Is building an ADU a good investment in Pasadena?

Whether homeowners are seeking rental income, additional space, or enhanced property value in a growing housing market, ADUs offer a significant opportunity in the region. Over the past few years, the number of ADU permits in the area has surged, showing no indications of slowing down. This is a solid indication ADU’s are a compelling investment for homeowners in Pasadena.

West Los Angeles Accessory Dwelling Unit Requirements.

In recent years, Pasadena has been investigating strategies to enhance its housing alternatives, and a viable approach that has garnered support involves the construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), Here is a breakdown of ADU requirements in the area for 2024.

General ADU requirements

Detached, attached, and conversion ADU types, along with JADU’s are all allowed in Pasadena. Both, single and two-story ADU’s are permitted.

For independent living your ADU must be equipped with: Exterior access separate from primary residence, Living, Sleeping, Dining, Cooking, and Bathing.

The kitchen must have at minimum the following: A sink, a refrigerator, a cooktop or range and cabinetry.

JADU can share a bathroom with the primary residence. However, JADU’s must have their own separate entrance.

Zoning

All zones single-family and multi-family most probably are eligible for ADU’s.

Number of Units

  • One ADU + One JADU in lots zoned single-family
  • For lots zoned multi-family, up to two detached ADU’s and minimum one conversion unit.
  • Conversion units cannot be more than 25% of original number of units

Building Size

  • JADU, maximum 500 SF even if more than 50% of the area of the primary residence.
  • 150 SF Minimum for ADU’s and JADU’s.
  • One bedroom Detached ADU’s maximum 850 SF.
  • More than one bedroom Detached ADU’s maximum 1,000 SF for lots under 10,000 SF
  • More than one bedroom Detached ADU’s maximum 1,200 SF for lots more than 10,000 SF
  • Attached ADU, Maximum 50% of primary residence or 800 SF whichever is greater

Building Height

  • 16 feet height limit for detached ADU’s.
  • Attached ADU’s follow local zoning height limit.

Setbacks

Minimum setbacks:

  • 4 feet side and rear yard setbacks
  • 6 feet separation from existing structure.
  • Detached ADU’s cannot be located in the front yard.

Parking

Unless the property is exempt, one parking space is required for an ADU. Your ADU is exempt from parking in the following situations:

  • You property is within 1/2 mile of public transportation.
  • Your property is less than a block away from a care share area.
  • Your property is situated in an area of architectural or historical significance.
  • On-street parking permits are required and not offered to the ADU tenants.
  • The ADU is part of the proposed or existing primary residence or an accessory structure. (No proposed addition)

Fees

The exact number of fees depends on the zoning of your lot and the overall scope of your ADU project. This is a list of some of the typical fees you can expect to pay.

  • Plan Check fees
  • City Impact Fees (750+ SF)
  • School Impact Fees (750+ SF)
  • Building Code and Green Code Fees
  • Permit Fees
  • Utility Connection fees

Sprinkler System

When a fire sprinkler is not required for the primary residence, they are not required for your ADU or JADU.

Basements

You can convert an existing unfinished basement space to an attached ADU.

Owner Occupancy

Owner occupancy is not a requirement for permitting an ADU. Owners are required to live on the property only if a JADU has been constructed on it. This is a state law requirement.

Taxes

Building an ADU does not trigger a reassessment of the value of the primary residence. However property taxes are based on property values and an ADU does increase the value of the property.

Rental Limitations

Short-term rentals under 30 days are not allowed in Pasadena

< All ADU Regulations