The General Plan is required by California Law of all cities. It provides the overall framework for translating broad community values and expectations into specific strategies for managing growth and enhancing the quality of life. Seven elements must be contained within the plan, they are:land use, circulation, housing, open space, conservation, noise and safety. All day-to-day decisions of a city must follow logically from and be consistent with the General Plan.

The Zoning Code establishes various classes of zoning districts and land use classifications, land use regulations, development standards and environmental performance standards. Its purpose is to protect and promote the public health, safety, and general welfare, and to implement the policies of the comprehensive General Plan.

The California Environment Quality Act Guidelines informs cities and public about the potential, significant environmental effects of proposed activities. CEQA guidelines identify ways that environmental damage can be avoided, or reduced; can require changes in projects through alternatives or mitigation measures; and disclose the findings to the public.

The Pasadena Municipal Code requires design review of new construction and alterations throughout the City. To determine if a project will require design review, click here to review the locations and thresholds listed in the city code or click here to review a map of the areas of the city where design review may be required.  In addition to the areas depicted on the map, all multi-family development projects consisting of 3 units or more require design review under the “City of Gardens” requirements.  In reviewing the design of projects, staff and the Design Commission use the Citywide Design Principles and the applicable design guidelines for the area in which the project is located or for the type of project.  Click here for additional information regarding design review and here to download application forms and design guidelines.

Designated historic resources and eligible historic resources are subject to special review requirements pertaining to demolition, relocation, alteration and new construction in historic districts. Guidelines used in these reviews include landmark district conservation plans, the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation of Historic Buildings, and the city’s Design Guidelines for Historic Districts.  Click here for more information regarding historic preservation review or here to download application forms and guidelines.

The State Historic Building Code (get intro) with Table 8-13-1 (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader to print out) provides alternative building regulations and building standards for the rehabilitation, preservation, restoration (including related reconstruction), or relocation of buildings or structures designated as historic buildings. Its purpose is to preserve or restore architectural elements and features, to encourage energy conservation and provide a cost-effective approach to preservation, while providing safety to the occupants.

The Secretary of the Interior's Standards are used for the review of alterations, additions and rehabilitations involving architecturally and historically significant buildings. These standards apply to all reviews conducted by the Historic Preservation Commission, and, when applicable, the Design Commission.

The Building Code provides minimum standards to safeguard life, health, property and public welfare by regulating and controlling the design, construction, quality of materials, use and occupancy location and maintenance of all buildings and structures. The City of Pasadena has adopted the 2001 Uniform Building Code with amendments.

The Fire Code sets forth provisions necessary for fire prevention and fire protection. The City of Pasadena has adopted this code with amendments.

The Plumbing Code provisions apply to the erection, installation, alteration, repair, relocation, replacement, addition to, use or maintenance of plumbing systems, to ensure protection of the public health, safety and welfare.

The Mechanical Code provides a complete set of requirements for the design, construction, installation and maintenance of heating, ventilating, cooling and refrigeration systems; incinerators and other heat-producing appliances.

The Electrical Code safeguards persons and property from hazards arising from the use of electricity.

The Housing Code provides complete requirements affecting conservation and rehabilitation of housing. It is compatible with the UBC.

The Code for Abatement of Dangerous Buildings provides equitable remedies consistent with other laws for the repair, vacation or demolition of dangerous buildings. It is compatible with the UBC and UHC.

The Sign Code is dedicated to the development of better sign regulation, its requirements pertain to all signs and sign construction attached to buildings.

The Code for Building Conservation provides the means to preserve existing buildings while achieving appropriate levels of safety.

The Solar Energy Code provides regulations for the use of solar energy in both plumbing and mechanical systems.

The Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code contains guidelines for piping systems serving these fixtures.

Accessibility Regulations: The Accessibility Standards ensure that barrier-free design is incorporated in all buildings, facilities, site work and other developments to which this code applies and to ensure that they are accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities.

Energy Efficiency Standards: All new buildings must meet the Energy Efficiency Standards which requires the building design and construction to increase the efficiency in the use of energy for new residential and nonresidential buildings.

The Unreinforced Masonry Ordinance provides requirements to minimize the hazards caused by structures built prior to 1934, constructed of unreinforced masonry-bearing walls, without loss or degradation of qualified historic buildings and without detracting from the historic characteristics of the city.

The Hillside Grading Ordinance sets forth rules and regulations and describes measures to control excavation, grading, and earthwork construction, including cuts, fills, and embankments.