Apply for a Building Permit
Submit a new building permit application online through the City's permit portal.
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Apply Using SolarApp+
Qualifying residential rooftop solar installations can be permitted instantly through SolarApp+.
Apply with SolarApp+ →
Building Near Protected Trees
Construction within 50 feet of a protected or heritage tree requires a Tree Encroachment, Protection, and Preservation Plan with your permit application.
View tree requirements →

The Building Division reviews and issues permits for construction, alteration, and demolition in Pacifica. Our team ensures that building projects comply with applicable state and local codes to protect public health, safety, and welfare.

Apply for a Permit

Most building permits can be applied for online through the City's online permit portal. Review the Online Permit Portal Submittal Procedures before you apply. Permit notifications are sent from donotreply@csgengr.com. If you are not receiving notifications, please check your spam or junk folder.

Building Permit Review Process

Once you submit your application, here's what to expect:

  • The first review typically takes three to four weeks.
  • Resubmittal reviews take about two to three weeks each.
  • If there are comments from any of the departments, they will be released to the applicant when all reviewers have completed the review.
  • When the project is approved by all departments, the project will be in the processing stage, which can take up to a week from when the last reviewer completed the review. This process consists of collating all the submitted files to create an approved set of plans and docs, stamping the files, and calculating the final fees.
  • Applicants will be notified of the next steps after the processing stage through their permit account.

Inspections

To schedule an inspection, call the Building Inspection Hotline at (650) 737-1000. Inspections cannot be requested more than one week in advance. Click here to view the current inspection schedule.

Fees

Review fees are charged based on the Citywide Fee Schedule (see page 22 for Building Division fees).

Additional fees may apply based on your scope of work:

  • If your project adds a bedroom, the Park Facilities fee may apply.
  • If your project adds 500 square feet or more, fees to the Jefferson Union High School District may apply.

Building Codes

As of January 1, 2026, the following 2025 California codes are in effect in Pacifica:

  • California Building Code
  • California Residential Code
  • California Electrical Code
  • California Plumbing Code
  • California Mechanical Code
  • California Energy Code
  • California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)
  • California Wildland-Urban Interface Code

Local Amendments

Pacifica has adopted local amendments to several of these codes. Local amendments are codified in Pacifica Municipal Code Title 8.

Solar Permits

If you are installing a solar photovoltaic (PV) rooftop system and energy storage system on a single-family home or duplex, you may qualify for a real-time permit through SolarAPP+.

All other solar and PV installations require a standard Building Permit.

Protected and Heritage Trees

Construction activity within 50 feet of a protected or heritage tree requires special consideration. The following requirements apply when applying for a building permit.

Tree Encroachment, Protection, and Preservation Plan

 A Tree Encroachment, Protection, and Preservation Plan must be prepared by a qualified professional — such as a licensed arborist, horticulturist, or landscape architect — and submitted with your building permit application.

Tree Measurement

Tree size is measured using Diameter at Breast Height (DBH), defined as the diameter of the trunk measured at 4.5 feet above the ground. This measurement is used to determine whether a tree qualifies for protection under the City's Tree Ordinance.

For specific requirements, refer to Pacifica Municipal Code Sections 4-12.06, 4-12.08, and 4-12.11, or visit the Tree Ordinance Webpage.