Investor · Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2013 · 65 posts · 11 votes
Hi, for those rehabbers and flippers in the Los Angeles area, has anyone added square footage in South Pasadena? I heard that they are strict, and I wanted to know if anyone has had experience adding square footage in that area.
For others, are there lessons learned or traps to avoid, or things I should look out for when adding square footage in a City that is strict with their requirements?
We had a client from BP buy an incomplete reno in Pasadena and the process of finishing it out in regards to permitting was straightforward; not at all like LA County. I'd argue the rehab financing was more cumbersome.
It's much easier to get approved plans if you approach the project as an owner/builder. What I'd do is walk into Building and Planning with the parcel or listing sheet and meet with a planner. Ask them what you are allowed to do and what the process for getting approvals looks like, timing, etc. It might take a total of 1-2 hours out of your day for first-hand knowledge.
I've not personally been to B&P in Pasadena, but in LA County, it's a lot like the DMV. You walk in, take a number, and then wait for your number to be called.
The larger the ratio of lot size to total structure sq. ft, the better chance you'll have at not running into any size restrictions.
Adding sq. ft is a great flip / investment strategy in the LA area. There's a premium for sq. ft in the market vs. just flipping an existing structure.
After working on two projects in S.Dena I can tell you the following: Planning is pretty smooth. Make sure you plan for up to 3 days to have your plans reviewed and another 3 days to have them approved. Find a planner that has worked in that city before or in Pasadena or Monterrey Park as they all function the same way...eg landscape sprinklers required but in LA are not. The only obstacles we ran in to were complaints by the neighbors. Folks in S.dena can be snooby at times. Good luck.