Pasadena, CA

Pasadena adopts the California Fire Code with local amendments and falls under SCAQMD jurisdiction. Much of Pasadena lies within Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) along the hillside areas bordering the San Gabriel Mountains. Gas and propane fire pits are generally permitted but wood-burning fire pits are prohibited during SCAQMD no-burn days. Hillside properties face additional restrictions including vegetation clearance and setback requirements.

Pasadena prohibits parking oversized vehicles (over 22 feet long, over 7 feet tall, or over 80 inches wide) on any public street in residential zones. RVs, boats on trailers, and commercial vehicles are subject to these restrictions. Storage of oversized vehicles must be in enclosed structures or behind solid fencing in side or rear yards, not visible from the public right-of-way.

Pasadena enforces a 72-hour limit for any vehicle parked on a public street. The city operates a Residential Permit Parking (RPP) program in neighborhoods near the Rose Bowl, Old Town, Caltech, and other high-traffic areas. RPP permits allow residents to park in restricted zones. Metered parking is enforced throughout Old Town and the downtown area.

Pasadena enforces strict noise limits with residential quiet hours from 9 PM to 7 AM on weekdays and 9 PM to 8 AM on weekends and holidays. Residential zones are limited to 55 dBA during the day and 45 dBA at night. Pasadena is known for particularly rigorous noise enforcement, especially in neighborhoods surrounding Caltech and in the historic districts of Old Town.

Pasadena restricts construction noise to weekdays 7 AM to 7 PM and Saturdays 8 AM to 5 PM. No construction is allowed on Sundays or federal holidays. Pasadena has notably strict leaf blower regulations: gas-powered leaf blowers are banned citywide, and electric leaf blowers are restricted to weekday daytime hours only, with reduced Saturday hours and no Sunday use in residential areas.

Pasadena limits front yard fences to 3.5 feet and side/rear yard fences to 6 feet in residential zones. Properties in historic districts or Landmark Districts may require Design Commission or Historic Preservation Commission review for fence materials and style. Retaining walls combined with fences have cumulative height restrictions. Open-style fencing (wrought iron, picket) may be permitted at greater heights in front yards with design review.

Pasadena requires registration and a home-sharing permit for all short-term rentals of 30 days or fewer. Only primary residences qualify for STR permits, and the host must be a Pasadena resident. Non-primary residence STRs are prohibited. Pasadena also requires hosts to collect and remit a 12% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and maintain $1 million in liability insurance.

Pasadena allows keeping of hens on residential properties but prohibits roosters citywide. The number of hens permitted depends on lot size, with a minimum lot size requirement. Coops must meet setback requirements from neighboring dwellings and property lines. All chicken keepers must maintain sanitary conditions and prevent nuisance odors and noise.

Pasadena requires all dogs to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet when on any public property. Dogs must be licensed and vaccinated against rabies. Off-leash areas are available at designated dog parks. The Pasadena Humane Society serves as the city's animal control provider and handles enforcement of leash laws.

Pasadena has one of the most stringent tree protection ordinances in Southern California. The City Trees ordinance (MC 8.52) protects all public trees, while the Private Protected Trees ordinance (MC 8.56) extends protections to significant private trees with trunks 19 inches or greater in diameter. Removal of any protected tree requires a permit and typically mandates replacement plantings. Pasadena's iconic oak and deodar cedar trees receive special protections, and unauthorized removal can result in fines exceeding $10,000.

Pasadena requires property owners to maintain their lots free of overgrown weeds, dead vegetation, and accumulated debris. The City conducts annual weed abatement inspections, particularly in hillside areas where dry vegetation creates fire hazards. Properties in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones face mandatory brush clearance requirements enforced by the Fire Department.

Pasadena allows home-based businesses in residential zones as a permitted accessory use, subject to conditions ensuring the business does not change the residential character of the neighborhood. Home occupations must be conducted entirely within the dwelling, generate no customer traffic to the residence, produce no noise, odor, or vibration detectable off-site, and may not use more than 25% of the home's floor area.