The South Pasadena Planning Commission will hold a special meeting on May 20, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers to continue a public hearing regarding proposed amendments to the General Plan, Housing Element, Downtown Specific Plan, and Zoning Code/Zoning Map.
The focus of the discussion will be adjusting height limits and residential densities in specific areas of the city, as well as considering development standards, particularly setbacks. This meeting is a continuation of previous discussions held on April 29 and May 7, 2025
Continued Deliberations on Key Amendments
The Planning Commission will receive corrections to the proposed Zoning Map Amendment exhibit and delve into the relationship between the Zoning Map and density and height regulations. Discussions will also resume on proposed development standard amendments within the Downtown Specific Plan and Chapter 36 of the South Pasadena Municipal Code, with a specific focus on setbacks.
The Commission may also consider if additional information is needed regarding the proposed amendments to density, height, development standards, or other related items.
Background and Next Steps
The consideration of these amendments began at a special meeting on April 29, 2025, and was continued to May 7, 2025, to allow for further discussion of proposed development standard amendments, provide revised exhibits addressing inconsistencies in the proposed Zoning Map Amendment and height/density comparison table, and for staff to prepare responses to public comments and Commissioner questions. The May 7th meeting was subsequently continued to May 20, 2025, due to time constraints.
Following the May 20th meeting, the tentative schedule includes continued discussion on June 10, 2025, with a focus on development standards and feedback on any additional Zoning Map, height, and density alternatives identified.
On June 24, 2025, the Commission is expected to continue discussions with expanded membership and may be in a position to make recommendations to the City Council. City staff will also coordinate an additional community meeting to update the public and seek input on zoning, density, height, and development standards. The item is expected to be continued to June 10, 2025, with direction to city staff for any necessary revisions or additional information required.
Public Participation Encouraged
The public is invited to attend and participate in this continued public hearing. Participation is available in-person at the City Council Chambers (1424 Mission Street) or via Zoom. Public comments are limited to three minutes per speaker for items not included on the agenda. For agenda items, public comments can be made in-person, by raising a hand in the Zoom meeting, or by emailing comments to Planning [email protected] by 12:00 p.m. on the meeting day. Written comments will be part of the meeting record and uploaded online.
Meeting Details:
What: Special Planning Commission Meeting – Public Hearing
Subject: Discussion on Height, Density, and Design Standards Amendments
When: May 20, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Council Chambers 1424 Mission Street, South Pasadena, CA 91030
Meeting agenda packets are available here.
