City / Service area
Pasadena: coordinate old and new
Pasadena publishes its own planning and ADU guidance. Historic or design-review questions must be checked for the property, not inferred across the city.
Review authority
City of Pasadena
Rules and approvals depend on address and scope. This is general education, not a parcel determination.
Think in whole-home terms
Sequence matters as much as design.
Record the existing building and proposed exterior changes separately. If the address carries a historic designation or design-review condition, ask Pasadena Planning what must be resolved before selecting exterior materials.
Consider an ADU
Compare options after reviewing the site.
The city’s ADU resource describes local options and standard-plan information. Confirm that any plan version is current and appropriate for the site before comparing it with a conversion.
From property to project in Pasadena
Practical questions for the first conversation, not a permit determination.
Check the property
Confirm any historic designation or design review at the address; a standard ADU plan still needs site review.
Coordinate the scope
Keep exterior material decisions with the existing-building record; compare a standard-plan option with actual utility and access conditions.
First document
Property record, existing elevations and questions about current ADU standard plans.
Before the first conversation
Useful inputs for a site-specific conversation.
- 01
Property record and existing floor plan
- 02
Exterior photos and proposed material changes
- 03
Questions about current ADU plans and site review
Local planning resources
Official resources to explore requirements with the agency responsible for your property.
- City of Pasadena · Planning
City planning authority and property review starting point.
- City of Pasadena · ADUs
City ADU guidance and standard-plan program information.
A local question
Does a Pasadena standard plan mean my lot is approved?
No. Check the program’s current status and verify site-specific planning and building requirements with the city.
Continue exploring: Whole-home remodeling · ADUs · Areas
Nearby service communities
KB Remodeling · Greater Los Angeles
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