City of Perris

Building in the City of Perris
Perris, California, is a fast-growing Inland Empire city shaped by its historic railroad roots and its strategic position along Interstate 215 and State Route 74. Once a small agricultural community, Perris has evolved into a diverse and energetic city while still reflecting the heritage that began with the California Southern Railroad in the late 19th century. Its proximity to Lake Perris State Recreation Area, combined with the presence of the Southern California Railway Museum, gives the community a distinctive blend of outdoor recreation, transportation history, and regional identity.

Over the past several decades, Perris has experienced significant residential and economic expansion driven by its affordability, available land, and improving transportation options—including the Metrolink 91/Perris Valley Line and growing bus connections through the Riverside Transit Agency. This growth has spurred investments in infrastructure, community facilities, and neighborhood amenities, as well as the development of major distribution centers that have positioned Perris as a logistics hub within Southern California. The city continues to guide new development through its general plan, specific plan areas, and conservation commitments under the regional habitat plan, ensuring urban growth is balanced with environmental stewardship.

As Perris looks toward the future, it remains focused on enhancing mobility, strengthening local economic opportunities, and improving overall quality of life. Expanding parks and community spaces, revitalizing key corridors, and supporting multimodal transportation are central to the city’s vision. At the same time, Perris aims to maintain its sense of community and cultural identity amid rapid change—preserving its agricultural and railroad heritage while shaping a sustainable, forward-thinking urban environment for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

Construction Procedure in the City of Perris
1. INITIAL PROJECT PLANNING
Development in the City of Perris begins with a comprehensive planning phase in which developers and property owners review the site’s General Plan designation, zoning district, and relevant provisions of the Perris Municipal Code. During this stage, applicants evaluate site feasibility by considering access, circulation, parking needs, utility availability, drainage patterns, potential floodplain conditions, and proximity to key community amenities and transportation routes, including the I-215 corridor. The City of Perris promotes sustainable development practices, water-efficient landscaping, and design approaches that reflect and support the community’s mix of residential, commercial, public, and industrial uses. This early planning strengthens project outcomes and helps ensure alignment with the city’s long-term growth strategy and community development goals.

‍2. PRE-APPLICATION CONSULTATION AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW
Before submitting formal plans, applicants are encouraged to meet with the City of Perris Development Services Department—typically involving Planning, Building & Safety, and Engineering staff—to discuss the project concept. During this consultation, staff identify required approvals such as Conditional Use Permits, Variances, Design Review, Site Development Permits, or subdivision maps, and determine the appropriate level of CEQA review. The City also provides guidance on issues such as land use compatibility, site layout, traffic impacts, infrastructure capacity, environmental constraints, and consistency with the General Plan and applicable Specific Plans. Early coordination helps streamline the process by identifying potential challenges before formal submittal.

‍3. PERMIT AND APPLICATION SUBMITTAL
Once a project concept is refined, the applicant submits a complete development application to the Planning Division. A full application generally includes site plans, floor plans, elevations, landscape and irrigation plans, grading and drainage documents, and technical studies addressing traffic, hydrology, geotechnical conditions, air quality, noise, and biological or cultural resources if needed. Larger proposals, such as logistics facilities, commercial centers, subdivisions, or public facilities, often require CEQA documentation, ranging from an Initial Study to a Mitigated Negative Declaration or Environmental Impact Report. A complete submittal allows Planning, Building & Safety, Engineering, and outside agencies such as Eastern Municipal Water District to evaluate the proposal in a coordinated manner.

‍4. PLAN CHECK, DESIGN, AND CODE REVIEW
After submission, the project enters a detailed review process across multiple City departments. The Planning Division evaluates zoning compliance, land use compatibility, architectural design, landscaping, and conformance with Perris’ General Plan and specific planning areas. Building & Safety staff review the structural, life-safety, fire, accessibility, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing components of the proposal. The Engineering Division examines grading, drainage systems, stormwater compliance, utility connections, street improvements, and traffic impacts. If revisions are needed, the City provides comments to ensure the project complies with municipal codes, state regulations, and adopted development standards.

‍5. PERMIT ISSUANCE AND INFRASTRUCTURE COORDINATION
Once all reviewing departments approve the plans and required conditions are satisfied, the City of Perris issues building, grading, and public improvement permits. The developer then coordinates with utility agencies, including Eastern Municipal Water District and relevant electric, gas, and telecommunications providers, to secure necessary connections and service installations. Engineering staff oversee inspections of public improvements such as streets, sidewalks, utilities, storm drains, and traffic control systems to ensure they are constructed to City standards and properly integrated with existing infrastructure.

‍6. CONSTRUCTION AND INSPECTIONS
Construction may begin once permits have been issued, and all work must adhere to the approved plans and permit conditions. Building & Safety inspectors conduct inspections at critical stages, including foundations, framing, electrical and plumbing installations, mechanical systems, fire protection measures, and final construction elements. Engineering inspectors evaluate grading, stormwater features, and improvements within the public right-of-way. Any changes made during construction require review and approval to maintain compliance with safety standards, City requirements, and applicable codes.

‍7. FINAL INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY
When construction is completed, the Building & Safety Division performs a final inspection to confirm that the project complies with all approved plans, codes, and conditions of approval. Once all required corrections are made and all departments sign off, the City issues a Certificate of Occupancy for habitable buildings or Final Approval for non-occupiable improvements. This certification confirms that the building or site is safe, code compliant, and suitable for its intended use.

‍8. PROJECT CLOSE-OUT
During project close-out, developers finalize outstanding tasks such as installing landscaping, completing public improvements, and meeting any remaining mitigation or monitoring requirements. As-built plans documenting approved field changes must be submitted for the City’s permanent records. Engineering staff conduct final inspections of public improvements, and any performance or maintenance bonds are released upon satisfactory completion and acceptance by the City.

‍9. ONGOING COMPLIANCE AND FUTURE MODIFICATIONS
After occupancy, property owners must maintain ongoing compliance with the Perris Municipal Code, zoning requirements, and building safety standards. Any future modifications—whether additions, exterior alterations, signage updates, changes in land use, or new tenant improvements—require review and approval by the City of Perris. Continued compliance ensures that the city’s neighborhoods, business corridors, industrial areas, and public spaces remain safe, cohesive, and consistent with Perris’ long-term vision for balanced and high-quality development.