CITY OF PASADENA

A city in California, Pasadena is located northeast of Los Angeles’s downtown area. Old Pasadena, a shopping and dining area in the middle, is distinguished by its Victorian and Art Deco structures. More than 139,000 people live in Pasadena. Pasadena is famous for hosting the yearly Rose Bowl football game and Tournament of Roses Parade. 

Building in the City of Pasadena :

The zoning code must be accessed as the initial stage in construction. The Zoning Code outlines different zoning districts and land use categories, policies, development criteria, and environmental performance requirements. Implementing the policies of the detailed General Plan and safeguarding and promoting the public’s health, safety, and welfare are the zoning code’s objectives. The City’s Planning and Development Department maintains this electronic version of the Zoning Code. After the Council approves a Zoning Code change, the online code is updated regularly. The Zoning Administrator is qualified to provide the Zoning Code an interpretation. You can access the Zoning Designation and Map through our Knowledge Center. Next, you must begin the plan review procedure to get a building permit. The main goal of the plan review procedure is to make sure that all regulations and ordinances from the federal, state and local governments will be followed when building. Projects requiring a plan review include, among others: new construction (residences, businesses, and industrial buildings), room extensions; remodeling; and tenant improvements. Plans are not always required for various types of work (e.g., upgrading electrical service or replacing a water heater). Any equipment installed outside can be subject to a site plan requirement. You must bring the necessary paperwork (Plan Submittal Requirements) and a list of all your questions to be prepared for the plan review procedure. The type of documentation you need will depend on your project. If you are the homeowner and plan to build a balcony, a detailed drawing (e.g., plot plan, footings, materials) is sufficient. Your plans must be submitted for a behind-the-counter evaluation if they are more complicated. The Building Plans Examiner will check your application after submission to ensure that you have all the required paperwork to start the plan review process. Any extra information necessary to begin the submission of the plan for your project will be requested by the Plans Examiner

.Drawings required:

1. Site/plot plan (lot measurements, location of the building, location of the pool/spa inside the property borders, etc.).
2. Plans for buildings and structures (include floor and roof, exterior elevation, foundation, cross sections, and structural and framing details for buildings, patios, etc.).
3. Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) for installing or replacing heating and cooling units, etc.

The Permit Processing staff would then issue you a permit based on whether you’re a contractor or property owner. Once you get your permit, you can start working on the project within the allowed timeline. As you complete different project stages, you may need to call the building inspector to inspect your work, depending on how complex your building, remodeling, or improvement project is. Once the project is complete, a Certificate of Occupancy is needed for new single-family homes, multi-family homes, additions to commercial, institutional, or industrial buildings, and tenant renovations. Before the Certificate of Occupancy may be given, final inspections must be conducted. If the project has not met specific specifications and does not pass final inspection, you can apply for a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO). A TCO may be issued if there are no unresolved life or safety hazards, as established by the building inspector. Once this has been decided, all departments will conduct an inspection, and they will all mark their approval for a TCO on the building inspection card.

1. Energy calculations and requirements (e.g., wall insulation, efficient windows, high efficacy lighting)
2. Specifications on how construction components are built (e.g., footings, framing, in-ground pool).

Contact Information:

The community division is found at 100 N. Garfield Ave. Pasadena, CA 91101, or you can call them at (626) 744-7311

How can our team help you?:

We are a team of experts and qualified engineers with experience working on numerous projects in the City and dealing with city departments and their procedures. The team is experienced in all aspects of civil engineering, structural engineering, and construction management. Engineering services include Grading and Drainage Plans, Erosion Control, Stormwater Management, Structural Plans and Calculations, and Shoring Design. We have approved a variety of projects, including:

• In 2022, we completed the design, engineering, and construction management for a 4,500-square-foot major remodel in the Lower Hastings Ranch area. Our team provided a turnkey service that included Construction Drawings consisting of architectural plans, structural plans, civil plans, and MEP. Additionally, we managed the construction of the project through completion. The project is located at 3890 Shadow Grove Road, Pasadena, CA 91107
• In 2019, we completed the design of Teddy’s Tacos, located at 1655 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91106. The scope of work included remodeling the kitchen, seating areas, and restrooms. Our team prepared structural and architectural plans for the client. 
• In 2013, we approved and completed plans for the proposed restaurant Bobby’s place on 140 N Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101. Our team provided a turnkey service that included: Kitchen Design, Architectural Plans, Structural Plans, Mechanical Plans, Electrical Plans, and Plumbing plans.

Schedule an appointment with one of our engineers to go over your project scope and recommend next steps to move forward. The Eden Group services cover civil engineering, structural engineering, construction management, research and planning, design, water quality management plans (WQMPs), mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEPs), grading, and drainage services among others.

Submit your project here or give us a call at 888.895.3336 to answer your questions and help move your project forward!