South Pasadena · Zoning · CO
South Pasadena CO zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In South Pasadena's CO zone, buildings can be up to 35 ft tall, the front setback is 10 ft and the minimum lot size is 10,000 sq ft (South Pasadena code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft
- Minimum front setback: 10 ft
- Minimum side setback: 4 ft (Plus 1 ft for each story above the second (see below))
- Minimum rear setback: None required (5 ft next to an alley; 25 ft next to an RS district (see below))
- Minimum lot size: 10,000 sq ft
CO is a zoning district in South Pasadena. Every value below was read from the South 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 | 35 ft § 36.230.040 · code textTable row “Maximum height”, column “CO”: 35ft |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 10 ft § 36.230.040 · code textTable row “Front”, column “CO”: 10 ft |
| Minimum side setback | 4 ft Applies: Plus 1 ft for each story above the second (see below) § 36.230.040 · code textTable row “Sides, each”, column “CO”: 4 ft; an additional 1 ft setback shall be provided for each story above the second story. (3-story building = 5 ft. 4-story building = 6 ft, etc.) |
| Minimum rear setback | None required Applies: 5 ft next to an alley; 25 ft next to an RS district (see below) § 36.230.040 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “CO”: None, except if adjacent to an alley 5 ft, or if adjacent to a RS district 25ft |
| Minimum lot size | 10,000 sq ft § 36.230.040 · code textTable row “Area”, column “CO”: 10,000 sf |
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.
- Apartment building — Allowed — see note
- Bed and breakfast — Needs a conditional use permit
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in CO:
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft — 3-story building § 36.230.040
- Minimum side setback: 6 ft — 4-story building § 36.230.040
- Minimum rear setback: 5 ft — if adjacent to an alley § 36.230.040
- Minimum rear setback: 25 ft — if adjacent to a RS district § 36.230.040
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, lot coverage, FAR, density limit for CO in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the South Pasadena Municipal Code.
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in South Pasadena's CO zone?
35 ft — South Pasadena Municipal Code § 36.230.040.
What is the minimum front setback in South Pasadena's CO zone?
10 ft — South Pasadena Municipal Code § 36.230.040.
What is the minimum side setback in South Pasadena's CO zone?
4 ft (plus 1 ft for each story above the second (see below)) — South Pasadena Municipal Code § 36.230.040.
What is the minimum rear setback in South Pasadena's CO zone?
None required (5 ft next to an alley; 25 ft next to an RS district (see below)) — South Pasadena Municipal Code § 36.230.040.
What is the minimum lot size in South Pasadena's CO zone?
10,000 sq ft — South Pasadena Municipal Code § 36.230.040.
General information, not legal advice.
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