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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Murrieta
Murrieta requires a permit for owners or authorized agents intending to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change occupancy of a building or structure, and for installing, enlarging, altering, repairing, removing, converting, or replacing regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems. The city also states that construction such as plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work shall not be done without a permit.
One-story detached accessory structures used as tool/storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses not exceeding 120 square feet
Fences not over 6 feet high
Retaining walls not over 4 feet high measured from the bottom of footing to the top of wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding specified liquids
Water tanks supported directly on grade up to 5,000 gallons, subject to the listed height/diameter ratio limit
Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over a basement/story below, and not part of an accessible route
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets/scenery
Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to Group R-3 occupancy meeting the city's exempt thresholds
Window awnings supported by an exterior wall meeting the city's exempt limits
Nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high
Residential decks under CBC/CRC Section R105.2 not exceeding 200 square feet, not more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to the dwelling, and not serving the required exit door
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures used as tool/storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses not exceeding 120 square feet
- Exempt Fences not over 6 feet high
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet high measured from the bottom of footing to the top of wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding specified liquids
- Exempt Water tanks supported directly on grade up to 5,000 gallons, subject to the listed height/diameter ratio limit
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over a basement/story below, and not part of an accessible route
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets/scenery
- Exempt Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to Group R-3 occupancy meeting the city's exempt thresholds
- Exempt Window awnings supported by an exterior wall meeting the city's exempt limits
- Exempt Nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high
- Exempt Residential decks under CBC/CRC Section R105.2 not exceeding 200 square feet, not more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to the dwelling, and not serving the required exit door
Note: Murrieta states permit exemptions do not authorize work that violates the code or other laws. Murrieta FAQ also says wood, vinyl, or wrought iron fence replacement does not need a permit if it stays in the same location and same height, but block walls require a permit and may require a signed shared-wall property-owner agreement.
Required documents
- At minimum
- Murrieta directs applicants to submit a CSS application account
- DS-147 Building Permit Application, and any applicable plans/documents. Depending on project type, the city publishes project-specific submittal forms such as DS-136 through DS-139, digital submittal requirements DS-162
- CalGreen checklists
- SB 407 forms, and Title 24 energy forms. Residential Title 24 CF-1R and nonresidential energy code forms must be completed in the online fillable format and show "COMPLIES."
- Building code
- Murrieta's current Building & Safety and Forms/Handouts pages state that as of January 1, 2026, all new submittals are subject to the newly adopted 2025 California Building Codes. Murrieta previously adopted the 2022 California State Building Standards Codes and local Chapter 1 administrative provisions by ordinance.
- Permit validity
- Murrieta FAQ states a building permit is valid for 365 days after issuance. If it expires, the applicant may need to restart the process, update plans to current code requirements, and pay fees again.
- Owner-builder
- Murrieta publishes DS-144 Owner-Builder Information. The owner-builder is the responsible party of record; owner signatures are required when owners are personally performing the work. The city warns that contractors are required to be licensed and bonded by California and to hold a city business license. Murrieta also states inspections cannot be requested until the owner-builder verification form is returned.
- Contractor requirements
- The Permit Processing page states City business license and State contractor license information and expiration dates must be present on permit applications. DS-144 states contractors must be licensed and bonded by California and must place their license number on permits.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Murrieta lists permit processing as currently 15 business days.
- 01 Confirm the project is within Murrieta city limits and make sure the property has both an address and APN before submittal.
- 02 Create a CSS Portal account.
- 03 Review the applicable submittal checklist and digital submittal rules, then complete the required application forms. Common forms include DS-147 Building Permit Application, DS-148 Building Plan Review Application, and project-specific checklists such as DS-136, DS-137, DS-138, DS-139, or IB-125 for residential solar.
- 04 Upload the application, plans, and supporting documents through the CSS Portal and submit electronically.
- 05 Pay invoiced permit/application fees through the portal.
- 06 Monitor plan review comments and status in CSS; if revisions are required, respond through the city workflow. Murrieta states plan check fees include up to three reviews, with added cost for later reviews.
- 07 After issuance, keep the permit/approved plans available, schedule inspections through CSS, and submit all final project documents digitally before final inspection.
Typical processing time: Murrieta lists permit processing as currently 15 business days.
Source: City of Murrieta Development Services Department, Building & Safety Division ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Murrieta building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Murrieta does not publish one single citywide minimum building permit fee. In the FY 2025/26 Building & Safety fee schedule, some listed building plan check charges start at $65.47 before inspection fees and added surcharges.
02
Plan check fee
Varies by permit type. Example: "Multi-Family & Single Family Alterations and Fire Damage Repair" lists plan check fees of $94.45 for minor work, $200.70 for complex work, and $348.81 for fire-damage repair. Murrieta notes plan check fees include a maximum of three plan reviews, with additional cost for subsequent reviews based on the fully burdened hourly rate.
03
Permit fee formula
Mixed. Many permit categories use fixed plan check and inspection fees by project type, while some fees are established by the state based on valuation. The schedule also adds separate line items such as Building Dept Mandated Training ($3.22), GIS Processing Fee ($5.37), and record-retention charges by page/plan size.
04
Reinspection fee
The Inspections page states that on residential inspections, 3 failed inspections or late same-day cancellations result in a reinspection fee. The fee schedule states reinspection fees are assessed at actual cost based on the fully burdened hourly rate, with a one-hour minimum. The same schedule also includes investigative fees for work done without a permit at actual cost.
05
Penalty (no permit)
The Inspections page states that on residential inspections, 3 failed inspections or late same-day cancellations result in a reinspection fee. The fee schedule states reinspection fees are assessed at actual cost based on the fully burdened hourly rate, with a one-hour minimum. The same schedule also includes investigative fees for work done without a permit at actual cost.
Murrieta states applicants can pay associated permit and application fees through the CSS Portal after account registration and submittal.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- https://murrietaca-energovpub.tylerhost.net/apps/SelfService#/home (online)
- 951-461-6062 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Inspections are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Murrieta states AM inspections run about 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and PM inspections about 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. All solar inspections are conducted during AM hours. Requests for the next business day must be submitted by 4:00 PM the previous business day, effective January 1, 2026.
Typical sequence: Varies by permit type. Murrieta directs applicants to IB-163 for permit-specific required inspections. In practice, the city expects applicants to request only the inspections applicable to the project and to have approved plans, permit, job card, and project forms available. Final project documents must be uploaded digitally before final inspection.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Murrieta permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Murrieta, CA? ▸
Murrieta requires a permit for owners or authorized agents intending to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change occupancy of a building or structure, and for installing, enlarging, altering, repairing, removing, converting, or replacing regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems. The city also states that construction such as plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work shall not be done without a permit.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Murrieta, CA? ▸
Building permit fees in Murrieta, CA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Murrieta does not publish one single citywide minimum building permit fee. In the FY 2025/26 Building & Safety fee schedule, some listed building plan check charges start at $65.47 before inspection fees and added surcharges.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. Many permit categories use fixed plan check and inspection fees by project type, while some fees are established by the state based on valuation. The schedule also adds separate line items such as Building Dept Mandated Training ($3.22), GIS Processing Fee ($5.37), and record-retention charges by page/plan size.. Plan check fee: Varies by permit type. Example: "Multi-Family & Single Family Alterations and Fire Damage Repair" lists plan check fees of $94.45 for minor work, $200.70 for complex work, and $348.81 for fire-damage repair. Murrieta notes plan check fees include a maximum of three plan reviews, with additional cost for subsequent reviews based on the fully burdened hourly rate..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Murrieta, CA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Murrieta, CA, follow these steps: 1. Confirm the project is within Murrieta city limits and make sure the property has both an address and APN before submittal. 2. Create a CSS Portal account. 3. Review the applicable submittal checklist and digital submittal rules, then complete the required application forms. Common forms include DS-147 Building Permit Application, DS-148 Building Plan Review Application, and project-specific checklists such as DS-136, DS-137, DS-138, DS-139, or IB-125 for residential solar. 4. Upload the application, plans, and supporting documents through the CSS Portal and submit electronically. 5. Pay invoiced permit/application fees through the portal. 6. Monitor plan review comments and status in CSS; if revisions are required, respond through the city workflow. Murrieta states plan check fees include up to three reviews, with added cost for later reviews. 7. After issuance, keep the permit/approved plans available, schedule inspections through CSS, and submit all final project documents digitally before final inspection.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Murrieta, CA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Murrieta, CA typically run Murrieta lists permit processing as currently 15 business days.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Murrieta, CA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Murrieta, CA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures used as tool/storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses not exceeding 120 square feet; Fences not over 6 feet high; Retaining walls not over 4 feet high measured from the bottom of footing to the top of wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding specified liquids; Water tanks supported directly on grade up to 5,000 gallons, subject to the listed height/diameter ratio limit; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over a basement/story below, and not part of an accessible route; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets/scenery; Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to Group R-3 occupancy meeting the city's exempt thresholds; Window awnings supported by an exterior wall meeting the city's exempt limits; Nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high; Residential decks under CBC/CRC Section R105.2 not exceeding 200 square feet, not more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to the dwelling, and not serving the required exit door. Note: Murrieta states permit exemptions do not authorize work that violates the code or other laws. Murrieta FAQ also says wood, vinyl, or wrought iron fence replacement does not need a permit if it stays in the same location and same height, but block walls require a permit and may require a signed shared-wall property-owner agreement. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Murrieta, CA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Murrieta, CA via: https://murrietaca-energovpub.tylerhost.net/apps/SelfService#/home, 951-461-6062. Inspections are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Murrieta states AM inspections run about 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and PM inspections about 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. All solar inspections are conducted during AM hours. Requests for the next business day must be submitted by 4:00 PM the previous business day, effective January 1, 2026..
last verified April 2026
source City of Murrieta Development Services Department, Building & Safety Division ↗
entry id permits/california/riverside/murrieta
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Murrieta Development Services Department, Building & Safety Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.