where applied; projects still comply with Division 36.220 standards. § 36.250.050 .
How design review applies: overlays contain additional design criteria the Review Authority must consider (and sometimes additional findings). § 36.250.010–020 .

Quick reference table — most decision‑relevant design‑review triggers and standards

What triggers design review / standard	Quick rule / threshold	Code reference
Design Review general authority and findings	Program established and findings required for approval	§ 36.410.040
Residential projects subject to DR	Any SF or MF exterior construction/modification requiring a Building Permit	§ 36.410.040(B)(1)(a)
Commercial/industrial projects subject to DR	Any exterior change to building, landscaping, or permanent sign	§ 36.410.040(B)(1)(b)
Administrative/ministerial thresholds	Director review for ≤ 500 sq ft additions or non‑style‑changing changes; Chair for 500–3,000 sq ft; Commission for > 3,000 sq ft or new single‑family	§ 36.410.040(D)(1–3)
Small nonconforming single‑family parcel rules	Front/rear setback 20 ft (or 15 ft with porch); lot coverage 50% (small‑parcel special rules)	§ 36.220.050(B–F)
Landscape plan requirement tied to DR	Landscape Plan required for new/re‑landscaped areas meeting thresholds; no Building Permit until verified	§ 36.330.030–040
Parking compliance (reviewed in DR)	Parking standards per SPMC 36.310, parking location and counts matter for design findings	SPMC 36.310 (see tables)
Hillside projects	Separate Hillside Development Permit; Commission review; additional design criteria (views, massing, sunlight)	§ 36.410.065

Checklist (what to submit / satisfy for a Design Review application)

Complete Design Review application form and required filing fee (submit to the Director) — § 36.410.040(C) .
Full plan set showing existing and proposed site plan, elevations, materials/finishes, roof forms, colors, and landscaping per the Design Review Submittal Checklist — § 36.410.040(C)(1); landscaping rules § 36.330 .
Parking plan showing on‑site spaces, guest spaces and access consistent with 36.310 (and any overlay parking rules) — SPMC 36.310 .
Site grading/drainage plan and any Hillside Development Permit materials if applicable — § 36.410.065 / Division 36.340 .
If in an overlay (AM, MU, HO, CDC), show overlay‑specific compliance (e.g., Table 2‑7 standards for AM) — § 36.250.030–050 .
If work touches a designated or inventoried historic resource, a Cultural Heritage review or Certificate of Appropriateness and Historic Resource Evaluation may be required — see Historic Preservation rules and cross‑reference in Design Review. Noting Cultural Heritage references in § 36.410.040 .
If applying for ministerial streamlining (qualifying residential project), show compliance with the ministerial eligibility criteria under § 36.410.040(D)(4) and any Housing Element tables. § 36.410.040(D)(4) .
Provide any required studies called out in Table notes (parking study, landscape concept plan) and be prepared for up to three rounds of Director/Chair comments in administrative review (timing rules apply). § 36.410.040(F) .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Whether a given ADU is exempt from Design Review	The Code lists ADUs as exempt in the Design Review exemptions, but ADU-specific design controls and historic‑property rules may still apply	Confirm the ADU exemption in § 36.410.040(B)(2)(d) and check ADU standards at § 36.350.200 (and state ADU law). Verify with the jurisdiction.
“Change of architectural style” subjective test	Director/Chair reviews differentiate style‑changing work (which may escalate review); “substantially change the architectural style” is inherently discretionary	Expect the Review Authority to interpret this; request a preliminary review and document historic/neighbor context. Cite § 36.410.040(D)(2)(b).
Overlay vs underlying district conflicts	Overlays (AM, MU, HO) contain extra or different numerical standards that may conflict with Article 3 standards	Confirm which provision controls (the Zoning Code’s conflict/interpretation rules) and rely on the overlay citations (e.g., § 36.250.030 for AM). Verify with the jurisdiction.
Applicability of ministerial route for “qualifying residential projects”	State law interactions and local ministerial procedures can change timelines and environmental review obligations	Confirm eligibility under § 36.410.040(D)(4) and the Housing Element tables referenced there.
Precise setback/height numbers for a parcel	Tables (e.g., Table 2‑3, Table 2‑6, Table 2‑7) contain district‑specific and overlay‑specific numbers; some lots have site‑specific entries	Check the zoning map parcel, the applicable table (Table 2‑3/2‑6/2‑7), and any historic or specific‑plan exceptions. Verify with the jurisdiction.

Plain‑English summary

If your project changes the outside of a house, apartment, commercial building, landscaping, or a permanent sign, you will almost certainly need to run your plans through South Pasadena’s Design Review process in § 36.410.040, and the level of review (Director, Planning Commission Chair, or Planning Commission) depends on the size and type of work; the reviewer will check compatibility with the General Plan, City design guidelines, site standards (setbacks, parking, landscaping), and any overlay rules. § 36.410.040

Source References

§ 36.410.040 — Design Review: purpose, applicability, authorities, findings, procedures.
§ 36.410.065 — Hillside Development Permit (design review intersection for hillside lots).
Division 36.220 — Residential districts: purposes, Table 2‑3 Residential District General Development Standards, small‑parcel rules § 36.220.020 / § 36.220.040 / § 36.220.050.
Division 36.230 — Commercial district purposes and allowed uses. § 36.230.020 / § 36.230.030.
Division 36.250 — Overlay Districts (AM, MU, HO, CDC) including Table 2‑7 for AM and Table 2‑6 for MU standards. § 36.250.010–060.
Division 36.330 — Landscaping standard and Landscape Plan approval rules referenced by Design Review. § 36.330.030–040.
SPMC 36.310 — Parking and Loading (standards reviewed as part of design review).
Appeals / timelines — Division 36.610 (appeal procedures, 15‑day appeals).

If you need direct verbatim text from any of the cited sections above, I can pull the specific subsection language for your application — say which section you want quoted.

Sources

Retrieved passages

South Pasadena Zoning Code High relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code (Section 36.410.030.C) High relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code (Chapter 2) High relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code (Article III) High relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code (section and) High relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code (Section 36.410.030.C) High relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code (Section 36.410.020) Medium relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code (§ 1.) Medium relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code (Article 2) Medium relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code (§ 1.) Medium relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code (Section 36.300.030) Medium relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code (Article 1) Medium relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code Medium relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code Medium relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code (Article 7) Medium relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
CFC § 350.170 Medium relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code (Article 7) Medium relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code Medium relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code (§ 1.) Medium relevance

Cited sections

**§ 36.410.040** — Design Review: purpose, applicability, authorities, findings, procedures. (§ 36.410.040)
**§ 36.410.065** — Hillside Development Permit (design review intersection for hillside lots). (§ 36.410.065)
**Division 36.220** — Residential districts: purposes, Table 2‑3 Residential District General Development Standards, small‑parcel rules **§ 36.220.020 / § 36.220.040 / § 36.220.050**. (§ 36.220.020)
**Division 36.230** — Commercial district purposes and allowed uses. **§ 36.230.020 / § 36.230.030**. (§ 36.230.020)
**Division 36.250** — Overlay Districts (AM, MU, HO, CDC) including Table 2‑7 for **AM** and Table 2‑6 for **MU** standards. **§ 36.250.010–060**. (§ 36.250.010)
**Division 36.330** — Landscaping standard and Landscape Plan approval rules referenced by Design Review. **§ 36.330.030–040**. (§ 36.330.030)
**SPMC 36.310** — Parking and Loading (standards reviewed as part of design review).
**Appeals / timelines** — Division 36.610 (appeal procedures, 15‑day appeals).
SouthPasadena_ZoningCode.md

Frequently asked questions

Do I need design review for a new single‑family house in South Pasadena?

Yes. A new single‑family dwelling is explicitly listed as a matter for Design Review and typically goes to the Planning Commission; see § 36.410.040(D)(1)(d) for the Planning Commission review thresholds and the overall Design Review applicability in § 36.410.040(B)(1)(a).

When does the Director review a project instead of the Planning Commission?

The Director handles administrative reviews for smaller or non‑style‑changing residential or commercial changes (for example, exterior modifications or additions ≤ 500 sq ft that do not change architectural style); see § 36.410.040(D)(3) and the Chair thresholds in § 36.410.040(D)(2).

Are ADUs subject to South Pasadena design review?

The Zoning Code lists Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) as an exemption from the Design Review rule in § 36.410.040(B)(2)(d), but ADU projects still must follow ADU‑specific standards (and may be subject to historic‑resource review where applicable). Verify ADU specifics at § 36.350.200. Verify with the jurisdiction for parcel‑specific historic constraints.

What findings will the reviewer make before approving design review?

The Review Authority must find the proposal: (1) is consistent with the General Plan and design guidelines, (2) accommodates its functions without unreasonable interference or pedestrian/traffic hazards, (3) is compatible with neighborhood character, and (4) provides a desirable environment and durable aesthetics. See § 36.410.040(I).

Do overlay districts change design review standards?

Yes. Overlays such as AM, MU, or HO add or modify development and design standards (setbacks, lot coverage, heights, parking). Projects in overlays must comply with both the base district and overlay rules; see Division § 36.250.010–060 and the specific overlay tables (e.g., Table 2‑7 for AM).

Is a landscape plan part of Design Review?

If a project meets the thresholds in Division 36.330 (new landscaping, re‑landscaping above certain sizes, additions that trigger landscape compliance) a Landscape Concept and Landscape Permit are required and no Building Permit is issued until verified. See § 36.330.030–040.

Will parking be considered in the design review decision?

Yes — parking location, count and design are considered; the Zoning Code references SPMC 36.310 (Parking & Loading) in the development tables and overlay standards. Ensure your parking plan follows 36.310 — shared parking or reductions require documented justification.

How long does an administrative (Director/Chair) review take?

For Chair or Director reviews the reviewer must render a decision within 60 days of receipt; the applicant has staged response windows (15/10/5 days) for up to three rounds of review during that period. See § 36.410.040(F).

Can Design Review decisions be appealed?

Yes. Decisions of the Review Authority may be appealed in compliance with Division 36.610; the normal appeal period is 15 days from the decision. § 36.410.040(J) and Division 36.610.

If my lot is in the Altos de Monterey (AM) overlay what special rules apply?

The AM Overlay contains unique lot, setback, coverage, driveway and parking standards (see Table 2‑7) and uses special nonconforming rules; applicants must meet table requirements in § 36.250.030 and consult Table 2‑7 for distances such as a 25 ft rear setback, 40% maximum lot coverage, and special second‑story setbacks. § 36.250.030 / Table 2‑7.

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