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What is a permit?

A building permit is a document issued by the Department of Building and Safety that allows or permits the property owner to construct a new building or structure or to alter an existing building or structure. Building permits provide the means for Code Officials to inspect construction to ensure that minimum standards are met thus reducing the potential hazards of unsafe construction, and therefore, ensuring the public health, safety and welfare.

When is a permit required?

A permit is required before constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, or demolishing a building or structure or installing or altering any equipment which is regulated by the model codes adopted by the County of Riverside.

Some Examples of when a permit is required:

Install exterior siding

Finish an unfinished attic or area

Replacing water lines, sewer lines, or a water heater

Replacing a furnace or central air conditioning unit

Installing new electrical circuits or equipment

Any roof repair or replacement which involves more than 25% of the total area of the roof

Pools and spas (except vinyl pools installed above grade with a capacity of 5,000 gallons or less and which have no electrical or gas equipment)

Decks and patio covers

If you are unable to determine if your work requires a permit, you may contact the permit counter during regular business hours at 955-1800.

How much will it cost?

That depends on what you are doing. Fees for simple building permits (generally those with three or less inspections) can be viewed here. To obtain permit fees based on square footage and estimated cost of construction (i.e. garages, new residential construction, new commercial construction) call or visit the district office nearest you. To give you an idea of cost, permit and plan review fees for a 1500 sq.ft. dwelling with a 400 sq.ft. garage will cost approximately $840.00.

Who may apply for a permit?

Permits may be applied for by the owner or their agent, or by the licensed professional engineer, architect, or contractor (or their prospective agents) employed in connection with the prospective work.

May I obtain a permit by phone or mail?

At this time permits may only be obtained in person or in some cases, by mail. You can view which permits are available by mail by visiting our Permits By Mail Process.

Can I do the work myself or do I have to hire a contractor?

In most cases we recommend that you hire a licensed contractor and that they be required to obtain the permit as part of the project agreement. This is simply because the permit holder is the party responsible for the work and complying with the codes and regulations. A reputable contractor should have no problem obtaining a permit. You can verify a contractor's state license and registration by visiting the Contractors State License Board.

If you are planning on doing the work yourself and possibly hiring someone to assist, you may have to purchase Workers Compensation Insurance, which is available from a variety of agencies. If you won't be hiring anyone, we will ask you to sign an Owner- Builder Statement to this effect. We can't issue you a permit without either insurance or the completed Owner-Building Statement.

How long is a permit good for?

A permit remains valid for as long as the work is proceeding. If the work is halted or abandoned for a period of at least six months, the permit may be suspended. Extensions may be granted for cause by the Building Official if the applicant has requested an extension in writing prior to the permit expiring.

What building codes are currently in effect in Riverside County?

The County of Riverside has adopted by ordinance the following model codes related to building requirements:

California Building Code, 2001 edition (including the appendix and standards)

Uniform Administrative Code, 1997 edition

Uniform Housing code, 1997 edition

Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, 1997 edition

California Mechanical Code, 2001 edition (including appendix and standards)

California Plumbing Code, 2001 edition (including appendix and standards)

Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code, 1997 edition

California Electric Code, 2001 edition

Uniform Sign Code, 1997 edition

Uniform Code for Building Conservation, 1997 edition

What are the wind and seismic zones in Riverside County?

BUILDING AND SAFETY SEISMIC, WIND AND SNOW ZONES FOR RIVERSIDE COUNTY

SEISMIC ZONE

The townships T2SR16E, T3SR17E, T4SR18E, T5SR19E, T6SR20E, T7SR21E, T8SR22E are inclusive to the UBC SEISMIC ZONE-4 and the townships lying East of listed above may be considered in the SEISMIC ZONE-3.

BASIC WIND SPEED

80 MPH: Cabazon, Desert Hot Springs, Garnet, Mira Loma, Hidden Springs, North Palm Springs, Painted Hills, Snow Creek Village, Thousand Palms, West Palm Springs, White Water, Windy Point.

70 MPH: All other areas

* Note: The Exposure-C shall be considered unless the engineer submits a documentation to substantiate that the building site and surrounding terrain conform to the criteria for Exposure-B. Section 1619, 2001 CBC

FLAT ROOF LOAD (SNOW LOAD)

30 PSF AREAS: Anza, Lake Riverside, Poppet Flats, Rancho Encino, Twin Pines

45 PSF AREAS: Allendale, Garner Valley, Keen Camp, Lake Hemet, Mountain Center

55 PSF AREAS: Fern Valley, Idyllwild, Pine Cove

ALL OTHER AREAS: 20 PSF

As an alternate, site ground elevation may be used: 20 PSF for all areas under 4000 feet elevation. 30 PSF for 4000 feet elevation and increase 1.5 PSF for every 100 feet elevation increase to 5000 feet. 45 PSF for 5000 feet elevation and increase 2 PSF for every 100 feet increase to 5500 feet. 55 PSF for 5500 feet and higher elevations.

* Note: A minimum of 25% of snow load shall be included in the seismic design when design snow load exceeds 30 PSF per section 1630.1.1

Who can draw up a set of building plans?

Plans for projects such as small single story single family residences, room additions, and garages can usually be drawn up by qualified individuals such as a draftsman. Other projects may require plans prepared and signed by a licensed architect or engineer.

For projects such as routine retaining walls and patio covers, the Department has handouts that include drawings and specifications that can be followed with certain limitations. Those handouts, together with a plot plan showing your project, are accepted by the department as plans.