Pasadena, CA Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required for
- Erecting, altering, repairing, demolishing regulated structures
- Shed exemption
- One-story shed under 120 sq ft, 24-in. roof
- Platform exemption
- Height 30 in. or less above grade
- Grading threshold
- Permit needed above 50 cubic yards
- Permit expires
- 24 mo. (SFR/duplex), 36 mo. (other)
- Max extensions
- Two, 6 months each, 2% valuation fee
- Max penalty
- $1,000 fine and/or 6 months jail
Summary
Pasadena requires a separate building permit from the Building Official before erecting, altering, repairing, moving, or demolishing any structure or building service equipment regulated by the city's code, per Municipal Code Section 14.03.060.A. A handful of small projects are exempt, including detached sheds under 120 square feet, low platforms and walks, and movable counters under 5 feet 9 inches, but grading over 50 cubic yards always needs a permit.
A.Required: Except as specified in this code, no building, structure or building service equipment regulated by this code shall be erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, installed, improved, removed, converted or demolished unless a separate, appropriate application has been made and permit for each building, structure or building service equipment has first been obtained from the building official. No grading shall occur without the prior procurement of a grading permit or as authorized by the building official. Unless otherwise exempted, separate plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits will be required for actions and installations that are regulated by this code.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 79 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Section 14.03.060.A sets the baseline rule: no building, structure, or building service equipment regulated by the code shall be 'erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, installed, improved, removed, converted or demolished' without a separate permit obtained from the Building Official, and no grading may occur without a grading permit. Unless specifically exempted, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work each need their own separate permit on top of the building permit.
Section 14.03.060.B lists narrow carve-outs. A one-story detached accessory building, such as a tool shed or playhouse, is exempt only if the combined roof area of all such structures on the lot stays under 120 square feet and the roof does not project more than 24 inches, and any electrical, plumbing, or solar work tied to that shed still needs its own permit. Platforms, walks, and driveways no more than 30 inches above grade are exempt unless they sit in a front setback or serve as part of an accessible route. Grading of 50 cubic yards or less does not need a grading permit unless Chapter 14.05 says otherwise.
Applications are reviewed by the Building Official under Section 14.03.070, and every permit expires under Section 14.03.080 if work is not finished within 24 months for a single-family or duplex project, or 36 months for multi-family and non-residential work, counted from the date of issuance; the Building Official can grant up to two six-month extensions for a fee equal to 2% of project valuation or $1,000, whichever is greater.
Violations & Fines
Section 14.03.100.E requires an investigation fee equal to the permit fee whenever work begins without one, on top of the permit fee itself once the project is legalized. Section 14.03.050 makes any violation of the Building Standards Administrative Code a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or both, with each day of continued violation charged separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a storage shed in my Pasadena backyard?
How much grading can I do in Pasadena without a permit?
How long do I have to finish work under a Pasadena building permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pasadena
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