On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Pacific Grove
Pacific Grove's portal publishes building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, reroof, solar, encroachment, sidewalk, tree, and related permit types. The Planning Division states that all plans for new construction or alterations are reviewed for compliance, and many projects also need planning approval. The City adopted the 2025 California Building Standards Code effective January 1, 2026, so local permit triggers follow those adopted state codes plus Pacific Grove's local amendments.
Because Pacific Grove adopted the 2025 California Building and Residential Codes by reference, standard CBC/CRC permit exemptions generally apply unless another city approval is still required.
Typical exempt items include one-story detached accessory structures up to 120 square feet.
Fences not over 7 feet high are typically exempt.
Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, are typically exempt if they are not supporting a surcharge or impounding certain liquids.
Sidewalks, driveways, and platforms not more than 30 inches above grade and not over a basement or story below are typically exempt, subject to accessibility and public-right-of-way rules.
Finish work such as painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar work is typically exempt.
Small prefabricated swimming pools under 24 inches deep are typically exempt.
Playground equipment for detached one- and two-family dwellings is typically exempt.
Some minor electrical, mechanical, and plumbing repairs are typically exempt under the adopted California codes.
- Exempt Because Pacific Grove adopted the 2025 California Building and Residential Codes by reference, standard CBC/CRC permit exemptions generally apply unless another city approval is still required.
- Exempt Typical exempt items include one-story detached accessory structures up to 120 square feet.
- Exempt Fences not over 7 feet high are typically exempt.
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, are typically exempt if they are not supporting a surcharge or impounding certain liquids.
- Exempt Sidewalks, driveways, and platforms not more than 30 inches above grade and not over a basement or story below are typically exempt, subject to accessibility and public-right-of-way rules.
- Exempt Finish work such as painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar work is typically exempt.
- Exempt Small prefabricated swimming pools under 24 inches deep are typically exempt.
- Exempt Playground equipment for detached one- and two-family dwellings is typically exempt.
- Exempt Some minor electrical, mechanical, and plumbing repairs are typically exempt under the adopted California codes.
Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning, coastal development, historic review, tree, stormwater, fire, public works, utility, or other legal requirements. Pacific Grove's own application form also flags separate MPWMD, MBARD, and stormwater-related approvals depending on the project.
Required documents
- Building permit application with project address/APN, project type/use, valuation, project description, owner/applicant/contractor information, contractor license class/number/expiration or owner-builder designation, and uploaded plans/supplemental documentation. Depending on scope, the city form also flags possible MPWMD permits, erosion/sediment control plan, stormwater pollution control plan, and MBARD asbestos confirmation before issuance. Planning may also require a planning application, fee, submittal checklist, and project data sheet.
- Building code
- Ordinance No. 25-019 amended PGMC Chapters 18.04 and 18.32 to adopt the 2025 California Building Standards Code, Title 24, Parts 1 through 12, plus the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code, with local amendments to Parts 2.5 and 9; effective January 1, 2026.
- Permit validity
- The city's building permit application states the application expires within 180 days from the application date if a permit is not obtained. The current fee schedule also lists a building permit extension fee of $944 per 90 days and a general permit extension fee of $232.
- Owner-builder
- The city application includes an owner-builder option, and the fee schedule adds a 20% owner/builder surcharge in addition to the permit fee.
- Contractor requirements
- The city application requires contractor license class, license number, and expiration date unless the applicant is proceeding as owner-builder or lists contractor as TBD.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: No standard turnaround time was posted on the city pages reviewed.
- 01 Check with Planning early if the project involves new construction, exterior changes, land use issues, historic resources, or coastal-zone property. The Planning Division states that all plans for new construction or alterations are reviewed for compliance, and most planning projects require a planning permit application and fee.
- 02 Submit the building permit application through the City's iWorQ portal. The portal instructs applicants to fill out the online form completely and attach plans and supplemental documentation.
- 03 Do not pay immediately. The building permit portal says not to pay fees until the Building Department gives permission.
- 04 After submittal, follow up with the Building Office within 24 hours, call the Building Division to make payment, and stop by the Building Office to complete the process.
- 05 After permit issuance, coordinate required inspections with the Building Division inspection line.
- 06 If a planning permit is needed, submit the planning application and supporting documents to planning@cityofpacificgrove.org; the Planning Division notes that the submittal checklist and project data sheet may also be required for projects going to the Architectural Review Board.
Typical processing time: No standard turnaround time was posted on the city pages reviewed.
Source: City of Pacific Grove Community Development Department, Building Division ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Pacific Grove building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$196 minimum valuation-based building permit for both combination permits and single M/E/P permits at the lowest valuation tier; some flat-fee miscellaneous permits are higher
02
Plan check fee
Single-family residential plan check is 75% of the building permit fee; commercial plan check is 95% of the building permit fee.
03
Permit fee formula
Combination building permits are valuation-based; single M/E/P permits are also valuation-based; many miscellaneous permits are flat-fee. Examples in the FY 2025-26 schedule include electrical/plumbing/mechanical permits not requiring plan check at $243 each, solar photovoltaic at $686, single-family reroof at $686, and non-structural kitchen/bath remodel at $1,400.
04
Reinspection fee
Reinspection fee under CBC Section 108.8 is $141.
05
Penalty (no permit)
Investigative fee for work without proper city permits is the permit cost plus staff investigation time.
The portal instructs applicants to call the Building Division to make payment and then stop by the Building Office to complete the process. The city master fee schedule also applies credit card processing fees: $2 for $1-$50, $3 for $51-$100, $5 for $101-$200.01, and 3.5% above $201.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- iWorQ Citizen Portal (online)
- (831) 648-3194 (phone)
- (831) 648-3191 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Building counter hours are Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.; closed Fridays.
- Time windows
- Building counter hours are Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.; closed Fridays.
Typical sequence: The city does not publish a single universal sequence on the reviewed pages. Sequence depends on permit scope and approved plans, but applicants should expect inspections to track the permitted work and applicable trade rough/final approvals.
Reinspection fees are charged under CBC Section 108.8 at $141. The Fire fee schedule separately lists subsequent reinspection and missed-inspection charges for fire-prevention inspections.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Pacific Grove permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Pacific Grove, CA? ▸
Pacific Grove's portal publishes building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, reroof, solar, encroachment, sidewalk, tree, and related permit types. The Planning Division states that all plans for new construction or alterations are reviewed for compliance, and many projects also need planning approval. The City adopted the 2025 California Building Standards Code effective January 1, 2026, so local permit triggers follow those adopted state codes plus Pacific Grove's local amendments.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Pacific Grove, CA? ▸
Building permit fees in Pacific Grove, CA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $196 minimum valuation-based building permit for both combination permits and single M/E/P permits at the lowest valuation tier; some flat-fee miscellaneous permits are higher. Fees are calculated as: Combination building permits are valuation-based; single M/E/P permits are also valuation-based; many miscellaneous permits are flat-fee. Examples in the FY 2025-26 schedule include electrical/plumbing/mechanical permits not requiring plan check at $243 each, solar photovoltaic at $686, single-family reroof at $686, and non-structural kitchen/bath remodel at $1,400.. Plan check fee: Single-family residential plan check is 75% of the building permit fee; commercial plan check is 95% of the building permit fee..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Pacific Grove, CA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Pacific Grove, CA, follow these steps: 1. Check with Planning early if the project involves new construction, exterior changes, land use issues, historic resources, or coastal-zone property. The Planning Division states that all plans for new construction or alterations are reviewed for compliance, and most planning projects require a planning permit application and fee. 2. Submit the building permit application through the City's iWorQ portal. The portal instructs applicants to fill out the online form completely and attach plans and supplemental documentation. 3. Do not pay immediately. The building permit portal says not to pay fees until the Building Department gives permission. 4. After submittal, follow up with the Building Office within 24 hours, call the Building Division to make payment, and stop by the Building Office to complete the process. 5. After permit issuance, coordinate required inspections with the Building Division inspection line. 6. If a planning permit is needed, submit the planning application and supporting documents to planning@cityofpacificgrove.org; the Planning Division notes that the submittal checklist and project data sheet may also be required for projects going to the Architectural Review Board.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Pacific Grove, CA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Pacific Grove, CA typically run No standard turnaround time was posted on the city pages reviewed.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Pacific Grove, CA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Pacific Grove, CA. The following work is generally exempt: Because Pacific Grove adopted the 2025 California Building and Residential Codes by reference, standard CBC/CRC permit exemptions generally apply unless another city approval is still required.; Typical exempt items include one-story detached accessory structures up to 120 square feet.; Fences not over 7 feet high are typically exempt.; Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, are typically exempt if they are not supporting a surcharge or impounding certain liquids.; Sidewalks, driveways, and platforms not more than 30 inches above grade and not over a basement or story below are typically exempt, subject to accessibility and public-right-of-way rules.; Finish work such as painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar work is typically exempt.; Small prefabricated swimming pools under 24 inches deep are typically exempt.; Playground equipment for detached one- and two-family dwellings is typically exempt.; Some minor electrical, mechanical, and plumbing repairs are typically exempt under the adopted California codes.. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning, coastal development, historic review, tree, stormwater, fire, public works, utility, or other legal requirements. Pacific Grove's own application form also flags separate MPWMD, MBARD, and stormwater-related approvals depending on the project. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Pacific Grove, CA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Pacific Grove, CA via: iWorQ Citizen Portal, (831) 648-3194, (831) 648-3191.
last verified April 2026
source City of Pacific Grove Community Development Department, Building Division ↗
entry id permits/california/monterey/pacific-grove
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Pacific Grove Community Development Department, Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.