On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Blythe
Blythe states permits are required not only for houses, pools, and room additions, but also for patios, block walls, wrought-iron fencing, reroofing/roof repairs, water-heater replacement, drywall repairs, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, signage, decks, and bathtub/shower changeouts or repairs. Source URL: https://www.cityofblythe.ca.gov/185/Building-Permits---Do-you-need-one ; https://www.cityofblythe.ca.gov/180/Water-Heater-Changeouts
City of Blythe does not publish a standalone exempt-work handout on its building page.
Because Blythe applies the 2022 California codes, at least one state-code exemption clearly carried into California is one-story detached accessory structures not exceeding 120 square feet.
The California code exemption does not authorize work that violates zoning, fire, utility, or other local requirements.
- Exempt City of Blythe does not publish a standalone exempt-work handout on its building page.
- Exempt Because Blythe applies the 2022 California codes, at least one state-code exemption clearly carried into California is one-story detached accessory structures not exceeding 120 square feet.
- Exempt The California code exemption does not authorize work that violates zoning, fire, utility, or other local requirements.
Note: Blythe's public pages emphasize checking with the Building Department before starting work. Even where a building permit is exempt, separate planning/zoning, public-works, utility, right-of-way, health, or fire requirements may still apply. Source URL: https://cityofblythe.ca.gov/29/Building ; https://www.cityofblythe.ca.gov/185/Building-Permits---Do-you-need-one ; https://www.dgs.ca.gov/-/media/Divisions/BSC/03-Rulemaking/2018-Triennial-Cycle/2018-CAC-Review/BFO/HCD/HCD0418IETPt25.pdf ; https://www.dgs.ca.gov/-/media/Divisions/BSC/03-Rulemaking/2024-Triennial-Cycle/CAC/2024-07-09-BFO/SFM-05-24-ISOR-PT2_5.pdf
Required documents
- City permit application
- scaled plans
- site/vicinity plan
- structural/foundation/floor/elevation/construction details
- electrical/plumbing/mechanical details as applicable
- Title 24 energy calculations
- engineered truss calculations if applicable
- septic/well clearance where city services are unavailable
- school form
- and any required landscaping, utility, fire sprinkler, solar, grading, drainage, and pad-elevation materials listed on the city checklist. Source URL: https://www.cityofblythe.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/311/Building-Permit-Application
- https://www.cityofblythe.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/699
- Building code
- Blythe's Building page lists the current adopted codes as the 2022 California Building, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Fire, Energy, Residential, Administrative, Green Building Standards, Referenced Standards, Existing Building, and Historical Building Codes, plus the 1997 Uniform Housing Code and 1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings. The city's housing element also states Blythe applies the 2022 California Building Codes and has not adopted local amendments that constrain housing development. Source URL: https://cityofblythe.ca.gov/29/Building ; https://www.cityofblythe.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2104
- Permit validity
- Blythe says it applies the 2022 California codes. Under current California Building Standards Commission guidance and Health and Safety Code Section 18938.6, permits remain valid if work is commenced within 12 months after issuance; written extensions of up to 180 days each may be granted for justifiable cause. I did not find a Blythe-specific ordinance changing that general state rule. Source URL: https://cityofblythe.ca.gov/29/Building ; https://www.dgs.ca.gov/en/BSC/Resources/2022-Title-24-California-Code-Changes/Part-2-Chapter-1-Scope-and-Administration ; https://www.dgs.ca.gov/-/media/Divisions/BSC/07-About/Law/CBSC_LAW_2025-Eff01-01-2026.pdf
- Owner-builder
- Blythe warns that if the property owner pulls the permit instead of the licensed contractor, the owner assumes responsibility for the overall job, including legal and insurance-related obligations. CSLB's owner-builder guidance also applies statewide. Source URL: https://www.cityofblythe.ca.gov/182/Risks-of-Hiring-Unlicensed-Individuals ; https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Consumers/Building_Officials/Owner_Builder_Overview.aspx
- Contractor requirements
- Blythe's older consumer-warning page says California licensing is required at $500+, but current CSLB guidance states that, effective January 1, 2025, a CSLB license is generally required if the project requires a building permit, uses employee labor/workers, or has combined labor-and-material cost of $1,000 or more. Source URL: https://www.cityofblythe.ca.gov/182/Risks-of-Hiring-Unlicensed-Individuals ; https://www.cslb.ca.gov/consumers/hire_a_contractor/What_Kind_Of_Contractor.aspx ; https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Resources/PressReleases/2024/AB2622.FINAL.pdf
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: General building-permit turnaround was not published on the building page. Blythe's EVCS checklist publishes 5-10 business days for completeness review and 20-40 business days for approval/denial for expedited EVCS applications. Source URL: https://cityofblythe.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2152
- 01 Confirm scope and permit type with the Building Department, then download the City of Blythe permit application and the applicable checklist from the Building page. Source URL: https://cityofblythe.ca.gov/29/Building
- 02 Prepare the application with project address, APN, valuation, owner/contractor information, signatures, and permit type. Source URL: https://www.cityofblythe.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/311/Building-Permit-Application
- 03 Assemble submittal documents. For most residential remodels/patios/pools the city checklist requires three plan sets; for new/major projects or work involving city right-of-way/utilities, four plan sets. The checklist also calls for scaled site plans, floor plans, elevations, construction details, electrical/mechanical/plumbing details as applicable, Title 24 energy calculations, and other supporting items. Source URL: https://www.cityofblythe.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/699
- 04 Submit plans and pay plan-check fees at submittal. The checklist states the plan-check fee is due when plans are submitted. Source URL: https://www.cityofblythe.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/699
- 05 Respond to corrections if issued. The city's housing element states applications are reviewed for completeness and, once deemed complete and fees are paid, the city gives a response within 30 days on accepting the application submittals or requesting revisions. Source URL: https://www.cityofblythe.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2104
- 06 After approval, obtain the permit and complete required inspections before concealment/final completion. For EV charging permits, Blythe allows electronic submittal and says complete applications are to be promptly processed and administratively approved when they meet checklist requirements. Source URL: https://www.cityofblythe.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2081/Ordinance-No-916-22
Typical processing time: General building-permit turnaround was not published on the building page. Blythe's EVCS checklist publishes 5-10 business days for completeness review and 20-40 business days for approval/denial for expedited EVCS applications. Source URL: https://cityofblythe.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2152
Source: City of Blythe Development Services Department, Building Department / Building Division ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Blythe building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
A current standalone adopted building-fee schedule page was not located. In the city-published 2019 user fee study, minimum mechanical and minimum plumbing fees are shown as $49.50 current fee / $65 suggested Year 1; the study also lists an issuance fee and many unit-based permit items.
02
Plan check fee
The city checklist says the plan-check fee must be paid at plan submittal. The housing element reports sample 2023 plan-check fees of $1,964 for a single-family residence and $4,257 for an 8-unit apartment example. Source URL: https://www.cityofblythe.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/699 ; https://www.cityofblythe.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2104
03
Permit fee formula
Mixed. The user fee study shows residential valuation at valuation x 0.0001 and commercial valuation at valuation x 0.00021, plus flat/unit-based fees for many trade permits and development-related charges. Source URL: https://www.cityofblythe.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1404/User-Fee-Study-2019
04
Reinspection fee
The 2019 user fee study lists reinspection fees of $49.50 current / $55 suggested for electrical, mechanical, and plumbing categories. The manufactured-housing packet on the city site separately warns of a $60 reinspection fee for missed/failed manufactured-home inspections. Source URL: https://www.cityofblythe.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1404/User-Fee-Study-2019; https://www.cityofblythe.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/697
The city site clearly states plan-check fees are due at submittal. I did not find a building-permit payment-method page. For a related city licensing process, Blythe states payments are accepted as cash, check, or money order only; verify current permit payment methods with the Building Department before filing. Source URL: https://www.cityofblythe.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/699 ; https://www.cityofblythe.ca.gov/34/Business-License
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Source URL (online)
- https://cityofblythe.ca.gov/29/Building (online)
- (760) 922-6130 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Building office hours published are Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM-4:00 PM, closed on holidays. Source URL: https://cityofblythe.ca.gov/29/Building
Typical sequence: Blythe confirms it conducts inspections and states certificates of occupancy are issued only after full completion of a final inspection; temporary certificates of occupancy will not be issued. The city does not publish a general inspection sequence on its website, but for most building projects applicants should expect staged inspections keyed to the approved plans and adopted California codes before final inspection. Source URL: https://cityofblythe.ca.gov/29/Building ; https://www.cityofblythe.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/699
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Blythe permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Blythe, CA? ▸
Blythe states permits are required not only for houses, pools, and room additions, but also for patios, block walls, wrought-iron fencing, reroofing/roof repairs, water-heater replacement, drywall repairs, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, signage, decks, and bathtub/shower changeouts or repairs. Source URL: https://www.cityofblythe.ca.gov/185/Building-Permits---Do-you-need-one ; https://www.cityofblythe.ca.gov/180/Water-Heater-Changeouts
02 How much does a building permit cost in Blythe, CA? ▸
Building permit fees in Blythe, CA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is A current standalone adopted building-fee schedule page was not located. In the city-published 2019 user fee study, minimum mechanical and minimum plumbing fees are shown as $49.50 current fee / $65 suggested Year 1; the study also lists an issuance fee and many unit-based permit items.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. The user fee study shows residential valuation at valuation x 0.0001 and commercial valuation at valuation x 0.00021, plus flat/unit-based fees for many trade permits and development-related charges. Source URL: https://www.cityofblythe.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1404/User-Fee-Study-2019. Plan check fee: The city checklist says the plan-check fee must be paid at plan submittal. The housing element reports sample 2023 plan-check fees of $1,964 for a single-family residence and $4,257 for an 8-unit apartment example. Source URL: https://www.cityofblythe.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/699 ; https://www.cityofblythe.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2104.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Blythe, CA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Blythe, CA, follow these steps: 1. Confirm scope and permit type with the Building Department, then download the City of Blythe permit application and the applicable checklist from the Building page. Source URL: https://cityofblythe.ca.gov/29/Building 2. Prepare the application with project address, APN, valuation, owner/contractor information, signatures, and permit type. Source URL: https://www.cityofblythe.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/311/Building-Permit-Application 3. Assemble submittal documents. For most residential remodels/patios/pools the city checklist requires three plan sets; for new/major projects or work involving city right-of-way/utilities, four plan sets. The checklist also calls for scaled site plans, floor plans, elevations, construction details, electrical/mechanical/plumbing details as applicable, Title 24 energy calculations, and other supporting items. Source URL: https://www.cityofblythe.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/699 4. Submit plans and pay plan-check fees at submittal. The checklist states the plan-check fee is due when plans are submitted. Source URL: https://www.cityofblythe.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/699 5. Respond to corrections if issued. The city's housing element states applications are reviewed for completeness and, once deemed complete and fees are paid, the city gives a response within 30 days on accepting the application submittals or requesting revisions. Source URL: https://www.cityofblythe.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2104 6. After approval, obtain the permit and complete required inspections before concealment/final completion. For EV charging permits, Blythe allows electronic submittal and says complete applications are to be promptly processed and administratively approved when they meet checklist requirements. Source URL: https://www.cityofblythe.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2081/Ordinance-No-916-22
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Blythe, CA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Blythe, CA typically run General building-permit turnaround was not published on the building page. Blythe's EVCS checklist publishes 5-10 business days for completeness review and 20-40 business days for approval/denial for expedited EVCS applications. Source URL: https://cityofblythe.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2152. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Blythe, CA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Blythe, CA. The following work is generally exempt: City of Blythe does not publish a standalone exempt-work handout on its building page.; Because Blythe applies the 2022 California codes, at least one state-code exemption clearly carried into California is one-story detached accessory structures not exceeding 120 square feet.; The California code exemption does not authorize work that violates zoning, fire, utility, or other local requirements.. Note: Blythe's public pages emphasize checking with the Building Department before starting work. Even where a building permit is exempt, separate planning/zoning, public-works, utility, right-of-way, health, or fire requirements may still apply. Source URL: https://cityofblythe.ca.gov/29/Building ; https://www.cityofblythe.ca.gov/185/Building-Permits---Do-you-need-one ; https://www.dgs.ca.gov/-/media/Divisions/BSC/03-Rulemaking/2018-Triennial-Cycle/2018-CAC-Review/BFO/HCD/HCD0418IETPt25.pdf ; https://www.dgs.ca.gov/-/media/Divisions/BSC/03-Rulemaking/2024-Triennial-Cycle/CAC/2024-07-09-BFO/SFM-05-24-ISOR-PT2_5.pdf When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Blythe, CA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Blythe, CA via: Source URL, https://cityofblythe.ca.gov/29/Building, (760) 922-6130. Building office hours published are Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM-4:00 PM, closed on holidays. Source URL: https://cityofblythe.ca.gov/29/Building.
last verified April 2026
source City of Blythe Development Services Department, Building Department / Building Division ↗
entry id permits/california/riverside/blythe
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Blythe Development Services Department, Building Department / Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.