Yes! Applicants may pay their filing fees via credit card or debit card. Processing fees may apply. 

Check payments can be made online with no additional processing fees.

The general answer to this question is "Yes". However, if the situation does not allow for you to be available at the time of the inspection, you may make other arrangements.

Inspections within the residence or building:

You may have a friend, neighbor, or family member stand in your place. The person must be 18 years old at a minimum. They must have the permit and approved plans at the ready.

Inspections outside of the residence or building:

As with inspections to the interior you can have someone stand in your place.
Again they must be 18 years old at a minimum and have ready the permit and approved plans.

Reroof inspections require the inspector to circumvent the residence both below and up on the roof. If no one is on site we can proceed with this inspection if a few simple steps are taken. (1) Dogs must be inside the residence or confined within a secure kennel. If a loose or tethered dog is present we will not provide an inspection. (2) A completed and posted "Permission to Inspect" notice must be posted and within view of the side gate or front door. This form is available at the permit counter or online.

Swimming pool inspections which require access only to the rear of the property may be approached similarly. However, be aware that some of the procedural inspections involved with pools require access to both the interior and the exterior. Please contact the Building Division in advance to assure a successful inspection.

There are many other types of construction projects that create scenarios similar to those mentioned above. If you wish to avoid being present for the inspection, please contact the Building Division on the morning of the inspection. Speak to the assigned inspector thereby relaying your intent to be absent. This will go far towards eliminating any possibility of confusion and the need for a reinspection.  

We are pleased to announce the new online licensing system.  All applications are required to be submitted through the online portal. To register and apply please visit: Accela Citizen Access. 

Schedule an inspection:

Inspection requests are now scheduled through the online permitting portal up to 24-hours in advance. If you are not registered and need assistance please contact the Building Division at (925) 252-4910. ACCELA Online Permitting Portal: Click Here

Inspections occur Monday through Friday excluding holidays. Morning inspections are done between 8:00 am 12:00 pm. Afternoon inspections are done between 12:30 and 3:30 pm. We do our best to provide you with the tightest inspection window possible. You will not receive a confirming phone call. If you would like to confirm your inspection and speak to the assigned inspector please call (925) 252-4910 between 8:00 am and 9:00 am the day of the inspection.

Access for the inspection:

It is the responsibility of the person requesting the inspection to provide access to and means for proper inspection of the work. Animals must be confined. If no one is to be on site 'i.e. swimming pool inspection' you must provide and conspicuously post a letter on site allowing entry.

Expiration:

It is the duty of the permit holder to obtain an inspection within 180 days of permit issuance. Work must commence within the 180 days. If not, the permit expires and becomes null and void. The permit holder can request 'one' 180 day extension. All permits may be considered expired regardless if the work has not been completed with one year of issuance. The permit holder must contact the Building Division to avoid this condition.

Reinspection Fee:

A reinspection fee may be levied for each instance when work is not ready, no one is on site, or there has been deviation from the approved set of plans. The reinspection fee shall be received prior to any additional inspections being performed. A reinspection fee may also be assessed if a permit has expired and the permit holder requests a final inspection and the work is deemed incomplete requiring a correction notice.

Yes! Applicants are not required to pay any fee to use or create an account to submit applications online. City application filing fees are required at the time of application and can be paid via credit card or debit card. Processing fees may apply. Check payments accepted with no additional processing fees.

A 'Certificate of Occupancy' is only issued when a new occupancy is established.

In the case of new commercial construction, a certificate of occupancy will not be issued for a shell building, as the occupancy classification has not been established. A certificate will be issued for each tenant space regardless of the number.

In the case of tenant improvements related to an existing structure, there exist a multitude of possible scenarios; for that reason, each change in occupancy must be examined individually.

The Building Division is charged with assuring that both the proposed use and neighboring uses are compatible. In addition, the building must fit the use. The type of construction and separation between existing occupancies must be reviewed. If a proposed use is determined to be more hazardous, a thorough structural and life safety evaluation and upgrade shall be required.

There may be occasions when approval from other City Departments may be misconstrued as approval for a change in occupancy. Please contact the Building Division prior to finalizing a lease if there is to be a change in the type of business activity that presently exists.

Section 110 Certificate of Occupancy

110.1 Use and occupancy. No building or structure shall be used or occupied, and no change in the existing occupancy classification of a building or structure or portion thereof shall be made until the building official has issued a certificate of occupancy therefore as provided herein. Issuance of a certificate of occupancy shall not be construed as an approval of a violation of the provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction.

110.3 Temporary occupancy. The building official is authorized to issue a temporary certificate of occupancy before the completion of the entire work covered by the permit, provided that such portion or portions shall be occupied safely. The building official shall set a time periods during which the temporary certificate of occupancy is valid.

110.4 Revocation. The building official is authorized to, in writing, suspend or revoke a certificate of occupancy or completion issued under the provisions of this code wherever the certificate is issued in error, or on the basis of incorrect information supplied, or where it is determined that the building or structure or portion thereof is in violation of any ordinance or regulation or any of the provisions of this code.

Cerificate of Occupancy handout [PDF].

Counter Open: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - Noon and 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Yes! Payments can be made in-person at our Permit Center counter located at 65 Civic Avenue, Pittsburg City Call, where a kiosk and staff are available between the hours of 8-12 am, 1-4 pm for assistance.

Yes! Applicants may pay their filing fees via credit card or debit card. Processing fees may apply. 

Check payments can be made online with no additional processing fees.

No. This license is for doing business in the incorporated area of the City of Pittsburg. Should you plan on doing business in another city, you MUST contact that city in order to obtain their requirements for a business license.

Yes. All entities and persons doing business in the City of Pittsburg (including subcontractors) are required to have a current Business License. This includes home-based businesses, as well as those in commercial areas. It also includes non-Pittsburg businesses that come into Pittsburg to provide services or deliver goods for a fee. A Business License must be obtained prior to commencing business operation.

A Business License for the City of Pittsburg is subject to renewal once a year. Your business license renewal is due by January 31 and delinquent by February 1. Online renewal applications must be processed and paid no later than February 1st of the following year to avoid a late payment penalty. If the payment for renewal is received after February 1st the renewal becomes delinquent and subject to a 10% penalty per month up to a maximum of 50%. To register and/or renew please visit: Accela Citizen Access

No. You must also comply with any and all regulations that pertain to your business and location, including zoning, health and safety, etc. The Business License is only an indication that you have completed the application and paid the fee for the term of the respective business license.

You may email us at businesslicense@pittsburgca.gov and provide the name and/or street location of the business. Staff will verify whether or not the there is a current license.

A new business license is based on the estimated annual gross receipts. We strongly recommend that you use the electronic Business License Calculator available on the City website.

The Contra Costa County Business License only allows you to operate in the unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County and is not valid for business operations conducted within the City of Pittsburg.

Yes! Applicants are not required to pay any fee to use or create an account to submit applications online. City application filing fees are required at the time of application and can be paid via credit card or debit card. Processing fees may apply. Check payments accepted with no additional processing fees.

It costs $7.00 to obtain a replacement copy of your Business License.

To subscribe to our City Council agenda e-notification list, please send an email with your request to the City Clerk at aevenson@ci.pittsburg.ca.us.  This list is maintained as a separate contact list available only to the City Clerk, which assures you will not receive any other unwanted email.

We have a FREE automated notification system that alerts subscribers to Planning Commission and Community Advisory Commission meeting agendas.  There are additional topics you can select for automated alerts to you.  Best of all -- you pick on which items you wish to receive alerts.  Click here to subscribe to our e-notification system.

Once the violation has been taken care of, you will be responsible to maintain compliance.  If the violation continues, or if the issue returns within one year of compliance, an Administrative Citation can be issued without additional notice. 

No.  Per PMC 18.78.070 boats and jet skis are to be stored out of public view. 

No – the City of Pittsburg has strict signage codes.  You can review the PMC 19.12.030. 

https://www.codepublishing.com/CA/Pittsburg/#!/Pittsburg19/Pittsburg1912.html#19.12

Chickens and roosters are not allowed in the city of Pittsburg.

PMC 7.08.030

There are specific guidelines for front yard fences. Check with the City’s Planning Division for guidelines.

Yes, you can, so long as the vehicle is registered to a resident of the property. PMC 18.50.205

Be aware as to not spill or drain oil into City storm drains.

You have the right to appeal the Notice of Violation or other enforcement action within ten (10) days from the date issued. 

No – If there is no paving or protective covering over the ground, then you cannot park there.

Your RV can only be parked in the driveway three (3) days out of a month and that’s only for loading/unloading/cleaning.  Other than that, RVs are to be stored out of public view. PMC 18.78.070

Every complaint that comes through Code Enforcement is anonymous.

Yes - Contact Brandi Jackson at 925-252-4128 in the Finance Department.

Every occupied residence in the City of Pittsburg is to have garbage service.  Mt. Diablo Recovery Resource offers a variety of subscriptions for different service needs and can be contacted at (925) 682-9113.

Contact Brandi Jackson in Finance (925) 252-4128

1^st citation = $100

2^nd citation = $200

3^rd citation and forward = $500

Also 3^rd citation can come every day until property is brought into compliance.

You have ten (10) working days to bring your property into compliance.

This is a civil issue between you and your neighbor and not a violation of Pittsburg Municipal Code. 

Per PMC 12.28.030 objects cannot block City street or sidewalk.  The portable basketball stand needs to be stored on private property when not in use. 

Code Enforcement will address issues that can be seen from the street/sidewalk (public view).

That’s unfortunate, but if it’s on your property it is your responsibility. 

Please make a Noisy Animal complaint with the Contra Costa County’s Animal Services Department.  Their phone number is 925-604-8400 or go to the website at                  

 www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/6839/noisy-animal-ordinance

Your front yard shrubs can be no taller than three (3) feet tall. Check with the City’s Planning Division for guidelines.

You will need to contact the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control for assistance.  Mosquito abatement (925) 685-9301; Rats and mice (925) 985-9301; Racoons are handled by private companies.

You would contact the Contra Costa County Code Enforcement at 925-674-7210 or on their website at www.contracosta.ca.gov/4725/code-enforcement

It is the property owner’s responsibility to keep their property up to code.

Parking your inoperable/unregistered vehicle in your driveway is a violation of PMC 8.12.021. All inoperable/unregistered vehicle(s) should be stored out of public view.

• Very competitive slip rates/fuel rates


• 274 covered berths up to 20'- 50'


• Water & electricity included in rent


• 24 hour public launch ramp


• On site haul out service available


• Pittsburg Yacht Club on site


• Public transportation NEW! BART CENTER STATION on Railroad Avenue


• Extensive water front access (bicycling, jogging, walking, etc.)


• Kayaks & Stand-up Paddle Boards for rent

What the City needs to know when you call:

1. Where in the home is it backing up?


2. Are all of the fixtures (i.e. sinks, toilets, tub and cleanouts) backing up or just one?


3. Have you called someone out to look at the problem?


4. Do you have a cleanout and where is it located?


5. What is your name, address and phone number where we can reach you?

What you need to know before you call the City of Pittsburg:

1. The City is responsible for the sewer lateral from the backside of the sidewalk (on property owner's side) to the City main in the street. There are some cleanouts located in backyards and the City will not use backyard cleanouts unless the main sewer line is running through the backyard.


2. If the plumbing problem is in only one area of your home, then that means there is an internal problem and the City will not work on private property.


3. Before you make any plans or any repairs to the sewer lateral on your property, please contact the Public Works Department during regular business hours of 7:00 am to 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday.


4. If the City responds to a call and it is determined to not be the City's responsibility, you will be charged a $182.00 call-out fee.


5. If you do not have a cleanout, the City will respond and check the main sewer line. If the main sewer line is clear, you will have to call a plumber and you will be charged a $182.00 call-out fee.


6. If you do have a cleanout, the City will check the lateral to determine where the blockage exists. If it is determined to be plugged on the property owner's section of the lateral and the City unplugs the blockage, you will be charged a $182.00 call-out fee.


7. If the stoppage is on the City maintained section of sewer lateral, the City will unplug it at no charge and schedule the lateral to be videoed during normal business hours. If a repair is needed on the City's maintained section of lateral, the will schedule and make the necessary repairs.

The City of Pittsburg Public Works Department is committed to providing quality service to its residents. As part of this service, the Public Works Department has a 24-hour phone number: (925) 252-4936. Regular business hours are Monday - Friday, 7:00 am - 3:30 pm. We have a person on call Monday - Friday, 3:30 pm - 7:00 am and weekends.

You must visit the Police Department lobby during business hours after the violation has been corrected. The cited vehicle will then be inspected and if the violation is corrected the citation will be signed off by a police officer.

Pittsburg resident Inspection Fee - $25.00 
Non-Resident Inspection Fee - $34.00

Or you can contact the California Highway Patrol at 5001 Blum Road, Martinez. 

You can request crime reports online at https://pittsburgcapd.nextrequest.com

Or  

We accept requests by mail, walk-in, fax and telephone at (925) 252-4980, #9, #2. Records staff will contact you by telephone, e-mail, fax or United States mail to advise you of the fees for this service. Requests will not be mailed unless all fees have been paid in advance. Per Government Code Section 6253 (c), Records has (10) days to respond to any records request. 

Please note: Victims of crimes, their legal representative, or their insurance carriers are entitled to receive a copy of a crime report; refer Government Code 6254(f). If you were involved in a crime but you are not the victim, contact our office to learn how and when these documents can be obtained.

Department of Justice – Law Enforcement Release Application (Do not complete without approval from the Pittsburg Police Department). To access the release application click HERE.  Any firearm in the custody or control of law enforcement may not be released to the owner without a California Department of Justice, Law Enforcement Release Application (LERA) letter. Property will only be released to the rightful owner or their designee with proper authorization and a valid, government issued photo (such as a driver’s license).  Do not  start the process unless it has been approved by the Pittsburg Police Department.  Once approved, property and evidence personnel will provide you with the information you need.

Contact the Property & Evidence Division during normal business hours.  The request will then be approved by the Investigation Division Sergeant.   Several factors must be considered before evidence can be released (i.e. Investigations Division, DA’s Office, Court, and other agencies – if applicable). Often, a court order is required to have evidence released. You will be advised of this by one of the property officers, if this is necessary.

Contact the Property & Evidence Division at 925-252-6961 for an approval to start the gun release process. Do not  start the process unless it has been approved by the Pittsburg Police Department.  Once approved, the property and evidence will provide you with information you need.

Current law mandates that a police department holds found property a minimum of 90 days and safekeeping property 60 days. After this period of time, if the property is not claimed, the property can be disposed of, according to law. Due to the amount of property we receive, our property staff will dispose this property soon after the legal time limits. If your property was taken and is being held as evidence, the property can possibly be held for several years, dependent upon the circumstances of the case and the necessity for retaining the actual physical evidence, as opposed to a photo or written description only. The Investigation’s Sergeant will investigate and determine when an item can be released.

No. Once your release of property has been approved, please contact the Property & Evidence Division to schedule an appointment.  All items are released by appointment only.

Contact 925-252-6961 to schedule an appointment to pick up your property. 

Please contact the Records Division at 925-252-4980, option #9

Please contact the Property & Evidence Division (925) 252-6961. 

The payment center is closed on the following holidays:

• Martin Luther King's Birthday


• Lincoln's Birthday


• President's Day


• Caesar Chavez Day


• Memorial Day


• 4th of July


• Labor Day


• Columbus Day


• Veterans Day


• Thanksgiving and the Friday after


• Christmas Day


• Winter closure Christmas Day through New Year's Day


• New Year's Day