The Building & Safety Division exists to protect the built environment while providing responsive professional services that facilitate development in the City. We advise on construction related laws, codes and standards, local building ordinances and the City’s development process. The Division collects fees and issues building permits, performs plan reviews and conducts building inspections, ensuring construction in the city is safe, accessible and code compliant. Building & Safety also supports the City’s emergency preparedness and disaster response efforts that impact buildings, ensuring the habitability and safe occupancy of structures in the City.
On an annual basis, the Division issues approximately 6,000 building permits, services over 20,000 customers and completes over 50,000 building inspections in support of the City’s continued growth, helping you BUILD Riverside.
Mission Statement
To protect the health, safety and welfare of our residents and visitors through the equitable enforcement of building standards, which serve to safeguard our built environment, ensure sustainable facilities and enhance the quality of place for our community.
Permit Process at a Glance
Every construction project in Riverside follows a similar path, from your first idea to final approval. Explore the process below to see how Building & Safety partners with you at every stage to ensure your project is safe and code-compliant.
Select a step to learn more
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Start with a Project Idea
This is the initial stage where a property owner identifies a need-such as building a new structure, adding an ADU, remodeling, or making site improvements At this step, the applicant should assess feasibility, gather basic information, and consult early with qualified design professionals.
Planning Clearance
Before submitting for a building permit, the project must be reviewed by the planning Division to ensure it complies with zoning, land use, setbacks, Height limits, historic requirements, and other development standards.
Some projects may require discretionary review or entitlements, such as Conditional Use Permits, Variances, or environmental review. These processes require formla applications, public notices, hearings, and aproval by the Planning Commission or City Council. Only after Planning approval is granted can the project proceed to the building permit stage. To contact the Planning Division, go to
https://riversideca.gov/cedd/planning.
Permit Application & Plan Submittal
The applicant submits construction plans, supporting documents, and the permit application to Building & Safety. Submissions can be in person, or online through the public permit portal.
All submittals undergo an initial completeness check, which typically takes 1–3 business days. During this step, staff verify that the required plans, documents, and information have been provided.
A permit application is not placed into plan review until it is deemed complete. Once complete, the project officially enters the plan check queue and the published plan review turnaround times begin.
Plan Review
During plan review, Building & Safety and other reviewing departments including Planning, Fire, Public Works, Public Utilities, Environmental Compliance, and Parks, evaluate the plans for compliance with all applicable codes and regulations
Comments or corrections are issued as needed, and the applicant submits revised plans until all agencies approve the design. When the plans fully comply with codes, city ordinances, and department requirements, they are prepared for permit issuance.
Permit Issuance
Once plan review is completed and all approvals are obtained, the applicant pays the required permit fees. Building & Safety then issues the building permit. The permit includes the approved plans, inspection card, and conditions of approval. Construction may begin only after permit issuance.
Construction & Inspections
The contractor performs the work in accordance with the approved plans. The contractor is responsible for scheduling inspections at key stages of construction, including but not limited to, underground utilities, foundation, framing, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing. During these inspections, a Building Inspector will verify that the work complies with the approved plans and all applicable codes.
Final Inspection & Certificate of Completion
When construction is completed, the applicant schedules a final inspection. If all work passes inspection and all departments clear the project, Building & Safety issues a Certificate of Occupancy. This signifies that the project is complete, safe, and approved for use.