Utility Users Tax

As approved by the City of South Pasadena voters, the City collects Utility Users Tax (UUT) on cable, cellular telephone, electric, gas, water, and telecommunications services, which helps to fund a wide array of vital City services such as police, fire, library, parks, and public works services. The UUT rates are as follow:

For more information about UUT’s and what it means to South Pasadena residents and businesses, please contact the City Manager's Office at (626) 403-7210.

User Utility Tax Exemption Application(PDF, 194KB)

As you know, many residents choose to live in South Pasadena because it offers a high quality of life and outstanding city services. UUT Funds help our City to maintain police officer and firefighter staffing levels, street and road maintenance and pothole repair, and support for senior services and programs such as meals-on wheels, all of which keep South Pasadena a desirable place to live and do business.

The UUT is a local tax, passed by local residents, used for local services. In 2011, a ballot measure was approved by a majority of voters, reducing utility user’s taxes from 8% to 7.5%, beginning July 1, 2012, and extending the tax for 10 years.

Losing UUT funds would immediately place many of South Pasadena’s services at risk. The Library, parks and city facilities, all recreation and community services programming will be in jeopardy. There will be reductions in service and elimination of positions in all departments including in the Police and Fire departments. Also, the street improvement program will be significantly impacted by the loss of revenue.

For more information about UUT’s and what it means to South Pasadena residents and businesses, please contact the City Manager's Office at (626) 403-7210.

The current tax will expire in June 2022.

Since 1983 the UUT has been a source of revenue for the city. Currently, at 12% of the City’s General Fund, it is the second largest revenue source for the City, after property taxes. The UUT generates millions to help pay for integral services that the City provides to its residents on a daily basis. UUT funds help our City maintain public safety staffing levels, street and road maintenance, senior services and recreational programs, all of which make South Pasadena a desirable place to live and do business.

On August 5, 2020, the South Pasadena City Council voted unanimously to place Measure U on the November 3, 2020 ballot. If approved by voters, Measure U will allow the continuation of the existing tax at its current rate, until it is repealed by voters.

No. The current tax rate of 7.5% will remain unchanged.

Yes. Under the existing UUT ordinance, certain low-income residents can qualify for an exemption from paying the UUT.

Utility User's Tax Exemption Application(PDF, 203KB)

All city revenues and expenditures are subject to, and will continue to be subject to independent annual financial audits. Additionally the budget, financial statements, and other financial reports are available to the public on the city website.