Presentation — Economic Development Committee, July 17, 2025

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RiversideCA.govBuilding Plan Check Self-Certification ProgramEconomic Development CommitteeJuly 17, 2025Community & Economic Development Department RiversideCA.gov2
Economic Opportunity:Deliver programs that accelerate the permit process in a predictable, transparent mannerEmergency Response:Implement tools and resources that expedite the disaster recovery processPURPOSE

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OBJECTIVESEducate and Inform the CommitteeReview Program Guidelines and ProcessDiscuss Programs "Phased Approach"Discuss Residential/Commercial Project TypesConsideration Items (Pros and Cons)Discuss steps to Program Implementation RiversideCA.gov4
WHAT IS SELF-CERTIFICATION?
Approved Licensed Design Professionals certify plans comply with adopted codes and bypass the building plan check process - expediting permitting review and approvalsLicensed ArchitectsLicensed Engineers 7/3/2025
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SELF-CERTIFICATION HISTORY
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PROGRAM ACCEPTANCE & ELIGIBILITYProgram Acceptance:CA Licensed architects and engineers withfive years of experience may apply. Uponapproval by the Building Official, they cansubmit eligible projects.Eligible Project Types:Staff will verify eligibility during pre-screeningand identify required approvals which mustbe obtained before permit issuance. 7/3/2025
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INSURANCE & INDEMNIFICATIONSelf-Certified Professionals must:1. Provide professional liability andErrors and Omission's insurance;and2. Submit Indemnification Letterholding the City harmless forproject-related claims or non-compliance.

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ELIGIBILE PROJECTSPROJECT TYPESResidentialResidential Interior RemodelsResidential 1 Story Room Additions < 500 SFResidential Detached Accessory Structures < 1200 SFResidential Patio Covers and Carports < 1200 SFResidential Detached Garages < 1200 SFRebuild of Single-Family Homes Impacted by a Natural DisasterImage of eligible project

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ELIGIBILE PROJECTSPROJECT TYPESCommercialImage of eligible project Commercial Tenant Improvements < 5,000 SF Commercial Patio Covers/Shade Structures < 1,500SFCommercial Accessory Structures < 1,500 SFRooftop Solar PV Carports and PV SystemsSite Improvements RiversideCA.gov10
KEY EXCLUSIONSProjects that include any of the following:•Historic Preservation•Environmental Review•Very High and High Fire Severity Zones•High Hazardous Uses•New Buildings

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SELF-CERTIFICATION ROADMAPProgram Application & AcceptanceEligible Project Pre-Screening Complete Application and Plan SubmissionStaff Completeness Check Applicationand Plan Approval Plan Prep Process and Final FeesConstruction and Field Inspections Permit Issuance Certificate of Occupancy 1 to 3 business day process from acceptance to permit issuance RiversideCA.gov12

AUDIT POLICY
Four or more projects accepted inany given monthWithin the preceding 12 months, no projectsubmitted by a Self-Certified Professional hasbeen audited by the departmentASelf-Certified Professional has failedany audit within three yearsField inspection reveals Self-Certified plansdo not comply with City of Riverside codes,ordinances, or standards.All self-certified plans are subject to random audit to verify compliance with therequirements of the Program and Code. Audits may be conducted either before orafter the self-certification permit is issued at a rate of at least 10% of the submittedprojects.In addition to the random audits, projects may be audited if:
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PROSRapid Permit IssuanceShorter Project TimelinesInitial Cost Savings CONSCode Compliance and SafetyIncreased Construction Costs and DelaysInspector Responsibility & Workload CONSIDERATIONSEconomic Advantage for the City
Revenue Impacts and Program Management
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PROGRAM IMPACTSPlan Check Fees: right size fees to actual time spent on programProgram Registration Fees: fee for registration, entry and maintenance of ProgramInspection Fees: re-inspectionsFees and Cost Recovery Considerations

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NEXT STEPSDraft final Program Resolution and OrdinanceDraft Fee Schedule Update and ResolutionFinalize Program Guidelines and PolicyCreate Program Supporting DocumentsSoftware Update to support the ProgramStaff Training and Resources RiversideCA.gov16
Strategic Priority No. 5 –High Performing GovernmentGoal 5.2: Utilize technology, data, and process improvement strategies to increase efficiencies, guide decision making, and ensure services are accessible and distributed equitably throughout all geographic areas of the CitySTRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT

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RECOMMENDATIONS1. Receive and file a report on the proposed BuildingPlan Check Self-Certification Program; and2. Provide input and direction to proceed with the draftOrdinance and related supporting documents to CityCouncil for consideration.