Overview
Licensed architects and engineers registered in California may certify that building plans comply with adopted codes and significantly shorten permit timelines.
Open Accepting Applications Updated
Key Contacts
Building & Safety Division – City of Riverside
- (951) 826-5697
-
Office Hours
- 9AM - 4PM Monday/Tuesday/Thursday/Friday
- 10AM - 4PM Wednesdays
What is Self-Certification?
Under the City of Riverside Self-Certification Pilot Program, licensed architects and engineers registered in the State of California may certify that plans they prepare comply with adopted building codes and standards. This allows applicants to bypass the City’s technical plan review, significantly reducing the time between application submittal and permit issuance.
Permit issuance timeline: Once the application is deemed complete, the permit will be issued within 5 business days.
Important note: “Complete” means all plans and supporting application documents are provided, and any required conditions prior to permit issuance are satisfied.
Building owners and qualified design professionals retain flexibility: they may self-certify eligible projects or proceed through the standard plan review process. Self-certification draws on the professional responsibility of licensed design professionals to ensure submittals meet all applicable building code requirements.
Eligible Projects
Residential Projects
Projects Eligible
- Interior remodels
- Single-story room additions under 500 SF
- Detached non-habitable accessory structures under 1,200 SF
- Patio covers and carports under 1,200 SF
- Detached garage under 1,200 SF
- Rebuild of single-family dwellings impacted by a natural disaster
Projects Not Eligible
- New commercial construction
- Hazardous (H), Institutional (I), and Assembly (A) with 100+ occupants
- High-rise buildings
- Projects in geologically hazardous locations, subject to liquefaction, subsidence, expansive soils, etc.
- Projects which require significant grading, unpermitted construction
- Projects in FEMA special floodplain hazardous area
- Properties located within a historic district, identified as a potential cultural resource or listed as a cultural resource
- Projects needing entitlement or Design Review
- Projects in very high fire severity zones
Commercial Projects
Projects Eligible
- Interior tenant improvements < 5,000 SF with no structural mods or change of use
- Accessory patio covers < 1,500 SF with no major site improvements
- Non-habitable accessory structures < 1,500 SF
- Freestanding solar PV, carport PV, and rooftop PV with no structural retrofit, or battery storage
- Minor site improvements not affecting circulation or utilities
Projects Not Eligible
- New commercial construction
- Hazardous (H), Institutional (I), and Assembly (A) with 100+ occupants
- High-rise buildings
- Projects in FEMA Special Floodplain Hazard Area
- Properties located within a historic district, identified as a potential cultural resource, or listed as a cultural resource
- Projects in geologically hazardous locations (e.g., liquefaction, subsidence, expansive soils, etc.)
- Projects which require significant grading
- Unpermitted construction
- Projects needing entitlement or Design Review
- Very High Fire Severity Zones
How to Apply for the Program
To qualify for the program, a licensed design professional must:
- Be registered in CA as an Architect or Civil Engineer and in good standing with a minimum of 5 years of experience;
- Maintain the plans examiner's certification (3b) administered by the International Code Council (ICC).
Minimum insurance limits
- Commercial General Liability: not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 general aggregate
- Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions): not less than $2,000,000 in an amount not less than $2,000,000
- Worker’s Compensation and Employer’s Liability: limit of not less than $1,000,000 per accident for bodily injury or disease
Refer to Section D of the Program Guidelines for more information.
Eligible professionals must download and complete the Application for Self-Certifying Professionals. Full instructions are included in the form.
How to Submit a Project
Once accepted into the program, the licensed design professional may self-certify projects by applying for a building permit through the City of Riverside POSSE LMS system and uploading all documents listed in the self-certification project application checklist below.
Submission requirements (checklist):
Department review:
The City will review the submittal to:
- Confirm all required documents and forms are complete
- Verify project eligibility for the Self-Certification Program
- Ensure all necessary pre-approvals are obtained
- Check plans and documents for completeness
If corrections are needed, the Self-Certified Profession will be notified to revise and resubmit.
Please note:Submitting a project does not guarantee immediate permit issuance. Building & Safety will assess all conditions prior to permit issuance. Once all requirements have been satisfied and the application is deemed complete, permits can be issued within 5 business days following administrative approval.
After approval, the Department will notify the Self-Certified Professional to pay all applicable fees before the permit is issued.
Program Fees
| Fee | Description | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Design Professional Program Application | Initial enrollment | $2,500.00 |
| Design Professional Program Renewal | Annual | $300.00 |
| Project Application | Per self-certified project | $700.00 |