ADUs and additions, Pasadena, Los Angeles County
Backyard Units and ADUs in Pasadena
Pasadena ADUs planned shell first: ember-resistant roof, vents and eaves where the lot needs them, every unit type compared, and city plan check handled.
For a backyard unit, the outer shell matters most: roof, eaves, vents and siding are what stand between the rooms and hard sun, dry wind and flying embers. Parts of Pasadena sit in mapped fire hazard zones, so a lot there may face ember-resistance rules on top of state ADU law. We check that early, then compare detached, attached, garage conversion and JADU layouts against what the parcel and the City of Pasadena allow.
Ember-resistant choices for the shell
Where ember rules apply, we plan a Class A roof assembly, vents with fine mesh or baffles that resist embers, boxed eaves and noncombustible or ignition-resistant siding. Windows go to dual-pane tempered glass, and steps or a deck beside the unit are planned in materials that meet the same standard. Even on a lot outside the mapped areas, several of these choices are worth pricing, since they also hold up under strong sun. We show each one in the quote so you can see what the rules require and what is your call.
Plan check in Pasadena
Pasadena runs its own building department, so plans for a new unit go to the city for review, and the reviewer checks fire separation, egress, energy compliance and, on a mapped lot, the ember-resistant details. The planning side looks at placement, height and setbacks under the city's ADU standards. If the lot slopes, a soils report may be needed before the foundation design is final. We answer review comments, revise the drawings and book the inspections through to final sign-off, keeping you informed at each step.
What we build in Pasadena
Second units and room additions lead, with the rest of our services available on the same lot.
Planning a unit in Pasadena?
Send the address. We check which ADU types the lot allows and reply with the next step.