Permit Center

Construction Permit Types

A building permit gives you legal permission to construct, alter or add to a structure.  Projects usually require plans and specifications.  These are reviewed by a city plans examiner to determine compliance with applicable codes.  A building permit is important to you as both a resident and business owner, because building permits and the inspection process protect you from sub-standard construction that if failed could not only decrease your property value, but bring harm to family, customers, or yourself.

In the city of Pasadena, you are required to have final approved building permit for most construction projects. Even those items that are exempt from the building permit process may require a Zoning Permit to ensure compliance with zoning regulations. When you sell your property, you will need to pass our Occupancy Inspection Program which researches your property, makes a site inspection and reports any illegal construction. If it is determined that indeed you do have illegal construction, you may be forced to tear it down.

Below is a listing, in alphabetical order, of our most common construction type projects.  In the detailed list, we have attempted to provide you with basic, general information about our requirements, fees, length and type of reviews as well as special considerations you should take into account.  This is by no means meant to replace the assistance a plans examiner or planner can provide, so please call the appropriate section for clarifications or specific questions.