Riverside's construction boom means more builders than ever need to navigate the city's permit system. From downtown high-rises to suburban developments across California and everything in between, most construction work requires a Riverside building permit before you can break ground.
This guide breaks down what contractors, developers, and trade professionals need to know to pull permits in Riverside, California:
- Which projects require permits
- What’s exempt
- How fees are calculated
- How to use the city’s Public Permit Portal
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What requires a building permit in Riverside?
Permits in Riverside are required for most construction and regulated work. Specifically, any of the following actions must first be approved through the city's permitting process:
- New commercial or residential buildings, additions, and accessory structures
- Structural and non-structural renovations (e.g., tenant improvements)
- Roofs, decks, patios, fences, and signs
- Plumbing, electrical, mechanical (HVAC), and solar work
- Change of occupancy, demolition, and temporary structures
What doesn’t require a permit?
The following types of work do not require a building permit, provided they meet the specified conditions:
- One-story detached accessory structures (like tool/storage sheds or playhouses) with a floor area of 120 sq ft or less
- Fences under 7 feet high (note: the Planning Division approval may still be required if the fence is in a front-yard setback)
- Oil derricks
- Retaining walls not over 4 feet high (measured from bottom of footing to top), unless they hold or support Class I, II, or IIIA liquids
- Water tanks on grade with capacity <5,000 gallons and a height-to-diameter or width ratio <2:1
- Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over a basement/story below, and not part of an accessible route
- Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
- Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery
- Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 24 inches deep, under 5,000 gallons, and entirely above ground
Refer to the city’s permits page to find the full list of exceptions for building permits.
Who handles permitting in Riverside?
The Building & Safety Division under the Community & Economic Development Department processes all permits.
- Apply through the Riverside permit portal powered by the POSSE Land Management System: submit applications, pay fees, schedule inspections, and more, 24/7
- For assistance, call (951) 826‑5800 or visit City Hall (3900 Main Street - 3rd Floor, Riverside, CA 92522).
Riverside building permit cost
City fees are based on building valuation or per‑square‑foot categories. Here’s what you should know.
Permit valuation tiers
Valuation-based fees (building permit valuation)
Additional fees:
- Permit issuance: $30 per permit
- Plan check: Same as building permit fee, or $75/hr for hourly rate purposes
- SMIP fee, State surcharge, and other surcharges apply per state and local mandates
Riverside trade permits
Electrical permits
Required for panels, circuit changes, solar, and more.
Plumbing permits
Needed for fixtures, piping, gas work, etc.
Mechanical (HVAC) permits
Required for new or modified heating, cooling, and ventilation systems.
Miscellaneous
Roofing, decks, fencing, accessory structures, and signage each requires its own permit.
To get more information on your specific case, refer to the building permit and plan check fees page.
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Do Riverside building permits expire?
Most permits become invalid if you don't start work within 180 days of getting them, or if you stop working for 180 days after starting. Residential building permits give you 12 months to begin work before they expire. You can ask the building official for written extensions of up to 180 days each if you have good reasons for the delay.
How to get a building permit in Riverside
Step 1: Identify your permit type
Determine whether you need a building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or other trade-specific permit. The City of Riverside Building & Safety Division provides details on what requires a permit and what’s exempt.
Step 2: Gather documentation
Prepare your submittal package, which may include:
- Building plans and site plans
- Structural design calculations
- Title 24 energy compliance documents
- Trade-specific documentation (plumbing, mechanical, electrical, etc.)
- Contractor’s license information
- Completed Riverside building permit application
Step 3: Submit via Public Permit Portal
The City of Riverside uses an online Public Permit Portal. Here are the steps you should take:
- Register and create an account
- Complete the correct application form
- Upload your plans and documents
- Pay the initial plan check and permit issuance fees online
Step 4: Review & respond
City staff will review your application for compliance with:
- Building codes
- Energy efficiency (Title 24)
- Accessibility (ADA)
- Zoning and fire safety requirements
You may receive comments or correction requests. Respond promptly to keep the process moving.
Step 5: Pay remaining fees & issuance
Once your plans are approved:
- Pay any outstanding fees (plan check balance, impact fees, trade permits, etc.)
- The City issues your building permit electronically
Step 6: Schedule inspections
Use the Public Permit Portal to schedule required inspections (foundation, framing, electrical, final, etc.). You can also track inspection status online and will receive email notifications.
Riverside permitting resources
- Building & Safety Division
- Address: 8095 Lincoln Avenue, Riverside, CA 92504
- Building services: (951) 351-6160
- Fleet: (951) 351-6157
- Hours: 7:30 AM. – 4:30 PM.
- Public Permit Portal
- Riverside building permit application
- Building permit and plan check fees
- Permit info page
Simplify permitting in Riverside with PermitFlow
Pulling permits in Riverside can be time-consuming and unpredictable. Between navigating the city’s online portal, meeting California Building Code requirements, and responding to correction requests, it’s easy for projects to stall. If you’re managing multiple jobs or racing against tight deadlines, every delay costs you.
PermitFlow takes the hassle out of permitting. Our software manages the entire process — preparing, submitting, and tracking every application so your projects move forward without the paperwork headaches.
Why contractors choose PermitFlow:
- Local expertise: Our team knows Riverside’s permitting requirements inside and out, ensuring your applications get approved without surprises.
- All-in-one dashboard: Track every permit in one place, across every city you build in.
- Faster approvals: We get submissions right the first time, helping you avoid rejections and keep timelines on track.
Don’t let permits derail your project schedule.Talk to our permitting experts today to see how PermitFlow can help.
