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ADU builder in Pasadena, CA
Pasadena’s historic neighborhoods and established lots make for beautiful ADUs, but they come with their own rules. We design ADUs that suit Pasadena’s architecture and work within the city’s size, height and historic-district standards.
San Gabriel Valley
Building an ADU in Pasadena.
What’s different about adding an ADU here, and how we plan around it.
Historic districts and landmark homes
ADUs on properties in historic districts or on designated historic homes have additional design standards, especially where the ADU is visible from the street. We design to match the main house so reviews go smoothly.
City pre-approved plans are being updated
Pasadena’s own pre-approved ADU Standard Plans expired at the end of 2025 with the new building code, and the city has said new plans will follow. In the meantime, our pre-engineered plans offer a similar head start.
Sized for Pasadena’s limits
Detached ADUs here are capped at 1,000 sq ft and 16 ft (18 ft within half a mile of transit, including Metro A Line stations), and attached ADUs at 50% of the house up to 800 sq ft. Efficient one- and two-bedroom layouts fit best.
Plans that fit
Floor plans that work within Pasadena’s rules.
These ready-to-build plans fit Pasadena’s size, height and bedroom limits. Our studio can adjust any of them to your lot.
Plan 400E
Studio · 1 Bath · 400 ft²
Plan 450
1 Bed · 1 Bath · 450 ft²
Plan 500B
1 Bed · 1 Bath · 500 ft²
Plan 780
2 Bed · 1 Bath · 780 ft²
Plan 858
2 Bed · 2 Bath · 858 ft²
Plan 1000
3 Bed · 2 Bath · 1,000 ft²
How we work in Pasadena
One team from first visit to move-in.
01
Free ADU analysis
We review your Pasadena lot, what the local rules allow and which plans fit, with an estimated cost.
02
Design
Our in-house studio prepares construction-ready plans in about 1–2 months.
03
Permits
We submit to the City of Pasadena and handle every round of plan check.
04
Fixed-price build
Construction in about 4–5 months, managed by one project manager from our Long Beach office.
Pasadena ADU questions
Common questions in Pasadena.
Can I build an ADU in a Pasadena historic district?
Yes. ADUs are allowed, but properties in historic districts or with designated historic homes must meet additional design standards. The city also offers pre-application consultations, which we can arrange.
How big can an ADU be in Pasadena?
Detached ADUs can be up to 1,000 sq ft and attached ADUs up to 50% of the main house (up to 800 sq ft). A junior ADU inside the house can be up to 500 sq ft.
Does Pasadena still offer pre-approved ADU plans?
The city’s previous ADU Standard Plans expired on December 31, 2025, and the city has said updated plans will follow. We can start with one of our own pre-engineered plans instead.
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Tell us about your Pasadena property and we’ll prepare a free ADU analysis: what fits on your lot, the rules that apply, recommended plans, estimated cost and timeline.
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