Local zoning · South Pasadena

South Pasadena — Development Standards

Q: How is building height measured in South Pasadena?

Height is measured according to § 36.300.040 : vertical distance from the established existing grade to the top of the roof or parapet; the clause contains the special measurement method (including how “existing grade” may be established) and overlay allowances. Overlays (e.g., HO max 55 ft ) can modify the allowable maximum height.

Q: Does South Pasadena use FAR or lot coverage limits?

Yes. The city’s district tables list lot coverage and in several districts a FAR limit (residential table examples show 40% lot coverage and FAR 0.35 in typical residential districts). Overlays (AM, CDC, etc.) set their own lot coverage/FAR where applicable. Always calculate both and check ADU exceptions that may allow limited FAR/coverage exceedance.

Q: Do overlays change the base district standards?

Yes. Overlays like AM , MU , HO , and CDC specifically modify base district standards (examples: AM’s 25 ft rear setback and 40% lot coverage in Table 2‑7; HO’s density and 55 ft height; CDC’s ministerial subdivision and 28 ft primary height). When an overlay is mapped, its table or subsection governs where it conflicts with the base district. See the relevant overlay section (for example § 36.250.050 for HO, § 36.250.060 for CDC, Table 2‑7 for AM).

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

Ask a question free See coverage

Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the South Pasadena Zoning Code (South Pasadena Municipal Code, Chapter 36) requires on development standards — setbacks, height, lot coverage, density and FAR — and how overlay rules and special districts modify those standards. It synthesizes the controlling rules (setback measurement, height measurement, accessory-structure and ADU exceptions, and district tables) and points to the exact code places to verify for a parcel. For general context about the city's planning framework, see South Pasadena — Zoning & planning overview (/us/california/south-pasadena) and the city’s main Zoning page (/us/california/south-pasadena/zoning).

How to read this page

Bolded district names and numbers are used throughout (for example RS, CG, AM Overlay).
The code language that controls measurement and exceptions is cited using the section symbol and the SPMC section number (for example § 36.300.030). Each topic paragraph is also tied to the uploaded ordinance excerpt used for this summary with the file citation marker from the retrieved materials (for example ).
When the ordinance text in the retrieved files does not give a parcel‑specific value, the page clearly states “Not found in retrieved materials” or “Verify with the jurisdiction.”

This page links to related administrative topics you will commonly need when pursuing development in South Pasadena: parking (/us/california/south-pasadena/parking), design review (/us/california/south-pasadena/design-review), overlays (/us/california/south-pasadena/overlay-districts), ADUs (/us/california/south-pasadena/adu), and the state building standards (/us/california/building-codes). It also points to pages on land use (/us/california/south-pasadena/land-use), variances & exceptions (/us/california/south-pasadena/variances-and-exceptions), landscaping (/us/california/south-pasadena/landscaping-and-screening) and other topics you will encounter during review.

Controlling measurement and general rules (applies citywide)

Setback measurement: Required setbacks are measured and applied as described in § 36.300.030; all structures must comply with the setbacks in the applicable zoning district and the measurement rules in that section (front, side, street‑side, rear measurement rules and allowed projections).
Height measurement and limits: Height is measured per § 36.300.040 (vertical distance from existing grade to roof/parapet; exceptions and encroachment planes described there). Where overlays allow limited exceedance, that is also described in § 36.300.040(A).
Walls, fences, hedges: Maximum fence/wall heights in setbacks (3 ft in front/street-side; 6 ft in side/rear) and exceptions are in § 36.300.050.
Administrative adjustments: Small percentage adjustments to coverage, setbacks, heights, etc., can be sought via the Administrative Modification rules (limits and process) described under the Administrative Modification provisions (see the Administrative Modification summary) — see the Administrative Modification rules in the zoning code (Administrative Modification percentage caps are given in the materials) .
Applicability: Article-wide applicability and relationship between general standards and zone‑specific tables are stated in § 36.300.020 (general standards apply unless the zone has a conflicting standard).

District-by-district breakdown

Below are South Pasadena districts and overlays that explicitly change the basic development standards. Each subsection gives purpose, typical uses, the most decision‑relevant numerical standards found in the retrieved ordinance text, and where the district typically applies.

Note: Always confirm a property's zoning and any overlays on the official zoning map (verify with the jurisdiction for parcel-specific rules).

Residential districts — RE, RS, RM, RH

Purpose & typical uses: Ranges from large‑lot single family (RE) to small‑lot single family (RS) to multifamily (RM, RH). See Division 36.220 (Residential Zoning Districts) for the full use lists and permit requirements.
Key dimensional controls (general): The residential district development standards are collected in the Residential District General Development Standards table (Table 2-3) and include the most-used controls: lot coverage, FAR, maximum height, and minimum setbacks. The retrieved table shows a typical maximum lot coverage of 40%, a floor area ratio (FAR) of 0.35, and a maximum building height of 35 ft for conventional residential districts (see the Residential table). These are published in the zoning tables and applied by district. See the Residential table and accompanying notes in the code.
Where it applies: City residential neighborhoods mapped as RE, RS, RM or RH (refer to the zoning map). Verify specific lot‑by‑lot standards with the zoning table in the code.

Practical guidance: For a residential infill project, check Table 2-3 for the district‑specific front/side/rear setbacks and then check § 36.300.030 for how they are measured. If your lot is a legal nonconforming small lot, see the small-parcel rules that sometimes set 20 ft front/rear setbacks for nonconforming small parcels (see the Small Nonconforming Residential Parcels Division).

Commercial districts — CO, CG, BP

Purpose & typical uses: Ranges from neighborhood commercial to general retail and business park uses. See Division 36.230.020 for purposes and allowed uses.
Key standards (Table 2-5, Commercial District General Development Standards):
- Front setbacks: CO — 10 ft; CG and BP — typically no front setback required by table.
- Side setbacks: CO requires 4 ft plus 1 ft additional setback per story above the second (e.g., 3‑story → 5 ft); CG/BP often have none.
- Maximum height: 35 ft in the commercial table unless otherwise stated.
Where it applies: Commercial corridors and nodes mapped CO, CG, BP.

Practical guidance: Mixed‑use proposals will usually need to comply with the commercial table and the Mixed‑Use Overlay when applied (see the MU overlay below). Also check the parking rules (/us/california/south-pasadena/parking) for required parking counts and location rules (SPMC 36.310 references).

AM Overlay (Altos de Monterey)

Purpose & typical uses: Provides neighborhood-specific development and design standards for the Altos de Monterey subdivision area; addresses lot sizes, building placement and a bespoke set of development limits.
Key dimensional standards (Table 2-7, AM Overlay Design and Development Standards):
- Rear setback: 25 ft.
- Second story: 20 ft from the front setback line for second stories.
- Between structures: 10 ft separation.
- Lot coverage: 40% maximum.
- FAR: 0.35 for the main building area of multi‑floor structures.
- Primary structure height: 25 ft (table lists primary structure 25 ft).
Where it applies: The AM overlay mapped area (see Overlay Districts page) and its Table 2‑7.

Practical guidance: The AM Overlay is prescriptive — its Table 2‑7 overrides general residential standards where it applies. Confirm setback specifics using Table 2‑8 (AM Overlay Setback Requirements) for lot‑by‑lot differences.

MU Overlay (Mixed Use Overlay)

Purpose & typical uses: Applies to commercial corridors to encourage mixed use development consistent with the General Plan. See § 36.250.040.
Key standards: MU ties residential standards to the underlying commercial zoning but adds requirements on building frontage, ground-floor design, parking location, and upper‑story setbacks; some numeric values are in the MU tables (Figure/Table excerpts show minimum building frontage, glazing, and rear setback 15 ft for some nonresidential). Ground‑floor residential setbacks vary by underlying district (see the MU table).
Where it applies: Corridors mapped as Mixed Use Core on the General Plan and Zoning Map.

Practical guidance: Mixed‑use projects must comply with both the underlying district table (e.g., Table 2‑5) and MU standards; where a conflict exists, MU may modify project review. Check the MU table for parking location and ground‑floor activation rules.

HO Overlay (Housing Opportunity)

Purpose & key features: Encourages higher intensity housing in RM and RH along specified corridors. See § 36.250.050.
Confirmed numeric standards: Allowable density: up to 70 dwelling units per acre; Maximum height in HO Overlay: 55 ft (see § 36.250.050(C)–(D)).
Where it applies: Locations identified on the Housing Opportunity overlay map in the General Plan / zoning map.

Practical guidance: Projects in HO must follow RM/RH base standards except where HO explicitly modifies them (density and height are expressly modified in § 36.250.050).

CDC Overlay (Camino del Cielo)

Purpose: An overlay implementing ministerial, alternative development rules for certain pre‑existing preliminary housing applications. See § 36.250.060.
Confirmed numeric standards for subdivisions built under CDC:
- Max height for a primary dwelling unit: 28 ft; lot coverage for combined lots shall not exceed 41% (excluding ADUs); FAR for combined lots shall not exceed 51% (excluding ADUs); setbacks: front 10 ft; rear/side 5 ft. These items and associated ministerial subdivision rules are in § 36.250.060(C).
Where it applies: Parcels qualifying under the Camino del Cielo criteria (preliminary applications per Gov. Code § 65941.1) and shown where the overlay is applied.

Practical guidance: The CDC Overlay provides ministerial subdivision and dimensional rules but contains affordability requirements (e.g., on-site affordable units for a share of the units) and other special filing requirements — read § 36.250.060 carefully.

Accessory structures and ADUs

Accessory residential structures (sheds, garages, poolhouses) rules and maximum sizes are in the accessory‑structures section (see SPMC references to accessory structure limits and setbacks; e.g., aggregate accessory area limits and the first 500 sf garage exemption). See the accessory structure rules in Division 36.350 (Residential Uses—Accessory Residential Structures) and specifically the accessory structure details in the materials.
ADU-specific rules (sizes, allowed exceedance of lot coverage/FAR, height, and setbacks) appear in the ADU provisions in the code (ADU maximums and side/rear setback exceptions are described in the ADU text in the retrieved materials). Confirmed items from the retrieved files:
- Attached ADU: up to 850 sf (1 bedroom) or 1,000 sf (2+ bedrooms).
- Detached ADU: up to 1,200 sf.
- Up to 800 sf of ADU floor area may be allowed to exceed the property’s lot coverage and FAR limits.
- ADU height limits: one‑story ADU max 16 ft (parapet/pitched allowances), two‑story ADU limits are conditioned to 18–22 ft depending on roof type and allowances, and no ADU may exceed two stories.
- Setbacks: ADUs must meet front yard setback for the district; side/rear setbacks for new‑construction ADUs are limited to a maximum of 4 ft (conversions may have no setback required). See the ADU rules (ADU provisions and accessory residential structure references).

Practical guidance: For ADUs, the code explicitly allows limited exceedance of lot coverage and FAR (important for backyard ADUs and garage conversions). Check the ADU section carefully and coordinate with planning staff early; ADU standards are separate from Title 24/Building Code requirements (link below).

Quick reference table — most decision‑relevant standards

District / Overlay	Front setback (typical)	Side setback (typical)	Rear setback (typical)	Max height (typical)	Lot Coverage / FAR	Code Reference
RS/RM/RH (residential districts)	See district table (varies by district)	See district table	See district table	35 ft (typical)	Lot coverage ~40%; FAR ~0.35 (as shown in residential table)	See Residential Table (Table 2‑3); measurement rules § 36.300.030, height rules § 36.300.040
CO (commercial)	10 ft (CO per commercial table)	4 ft (+1 ft per story above 2nd)	None except where abutting RS (25 ft)	35 ft	Varies (no maximum in some commercial categories)	Commercial Table (Table 2‑5); see § 36.230.040 and § 36.300.040
CG / BP (commercial)	Often no front setback required (per table)	Often none required	Often none	35 ft typical	Varies by use	Commercial Table (Table 2‑5)
AM Overlay	See AM setback table	AM table shows asymmetric side setbacks (e.g., 15'–5')	25 ft	25 ft (primary structure listed)	40%; FAR 0.35 (AM table)	AM Overlay Table 2‑7 and Table 2‑8
HO Overlay	Varies; underlying district controls	Varies	Varies	55 ft (HO max height)	Up to 70 du/acre for density	HO Overlay § 36.250.050
CDC Overlay	Front 10 ft, side/rear 5 ft (CDC ministerial rules)	5 ft	5 ft	28 ft (primary dwelling in CDC)	Lot coverage 41% combined lots / FAR 51% (excluding ADUs)	CDC Overlay § 36.250.060
ADUs (accessory dwelling units)	Must meet front setback of district; some conversions exempt	New construction side/rear ≤ 4 ft allowed; conversions may have none	Same as side	One‑story 16 ft; two‑story 18–22 ft limits; ADU ≤ 2 stories	ADU can exceed lot coverage/FAR up to 800 sf; size limits: detached up to 1,200 sf, attached up to 850 / 1,000 sf	ADU provisions and accessory structures (see ADU text and § 36.350.170)

(Where a “table” is referenced above, see the appropriate Table 2‑3 / Table 2‑5 / Table 2‑7 entries in the zoning code excerpts provided. For measurement and exceptions always confirm with § 36.300.030 and § 36.300.040.)

Checklist — what an applicant must verify / prepare

Confirm the parcel’s zoning and overlays on the official zoning map and the applicable table (RE/RS/RM/RH/CO/CG/BP and any overlays such as AM, MU, HO, CDC). Verify with the jurisdiction.
Determine the correct front/side/rear setback values from the applicable District Table (Table 2‑3 for residential or Table 2‑5 for commercial) and review § 36.300.030 for measurement rules.
Calculate lot coverage and FAR per the applicable table; account for ADU exceptions (up to 800 sf of ADU floor area may be allowed to exceed coverage/FAR) — see ADU provisions.
Confirm maximum height and the method of height measurement under § 36.300.040, and check overlay exceptions (e.g., HO 55 ft; AM primary structure 25 ft).
If proposing accessory structures or ADUs, confirm accessory structure size caps and setback exceptions in the accessory residential structures / ADU sections (see § 36.350.170 references in the code).
Prepare parking count and layout consistent with the city parking rules (SPMC 36.310) and with location rules in overlay tables (parking location in MU and AM overlays). See the city parking page (/us/california/south-pasadena/parking).
Check if design review applies and follow design review rules (/us/california/south-pasadena/design-review).
Consider Administrative Modification or Variance limits before applying (small percentage increases/decreases are possible under Administrative Modification; larger changes will require a Variance). See Administrative Modification caps and variance triggers.
Verify whether the property sits in a historic district or other special overlay that imposes additional design standards and screening requirements (see the Historic Preservation page). Verify with staff.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Overlay vs. base district conflicts	Overlays (AM, HO, CDC, MU) often modify height, coverage or setbacks; using the wrong table leads to incorrect project scope	Confirm which overlay(s) apply to the parcel and read the overlay’s Table (e.g., AM Table 2‑7, HO § 36.250.050, CDC § 36.250.060). Verify with planning staff.
ADU counting for FAR/coverage	ADUs may be allowed to exceed FAR/coverage up to 800 sf in many circumstances, but exceptions vary by ADU type	Confirm ADU type (detached/attached/conversion), the exact ADU rule text, and whether ADU/uncovered garage exemptions apply. See ADU rules and accessory structure rules.
Height measurement base elevation	Height is measured from “existing grade” with a specific method (six inches above the high point at the front setback is described for some overlays)	Confirm how the Director will determine “existing grade” for your lot; check § 36.300.040 and overlay-specific height definitions.
Parcel-specific precedents and nonconformities	Nonconforming lots or historic district location can change allowable rebuild/expansion rules	Check nonconforming provisions and the AM nonconforming rules (if in AM), and confirm if a prior structure was legal nonconforming. See the Nonconforming Uses Division and AM nonconforming rules.
Administrative Modification vs Variance thresholds	Small percentage modifications are allowed administratively up to stated caps; exceeding caps requires a variance and a different hearing/notice process	If your request approaches Administrative Modification caps (e.g., 10% setback reduction, 10% height increase), confirm whether the Director or Commission will review and whether a variance is required. See Administrative Modification caps and process.

Plain-English Summary

South Pasadena’s zoning tables (district‑by‑district) set the basic numbers for setbacks, height, lot coverage and FAR, and those measurements are implemented by the general standards in § 36.300.030 (setbacks) and § 36.300.040 (height). Overlays such as AM, MU, HO, and CDC modify those numbers in mapped areas (for example, HO allows up to 70 du/acre and 55 ft in height, AM sets a 40% lot coverage and 25 ft rear setbacks). ADUs have special size and coverage/FAR exceptions (up to 800 sf may be allowed to exceed coverage/FAR). Always start by confirming the parcel’s zoning and overlays, then apply the district table and the general measurement rules; when in doubt, verify with planning staff.

Information Gaps

A single, definitive section number for each Table (e.g., Table 2‑3, Table 2‑5, Table 2‑7) is present in the retrieved materials, but the snippets did not always show the exact SPMC subsection cross‑reference for every numeric cell in those tables. Verify table entries against the official code PDF or the city’s planning counter staff.
Parcel‑specific front setback lines, existing grade determinations, and potential exceptions (for example, hillside exceptions) require site inspection or staff confirmation — “Verify with the jurisdiction.” Not found in the retrieved materials.

Source References

SPMC § 36.300.030 — Setback Measurement and Exceptions (setback measurement rules and exceptions).
SPMC § 36.300.040 — Height Limits and Exceptions (how height is measured; overlay exceptions).
SPMC § 36.300.050 — Walls, Fences and Hedges (fence heights in setbacks).
Residential District General Development Standards (Table 2‑3) — residential lot coverage, FAR and typical heights shown in the residential table.
Commercial District General Development Standards (Table 2‑5) — front/side/rear setback and height guidance for CO/CG/BP.
AM Overlay (Table 2‑7 and Table 2‑8) — Altos de Monterey specific development standards (rear 25 ft; 40% lot coverage; FAR 0.35; second‑story rules).
MU Overlay standards (Mixed Use Overlay District — development standards and ground-floor rules).
HO Overlay (Housing Opportunity Overlay) — allowable density 70 du/acre and maximum 55 ft height.
CDC Overlay (Camino del Cielo) — ministerial subdivision rules, max height 28 ft, lot coverage 41% and FAR 51% for combined lots per CDC text.
Accessory residential structures / ADU provisions — ADU sizing, allowable exceedance of FAR/coverage, ADU height and setback rules (see the ADU and accessory structure excerpts).
Administrative Modification and small percentage change caps (process, caps, findings).

For further procedural pages and practical checklists see the city pages referenced earlier: Zoning (/us/california/south-pasadena/zoning), Land Use (/us/california/south-pasadena/land-use), Parking (/us/california/south-pasadena/parking), Design Review (/us/california/south-pasadena/design-review), Overlay Districts (/us/california/south-pasadena/overlay-districts), ADUs (/us/california/south-pasadena/adu), Variances and Exceptions (/us/california/south-pasadena/variances-and-exceptions), Landscaping (/us/california/south-pasadena/landscaping-and-screening) and the state code reference for building rules (/us/california/building-codes).

Sources

Retrieved passages

South Pasadena Zoning Code High relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code (section must) High relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code (Section 66321) High relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code (§1) High relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code (Article 2) High relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance

Cited sections

SPMC **§ 36.300.030** — Setback Measurement and Exceptions (setback measurement rules and exceptions). (§ 36.300.030)
SPMC **§ 36.300.040** — Height Limits and Exceptions (how height is measured; overlay exceptions). (§ 36.300.040)
SPMC **§ 36.300.050** — Walls, Fences and Hedges (fence heights in setbacks). (§ 36.300.050)
Residential District General Development Standards (Table 2‑3) — residential lot coverage, FAR and typical heights shown in the residential table.
Commercial District General Development Standards (Table 2‑5) — front/side/rear setback and height guidance for **CO/CG/BP**.
AM Overlay (Table 2‑7 and Table 2‑8) — Altos de Monterey specific development standards (rear 25 ft; 40% lot coverage; FAR 0.35; second‑story rules).
MU Overlay standards (Mixed Use Overlay District — development standards and ground-floor rules).
HO Overlay (Housing Opportunity Overlay) — allowable density **70 du/acre** and maximum **55 ft** height.
CDC Overlay (Camino del Cielo) — ministerial subdivision rules, max height **28 ft**, lot coverage **41%** and FAR **51%** for combined lots per CDC text.
Accessory residential structures / ADU provisions — ADU sizing, allowable exceedance of FAR/coverage, ADU height and setback rules (see the ADU and accessory structure excerpts).
Administrative Modification and small percentage change caps (process, caps, findings).
SouthPasadena_ZoningCode.md

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an **R‑1/RS** lot in South Pasadena?

Permitted uses and required approvals depend on the exact residential district (for example RS, RE). The code’s Residential District General Development Standards (Table 2‑3) list allowed primary uses and the dimensional standards; general measurement and exceptions are in § 36.300.030 and height rules in § 36.300.040. Confirm your parcel’s mapped district and consult Table 2‑3 for front/side/rear setbacks, lot coverage (residential table indicates ~40% in typical cases) and maximum height ~35 ft.

What are South Pasadena’s setback requirements?

Setbacks are established in each district’s development table and measured per § 36.300.030. The general rules and allowed projections are in § 36.300.030; specific front/side/rear distances must be read from the applicable district table (e.g., Table 2‑3 for residential, Table 2‑5 for commercial). If you’re in an overlay (AM, MU, CDC, HO) the overlay table may modify those distances.

How is building height measured in South Pasadena?

Height is measured according to § 36.300.040: vertical distance from the established existing grade to the top of the roof or parapet; the clause contains the special measurement method (including how “existing grade” may be established) and overlay allowances. Overlays (e.g., HO max 55 ft) can modify the allowable maximum height.

Does South Pasadena use FAR or lot coverage limits?

Yes. The city’s district tables list lot coverage and in several districts a FAR limit (residential table examples show 40% lot coverage and FAR 0.35 in typical residential districts). Overlays (AM, CDC, etc.) set their own lot coverage/FAR where applicable. Always calculate both and check ADU exceptions that may allow limited FAR/coverage exceedance.

Are ADUs counted toward lot coverage and FAR?

Generally ADU floor area is counted; however, the code explicitly allows limited ADU floor area to exceed lot coverage and FAR (the retrieved materials state up to 800 sf of ADU area may be permitted to exceed these limits, and specific ADU size caps are provided). Also the first 500 sf of a converted garage may be exempt from coverage/FAR in particular cases. See the ADU and accessory structure provisions for the exact rules and the required design/entry/landscaping standards.

Do overlays change the base district standards?

Yes. Overlays like AM, MU, HO, and CDC specifically modify base district standards (examples: AM’s 25 ft rear setback and 40% lot coverage in Table 2‑7; HO’s density and 55 ft height; CDC’s ministerial subdivision and 28 ft primary height). When an overlay is mapped, its table or subsection governs where it conflicts with the base district. See the relevant overlay section (for example § 36.250.050 for HO, § 36.250.060 for CDC, Table 2‑7 for AM).

What is the process for small changes to setbacks or coverage?

The code allows Administrative Modifications within specified percentage caps (for example, up to 10% reductions in setbacks or increases in height/coverage up to specified limits). Applications follow the Administrative Modification process; if the requested change exceeds the caps, a Variance is required. See the Administrative Modification provisions for caps and findings.

Do I always need design review for changes to massing or materials?

Design compatibility requirements and design review applicability are laid out in the design and residential guidelines sections; where the code requires Design Review the project will be processed under the city’s design review rules. For many accessory structures and projects in overlay areas, objective design standards may trigger Design Review. See the Design Review page and the code references to design compatibility.

How do I treat nonconforming lots and small lots?

There are specific standards for development of small nonconforming parcels (front/rear setbacks of 20 ft or 15 ft with a porch for certain small parcels; special lot coverage rules may apply). See the Small Nonconforming Residential Parcels division for the precise rules and exceptions.

Ask about any South Pasadena property

Get a cited, plain-English answer on South Pasadena zoning, setbacks, FAR, ADUs and permits — for any address.

Start Free Trial