Local zoning · South Pasadena

South Pasadena — Land Use

Land Use under the South Pasadena local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the South Pasadena Zoning Code allows and requires for land use (what uses are permitted where, what uses need Administrative or Conditional Use Permits, and how overlays or district standards change those rules). For the City’s broader menu and contacts see the South Pasadena zoning & planning overview. The core rules for allowable uses and permit types are in § 36.210.030 of the Zoning Code, which points to the land‑use tables (Tables 2‑2, 2‑4, and 2‑7) that govern each district .

Quick orientation: the Zoning Code lists allowable land uses by district (Residential: RE, RS, RM, RH; Commercial/Business: CO, CG, BP; plus special purpose districts) and tags each use as P (permitted), AUP (Administrative Use Permit required) or CUP (Conditional Use Permit required) in those tables (see § 36.210.030 and Tables 2‑2/2‑4/2‑7) . Project-level dimensional and site rules (setbacks, height, lot coverage, etc.) are in the development standards (see § 36.220.040 and Table 2‑3) and in site-specific sections such as height rules in § 36.300.040 file.

Note: this page covers only land‑use (zoning) rules in the Zoning Code. For building standards and Title 24 compliance you must consult the California Building Standards Code.

How the code organizes land use and permits (short)

Allowable uses by district are listed in Tables 2‑2 (residential), 2‑4 (commercial/business), and 2‑7 (special purpose) and implemented through § 36.210.030 (Allowable Land Uses and Permit Requirements) .
Some uses listed as allowable still require an Administrative Use Permit (AUP) or Conditional Use Permit (CUP); the procedures and findings for those are in § 36.410.060 .
District‑level development standards (setbacks, lot coverage, etc.) are in the Article 2 district tables and the citywide site planning rules; see § 36.220.040 and Table 2‑3 for residential general standards, and § 36.300.040 for height rules file.
Projects may also trigger design review or other review processes; see the Design Review rules in the Code for when that applies (Design Review is implemented in the review authority tables and procedures) . For design process details see the city’s Design Review page.

District-by-district breakdown (what to expect on a parcel)

Note: each district name below is the City’s district label as shown in the Zoning Code tables and each entry cites the controlling code section(s). When a use table is referenced, the required permit type (P, AUP, CUP) is set in that table; the table itself is incorporated by § 36.210.030 .

RE (Residential Estate)

Purpose: Large‑lot residential and lower density single‑family neighborhoods. See Table 2‑2 and the Residential District standards in § 36.220.030 and § 36.220.040 file.
Typical permitted uses: P — existing and new single‑family dwellings, accessory residential structures (ADUs/JADUs subject to accessory rules) (see § 36.350.170) file.
Key dimensional standards: lot‑specific front/side setbacks and lot coverage are controlled by Table 2‑3 and the Residential General Development Standards; see § 36.220.040 for where to find those numbers and the site planning rules (landscaping, front‑yard pavement limits, etc.) file.
Where it applies: mapped residential estate neighborhoods (verify on the City zoning map). Verify with the jurisdiction for parcel‑specific numeric standards.

RS (Single‑Family Residential)

Purpose: Standard single‑family lots and related neighborhood uses; uses and permit matrix appear in Table 2‑2 and § 36.220.030 .
Typical permitted uses: P — new single‑family dwellings (subject to development‑standard compliance); P for accessory residential uses and limited home occupations (see § 36.350.170 and home occupation rules) file.
Key dimensional standards: follow Table 2‑3 referenced by § 36.220.040 and the general site planning rules (paving limits in front setbacks, guest parking rules) file.

RM (Medium‑Density Residential)

Purpose: Multifamily housing and higher density residential permitted where General Plan supports it; uses and permit types shown in Table 2‑2 and § 36.220.030 .
Typical permitted uses: P for multifamily types permitted in RM (some multifamily types in RM are subject to specific use regs referenced at § 36.350.180 and § 36.350.190) .
Key dimensional standards: density, setbacks, and parking obligations are governed by Table 2‑3 and Article 3 (site planning). If in the Housing Opportunity (HO) overlay the maximum density and height differ — see § 36.250.050 (HO overlay: allowable density up to 70 du/acre and up to 55 ft height) .

RH (High‑Density Residential)

Purpose: Highest residential densities allowed outside specific overlays; multifamily uses are controlled through Table 2‑2 and additional use sections (§ 36.350.180/190) .
Typical permitted uses: multifamily dwellings (subject to specific regulations for certain types) and accessory residential uses; some higher‑impact uses will require CUP or AUP as listed in Table 2‑2 .
Key dimensional standards: follow Table 2‑3 and Article 3; check for overlay exceptions (HO overlay may apply) .

CO (Office / Commercial)

Purpose: Office and service commercial uses; see commercial Table 2‑4 and § 36.230.030 .
Typical permitted uses: offices, professional services, small‑scale retail depending on subzone (CO, CG, BP distinctions). The Table 2‑4 matrix lists when uses are P, AUP, or CUP (e.g., printing under thresholds, laundries under size limits) .
Key dimensional standards: commercial lot/site standards are found in Division 36.230 and Article 3; design guidelines may be required for commercial projects and can affect allowable intensity and form (see design review) file.

CG (General Commercial) and BP (Business Park)

Purpose & uses: CG allows a broader retail/service mix; BP permits business park and light industrial‑oriented uses. Each use’s permit status is in Table 2‑4; some industrial or larger footprint uses are CUP in CG or P/CUP in BP (see Table 2‑4) .
Key dimensional standards: commercial standards, parking requirements, and landscaping rules apply (see Article 3 and the Parking page) .

Special & Overlay Districts

Altos de Monterey (AM) Overlay — changes allowable uses and nonconforming treatment in the AM overlay; rules are in § 36.250.030 and in the Nonconforming rules that are modified for AM (see Division 36.360) file.
Mixed Use (MU) Overlay — applies to corridors and neighborhood centers; requires conformance to Commercial standards and General Plan objectives; see § 36.250.040 .
Housing Opportunity (HO) Overlay — allows higher intensity (up to 70 du/acre and max height 55 ft) in specified RM/RH corridors; see § 36.250.050 .
Downtown Specific Plan (DTSP) areas and other special districts have their own standards; the overlay sections in Article 2 specify when overlay rules override base zones (see Division 36.250) .
For a complete view of overlays consult the City’s Overlay Districts page and the code sections cited above.

Quick reference table — most decision‑relevant uses and standards

Topic	Typical outcome	Code reference
Whether a use is allowed and what permit (P/AUP/CUP)	Look up the use in Table 2‑2 (residential), Table 2‑4 (commercial), or Table 2‑7 (special) — the table cell shows P, AUP, or CUP	§ 36.210.030
Single‑family new dwelling in RS	Generally P if development standards met; accessory units subject to accessory rules	Table 2‑2 and § 36.220.030 / § 36.350.170 file
Multifamily in RM	Listed in Table 2‑2; some multifamily types subject to § 36.350.180/190	Table 2‑2 and § 36.220.030
Commercial retail in CG	Use allowed if Table 2‑4 marks P; larger/impactive uses may be CUP	Table 2‑4 and § 36.230.030
When a CUP/AUP is needed and process	AUP/CUP required per the table; procedures and hearing/notice rules in § 36.410.060	§ 36.410.060
Maximum height limits (general)	Measured from existing grade; district limits in Article 2; exceptions in overlays; general measurement rules in § 36.300.040	§ 36.300.040
Landscaping / Water‑efficient rules	Landscape plan required for larger projects; see landscape approvals in Division 36.330	Division 36.330 and § 36.330.030

Practical guidance & interpretation notes

The land‑use tables control whether a use is allowed and whether it is subject to AUP or CUP; always start by locating the use in Table 2‑2, 2‑4, or 2‑7 per § 36.210.030 .
If the tables mark a use CUP or AUP, consult § 36.410.060 for applicable submittal/notice and the Review Authority table to see who decides (Director vs. Planning Commission) .
Development standards (setbacks, lot coverage, pavement limits in front yards, etc.) are mandatory; see the Residential General Standards in § 36.220.040 and site planning rules in Article 3. For example the Code limits front‑setback paving to a percentage (30% typical, up to 45% on cul‑de‑sac parcels) — check the site planning rules for the exact calculation in § 36.300.050/Article 3 excerpts file. For parking specifics see the City Parking guidance.
Design review is commonly required for commercial, mixed‑use, and some multi‑family projects and may be required for discretionary approvals — see the Design Review procedures referenced in the review tables and § 36.410.040 (Design Review) file.
Accessory residential uses (ADUs, JADUs, accessory structures) are allowed in residential districts but must follow the accessory residential rules; the code references accessory rules (see § 36.350.170) and note that state ADU law also applies — consult the City’s ADUs page and California ADU law resources as needed file.
Overlays (AM, MU, HO, DTSP) modify base‑zone allowances and sometimes the nonconforming rules; check the overlay section that applies to your parcel (e.g., § 36.250.040 for MU; § 36.250.050 for HO) .

Checklist

Confirm the parcel’s base zoning and any overlay (consult the zoning map and the City) — required by § 36.210.020 .
Look up the specific proposed use in Table 2‑2 / 2‑4 / 2‑7 to determine whether it is P, AUP, or CUP (see § 36.210.030) .
Verify applicable development standards (setbacks, height, lot coverage) in Table 2‑3 / Article 3 and § 36.220.040 (Residential General Standards) .
Check parking and loading requirements and prepare the parking plan (see Article 3 and the City Parking page) .
Determine whether Design Review or Cultural Heritage review applies (use the review authority tables and design review rules) and consult the Design Review page .
If AUP/CUP required, prepare application materials per § 36.410.060 and the Application Filing Division file.
For accessory dwelling units, follow accessory unit rules § 36.350.170 and reconcile with state ADU law and the City’s ADUs guidance file.
Verify parcel legal status (legally created parcel per § 36.210.020.E) and nonconforming considerations (Division 36.360) file.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Ambiguous use classification (use doesn’t match a single table entry)	The permit requirement (P/AUP/CUP) depends on the exact defined use; misclassification leads to enforcement or a required discretionary permit	Ask the Director for an interpretation per § 36.110.020; cite the precise Code use definition in Article 7 and verify the table cell in Table 2‑2/2‑4/2‑7 file
Parcel in an overlay (AM, MU, HO)	Overlay rules can alter allowed uses, height, and nonconforming treatment (AM overlay has specific nonconforming rules)	Confirm overlay mapping and applicable overlay section (e.g., § 36.250.040 MU; § 36.250.050 HO; § 36.250.030 AM) file
Historic district or landmark	Historic status can require Certificate of Appropriateness and modify demolition/nonconforming treatment	Check Cultural Heritage Commission requirements and Division 36.360; consult Historic Preservation and the Code (Cultural Heritage review references)
Parcel‑specific numeric standards (setbacks/lot coverage)	Tables and subdivisions sometimes carry parcel‑by‑parcel exceptions (see specific lot table excerpts)	Verify Table 2‑3, any site‑specific notes, and consult the Director for existing‑grade and measurement issues (height measurement in § 36.300.040) file
Nonconforming or previously permitted uses	A previously permitted CUP use may be treated differently under the current Code; illegal uses remain subject to abatement	See the nonconforming rules in Division 36.360 and AM overlay exceptions; verify original CUP terms if applicable

Plain‑English Summary

South Pasadena’s Zoning Code lists allowed uses in district tables (residential, commercial, special) and marks each use as permitted, or allowed only with an Administrative or Conditional Use Permit; the applicable development standards (setbacks, height, parking, landscaping) and overlay rules determine whether you can build or operate the use as proposed. Start by locating your parcel’s base zone and overlay, find the proposed use in the corresponding table, then confirm applicable standards and whether AUP/CUP or design review is required (see § 36.210.030, § 36.220.040, § 36.410.060) filefile.

Source References

§ 36.210.030 (Allowable Land Uses and Permit Requirements) — use tables and permit types
§ 36.210.020 (General requirements for development & new land uses)
§ 36.220.030 and § 36.220.040 (Residential zoning district uses and general development standards; Table 2‑2 / Table 2‑3 references) file
§ 36.230.030 (Commercial district uses; Table 2‑4)
§ 36.250.040 (Mixed Use Overlay — MU) and § 36.250.050 (Housing Opportunity — HO overlay)
§ 36.300.040 (Height limits and measurement)
§ 36.330.030 (Landscape plan requirements)
§ 36.350.170 (Accessory residential uses / ADU references in use tables)
§ 36.360 Division (Nonconforming Uses, Structures, and Parcels) and AM overlay nonconforming provisions
§ 36.410.060 (Conditional Use Permits and Administrative Use Permits — procedure and authority)
City tables: Table 2‑2, Table 2‑4, Table 2‑7 (Allowed uses and permit requirements for Residential, Commercial/Business Park, and Special Purpose districts) — see the Zoning Code excerpts in the retrieved materials showing those tables file
City pages used for internal process context: South Pasadena Zoning, South Pasadena Development Standards, South Pasadena Parking, South Pasadena Design Review, South Pasadena Overlay Districts, South Pasadena ADUs, South Pasadena Historic Preservation, California Building Standards Code.

(If you need parcel‑specific numbers — exact required front/side setbacks, lot coverage, or the cell entries for a particular use on a specific lot — verify on the City zoning map and request the exact Table 2‑3/Tables 2‑2/2‑4 cell for that parcel from the Planning Department. The code delegates interpretation authority to the Director — see § 36.110.020 for interpretation authority) file.

Sources

Retrieved passages

South Pasadena Zoning Code (Section 36.410.020) High relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code (§ 1.) High relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code (§ 1.) High relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code (§ 1.) High relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code (Section 36.340.020A) High relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code (Section 36.410.060) High relevance
South Pasadena Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance

Cited sections

**§ 36.210.030** (Allowable Land Uses and Permit Requirements) — use tables and permit types (§ 36.210.030)
**§ 36.210.020** (General requirements for development & new land uses) (§ 36.210.020)
**§ 36.220.030** and **§ 36.220.040** (Residential zoning district uses and general development standards; Table 2‑2 / Table 2‑3 references) file (§ 36.220.030)
**§ 36.230.030** (Commercial district uses; Table 2‑4) (§ 36.230.030)
**§ 36.250.040** (Mixed Use Overlay — MU) and **§ 36.250.050** (Housing Opportunity — HO overlay) (§ 36.250.040)
**§ 36.300.040** (Height limits and measurement) (§ 36.300.040)
**§ 36.330.030** (Landscape plan requirements) (§ 36.330.030)
**§ 36.350.170** (Accessory residential uses / ADU references in use tables) (§ 36.350.170)
**§ 36.360** Division (Nonconforming Uses, Structures, and Parcels) and AM overlay nonconforming provisions (§ 36.360)
**§ 36.410.060** (Conditional Use Permits and Administrative Use Permits — procedure and authority) (§ 36.410.060)
City tables: **Table 2‑2**, **Table 2‑4**, **Table 2‑7** (Allowed uses and permit requirements for Residential, Commercial/Business Park, and Special Purpose districts) — see the Zoning Code excerpts in the retrieved materials showing those tables file
City pages used for internal process context: South Pasadena Zoning, South Pasadena Development Standards, South Pasadena Parking, South Pasadena Design Review, South Pasadena Overlay Districts, South Pasadena ADUs, South Pasadena Historic Preservation, California Building Standards Code.
SouthPasadena_ZoningCode.md
2025 California ADU handbook.md

Frequently asked questions

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

For the South Pasadena code the single‑family residential districts (e.g., RS) generally allow new single‑family dwellings and accessory residential structures as P (permitted) when the development meets the district development standards and site planning rules; accessory units are subject to the accessory rules in § 36.350.170 and use validation in Table 2‑2 per § 36.220.030 file.

How do I know if a use requires a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) in South Pasadena?

The land‑use tables (Table 2‑2 for residential, Table 2‑4 for commercial, Table 2‑7 for special districts) mark each listed use as P, AUP, or CUP; if the table cell lists CUP, then a Conditional Use Permit pursuant to § 36.410.060 is required and the Planning Commission is generally the decision authority for CUPs file.

What are South Pasadena’s setback and height controls I must follow?

Development standards (setbacks, lot coverage, etc.) are in the district tables and Table 2‑3 referenced by § 36.220.040; height measurement and maximums are governed by § 36.300.040 (height measured from existing grade; overlays may change maximum height) — consult Table 2‑3 and Article 3 for the numeric setbacks that apply to your district and parcel file.

Do I need design review for a commercial or multifamily project?

Commercial and many multifamily or discretionary projects commonly trigger design review; the code routes which projects require design review in the review authority tables and in the Design Review rules. See § 36.410.040 for design review references and the review authority table in Division 36.400 for who reviews your application file.

Are ADUs allowed everywhere in South Pasadena?

Accessory dwelling units are allowed in residential zones but they must follow the accessory residential rules cited in the use tables and § 36.350.170; state ADU law also limits what a city may require, so reconcile local accessory rules with state ADU law and the City’s ADU guidance file.

What does the Housing Opportunity (HO) overlay do to allowed residential development?

The HO overlay increases allowable intensity where mapped: it allows up to 70 dwelling units per acre and includes a max height of 55 ft for qualifying sites, but projects must still meet RM/RH standards and any other Code requirements; see § 36.250.050 for the overlay rules .

If a use was previously permitted by a CUP but is no longer listed, can it continue?

A use established by an earlier Conditional Use Permit may continue only in compliance with the original CUP; if the current Zoning Code no longer lists that use as allowable by CUP, the terms of the original CUP control unless the CUP had a termination date — see Division 36.360 (Nonconforming Uses) for the nonconforming rules .

Who decides when the Code is unclear about whether a proposed use is equivalent to a listed use?

The Director has authority to interpret the Code and can refer novel equivalency questions to the Planning Commission for determination; see the interpretation authority in § 36.110.020 and the procedures for interpretations .

How are pavement and front‑yard hardscape limited in residential districts?

The Code limits front‑setback pavement to a percentage of the front yard area (typically 30%, up to 45% on cul‑de‑sac parcels) and limits driveway widths — these site planning and front‑yard pavement rules are described in the site planning standards and front setback provisions in Article 3 and related sections (see the front‑paving limits in the site planning excerpts) file.

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