Every Phase 1 project type for Pasadena, in one place.
Permit office: Pasadena Permit Center (Department of Planning & Community Development).
Plan-check timeline: 6–10 weeks typical residential; 1–3 weeks OTC; faster than LA for ADUs because of dedicated ADU staff.
Distinctive overlays: 19 designated Landmark Districts (Bungalow Heaven, Garfield Heights, Madison Heights and others), Hillside Overlay north of Foothill Blvd, Cultural Heritage Commission review, demolition-delay ordinance.
Fee load: ~5–7% of valuation; school fees apply at ~$4/sqft new conditioned space.
Historic-district friction is the dominant story on most projects.
Certificate of Appropriateness adds 4–10 weeks for any exterior alteration in landmark districts.