City of Corona

Building in the City of Corona
Located in western Riverside County at the gateway between Orange County and the Inland Empire, Corona has established itself as one of Southern California’s most dynamic and well-connected cities. With a history rooted in agriculture and industry, Corona has evolved into a thriving center for business, innovation, and family life. Its strategic location along the 91, 15, and 71 freeways provides unparalleled access to major markets across Southern California, making it a hub for logistics, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and professional services. The city’s strong economic foundation and proximity to regional transportation corridors continue to attract both established companies and emerging industries.

In recent years, Corona has focused on balanced growth and revitalization—encouraging new commercial, residential, and mixed-use developments while preserving the community’s welcoming, small-town character. The city’s investment in public infrastructure, sustainable transportation, and high-quality public amenities has supported both economic vitality and livability. Residents enjoy a wide range of parks, recreation facilities, quality schools, and cultural programs that foster community engagement and enhance quality of life. At the same time, Corona’s commitment to public safety, infrastructure improvement, and smart land use planning ensures that the city continues to grow responsibly and sustainably.

Looking ahead, Corona is positioning itself as a forward-thinking city that values innovation, opportunity, and community connection. The city’s long-term vision emphasizes economic diversification, workforce development, and environmental stewardship, while maintaining a strong focus on housing, transportation, and open space. By blending its entrepreneurial spirit with strategic planning and community collaboration, Corona continues to strengthen its role as a vibrant, resilient, and inclusive city—one where businesses thrive, families flourish, and future generations are inspired to call home.

Construction Procedure in the City of Corona
1. Initial Project Planning
Begin by clearly defining your project’s vision, scope, and feasibility—whether it is residential, commercial, industrial, or mixed-use development. Review your property’s zoning designation, the City of Corona General Plan, and relevant development standards, such as the Zoning Ordinance and any specific planning policies that may apply. Assess key site-specific factors such as street and utility access, drainage, topography, environmental sensitivity, and infrastructure availability. All construction, additions, grading, demolition, or significant remodels within Corona must comply with the city’s permitting process and building codes, so early review of these elements will help ensure a smooth development process.
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‍2. Pre‑Application Consultation & Development Review
Schedule a consultation with the City of Corona Development Services Department, which includes representatives from the Planning Division, Building & Safety Division, Public Works/Engineering, and relevant utility providers. This consultation allows you to verify zoning compliance, identify required approvals such as Conditional Use Permits, design review, variances, or specific plan compliance, and review conceptual plans. Engaging city staff early helps identify potential challenges, streamline the review process, and ensure that your project aligns with Corona’s development goals and policies.

‍3. Submit Your Permit and Application Package
After refining your plans based on pre-application feedback, submit a complete permit and application package to the Development Services Department. This typically includes completed city permit forms, site plans, floor plans, and building elevations. Larger or site-specific projects may also require grading, drainage, and landscape plans. Depending on the project, additional supporting studies may be needed, such as traffic reports, geotechnical assessments, biological surveys, or noise studies. Include all required fees with your submission to avoid delays in processing.

‍4. Plan‑Check, Design & Code Review
The city will review your submitted plans for compliance with state and local regulations. The Building & Safety Division will verify adherence to the California Building Standards Codes, including structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and energy requirements. The Planning Division evaluates zoning compliance, land-use compatibility, and architectural design. The Public Works/Engineering Division reviews any impacts to public rights-of-way, grading, drainage, and utility infrastructure. Projects in environmentally sensitive areas may require additional review to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

‍5. Permit Issuance & Infrastructure Coordination
Once all plan checks are approved and fees are submitted, the city will issue the necessary permits. You must coordinate with utility providers for water, sewer, electricity, and gas connections. If your project requires off-site improvements, such as street, traffic, or drainage upgrades, the Public Works/Engineering Division will coordinate these efforts. Projects affecting public rights-of-way, grading, or encroachments may require additional permits from the Engineering Division. Proper coordination ensures that your project can move forward efficiently.

‍6. Construction & Inspections
Construction may begin once permits are issued. All work must be performed by licensed contractors and adhere to the approved plans. The city conducts inspections at key stages, including foundations, framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical systems, and final inspection. Public improvements such as sidewalks, streetlights, and drainage systems are also inspected. Any deviations from approved plans must be submitted for review and approval before continuing work.

‍7. Final Inspection & Certificate of Occupancy (or Final Approval)
After construction is complete and any required corrections are made, request a final inspection from the Building & Safety Division. If the work complies with approved plans and conditions of approval, the city will issue a Certificate of Occupancy for new buildings or a Final Approval for tenant improvements or remodels. This ensures the building is safe for use and meets all regulatory requirements.

‍8. Project Close‑Out
Project close-out includes meeting all conditions of approval, paying outstanding fees, submitting as-built drawings, completing landscaping and off-site improvements, and ensuring any public infrastructure or easements are addressed. Once all requirements are satisfied, the city will officially close the project file.

‍9. Ongoing Compliance & Future Modifications
Even after project completion, ongoing compliance with Corona’s municipal codes and maintenance standards is required. Any future modifications, such as adding an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), installing signage, constructing fences, or changing land use, must be submitted for review and approval by the Planning Division, Building & Safety, and other relevant departments. This ensures continued safety, compliance, and alignment with the city’s long-term planning goals.