1. Why  are permits required? 

2. When  do I need design approval? 

3. Is  my house historic? 

4. When  do I need “plan check” review? 

5. What  fees apply? 

6. Do  I need a permit/plan check/design approval for my project? 

7. How  do I obtain a permit? 

8. Hiring  a licensed contractor 

9. “Owner  Builder” permits 

10. Inspections 

11. Construction  hours 

12. How  can I check if a construction project has a permit? 

13. How  can I research information on my house? 

It’s a benefit to the Owner and it’s the law! Construction done with the benefit of inspection by the City’s building inspectors helps insure that work is done in conformance with the minimum requirements of the State Construction Codes. Also, failure to obtain permits in accordance with the City’s Municipal Code can result in fines and penalties against both the owner of the property and the contractor performing the work. The City will also verify that your contractor has a valid state license and any required workers’ compensation insurance. Your home insurance coverage may be affected if you have unpermitted (i.e. illegal) construction. Future potential buyers of your home may be dissuaded if they discover that unpermitted work was performed. (And State law requires that the seller disclose all known unpermitted construction.)

The City’s regulations require design approval for most exterior changes to homes and buildings. These regulations help preserve South Pasadena’s unique charm and ensure that property values are protected, especially for the many historic homes in the city. The approval process ranges from staff approval to a public hearing, depending on the extent and nature of the work.

a. .Staff approval is for “like-for-like” changes (using the same materials as the existing). This is typically done over-the-counter. There is no charge for this service. b. _A “Chair Review” is a review and approval of the project by the chair of the Design Review Board (non-historic homes) or Cultural Heritage Commission (historic homes) ofminor projects.

The criteria for Chair Review approval are listed here: _http://www.qcode.us/codes/southpasadena/view.php?topic=36-4-36_410-36_410_040&frames=on  (See subsection D4.) The required materials for a Chair Review can be found here:
http://www.ci.south-pasadena.ca.us/PDFs/Form_Chair_Review_Checklist.pdf This process typically takes seven to 10 days (but may be less, depending on when the required materials are submitted). There is no charge for this service.

c. Changes beyond the scope of staff or Chair Review require a public hearing before the Design Review Board, the Cultural Heritage Commission or the Planning Commission.  Please contact the Planning and Building department for details.

The City has approximately 2,500 properties listed on the Cultural Heritage Inventory, which was established in 1994. Most homes that are 50 years or older are listed. Please contact the Planning and Building department to check if your house is listed. Historic designation only affects exterior changes made to the home. It does not necessarily preclude changes, additions, etc.; but all such work must be in accord with the City’s standards and guidelines to ensure that the historic integrity of the home and the surrounding neighborhood is maintained.

Plan Check is the process by which the City reviews the project plans for conformance with the California Construction Codes (building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, etc.). Smaller projects are generally reviewed and approved “over the counter” (provided that the submitted drawings, plans, etc. have sufficient detail).  This service is available from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.  Some work that requires a permit may not require plan check.  More complicated minor projects require a formal plan review; typical turnaround time is one to two weeks.  Building Department plan review fees are based on the project’s valuation.  The Fire Department collects a $75 fee for review, when required.
Some LARUCP (Los Angeles Regional Uniform Code Program) “standardized plans” are accepted for minor projects. Please check with the Building department for details.

What fees apply?

1. Plan Check. Depends on the cost of the project. A minimum fee of $78.60 applies. Fire Department fees may also apply (minimum fee is $35.00).

2. Design Review Board/Cultural Heritage Commission: $1010.00 (including the public noticing fee). Planning Commission: $2260.00-$2695.00 (including fees).

3. Permit Fees. Depends on the cost of the project. Please call the Building department for details

4. Business Licenses. Contractors and subcontractors must have a business license to work in the city. Pro-rated licenses are available. The cost ranges from approximately $93.00 to $350.00 depending on the duration of the license.

5. Payment methods: Cash, check, MasterCard, Visa, Discovery, Amex.

This table provides general information only. Please contact the Planning and Building department for specific details on your project.

a.. The Building department’s counter hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mon-Thurs and 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 on Friday

b..  Plan Check hours are 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Mon/Tues/Wed/Fri

c.._Two sets of construction plans are usually required for plan check. Additions, new structures, and solar panels require three sets. Please call the Building department if you have any questions as to what materials are required.

d.._ For projects that require no design approval or staff approval and require no plan check or over-the-counter plan check, permits can usually be issued in an hour or so. Projects requiring Chair Reviews or more detailed plan check will take longer.

State law requires that any job where the value of the labor and materials exceeds $500 be performed by a contractor with a valid State of California contractor’s license. See the linked website for more information. http://www.cslb.ca.gov/Consumers/HireAContractor

Employing a “handyman” or unlicensed contractor for work valued at more than $500.00 can expose the homeowner to liability if a worker is injured onsite, and is illegal. Homeowners should ask contractors for proof of a license and current workers’ compensation insurance.

All contractors and subcontractors must have a valid City business license. This can be obtained from the Finance dept either prior to or at the same time as obtaining a permit. Pro-rated licenses are available for short-term projects. The application form can be found here http://www.ci.south-pasadena.ca.us/finance/PDFs/Forms/Contractors_License.pdf

Homeowners may obtain their own permits as an “owner builder,” but should be aware of certain legal obligations. Refer to this link: http://www.cslb.ca.gov/Consumers/KnowRisksOfOwnerBuilder

Some projects (such as electrical work in a multi-family residence) can only by a licensed contractor who obtains an electrical permit.

Inspections by City staff ensure that the work subject to the permit/s meets minimum Code requirements. These are conducted Monday –Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. To arrange an inspection, call 626 403 7226 at least one day prior. Morning or afternoon inspections can be requested, but cannot be guaranteed. Projects subject to design approval will also be inspected by the Planning department to ensure that the project is in accord with the approved design. If changes occur to your project that affect the design, please contact the Planning department BEFORE making the changes.

Construction hours for most of the City are 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sundays. Properties in the Southwest Monterey Hills area are subject to separate construction regulations, including construction hours that are more restrictive than the rest of the City. Details can be found here: http://www.ci.south-pasadena.ca.us/planning/PDFs/sw_hills_const_booklet_final.pdf

Permits for active construction projects in the City can be viewed here. http://www.ci.south-pasadena.ca.us/planning/PDFs/permits/All_Permits.pdf

Note: This list is updated on Friday afternoons, so may not reflect all current projects. If you suspect that work is occurring without a permit, please call the Building department.

Permits for each property in the City are located at the Planning and Building department’s front counter and can be viewed between 7:30 and 5:00 Mon-Thurs (7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Fri). Copies are 10 cents per page. There may also be a Planning file for your property; please ask at the Planning and Building counter. The City does not retain blueprints for residential construction; however, blueprints for projects constructed since the 1990s may be included in the Planning file. Note: Blueprints are copyrighted and cannot be copied without the written approval of the architect who prepared them. The City does not have historic photos of homes. Possible resources include the City Library and the South Pasadena Preservation Foundation.