ADU permit process in Riverside, California
Last verified August 29, 2026
Prepared by GetYourPermit editorial teamReport an error
This guide includes the portions of the City permit process that passed our evidence review. Confirm project-specific requirements with the City before submitting.
Where to apply
- Department
- Building & Safety Division
- Permit portal
- City Online Portal System
- Contact
- (951) 826-5800
Step by step
- 1
Confirm permit-ready ADU eligibility and prepare preliminary site plan
Check zoning, flood-hazard and cultural-resource eligibility Plot property and preferred ADU location using MapRiverside Contact Planning when eligibility help is needed Eligibility determination information and preliminary site plan
- 2
Create Portal account and submit complete ADU application package
Register and apply in the Public Permit Portal Upload selected plans, completed T1.1, Hold Harmless Agreement, Planning ADU Express Clearance Form and preliminary site plan when using permit-ready plans Online permit submittal
- 3
City completes initial submittal completeness check
Provide all required plans, documents and information Complete application enters plan-check queue, or applicant must complete submission
- 4
Required City departments review construction plans and conditions
Monitor Portal and download conditions report when notified Discuss additional requirements with relevant departments as instructed Approved plans or conditions/corrections report
- 5
Address plan-check corrections and upload resubmittal package
Prepare separate correction response letter Identify response, sheet/page location and cloud/delta changes Upload resubmittal and response letter Resubmitted plans/documents for additional review
- 6
Fulfill conditions and fees for Building Permit issuance
Fulfill all conditions in conditions report Pay all fees in full Download approved plans after issuance Issued Building Permit and downloadable approved plans
- 7
Schedule Building & Safety inspections and receive results
Request inspections in the Public Permit Portal Review inspection results Inspection results
- 8
Final inspection and Certificate of Completion
Complete final inspection requirements Final Inspection and Certificate of Completion
What you need to submit
- Building Permit Application
- Hold Harmless Agreement and Planning ADU Express Clearance Form
- Selected permit-ready ADU plan and completed T1.1 cover sheet
- Preliminary site plan
- Plan-check correction response letter
Pre-approved ADU plans
Use Riverside’s official page to confirm which designs, site conditions, and supplemental documents qualify. Plan-check timing still depends on the project and city review.
View pre-approved plansProject-specific next step
Build your Riverside permit report
Choose your ADU type and size to bring the City process, researched permit fees, and early construction budget into one planning report.
Sources for this guide
Additional city reference pages
- CityPermits
The current City permits page states fees vary by scope, provides the Permit Counter contact, and links the Building & Safety Permit & Plan Check Fees document.
Accessed August 28, 2026
The official PDF publishes separate plan-check and permit rates by residential project category, square-foot minimums and maximums, permit issuance, state formulas, and City surcharges. The document does not display an effective or revision date.
Accessed August 28, 2026