Planning & Community Development
Economic Development & Technology Committee
June 17, 2025
Proposed Fee Reductions for
Eaton Fire-Destroyed Homes
Planning & Community Development
ADU Ordinance
2 Background
EATON FIRE
Planning & Community Development
Background
• Emergency Orders:
• On January 7, 2025, the City was
impacted by a severe windstorm
and a destructive fire resulting in
significant damage to private
property.
Eaton Fire destroyed 185
structures in Pasadena.
Most affected areas are
zoned Single-Family with
large portions also within
Hillside Development
Overlays.
• Ordinance adopted on March 25th
to facilitate timely reconstruction.
Council directed staff to
evaluate fee reductions
3 Planning & Community Development
Rebuild & Recovery
• Updates:
> Debris removal: 122 of 125 eligible sites completed
> Final Sign-Off: Issued for 82% of cleaned sites
> Plan Submittal: 19 sites
> Permits issued: 1 site (for a SFR/ADU)
• Recovery/Outreach:
> City Contacts: Community Connector Program and a
dedicated Planner for each site.
> Standard Plans: City is participating in a working group focused on the development of a standard plans
program
> IRT: An interdepartmental review team in place to
expedite all plan check submittals for rebuilding
> Other: Next day inspections
4 Planning & Community Development
Rebuild Permit Status Map
5 Planning & Community Development
ADU Ordinance Upda
6 Analysis
REBUILDING FEE REDUCTIONS
Planning & Community Development
Plan Check Fees
• Pasadena’s Plan Check Fees:
> Are paid when construction drawings are submitted to the Pasadena Permit Center.
> Covers staff time needed for various City departments to review the plans for compliance with local codes and standards.
> Vary by department but are all based on the building permit valuation (BPV).
> Are centralized, meaning that fees for the various reviewing departments are charged collectively.
7 Planning & Community Development
Analysis (Plan Check Fees)
8 Plan Check Fees Existing Fees
50% Reduction
(Single-Family
Eaton Fire
Rebuild that
utilizes Standard
Plans)
Building Division $ 5,157 $ 2,579
Design & Historic
Preservation Section $ 337 $ 169
Zoning Section $ 487 $ 244
Fire Department $ 1,076 $ 538
Transportation $ 447 $ 224
Public Works Department $ 603 $ 302
Total $ 8,107 $ 4,056
Table 1 – Sample Plan Check Fees for the reconstruction of a 1,900 SF SFR with a 2-car garage • Plan Check Fees:
> Are paid when construction
drawings are submitted to the City
and cover staff time for reviewing
the plans for compliance with local
codes and standards.
• Staff Recommendation:
> Reduce plan check fees by 50%
for rebuilt homes that utilize a
Standard Plan approved by the
City. This would reduce plan
check fees from $8,107 to $4,056.
Planning & Community Development
Permit Fees
• Pasadena’s Permit Fees:
> Are paid when the construction drawings are approved by the City and a building permit is being issued. The building permit gives the applicant permission to begin construction.
• Permit Fee Categories:
1. City building permit fees – No reductions proposed.
2. Other City fees – One reduction recommended (largest portion of fees):
1. Construction Tax
2. General Plan Maintenance Fee
3. Technology Fee
4. Construction & Demolition Performance Security Deposit
3. Non-City fees – No reductions allowed.
9 Planning & Community Development
Analysis (Permit Fees)
10 Table 2 – Sample Building Permit Fees for the reconstruction of a 1,900 SF SFR with a 2-car garage Permit Type Existing Fees Fee Type
City Building Permit Fees:
Building Permit $ 3,439
City Fees:
No reductions proposed
Records Management Surcharge $ 360
Building Processing $ 74
Fire Processing $ 36
Construction Notice Sign $ 15
Other City Fees:
*Construction Tax $ 7,680
City Fees:
No reductions proposed
*General Plan Maintenance Fee $ 2,000
*Technology Fee $ 2,000
*AB 717 $ 34
*C&D Performance Deposit
(may be refunded) $ 12,000 City Fee: Reduction proposed C&D Admin Review Fee $ 403 City Fee: Flat rate Non-City Fees:
School District Impact Fees** $ - Non-City Fees:
No authority to reduce feesCA Building Standards Fee $ 16 SMIP Residential $ 52
Total $ 28,109
• Permit Fees:
> Are paid when the
construction drawings are
approved by the City and a
building permit is being
issued.
• Staff Recommendation:
> Reduce the C&D
Performance Deposit to a
$2,000 flat rate. This is a
deposit collected by Public
Works that is returned if
the applicant complies with
debris removal
requirements.
*Fees that do not represent a direct staff cost.
**School District Impact fees charged for additions >500 sq. ft. at a rate of $2.24 per sq. ft.
Planning & Community Development
Analysis (Permit Fees)
11 Table 2 – Sample Building Permit Fees for the reconstruction of a 1,900 SF SFR with a 2-car garage Permit Type Existing Fees
Reductions for all Single-
Family Eaton Fire
Rebuilds
City Building Permit Fees:
Building Permit $ 3,439 $ 3,439 Records Management
Surcharge $ 360 $ 360
Building Processing $ 74 $ 74 Fire Processing $ 36 $ 36 Construction Notice Sign $ 15 $ 15 Other City Fees:
Construction Tax $ 7,680 $ 7,680 General Plan Maintenance Fee $ 2,000 $ 2,000 Technology Fee $ 2,000 $ 2,000
AB 717 $ 34 $ 34
C&D Performance Deposit
(may be refunded) $ 12,000 $ 2,000 C&D Admin Review Fee $ 403 $ 403 Non-City Fees:
School District Impact Fees $ - $ - CA Building Standards Fee $ 16 $ 16 SMIP Residential $ 52 $ 52 Total $ 28,109 $ 18,109
• In this example, the total fees
are reduced by 35%
Percentage reductions will vary
depending on the C&D deposit amount
applicable to each rebuild.
Planning & Community Development
ADU Ordinance Upda
12 Recommendation &
Conclusion
REBUILD FEE REDUCTIONS
Planning & Community Development
Fiscal Impact
13 > Plan Check Fees: The proposed 50% reduction in plan check fees for reconstructed single-family homes that utilize a Standard Plan will result in the City subsidizing staff costs related to plan reviews. > Permit Fees: With regards to the C&D Performance Deposit, the $2,000 flat rate deposit for single-family sites will significantly reduce initial out-of- pocket expenses for applicants. There is no cost to the City as this is a refundable deposit.
Planning & Community Development
Fee Reduction Efforts – Other Cities
> Malibu: Currently considering a
waiver of plan check and permit
fees for owner-occupied like-for-like
rebuilds or like-for-like with
additions up to 10%. Several
exceptions are being considered.
> Sierra Madre: Not considering any
fee reductions or waivers at this
time.
14 > City of Los Angeles: As of April
25, 2025, the City has suspended
the collection of plan check and
permit fees pending further study,
but has not formally waived or
reduced these fees.
> Los Angeles County: Approved a
motion on June 17th to defer plan
check fees and permit fees for
owner-occupants and to identify
sources of funds to cover revenue
losses. Staff to report back in 60-
days.
Planning & Community Development
Conclusion and Recommendation
15 > The City continues to offer its support to the victims of the Eaton fire disaster through the various phases of the recovery and rebuilding process.
> Staff recommends a 50% reduction in plan check fees for applicants that choose a standard plan and a flat $2,000 C&D Performance Deposit for all single-family rebuilds. These reductions will result in a significant savings of almost 40%.
Planning & Community Development
Summary of Proposed Fee Reductions
Existing Fees
1,900 SF Rebuilt SFR
1,900 SF Rebuilt SFR
(Utilizing Standard
Plans)
1,900 SF Rebuilt SFR
(All Other Rebuilds)
Building Division 5,157$ 2,579$ 5,157$ D&HP Section 337$ 169$ 337$ Zoning Section 487$ 244$ 487$ Fire Department 1,076$ 538$ 1,076$ Transportation 447$ 224$ 447$ Public Works 603$ 302$ 603$ Building Permit 3,439$ 3,439$ 3,439$ Records Mgt. Surcharge 360$ 360$ 360$ Building Processing 74$ 74$ 74$ Fire Processing 36$ 36$ 36$ Construction Notice Sign 15$ 15$ 15$ Construction Tax 7,680$ 7,680$ 7,680$ General Plan Fee 2,000$ 2,000$ 2,000$ Technology Fee 2,000$ 2,000$ 2,000$ C&D Deposit (refundable) 12,000$ 2,000$ 2,000$ C&D Admin Review Fee 403$ 403$ 403$ School District Impact Fees -$ -$ -$ CA Building Standards Fee 16$ 16$ 16$ SMIP Residential 52$ 52$ 52$ AB 717 Training 34$ 34$ 34$ Total 36,216$ 22,163$ 26,216$ Percent Reduction -39% -28%
Building Permit Fees:
Plan Check Fees:
Proposed Reduced Fees
Fee Type
16 Planning & Community Development
Economic Development & Technology Committee
June 17, 2025
Proposed Fee Reductions for
Fire-Destroyed Homes
Planning & Community Development
Additional Fee Reductions
Fee Type
Existing Fees Proposed Reduced Fees Additional Reductions 1,900 SF Rebuilt SFR 1,900 SF Rebuilt SFR
(Utilizing Standard Plans)
1,900 SF Rebuilt SFR
(All Other Rebuilds)
1,900 SF Rebuilt SFR
(All Other Rebuilds)
Plan Check Fees:
Building Division $ 5,157 $ 2,579 $ 5,157 $ 5,157 D&HP Section $ 337 $ 169 $ 337 $ 337 Zoning Section $ 487 $ 244 $ 487 $ 487 Fire Department $ 1,076 $ 538 $ 1,076 $ 1,076 Transportation $ 447 $ 224 $ 447 $ 447 Public Works $ 603 $ 302 $ 603 $ 603 Building Permit Fees:
Building Permit $ 3,439 $ 3,439 $ 3,439 $ 3,439 Records Mgt. Surcharge $ 360 $ 360 $ 360 $ 360 Building Processing $ 74 $ 74 $ 74 $ 74 Fire Processing $ 36 $ 36 $ 36 $ 36 Construction Notice Sign $ 15 $ 15 $ 15 $ 15 Construction Tax $ 7,680 $ 7,680 $ 7,680 $ - General Plan Fee $ 2,000 $ 2,000 $ 2,000 $ - Technology Fee $ 2,000 $ 2,000 $ 2,000 $ - C&D Deposit (refundable) $ 12,000 $ 2,000 $ 2,000 $ 2,000 C&D Admin Review Fee $ 403 $ 403 $ 403 $ 403 School District Impact Fees $ - $ - $ - $ - CA Building Standards Fee $ 16 $ 16 $ 16 $ 16 SMIP Residential $ 52 $ 52 $ 52 $ 52 AB 717 Training $ 34 $ 34 $ 34 $ 34 Total $ 36,216 $ 22,163 $ 26,216 $ 14,536 Percent Reduction -39% -28% -60%
18 Planning & Community Development
Summary of Plan Check Submittals
Permit Number Address
Permit
Status
Permit
Issue
Date Permit Description
Increase in
Home Square
Footage
ADU
Proposed Permit
District
BLDSFR2025-
01947
1046 N VINEDO AVE
Pasadena, CA 91107 Submitted
ONLINE: 2025 EATON WINDSTORM/FIRE DAMAGE: (EATON FIRE)
REAPAIR FIRE AND WATER DAMAGED HOUSE WITH INTERIOR
REMODEL TO KITCHEN WITH NEW BEAM TO OPEN UP KITCHEN AND
LIVING ROOM, EXISTING BATHROOM, CONVERT EXISTING CLOSET TO MASTER BATHROOM, RE-ROOF TO CLASS "A" COMP SHINGLES, 2 WINDOW CHANGE OUTS.
No No 4
BLDSFR2025-
01458
1174 DEL REY AVE
Pasadena, CA 91107 In Review
ONLINE: WINDSTORM/FIRE 2025 RE-BUILD - NEW ONE STORY
RESIDENCE AT 1,861 SF, 3-BEDROOM 2-BATH AND NEW DETACHED GARAGE AT 500 SQ FT. (RFS2025-00127) (REFER: BLDSFR2025-00660) Yes No 4
ONLINE: REPLACE DOOR AND ADD (1) BATHROOM (RFS: RFS2025- 00008)
ONLINE: ADDING (1) POWDER ROOM
ONLINE : WINDSTORM/FIRE 2025 DAMAGE REBUILD: REFRAME ENTIRE ROOF (RFS CASE : RFS2025-00009)
BLDSFR2025-
01457
1325 MEDFORD RD
Pasadena, CA 91107 In Review
ONLINE: WINDSTORM/FIRE 2025 DAMAGE REBUILD: NEW
CONSTRUCTION OF A 1 STORY SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE @ 1,800 SQUARE FEET WITH A NEW ATTACHED GARAGE @ 540 SQUARE FEET. (RFS2025-00149) NOTE: PLANS REFERENCE DETACHED ADU THAT WILL BE SUBMITTED SEPARATELY, BUT CONCURRENTLY. (REFER TO BLDSFR2025-00724)
Yes Yes 4
BLDSFR2025-
01467
1420 VALLEY VIEW
AVE SFR
PASADENA, CA 91107
Complete
ONLINE: WINDSTORM/FIRE 2025 RE-BUILD: FIRE DAMAGE REPAIR & REMODEL TO 1-STORY SFD AT 1,870 SF; LAYOUT CHANGE TO 459 SF;
EXTERIOR DOOR AND WINDOW REPLACEMENT, REPLACE
INSULATION, EXTERIOR FINISH, AND ROOFING MATERIAL. NEW 1- STORY ADDITION 91 SF AT FRONT; NEW FRONT PORCH; REBUILD EXISTING ATTACHED GARAGE AT 421 SF; (RFS2025-00020) (REFER:
BLDSFR2025-00963)
Yes No 4
BLDSFR2025-
01462
1555 RIVIERA DR SFR
PASADENA, CA 91107 Issued 6/9/2025
ONLINE: WINDSTORM/FIRE 2025 DAMAGE REBUILD: REBUILD 1- STORY SINGLE FAMILY HOUSE AT 2,897 SQ FT WITH 128 SQ FT ADDITION. REBUILD REAR DECK AT 1,087 SQ FT. TOTAL 3,025 SQFT WITH 3 BEDROOMS /3 BATHROOMS. (ADU ON BLDSFR2025-01935) (RFS2025-00159) (RETAINING WALL BLDSFR2025-01870)
Yes Yes 4
ONLINE: NEW CONSTRUCTION OF 2ND UNIT AT 912 SQ/FT (ATTACHED ADU: BLDMF2025-00416) (DETACHED ADU: BLDMF2025-00418) (NEW CONSTRUCTION DETACHED GARAGE: BLDSFR2025-01961) (DEMO:
BLDSFR2025-01962)
ONLINE: NEW CONSTRUCTION OF DETACHED GARAGE AT 572 SQ/FT (NEW 2ND UNIT: BLDSFR2025-01916) (ATTACHED ADU: BLDMF2025- 00416) (DETACHED ADU: BLDMF2025-00418) (DEMO: BLDSFR2025- 01962)
4 1818 WALWORTH AVE
Pasadena, CA 91104 SubmittedBLDSFR2025-
01916, -01961
In Review
1253- 1257 DEL REY
AVE SFR
PASADENA, CA 91107
BLDMF2025-
00393, -00394
and -00395
No No
No Yes 1
19 Planning & Community Development
Summary of Plan Check Submittals
09 6)
BLDSFR2025-
01917
1857 WALWORTH AVE
Pasadena, CA 91104 Submitted
ONLINE: 2025 EATON FIRE/WINDSTORM DAMAGE REBUILD: REBUILD 2-STORY HOME AT 2,075 SQ FT LIKE FOR LIKE, INCLUDING
FOUNDATION, FOOTPRINT TO REMAIN AS BEFORE THE FIRE. REBUILD
DETACHED GARAGE AND SAVE GARAGE SLAB- REBUILD ALL WALLS, ROOF TRUSSES-ROOFING-STUCCO (RFS2025-00067)
No No 1
BLDSFR2025-
01484
2076 GLEN AVE
Pasadena, CA 91103 Submitted
ONLINE: WINDSTORM/FIRE 2025 DAMAGE REBUILD: REBUILD SFD, 1,187 SQ FT WITH 200 SQ FT ADDITION (TOTAL 1,387 SQ FT) WITH 460 SQ FT ATTACHED GARAGE, AND 200 SF REAR PATIO COVER. (RFS2025- 00168)
Yes No 1
BLDSFR2025-
01714
2391 BRIGDEN RD
Pasadena, C In Review
ONLINE: CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW DETACHED STANDARD PLANS
PROTOTYPE D - (1)-STORY ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT (682 S.F.) WITH (2)-BEDROOMS AND (1)-BATH, AND A (N) COVERED FRONT PORCH (72 S.F.) - ASSIGNED 2393 BRIGDEN RD
N/A Yes 4
BLDSFR2025-
01619
2463 WOODLYN RD
Pasadena, CA 91107 In Review WINDSTORM/FIRE 2025 RE-BUILD: MASTER BEDROOM & LAUNDRY ADDITION (477 SF) AT REAR, REMOVAL OF EXISTING WALL IN Yes No 4 BLDSFR2025-
01746
2685 WOODLYN RD
Pasadena, CA 91107 In Review ONLINE: FIRE REBUILD OF SFR AT 1,600 SQ/FT WITH ATTACHED GARAGE AT 427 SQ/FT AND PORCH AT 122 SQ/FT (RFS2025-00111) Yes No 4 BLDMF2025-
00298
2789 HERITAGE DR
Pasadena, CA 91107 In Review ONLINE: REMOVE DAMAGED AREA AND REPLACE LIKE FOR LIKE, TO INCLUDE: STUCCO, STUDS, DRYWALLS, WINDOWS No No 4
BLDSFR2025-
01918
3795 STARTOUCH DR
Pasadena, CA 91107 In Review
ONLINE: 2025 EATON WINDSTORM/FIRE DAMAGE REPAIR: PARTIAL DEMO & RECONSTRUCTION OF ATTACHED GARAGE AT 440SF. REMOVE
AND REPLACE ROOF RAFTERS & ROOF SHEATHING AS NEEDED, NEW INTERIOR PLASTER WALLS, INSULATION, REPLACE HVAC (RFS2025- 00157)
No No 4
BLDSFR2025-
01460
3805 EDGEVIEW DR
Pasadena, CA 91107 In Review
ONLINE: WINDSTORM/FIRE 2025 RE-BUILD: NEW CONSTRUCTION OF 1941 SF 1-STORY SFD WITH ATTACHED 412 SF GARAGE (REFER:
BLDSFR2025-00872)
Yes No 4
BLDSFR2025-
01421
3810 STARTOUCH DR
Pasadena, CA 91107 In Review
ONLINE: NEW CONSTRUCTION/REBUILD OF SFR AT 2,351 SQ/FT WITH ATTACHED GARAGE AT 400 SQ/FT; ATTACHED PATIO AT 260 SQ/FT AND DECK OVER SLOPE AT REAR (RFS2025-00014)
Yes No 4
BLDSFR2025-
01981
3815 EDGEVIEW DR
Pasadena, CA 91107 Submitted
New construction of burned home. 1 story, 3 bedroom, 2 bath, single family residence. 1,860 sq. ft. of previous habitable space + 100 sq. ft. of new space added.
Yes No 4
BLDSFR2025-
01979
3835 STARTOUCH DR
Pasadena, CA 91107 Submitted New construction of a 1-story single family residence @ 2252 square feet with an attached 2-stall garage @ an additional 480 square feet. Yes No 4
20 Planning & Community Development
ADU Standard Plan Designs
21