Pasadena · Land use · Single-family home
Where is a single-family home allowed in Pasadena?
In Pasadena, a single-family home is allowed in 7 base zones (RS, RM-12, RM-16, RM-32, RM-48 and 2 more, all with a condition), needs a conditional use permit in 1 (PS, it with a condition) and not allowed in 3 (Pasadena use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: RS, RM-12, RM-16, RM-32, RM-48, CO and CL
- Needs a permit: PS
- Not allowed: CG, IG and OS
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Pasadena Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where a single-family home can go
Pasadena's code calls this use “Single-family housing”. Each row links to the use table it comes from. A zone marked “see note” has a condition in the code, for example upper floors only or a larger lot.
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| RS | Allowed — see note Note 8: A lot with a single-family residence may rent a maximum of two bedrooms. | § 17.22.030 |
| RM-12 | Allowed — see note Note 6: Allowed subject to the development standards of the RS-6 district, Section 17.22.040 . | § 17.22.030 |
| RM-16 | Allowed — see note Note 6: Allowed subject to the development standards of the RS-6 district, Section 17.22.040 . | § 17.22.030 |
| RM-32 | Allowed — see note Note 6: Allowed subject to the development standards of the RS-6 district, Section 17.22.040 . | § 17.22.030 |
| RM-48 | Allowed — see note Note 6: Allowed subject to the development standards of the RS-6 district, Section 17.22.040 . | § 17.22.030 |
| CO | Allowed — see note Note 3: Allowed subject to the development standards of the RS-6 district, Section 17.22.040 . | § 17.24.030 |
| CL | Allowed — see note Note 3: Allowed subject to the development standards of the RS-6 district, Section 17.22.040 . | § 17.24.030 |
| PS | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note 2: Limited to accessory facilities of a principal use. | § 17.26.030 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Standards for this use: Section 17.22.040 (RS-6 development standards, notes 6/3).
- Note 6: in RM zones a single-family house must meet RS-6 development standards. Note 3 (S3): same RS-6 standards in CO/CL. PS note 2 limits the CUP to accessory facilities of a principal use (not a stand-alone house). Specific-plan districts (EPSP, Fair Oaks-Orange Grove, North Lake, West Gateway, East Colorado) have their own tables in S6-S11; they are not base districts and are left out.
- State law: State law lets most single-family lots add an ADU and a JADU (California ADU law) and a second home or a lot split under SB 9 (Gov. Code § 65852.21).
- Not covered here: PD (Planned Development) district: uses set by rezoning (17.26.030.B); Specific-plan districts (EPSP, Fair Oaks-Orange Grove, North Lake SP-1, West Gateway, East Colorado): tables in S6-S11, treated as non-base; Section 17.80.020 definitions and Section 17.50.xxx specific-use standards are not in the packet. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Pasadena
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a single-family home in the PS zone in Pasadena?
Only with a conditional use permit. Pasadena's use table lists it that way in PS (§ 17.26.030). The code adds a condition: “Limited to accessory facilities of a principal use.”
Can I have a single-family home in the CG zone in Pasadena?
No. Pasadena's use table does not allow it in CG (§ 17.24.030).
Can I have a single-family home in the RS zone in Pasadena?
Yes, with a condition. Pasadena's use table lists it as allowed in RS (§ 17.22.030). The code adds a condition: “A lot with a single-family residence may rent a maximum of two bedrooms.”
General information, not legal advice.
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