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Building & Safety Department

Show All Answers

1. When are building permits required?

A building permit will be required when a commercial or residential building proposes to remodel, enlarge, alter, or modify the interior or exterior of a structure. Building plans are required in detail to explain the proposed work.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Do I need a permit for a gas or electrical line and how deep do I put it?

Yes. A permit is required if the gas line or electrical line is longer than six feet in length. Gas lines must be 12” deep and sleeved if it will be running under a slab. Electrical lines must be 18” deep if running under a slab.

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

You must only get a permit for the electrical line, if it is over six feet in length. If running under a slab, it must be 18” deep and sleeved.

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

No. Flatwork, which does not have footings, does not require a permit; However, the driveway approach at the curb line requires a permit to be issued from the Public Works Department 951.769.8520.

9. When is a grading permit required?

A grading permit is required when moving, importing or exporting more than 50 cubic yards of earth. Plans are required to be prepared by a Civil Engineer. Contact the Public Works Department (951) 769-8520.

10. 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 on the project. Please note: you are only allowed to apply three layers of roofing material before a tear off is required.

11. Do I need a permit for a fence or block wall and where can I put it on my property?

Before beginning work, contact the Planning Department for proper placement on the property 951.769.8518. We do not require a permit for a wood or wrought iron fence. However we do require permits for any block or retaining wall over three feet in height.

12. Does a permit expire?

Yes, a building permit issued by the Department of Building and Safety shall expire 180 days from the date of last inspection. After that time, the permit will become null and void. Renewals and extensions on permits may be granted, depending on the permit status and completed inspections.

13. 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: six sets of architectural plans, three sets of structural calculations and three sets of Title 24 Calculations.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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.