Apply, Clear, Inspect and Close a Riverside County Building Permit Through PLUS Online
Riverside County Building & Safety accepts permit applications and digital plans through PLUS Online for construction in unincorporated Riverside County.
The fastest route is to confirm County jurisdiction, identify zoning and hazard overlays, prepare the exact residential or commercial plan package, pay the initial invoice promptly, clear Planning, Fire, Environmental Health, Transportation, Flood Control and grading conditions, then request issuance and inspections.
What Do You Need to Do?
Riverside County Next-Step Finder
Select the situation that best matches the property or project.
Riverside County Building & Safety Offices, Phones and Hours
Riverside Permit Assistance Center
4080 Lemon Street, 9th Floor
Riverside, CA 92502-1629
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 7:30 AM–5:00 PM; Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Desert Permit Assistance Center
77588 El Duna Court, Suite H
Palm Desert, CA 92211
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 7:30 AM–5:00 PM; Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Unincorporated Riverside County or an Incorporated City?
Use Riverside County when
- The parcel is in unincorporated Riverside County.
- Map My County displays County zoning and land-use information.
- PLUS Online recognizes the site under a County permit application.
- TLMA confirms County Building & Safety jurisdiction.
Use a city building department when
- The parcel is inside incorporated city limits.
- The city’s address or parcel search confirms municipal jurisdiction.
- The County cannot associate the parcel with a County building application.
- The project is being processed under an existing city entitlement.
Complete the Project in This Order
Which Riverside County Permit Fits the Work?
Project |
Start with |
Other approvals to check |
|---|---|---|
New detached single-family home |
BRS-SFD residential permit |
Planning, Fire, grading, septic or sewer, water, driveway, Flood Control, school and mitigation fees |
Accessory dwelling unit |
BRS-ADU or Permit Ready ADU |
Zoning, flood eligibility, septic capacity, fire access, grading and utilities |
Addition to a house |
BAR-ASFR residential addition |
Setbacks, septic capacity, fire zone, grading, energy and trade permits |
Interior rehabilitation or remodel |
BAR-RSFR rehabilitation permit |
Existing and proposed plans, bedroom count, structural changes, energy and trades |
Detached garage, workshop or accessory building |
BAS accessory-building permit |
Zoning, fire separation, grading, septic setbacks, electricity and use limitations |
Patio cover, carport or deck |
BPT patio or deck permit |
County standard versus engineered plan, setbacks, grading and fire-zone materials |
Residential swimming pool |
BSP-RES pool permit |
Setbacks, septic clearance, barriers, alarms, bonding, electrical and gas |
Roof replacement |
BRR-RROO reroof permit |
Fire-hazard roofing, existing solar, sheathing repair and self-certification rules |
Roof-mounted or ground-mounted solar |
BEL solar permit |
Structural attachment, electrical, battery storage, fire access and grading for ground mounts |
Electrical, plumbing or mechanical work |
Separate BEL, BPL or BME permit |
Related building permit, licensed contractor and self-certification eligibility |
Clearing, excavation, stockpile, fill or private road |
BGR grading permit |
Soils, engineering, erosion control, NPDES, drainage, WQMP and securities |
Commercial building or tenant improvement |
BNR or BTI commercial permit |
Planning, Fire, accessibility, Environmental Health, grading, utilities and occupancy |
Existing unpermitted construction |
Construction Without Permit process |
As-built plans, engineering, investigative inspections, corrections and Code Enforcement |
Some Existing-Home Permits Use Residential Self-Certification
Listed self-certification work
- Water-heater replacement
- Residential plumbing or re-pipe
- Demolition
- Residential reroof
- HVAC or heat pump
- Water softener
- Window replacement
- Exterior siding, lath or plaster
Who must sign
The County lists these as mandatory self-certification permits requiring sign-off by a properly licensed contractor.
How the permit closes
The required certifications and supporting documents must be uploaded through PLUS Online and reviewed before the permit receives final approval.
Apply Online Without Losing the Application or Delaying Plan Check
Confirm jurisdiction, zoning and hazards
Use the APN and site address in Map My County. Check zoning, Specific Plan status, fire hazard, flood, liquefaction and environmental constraints.
Create or re-register the PLUS account
PLUS Online introduced a new sign-in process. Existing users must re-register with the same email address to reconnect prior permits and plans.
Download the correct master application
Use the Master Online Application for most permit types. Manufactured homes and roof-mounted solar use separate master applications.
Write a complete job description
Describe existing conditions, demolition, new construction, size, use, bedrooms, utilities, grading and every trade involved.
Upload the application, plans and supporting files
Plans must be readable and coordinated. Include every required form, calculation, report and authorization needed for initial review.
Pay the initial invoice within 72 hours
The financially responsible billing contact receives the invoice after staff reviews the online application.
Track the progress report and conditions
Open PLUS Online regularly. Contact the specific Planning, Fire, Environmental Health, Transportation, Flood Control or grading department assigned to each pending item.
Respond to all corrections in one coordinated resubmittal
Upload revised sheets, updated calculations and a response summary. Use Form 284-402 for deferred submittals or plan revisions when applicable.
Request issuance only after every clearance is complete
Plan-check approval alone is not permit issuance. Follow the official issuance instructions after all conditions and fees are cleared.
Download the job card and approved plans
Print full-size, legible, color-approved plans and keep the job card and stamped documents at the site for every inspection.
What Riverside County Expects in a Residential Plan Set
Title and site information
- Owner and designer information
- Project address
- Construction and occupancy type
- Applicable code editions
- Sheet index
- Dimensioned site plan
Site plan details
- Property lines
- Streets and driveways
- Setbacks
- Existing and proposed structures
- Easements
- Off-street parking
Floor plan
- Room sizes and intended uses
- Doors and windows
- Kitchen and bathroom fixtures
- HVAC and water heater
- Electrical outlets and lighting
- Existing plan for additions
Exterior and foundation
- All exterior elevations
- Finishes and roof covering
- Existing and finish grade
- Foundation dimensions
- Reinforcement details
- New-to-existing connections
Framing and sections
- Floor framing
- Roof and ceiling plan
- Structural details
- Cross sections
- Stairs and guards
- Truss calculations
Supporting documents
- Structural calculations
- Title 24 energy documents
- Soils report when required
- Special-inspection documents
- Material research reports
- Fire-sprinkler plans submitted to Fire
Clear Every Department Listed on the Permit Progress Report
Department or condition |
What it may control |
Practical next action |
|---|---|---|
Planning |
Zoning, setbacks, use, Specific Plans, environmental constraints and development conditions |
Review Map My County and contact Planning at 951-955-3200. |
Fire Department |
Access, water supply, sprinklers, fire-flow, defensible space and high-hazard construction |
Submit the assigned Fire package and obtain clearance. |
Environmental Health |
Septic systems, water wells, food facilities and environmental land-use clearance |
Provide the site, floor plan, percolation or system documentation requested. |
Transportation |
Driveway access, encroachment, private roads, street improvements and right-of-way work |
Apply for the correct driveway or encroachment permit. |
Flood Control |
Floodplain, drainage facilities, watercourses and flood-hazard conditions |
Provide elevation, hydrology or drainage information as assigned. |
Grading |
Clearing, excavation, fill, pads, private roads, compaction, erosion and WQMP work |
Obtain rough-grade approval before building issuance when required. |
School or mitigation fees |
Development fees triggered by new dwellings, floor area or project location |
Obtain the required fee letter, receipt or clearance. |
Utilities |
Water, sewer, electric, gas, fire-flow and service connection |
Confirm serving agencies and pay connection charges separately. |
Check Fire-Hazard Construction Before Selecting Products
Class A roof
The County fire-hazard handout states that new roofing in covered projects must be at least Class A.
Ember-resistant vents
Covered ventilation openings must use corrosion-resistant, noncombustible protection with openings generally between 1/16 and 1/8 inch.
Exterior walls
Covered wall assemblies must use noncombustible, ignition-resistant or qualifying heavy-timber construction.
Windows and glazed doors
Covered glazing can require multipane construction with at least one tempered pane or another approved fire-resistant assembly.
Exterior doors and garage doors
Exterior doors must meet approved material or fire-resistance options, while garage doors must resist ember intrusion at gaps.
Decks, projections and porch ceilings
Undersides, guards, exposed framing and porch ceilings can require ignition-resistant or noncombustible construction.
Resolve Septic and Water-Service Requirements Before Fixing the Building Location
New septic-system package
Environmental Health requires coordination with Building & Safety, a Land Use application and project-specific supporting documents.
Percolation and design
A new conventional system generally requires a percolation report and detailed plans signed by a professional registered with Environmental Health.
Water-service proof
The septic submittal includes documentation showing established water service, such as approved plans, a water bill or other accepted proof.
Prepare for a new onsite wastewater application
- Building permit or building application information
- Land Use application
- Percolation report
- Detailed septic plans
- Professional-of-record signature
- Scaled floor plan
- Bedroom and fixture information
- Established water-service documentation
- Reserve-area information
- Project-specific fees
Grading Can Block Building Issuance and Building Final
Grading activity |
County review |
What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
Clearing and grubbing |
Grading review |
Limits of disturbance, erosion control and vegetation-removal information |
Excavation, fill or embankment |
Grading permit |
Cut-and-fill quantities, slopes, drainage and compaction requirements |
Stockpiling |
Stockpile permit |
Material volume, location, duration, erosion and drainage controls |
Private road construction or widening |
Grading + access |
Road profile, drainage, fire access, turnarounds and encroachment details |
Building pad |
Rough-grade approval |
Soils report, compaction, certification and inspection request |
More than 5,000 cubic yards |
Engineered grading |
Plans and specifications signed by a licensed professional engineer |
Disturbance of one acre or more |
Construction stormwater |
WDID proof, current SWPPP and year-round BMP maintenance |
Before grading starts
Schedule the required pre-construction inspection and have the project consultants available when directed.
Before building issuance
Required rough grading, compaction reports, engineer certification and County rough-grade inspection must be approved.
Before building final
Precise grading, paving, drainage devices, WQMP facilities, reports and final certifications must be accepted.
A Driveway Can Require a Separate Transportation Permit
When it is needed
An encroachment permit is required for driveway installations and other work within a County-controlled public road right-of-way.
Other covered work
Excavation, street improvements, drainage facilities, structures, tree work and utility work in the right-of-way can also require approval.
Plan and security requirements
Some applications require construction plans and financial security to ensure the permitted work is completed correctly.
Which California Codes Apply in 2026?
2025 Building and Residential Codes
Riverside County lists the 2025 California Building Code and 2025 California Residential Code among its adopted codes.
2025 Mechanical, Plumbing and Electrical
Covered installations use the 2025 California Mechanical, Plumbing and Electrical Codes.
Energy and Green Building
The 2025 California Energy Code and California Green Building Standards Code apply to covered projects.
Free Standard Plans Still Require Site-Specific Approval
Available plan sizes
The County currently lists standard ADU plans of approximately 499, 625, 749 and 909 square feet.
Site eligibility
The parcel must meet the program’s zoning and single-family-site requirements. Flood and environmental constraints can require additional approval or make the standard route unsuitable.
Applicant responsibilities
The applicant still prepares the preliminary site plan, completes the cover sheet, signs the hold-harmless and clearance form, and submits through PLUS Online.
Keep the Job Card and Approved Plans at the Site
Before requesting
- Permit is issued and active
- Correct inspection type selected
- Work is complete for the stage
- Work remains exposed
- Approved plans are onsite
- Required reports are available
Prepare the site
- Visible jobsite address
- Safe and unlocked access
- Animals secured
- Required ladders supplied
- Inspector can reach all work
- Site contact is reachable
Inspection stage |
Typical work checked |
Do not proceed until |
|---|---|---|
Grading and site |
Pre-construction BMPs, earthwork, pad, drainage and erosion controls |
The required grading stage is approved |
Footing and foundation |
Location, setbacks, excavation, steel, anchors and foundation dimensions |
Concrete placement is authorized |
Underground trades |
Plumbing, electrical, mechanical and gas work below slab or grade |
The work passes before covering |
Combo or rough inspection |
Framing, shear, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, gas, fire blocking and exterior lath preparation |
All required rough disciplines pass |
Insulation and energy |
Insulation, air sealing, QII documentation and energy features |
The energy stage is approved |
Final |
Completed project, safety systems, utilities, site conditions and approved scope |
All building, trade, grading and outside clearances are complete |
Residential Pools Require Multiple Barrier and Bonding Checks
First inspection
Setbacks, forms, steel, conduit, ground plumbing, gas testing and partial grounding and bonding.
Second inspection
Equipotential bonding grid and slab grade, with barrier work checked when ready.
Third inspection
Primary barrier, alarms, rough electrical and additional bonding. Someone must be home for alarm verification.
Final inspection
Secondary barrier, alarms, bonding, service panel and completed pool installation.
Riverside County Building Permit Deposits and Fixed Fees
Permit category |
Published amount |
Fee type |
|---|---|---|
Detached single-family dwelling |
$6,691.95 |
Deposit |
Attached single-family dwelling |
$6,134.80 |
Deposit |
Accessory dwelling unit |
$6,691.95 |
Deposit |
Permit Ready ADU |
$4,348.86 |
Deposit |
Addition to single-family dwelling |
$3,723.50 |
Deposit |
Addition under 1,000 square feet |
$2,166.73 |
Deposit |
Residential pool |
$521.60 |
Fixed |
County-standard deck |
$450.10 |
Fixed |
County-standard solid patio or carport |
$313.70 |
Fixed |
Residential electrical permit |
$211.90 |
Fixed |
Residential service upgrade |
$293.40 |
Fixed |
Roof-mounted solar |
$427.50 |
Fixed |
Residential reroof with sheathing alteration |
$301.40 |
Fixed |
Residential mechanical |
$179.30 |
Fixed |
Residential plumbing |
$179.30 |
Fixed |
Single-family new-dwelling grading |
$2,071.70 |
Deposit |
Commercial new building |
$11,567.28 |
Deposit |
Commercial tenant improvement |
$3,429.13 |
Deposit |
Deposit
A deposit starts the County review. Additional charges can become due when actual processing or review exceeds the deposit.
Fixed fee
A fixed Building & Safety fee can still be accompanied by state surcharges and separate department charges.
Card payment fee
The County publishes a 2.28% payment-service charge for credit-card transactions. The County states that it does not retain this service fee.
What Common PLUS Online Statuses Mean
Search Current Permits and Archived Records Separately
PLUS Online
Use PLUS Online for the current permit status, reviews, invoices, conditions and uploaded documents associated with the account.
Public Permit Lookup
The public lookup is useful for broad research but states that its information is updated once daily and can be up to 24 hours behind.
Archived-record request
Submit the address or APN for older permit research. The County can charge for copies or archived-record research.
Search the exact permit number
Use the number from the job card, invoice, inspection notice or plan stamp.
Search by site address and APN
Use the parcel number when rural addressing, multiple structures or old records produce incomplete results.
Open all related permit records
Building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, grading, pool, Fire and Environmental Health work may be separate.
Review inspections and clearances
An issued permit is not proof that construction passed final inspection.
Save the final evidence
Retain the final inspection, Certificate of Occupancy when required and final grading or outside-agency clearance.
Keep Work Progressing and Request an Extension Before Expiration
Active construction
The County FAQ states that a permit remains valid while permitted work is proceeding.
Six-month inactivity risk
Work halted or abandoned for at least six months can cause the permit to be suspended or expire.
Extension request
The permit applicant or property owner should submit the County extension form in writing before expiration.
Fix Common Riverside County Permit Problems
Problem |
Likely cause |
Best next action |
|---|---|---|
PLUS cannot find the parcel |
Wrong city or County jurisdiction, address format or APN |
Use Map My County and verify the assessor parcel number. |
Old permits disappeared after login changes |
The new account uses a different email or social-login identity |
Re-register using the original email associated with the prior PLUS account. |
Application was voided |
The initial invoice was not paid within the required period |
Confirm the reason with Land Use Counter Services and reapply when ready to pay. |
Permit is approved but not issued |
Planning, Fire, Environmental Health, Transportation, Flood or grading clearance remains |
Run the PLUS progress report and contact the department assigned to each condition. |
Repeated plan corrections |
Plans, calculations and application describe different dimensions or scope |
Submit one coordinated package and a numbered response to every comment. |
Fire-zone products were rejected |
Roof, vents, walls, glazing, doors or projections do not meet Chapter 7A requirements |
Use the County fire-hazard handout before resubmitting product approvals. |
Grading hold blocks issuance |
Rough grading, compaction report, certification or inspection is incomplete |
Obtain the Grading Division’s rough-grade approval. |
Septic clearance is pending |
Percolation, plan, water-service or site information is missing |
Complete the Environmental Health Land Use package. |
Inspection was canceled |
Job card or approved full-size plans were not available onsite |
Print the issued documents from PLUS and reschedule when the site is ready. |
Permit appears open after construction |
A building final, trade permit, precise grading or outside clearance remains incomplete |
Request a complete closeout list and finish every linked record. |
What to Say When You Contact TLMA
“The property is at [address] with APN [number]. Can you confirm whether Riverside County or an incorporated city is the correct building-permit authority?”
“I plan to [exact work]. Which building, Planning, Fire, grading, septic, well, driveway, Flood Control, electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits are required?”
“Permit [number] shows [condition or status]. Which document, fee, inspection or department approval is still required?”
“Construction under permit [number] is complete. Which building, trade, grading, Fire or Environmental Health item remains before final approval?”
Do Not Consider the Project Complete Until These Are Confirmed
- County or city jurisdiction confirmed
- Site address and APN verified
- Zoning and setbacks confirmed
- Fire-hazard zone checked
- Flood and liquefaction checked
- Environmental constraints reviewed
- Planning clearance complete
- Fire clearance complete
- Septic or sewer clearance complete
- Water-service approval complete
- Driveway or encroachment permit complete
- Flood Control clearance complete
- Grading permit complete
- Rough-grade approval complete
- Correct building permit issued
- Trade permits issued
- Job card posted onsite
- Approved plans onsite
- Foundation inspection passed
- Rough trade inspections passed
- Combo or frame inspection passed
- Energy and insulation inspections passed
- Trade finals passed
- Precise-grade clearance complete
- Building final passed
- Certificate of Occupancy saved when required
- Every related permit closed
Riverside County Building & Safety Map
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 7:30 AM–5:00 PM; Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Building & Safety: 951-955-1800, option 5.
Open the Correct Riverside County Resource
Riverside County Building Permit FAQs
Where do I apply for a Riverside County building permit?
Apply through the County’s PLUS Online portal. Register or re-register the account, choose the correct application, upload the complete job description, plans and supporting forms, and monitor the permit progress report.
Does Riverside County issue permits inside incorporated cities?
Generally, no. Riverside County Building & Safety serves unincorporated County areas. Property inside an incorporated city normally uses that city’s building department. Confirm the APN and jurisdiction before applying.
What is the Riverside County Building & Safety phone number?
Call 951-955-1800 and choose option 5 for Building & Safety. The Palm Desert Building office can be reached at 760-863-8277.
What are the Permit Assistance Center hours?
The Riverside and Desert Permit Assistance Centers list hours of 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Thursday and 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Friday.
How do I schedule a Riverside County building inspection?
Call Building & Safety at 951-955-1800, option 5. For inspection questions, leave a voicemail at 951-955-1842. Keep the job card and full-size approved plans at the site.
Which California building codes apply in 2026?
Riverside County lists the 2025 California Building, Residential, Mechanical, Plumbing, Electrical, Energy and Green Building codes as the current adopted code editions for covered 2026 applications.
How quickly must I pay the initial PLUS Online invoice?
The County’s application instructions state that payment is required within 72 hours after the invoice is sent. If it is not paid, the application can be voided and the applicant may need to reapply.
Does a project using septic need Environmental Health approval?
It can. A new septic system requires Building & Safety coordination, a Land Use application, a percolation report, detailed plans, a scaled floor plan and proof of established water service.
When does Riverside County require a grading permit?
The County identifies clearing, grubbing, excavation, stockpiling, fill, embankments, private-road construction, paving, rough grading and precise grading as activities generally requiring grading review or a permit, subject to limited exemptions.
How do I confirm that a Riverside County permit was closed?
Search the permit in PLUS Online, review every linked building, trade and grading record, confirm all final inspections and clearances, and save the final inspection or Certificate of Occupancy when required.
Source and Accuracy Note
Building-Department.org is an independent informational guide and is not Riverside County Building & Safety. Permit requirements, fees, inspections, code interpretations and final approvals must be confirmed with the responsible County or city agency.
This page was rebuilt using official Riverside County Building & Safety, TLMA, PLUS Online, Environmental Health, Transportation, Map My County, grading, fee, inspection and permit-issuance resources.
Last reviewed: July 23, 2026.
Portal functions, forms, deposit amounts, service fees, office hours, department clearances and code requirements can change. Confirm time-sensitive information before applying, paying or starting work.
Khushboo Bobade is a public records researcher and editorial writer specializing in government service documentation and construction permit systems.
Her research focuses on explaining building permits, inspection procedures, zoning regulations, and public permit records maintained by local government building departments across the United States.
Professional profile: View LinkedIn Profile
Check Permit Type, Estimate Fees, Prepare Inspections and Find Official Building Department Links
Use this free tool before applying for a building permit, booking an inspection, checking zoning rules, or searching permit records. It helps homeowners, contractors, landlords, buyers, and business owners understand the next step before visiting the official building department portal.
What building department task do you need help with?
Choose your goal. The tool will suggest the right next step, what to prepare, and which official page to check.
Before starting work, check whether your project needs building, zoning, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, right-of-way, or HOA approval.
Many portals require contractor registration, license details, insurance, plans, owner authorization, and inspection scheduling access.
Building Permit Type Finder
Select the project type to understand which permits or reviews are commonly required. Always confirm with the official local building department.
Permit Fee Estimate Calculator
Estimate a rough permit fee using project value and common percentage-based review assumptions. Local minimum fees, technology fees, impact fees, reinspection fees, and trade fees can change the final amount.
Inspection Readiness Checklist
Use this before scheduling framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roofing, final, or certificate-related inspections.
Zoning and Setback Pre-check
Use this before applying for a permit when your project may affect land use, setbacks, lot coverage, height, parking, signs, fences, accessory structures, or business use.
Plan Review Timeline Estimator
Estimate how complex your review may be. Local staffing, incomplete plans, corrections, holidays, fire review, zoning review, and outside agency review can change timing.
Permit Records Search Helper
Use this if you are trying to find old permits, inspection history, certificate of occupancy details, open permits, or code-related records.
Official Building Department Resource Finder
Enter city/county and state to create safe searches for official permit portals, inspection scheduling, building codes, zoning maps, forms, fees, and contact pages.
Building Department vs Planning/Zoning
- Building Department: permits, plan review, inspections, code compliance, certificates.
- Planning/Zoning: land use, setbacks, height, lot coverage, signs, parking, variances.
Best sitewide placement
Place this tool after the first main guide section or before FAQs. It turns a normal article into a practical permit-preparation page.
Important note
This tool gives educational guidance only. Final permit requirements, fees, inspections, forms, and deadlines must be confirmed with the official local building department.