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, please complete the fillable permit application(s) and send via email to the Permit Technician at permittech@southpasadenaca.gov.

• BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION(PDF, 97KB)
• REROOF PERMIT APPLICATION(PDF, 122KB)
• PLUMBING PERMIT APPLICATION(PDF, 131KB)
• MECHANICAL PERMIT APPLICATION(PDF, 150KB)
• GRADING PERMIT APPLICATION(PDF, 141KB)
• ELECTRICAL PERMIT APPLICATION(PDF, 137KB)

ATTENTION: If your project has plans to be reviewed, please include a pdf copy of plans with your completed permit application.

Plan Check

Plan Check reviews plans for structural design and compliance with the City of South Pasadena Building Code Requirements.

All plans are submitted in pdf format through the Building and Safety Division  Plan Submittal Portal. Available 24 hrs. 7 days

ATTENTION: Prior to submitting plans to the online portal, please contact the City Permit Counter at permittech@southpasadenaca.gov to file a permit application and arrange the payment of required plan review fees.

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.

To schedule an inspection please complete the Inspection Request Form.

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)

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.