City of Pasadena Permit Center (Planning & Community Development Department) - Pasadena, California

Maricor C.

It has always been a pleasant experience but not since the new young receptionist emerge. She needs to be seated at the back office where customer service is not needed. I already noticed her attitude from previous visits, and I felt bad for the old gentleman.

I wanna give credit to the receptionist whom I have seen multiple times. She's professional and pleasant despite the long time she'd been on that post. Also, to the people at the back windows! They're informative and would help as much as they could.

Felipe R.

I pull permits weekly from various cities. They are all roughly the same, long wait times, under staffed, odd or bad systems in place to do simple things and they are all over priced.(If you live in the city your complaining about make sure to vote for the people who are in charge. Staff just work there, they don't set prices)

This permit center is no different in the negatives so keeping it level the people here definitely treat you well. Treat them with respect and convey what it is you need and they will accommodate you accordingly. I've called to complain or ask for assistance with different things and they tend to help me figure it out.

Amber E.

This is an accurate estimation of how this city is run. I visit almost every city hall or building and safety department in all of Southern California and in this place I've had to wait the longest,(longer than fullerton) over 2 hours!!! it was only by chance that I didn't get a ticket😪there is no parking nearby that isn't over 2 hours and if parking nearby you have to pay for it, if you're willing to walk you don't have to pay for it but it's still only get 2 hours! So I would suggest for the city either change your parking limits or change how you run the Departments. Because other cities that also take a long time ,for example, Fullerton, maybe actually are even less organized but the parking is free!!!!!so it doesn't matter to me, hello! having anxiety the whole entire time wondering if I'm going to get a ticket or not does not make for a fun day😭

William R.

Going here is the experience of a lifetime. A certified national treasure, and a must see if visiting California. The building is a lovely art deco style and you can feel the rich history of what life must have been like in the decadent roaring 20s. I am lucky that I live close to a world class destination such as this one, and am able to visit on my days off.

D. M. O. Z.

I frequently visit quite a few municipal building/planning locations in the L.A. area and this is one of my favorites. There is a window for just about everything one needs, all in one place. You get a ticket at the front and wait for your number to be called or watch for it on the monitor. While you wait, you are free to network or use the computer to view historic records for your property. You can even print them out free of charge (which can be a bit challenging at times, ask for help if you need it). But all told, the entire process is pretty simple and straight forward. Wish all cities worked this way.

John L.

You need to be patient. The only place slower might be the DMV, it's a close second. Expect to be here 2 hours, to draw a minimum permit, and if you need a city license, put on your walking shoes, it's in another city building, and then, know they will not issue your permit without it. I recommend going there first otherwise a trip back.

Rodrigo A.

one of worst departments, they charged me over $ 2000.00 for a permit to remodel a small kitchen, (kitchen remodel was about 8K )then they give you the option to return some money back ONLY if you hire the waste companies they have, you have no option to haul away the trash yourself, kind of mafia style. Also I called 3 times to ask for guidance and they did not return my call not even once.

David M.

I actually had a great experience here. Both people I interacted with were super friendly and happy to lucky. Pleasantly surprised!