ADU design in Pasadena
ADU design for your Pasadena property
Planning an ADU in Pasadena? Share your property address and what you need from the space. We can help you compare a detached ADU, a garage conversion, and other layouts that suit your site.
Pasadena
Dedicated to Excellence
Plan an ADU around your Pasadena property
Start with the property
For a Pasadena ADU, begin with the existing property's records and any planning considerations that apply to the address. Architectural character, the location of existing structures, and the way an entrance meets the site all deserve attention. Establish those requirements before treating a stock plan as a finished design.
Local planning considerations
If the project involves a garage, document the structure and how it connects to the main home. If it is a detached unit, compare the footprint, utilities, and private outdoor areas. The design brief should connect the desired space to a realistic documentation and review process.
What should I check before choosing a Pasadena ADU exterior?
Ask the city about planning considerations for the address and gather available property records. Discuss the intended relationship to the existing home with the designer. Confirm the relevant review path before committing to exterior materials or a specific stock plan.
Planning with City of Pasadena
Use the Pasadena property address to establish jurisdiction before choosing a plan. If the project involves a garage, document the structure and how it connects to the main home. If it is a detached unit, compare the footprint, utilities, and private outdoor areas. The design brief should connect the desired space to a realistic documentation and review process.
Simplifying ADU design and build for Pasadena homeowners
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50+ five-star reviews
Imagine the Possibilities
Discover unique ADU floor plans for Pasadena
We craft custom ADU designs that seamlessly fit your Pasadena home, optimizing space and enhancing functionality. Our expert team ensures every layout is thoughtfully planned to match your lifestyle.
- 800 SF
- 2 Bed
- 2 Bath
- 1192 SF
- 4 Bed
- 2 Bath
- 749 SF
- 2 Bed
- 2 Bath
- 650 SF
- 2 Bed
- 1 Bath
- 400 SF
- 1 Bed
- 1 Bath
Why Build an ADU?
Unlock new possibilities for your Pasadena home
Create more functional space
A thoughtfully designed ADU offers extra space for family, guests, or even a dedicated workspace. Whether you're looking for a private retreat or a versatile addition to your home, an ADU provides the flexibility to meet your needs while complementing your property's existing layout.Boost your property’s value
Adding an ADU is a smart investment that enhances your home's value and appeal. With increased living space and high-quality construction, your property becomes more attractive to future buyers, ensuring long-term financial benefits.Earn passive income
A well-planned ADU opens the door to rental income opportunities, helping you generate extra revenue while utilizing your property’s full potential. Whether for long-term tenants or extended family stays, a Pasadena ADU can be a valuable financial asset.
ADU Regulations
A simple, hassle-free way to build ADUs in Pasadena
We handle every step, ensuring your ADU meets Pasadena’s regulations, from permits to construction.
The starting point in Pasadena
For a Pasadena ADU, begin with the existing property's records and any planning considerations that apply to the address.
Compare the realistic options
Architectural character, the location of existing structures, and the way an entrance meets the site all deserve attention. Establish those requirements before treating a stock plan as a finished design.
Bring useful property information
If the project involves a garage, document the structure and how it connects to the main home.
Decisions before the drawings
If it is a detached unit, compare the footprint, utilities, and private outdoor areas. The design brief should connect the desired space to a realistic documentation and review process.
What should I check before choosing a Pasadena ADU exterior?
Ask the city about planning considerations for the address and gather available property records. Discuss the intended relationship to the existing home with the designer. Confirm the relevant review path before committing to exterior materials or a specific stock plan.
Confirm the review route with City of Pasadena
Use the current application information for your Pasadena parcel. The linked local regulation guide explains the state protections, property checks and official sources to review before submission.ADU INSIGHTS
Pasadena’s best ADU construction pros
ADU Cost Calculator
ADU costs can add up fast, but our calculator breaks down every detail so you can plan ahead and budget smarter.
12 Steps to Building an ADU: Your Comprehensive Guide
Building an ADU is easier when you know what to expect. Our guide covers every step, from permits to final finishes, keeping your project on track.
Renting Your ADU
Renting your ADU the right way means more income with fewer headaches. Learn how to prepare, attract tenants, and stay compliant with local rules.
Estimate the ROI of your Pasadena ADU
Use our ADU ROI calculator to project rental income, property value growth, and long-term financial benefits for your Pasadena investment.
1,739%
Real Estate
Avg. 6-8%
Stocks
Avg. 5-7%
Savings Account
Avg. 2-4%
Plan your Pasadena ADU in clear stages
We provide flexible financing options designed for Pasadena homeowners, making ADU construction more accessible with manageable payments. Here’s how our process works:
1
Define the brief
Share the property, intended use, priorities, and information you already have.
2
Review the property
Identify the site questions, records, and specialist inputs needed before choosing a plan.
3
Coordinate the design
Develop the selected layout with the agreed architectural and technical documents.
4
Confirm the next stage
Review the submission or construction scope, responsibilities, and unresolved decisions.
Everything you need to know about Pasadena ADUs
Get clear, expert answers to your most pressing questions about building an ADU in Pasadena. From local regulations to design and construction, we simplify the process so you can build with confidence.
Ask the city about planning considerations for the address and gather available property records. Discuss the intended relationship to the existing home with the designer. Confirm the relevant review path before committing to exterior materials or a specific stock plan.
Start with City of Pasadena and confirm jurisdiction using the property address and parcel. Identify required planning, building, utility, and other approvals before treating a concept as a complete submission.
Share the plan source, file formats, permission to use it, and any approvals. We can discuss site suitability and the work needed to develop or adapt it. A concept, catalog plan, and approved construction set are different deliverables.
Provide the address, photographs, existing plans or permits if available, household needs, budget priorities, and preferred timing. Explain which decisions are settled and which options you want to compare.
Discuss the intended use before developing the layout. Privacy, circulation, storage, laundry, maintenance, and future household needs influence the design. Rental income or future property value should not be treated as guaranteed.
The proposal should identify the actual services, deliverables, involved professionals, and responsibilities. Design-only work and construction are different scopes; permitting and specialist inputs also need to be defined.
- Maximum Size: Detached ADUs can be up to 1,200 sq. ft. or 50% of the existing home’s size; attached ADUs and JADUs are limited to 500 sq. ft.
- Setbacks: ADUs require a minimum 4-foot setback from side and rear property lines. Detached ADUs over garages must have a 5-foot setback from side and rear lot lines.
- Height Restrictions: Two-story ADUs are allowed only if the primary home is two stories; otherwise, ADUs are limited to 16 feet in height.
- Building Separation: Detached ADUs must be at least 10 feet from the main residence.
- Permitting Process: Pasadena requires in-person plan submissions, and certain projects may need soil reports and stormwater mitigation plans.
- Coastal Zone: Unlike some nearby areas, Pasadena does not require Coastal Development Permits for ADUs.
The proposal should identify the actual services, deliverables, involved professionals, and responsibilities. Design-only work and construction are different scopes; permitting and specialist inputs also need to be defined.
Compare the same drawings, specifications, site assumptions, allowances, and exclusions. Separate design and approvals, site work and utilities, and construction. Record unresolved items rather than assuming every estimate covers the same work.
| Zip Code | Neighborhoods | 1 BR (750 sq. ft.) | 2 BR (1,000 sq. ft.) | 3 BR (1,200 sq. ft.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 92064 | Pasadena, Ramona | $2,240 | $2,713 | $3,632 |
| 92128 | Pasadena, Carmel Mountain, Rancho Bernardo, Sabre Springs | $2,215 | $2,873 | $3,035 |
Compare the same drawings, specifications, site assumptions, allowances, and exclusions. Separate design and approvals, site work and utilities, and construction. Record unresolved items rather than assuming every estimate covers the same work.
Uni Construction is based in Diamond Bar and focuses on nearby communities in Los Angeles and surrounding cities, including Pomona and Los Angeles. Use the service-area directory to explore the listed cities and discuss your actual address and scope.
Your nearby office
Our Los Angeles team serves Pasadena.
369 N La Fayette Park Pl Apt 2, Los Angeles, CA 90026, United StatesVisit the Los Angeles office pageExplore the Pasadena ADU regulation guide and confirm your application information with City of Pasadena.