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Building Division

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1. When do I need a building permit?

In brief, you will need a permit for any work that physically changes or adds structures to your property. When in doubt, please call the Building Division at (925) 671-5200.

2. Why get a permit?

Work without a permit is illegal and can pose serious complications for you when you try to sell your house or business.

The primary advantage of a permit is it brings you the services of a building inspector who approves each phase of the construction process and ensures the work is done safely and properly.

3. How long is my building permit good for?

A building permit expires 180 days (6 months) after the date it is issued. The 180 day expiration date starts over after each approved inspection by a Building Inspector.

4. My permit is about to expire but I’m not finished with the work. Can I get an extension?

We allow a one-time extension of 6 months. Your request for an extension needs to be submitted in writing to the Building Division before your permit expires and must be approved by the Building Official.

5. I am adding a new bathroom to my house. What is my first step?

Your plans first need to be reviewed by Central Sanitary District located at 5019 Imhoff Place,
Martinez, CA 94533. Once Central Sanitary District has approved your plans, you are ready to submit your plans to the Building Division at City Hall. This applies to all residential and commercial projects involving the addition of a new bathroom.

6. Can I check the permit history on a property in Pleasant Hill?

Yes, you can visit the Building Division at City Hall and review the address file which contains the permit history and inspection records for the property.

7. How long is a typical plan check for a residential addition?

Any project that involves adding square footage to your home will be reviewed by the Planning, Engineering and Building Divisions. The typical plan check review time is 2-3 weeks.

8. Am I required to have an architect draw my plans?

Plans for Tenant Improvements on commercial properties must be stamped and wet signed by an architect. Plans for residential projects are not required to be drawn by an architect.

9. Can the owner of a commercial property pull a permit?

The owner of a commercial property cannot pull a building permit. All projects at any commercial property require a contractor to be listed on the permit. Therefore, the contractor must pull the permit.

10. Can I pick up the permit for my contractor?

For residential projects, if your contractor is listed on your permit we will only release the permit and approved plans to your contractor as their signature must be on the permit.

11. Are plans required for adding solar onto my house?

Yes. We require three sets of plans along with a completed Building Permit Application to be submitted to the Building Division. The typical plan review is 2-3 days

12. How can I set up an inspection?

To set up an inspection, call the Building Division at (925) 671-5200 during business hours. Call 1 day ahead to be added onto the schedule for the next day.

13. Do I need a permit to re-do my driveway?

A building permit is not required for ground work such as driveways, pathways and patios. However, your project may require an encroachment permit through the Engineering Division if any work will encroach on city property (street, curb or gutter).

14. Do I need a permit for a deck?

If your deck is not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade then you do not require a building permit. Otherwise, a building permit is required to construct or replace any deck.

15. Do I need a permit to replace windows and doors?

A permit is required when any portion of the window and/or door frame, exterior siding, or interior sheetrock is removed/replaced. An inspection of the flashing will be required and a final inspection upon completion. Retrofit windows do not need a permit or inspection. A permit is required to replace a front door, garage door and interior fire rated doors.

16. I want to get rid of my pool. What are my options?

There are two ways you can remove a pool on your property. The first method is to dig out the pool entirely and fill the remaining hole with engineered back fill. This method allows for habitable structures to be constructed over that area. The second method is to cave-in the pool. This way does not allow for the construction of habitable structures over the area where the pool used to be. Both methods do require a building permit.

17. I live in an HOA. Do I need their approval before I pull a permit?

Every Home Owners Association has its own requirements for what type of work needs their prior approval. Always check with your Home Owners Association before obtaining a building permit.

18. What inspections are required for a re-roof?

Tear off (comp to comp); Tear off inspection (bare deck) and Final inspection.
Tear off (shake to comp); Deck nailing inspection and Final inspection.
Overlay (2 layers max); Final inspection.
We do not perform “in progress” inspections on reroofs.

19. Do I need a permit for a shed?

One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area is not greater than 120 square feet are exempt from permit. However, the structure still needs to comply with setbacks. If the accessory structure will have electricity, no matter the size, a building permit is required.

20. Are smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors required?

Whenever there is an addition, remodel, or new construction smoke detectors are required in the residence. There shall be a smoke detector in each bedroom and hallway. A Carbon Monoxide detector is required in the residence.

21. What is required to get a demolition permit?

All structural demolitions need to be approved by Bay Area Air Quality and a J number must be issued. Then your demolition plans and your J number can be submitted to the Building Division for review and permit issuance. Your demolition plans must include a site plan accurately showing property lines, the buildings to be demolished and the location of utilities on site. Please contact the Building Division for additional submittal requirements.

22. Do I need a permit to remodel my kitchen?

Kitchen cabinets, countertops and backsplash do not require a permit. However, you are required to upgrade the electrical if you are going to remodel any part of the kitchen. High efficiency lighting such as florescent or LED along with GFCI protected outlets are required. An electrical permit from the Building Division is required for this work.

23. Who can I contact regarding mold?

The City of Pleasant Hill is not certified to handle mold. Please contact Contra Costa County Environmental Health at 925-692-2500.

24. Do I need a permit for a pergola or arbor?

If the pergola or arbor will be permanently attached to the ground, a building permit is needed.

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Business License

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1. Do I need a Business License (even if my business is not located in Pleasant Hill)? How do I get one?

All entities/persons doing business in the City of Pleasant Hill (including subcontractors) are required to have a current business license. This includes home-based business and residential rentals. It also includes non-Pleasant Hill businesses that come into our City to provide services or deliver goods for a fee. Business licenses must be obtained within 30 days of the start date of your business.

2. May I apply for my business license by mail?

Yes. Call the Finance Department at (925) 671-5234 and ask that the application be mailed to you. You can also download and application from our website.

Complete and mail the application along with your payment to the address on the application.

3. Do business licenses need to be renewed? If so, when and how?

Business License is subject to renewal on January 1 of each year if you are still conducting business in the City. The City mails renewal applications in mid-December. The renewal applications (with any changes noted on the application) and tax payments must be returned before January 31st to avoid late penalties.

4. What if I don’t receive the renewal application in mid-December?

If you don’t receive it by December 30 call the Finance Department at (925) 671-5234 to request a duplicate to be sent to you.

5. Can I use my business license to do business in another city?

No, this license is for doing business in the incorporated area of the City of Pleasant Hill only. If you plan on doing business in another city, you must contact that city in order to obtain their requirements for a business license.

6. I have a business license that was issued from the County. Why do I need another license?

The County License only allows you to operate in the unincorporated areas of the City. You must have a business license with the City of Pleasant Hill if you are in an incorporated area.

7. Do I need a business license for renting out residential rental property in Pleasant Hill?

Yes. Owners of residential rental property in Pleasant Hill are required by the City ordinance to have a business license. The tax is based on the number of units rented and can be prorated for full months of vacancy.

8. If I move my business during the year, do I need a new business license?

If you move during the year and stay in the City, notify the Finance department of your new location in writing at:

100 Gregory Lane
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

There is a $15 cost to reprint the license. If you move out of the City and no longer plan to do business in the City your business license can be canceled. Send a statement to the Finance Department to close your business.

9. What do I need from the City to run a business out of my home?

From the City of Pleasant Hill you will need a business license from the Finance Department (925) 671-5234 and you will also have to apply for a home occupation permit from our planning department at (925) 671-5209.

10. Do I need a Peddlers/Solicitor’s Permit?

City ordinance states if you are traveling by foot or car or any other conveyance, place to place or house to house, in order to conduct business and or sell product, you need a peddlers permit. You will also have to register with the Pleasant Hill Police Department for fingerprinting and Pleasant Hill Finance Department for the peddler’s permit and business license.

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City Attorney

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1. How do I file a claim against the City for personal injury or property damage?

Submit the Insurance Claim Form to the City Attorney’s office by mail or in person.

2. Can the City Attorney provide legal advice to me?

No. The City Attorney does not provide legal services to members of the general public.

3. How can I find an attorney?

You may contact the Contra Costa County Bar Association Lawyer Referral and Information Service at (925) 825-5700.

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City Clerk

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1. What day(s) does the City Council meet?

Council meetings are held on the first and third Mondays of each month, with exceptions for holidays.

2. How do I obtain City records?

Contact the City Clerk’s Office
Ph: (925) 671-5221

3. How do I contact the City Council?

You may contact the City Council at:
Ph: (925) 671-5267
Fx: (925) 280-0294

4. How do I register to vote?

You may contact the Contra Costa County Election Department:
555 Escobar Street / PO Box 271
Martinez, CA 94553
Ph: (925) 335-7800
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

5. Where can I get a marriage license, birth certificate or death certificate?

You may contact the Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder’s office:
555 Escobar Street/P. O. Box 350
Martinez, CA 94553
Ph: (925) 646-2360

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City Manager

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1. How do I contact Comcast Cable TV?

You can reach Comcast at (800) 945-2288.

2. How do I reserve the Council Chambers?

Contact Lynn Boardman at (925) 671-5283.

3. How do I reserve the Community Meeting Rooms?

Call (925) 671-5270 (Please note that the Rooms are available for use by NON-PROFIT groups only)

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Engineering

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1. When do I need an encroachment permit?

A permit is required whenever work is proposed within the public right-of-way or easement. Typical examples of work include trenching for installation of water, sewer, storm drain, or other utilities, and construction of curb, gutter and sidewalk.

2. Is my property in a flood zone?

The City can help you determine if your property is located in the vicinity of a Special Flood Hazard Area (flood zone). The Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) created by FEMA are available for your review at City Hall, the Pleasant Hill Library, and on this website at the link below. More detailed information can be obtained online from the FEMA website by entering your property address. Flood Insurance Rate Maps

3. Can we have a Stop sign installed to help with speeding cars?

A Stop sign is intended to determine which driver has the right of way at an intersection. Studies have proven that Stop signs do a very poor job when it comes to slowing people down. Their effect is usually limited to within 100 feet of an intersection. Afterward drivers tend to speed up, sometimes to speeds greater than what was being witnessed before the signs went in. When appropriate, the City will install Stop signs based on its adopted Stop sign warrant policy.

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Investigations

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1. How can I contact the Detective assigned to my case?

Please call the Investigations Division at (925) 288-4630.

2. How can I learn about massage therapy regulations?

Please view Chapter six of the Municipal Code.

For further information, please contact (925) 288-4630.

3. How can I learn about false burglar alarm regulations?

Read Chapter 9 of the Municipal Code or visit https://pleasanthillca.citysupport.org/ 

4. How can I obtain a concealed weapons permit?

Please contact the Investigations Division Commander at (925) 288-4630.

5. How can I learn about registered sex offenders in my neighborhood?

Visit California Attorney General’s Megans Law.

6. I am required to register as a sex offender. Whom do I contact?

Please contact Investigations Division at (925) 288-4630 to be referred to the Detective responsible for registrations.

7. I am a domestic violence victim. What resources are available?

Please contact the Investigation Division at (925) 288-4630 to speak to the Investigator assigned to your case or visit Stand Against Domestic Violence.

8. My child was arrested. What is the next step?

The Pleasant Hill Police Department maintains a youthful offender diversion program. Cases are evaluated by a detective to see if the offender would benefit more from diversion than referral to the criminal justice system.

Diversion may include referral for voluntary counseling through the John F. Kennedy University. The aim of the program is to provide resources to the offender to reduce or prevent recidivism.

Violent offenses resulting in the booking of a juvenile into the Juvenile Hall are generally not handled by the diversion program.

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Police Department

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1. How do I pay my Alarm Registration?

Visit https://pleasanthillca.citysupport.org/  to register an alarm system and pay any associated fees.

2. Does the police department provide fingerprinting services?

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety concerns, we are currently not providing live scan fingerprinting services. We apologize for the inconvenience and will update this page when this service again becomes available. 

3. How do I get get my property back after it has been taken or held by the Police Department?

Property Releases are handled by appointment only. Appointments can be made by calling the Property Room at 925/288-4613. At that time, the Property Clerk will determine if the property in question can be returned. Several factors must be considered and various entities must be contacted before property can be released (i.e. Investigations division, DA's office, Courts, etc). In addition, all Firearms will require a valid California Department of Justice Firearms Clearance letter for release. If property requires a Court Order or additional information for release, the Property Clerk will inform you at that time.

4. Once my property has been authorized to be released, can I come to the Police Department to pick it up?

No. Property Releases are handled by appointment only. Appointments can be made by calling the Property Room at 925-288-4613. Property Releases are handled Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 1 pm and 3 pm. The Property Room is closed to the public on Fridays.

5. Can I check my own "record" with the Pleasant Hill Police Department?

Yes, persons, upon showing proof of identification, can obtain a summary of their own contacts with the Pleasant Hill Police Department.

This information requires research. Police Department staff will accept your request and information will be provided to you within the legal time limit. Usually, this is not available to you on the same date of the request.

6. Can other persons check on my "record" with the Pleasant Hill Police Department?

Other than information on arrests of adults within the past 90 days of the request, generally information on a person’s criminal history or contacts is not releasable to the public. There are specific, limited, exceptions and the Pleasant Hill Police Department complies with the law.

7. Can I see who has been arrested?

Generally, legally specified information on adult arrestees is released up to 90 days after the arrest. All adult arrest information is released per the provisions of the law. An adult arrest log is available for public inspection. Information on juvenile arrestees is generally not releasable per law.

What if I want to find out about specific police calls at my house or some other address?
Daily logs on all police responses are maintained for public inspection for the past 90 days at the lobby counter. Other information past 90 days will be released but due to confidentiality laws, these records are not maintained on the counter.
If you have a specific address and/or date and time which you wish information about, our staff will be able to assist you as well. Information can be provided by telephone regarding the public daily log. Please call (925) 288 4600 “0”.
Generally, the following information is available regarding specific police calls: Time, substance, and location of all complaints or requests for assistance, time and nature of the response, time , date, and location of occurrence, time and date of report, name and age of victim (with exceptions including juvenile names), factual circumstances involving the incident (except statements), general description of injuries, property, or weapons involved. (We generally cannot provide information on medical conditions.)

8. What if I want to find out about specific police calls at my house or some other address?

Daily logs on all police responses are maintained for public inspection for the past 90 days at the lobby counter. Other information past 90 days will be released but due to confidentiality laws, these records are not maintained on the counter.

If you have a specific address and/or date and time which you wish information about, our staff will be able to assist you as well. Information can be provided by telephone regarding the public daily log. Please call (925) 288 4600 “0”.

Generally, the following information is available regarding specific police calls: Time, substance, and location of all complaints or requests for assistance, time and nature of the response, time , date, and location of occurrence, time and date of report, name and age of victim (with exceptions including juvenile names), factual circumstances involving the incident (except statements), general description of injuries, property, or weapons involved. (We generally cannot provide information on medical conditions.)

9. Can I see crime statistics for Pleasant Hill?

Pleasant Hill Police Department monthly statistics are posted monthly in the Police Department portal.

10. What if I have further questions?

Please contact Lt. Scott Vermillion, Support Services Division Commander, at (925) 288-4633 or svermillion@ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us

11. Who do I call with property or evidence related questions?

The Property Room can be reached at 925-288-4613. The office is closed Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and most national Holidays.