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.
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.
Do I need a permit to build a short retaining wall or planter wall?
A permit is required for retaining walls over 4ft. 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).
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.
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.
Does someone need to be present at the job site for the inspection?
On minor residential projects, such as patios, decks, pools, 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.
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.
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.
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.
How do I get a copy of my house plans?
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 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 for current processing fee and procedures).
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 951-461-6053 to get inspection results, but the results may not be available until the following business day.
How do I request a building inspection?
You can request a building inspection by calling our automated voicemail system at 951-461-6050, requesting your inspection in person at the building safety counter at City Hall or by email at murrieta.org/building department, on-line building inspection request. Please be prepared to provide the project number, project address, type of inspection and a contact phone number.
If I have a problem or question when can I talk to my Inspector?
Inspectors are available Monday thru Thursday in the mornings from 7:30am-8:30am and in the afternoon from 4:00pm to 5:00pm.
What are Building Safety Department hours?
The Building Safety Department is open Monday-Thursday, from 7:30am-5:30pm. Please note that the office is closed and inspections are not available on Friday. Same day permit processing hours are between 7:30am-approximately 3:30pm. The cashier closes at 4:00pm daily and applicants must make payment before 4:00pm to complete same day permit processing.
What are the hours of inspection?
Inspections are done Monday thru Thursday approximately between 8:30am and 3:30pm.
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.
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 for an estimate of fees. (951-461-6055).
What time will my inspector show up?
Every inspection varies from one project to another, so this makes it difficult to say what time they will arrive at your job site. You could call 951-461-6062 to get an approximate time or you can communicate with your inspector the day of your inspection, between 7:30am and 8:30am and coordinate a time with your inspector.
When will my permit expire?
A building permit is valid for 180 days after it is issued. In addition, a 180 day extension may be granted by the Building Director. In most cases the permit will not be expired unless the applicant has failed to a call for an inspection a show progress on the project or has failed to request an extension in the 180 days from issuance. 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.
