Pasadena’s Planning Commission will consider zoning amendments Wednesday, Oct. 28, as the city reviews regulations governing work-live units — properties that combine residential and commercial space — and whether existing restrictions limit housing opportunities.
The city’s published meeting materials list amendments to Title 17 of the Pasadena Municipal Code, while a separate public hearing notice identifies work-live regulations as part of the city’s Housing Element implementation effort.
Under Pasadena’s existing zoning code, work-live units must contain at least 1,250 square feet. Residential space is limited to 30% of the unit’s total floor area or 400 square feet, whichever is less.
Other restrictions require ground-floor units facing public streets to reserve the first 25 feet of interior depth for commercial activity. The code also regulates entrances, access between living and working areas, and occupancy.
Those requirements are intended to preserve commercial activity within units originally envisioned for artists, artisans and people in similar professions.
The Planning and Community Development Department previously identified several potential changes, including reducing minimum unit sizes, allowing more residential space, reconsidering entrance restrictions and easing conditional use permit requirements.
The review stems from Program No. 9 of Pasadena’s Housing Element, which directs city officials to study whether relaxing restrictions on residential floor space could help address local housing needs.
In an earlier Planning Commission memorandum, city staff identified differences between Pasadena’s work-live standards and those in neighboring jurisdictions, including South Pasadena, West Hollywood and Long Beach.
Any resulting zoning amendments would require City Council approval. The Planning Commission serves as a recommending body and cannot independently enact the changes.
Wednesday’s agenda also includes a discussion of potential capital improvement projects. The city’s Capital Improvement Program guides infrastructure planning and funding priorities, including public facilities and other municipal improvements.
Commissioners are additionally scheduled to receive information about Pasadena’s developing Environmental Justice Element, a General Plan component intended to address disparities in pollution exposure, housing conditions, access to healthy food and public facilities.
The city has preliminarily identified seven census tracts concentrated in Northwest Pasadena as environmental justice communities. According to city planning materials, those neighborhoods experience relatively high transportation-related air pollution, lead exposure and economic burdens.
The boundaries remain preliminary and may change following public input.
The Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. Residents can find meeting participation information and the amended agenda through the city’s Planning Commission website. Written comments may be sent to commentsPC@cityofpasadena.net.
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