The Building Inspection Services Division safeguards the citizens of the City of Pleasanton against faulty or inappropriate building, plumbing, mechanical and electrical construction practices. The Division provides guidance in compliance with state and local construction laws as they relate to seismic, wind and fire life safety in both plan review and field inspection.

The Division is located in the Civic Center Building, 200 Old Bernal Avenue, in the downtown complex next to the Library and Police Station. As you enter the main foyer of the Civic Center the Building and Safety Division service counter is on your left. E-mail messages on the Internet to the Building and Safety Division can be addressed to tohara@ci.pleasanton.ca.us. The Building and Safety Division can be reached by telephone at (925) 931-5300 or by fax at (925) 931-5478.

Hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Permits need to be applied for in person during regular business hours. See submittal requirements for details. Inspection requests are taken in person at the Building Department counter, or by phone, during those hours for the following work day. Individuals who desire an approximate time of their scheduled inspection may call between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. the day of the inspection to speak directly with the assigned inspector. Inspection times can not be given at the time of the inspection request.

Objective - The Division's objective is to maintain the highest level of public safety and customer service in the administration of building construction code enforcement.

Responsibilities - The Division reviews and inspects all private development structures and site work within the property boundary. Work proposed within a public right of way or public easement requires an encroachment permit from the Public Works Department. In many cases zoning regulations govern building setbacks and other items. For questions on building setbacks, maximum height or finish materials contact the Planning Department.

Staff - Under the direction of Mr. George Thomas, Chief Building Official, the department has 13 full and part-time employees. Approximately half of the staff provide field inspection services and half provide administrative and permit processing services.

Plan check and permit processing functions are under the supervision of Mr. Terry O'Hara, Plan Check Engineer. The department retains four consulting firms for plan check assistance. Fast track services are generally not available. Special turnaround needs are considered on a case by case basis.

The field inspection services are administered under the supervision of Mr. Les Lyons, Senior Inspector. All field inspectors perform as Combination Inspectors.