The Ordinance (No. 7337) and Municipal Code Section (14.17) pertains to sellers who are responsible for obtaining a Presale Certification of Completion or Presale Certificate of Inspection prior to the close of escrow on a single-family home, condo, townhome, or a duplex.
The City of Pasadena believes that this program will improve the safety of residential properties by addressing any significant life and safety code violations before the property changing hands.
So, what is the difference between the Presale Certification of Completion and the Presale Certificate of Inspection? Properties that meet the following criteria will be eligible for self-certification using the Presale Certificate of Completion:
- The property must not have any open code compliance cases
- The property’s actual square footage of living space does not exceed LA County Assessor’s record by 10% or greater
- The property meets fire prevention, detection and exiting requirements
- The property does not have unpermitted construction, additions, conversions, or accessory structures greater than 120 square feet.
Properties that fail to meet the above-mentioned criteria must use the Presale Certification of Inspection.
It is easiest to apply online for either of the forms at https://egov1.cityofpasadena.net/Apps/Pscp, however hard copies are accepted too and should be submitted at the City of Pasadena Permit Center located at 175 North Garfield. If approved, you will be able to obtain a Presale Certificate of Completion online or over-the-counter at the Permit Center.
Those homeowners who are not approved will need to submit an application for a Presale Certificate of Inspection. Upon receipt, a City Inspection will be scheduled, and once complete, you will be provided with a housing inspection report that points out any deficiencies that are found.
If none are found, you will be provided with a Presale Certificate of Inspection once the Sidewalk Assessment Fees are paid. If deficiencies are identified, homeowners can address the issues and reschedule a new inspection (fee applies), or execute a Transfer of Responsibility that places the onus on the buyer to rectify any identified deficiencies.
I mentioned a Sidewalk Assessment Fee, and you may be curious as to what this is and who it applies to. The Sidewalk Ordinance (Pasadena Municipal Code Section 12.04) states that homeowners are required to maintain the sidewalk that abuts their property.
Every now and again, the City will conduct an inspection to see if sidewalks need repair. If so, homeowners are required to repair the sidewalk or pay the Sidewalk Assessment Fee before obtaining either the Presale Certificate of Completion or Presale Certificate of Inspection.
To determine the amount of your Sidewalk Assessment Fee, visit https://egov1.cityofpasadena.net/Apps/Pscp, select your property, and you will be able to see if there is a Sidewalk Assessment Fee for your property. If so, the amount will be provided, and you will be given the option of paying the fee at the end of the application process or through escrow. Those electing to pay via escrow will be required to provide the name and contact information for their escrow company and specify whether the fee is to be paid by the buyer or the seller.
I am a CA licensed real estate broker serving the Pasadena community, and I would love to assist you with your buying and selling needs. Please feel free to reach out to me for any assistance that I can provide!