How United Build Partners helps Pasadena homeowners
We're not a construction company. United Build Partners is an ADU advisory and contractor-matching service: we start with a free review of your property and goals, help you understand what's realistic for your lot under Pasadena's rules, and — when it's a good fit — connect you with up to three contractors in our network suited to your project type and neighborhood. From there, you compare proposals and decide who to work with; the licensed contractor you choose handles the actual design and construction.
ADU rules and permitting in Pasadena
Pasadena's rules build on the statewide baseline — ministerial review, the 60-day clock, and state minimum allowances (see our California ADU laws guide) — with a local ordinance updated in 2024 (Ordinance 7420, amending Title 17 of the municipal code) and several genuinely local programs on top.
What's specific to Pasadena
- ADU Standard Plans program. The city offers pre-approved ADU plans ranging from studios to two-bedroom units, already reviewed by Building & Safety — cutting both design and permitting time.
- Meaningful fee reductions. Per the city's announcement, most ADUs see roughly a 25% reduction in overall permitting and plan-check costs, and projects using Standard Plans or entering a Housing Agreement can save over 50% versus the prior fee structure.
- E-permitting. ADU applications and plans can be submitted online through the city's e-permitting system — no counter-only bottleneck.
- 2024 ordinance update. Ordinance 7420 (April 2024) updated the zoning code's ADU provisions — the city's ADU page reflects the current standards, including detached units up to 1,200 sq ft, JADUs to 500 sq ft, and 4-foot side/rear setbacks.
- Historic districts get extra attention. Pasadena has numerous designated landmark and historic districts, and ADU design in them has been an active policy topic. If your property is in one, expect design review considerations a non-historic parcel wouldn't have — and factor that into schedule.
Property and lot considerations
Pasadena's residential fabric is older and more architecturally protected than most of our coverage area — craftsman neighborhoods, landmark districts, and mature trees are part of what makes the city desirable and part of what shapes ADU projects. Outside the historic overlays, conventional lots in central and east Pasadena are often strong candidates for standard-plan detached units; inside them, custom design sensitive to the district is the realistic path. Either way, the fee reductions apply broadly — which changes the soft-cost math relative to neighboring cities.
Common ADU types for Pasadena homeowners
Where the lot allows, a detached ADU using a city Standard Plan is Pasadena's most streamlined path. Garage conversions suit the many older properties with detached garages — noting that historic-district garages may themselves carry constraints — and JADUs offer the lowest-cost route in larger homes. An attached ADU can work where an addition reads naturally on the architecture.
Cost factors in Pasadena
Pasadena construction pricing sits at the higher end of our LA County coverage, consistent with its housing market — but the city's fee reductions offset part of the soft-cost stack, and Standard Plans compress the design line. Start from our cost guide ranges, then price your specific soft costs with the city's current fee schedule.
Financing your Pasadena ADU
Most homeowners fund ADU construction through a HELOC, cash-out refinance, a construction loan, or some combination — see our ADU financing overview and loan payment calculator for how each works. Financing options aren't generally city-specific, but a lender may consider your neighborhood and local rents when evaluating projected rental income as qualifying income.
How our process works
Frequently asked questions
Per the city's announcement: roughly 25% lower overall permitting and plan-check costs for the majority of ADUs, and over 50% for projects using the city's Standard Plans or entering a Housing Agreement. Exact amounts depend on your project — confirm current figures with Planning & Community Development.
A catalog of pre-approved ADU designs — studios through two-bedrooms — already reviewed by Building & Safety. Using one saves design time, shortens permitting, and qualifies for the deeper fee reduction tier.
Generally yes; state ADU law applies in historic districts too. But expect additional design attention: Pasadena has actively shaped how ADUs fit its landmark districts, and compatible design is part of approval. Budget more design time than a non-historic parcel would need.