Building in the City of Blythe
Located in the far eastern region of Riverside County along the Colorado River, the City of Blythe, California offers compelling opportunity for developers and investors interested in residential, retail, hospitality and mixed-use projects. With its strategic location near major transportation corridors (such as Interstate 10), its access to regional water and agricultural infrastructure, and its embrace of growth under a structured planning framework, Blythe is positioned for value-driven and sustainable development.
If you are planning a construction or development project within Blythe, your first point of contact should be the city’s Development Services / Planning department. This division administers the City’s General Plan, Zoning Code and project review/permitting processes, ensuring proposed developments align with the City’s land‐use vision and regulatory requirements.
You can contact the Planning Department of the City of Blythe directly at:
Phone: (760) 922-6130 cityofblythe.ca.gov+1
Address: 235 North Broadway, Blythe, CA 92225 cityofblythe.ca.gov+1
Alternatively, you can partner with Gueridon engineering and consulting team to represent you through every stage of development. Such a team can coordinate meetings with city officials, navigate technical and regulatory requirements, and assist with securing permits, plan reviews and approvals—taking you from initial concept through final completion.
Building and Development Process in the City of Blythe, CA
1. Initial Project Planning
Before you begin, define your project’s vision and feasibility, whether residential, commercial, industrial, or mixed-use. Confirm the site’s zoning and land use under the City’s General Plan and Zoning Code. Review site conditions such as topography, access, utilities, and environment, and estimate your budget and timeline. Consider local constraints and requirements unique to Blythe, including desert climate and infrastructure capacity.
2. Pre-Application Review / Project Review Committee (PRC)
The City recommends starting with a Project Review Committee (PRC) or pre-application consultation through the Development Services Department. During this step, you submit a preliminary project summary, and City staff coordinate reviews with multiple agencies to collect comments. Once feedback is compiled, you receive a roadmap outlining conditions of approval and next steps. The typical review timeframe is around four weeks, depending on project complexity. This step also determines whether your project will require discretionary approvals, such as a Conditional Use Permit, or administrative approval.
3. Submit Development / Building Permit Application
Submit a complete development or building permit application to the Building Division of the Development Services Department. Applications must include project address, assessor parcel number, zoning, setbacks, and a detailed description of proposed work. Building permits are required for most types of construction including new buildings, additions, remodels, roofs, HVAC systems, and electrical or plumbing work.
4. Plan Check / Design and Code Review
All plans are reviewed by the Building Division for compliance with the latest editions of the California Building, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Energy, and Residential Codes. The Planning Division reviews zoning, land use, and environmental factors for larger or discretionary projects. Any conditions of approval received during the PRC phase must be incorporated into the final plans before approval.
5. Obtain Permits and Coordinate Infrastructure / Utilities
After plan check approval, pay all applicable permit fees and the City will issue your permits through the Building Division. Coordinate with utility providers for water, sewer, drainage, and stormwater connections. Projects involving right-of-way or public improvements must also coordinate with the Engineering Division and comply with City engineering standards.
6. Construction and Inspections
Construction must be performed by licensed contractors and engineers. The building permit must be visible on-site during all phases of construction. The Building Division conducts inspections at key stages, including foundation, framing, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and final inspection, to ensure compliance with all applicable codes.
7. Final Inspection and Certificate of Occupancy
After construction is complete and all inspections have been passed, request a final inspection from the Building Division. Upon approval, the City issues a Certificate of Occupancy or equivalent final permit release, confirming that the structure meets all safety and building standards and is approved for its intended use. All conditions of approval from the PRC and Planning phases must be satisfied prior to issuance.
8. Project Closeout
Once the Certificate of Occupancy is issued, ensure all final documents are recorded and any outstanding fees are paid. Complete all site and landscape improvements per approved plans. The project file is then formally closed by the City.
9. Long-Term Compliance and Future Modifications
After occupancy, maintain compliance with City regulations, including property maintenance and safety standards. The City’s Code Compliance Division oversees ongoing adherence to City codes. Any future modifications, additions, or changes in use will require review and approval through the Planning and Building Departments.
Contact Information:
City of Blythe Development Services Department
235 North Broadway, Blythe, CA 92225
Phone: (760) 922-6130
Website: cityofblythe.ca.gov
The City of Blythe Development Services and Planning Department plays a vital role in guiding construction and development within the community. The department administers the City’s General Plan, Zoning Code, and land use regulations, ensuring that all new development supports Blythe’s vision for sustainable growth, economic vitality, and community character. It reviews development applications, coordinates discretionary approvals such as Conditional Use Permits and Site Plan Reviews, and provides guidance on zoning, design, and environmental compliance. Working closely with developers, architects, and engineers, the department helps facilitate an efficient and transparent permitting process. Ultimately, the Planning Department ensures that every project in Blythe contributes to a safe, functional, and well-planned city that reflects its distinctive desert-river setting and long-term development goals.
The City of Blythe Building & Safety Division is responsible for enforcing the California Building Standards Code and the City’s local building regulations to ensure that all construction within Blythe is safe, structurally sound, and compliant with approved plans. The division reviews construction drawings, issues permits for building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, grading, and demolition work, and conducts inspections throughout every phase of construction. By overseeing code compliance and safety standards, the Building & Safety Division helps protect the public and ensures that every project in Blythe meets state regulations, local ordinances, and the City’s commitment to quality development.
The City of Blythe Public Works Department oversees the city’s infrastructure, streets, and public facilities to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient community operations. The department manages the design, construction, and maintenance of roads, sidewalks, storm drains, water and sewer systems, and other public improvements. It works closely with developers, engineers, and contractors on projects that affect city rights-of-way or utilities, ensuring compliance with city engineering standards. By maintaining and enhancing Blythe’s infrastructure, the Public Works Department supports private development while promoting the city’s long-term economic growth, safety, and overall quality of life.
Blythe is actively advancing its infrastructure and building landscape to support growth and sustainability. Recent projects include a $19 million federal grant for a regional electric‑vehicle charging hub, roadway resurfacing along key corridors like 6th and 10th Avenues, and beautification efforts on Interstate 10 with a new gateway monument and transit‑facility upgrades. These efforts reflect Blythe’s commitment to strengthening its transportation, energy and public‑works systems while fostering new development opportunities.
Building & Safety Division (for building permits)
Phone: (760) 922‑6130 — ask for Building Division
Address: 235 North Broadway, Blythe, CA 92225 cityofblythe.ca.gov+2cityofblythe.ca.gov+2
Services: Issues permits for new construction, remodels/modifications, plumbing/mechanical/electrical systems in buildings; performs plan review and inspections. cityofblythe.ca.gov+1
Public Works Department (for civil/infrastructure / engineering / right‑of‐way)
Phone: (760) 922‑6611 cityofblythe.ca.gov+1
Address: 440 S. Main St., Blythe, CA 92225 cityofblythe.ca.gov+1
Mission: Oversees city infrastructure and maintenance — streets, sidewalks, stormwater system, utilities, parks, rights‑of‑way improvements. cityofblythe.ca.gov
Community Development / Planning & Permits Coordination (Development Services Department)
Phone: (760) 922‑6130 cityofblythe.ca.gov+1
Address: 235 North Broadway, Blythe, CA 92225 cityofblythe.ca.gov+1
Role: Guides planning, development and preservation of the city; processes entitlements, zoning reviews, land‐use permits; works with Building & Safety and Public Works for full project compliance.
