The Building & Safety Division provides plan review and construction inspection services to enforce minimum standards to safeguard life or limb, 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.
Building Codes
Current Building Codes (Effective January 1, 2020)
- 2019 California Building Code (Volume 1 & 2)
- 2019 California Residential Code
- 2019 California Electrical Code
- 2019 California Mechanical Code
- 2019 California Plumbing Code
- 2019 California Energy Code
- 2019 California Green Building Standards Code
The codes itemized above have been adopted and may have been amended by the City of Pasadena. Please check section 14.04 of Title 14 of the Municipal Code for any modifications. You may view the codes online provided by the California Building Standards Commission.
Descriptions
California Historical Building Code
(626) 744-7601
The California Historical Building Code (Part 8), within Volume 2 of the California Building Code, 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.
Secretary of The Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation of Historic Buildings
(626) 744-4009
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.
California Building Code
(626) 744-7601
This code is based on the current International Building Code and is amended by the State of California and the City of Pasadena. 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.
California Residential Code
(626) 744-7601
This code is based on the current International Residential Code and is amended by the State of California and the City of Pasadena. The Residential 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 residential buildings and accessory structures.
California Fire Code
(626) 744-6885
The Fire Code sets forth provisions necessary for fire prevention and fire protection. The City of Pasadena has adopted this code with amendments.
California Plumbing Code
(626) 744-7601
This code is based on the current Uniform Plumbing Code. 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.
California Mechanical Code
(626) 744-7601
This code is based on the current Uniform Mechanical Code. 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.
California Electrical Code
(626) 744-7601
This code is based on the current National Electrical Code. The Electrical Code provides standards for safe installation of electrical wiring and equipment to ensure protection of the public health, safety and welfare.
California Energy Code
(626) 744-7601
All new buildings, remodels and additions must meet the current 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.
Uniform Code for Abatement of Dangerous Buildings
(626) 744-7601
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.
Unreinforced Masonry Ordinance Title 14.06
(626) 744-7601
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.
Hillside Grading Ordinance Chapter 14.05
(626) 744-7601
The Hillside Grading Ordinance sets forth rules and regulations and describes measures to control excavation, grading, and earthwork construction, including cuts, fills, and embankments.
Local Amendments to The Building Code Chapter 14.04
(626) 744-7601
Local Amendments to The Fire Code Chapters 14.25 and 14.28
(626) 744-6885
Local Amendments to The Housing Code Chapter 14.25
(626) 744-7601