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Building Safety

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1. How do I submit my plans electronically?

Effective August 1, 2022, all plan submittals are completed electronically.  Please visit our permit processing page for specific information @ https://www.murrietaca.gov/163/Permit-Processing.

*Please only submit your plans to one email address.  Review the above website before you submit.*

2. Do I need an appointment to submit my plans?

No, please contact the Building and Safety Department @951-461-6062 for questions.

3. How do I request a building inspection?

You can request a building inspection by:

• As of January 4, 2021, all inspection requests will be submitted through this website under the Building and Safety Inspection page ( www.murrietaca.gov/165/Inspections)  and by clicking on Inspection request link.
• Requesting your inspection in person at the building safety counter at City Hall

Please be prepared to provide the project number, project address, type of inspection and a contact phone number.

4. Does someone need to be present at the job site for the inspection?

Minor Projects

On minor residential projects, such as patios, decks, re-roofs and solar systems, where the work to be inspected does not require the inspector to enter the home or garage, the inspections can be performed without the contractor or home owner present. Be sure to allow access to the inspection area and make sure any dogs or animals are secured. If a ladder is required for the inspection, have one available for the Inspector to use. Also, please leave approved plans, permit, job card and any forms pertaining to your project available for the Inspector. 

Larger Projects

On larger projects that require access to the building or inside the home we recommend that the contractor, home owner, or someone 18 years of age of older be present.

5. What is required for Plan Review submittal?

See submittal requirements for the type of project you are submitting. Plan review submittal fees are based on type of and square footage of project.

Contact the Building Safety Department at 951-461-6062 for any questions regarding submittals.  All submittals are now done electronically.

6. How do I know if my inspection was approved?

The best way to know if your inspection was approved is to be present at the time of the inspection.

Another way is to look at the inspection job card. If it was approved the inspector will sign his initials with the date for the specific inspection.

You may also call 951-461-6062 to get inspection results, but the results may not be available until the following business day.

7. If I have a problem or question, when can I talk to my Inspector?

Inspectors are available Monday through Thursday in the mornings from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. and in the afternoon from 4 to 5 p.m.

8. How do I get a Certificate of Occupancy?

If you are requesting a permit and inspection for occupancy, please refer to submittal requirements for Tenant Improvements or Submittal Requirements for Tenant Occupancy Inspection.

Either of these processes once permitted and inspected will generate a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O). A City Business License must also be obtained prior to the C of O being issued.

9. How do I apply for a building permit?

Different processes and approvals are required for different types of permits. If you are not sure what type of permit you are requesting, speak with one of the Development Services Technicians and they will help you identify the type of permit required.

Many permits require more than just building department approval. The planning department, engineering department, fire department and other agencies may also need to review and approve your permit application and plans.

Building permits are now required to be submitted electronically.  Please visit on permit processing site for more information. https://www.murrietaca.gov/163/Permit-Processing

10. Do I need a permit to replace my water heater?

A permit is required for a water heater replacement. There are several code requirements that must be verified by a qualified inspector. An improperly installed water heater can be very dangerous, so it is important that you obtain a permit and schedule the required inspection.

11. Do I need a permit to replace my wood fence?

You do not need a permit to replace your fence with a wood, vinyl or wrought iron fence provided it is in the same location and the same height. Block walls require a permit and may require a signed property owner’s agreement for shared walls constructed on property line.

If you are changing the location or height of the fence, contact the Planning Department 951-461-6061 for their regulations regarding fencing.

12. Do I need a permit to build a short retaining wall or planter wall?

A permit is required for retaining walls over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, or for shorter walls that are surcharged. (Examples of surcharge would be a slope, vehicle parking structure).

13. When will my permit expire?

A building permit is valid for 365 days after it is issued. 

Once a permit has expired you may be required to begin the permit process from the beginning, possibly update plans to current code requirements and pay the applicable fees again. The request and affidavit are then sent to the architect, engineer, and owner. Upon receipt of a signed authorization from the architect, engineer, and owner the plans may be duplicated. If no response is received in 30 days, the plans may be duplicated.

14. Can I review permit and plan records for my property?

In order to provide timely service to all customers at the counter, it is recommended that you complete the records request form provided by City Clerk’s office and schedule a time to review or purchase copies of the documents.

All active and scanned permits and plan records (if available) may be viewed at the Building Safety Department by appointment. Copies of some documents will not be provided unless the Affidavit for Duplication of Plans process has been completed. Applicable fees will apply for copies provided.

The option for a disk containing the requested copies may also be available.

15. Do I need a building permit for a storage shed?

Storage sheds less than 120 square feet in area do not require a building permit. The shed cannot be located in the front yard and must be located at least 3 feet from the side and rear property lines. The shed cannot be over 12 feet in height.

16. What are the hours of inspection?

Inspections are done:

• Monday through Thursday between approximately  8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
• Every other Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; check the City's calendar for the hours of operation on these days

17. What time will my inspector show up?

You can go to the Building and Safety's Inspection webpage (link below), scroll down to the bottom and click on the link to view today's run sheet.  The run sheets will be posted by 8am each business day with the current day's run sheet.  If your inspection has an "AM" next to it you inspection will be performed between 8am and 12pm.  If you have a "PM" your inspection will be preformed between 12pm & 3:30pm.  Please know that ALL solar inspections are preformed in the AM timeframe.

murrietaca.gov/165/inspections

18. Can I get an inspection without a city issued permit?

No. You must apply for a permit and follow the appropriate submittal requirements for your project.

19. What do I need when my inspector shows up for my inspection?

Please have the approved plans, permit, job card and any forms pertaining to your project available for the Inspector. If any of these items are absent the inspection will not be done and you will have to re-schedule the inspection. In addition the work to be inspected must be complete when the inspector arrives.

20. How do I get a copy of plans and or past permits?

State law requires that plans become copyrighted documents when an architect or engineer has placed their professional seal upon them. The plans may not be duplicated without the written authorization of the architect or engineer who prepared them. The law also requires the owner of the plans to authorize the duplication of the plans.

In order to receive copies of the City’s set of approved plans, an Affidavit for Duplication of plans must be completed and submitted to the Building Safety Department with a processing fee. Contact the Building Safety Department at 951-461-6062 for current processing fee and procedures.

To see what the City of Murrieta has on file you can request records through the City Clerks webpage.