Forms and Documents

The City of Canyon Lake prides itself on the efficient review of plans while complying with the requirements found in state law and building codes adopted by the City. To ensure effective and efficient review, the City recommends all submitted construction documents be prepared by a registered design professional, as that term is defined by California Civil Code section 8014, such as a licensed architect or registered professional engineer.

While California law does not prohibit individuals identifying themselves as “Building Designers” or “Draftsmen” from preparing a limited set of documents, we recommend residents consult with the Deputy Building Official before hiring an unlicensed person to submit plans, drawings, or specifications. Special conditions may exist where the Deputy Building Official will require a licensed architect or registered professional engineer to design a portion, or all, of a structure.

Consultation with the Deputy Building Official beforehand on the appropriate professional to retain for your project may save you a significant amount of time and money. California law prohibits any non-licensed person to advertise as an architect or providing architectural services. Please contact the Building Official if you have any questions about your project.

Submitting Plans

All permit applications and plan reviews are submitted and processed electronically through the City of Canyon Lake portal. Please allow 1-5 days for application processing. Once plans are routed to all appropriate departments, plan review is expected to be completed in 10 business days for the first review and subsequent reviews are expected to be completed within 5 business days. Notifications will be sent to the contact email provided.

All documents submitted for review must be in electronic format, typically as text-searchable pdf files, and uploaded through the online portal.

Additional Plan Requirements

  • The Building Department is unable to accept deferred plan submittal for trusses, soils and compaction reports, if applicable.
  • The Building Department reserves the right to require engineered prepared plans, when necessary.
  • Canyon Lake Property Owners Association (POA) approval is necessary prior to accepting applications for any exterior improvements, including grading, new construction, retaining or gardenwalls,re-roof,patiocovers,swimmingpools,replacementofwindows.(Not a complete list).