Land Use Help Center
Zoning, Permits and Application Status
To avoid delays, please email one inbox only. Duplicate emails create backlogs.
Do I need a permit?
Quick checklist of common projects:
- Patio cover / shade structure
- Roof replacement (reroof)
- Fences / block walls
- Pools & spas
- Water heaters / HVAC
- Solar (PV / ESS)
Not sure? Add an interactive “Permit Guide” questionnaire link here.
Do I need a building permit?
Check the Exempt Work list (what does not require a permit).
Find my zoning
- Go to Map My County
- Use APN or Address → select “Search” → view your zoning (e.g., R‑1, W‑2).
- For setbacks → open the Zoning Ordinance PDF and go to your zone’s Development Standards.
- If zoning shows a Specific Plan (SP####) → use the Specific Plans page.
How to apply (PLUS)
Step-by-step for online applications:
- Create/log in to your PLUS account
- Select the application type
- Upload required documents
- Pay fees
- Track your progress report
- Respond to comments
Add quick videos: “How to Apply”, “How to Upload Plans”, “How to Check Status”.
Revisions for approved plans
Use Form 284-402 for plan revisions.
- Download this revisions form.
Include: revised sheets with clouds/deltas, a summary of changes, and any updated calcs/reports. Upload everything to your PLUS record.
Duplicate permits
Submit the Application for Withdrawal (Form 284-100) on the duplicate record.
- Upload the signed form to the permit (or email it per your division’s instructions). Once approved, you may proceed with the active permit.
Construction without a permit
See Construction Without Permit (CWP) – As-Built guidance (Form 284-060).
Please make an in-person appointment for additional information.
Business registration (license)
The County of Riverside does not issue business licenses.
If you’re performing covered construction activities, you must register with the Storm Water Compliance Program.
Check application status
Log in to PLUS → run a Progress Report → contact the listed departments for any pending items. If your due date has passed, email [email protected] with your permit number.
FAQs: setbacks, Planning, encroachment & more
Setbacks: See “Find My Zoning” above and check your zone’s Development Standards in the ordinance.
Encroachment & Grading: Call Grading & Transportation at (951) 955-6790.
Planning Questions: Email [email protected].
Permit Issuance
If your plans are approved and all clearances are complete, email [email protected] only.
Pending items
- If your permit has outstanding clearances, log in to your PLUS account to run a progress report and contact the appropriate departments directly.
- Once all items are cleared, email [email protected] to request issuance.
Plan Check status
- Status is available online in your PLUS account.
- If your due date has passed, email [email protected] with your permit number, and we will forward your request to the plan check team.
Zoning setbacks
- Schedule an in-person appointment.
- Or view our short video: [Insert Video Link]
Progress reports
- You can run a progress report anytime by logging in to your PLUS account.
School letters
- Please email your request to [email protected] or schedule an in-person appointment.
Mitigation fee creation
- Please email [email protected] or make an in-person appointment.
Contacts and appointments
We review emails in the order received. Thank you for helping us reduce duplicates and speed up service.
Other inquiries
- For Planning questions, email [email protected].
- For all other departments, please contact them directly using your PLUS progress report.