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Building & Safety Department

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1. I want to change out my existing lighting fixtures. Do I need a permit?

Yes, a permit is necessary when changing out any lighting fixture for either a residential or commercial property.

2. I need help with my project. Are Building Inspectors available to come to my home?

Yes. City of Beaumont offers a FREE House Call Program. Building Inspectors are available to visit your home or business to offer advise on your project.

3. When are building permits required?

A building permit is required when there is a proposal to build a new structure, a wall, remodel, enlarge, alter, or modify the interior or exterior of a structure; including the change out of lighting fixtures.

4. How tall can I build my fence or wall at my home?

A fence or wall at the front or side property line of your home can be maximum height of 3 1/2 feet(42 inches). At the rear of the property, fences and walls can have a maximum height of 6 feet.

5. When are electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits required?

Permits are required for any electrical, plumbing, or mechanical improvements. New installations, alterations, modifications, replacements or change outs also require permits.

6. Do accessory buildings require a building permit? What are the setbacks?

Yes. Any structure with 120 square feet of projected roof area or larger requires a building permit. A site plan and building plan are required, providing details to explain the proposed work. ALL accessory buildings have setbacks. Contact the Planning Department for your setback information (951) 769-8518.

7. Does a lattice or solid patio require a permit and what is the cost?

Yes. All patios and decks require a building permit. Please fill out our handout that we have in the office, on this website under 'document center' or if it is an ICBO (alumawood)patio, please bring in two copies of the calculations and three plot plans.

8. Do I need a permit for a gas line? How deep do I need to put it?

Yes, a building permit is required. Gas lines must be 18” below finished grade.

9. Do I need a permit for a portable spa?

Although the spa itself doesn't need a permit, the electrical line does.

10. Does a concrete or asphalt driveway require a building permit?

No. Flatwork, which does not have footings, does not require a permit. Keep in mind your water flow lines; properties drain from the back to the front. Water should not intrude on neighboring properties.

11. Do I need a permit to re-roof (replace roofing material) my house and what is the fee?

Yes, you do need a permit to replace your roof. The cost is based on the valuation of the project, but is eligible for a 50% stimulus reduction of the fee.

12. I am getting ready to dig a hole in my yard, but I don't know if there are any utilities buried underground. Is there someone I can call to help me locate them?

Before you start digging, contact DIGALERT to help you locate buried utilities. Their phone number is 1-800-422-4133. DIGALERT

13. Do I need a permit for a fence or block wall? Where can I put it on my property?

Before beginning work, contact the Planning Department for proper placement on the property 951.769.8518. Permits are required for any block wall, retaining wall, or pilasters over three feet in height.

14. Does a permit expire?

Yes, building permits expire 180 days from the date of last inspection.

15. How many plans are required to be submitted into plan check?

a. For Residential Plan Check we require: three sets of architectural plans, two sets of structural calculations and two sets of Title 24 Energy Calculations.
b. For Commercial Plan Check we require: four sets of architectural plans, three sets of structural calculations and three sets of Title 24 Energy Calculations.

16. How long does the plan check process take?

All plan checks have a 10 business day turn around for first corrections. After first submittal, return time may decrease.

17. When can I request an inspection?

Requests for inspections must be received in the Office of Building and Safety before 7:00 am the day of the inspection. You may reach the inspeciton line 24 hours at 951.769.8529 x365.

18. I want to extend an electrical line. Is a permit required? How deep do I need to put it?

Yes, a building permit is required. Electrical lines should be in conduit and buried 18" deep below finished grade whether under a slab or under dirt.

19. When are the inspectors available in the office?

Building Inspectors are available Monday through Thursday from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm and from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm on Friday. Remember, City offices close at 12PM every Friday.

20. How much does a building permit cost?

The cost of building permits depends on the project. City of Beaumont offers a 50% stimulus plan for all improvement projects to properties. Your inexpensive permit will be only 50% of the normal fee. Call us for a permit cost estimate. 951-769-8529

21. What is 50% economic stimulus plan?

City of Beaumont offers a 50% reduction of plan check and building permit fees when improving your existing property and structure. For instance, a remodel, block wall, patio or swimming pool would recieve a 50% reduction of fees.

22. How many layers of roofing material (shingles) can I put on my house before I have to tear off?

Two layers of roofing material are permissable on a structure. Three layers is not. If you get to three layers, you will need to tear off the previous two.

23. I want to build a little structure that is smaller then 120 square feet, do I need a permit?

If your accessory structure is less then 120 square feet, you do not need a permit. However, you still need to make sure you are putting it in an area that does not intrude on your setbacks. TYPICALLY, although they can vary depending on the development, structures need to be at least 5 feet from the side property line, 10 feet from the back property line, and 10 feet from any other structure (the home or patio cover). For more specific setbacks at your particular property, please contact the Planning Department 951-769-8518.

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Code Compliance

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1. Do I need a permit for a yard sale?

Yes. Residents are allowed one yard sale every six months. Sales can be conducted for up to five consecutive days. You must come into City Hall to fill out a yard sale permit. The cost is $5.00. Contact the City of Beaumont at 951.769.8520.

2. How long can I park my car on the street?

Vehicles may park on City streets, in the same location, for a period not to exceed 72 hours.

3. How do I report a code violation, including property needing maintenance, illegal dumping or an abandoned vehicle?

Call City of Beaumont Code Compliance at 951.572.3234 or submit your report to our Request Partner.

4. Who do I contact to report graffiti that needs to be removed?

Call the ‘Quality of Life’ hotline at 951.572.3233.

5. How can I get rid of a junked or inoperable vehicle?

City of Beaumont will remove your junk/inoperable vehicle for free. No registration required. Call Code Compliance at 951.572.3234.

6. Can I park my vehicle on my front yard?

No. Vehicles may not park in front yard or side yard open space areas.

7. How long can my RV, and/or trailer parked on the street?

Motor homes, recreational and utility trailers that are attached to a tow vehicle may be parked on a street or alley for a period not to exceed 72 hours. Recreational and utility trailers that are not attached to a tow vehicle may be temporarily parked for a period not to exceed two (2) hours.

8. Who maintains the right-of-way including the trees?

Homeowners/Tenants are responsible for the maintenance of the landscaping from the property line to the curb. This includes trimming, cutting back, removal and replacement of trees. Call the Planning Dept. for more information at 951.769.8518.

9. Can I have a canopy in the front of my house?

Yes, but only if it is behind the setbacks. Call the Planning department for information on your setbacks 951.769.8518

10. How can I advertise for my yard sale?

A maximum of three (3) signs are permitted; signs shall be limited to a maximum size of three (3) square feet; signs shall only be placed on private property, and not in the public right-of-way or on utility poles; and signs shall only be erected on the day of the event as permitted and shall be removed at sunset each day.

11. What are the restrictions for posting signs, banners and flags?

All signage, including special event and wall signage, shall be approved prior to being erected on premises. You must get an approved sign permit from the Planning Department before any signs, banners, or flags are put up at 951.769.8518.

12. Who do I call for animal control issues?

The City of Beaumont has its own Animal Care Department. For questions or to report an animal care issue, please call Beaumont Police Dispatch at 951.769.8500.

13. Who do I report West-Nile Virus concerns to?

Call Riverside County Environmental Health Vector Control (satellite office located at 800 S. Sanderson Ave in Hemet) at 951.766.9454 or for emergency after-hours at 951.358.5245.
Riverside County Environmental Health

14. Who do I report dead birds/squirrels suspected of having West Nile Virus?

Call California West Nile Virus Department at 877.968.2473 or 877.WNV.BIRD.
California West Nile Virus Department

15. Can I put my trashcans out the night before trash day and how long can they stay on the curbside?

Yes. Trashcans should be out on the curbside by 6:00 am on service day. Trashcans should be brought in from the curbside the same day or next morning after service day.

16. Where can I dispose of hazardous waste (batteries, oil, paint)?

Call City of Beaumont Code Enforcement for information 951.572.3234 or contact Riverside County Hazardous Waste Department at 800.304.2226
Riverside County Hazardous Waste Department

17. Who do I call when I have bulky items to dispose of?

Waste Management gives Beaumont residents an opportunity to dispose of bulky items free of charge twice a year. To schedule an appointment call Waste Management at 800.423.9986.

18. What are the construction noise work hours?

Construction noise work is allowed from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm in residential zones.

19. Can I drain my swimming pool water into the gutter?

Only clean and clear water may drain into the gutter. Do not add any chemicals to the water for three days before you plan to drain the pool, allowing the chemicals in the water to dissipate.

20. Can I put a portable basketball hoop at the end of my cul-de-sac?

No. Portable basketball hoops are not allowed on public right-of-way including, but not limited to, streets, alleys and sidewalks, whether temporarily or otherwise.

21. Who do I contact to have a shopping cart picked up in my neighborhood?

Please contact Code Enforcement Office at 951.572.3234.

22. Do I need a permit for an alarm on my home or business?

Yes you do need a permit. An application is available in the 'Document Center' under 'Buidling & Safety', and is titled Alarm Permit Application. Or you may contact the Building & Safety Department at 951.759.8529. There is no fee for the permit.

23. Can I build a Carport in front of my house?

Carports may require a permit. Contact Building & Safety Department for more information 951.769.8529

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Economic Development

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1. How are my property taxes calculated?

A typical property tax bill in the City of Beaumont contains 1% general purpose tax based on the assessed value of the property;0.21864% debt service for various agencies(Beaumont-Cherry Valley Water District, Beaumont Unified School District, San Gorgonio Pass Hospital District, San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency); and parcel taxes(Flood Control District and Hospital District). If the home is located in the City of Beaumont Community Facilities District(CFD)93-1, then the property tax bill will also include the annual Beaumont CFD 93-1 facilities and services fee.

2. What is the property tax stimulus program?

The property tax stimulus program is a way to assist our residents with the payment of their property tax, which also allows for the quicker collection of property tax revenue to be used for facilities and services within the City.

3. What do property taxes do for me?

Property taxes pay for a variety of public facilities and services within the local community. Facilities and services most commonly paid for using property tax funding include streets and sidewalks, sewer lines, community parks, street lighting, and landscaping.

4. Can I create a savings plan to pay for my property taxes?

Yes! The City of Beaumont's Economic Stimulus Plan allows homeowners who are not delinquent in their property taxes but who would like a savings mechanism (impound account) in place, the City will bill the homeowners estimated property tax over six annual sewer and trash billings and place payments into a seperate account for the benefit of the homeowner with Citibank. Property tax will then be paid on their December and April 10 due dates.

5. What do development impact mitigation fees pay for?

Development Impact Mitigation fees pay for critical public improvements which include but are not limited to, constructing traffic signals, railroad crossings, fire stations, emergency preparedness funding, etc. Development fees also include construction of critical infrastructure facilities(i.e. Streets, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, etc.) Examples of these projects are the Oak Valley Parkway Street Improvement projects. Another component that is part of these Development fees is the preservation of natural plants and species as well as the protection of open space.

6. I heard that Beaumont is reducing development impact mitigation fees...is this true? And by how much?

Yes! The City of Beaumont approved a temporary reduction of Development Impact Mitigation fees in February 2009. These fees will scale back up to the full amount by July 1, 2012. Please review the Graduated Schedule for these updated fees by clicking the link below. Graduated Schedule of Development Fees

7. What does the Development Impact Mitigation Fee Deferral Program do for me?

Development Impact Mitigation fees are requested to be paid by the City prior to issuing building permits for the project. The City of Beaumont's new Fee Deferral program allows for the Development Impact fees to be paid at the final approval stage of the building process.

8. Is my property eligible for the recently expanded Neighborhood Improvement Program?

To be eligible for this program, the property must be existing commercial or residential property within the Redevelopment Project Area. To review the Project Area Map use the link below. Redevelopment Area Map

9. I have heard the City of Beaumont has reduced its permit and plan check fees with the Economic Stimulus Plan. Is this true? How does it work for me?

Yes, Existing residential and commercial properties Citywide would be eligible to receive a fifty percent (50%) reduction in building permit, grading permit, plan check and inspection fees for on site improvements including remodeling, building code upgrades and accessory uses such as patio covers, pools and structural additions.

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Police Department

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1. How much does a police report cost?

Report costs are $0.25 cents per page for black & white and $0.45 per page for color.

2. How do I get my towed vehicle released?

Respond to the Beaumont Police Department with the registered owner and a valid drivers license. There is a $75 fee for the release.

3. Does the Police Department offer livescan fingerprinting? How much does it cost?

Yes for residents or businesses in Beaumont. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-12. Beaumont Police charges $10, however additional fees may be required by the Department of Justice or FBI depending upon the level of service.

4. What are your hours of operation of the property department?

The Police Property Unit is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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Property Department

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1. Where do I go to get my property back?

All property is released by appointment only. Call the Police Property Unit at (951) 769-8500 for release information and appointments.

2. How do I get my found property back?

Found property is held for a period of 90 days. If the property is unable to be returned to the rightful owner, it may be offered back to the finder. The Police Property Unit will mail a letter to the finder. A response must be made within 15 days from the date on the letter in order for the finder to be able to claim the property.

3. How do I get my property held for safekeeping back?

Property held for safekeeping will be held for a period of at least 60 days. If the owner of the items is known, a letter will be mailed to the owner requiring that the owner respond by telephone within 15 days to retrieve the items. If no response is received within 15 days, the items may be disposed of in the manner prescribed by law. Firearms held for safekeeping are an exception.

4. How do I get my firearms back?

Firearms held for safekeeping or evidence as a result of a family problem, a violent crime or potentially violent crime or mental health issue have special requirements for release.

5. Can someone else pick up an owner's property?

Yes. The owner must write a “letter of permission.” The letter should be dated and signed by the owner. It should give a specific person permission to retrieve the owner’s property.

Example:

Today’s Date

Beaumont Police Property Unit,

My name is John Smith. I am currently unable to retrieve my property under police report number P302001002 due to being hospitalized, incarcerated, etc. I give permission for my Mother, Jane Smith, to retrieve my property from the Beaumont Police Property Unit.
Signature

The person picking up the owner’s belongings should have the police report number, the original letter of permission and valid picture identification in the form of a California Driver’s License, a California Identification Card or a Passport.

6. What if property has been wrongly released or destroyed?

The citizen may contact the Beaumont City Hall at 951.769.8520 to file a claim.

7. Does the Police Property Unit auction unclaimed property and evidence?

All unclaimed property and evidence ia sold through an online auction at StealItBack.com. The proceeds from the auction are deposited into the City’s general fund. Website

8. How do I get my vehicle released after it has been towed by the Police Department?

Procedures for getting your vehicle released depend on whether it was towed for a parking violation or impounded for 30 days for more severe offenses.

Follow the link for additional details. More...

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Public Works Department

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1. How do I schedule an inspection for my current public works project?

You may either fill out an Inspection Request Form or call us at 951.572.3222.

2. How do I get added to the public works bid list?

See Bidders List Form

3. What are the road standards and specs?

The City of Beaumont uses the Riverside County standards.
Riverside County Standards