Pasadena · Zoning · RS-4
Pasadena RS-4 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Pasadena's RS-4 zone, generally buildings can be up to 28 ft tall and the minimum lot size is 12,000 sf, with the conditions listed below (Pasadena code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 28 ft (site less than 75 ft wide)
- Minimum rear setback: 25 ft
- Minimum lot size: 12,000 sf (new parcels)
- Maximum density: 1 dwelling unit per lot
RS-4 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 RS-4
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 | 28 ft Applies: site less than 75 ft wide § 17.22.040 · code textTable row “Site less than 75 ft wide”, column “RS-4”: 28 ft, and within the encroachment plane (Section 17.40.160) |
|---|---|
| Minimum rear setback | 25 ft § 17.22.040 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “RS-4”: 25 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 12,000 sf Applies: new parcels See note 1 below the table in the code. § 17.22.040 · code textTable row “Minimum area (1)”, column “RS-4”: 12,000 sf Note 1: See Chapter 17.43 regarding density bonus provisions |
| Maximum density | 1 dwelling unit per lot § 17.22.040 · code textTable row “Maximum density”, column “RS-4”: 1 dwelling unit per lot |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in RS-4:
- Maximum building height: 32 ft — site of 75 ft wide or more § 17.22.040
- Minimum side setback: 10% of lot width, min 10 ft, max requirement 25 ft — corner side § 17.22.040
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, front setback, side setback, lot coverage, FAR limit for RS-4 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 RS-4 zone?
28 ft (site less than 75 ft wide) — Pasadena Municipal Code § 17.22.040.
What is the minimum rear setback in Pasadena's RS-4 zone?
25 ft — Pasadena Municipal Code § 17.22.040.
What is the minimum lot size in Pasadena's RS-4 zone?
12,000 sf (new parcels) — Pasadena Municipal Code § 17.22.040.
What is the maximum density in Pasadena's RS-4 zone?
1 dwelling unit per lot — Pasadena Municipal Code § 17.22.040.
General information, not legal advice.
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