CITY DEPARTMENTS

The Fire Department provides emergency medical services, fire suppression and prevention; elimination of fire and life safety hazards in buildings and vehicles; enforcement of State and City Fire Codes, enforcement of building regulations of the State Fire Marshal; hazardous vegetation management and hazardous materials regulations and permits; underground tank inspections and permits; inspections of public facilities and high rise buildings; maintenance of fire protection equipment and systems; special event planning to ensure the safety of the public; and disaster planning and training of businesses, neighborhoods and other citizen groups in disasaster preparedness.

The Health Department provides population-based public health services to promote and protect the health of the community. Emphasis is placed on health assesment, health assurance, and policy development.

The Planning and Development Department services provided include business attraction and retention, promoting of job opportunities within Pasadena, stimulating commercial revitalization, increasing housing opportunities to meet the needs of City residents, real estate management, and building a viable urban community by ensuring the provision of decent housing suitable living environments and expanding economic opportunities.

Business license issuance.

The Public Works and Transportation Department reviews grading plans and offsite improvements such as approaches, driveways, and sidewalks. They also assist with projects involving sewers, water lines, street improvements, etc.

The Water & Power Department is a community-owned, full-service utility which serves Pasadena residents and businesses with electricity and water. They assist customers with electrical meter size and location as well as water main size and location.

BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION RELATED LINKS

Code adoption, Amendments, and Local Ordinances

The Board, created in 1973, has served the nation as the only independent federal agency whose primary mission is accessibility for people with disabilities. The Board develops and maintains Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG), which has been adopted by the Departments of Justice and Transportation as the ADA standard for new construction and alteration.

The Department of Justice now has a home page that provides information about complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Also available is the ADA Guide to Small Businesses, which deals with real, day-to-day issues.

The local chapter's website provides an on-line "architect-finder" service.  Also check the status of licensed architects.

One of the three model code organizations in the United States.

CABO is the umbrella organization for the three nationally-recognized model code organizations in the United States. CABO brings about a balance to the multitude of viewpoints regarding the model code system at the national level.

The Seismic Safety Commission (SSC) is a California state agency that advises the Governor, the Legislature, and the public on earthquake policy related issues. The SSCdevelop and monitor seismic risk mitigation programs, hold monthly hearings, and sponsor legislation regarding seismic safety.

The California Building Standards Commission (CBSC) is an independent Commission, administratively placed within the State and Consumer Services Agency. The CBSC was created to review, approve, and publish building standards adopted by state agencies and publish them in one State Building Standards Code (California Code of Regulations, Title 24). The CBSC's members serve on one or more of the following committees: Appeals, Code Change, Energy Subcommittee, Legislative, Policy, Personnel, Publication/Technology, and Seismic Safety.

The CSLB licenses and regulates contractors in forty-three license classifications that constitute the construction industry. The office receives and processes applications for new contractor's licenses, for additional classifications, for change of license records, and for license renewals. The office also reviews and maintains records of disciplinary actions and provide other support services.

CALBO's main focus is on state issues. A respected participant in state legislative debates, CALBO also works diligently with a number of state agencies to assure prudent public policy. In addition to its advocacy efforts, CALBO is also concerned with providing adequate educational opportunities for its members. CALBO sponsors two "Education Weeks" per year; these events are a cluster of seminars of code issues and management topics. In addition, a number of independent seminars on subjects ranging from disabled access and energy efficiency to historic building preservation and post disaster safety assessment are offered throughout the state.

The California Energy Commission is the state's primary energy policy and planning agency, charged with ensuring a reliable and affordable energy supply. The Commission has five major responsibilities: 1) Forecasting future energy needs and keeping historical data on energy. 2) Siting and licensing power plants. 3) Promoting energy efficiency through appliance and building standards. 4) Developing energy technologies and supporting renewable energy. 5) Planning for and directing state response to energy emergencies.

The publisher of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), Uniform Solar Energy Code, Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code. These three codes are adopted by the City of Pasadena.

The publisher of the Uniform Building Code (UBC), Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC), Uniform Code for Abatement of Dangerous Building (UCABD), Uniform Code for Building Conservation (UCBC), Uniform Housing Code (UHC), Uniform Sign Code (USC). These six codes are adopted by the city of Pasadena. The International Conference of Building Officials is dedicated to public safety in the built environment worldwide through development and promotion of uniform codes and standards, enhancement of professionalism in code administration and facilitation of acceptance of innovative building products and systems.

The mission of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is to save lives, prevent injuries and protect the health of America's workers. To accomplish this, federal and state governments must work in partnership with the more than 100 million working men and women and their six and a half million employers who are covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.

One of the three model code organizations in the United States.

SEAOC is dedicated to building excellence. SEAOC produceS building code recommendations, seismic design provisions, and professional practice information.The Structural Engineers Association is divided into 5 different organizations.There is a state wide level and 4 regional organizations.

UL is the leading third-party certification organization in the United States and the largest in North America. As a not-for-profit product safety testing and certification organization, UL has been evaluating products in the interest of public safety since 1894.

It is the mission of the Department of Conservation to take a leading role in the protection of the State's natural resources. The Division of Mines and Geology applies its expertise so that California's mineral resources are available for future needs and its land is used with maximum safety for the people. The Division of Mines and Geology applies its expertise to guide State and local agencies and respond to the challenges of mitigating geologic hazards and the opportunities of conserving natural resources.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District, by law, is required to achieve and maintain healthful air quality for its residents. State and federal clean air regulations mean that air pollution control permits are a part of doing business in the Basin. Any equipment that may cause or control air pollution requires a permit from AQMD.

ORS/AC has the authority to develop accessibility requirements for all construction within California except privately funded housing. (AC) reviews was established by the Access Compliance Act in 1968 and is found in Sections 4450-4458 of the Government Code. Technical (Building Code) regulations are contained in Parts 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7, Title 24, California Code of Regulations.

FIRE PREVENTION RELATED LINKS

The mission of the national Fire Protection Assoiation (NFPA) is to reduce the burden of fire on the quality of life by advocating scientifically-based consensus codes and standards, research, and education for fire and related safety issues. The Association publishes the National Fire Codes (NFC) and act as sponsor of the National Electrical Code (NEC). National Electrical Code (NEC) is adopted by the City of Pasadena.

HISTORIC PRESERVATION RELATED LINKS

MISCELLANEOUS LINKS

The primary objective of the Department is the protection of the public interest in regard to the offering of subdivided lands, real property securities and the handling of real estate transactions by licensees. To accomplish this, a standard of knowledge, measured by written examination, is established for licensing real estate agents and a minimum criterion of affirmative disclosure is set for qualifying subdivided lands offerings.

A quality web site for information regarding property values, property taxes and the assessment process for Los Angeles County.  Comparable sales data and maps are also easily accessible. 

A quality web site for a variety of permit related information. Go to this site if you want to find about building information in othre juridictions.