City of San Jacinto

Building in the City of San Jacinto
San Jacinto, California, is a scenic and growing city located in the San Jacinto Valley, at the western foothills of the San Jacinto Mountains. With origins dating back to the 19th century as an agricultural community, San Jacinto has evolved into a vibrant city that blends its rural heritage with modern suburban living. Incorporated in 1888, the city has a strong sense of community and continues to develop while honoring its rich history and natural surroundings.

Today, San Jacinto is home to approximately 55,000 residents and is known for its welcoming neighborhoods, open spaces, and proximity to the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains. The city offers a variety of parks, recreational facilities, and trails, including the expansive Lake Perris State Recreation Area nearby, which provides hiking, fishing, boating, and camping opportunities. Residents enjoy local shopping, dining, and community events, while also benefiting from easy access to regional centers such as Hemet, Riverside, and Moreno Valley.

San Jacinto is recognized for its family-oriented programs, community services, and educational resources, which contribute to its reputation as a safe and supportive city. The community takes pride in its local events, youth programs, and civic engagement initiatives, fostering a strong sense of connection among residents.

City planning in San Jacinto emphasizes thoughtful growth, sustainability, and the preservation of open space. Major transportation routes, including State Route 79 and nearby Interstate 215, provide strong connectivity for commuters and businesses, while local transit supports regional mobility. The city invests in infrastructure, recreational amenities, and environmental stewardship to enhance the quality of life for all residents.

With its combination of natural beauty, community spirit, and forward-looking development, San Jacinto remains a thriving, inclusive city—a welcoming home for residents, businesses, and visitors seeking a balanced lifestyle in the Inland Empire.

Construction Procedure in the City of San Jacinto
1. Initial Project Planning
Successful development in the City of San Jacinto begins with careful initial planning to ensure that proposed projects align with the City’s General Plan, Municipal Code, Zoning Ordinance, and long-term goals for sustainable growth, high-quality design, economic vitality, and strong community character. Applicants should confirm the property’s zoning designation, allowable land uses, and whether the site is subject to any Specific Plans, overlay districts, or other special regulations. A thorough evaluation of site conditions—including access, circulation, parking, topography, drainage, utilities, stormwater management, fire-risk considerations, and proximity to schools, commercial areas, transit, and public services—is essential. Developers are encouraged to incorporate energy-efficient design, water-wise landscaping, and architecture that enhances the community’s character while supporting San Jacinto’s vision for safe and vibrant neighborhoods.

‍2. Pre-Application Consultation and Staff Review
Before submitting a formal application, applicants are strongly encouraged to schedule a pre-application meeting with the Community Development Department – Planning Division. During this consultation, staff will identify required entitlements such as Conditional Use Permits, Site Plan Review, Variances, Tentative Parcel or Tract Maps, Specific Plan Amendments, or Development Agreements, and determine whether California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review is required, advising on the appropriate level of environmental documentation. Staff provide feedback on land use compatibility, traffic and circulation impacts, infrastructure capacity, stormwater obligations, fire safety, and the project’s consistency with surrounding development and the City’s long-term planning objectives. Early coordination helps streamline the approval process, reduce revisions, and ensure alignment with regulatory requirements and community expectations.

‍3. Application Submittal
Once the project concept has been refined based on initial feedback, the applicant submits a complete development application to the Community Development Department. A full submittal typically includes site plans, floor plans, elevations, landscaping plans, preliminary grading and drainage plans, and any required technical studies such as traffic analyses, noise assessments, air quality evaluations, soils and geotechnical reports, and stormwater compliance documentation. CEQA documentation may also be required for larger or more complex proposals. Submitting a complete and accurate application allows Planning, Building & Safety, Public Works/Engineering, Fire Prevention, and other departments to begin coordinated review and provide timely and comprehensive evaluations.

‍4. Plan Check, Design Review, and Code Compliance Evaluation
After the application is submitted, the project enters a detailed multi-department review. The Planning Division evaluates zoning compliance, site design, architectural quality, landscaping, open space, and overall consistency with the General Plan and applicable Specific Plans. Building & Safety reviews compliance with the California Building Standards Code, including structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, accessibility, and energy requirements. Public Works/Engineering examines grading, drainage, stormwater management, utility connections, and required public improvements such as streets, sidewalks, and curb/gutter. The Fire Department reviews fire access, hydrant locations, suppression systems, and other life-safety features. Staff may request revisions to ensure full compliance with the Municipal Code, CEQA requirements, and San Jacinto’s expectations for safe, high-quality development.

‍5. Permit Issuance and Infrastructure Coordination
Once all plan-check comments are addressed and approvals are granted, either administratively or through hearings before the Planning Commission or City Council, the City issues the necessary building, grading, and encroachment permits. Developers then coordinate with utility providers, including the City of San Jacinto Public Works Department for water and sewer services, Southern California Edison for electricity, SoCalGas for natural gas, and telecommunications providers. Public Works oversees public-right-of-way improvements, ensuring that streets, sidewalks, storm drains, traffic signals, and utility extensions meet City standards and integrate properly with existing infrastructure.

‍6. Construction and Inspections
Construction may begin once all required permits are issued. All work must strictly adhere to the approved plans, permit conditions, and applicable building and safety codes. Inspectors from Building & Safety evaluate key stages, including foundations, framing, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, insulation, and final building systems. The Fire Department inspects fire protection systems, emergency access, alarms, and other life-safety components. Public Works/Engineering inspects grading, stormwater facilities, on-site infrastructure, and public-right-of-way improvements. Any proposed changes to approved plans during construction must be reviewed and authorized by the City to maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.

‍7. Final Inspection and Certificate of Occupancy
Upon construction completion, the Building & Safety Division performs a final inspection to verify compliance with all approved plans, building codes, and conditions of approval. If all requirements are satisfied, the City issues a Certificate of Occupancy for new buildings or Final Approval for remodels or tenant improvements. For phased developments, Certificates of Occupancy may be issued for individual structures or components as they are completed, confirming that the building is safe, code-compliant, and authorized for its intended use.

‍8. Project Close-Out
During the project close-out phase, the developer completes all outstanding obligations, including final landscaping, signage, lighting, and public improvements. As-built drawings reflecting approved field changes and constructed conditions must be submitted. Public Works/Engineering performs final inspections of public facilities, infrastructure, and stormwater systems to confirm compliance with City standards. Performance or maintenance bonds associated with the project may be released once verified, and the project is officially closed when all conditions of approval are fulfilled.

‍9. Ongoing Compliance and Future Modifications
After the project is completed and occupied, the property owner must continue to comply with the San Jacinto Municipal Code, Zoning Ordinance, and all conditions of approval. Any future modifications—including building additions, façade improvements, new signage, operational adjustments, or changes in land use—require review and approval from the Planning Division and may involve additional review by Building & Safety, Public Works/Engineering, or the Fire Department. Long-term compliance helps preserve community character, ensures public safety, supports economic stability, and advances the City of San Jacinto’s vision for safe, high-quality, and sustainable development.