Riverside County, CA Permit Requirements: Deck & Patio Permits (2026)

Under the California Building Code as adopted by Riverside County, decks are exempt from building permits if they meet all of the following criteria: floor area does not exceed 200 square feet, the deck is not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, the deck is not attached to the dwelling, and the deck does not serve a required exit door. Decks exceeding any of these thresholds require a building permit with plans showing structural details, footings, and compliance with setback requirements. Attached decks always require a permit due to the structural connection to the primary dwelling. Patio covers (solid or lattice-type covers over a patio area) can typically be obtained as same-day, over-the-counter permits from the Riverside County Building and Safety Department, which streamlines the process. Concrete slab patios at grade level generally do not require a building permit. In hillside areas of western Riverside County, elevated decks may require additional engineering for slope stability and may need geotechnical reports. All decks and patio covers must comply with fire-resistive construction requirements if located in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, which includes many communities in the hills and mountains of western Riverside County.