City Council

13. APPROVE AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 17 (ZONING CODE) OF THE PASADENA MUNICIPAL CODE AND THE CITY’S SPECIFIC PLANS FOR PREDEVELOPMENT PLAN REVIEWS (PPRs), DESIGN REVIEW, SIGNS AND AWNINGS, OUTDOOR AND TEMPORARY USES, ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS (ADUs), PARKING AND TRANSITORIENTED DEVELOPMENTS (TODs), IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW STATE LEGISLATION, AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS UPDATES (Planning Dept.) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council: (1) Find that the Zoning Code and Specific Plan Amendments are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), the “Common Sense” exemption that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA; (2) Adopt the Findings for the Zoning Code and Specific Plan Amendments in Attachment A of the agenda report; (3) Approve the Zoning Code and Specific Plan Amendments as outlined in the agenda report and in Attachment B of the agenda report; and (4) Direct the City Attorney to prepare an ordinance for the Zoning Code and Specific Plan Amendments within 120 days consistent with the provisions set forth in the agenda report and in Attachment B of the agenda report. Recommendation of the Planning Commission: On August 27, 2025, the Planning Commission voted to recommend the City Council approve the proposed Zoning Code and Specific Plan Amendments as recommended by staff, with the following changes: (1) Design Review – For new multifamily projects, maintain the existing threshold of 10 units for projects to be reviewed by the Design Commission. Staff supports this recommended change. (2) Parking – For existing buildings that are greater than 50 years old, do not require additional parking for additions necessary to meet building, safety or fire requirements. Staff supports this recommended change. Recommendations of the Economic Development & Technology Committee and Design Commission: On June 18, 2024, staff presented recommended changes to the Predevelopment Plan Review (PPR) Section to the Economic Development and Technology Committee. On December 10, 2024, staff presented the recommended changes to the Design Review Section to the Design Commission. Both were supportive of the proposed changes.