California Building Code Section 105.5 provides that every permit issued by the Building & Safety Division shall become invalid when:

• The building or work authorized by such permit is not commenced within 1 year from the date of such permit, or
• The building or work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned at any time after the work is commenced for a period of 1 year, or
• The person or entity to which the permit is issued fails to request a first inspection within 1 year from the date the permit was issued.

California Building Code Section 105.5 provides any person/permittee holding an unexpired permit may apply for an extension of the time within which work may commence under that permit which the permittee is unable to commence work within the time required by this section for good and satisfactory reasons.

The building official may extend the time for action by the permittee for a period not exceeding 180 days on written request by the permittee showing that circumstances beyond the control of the permittee have prevented action from being taken.

Please be advised that the following Level 1 fees become effective as of August 6, 2022:

• Commercial/Industrial: $0.78 per square foot of chargeable covered and enclosed space for commercial/industrial development, except $0.22 per square foot for rental self-storage; and
• Residential: $4.79 per square foot of assessable space for residential development.

For the complete detailed report, please click here.

The City of Palm Desert only serves Palm Desert Greens and Portola Country Club. If you live in a mobile home community and need permitting information please contact HCD (Housing Community Development) at (951) 782-4420.

The public can access services provided by Riverside County Office of the Fire Marshal at their East Office.

77933 Las Montanas Road, Suite 201,
Palm Desert, California, 92211.
Open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed noon – 12:30 p.m.).

Information: 760-863-8886 or www.rvcfire.org.
Payments, status checks, and all permit-related inquiries: www.rivcoplus.org.
Inspections and submittal questions: 760-863-8886 or email.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I pay permit fees?

• You will receive an email from one of our permit technicians outlining various methods of payment including online, over the phone with a credit card, or via check payable to the City of Palm Desert.

How do I check the status of a permit?

• To check the status of a permit, please call (760) 776-6435 or email permitcenter@palmdesert.gov.

Where can I find out specific building code questions?

• For information on the California Building Code, click here. Or you can contact the Building & Safety Department at (760) 776-6420 or building@palmdesert.gov. 

How do I schedule a Building inspection?

• To schedule a building inspection please email Building and Safety between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at inspections@palmdesert.gov.
• If you need additional assistance, please call: (760) 776-6420. Please click here for more information. 

How do I schedule a grading or encroachment permit inspection?

• To schedule a grading or encroachment permit inspection please email pcinspections@palmdesert.gov or call (760) 776-6435.

Who can obtain a permit?

• Permits can be issued to the owner of the property or their duly authorized agent, or to an appropriately licensed contractor.  The appropriately licensed contractor must provide proof of licensing, available for verification through the California Contractors State Licensing Board and the contractor must obtain a current City of Palm Desert business license.