Click the link below that best matches your project type to review submittal requirements:

• Residential Additions and Alterations
• Commercial / Industrial Plans
• Tenant Improvements

These guidelines provide a basic overview of the plans and drawings needed to conduct a complete plan review.

Plans, corrections, and permits will be reviewed electronically and issued via email. Applicants will not receive a paper copy of their approved documents, and it will be the responsibility of the applicant to print documents for all inspections.

Please visit this page to apply for a permit.

• Include permit type and address in the subject line.
• Label each file clearly (e.g., Building Application, Plans, Structural Calculations).
• Submit files in PDF format only; files must not be password protected or digitally signed to prevent editing. Plans will be secured once approved and stamped.
• Maximum file size: 300MB. Larger files must be split into multiple PDFs (e.g., Architectural, MEP, Structural).

• Upload resubmittals through your Clariti account by logging in as a contractor (use the contractor’s state license number or AEC number as your username).
• Use the following naming convention:
  • 2nd SUBMITTAL “PERMIT NO” – PLAN
  • 2nd SUBMITTAL “PERMIT NO” – STRUCTURAL CALCS
  • Update numbering for subsequent submittals (3rd, 4th, 5th).
• A written narrative is required for every resubmittal. Submittals without a narrative will not be accepted.
• Download and submit the Resubmittal Form
  • Please allow 1–3 business days for processing and routing

• Architects and Engineers must obtain a digital signature key for electronically submitted plans when a “wet” signature is normally required
• Non-design professionals may sign plans via electronic signature
• Click here for digital and electronic signature requirements

Once approved, plans, corrections, and permits will be issued electronically via email. No paper copies will be provided; applicants are responsible for printing documents for inspections.

These fees are collected on ALL building permits. 

• Fee Schedule

Charge $ .40 per sq ft on ALL new and additional square footage added to the building under roof (i.e. additional square footage for SFD additions, garage conversions, atrium or patio enclosures to living space and all commercial additions).

This is on NEW construction only, not tenant improvements.

• Residential: $.00013 of total valuation
• Commercial: $.00028 of total valuation

• Residential: $.25 of 1% of valuation of the structure
• Commercial: $.50 of 1% of valuation of the structure

*Individual single family dwelling not in a development is exempt for the first $100,000.

Charge $.25 per $1,000.00 of total construction cost on permits for:

• Swimming Pool contractors
• General Contractors (not for block walls or re-roof permits).

The following fee(s) will be charged accordingly to EVERY permit:

• 8.5x11 up to 11x17: $.07 per page
• Plans Sheets (All): $.80 per page
• Color up to 8.5x11: $.11 per page

This fee is paid to the appropriate school district on all new residential and commercial construction. Submit receipt for proof of payment.

California Building Code Section 105.5 provides that every permit issued by the Building & Safety Division shall become invalid when:

• The building or work authorized by such permit is not commenced within 1 year from the date of such permit, or
• The building or work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned at any time after the work is commenced for a period of 1 year, or
• The person or entity to which the permit is issued fails to request a first inspection within 1 year from the date the permit was issued.

California Building Code Section 105.5 provides any person/permittee holding an unexpired permit may apply for an extension of the time within which work may commence under that permit which the permittee is unable to commence work within the time required by this section for good and satisfactory reasons. The building official may extend the time for action by the permittee for a period not exceeding 180 days on written request by the permittee showing that circumstances beyond the control of the permittee have prevented action from being taken.

You can now conveniently request a refund for a building permit online using your Clariti account. This ensures that your request is handled promptly and efficiently. To initiate a refund please log into your Clariti account and click on the "Request Void/Refund" button located at the top right corner of your screen. Follow the prompts to submit your request for review.

Please note that certain fees are non-refundable. Refunds  requests made more than 180 days from the permit issuance date will be rejected. For more detailed information, contact our Building and Safety department at building@palmdesert.gov. 

California Building Code 105.3.2 provides that applications for which no permit is issued within 1 year following the date of application shall expire by limitation, and plans and other data submitted for review may thereafter be returned to the applicant or destroyed by the building official.

The building official may grant one or more time extensions for a periods not exceeding 180 days on request by the applicant in writing showing that circumstances beyond the control of the applicant have prevented action from being taken.