---
title: "Pasadena Roofing & Roof Repair | Global Green Roofing"
description: "Pasadena roofing and roof repair: the city ban on wood roofs in all fire zones, landmark district re-roof review, zone 9 cool roofs, Eaton Fire fee waivers."
source: https://globalgreenroofing.com/service-areas/pasadena-ca/
---

# Roofing and Roof Repair in Pasadena, CA

Roofing in Pasadena follows three city rules: no wood roofing in the Very High, High or Moderate fire zones (Class B minimum elsewhere), Title 24 climate zone 9 in every ZIP code, and historic review when a landmark district re-roof changes material. Global Green Roofing offers roof repair, replacement, drone inspections, tile, metal and cool roofs in Pasadena, planned around those rules.

Two city maps show which rules reach a given house: the Fire Department's Pasadena Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map, and the Historic Landmark Districts Map from the city's historic preservation office.

-   **Permit office:** City of Pasadena Building & Safety, Permit Center, 175 North Garfield Avenue
-   **Title 24 climate zone:** Zone 9 for all ZIP codes in the city: 91101, 91103 to 91107, and the city's parts of 91001, 91011, 91108 and 91125
-   **Roof fire rating:** Class B minimum citywide; no wood roofing in the Very High, High or Moderate fire zones
-   **Fire hazard map:** Adopted by the City Council July 21, 2025 (Ordinance 7451); by our calculation about 28% of the land is Very High
-   **Historic districts:** Under the ordinance, a same-material re-roof is exempt from review; a change of material needs a Certificate of Appropriateness

## Does a Pasadena re-roof need a permit?

Yes. Pasadena names no size below which roof work skips the permit: its permit rule covers work that is altered or repaired, and its handout of work exempt from a building permit has no roofing item. Permits come from the Building & Safety Division at the Permit Center, 175 North Garfield Avenue, open Monday to Thursday and alternate Fridays, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. What the city says about the process:

-   Inspections are scheduled and fees paid through Permit Center Online, which confirms the inspection window by call, text or email.
-   The permit and the inspection card stay posted on the job site, and a permit is valid for 180 days from issuance; regular inspections keep it valid.
-   Single-family work involving only a re-roof is exempt from the street construction sign the city requires on bigger projects.

Pasadena adopted the 2025 California codes, with its own amendments, by Ordinance No. 7461 on November 10, 2025, and they took effect on January 1, 2026. For a question on a specific job, the city lists (626) 744-4200 for permits and inspections. See [how California reroof permits work](https://globalgreenroofing.com/roofing-guides/roofing-permit-california/) for the state side of the permit.

## Can a wood shake roof go back on in Pasadena?

Not in the fire zones. The city sets Class B as the minimum for every roof in town and says "no wood roof covering material shall be installed on any structure located in the very high, high and moderate fire hazard severity zones as identified by the Pasadena Fire Department." Fire-retardant-treated shakes and shingles are banned in those zones as well. The one opening is in the Moderate zone, where the fire code official may approve fire-resistive wood inside a Class A assembly for repair or maintenance of an existing building.

In the zones, Class A is the rule: the city's Residential Code amendment requires it in the Very High and Moderate zones, and the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code adds it in High and Very High zones once half or more of the roof is replaced in a 12-month period. Here is [what a Class A roof assembly includes](https://globalgreenroofing.com/roofing-guides/class-a-fire-rated-roofing/).

The City Council adopted the 2025 hazard map by Ordinance 7451 on July 21, 2025. The Fire Department describes the zones as "generally in the Arroyo Seco, west and north of the 210 freeway, and in east Pasadena in the upper Hastings Ranch neighborhood," and counted 4,610 properties in the Very High zone on the new map, up from 3,911. Our own overlay of CAL FIRE's 2025 zones on the Census outline of Pasadena puts about 28% of the city's land in the Very High zone, 2% in High and 4% in Moderate. That is land, not homes, so check the address on the map.

## Does a re-roof need historic review in Pasadena?

Only when the material changes, for districts governed by the historic preservation ordinance. It exempts re-roofing from review in landmark and historic districts outside the Central District, "except for a change of material". On a designated historic house or a property in a designated district, a change of material, even one that replicates the original roofing, is a minor project: city staff review it for a Certificate of Appropriateness before the building permit is issued. For properties only found eligible for designation, the city's packet says minor projects are not reviewed. Review covers what can be seen from public and private streets; views from alleys are excluded.

Three landmark districts follow their own conservation plans instead: Bungalow Heaven, Garfield Heights and Banbury Oaks. Bungalow Heaven, more than 1,000 homes between Orange Grove and Washington Boulevards and Mentor and Holliston Avenues, adopted its current plan on June 16, 2025. On a contributing house there, "changes to roofing, including materials and changes to installation pattern of roofing shingles or tiles" seen from the street go to city staff. In Garfield Heights and Banbury Oaks, the district's own plan decides.

The city says staff reviews typically take 4 to 6 weeks and that this review delays a building permit by about two months. For owners of designated or contributing properties, the ordinance lists a "reduction of Building Permit fees and construction tax" for projects "found to be in compliance with the Secretary's standards", including "re-roofing with similar material or repair and replacement of roofing where the roof is a significant architectural feature."

## What changed for Pasadena roofs after the Eaton Fire?

The City says the Eaton Fire destroyed 185 structures in Pasadena, most of them houses and accessory buildings in the Upper Hastings Ranch, Victory-Rose, Dundee Heights and NATHA neighborhoods.

The windstorm of January 7, 2025, with gusts the city put at over 80 miles per hour, damaged roofs across Pasadena, not only in the burn area. In response the city set up a same-day, no-application planning permit for the repair and like-for-like rebuilding of damaged roofs, fences and accessory structures.

For owners rebuilding a red-tagged home, the city waives its plan check and permit fees, apart from water service fees and a $1,000 construction and demolition deposit. The house or condominium must have been owner-occupied on January 7, 2025, and the rebuild must meet the like-for-like rules, which allow a rebuild up to 10% or 200 square feet larger than before, whichever is greater. Yellow-tagged properties do not qualify, and a re-roof on an undamaged house pays the normal fees. The city also lists the 2022 California codes as an optional code set for Eaton Fire rebuilds.

## Does a Pasadena re-roof need a cool roof?

On a single-family house, yes when over 50 percent of a pitched roof is replaced, unless an accepted alternative applies. All of Pasadena's ZIP codes are listed as Title 24 zone 9 by the Energy Commission, and the city's design handout names zone 9 too. The alternatives include R-38 attic insulation and a qualifying radiant barrier; the [zone 9 cool-roof values](https://globalgreenroofing.com/roofing-guides/cool-roof-requirements-california/) are set out in our guide. Apartment and condominium buildings follow a separate section of the Energy Code with its own trigger. The city's NOAA station records highs of 90 F or more on about 74 days a year, the heat a cool roof is meant to keep out of the house.

Half of Pasadena's homes were built in 1961 or earlier, by the 2024 American Community Survey (Census Bureau) estimate, and 72% predate 1980. A tear-off on a house that age can expose spaced board decking; Pasadena's amendment to the Building Code calls for at least 3/8-inch plywood over open spaced sheathing when a roof is stripped to it, so ask Building & Safety how it applies to your house.

## How we handle a Pasadena roof

Each job starts with an on-site visit and photos we show you, then a written proposal. A [drone roof inspection](https://globalgreenroofing.com/our-services/roof-inspection/) records a roof's condition after smoke, ember or wind exposure before anyone decides between repair and replacement. On Pasadena's older roofs that choice turns on how far the damage spreads, the condition of the decking once it is opened, and whether the covering can be matched; the cost follows the material, the tear-off, deck repairs and any historic or fire-zone review, so those are the lines to compare between proposals.

For a shake roof in one of the fire zones, the proposal names a Class A rated assembly in a material we install: concrete or clay [tile](https://globalgreenroofing.com/our-services/tile-roofing/), or [standing seam or stone-coated steel](https://globalgreenroofing.com/our-services/metal-roofing/). In a landmark district, matching the existing material keeps the re-roof outside the ordinance's review (in Bungalow Heaven, keep the shingle or tile pattern too); for a tile roof, a lift and relay puts the original tiles back on new underlayment. Where solar panels sit on the roof, we arrange their removal and reinstall around the re-roof. A nail magnet sweeps the site at the end of each work day, and the job ends with a final walkthrough.

## Services and guides for roofs in Pasadena

-   [Roof Replacement](https://globalgreenroofing.com/our-services/roof-replacement/): Re-roofs that swap wood shakes for a Class A material inside the city's fire zones.
-   [Roof Inspection & Maintenance](https://globalgreenroofing.com/our-services/roof-inspection/): Drone photos of a roof exposed to smoke, embers or the January 2025 wind.
-   [Tile Roofing](https://globalgreenroofing.com/our-services/tile-roofing/): Same-material tile work, including lift and relay, for landmark district roofs.
-   [Metal Roofing](https://globalgreenroofing.com/our-services/metal-roofing/): Class A options for a zone house: standing seam or stone-coated steel.
-   [What Is a Class A Fire Rated Roof, and When Does California Require One?](https://globalgreenroofing.com/roofing-guides/class-a-fire-rated-roofing/): The parts of a Class A roof assembly, for houses where Pasadena bans wood roofing.
-   [Cool Roof Requirements in California: What Title 24 Asks of a Re-Roof](https://globalgreenroofing.com/roofing-guides/cool-roof-requirements-california/): Reflectance numbers and alternatives for a pitched re-roof in zone 9.

## Roofing in Pasadena: common questions

### Are new wood shakes allowed on a Pasadena roof?

Not in the city's Very High, High or Moderate fire hazard zones, where Pasadena bans wood roofing, fire-retardant-treated shakes included. Outside the zones, any new roof must be at least Class B.

### Do I need a Certificate of Appropriateness to re-roof in a Pasadena landmark district?

In districts under the historic preservation ordinance, not for a re-roof in the same material; a change of material goes to city staff first. Bungalow Heaven, Garfield Heights and Banbury Oaks follow their own conservation plans, and Bungalow Heaven's sends visible changes of roofing material or pattern on contributing houses to staff.

### Which parts of Pasadena are in a fire hazard zone?

The Fire Department says the zones are generally in the Arroyo Seco, west and north of the 210 freeway, and in Upper Hastings Ranch, with 4,610 properties rated Very High on the map adopted in 2025. Check a specific address on the city's Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map.

### Are permit fees waived for an Eaton Fire roof rebuild in Pasadena?

For a red-tagged single-family house or condominium that was owner-occupied on January 7, 2025, the city waives its plan check and permit fees if the rebuild meets the like-for-like rules. Yellow-tagged and undamaged homes pay the normal fees.

### Does Pasadena exempt small roof repairs from a permit?

The city names no size threshold, and its exempt-work handout lists no roofing item. Ask Building & Safety at (626) 744-4200 before the work is booked.

Other cities we cover are listed on our [service areas](https://globalgreenroofing.com/service-areas/) page.

## Sources for this page

1.  [City of Pasadena, Permit Center](https://www.cityofpasadena.net/planning/permit-center/)
2.  [City of Pasadena, Apply for Permit](https://www.cityofpasadena.net/planning/permit-center/apply-for-permit/)
3.  [City of Pasadena, Permit Center Online](https://www.cityofpasadena.net/planning/permit-center/permit-center-online/)
4.  [City of Pasadena, Codes and Regulations (2025 codes; optional 2022 codes for Eaton Fire rebuilds)](https://www.cityofpasadena.net/planning/permit-center/codes-and-regulations/)
5.  [City of Pasadena, Work Exempt from Building, Electrical, Mechanical and Plumbing Permit](https://www.cityofpasadena.net/planning/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/Work-Exempt-from-Building-Electrical-Mechanical-and-Plumbing-Permit.pdf)
6.  [City of Pasadena, Design Parameters and Special Considerations (2025)](https://www.cityofpasadena.net/planning/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/Design-Parameters-and-Special-Considerations-2025.pdf)
7.  [Pasadena Municipal Code 14.03.060 (permits)](https://library.municode.com/ca/pasadena/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT14BUCO_CH14.03ADCO_14.03.060PE)
8.  [Pasadena Municipal Code 14.03.120 (construction sign)](https://library.municode.com/ca/pasadena/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT14BUCO_CH14.03ADCO_14.03.120POCOSI)
9.  [Pasadena Municipal Code 14.04.010 (2025 codes, Ordinance 7461)](https://library.municode.com/ca/pasadena/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT14BUCO_CH14.04BUCORECO_14.04.010ADFI)
10.  [Pasadena Municipal Code 14.04.050 (roof classification, wood roofing)](https://library.municode.com/ca/pasadena/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT14BUCO_CH14.04BUCORECO_14.04.050SE1505.12025CABUCOISAMREFO)
11.  [Pasadena Municipal Code 14.04.055 (fire-retardant-treated shakes)](https://library.municode.com/ca/pasadena/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT14BUCO_CH14.04BUCORECO_14.04.055SE1505.62025EDCABUCOISAMREFO)
12.  [Pasadena Municipal Code 14.04.060 (sheathing over spaced boards)](https://library.municode.com/ca/pasadena/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT14BUCO_CH14.04BUCORECO_14.04.060SE15072025CABUCOISAMADSE1507.1.3REFO)
13.  [Pasadena Municipal Code 14.04.430 (Residential Code R902.1.1.1)](https://library.municode.com/ca/pasadena/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT14BUCO_CH14.04BUCORECO_14.04.430SER9ISAD2025EDCARECOREFO)
14.  [Pasadena Municipal Code 14.28.500 (fire hazard severity zone map)](https://library.municode.com/ca/pasadena/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT14BUCO_CH14.28FIPRCO_14.28.500FIHASEZOMA)
15.  [City of Pasadena, Ordinance No. 7451 (Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map, adopted July 21, 2025)](https://www.cityofpasadena.net/public-notices/wp-content/uploads/sites/16/2025-07-21-ORDINANCE-7451.pdf)
16.  [City of Pasadena, Agenda Report, June 23, 2025: new Fire Hazard Severity Zones](https://ww2.cityofpasadena.net/2025%20Agendas/Jun_23_25/AR%203.pdf)
17.  [Pasadena Fire Department, Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map](https://www.cityofpasadena.net/fire/fire-hazard-severity-zones/)
18.  [CAL FIRE 2025 LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zone map (viewer); zone acreage by city calculated by us from this layer and the Census city boundary](https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/6a9cb66bb1824cd98756812af41292a0)
19.  [Pasadena Municipal Code 17.62.090 (Certificate of Appropriateness)](https://library.municode.com/ca/pasadena/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT17ZOCO_ART6LAUSDEPEPR_CH17.62HIPR_17.62.090ALDEREHIRE)
20.  [Pasadena Municipal Code 17.62.130 (incentives for historic resources)](https://library.municode.com/ca/pasadena/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT17ZOCO_ART6LAUSDEPEPR_CH17.62HIPR_17.62.130INPRHIRE)
21.  [City of Pasadena, Certificate of Appropriateness Information Packet](https://www.cityofpasadena.net/planning/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/Certificate-of-Appropriateness-Information-Packet-Submittal-Checklist-.pdf)
22.  [City of Pasadena, Bungalow Heaven Landmark District Conservation Plan (2025)](https://www.cityofpasadena.net/planning/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/Bungalow-Heaven-Conservation-Plan.pdf)
23.  [City of Pasadena, Historic Designations and Incentives](https://www.cityofpasadena.net/planning/planning-division/design-and-historic-preservation/historic-preservation/historic-preservation-incentives/)
24.  [City of Pasadena, Historic Preservation (Historic Landmark Districts Map)](https://www.cityofpasadena.net/planning/planning-division/design-and-historic-preservation/historic-preservation/)
25.  [CAL FIRE, Eaton Fire incident page](https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2025/1/7/eaton-fire)
26.  [City of Pasadena, Planning Commission Eaton Fire update, January 14, 2026](https://www.cityofpasadena.net/commissions/wp-content/uploads/sites/31/2026-01-14-Planning-Commission-6A.-Eaton-Fire-Update-Staff-Report.pdf)
27.  [City of Pasadena, Ordinance No. 7444 (Eaton Fire rebuild)](https://www.cityofpasadena.net/public-notices/wp-content/uploads/sites/16/2025-03-24-ORDINANCE-7444.pdf)
28.  [City of Pasadena, Fire Rebuild Fee Waiver and Refund Program](https://www.cityofpasadena.net/planning/fire-rebuild-fee-waiver-and-refund-program/)
29.  [NOAA NCEI, 1991-2020 Climate Normals, Pasadena (USC00046719)](https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/data/normals-annualseasonal/1991-2020/access/USC00046719.csv)
30.  [California Department of Insurance, Safer from Wildfires (Class A roof coverings)](https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/200-wrr/Safer-from-Wildfires.cfm)
31.  [California Energy Commission, Climate Zone Assignments by ZIP Code](https://www.energy.ca.gov/media/3560)
32.  [California Energy Commission, 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards, Section 150.2(b)1I](https://www.energy.ca.gov/sites/default/files/2025-07/CEC-400-2025-010-F_0.pdf)
33.  [2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, Chapter 5 (504.2, 507.1), via UpCodes](https://up.codes/viewer/california/ca-wuic-2025/chapter/5/special-building-construction-regulations)
34.  [U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 5-year: housing in Pasadena (tables B25035, B25034, B25003, via Census Reporter)](https://censusreporter.org/profiles/16000US0656000/)
35.  [Office of the State Fire Marshal, Fire Hazard Severity Zones and map viewer](https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/community-wildfire-preparedness-and-mitigation/fire-hazard-severity-zones)

Public sources read on October 1, 2026. Climate zones and fire hazard maps are drawn by address; check yours with the tools linked above.

## Book a roof assessment in Pasadena

We inspect, photograph what we find and send a written proposal before anything is decided.

Contact us

## Let's talk roofs

Tell us what is going on with your roof. We will schedule an on-site assessment and send a written proposal before anything is decided.

**Call**(323) 760-7835**Email**info@globalgreenroofing.com

**Serving**Los Angeles and Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties

**Hours**Every day: 8 AM to 9 PM