Planning Commission to Consider Updated Lamanda Park Specific Plan

Pasadena’s Planning Commission will review a new specific plan for the Lamanda Park area, which could reshape a significant portion of the city’s southeast. The Commission meets on Wednesday, Aug. 28, starting at 6:30 p.m., which incorporates a public hearing on the Lamanda Park Specific Plan (LPSP).

The proposed LPSP encompasses an area bounded by the 210 freeway to the north, Roosevelt and Vista Avenues to the west, Colorado Blvd. to the south, and Kinneloa Ave. to the east. City planners envision the area as “a center of innovative businesses and creative industries,” supported by flexible workspaces, a vibrant public realm, and housing opportunities near employment, retail, and services.

According to a report by the Department of Planning and Community Development, the plan aims to build upon Lamanda Park’s existing role as a thriving industrial hub, particularly in technology-focused industries. The area currently hosts over 750 businesses and employs nearly 5,500 people.

In the report, Planning Director Jennifer Paige pointed out the plan’s goal of fostering innovation.

“LPSP’s vision highlights the City’s goal of fostering innovation and creativity allowing for Pasadena to become a cutting-edge business development and job hub,” Paige said.

The plan divides the area into three distinct subareas: the Foothill District, Walnut Innovation District, and Roseway District, each with its own character and development goals.

Proposed changes include increased residential density along Colorado Blvd. and the northern side of Foothill Blvd., with work/live opportunities between Walnut and Nina Streets. Some areas will see density increases from 32 to 48 or 64 dwelling units per acre.

Building heights would remain largely comparable to current limits, with some adjustments. The plan proposes a height of 39 feet north of Foothill Blvd. and along parts of Colorado Blvd., increasing to 51 feet at key intersections and in some central areas.

The plan also introduces new provisions for sidewalks, street trees, and open spaces. Minimum sidewalk widths of 12 feet are proposed for major streets, with 10 feet for smaller streets. New open space requirements for residential and mixed-use projects are also included.

Environmental analysis suggests the plan will not result in any potentially significant impacts not already analyzed in the city’s 2015 General Plan Environmental Impact Report. An addendum to the EIR has been prepared for the new LPSP.

At the Planning Commission’s regular meeting, the Planning Department will recommend that the Commission advise the City Council to consider the EIR Addendum and approve the General Plan Map Amendment, Specific Plan Adoption, and Zoning Code Map and Text Amendments associated with the LPSP.

The plan’s development involved extensive community engagement, with feedback incorporated into the final proposal, according to the report.