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Perris, CA Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Size threshold
Under 25% of existing structure
Visibility rule
Not visible from public right-of-way
Design rule
Must match existing exterior
Exempts from
Development plan review only

Summary

Perris exempts small patios, second-story decks, and detached residential accessory structures from development plan review when the addition is under 25 percent of the existing home's size, isn't visible from the public right-of-way, and matches the home's existing exterior.

(1)Residential uses.a.Patios, second story decks, detached residential accessory structures, or first floor room additions and areas designated for single-family residential development, when these additions are less than 25 percent of the existing structure, are not directly visible from public rights-of-way and when designed to match the existing exterior of the development.b.Landscape components and fencing in areas designed for single-family residential development.c.Pools and spas in areas designated for single-family residential development.d.Accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units.e.SB 9 housing developments and urban lot splits.(2)Commercial and industrial uses. Commercial, industrial, and office additions for which no change in intensity of use, no additional vehicular parking is required and there is no reconfiguration of the parking lot or change in the number of parking spaces. Examples include construction of trash enclosures, interior remodels, and small additions to structures consistent with the existing architecture.(3)Other uses. Any other development of similar scale and impact, as determined by the Director. (Code 1972, § 19.50.040; Ord. No. 1103, 6-2002; Ord. No. 1449, § 4(Att. A), 2-11-2025)

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 13).

Full Breakdown

Section 19.50.040(1)(a) lists exemptions from Perris's development plan review process, the site-plan review otherwise required before most construction. For single-family residential property, patios, second-story decks, detached accessory structures, and first-floor room additions qualify when the addition is less than 25 percent of the existing structure's size, is not directly visible from a public right-of-way, and is designed to match the home's existing exterior. Pools, spas, landscaping, fencing, ADUs, junior ADUs, and SB 9 developments on single-family lots are separately exempted in the same section. The exemption covers development plan review only, routine building permits under Title 16 are still required for the construction itself.

Violations & Fines

Building an addition that doesn't meet the size, visibility, or design criteria without first obtaining development plan approval is a Code violation under § 1.16.010: a misdemeanor or an infraction starting at $100.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need development plan review to add a patio or deck in Perris?
Not if it's under 25% of your home's existing size, isn't visible from the street, and matches your home's exterior, § 19.50.040(1)(a) exempts those additions from that review step.
Does the exemption also cover ADUs?
Yes, ADUs and junior ADUs are separately exempted from development plan review under the same section, though state ADU law (Gov. Code §§ 66310-66342) still controls the underlying build standards where it conflicts with local rules.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Perris

All Perris rules

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