Local zoning · South Pasadena

South Pasadena — Zoning

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

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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

This page explains how the City of South Pasadena organizes and enforces zoning under the local zoning code (Chapter 36 of the South Pasadena Municipal Code, commonly referenced as the Zoning Code). It names the actual zoning districts the City uses, summarizes the primary allowed uses and decision‑critical standards for each district, and points you to the controlling code sections you must check for project‑specific details. The City’s official Zoning Map is adopted and kept on file in the Department; boundary questions are resolved by the Director. § 36.200.020 .

How to read this page

  • Bolded district names and numeric controls are exact terms used in the South Pasadena Zoning Code (Chapter 36).
  • Where I state a regulatory requirement I cite the controlling code section (for example § 36.220.020), and I include the file search citation showing where that section text was retrieved.
  • The first time I mention related administrative topics I use in‑text links: use those links to jump to the City pages for more procedural detail (for example, parking, design review, ADUs).

Key internal links in the discussion below:

District-by-district breakdown

Below I synthesize the City’s actual district names, the purpose statements the code uses, typical permitted uses, and the most decision‑relevant dimensional standards. Always verify parcel‑specific rules with the City; where the code delegates interpretation to staff I note that as a verification item.

RE — Residential Estate

  • Purpose: The RE district is for detached, single‑family homes on large estate parcels; maximum density 3 du/acre. § 36.220.020(A) .
  • Typical permitted uses: Detached single‑family dwellings; accessory residential uses subject to the residential accessory rules (see ADUs). See Table 2‑2 for permit types (permitted, AUP, CUP). § 36.220.030 .
  • Key dimensional standards: Minimum lot area 12,500 sf; minimum width 75 ft (corner lots 85 ft); building height generally 35 ft limit in non‑hillside areas. Setbacks described in the residential standards (see Table 2‑3). §§ 36.220.040–36.220.050; Table 2‑3. .
  • Where it applies: Areas mapped as Very Low Intensity Neighborhood on the General Plan and shown on the City’s Zoning Map. § 36.200.020 .

RS — Residential Single‑Family

  • Purpose: The RS district is for detached single‑family homes; maximum density 5 du/acre. § 36.220.020(B) .
  • Typical permitted uses: Single‑family dwellings, accessory residential structures (including ADUs where allowed by state and local ADU rules). See the City ADU page for ministerial ADU rules. § 36.220.030 .
  • Key dimensional standards: Typical minimum lot area 10,000 sf; lot width 50 ft (corner 60 ft); front setback measured by Table 2‑3 and SPMC 36.300.030; maximum lot coverage examples for small nonconforming parcels show 50% in special cases. §§ 36.220.040, 36.300.030, 36.220.050 .
  • Where it applies: Low Intensity Neighborhood designations shown on the Zoning Map. § 36.200.020 .

RM — Residential Medium Density

  • Purpose: The RM district allows a range of attached and small multi‑unit housing types; density 5.1–30 du/acre (some parcels have minimums tied to Housing Element listings). § 36.220.020(C) .
  • Typical permitted uses: Townhouses, duplexes, multiplexes, courtyard housing, and accessory residential uses (per Table 2‑2). § 36.220.030 .
  • Key dimensional standards: Minimum lot area typically 10,000 sf; lot width 60 ft (corner 80 ft); building separation, open space, and parking standards referenced in Table 2‑3 and in multifamily project standards (see SPMC 36.350.190). Where within the Housing Opportunity (HO) overlay the density may be up to 70 du/acre and height up to 55 ft. §§ 36.220.040, 36.350.190, 36.250.050 .
  • Where it applies: Medium Intensity Neighborhood areas and mapped RM parcels on the Zoning Map. § 36.200.020 .

RH — Residential High Density

  • Purpose: The RH district is for higher‑density attached housing; density 30.1–45 du/acre (up to 70 du/acre in the HO overlay). § 36.220.020(D) .
  • Typical permitted uses: Apartments, condominiums, townhouses, and related accessory uses. § 36.220.030 .
  • Key dimensional standards: Minimum lot area 10,000 sf; minimum lot width 70 ft; maximum height 45 ft ordinarily (up to 55 ft in the HO overlay). Multifamily open space and common area standards apply (see SPMC 36.350.190). §§ 36.220.040, 36.350.190, 36.250.050 .
  • Where it applies: High Intensity Neighborhoods and selected corridor parcels as mapped. § 36.200.020 .

CG — Commercial General

  • Purpose: The CG district allows a broad range of retail and service uses and supports a mixed‑use core. § 36.230.020(A) .
  • Typical permitted uses: Retail, restaurants, personal services; mixed residential uses allowed under the Mixed‑Use (MU) overlay or per Table 2‑4. § 36.230.030 .
  • Key dimensional standards: Refer to Division 36.230 for commercial development standards, parking, and storefront requirements; mixed‑use development standards are in Table 2‑6. §§ 36.230.040, 36.230.050, Table 2‑6 .
  • Where it applies: Mixed‑Use Core areas and corridor nodes shown on the Land Use Map and Zoning Map. § 36.200.020 .

CO — Commercial Office and BP — Business Park

  • Purpose and uses: CO targets professional offices with limited retail/restaurant uses; BP targets campus‑style business park and light industrial/service support uses. See § 36.230.020(B–C) for the City’s descriptions. § 36.230.020(B–C) .
  • Key standards and where applied: Development standards follow Division 36.230 and the MU overlay if applied; BP is used in Mixed‑Use Core planning areas. § 36.230.040 .

CF — Community Facilities and OS — Open Space

  • Purpose: CF supports public and quasi‑public uses (schools, libraries, religious facilities); OS is for parks and preserved open space. § 36.240.020(A–B) .
  • Standards: Development is reviewed case‑by‑case; applicable site planning standards (landscaping, parking) in Article 3 also apply. § 36.240.040(A–D) .

DTSP and HFSP — Specific Plan Districts

  • The DTSP (Downtown Specific Plan) and HFSP (Holy Family Specific Plan) have their own development standards; where a parcel is in a specific plan, follow that plan’s standards in addition to or instead of some Chapter 36 standards. § 36.240.040(B–C) .

Overlay Districts (selected)

  • MU — Mixed Use Overlay: Applied over CG, CO, and BP to encourage mixed uses (including residential allowed as 100% residential in some cases) and implement General Plan corridor/neighborhood center policies. § 36.250.040 . Link to the City overlay page: South Pasadena Overlay Districts.
  • HO — Housing Opportunity Overlay: Permits higher intensity development in RM and RH along certain corridors; maximum density 70 du/acre and maximum height 55 ft (see SPMC 36.300.040 for height measurement). § 36.250.050 and § 36.300.040 .
  • AM — Altos de Monterey and CDC — Camino del Cielo overlays: Apply special nonconforming and site‑specific rules; see § 36.250.030 and § 36.250.060. § 36.250.030 .

Quick reference table — most decision‑relevant standards

District Purpose (short) Key numeric standards / rules Code Reference
RE Estate single‑family lots Max density 3 du/acre; lot area 12,500 sf; width 75 ft; height 35 ft (non‑hillside) § 36.220.020(A); Table 2‑3 § 36.220.040
RS Standard single‑family Max density 5 du/acre; lot area 10,000 sf; width 50 ft; front setback rules in Table 2‑3 § 36.220.020(B); Table 2‑3 § 36.220.040
RM Medium density multi‑unit Density 5.1–30 du/acre (HO up to 70); lot width 60 ft; multifamily open space standards apply § 36.220.020(C); § 36.350.190; § 36.250.050
RH High density Density 30.1–45 du/acre (HO up to 70); width 70 ft; height 45 ft (HO 55 ft) § 36.220.020(D); § 36.220.040; § 36.250.050
CG/CO/BP Commercial / office / business park Uses and development standards in Division 36.230; MU overlay modifies allowable residential mix § 36.230.020; § 36.230.040–050
MU (overlay) Allow mixed‑use in commercial cores Applied to CG/CO/BP; projects must meet MU standards in Division 36.250 § 36.250.040; Table 2‑6 § 36.230.050

(These entries summarize the Zoning Code; always confirm parcel specifics by reading the cited sections and the City Zoning Map. § 36.200.020 for map adoption and boundary interpretation.) § 36.200.020 .

Practical guidance and comparisons

  • If your lot is in RS, most single‑family projects are subject to the residential development standards summarized in Table 2‑3 and the small nonconforming parcel rules in § 36.220.050 (setbacks, driveway limits, 50% lot coverage cap in some cases). § 36.220.050 .
  • Projects that change use in commercial zones (for example adding residential in CG) must confirm whether the MU overlay applies; MU can allow 100% residential in CO/CG where applied but MU standards and findings still apply. § 36.250.040 .
  • Multi‑family projects in RM/RH should check 36.350.190 for multifamily open space and objective standards, and be prepared for design review under SPMC 36.410.040. § 36.350.190; § 36.410.040 .
  • Parking requirements are in Article 3 (off‑street parking and loading); consult the City parking page for procedural details and applicable parking reductions or State law exceptions. See South Pasadena Parking and § 36.310. § 36.310 .

Checklist

  • Confirm parcel zoning on the official Zoning Map and any applicable overlay (Director can interpret boundaries). § 36.200.020
  • Confirm allowed uses and required permit type in Table 2‑2 (residential) or Table 2‑4 (commercial). § 36.210.030; § 36.220.030; § 36.230.030
  • Check dimensional standards in Table 2‑3 and the specific district section (lot area, width, setbacks, height). § 36.220.040; Table 2‑3
  • Verify whether the project triggers Design Review and which review authority applies; consult the City’s Design Review page and § 36.410.040. § 36.410.040
  • Confirm parking requirements and whether State law provides parking reductions or waivers; consult Article 3 and the City parking page. § 36.310; South Pasadena Parking
  • If applicable, check overlay rules (MU, HO, AM, CDC) for modified density/height/land use rules. § 36.250.030–060
  • If the lot is historic or in a historic district, consult Historic Preservation and Chapter references for Cultural Heritage Commission review. § 36.300.100 (historic structures)

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Zoning boundary interpretation Map lines can be ambiguous at lot lines or where streets were vacated; the Director has authority to determine exact boundaries. § 36.200.020(B) Ask the Director to confirm the parcel zoning and obtain a written interpretation if necessary. Verify with the jurisdiction.
Overlay application Overlays (MU, HO, AM, CDC) can change allowable density, height, and nonconforming rules; failure to notice overlays can invalidate approvals. § 36.250.020–050 Confirm overlays affecting the parcel on the Zoning Map and read the overlay section that applies.
Small nonconforming parcels The special standards in § 36.220.050 limit additions and impose specific setbacks/lot coverage caps; they can restrict otherwise expected expansions. § 36.220.050 Check whether the parcel is legally nonconforming and whether it is <10,000 sf (or otherwise flagged) before designing.
Historic resource status Projects in historic districts or involving designated resources may trigger Cultural Heritage Commission review instead of simple ministerial permits (design guidelines apply). § 36.300.100; Cultural Heritage Commission rules. Consult the Cultural Heritage Inventory and the City’s Historic Preservation page; verify if a Certificate of Appropriateness is required.
SB 9 and ADU eligibility SB 9 and ADU rules interact with zoning in specific ways and exclude certain zones or historic parcels; incorrect assumptions can cause an application to be rejected. § 36.800.025; § 36.350.200 Confirm parcel eligibility for SB 9 and ADUs under the City’s SB 9 article and the local ADU rules. Verify with the jurisdiction.

Plain‑English summary

South Pasadena’s Zoning Code (Chapter 36) divides the city into named districts like RE, RS, RM, RH, CG, CO, and overlays like MU and HO; each district lists the uses allowed and sets the measurable development rules (lot size, width, setbacks, height, density). Always check the official Zoning Map and the cited code sections for the parcel because overlays, specific plans, and historic listings can change what you may build. §§ 36.200.020; 36.220.020; 36.250.040 .

Source References

  • South Pasadena Municipal Code, Chapter 36 (Zoning Code). See especially § 36.100.010 (purpose) and § 36.200.020 (Zoning Map and districts).
  • Residential zoning district purposes and uses: § 36.220.020 and Table references (Table 2‑2, Table 2‑3). § 36.220.030; § 36.220.040; § 36.220.050.
  • Commercial districts and Mixed Use overlay: § 36.230.020, § 36.230.030, § 36.230.040–050, and Table 2‑6.
  • Overlay districts (MU, HO, AM, CDC): § 36.250.030–060 (Mixed Use, HO, Altos de Monterey, Camino del Cielo).
  • Setbacks, height measurement, and general development rules: § 36.300.030; § 36.300.040.
  • SB 9 (parcel splits) provisions and objective standards: Division 36.800 (standards for qualified SB 9 development), including § 36.800.025.
  • Design review and approvals: § 36.410.040 (Design Review) and Article 4 review authority tables.

For City pages mentioned in the text (procedural topics):

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • 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 (Article III) High relevance
  • South Pasadena Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
  • South Pasadena Zoning Code (Section 65852.21) 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 (§ 1) High relevance
  • South Pasadena Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
  • South Pasadena Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
  • South Pasadena Zoning Code (Section 36.300.030) High relevance
  • CFC § 350.170 High relevance

Cited sections

  • South Pasadena Municipal Code, Chapter 36 (Zoning Code). See especially **§ 36.100.010** (purpose) and **§ 36.200.020** (Zoning Map and districts). (Chapter 36)
  • Residential zoning district purposes and uses: **§ 36.220.020** and Table references (Table 2‑2, Table 2‑3). **§ 36.220.030**; **§ 36.220.040**; **§ 36.220.050**. (§ 36.220.020)
  • Commercial districts and Mixed Use overlay: **§ 36.230.020**, **§ 36.230.030**, **§ 36.230.040–050**, and Table 2‑6. (§ 36.230.020)
  • Overlay districts (MU, HO, AM, CDC): **§ 36.250.030–060** (Mixed Use, HO, Altos de Monterey, Camino del Cielo). (§ 36.250.030)
  • Setbacks, height measurement, and general development rules: **§ 36.300.030**; **§ 36.300.040**. (§ 36.300.030)
  • SB 9 (parcel splits) provisions and objective standards: Division 36.800 (standards for qualified SB 9 development), including **§ 36.800.025**. (§ 36.800.025)
  • Design review and approvals: **§ 36.410.040** (Design Review) and Article 4 review authority tables. (§ 36.410.040)
  • South Pasadena zoning & planning overview
  • South Pasadena Development Standards
  • South Pasadena Parking
  • South Pasadena Design Review
  • South Pasadena Overlay Districts
  • South Pasadena ADUs
  • South Pasadena Historic Preservation
  • South Pasadena Signage
  • SouthPasadena_ZoningCode.md

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an RE lot in South Pasadena?

On an RE lot you may build detached single‑family residences and accessory residential structures per the RE district purpose and the allowed uses table; the RE district sets the maximum density at 3 dwelling units per acre and requires minimum lot size and width standards (see Table 2‑3). § 36.220.020(A); § 36.220.030

What are South Pasadena’s setback requirements for single‑family homes?

Setbacks are governed by the residential district general development standards (Table 2‑3) and by the setback measurement rules in § 36.300.030; small nonconforming parcel rules (for parcels under certain sizes) add specific front, side and second‑story setback requirements in § 36.220.050. §§ 36.220.040; 36.300.030; 36.220.050

Do I need design review in South Pasadena?

Some projects require design review: the Zoning Code specifies when design review is required and who is the review authority (Director, Planning Commission, Cultural Heritage Commission) in § 36.410.040; also many residential districts defer to the City’s Residential Design Guidelines. § 36.410.040

How do overlays like MU or HO affect allowed density and height?

Overlays modify primary district rules: the MU overlay allows mixed‑use rules to apply in CO/CG/BP areas (§ 36.250.040), and the HO (Housing Opportunity) overlay raises allowable density to 70 du/acre and maximum height to 55 ft in qualified RM/RH locations. Confirm overlay application on the Zoning Map. §§ 36.250.040–050; 36.200.020

Can I build an ADU on an RS lot?

ADUs are governed locally by the accessory residential provisions and the City’s ADU rules; the Zoning Code recognizes ADUs and JADUs and references specific accessory dwelling sections—check § 36.350.170 and the City ADU page for ministerial procedures and state law interactions. § 36.350.170; South Pasadena ADUs

Where is the official Zoning Map and how are boundaries resolved?

The official Zoning Map is adopted by the Council and kept on file in the Department; where a boundary is uncertain the Director determines the precise location (and may refer disputes to the Commission). § 36.200.020(B)

If my lot is less than 10,000 sq ft, are there special rules?

Yes — § 36.220.050 contains standards for the development of small nonconforming residential parcels (setbacks, driveway width, 50% lot coverage limit in certain cases, second‑story setback rules). Review that section before designing additions. § 36.220.050

Does the Zoning Code control parking requirements?

Yes. Off‑street parking and loading standards are in Article 3 (notably § 36.310), with possible State law exceptions; consult the City parking page and § 36.310. South Pasadena Parking § 36.310

How are nonconforming uses handled in overlays like AM?

The Altos de Monterey (AM) overlay contains its own nonconforming use provisions; some illegal pre‑existing conditions are not legalized by overlay adoption, while some prior legal nonconformities may be allowed to remain with restrictions in § 36.360.120 and § 36.250.030. §§ 36.360.120; 36.250.030

Where do I find the tables that list permitted uses (P, AUP, CUP)?

Permitted uses and permit types appear in Table 2‑2 for residential districts and Table 2‑4 for commercial districts; these are implemented by § 36.210.030 and the district divisions §§ 36.220.030; 36.230.030. § 36.210.030; § 36.220.030

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