Local zoning · South Pasadena

South Pasadena — Historic Preservation

Historic Preservation under the South Pasadena local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes how South Pasadena’s Zoning Code treats historic preservation, including the role of the Cultural Heritage Commission, Certificate of Appropriateness review, limits on subdivisions and SB 9 development in historic areas, and specific rules that apply to accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on designated historic properties. For citywide rules on mapping and districting see South Pasadena Zoning.

How this page is organized

District-by-district notes for the zoning districts that most commonly intersect with historic-preservation review (residential districts and the important overlays).
A short standards table with the most decision-relevant items and code references.
Practical checklist, risks, plain-English summary and source list.

Citywide rules that control historic preservation (key rules)

The Zoning Code explicitly includes historic protection as an intent: conserving and protecting the historical integrity and character of neighborhoods (§ 36.100.010).
Design review is required for structures and is the primary vehicle for consistency with historic design guidelines; the design review procedure and findings are in § 36.410.040.
The Cultural Heritage Commission (CHC) is the specialized body for cultural-resource matters; when a project requires a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA), the CHC provides recommendations and CEQA certification roles as described in the review authority table. Table 4‑1 / review authority explains CHC involvement.
The Zoning Code references the city’s separate Cultural Heritage Ordinance (SPMC 2.67, Ordinance No. 2315) as the procedural and legal foundation for landmark/district designation and for treatment of character-defining elements; that ordinance is cited repeatedly in the ADU and demolition rules.

Note: this page only covers the zoning/planning code provisions. For structural or life-safety rules consult the California Building Standards Code.

District-by-district breakdown (how historic-preservation rules operate by zone)

NOTE: district names and standards below come from the Zoning Code tables and divisions; see the code citations after each district. For the city’s zoning map, consult South Pasadena Zoning.

RE (Residential Estate)

Purpose: Very-low-density residential; intended to conserve neighborhood character.
Typical permitted uses: single-family dwellings and accessory residential structures; some home‑occupation and very limited civic uses as allowed in Division 36.220.
Key dimensional standards (summary): maximum lot coverage and FAR follow the residential table; maximum height generally 35 ft (see Table 2‑3 standards). Setback rules and measurement are in § 36.300.030.
Where it matters for preservation: work on a cultural resource in RE still triggers CHC/COA and design review where exterior changes or demolition affect character-defining features.

RS (Single‑Family Residential)

Purpose: Standard single‑family zone with design‑and-compatibility emphasis. Design review and the Historic/Character policies apply to properties listed on the Cultural Heritage Inventory.
Typical dimensions: see Table 2‑3 (front/side/rear setbacks, max lot coverage ~40%, floor area ratios where applicable).
Historic rules: exterior alterations, demolition, or ADU proposals on properties on the Cultural Heritage Inventory require review; CHC can recommend or require a Certificate of Appropriateness.

RM / RH (Multifamily / Higher‑density Residential)

Purpose: Allow multifamily housing while protecting surrounding character; some state-law housing programs apply differently when a property is a designated cultural resource.
Typical uses: duplexes, multifamily dwellings; higher FAR and different open-space requirements appear in Table 2‑3.
Historic interface: rehabilitations and conversions that affect contributing elements may require COA and CHC findings; portions of projects that retain and preserve a designated landmark may be exempted from some inclusionary requirements (see Division 36.375 exemptions).

Altos de Monterey (AM) Overlay

Purpose: a local overlay that preserves architectural character of a specific neighborhood; overlay rules are adopted as additional constraints to the underlying district. See Division 36.250 and § 36.250.030.
Typical standards: overlay-specific setbacks, driveway and fence rules, and parking rules (see Table 2‑7 AM standards). Changes within the AM overlay must comply both with underlying zone standards and the overlay requirements.
Historic role: if a property is also a designated cultural resource, the overlay standards are read with CHC/COA requirements.

Mixed Use (MU) and Housing Opportunity (HO) Overlays

Purpose: implement corridor and housing policies; applied atop CO/CG/BP or RM/RH zones. Division 36.250 and Table 2‑6 set the overlay rules.
Historic interface: the city expressly carves out properties in the National Register Historic District (and other local historic designations) from some overlay flexibilities (e.g., height tradeoffs) — projects within a National Register Historic District are treated conservatively for height and massing.

Special-purpose districts (DTSP / CF / OS)

Purpose: downtown and public‑facility districts have their own specific plans or case‑by‑case standards; design guidelines usually apply and CHC review is still required if a project affects a designated resource. See Division 36.240.

Most decision‑relevant standards (quick table)

Item	Summary	Code reference
Design review required for exterior changes	All structures are subject to design review; findings require compatibility with General Plan/design guidelines.	§ 36.410.040
Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) / CHC review	CHC is the recommending/reviewing body for COAs and certifies related CEQA documents when a COA is required.	Table 4‑1 / review authority; § 36.400.030 references Table 4‑1
ADU rules on historic properties	ADUs are allowed on historic properties but must follow the ADU historic-design standards; some ADU proposals require CHC approval/COA (detached ADUs, demolitions of accessory structures >45 years).	§ 36.350.200 (subsection J)
Subdivision / SB 9 exclusions	Parcels in a historic district, on State Historic Resources Inventory, or designated as a City landmark are ineligible for certain subdivisions/SB 9 actions.	§ 36.900.030 / related SB9 article and subdivision rules; § 36.900 and subdivisions disallow lots within historic districts.
Waiver of covered parking for historic residences	Director may waive required two covered parking spaces for a cultural resource if providing them would substantially harm historic significance, with CHC approval as part of a COA.	§ 36.360.090 (F)
Landscape rules for historic properties	Registered historic sites or city-designated Cultural Heritage Landmarks are exempt from the Water‑Efficient Landscape Ordinance in some instances (landscaping as contributing element).	§ 36.330.020(2)

Practical guidance and synthesis

Start early with CHC/staff: projects that affect exterior character-defining elements or propose demolition trigger the Cultural Heritage Commission or at least a staff-level Historic Resource Evaluation. § 36.350.200 (ADU historic provisions) and the CHC review rules show CHC involvement.
Use the city’s design-review path: most exterior changes will be processed under Design Review and must meet the findings in § 36.410.040; that is the standard test for compatibility with historic character.
If you plan an ADU on a designated property, follow the ADU historic-design subsection (ministerial for standard-compliant ADUs; CHC review required when the design deviates or demolition of older accessory structures is proposed). § 36.350.200 (J) sets these special rules. Also consult the ADU guidance.
Limits on development intensity: SB 9 and other subdivision tools are explicitly blocked for parcels in historic districts or listed inventories — plan for alternative approaches if your parcel is designated. See Division 36.900 / SB 9 standards.
Where the Zoning Code references an external local ordinance (e.g., SPMC 2.67), that ordinance controls designation, demolition delay, and other preservation mechanics — the Zoning Code repeatedly points to SPMC 2.67. The downtown and other specific plans may impose additional design guidelines.

Include design documents in your submittal: plans for material match, roof pitch, cladding, and door types (ADU historic rules list required elements) and be prepared for CEQA/technical reports where COAs are part of a discretionary approval process.

Links you should consult in parallel (first natural mentions are linked): start with the city zoning overview at South Pasadena Zoning, read the parking rules when a CHC waiver is requested, and confirm development measurement rules at South Pasadena Development Standards. For design guidance use the city’s design review page and check overlay mapping at South Pasadena Overlay Districts. If your project involves ADUs, read the local ADU guidance at South Pasadena ADUs. For building code compliance, consult the California Building Standards Code. (Each linked item above is the city menu item to consult first.)

Checklist

Confirm whether the parcel is on the City’s Cultural Heritage Inventory or within a designated historic district (verify with Planning staff or CHC). (Verify with the jurisdiction)
For any exterior work, file for Design Review and prepare documentation that addresses the findings in § 36.410.040.
If the property is a designated cultural resource or within a historic district, determine whether a Certificate of Appropriateness from the CHC is required; if so, prepare a Historic Resource Evaluation and any CEQA documentation.
If proposing an ADU on a historic property, follow the ADU historic-design standards subsection (ministerial if objective standards are met; CHC review if not) and provide the South Pasadena ADU design documentation. § 36.350.200 (J).
If demolition of an accessory structure older than 45 years is proposed, include a Historic Resource Evaluation and be prepared to preserve character-defining features; demolitions may be denied.
If parking is affected, assess whether a CHC-based waiver of covered-parking requirements is needed (see § 36.360.090(F)).
Verify whether subdivision/SB9/urban-lot-split strategies are allowed; they are barred on historic-district parcels. Division 36.900 / 36.200.020.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Is my property a "cultural resource"?	Designation triggers COA, CHC review, special ADU rules, subdivision restrictions.	Confirm listing on the Cultural Heritage Inventory with Planning/CHC. Verify with the jurisdiction.
Does demolition of a garage trigger preservation review?	ADU conversions that remove garages >45 years old require Historic Resource Evaluation and may be denied.	Provide age and significance documentation; staff or CHC may require preservation. § 36.350.200 (J).
Which review authority will hear my application?	Multiple approvals (COA + Design Review + Planning Commission) change process, timing and CEQA responsibilities.	Ask staff which bodies review concurrently (Table 4‑1 / § 36.400.030).
Conflicts between overlay and historic rules	Overlays add requirements; a historic designation can restrict overlay flexibilities (e.g., height exceptions).	Verify which rule controls for your parcel (overlay mapping + CHC/Director interpretation). § 36.250.020.
Applicability of state ADU law vs. local historic standards	State law limits discretionary conditions for ministerial ADUs but allows objective standards protecting historic resources.	Confirm whether your ADU is ministerial under § 36.350.200 (J) or requires CHC approval.

Plain‑English Summary

If your South Pasadena property is listed as a historic resource or lies in a historic district, exterior changes, demolitions, many ADU proposals, and subdivisions will trigger Cultural Heritage Commission involvement and design-review tests; follow the ADU historic-design rules, plan for a Certificate of Appropriateness when required, and confirm whether SB 9 / lot-split strategies are blocked for your lot.

Source References

South Pasadena Zoning Code, § 36.100.010 (Zoning Code purpose — includes preservation policy).
South Pasadena Zoning Code, § 36.410.040 (Design Review—findings and process).
South Pasadena Zoning Code, Table 4‑1 and related review authority notes (CHC role for COA / CEQA).
South Pasadena Zoning Code, Division 36.350 / § 36.350.200 (Accessory dwelling units — historic‑property standards and subsection (J) on design).
South Pasadena Zoning Code, § 36.360.090(F) (parking waiver conditions for cultural resources).
South Pasadena Zoning Code, Division 36.250 and § 36.250.030 (Overlay districts; Altos de Monterey AM overlay).
South Pasadena Zoning Code, Division 36.900 (SB 9 / urban lot split rules — exclusions for historic properties).
South Pasadena Zoning Code, Division 36.300 (site planning and general development standards; historic structures referenced in § 36.300.100).
Reference to the City Cultural Heritage Ordinance: SPMC 2.67 (Ordinance No. 2315) — cited throughout the Zoning Code; full text not included in the retrieved Zoning Code materials. Not found in retrieved materials.

Sources

Retrieved passages

South Pasadena Zoning Code High relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
CBC § 1 (Section 36.410.040) Medium relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code (Section 36.410.020) Medium relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code (Section 5020.1) Medium relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code (Article III) Medium relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code (section as) Medium relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code (§ 65915) Medium relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code Medium relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code (§ 66314) Medium relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code (Section 36.350.200) Medium relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code (§ 1.) Medium relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code (Article 1) Medium relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code 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 (Section 36.300.030) Medium relevance

Cited sections

South Pasadena Zoning Code, **§ 36.100.010** (Zoning Code purpose — includes preservation policy). (§ 36.100.010)
South Pasadena Zoning Code, **§ 36.410.040** (Design Review—findings and process). (§ 36.410.040)
South Pasadena Zoning Code, Table 4‑1 and related review authority notes (CHC role for COA / CEQA).
South Pasadena Zoning Code, **Division 36.350** / **§ 36.350.200** (Accessory dwelling units — historic‑property standards and subsection (J) on design). (§ 36.350.200)
South Pasadena Zoning Code, **§ 36.360.090(F)** (parking waiver conditions for cultural resources). (§ 36.360.090)
South Pasadena Zoning Code, **Division 36.250** and **§ 36.250.030** (Overlay districts; Altos de Monterey AM overlay). (§ 36.250.030)
South Pasadena Zoning Code, **Division 36.900** (SB 9 / urban lot split rules — exclusions for historic properties).
South Pasadena Zoning Code, **Division 36.300** (site planning and general development standards; historic structures referenced in **§ 36.300.100**). (§ 36.300.100)
Reference to the City Cultural Heritage Ordinance: **SPMC 2.67 (Ordinance No. 2315)** — cited throughout the Zoning Code; full text not included in the retrieved Zoning Code materials. Not found in retrieved materials.
SouthPasadena_ZoningCode.md

Frequently asked questions

What is the Cultural Heritage Commission and when will it review my project?

The Cultural Heritage Commission (CHC) is the city body that reviews projects affecting designated cultural resources and issues Certificates of Appropriateness when required; CHC involvement is identified in the Zoning Code’s review authority (Table 4‑1) and is required when a COA is part of a project’s approvals.

Do I need design review for work on a historic building in South Pasadena?

Yes — design review is required for exterior work and the findings in § 36.410.040 require compatibility with the General Plan and design guidelines; for designated resources the CHC/COA process may be required in addition to design review.

Can I build an ADU on a historic property?

Yes — ADUs are permitted on historic single‑ or multi‑family properties, but the local ADU historic-design standards apply (ministerial if the ADU meets the objective historic-design standards; CHC review required if the ADU does not meet those standards or if demolition of older accessory structures is proposed). See § 36.350.200 (J).

Will converting a historic garage to an ADU be allowed?

It can be, but if the garage is older than 45 years the city requires a Historic Resource Evaluation and the structure may be found to be a character‑defining feature that cannot be demolished; the CHC may require rehabilitation instead of demolition. § 36.350.200 (J) and the ADU demolition rules apply.

Can a parcel inside a historic district use SB 9 to split and add units?

No — the Zoning Code excludes lots within a historic district or listed on the State Historic Resources Inventory from SB 9 / urban-lot-split qualification; those parcels are ineligible for subdivision under the city’s SB 9 article.

If I want a variance so my work won’t harm a historic feature, how is that handled?

Variances are discretionary and must meet standard variance findings (special circumstances, no grant of special privilege, compatibility, etc.); the Planning Commission considers variances under § 36.410.080, and any relief that affects a cultural resource may require CHC input or a COA.

Are there parking exceptions for designated historic homes?

Yes — the Director may waive required covered parking for a cultural resource if providing the spaces would substantially harm the historic significance, but the waiver must be part of a COA and satisfy specific conditions listed in § 36.360.090 (F).

What does the Zoning Code say about landscaping for historic properties?

Properties that are registered State/Federal historical sites or local Cultural Heritage Landmarks can be exempt from certain Water‑Efficient Landscape Ordinance requirements when landscaping is a contributing element; see § 36.330.020(2).

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