The information below is taken from the City of Riverside, CA website

Building Permits & Inspection

Permits are the way the City of Riverside regulates construction. This is designed to ensure that all construction in the city is safe. The safety of the occupants of buildings is the primary reason for having construction codes. The City of Riverside has adopted several codes, among them the Uniform Building, Mechanical and Plumbing, and National Electrical codes.

In addition, there are federal, state and local laws that govern construction, alteration, enlargement, conversion, reconstruction, remodeling, rehabilitation, erection, demolition, moving or repair of a building such as those covering energy conservation and disabled access. The City has handouts to help you through this process. Once plans are approved, you’re required to build the project to those plans. If any changes are made to the plans, they must be made with the City’s approval.

• Plan Submittal & Plan Review
  There can be many aspects to a building project, including architecture, electrical and plumbing, and the City's objective is to ensure the finished project meets its safety, aesthetical, and community standards. Some projects may require blueprints or third-party environmental impact reports. Others, like a reroofing project on an existing structure may only require a written estimate from a licensed contractor. The City's Planning Division is responsible for pre-approving construction project plans
• Permit Granted
  Once approval is granted, a permit is issued for the construction to begin. The construction generally must be completed within 180 days from the issuance of the permit.
• Building Inspection
  A City building inspector may need to inspect the project during or after the construction to ensure the work is being done according to the approved plans and City building codes. These inspections are specified in the permit and may occur without the need for the home or business owner to be present.
  The City may also engage the services of pre-approved outside inspectors for certain types of construction projects.
• Permit Closed or Finaled
  After the final inspection, the permit and plans are archived by the City and can be viewed online using the City's Permit Records Online website.

Permit Applications and Forms

The information below is taken from the City of Riverside, CA website

Business Licensing

Do I need a City of Riverside Business License?
If you are a business entity doing business within the City of Riverside, then Yes, you will need to have a valid City Business License. If you have specific questions concerning Business Licenses in the City of Riverside, contact the Business License Division at (951) 826-5465.

What about Workers’ Compensation Insurance?
Contractors State license law requires that all California licensed contractors maintain Workers’ Compensation Insurance coverage if they have employees. The law also requires that the contractor present the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Certificate to the Building and Safety Department at the time of permit issuance.

How long is a permit good for?
A building permit is valid for 180 days after it is issued. In addition, a 180 day extension may be granted by the Building Official. In most cases, a permit will not be expired unless the applicant has failed to call for an inspection and show progress on the project for a 360 day period.

Once a permit is expired, you may be required to begin the permit process from the beginning and pay all of the applicable fees again, so it is wise to avoid permit expiration.

The detailed municipality information displayed on this page is not a property of America's Building Records (ABR). This information is complied for your convenience from the municipality's official website. For the most up-to-date information please visit their official website.