At this time, the Planning Department will safely re-open with modifications to some in-person services at the Pacifica Community Center, located at 540 Crespi Drive. Masks are required for all visitors and social distancing is encouraged. Most of our services can still be accessed remotely, please click on "Virtual Planning Department Services" below. Thank you for your patience and understanding while the public health situation remains dynamic.
The Building Division of the Pacifica Planning Department reviews and issues permits for construction and demolition. To find out if you need a permit or for additional information, please call (650) 738-7341 or contact us via email at the Building Division.
540 Crespi Dr.
Pacifica, CA 94044
T: 650-738-7344
Office Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday**
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM*
Wednesday
8:00 AM to 7:30 PM*
Friday
8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
* Closed During Lunch
12:30 PM to 1:30 PM
Closed on Holidays
**Unavailable during weekly Staff meeting from 9-10 AM
Building Official Hours
Monday and Wednesday 12 PM to 5 PM
Tuesday and Thursday** 8 AM to 12 PM
As of January 1, 2020 the building code will be changing to the 2019 versions of the California codes, including but not limited to: Residential Code, Building Code, Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical Codes, as well as CalGreen. For more information, please contact the Building Department at 650-738-7344.
Online Permit Portal Submittal procedures
1st review takes about 3-4 weeks. If there are comments from any of the departments, they will be released to the applicant when all reviewers have completed the review.
Resubmittal reviews take about 2-3 weeks each.
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.
If adding a bedroom, the Park Facilities fee may apply.
If adding 500 square feet or more you may need to pay fees to the Jefferson Union High School District.
Building Permit Application - use above online portal to submit for a permit
When is a Licensed Professional required?
Construction, Deconstruction & Demolition Information Guide
Construction and Demolition Debris Waste Management Plan (CWMP)
Construction Hours of Operation Municipal Code (choose Title 8, Chapter 1, Section 8-1.06)
Courtesy Notice-PG & E Lead Times
EV Charging Checklist for Permitting
Managing PCBs in Building Demolition Data Collection Summary
2018 BASMAA PCBs Demolition Program Applicant Package
Building Demolition PCBs Screening Assessment Form
Smoke detector-carbon monoxide form
Pools, Hot Tubs, and Drinking fountains BMPs
Interested in building a second unit (Accessory Dwelling Unit)? Through a partnership with 21 Elements and Home for All, a second unit resource center has been created with a very helpful step-by-step workbook for homeowners. These workbook takes homeowners from vision to permitting to what to know when becoming a landlord for the first time.
Commercial Building Permits and Business Licensing - Disability Access Requirements and Resources
Click here to be linked to important information about landslide preparedness
Water Efficient Landscaping
PG&E Rebate and Energy Saving Programs
USEPA Water Sense
Construction Stormwater BMP's
San Mateo Countywide Water Pollution Prevention Program Website
Flood Insurance Maps/Information
Green Building in Pacifica
Seismic Retrofit Standard (Plan Set A) *
* Note: Plan Set A can be used by homeowners in obtaining quotes for retrofitting, by contractors when obtaining building permits, and by cities and counties as a basis for a minimum prescriptive retrofit standard. This standard applies to wood-framed residential structures not more than two stories in height and containing not more than two dwelling units, on relatively flat sites, and with cripple walls 4 feet in height or less.
MONTHLY PERMIT ACTIVITY REPORTS