On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Norco
Norco Municipal Code Section 15.01.060 requires a valid building permit before a person erects, re-erects, constructs, enlarges, alters, repairs, moves, improves, removes, converts, or demolishes any building or other structure in the city. The city's FAQ also specifically calls out reroofing, water heater replacement, patios, block walls, outdoor lighting other than low-voltage, and AC/heating work as permit-required.
One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses not exceeding 120 square feet
Chain link, wrought iron, wood, vinyl, glass, and corral fences not over 6 feet high; masonry fences not over 3 feet high
Retaining walls not over 2 feet high, measured from the top of footing to the top of wall, unless supporting a surcharge or other superimposed load or impounding certain liquids
Portable covered pipe corrals without walls not more than 288 square feet and with a maximum width of 12 feet
Wood or chain link fences less than 6 feet high that meet zoning requirements
Painting, papering, or other finish work
Moveable cases, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses not exceeding 120 square feet
- Exempt Chain link, wrought iron, wood, vinyl, glass, and corral fences not over 6 feet high; masonry fences not over 3 feet high
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 2 feet high, measured from the top of footing to the top of wall, unless supporting a surcharge or other superimposed load or impounding certain liquids
- Exempt Portable covered pipe corrals without walls not more than 288 square feet and with a maximum width of 12 feet
- Exempt Wood or chain link fences less than 6 feet high that meet zoning requirements
- Exempt Painting, papering, or other finish work
- Exempt Moveable cases, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high
Note: Exemptions do not authorize work that violates the code or other laws. Zoning, drainage, fire, utility, HOA, and other approvals may still apply. Norco's local code adds a height cap for exempt accessory structures and also lists Building Official-approved shade shelters as exempt.
Required documents
- Building Permit Application
- project plans and plot/site plan
- discipline-specific submittal checklist items
- Title 24 energy documentation where applicable
- structural calculations and product data where required
- owner-builder acknowledgment if owner-builder
- authorization letters/forms if an agent submits
- contractor license documentation
- City of Norco business license information
- and Waste Management Report for covered construction/demolition projects.
- Building code
- Norco has adopted the 2022 California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Parts 1, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11 and 12 by reference, with local amendments in Chapter 15.04. The city announced those 2022 California Building Codes became effective January 1, 2023.
- Permit validity
- There is an important distinction between application abandonment and permit expiration. Under Norco Municipal Code Section 15.01.090, an application is deemed abandoned 180 days after filing unless pursued in good faith or issued, with one written extension of up to 180 days. Under the current Norco Municipal Code Section 15.01.100, an issued permit becomes invalid if work is not commenced within 12 months after issuance or if work is suspended or abandoned for 12 months after commencement; one written extension of up to 180 days may be granted before expiration. The city's FAQ still states 180 days for permit validity, but the municipal code is the more current controlling source.
- Owner-builder
- Owners may pull permits for their own property, but Norco requires the owner-builder acknowledgment/verification form before permit issuance. The form warns owners about liability, workers' compensation exposure, and limits on building for sale. Norco may require ID, notarization, or other signature verification when the permit is issued.
- Contractor requirements
- Norco requires a valid California contractor license for work requiring licensure, subject to owner-builder exceptions allowed by law. Contractors also must maintain workers' compensation coverage or a valid exemption if they have no employees. Norco's FAQ says contractors and subcontractors should have a current City of Norco business license, and the contractor business-license verification form states the city will not issue a permit until the general contractor has a valid City business license.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Norco does not publish a general building-plan review turnaround on the Building & Safety pages reviewed. Public Works states it has 10 business days to approve, deny, or request more information on the Waste Management Report. Solar permits submitted by email are issued immediately after plan approval if all forms have been provided.
- 01 Confirm the scope with Norco Building & Safety and download the applicable application and submittal handouts from the Applications & Forms page. Norco publishes separate checklists for ADUs, remodels, reroofs, room additions, pools, service upgrades, tenant improvements, detached garages/storage, and new single-family dwellings.
- 02 Prepare the permit application and supporting documents. Typical submittals include the Building Permit Application, plans, plot/site plan, structural details/calculations if needed, Title 24 documents, product specifications, and any authorization, owner-builder, or contractor forms required for the applicant type.
- 03 If the project is covered by Norco's construction and demolition debris recycling ordinance, obtain Public Works approval of the Waste Management Report before permit issuance and be prepared to post the required performance deposit.
- 04 Submit the application in person at City Hall during counter hours. For solar and ESS permits, Norco also allows either SolarAPP+ online submittal or email submittal to building@ci.norco.ca.us following the city's published solar process.
- 05 Pay permit and plan check fees. For emailed solar permits, Norco creates the permit, calculates fees, emails the amount for approval, processes payment, and then routes the plans for review.
- 06 Respond to correction comments if the city issues plan review comments. Revised plans are resubmitted for further review.
- 07 After approval and fee payment, Norco issues the permit, approved plans, and permit card. Keep the approved plans and permit card on site for inspections.
- 08 Request required inspections by phone and obtain final approval, and a certificate of occupancy where applicable, before occupancy or use.
Typical processing time: Norco does not publish a general building-plan review turnaround on the Building & Safety pages reviewed. Public Works states it has 10 business days to approve, deny, or request more information on the Waste Management Report. Solar permits submitted by email are issued immediately after plan approval if all forms have been provided.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Norco building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Building permits are valuation-based, starting at $23.50 for valuation from $1 to $500, before the Table 1-A multiplier and the 5% technology surcharge shown in the adopted fee schedule.
02
Plan check fee
Non-repetitive plan check is 65% of the building permit fee, with $116 for each plan check thereafter; repetitive plan check is 46% of the building permit fee, with $116 for each plan check thereafter.
03
Permit fee formula
Building permit fees are valuation-based under Table 1-A, with the schedule stating the total fee equals the Table 1-A fee calculation multiplied by 1.353. Total valuation is based on the current ICC valuation tables. Some permit types are instead set as flat fees or per-square-foot fees.
04
Reinspection fee
The FY 2024-2025 adopted fee schedule lists a standard reinspection fee of $57 per inspection or actual hourly cost if greater. Norco's current inspection notice says a same-day cancellation after 8:30 a.m. or failure to have the site ready can trigger a $173 reinspection fee, indicating the city may now assess the updated adopted reinspection charge rather than the older table amount. Permit renewal after expiration may cost one-half of the new permit fee if approved and if suspension/abandonment has not exceeded one year; otherwise a full new permit fee may apply.
For emailed solar permits, Norco requires a credit card authorization form, emails the fee amount for applicant approval, then processes the card and has Finance email the receipt. The fee schedule also notes a 5% technology surcharge on Building & Safety fees except where excluded.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Inspection request instructions (online)
- (951) 270-5600 (phone)
- (951) 270-5616 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Inspection time slots are available between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Requests must be made by 4 p.m. for the following business day. Requests before 4 p.m. Thursday are scheduled for Monday; after 4 p.m. Thursday they are scheduled for Tuesday.
Typical sequence: Schedule inspections as work progresses for the permit type involved; keep the inspection card and approved plans on site; provide open access to areas being inspected; complete final inspection before occupancy/use. Norco also requires setback certification by a civil engineer or licensed land surveyor prior to foundation inspection for new commercial buildings and single-family dwellings with required garages.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Norco permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Norco, CA? ▸
Norco Municipal Code Section 15.01.060 requires a valid building permit before a person erects, re-erects, constructs, enlarges, alters, repairs, moves, improves, removes, converts, or demolishes any building or other structure in the city. The city's FAQ also specifically calls out reroofing, water heater replacement, patios, block walls, outdoor lighting other than low-voltage, and AC/heating work as permit-required.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Norco, CA? ▸
Building permit fees in Norco, CA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Building permits are valuation-based, starting at $23.50 for valuation from $1 to $500, before the Table 1-A multiplier and the 5% technology surcharge shown in the adopted fee schedule.. Fees are calculated as: Building permit fees are valuation-based under Table 1-A, with the schedule stating the total fee equals the Table 1-A fee calculation multiplied by 1.353. Total valuation is based on the current ICC valuation tables. Some permit types are instead set as flat fees or per-square-foot fees.. Plan check fee: Non-repetitive plan check is 65% of the building permit fee, with $116 for each plan check thereafter; repetitive plan check is 46% of the building permit fee, with $116 for each plan check thereafter..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Norco, CA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Norco, CA, follow these steps: 1. Confirm the scope with Norco Building & Safety and download the applicable application and submittal handouts from the Applications & Forms page. Norco publishes separate checklists for ADUs, remodels, reroofs, room additions, pools, service upgrades, tenant improvements, detached garages/storage, and new single-family dwellings. 2. Prepare the permit application and supporting documents. Typical submittals include the Building Permit Application, plans, plot/site plan, structural details/calculations if needed, Title 24 documents, product specifications, and any authorization, owner-builder, or contractor forms required for the applicant type. 3. If the project is covered by Norco's construction and demolition debris recycling ordinance, obtain Public Works approval of the Waste Management Report before permit issuance and be prepared to post the required performance deposit. 4. Submit the application in person at City Hall during counter hours. For solar and ESS permits, Norco also allows either SolarAPP+ online submittal or email submittal to building@ci.norco.ca.us following the city's published solar process. 5. Pay permit and plan check fees. For emailed solar permits, Norco creates the permit, calculates fees, emails the amount for approval, processes payment, and then routes the plans for review. 6. Respond to correction comments if the city issues plan review comments. Revised plans are resubmitted for further review. 7. After approval and fee payment, Norco issues the permit, approved plans, and permit card. Keep the approved plans and permit card on site for inspections. 8. Request required inspections by phone and obtain final approval, and a certificate of occupancy where applicable, before occupancy or use.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Norco, CA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Norco, CA typically run Norco does not publish a general building-plan review turnaround on the Building & Safety pages reviewed. Public Works states it has 10 business days to approve, deny, or request more information on the Waste Management Report. Solar permits submitted by email are issued immediately after plan approval if all forms have been provided.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Norco, CA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Norco, CA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses not exceeding 120 square feet; Chain link, wrought iron, wood, vinyl, glass, and corral fences not over 6 feet high; masonry fences not over 3 feet high; Retaining walls not over 2 feet high, measured from the top of footing to the top of wall, unless supporting a surcharge or other superimposed load or impounding certain liquids; Portable covered pipe corrals without walls not more than 288 square feet and with a maximum width of 12 feet; Wood or chain link fences less than 6 feet high that meet zoning requirements; Painting, papering, or other finish work; Moveable cases, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high. Note: Exemptions do not authorize work that violates the code or other laws. Zoning, drainage, fire, utility, HOA, and other approvals may still apply. Norco's local code adds a height cap for exempt accessory structures and also lists Building Official-approved shade shelters as exempt. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Norco, CA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Norco, CA via: Inspection request instructions, (951) 270-5600, (951) 270-5616. Inspection time slots are available between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Requests must be made by 4 p.m. for the following business day. Requests before 4 p.m. Thursday are scheduled for Monday; after 4 p.m. Thursday they are scheduled for Tuesday..
last verified April 2026
source City of Norco Building & Safety Division ↗
entry id permits/california/riverside/norco
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Norco Building & Safety Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.