Riverside City Council
October 21, 2025

10/9/2025
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RiversideCA.govBuilding Plan Check Self-Certification ProgramOctober 21, 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 1 2
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OBJECTIVESEducate and Inform Council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 Engineers3 4 10/9/2025
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SELF-CERTIFICATION HISTORY
RiversideCA.gov6
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. 5 6
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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 7 8
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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 9 10
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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:11 12 10/9/2025
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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Project Application Fee - $300.00right size fees to actual time spent on programProgram Application Fees - $2,500.00 fee for registration, entry and maintenance of ProgramProgram Renewal Fee - $700.00 confirm professional qualifications and track approval statusFees and Cost Recovery Considerations 13 14
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NEXT STEPSImplement Program Resolution and OrdinanceExecute Fee Schedule Update and ResolutionExecute Program Guidelines and PolicyProgram Supporting DocumentsSoftware Update to support the ProgramStaff Training and Resources RiversideCA.gov16
RECOMMENDATIONSThat the City Council:1. Hold a public hearing to Adopt a Resolution amending the Master Fee Schedule - CEDD - Building to implement the Building Plan Check Self-Certification Pilot Program2. Adopt a resolution amending the City’s Fees and Charges Schedule to add three (3) Building Plan Check Self-Certification fees: (1) Design Professional Program Application Fee, (2) Design Professional Program Renewal Fee and (3) Total Project Application Fee3. Adopt an ordinance establishing a Building Plan Check Self-Certification Pilot Program15 16