Pasadena · Zoning · CO
Pasadena CO zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Pasadena's CO zone, buildings can be up to 45 ft tall, the front setback is 20 ft and the minimum lot size is 7,200 sq ft (Pasadena code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 45 ft
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft
- Minimum side setback: 15 ft (next to an RS, RM-12, RM-16, RM-32 or RM-48 zone, and the building stays out of the encroachment plane; see below for other lots)
- Minimum rear setback: 15 ft (next to an RS, RM-12, RM-16, RM-32 or RM-48 zone, and the building stays out of the encroachment plane; see below for other lots)
- Minimum lot size: 7,200 sq ft
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.80
CO is a zoning district in Pasadena. Every value below was read from the Pasadena Municipal Code and links to its section (read October 2026). State laws such as the ADU and SB 9 rules can allow more on a residential lot. General information, not legal advice — read the code text and check with the city before you build.
Development standards in CO
The general rule for a typical lot in this zone. Zoning tables often attach notes, such as rules for corner lots, lots next to a residential zone, or new subdivisions only. Open “code text” under a value to see the table cell or sentence it was read from.
| Maximum building height | 45 ft See note 3 below the table in the code. § 17.24.040 · code textTable row “Height limit”, column “CO”: 45 ft (3) Note 3: Limited to 36 feet in height and two stories if abutting an RS or RM-12 district. In the CL district, a third story may be allowed to accommodate only if housing is not abutting an RS or RM-12 District. |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 20 ft § 17.24.040 · code textTable row “Front”, column “CO”: 20 ft |
| Minimum side setback | 15 ft Applies: next to an RS, RM-12, RM-16, RM-32 or RM-48 zone, and the building stays out of the encroachment plane; see below for other lots § 17.24.040 · code textTable row “Sides (each)”, column “CO”: 15 ft and shall not project within the encroachment plane (17.40.160.D.2) when adjacent to an RS or RM-12 zone or the encroachment plane (17.40.160.D.3) when adjacent to an RM-16, RM-32,or RM-48 zone unless the adjacent lot is a PK overlay which is used for parking; none required otherwise except 10 ft for the CO zone. |
| Minimum rear setback | 15 ft Applies: next to an RS, RM-12, RM-16, RM-32 or RM-48 zone, and the building stays out of the encroachment plane; see below for other lots § 17.24.040 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “CO”: 15 ft and shall not project within the encroachment plane (17.40.160.D.2) when adjacent to an RS or RM-12 zone or the encroachment plane (17.40.160.D.3) when adjacent to an RM-16, RM-32,or RM-48 zone unless the adjacent lot is a PK overlay which is used for parking; none required otherwise except 10 ft for the CO zone. |
| Minimum lot size | 7,200 sq ft § 17.24.040 · code textTable row “Minimum area”, column “CO”: 7,200 sf |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 0.80 § 17.24.040 · code textTable row “Floor area ratio (FAR)”, column “CO”: 0.80 |
Uses in CO
Uses the code's use tables allow in CO, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Single-family home — Allowed — see note
- Bed and breakfast — Needs a conditional use permit — see note
- Church or place of worship — Needs a conditional use permit — see note
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in CO:
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft — not next to an RS, RM-12, RM-16, RM-32 or RM-48 zone § 17.24.040
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft — not next to an RS, RM-12, RM-16, RM-32 or RM-48 zone § 17.24.040
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, lot coverage, density limit for CO in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Pasadena Municipal Code.
Other Pasadena zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Pasadena's CO zone?
45 ft — Pasadena Municipal Code § 17.24.040.
What is the minimum front setback in Pasadena's CO zone?
20 ft — Pasadena Municipal Code § 17.24.040.
What is the minimum side setback in Pasadena's CO zone?
15 ft (next to an RS, RM-12, RM-16, RM-32 or RM-48 zone, and the building stays out of the encroachment plane; see below for other lots) — Pasadena Municipal Code § 17.24.040.
What is the minimum rear setback in Pasadena's CO zone?
15 ft (next to an RS, RM-12, RM-16, RM-32 or RM-48 zone, and the building stays out of the encroachment plane; see below for other lots) — Pasadena Municipal Code § 17.24.040.
What is the minimum lot size in Pasadena's CO zone?
7,200 sq ft — Pasadena Municipal Code § 17.24.040.
General information, not legal advice.
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