Who Needs a Building Permit?

hinking about changing out your windows, replacing your water heater or fixing that creaky old fence? Before you start shopping, remember even small home improvements require a city building permit.

house The Pasadena Municipal Code requires that if you alter, repair, enlarge, move, improve, remove, convert or demolish any parts of the structures on your property, a permit may be required. While this may sound like red tape, building permits - and the inspections that come with them - help you avoid substandard construction that could hurt your property value and endanger you, your family and neighbors.

If you ever sell your property, buyers will ask to see permits for improvements; if you go without a permit, you're in violation of city codes and you risk having to pay double the permits fees for the work you started. If any of the work doesn't meet building or zoning codes, you may have to undo it and correct it.

Here's a list of common improvements that require permits or zoning approvals:

• building or replacing a fence and/or wall

• reroofing

• paving in your front yard

• installing or replacing a heating and/or air conditioning unit

• installing or replacing a water heater

• changing out windows

• electrical, plumbing or mechanical upgrades or alterations

• garage conversions

• stucco

• tool sheds, playhouses or gazebos

• portable spas

Visit the Permit Center at 185 N. Garfield Ave. Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or Friday from 8 a.m. to noon. If you're ever in doubt, play it safe and visit www.cityofpasadena.net/permitcenter or call 744-4200.

Follow Yard Sale Rules

Yard sales are a great way to recycle your stuff and make a little extra cash. But before you tack up signs and lay your goods out on the lawn, be sure to pick up a city yard sale permit.

A city ordinance requires permits to help prevent excessive yard sales at any one house, cut down the clutter of signs and keep neighbors from displaying old furniture or other sale items for weeks on end. The result is safer, happier and more beautiful neighborhoods for all of us.

The yard sale permit fee is just $20; you're allowed a maximum of two sales per year and each permit is good for up to three consecutive days. You can get your yard sale permit at the Permit Center, 175 N. Garfield Ave., Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to noon. Visit www.cityofpasadena.net/permitcenter or call 744-4200 for more information.

Prevent the Flu - Get Immunized!

The 2007 flu season is here and the illness is more than just a mild inconvenience! Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) reports influenza causes 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths in the U.S. each year. It is caused by a virus that attacks the entire body and it can result in pneumonia, dehydration and other serious health conditions for people with congestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes.

Doctors agree the best way to prevent it is with an annual flu shot. The vaccine is especially recommended for adults 50 and older, women who are or will be pregnant during flu season, anyone with a chronic medical condition or weakened immune system, household contacts of those at high risk for complications, health care workers, household contacts and caregivers of children who are less than 6 months, and children ages 6 months to 59 months.

PPHD's Children's Immunization Clinic at 1845 N. Fair Oaks Ave. offers free and low-cost flu shots for eligible children by appointment, while supplies last. Call 744-6136.
A community clinic for eligible adults is scheduled for:

• Tuesday, Nov. 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Villa-Parke Community Center,
363 E. Villa St.

Adults can also get low-cost flu shots at the Travel and Adult Immunization Clinic,
1845 N. Fair Oaks Ave. For hours, call 744-6128.

Warm Up for Winter

With a chill in the air, you might be firing up your heater or fireplace for the first time this season. Follow these tips from the Pasadena Fire Department to keep your family warm and safe:

• When choosing a new space heater, look for ULC/CSA approval on the box and make sure the heater automatically shuts off if it tips over. Follow instructions carefully.

• Space heaters need space! Keep everything at least three feet away and never use a space heater as a drying rack.

• Teach children never to play near space heaters.

• Don't use extension cords; unplug heaters when not in use.

• Have a qualified service technician regularly check and maintain your furnace, water heater and fireplace.

• Have your chimney inspected yearly for cracks and other defects.

• Make sure your chimney flue and external exhaust vents are clear of insulation and debris.

• Never light a barbecue or hibachi indoors.

• For more tips or if you have questions, call 744-4655.

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