Building Division

The role of the Building Division is to enforce the provisions of the Building Codes. The intent and purpose of the Building Codes are to establish the minimum requirements to safeguard public safety, health and general welfare, through affordability, structural strength, means of egress facilities, stability, sanitation, light and ventilation, energy conservation and safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment.

The Building Division reviews construction documents and issues permits for the erection, and alteration, demolition and moving of buildings and structures, inspects the properties for which such permits have been issued and enforces the provisions of the Building Code.

Permit Issuance

Permit Issuance involves processing and issuing permits, collecting fees, and gathering information for public use. Available from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday

To obtain a permit and/ or plan check review, please visit the South Pasadena Open Gov Portal below to fill out and submit the applicable application. If you have any questions, please reach out to the Permit Technician at permittech@southpasadenaca.gov or at (626) 403-7224.

Fees

Building Division Plan Check and Permit Fees can be found here(PDF, 2MB) . 

Forms for Owner-Builder or Contractor Declaration

• Contractor's Declaration(PDF, 161KB)
• Owner-Builder Declaration(PDF, 119KB)  

Inspections

Inspections ensure that the work subject to the permit meets minimum Code requirements. Inspections are conducted Monday through Thursday, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and on Fridays between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. 

To place an inspection, please fill out the inspection form here. 

Building Plan Checker

Building Plan Checker is available in person on Mondays or virtually on Wednesdays between 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm.

In Person Appointments: To schedule an in person appointment with a plan checker, please view the Building & Safety Division Appointment Calendar

Virtual Appointments Only: To schedule a virtual appointment with a plan checker, please view the Building & Safety Virtual Plan Check Counter Calendar.

Construction Hours

Construction hours for most of the City are 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sundays and City Recognized Holidays. Southwest Monterey Hills have different regulations.

Useful Links

• Southwest Monterey Hills Construction Regulations(PDF, 993KB) - A handbook for construction regulations in the Southwest Monterey Hills
• Electric Vehicle Charger and Service Equipment Checklist(PDF, 311KB)
• Recycling Facilities(PDF, 47KB)
• C&D Waste Management Form(PDF, 242KB)

Hiring a Licensed Contractor

See Hire a Licensed Contractor from the CA Department of Consumer Affairs.

"Owner Builder" Permits

Homeowners may obtain their own permits as an “owner builder,” but should be aware of certain legal obligations. Know the Owner-Builder Risks.

Some projects (such as electrical work in a multi-family residence) can only by a licensed contractor who obtains an electrical permit. Post Entitlement Applications and Permit Examples, per AB 2234.