Below are answers to frequently asked questions regarding the Development Services Department. If you have a question not answered here or on another section of the website, please call (916) 774-5285 or email [email protected] for further assistance.

Building FAQs

Building Inspections: Step-By-Step Instructions

For comprehensive information on scheduling, canceling, and rescheduling inspections, please visit our Building Inspections webpage. This dedicated page is resource for everything related to inspections.

On our website, you can access step-by-step instructions to:

SCHEDULE an Inspection: Learn how to set up an inspection appointment.

CANCEL an Inspection: Find out how to cancel an inspection when necessary.

RESCHEDULE an Inspection: If your plans change, you can reschedule your inspection.

If you require further information or assistance with your building inspections, please contact Development Services at (916) 774-5332 or e-mail [email protected].

Building OPS Portal Support

The Online Permitting Services (OPS) Portal is our website to submit your permit application to start the permit process and track your permit from initial submittal through inspections and final permit approval.

OPS Portal Support

For step-by-step guides that include, but are not limited to, registering your account, paying your fees online, and scheduling inspections, please visit: Online Building Permit Process.

For access to the OPS Portal, please visit: Online Permit Center

For additional OPS Portal navigation information, please contact Development Services at (916) 774-5332 or e-mail [email protected].


Building Permit Fees and Payments

Paying for your building permit is a crucial step in the construction process. You can choose to make your payment conveniently online or in person. Here are the guidelines for both methods:

Online Payment

To pay your building permit fees online, please follow these step-by-step instructions by clicking (HERE).


In-Person Payment

If you prefer to make your payment in person, you can do so at the Permit Center, located at 311 Vernon Street, Roseville, CA 95678.

We recommend scheduling an appointment online (HERE) for a smoother experience.


Project Fee Estimates

We are committed to providing you with accurate fee estimates for your project. These estimates are prepared free of charge and will be available to you within 15 business days from the date we receive your request.

For Commercial Tenant Improvement Projects, please email us at [email protected] and provide the following information:

  • Project address
  • Scope of work
  • Square footage of the area to be improved
  • Use or occupancy group of the area to be improved

For Residential Remodel Projects, please email us at [email protected] and provide the following information:

  • Project address
  • Scope of work
  • Square footage of the area to be improved
  • Intended use of the area

For New Commercial Construction Projects:

Please complete and sign the Commercial/Multi-Family Development Fee Estimate Request form and email it to [email protected] for review.

For New Residential Construction Projects:

Please complete and sign the New Single Family or Accessory Dwelling Unit Development Fee Estimate Request form and email it to [email protected] for review.

If you have any additional questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact Development Services at (916) 774-5332 or email us at [email protected]. We are here to help you navigate the permitting process and ensure a smooth experience for your construction project.

Building Permit Process

A Building Permit is needed for small projects, such as a water heater replacement, to larger projects, such as building a custom home.  We hope the following information will help to make the process at least a bit less daunting and much more understandable.

Online Building Permit Process

For information regarding the step-by-step process of applying for a Building Permit, the permit plan review process, and building inspections, please visit our dedicated website at: Online Building Permit Process.  

Submitting a Permit

Please visit our Online Permitting Services (OPS) portal to submit a Building Permit online by visiting: Online Permit Center.

For additional information regarding the Building Permit process, please contact Development Services at (916) 774-5332 or e-mail [email protected].

Copies of Building Plans and Permits

Per Public Records Act 6253: Each agency, upon a request for a copy of records, shall, within 10 days from receipt of the request, determine whether the request, in whole or in part, seeks copies of disclosable public records in the possession of the agency and shall promptly notify the person making the request of the determination and the reasons therefore.

Building Permit Records/Plans

Requests for copies of Building Permit records/plans are handled by the City of Roseville City Clerk with a public records request.  Please visit their website to submit a request:

City of Roseville – City Clerk

Plot Plans

If you are planning improvements to your single family residential property, you may request a copy of a plot plan from our archived Building Permit records.  The plot plan can provide useful information such as living and garage square footage, lot dimensions and orientation, direction of surface drainage, and distances of the primary structure to property lines.

To request a copy of your residential plot plan, please feel free to contact the Building division at (916) 774-5332 or [email protected].

Request Residential Plot Plan

If you are planning improvements to your single family residential property, you may request a copy of a plot plan from our archived Building Permit records.  The plot plan can provide useful information such as living and garage square footage, lot dimensions and orientation, surface drainage direction, and distances from the primary structure to property lines.

NOTE:  Not all residential properties will have a plot plan on file.  Typically, only production homes (homes built in volume within a subdivision, a.k.a. “cookie cutter” homes) will have a plot plan associated with the construction of the residence.

If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact Development Services at (916) 774-5332 or [email protected].


Code Enforcement FAQs

Air Pollution

To investigate and resolve complaints concerning air pollution that adversely impacts you and your community, including, but not limited to, air pollution that involves the release of:

  • Chemicals
  • Dust
  • Engine Exhaust
  • Excessive Odor
  • Smoke

Please contact Placer County at (530) 745-2330 or please go to:

County of Placer - Air Pollution Control

For complaints related to dust from current or ongoing construction, please contact the City of Roseville’s Engineering Division here.

If you have additional questions, please call the Code Enforcement complaint line at 916-774-5501 or email here.

Animal Control

The City of Roseville Police Department’s Animal Control Officers make every effort to keep the public safe, protect animals, and educate the community to be responsible pet owners.

For any animal-related nuisance problems, such as barking or aggressive dogs, loose pets, removal of dead animals from roadways, and licensing/enforcement issues, please call the City of Roseville Police Department at (916) 774-5000 or visit their website to submit an online report.

Placer SPCA is the City of Roseville’s contracted animal shelter. Please contact them for lost/found animals, low-cost spay/neuter and vaccine clinics, and pet adoptions.  Placer SPCA does not respond to animal issues out in the field, handle enforcement, or removal of dead animals from the roadway or private property.

If you have additional questions, please call the Code Enforcement complaint line at 916-774-5501 or email here.

Basketball Hoops

The City currently does not have an ordinance specifically addressing basketball hoops.  Nevertheless, Section 13.28.010 of the Roseville Municipal Code makes it unlawful for any person to perform any type of construction or to place an encroachment of any kind within the public right-of-way without first obtaining an encroachment permit. 

The City does not issue encroachment permits for basketball hoops. 

"Encroachment" is defined as any type of construction or work, or the placing of any object or thing, whether permanent or temporary, within a public street.

"Public street" includes any public right-of-way, highway, street, sidewalk, easement, or other area or thoroughfare, whether improved or unimproved, which is owned by or under the control of the City. In addition, the “parking strip” (area between the street and the sidewalk) also applies to this code.

For additional information regarding the City of Roseville Municipal Code, please go to:

City of Roseville Municipal Code Chapter Title 13 STREETS AND SIDEWALKS

If you have additional questions, please call the Code Enforcement complaint line at 916-774-5501 or email here.

Business Licensing

The City of Roseville welcomes you to its business community. Starting a business can be exciting and challenging. We wish you success in your new venture! 

Licensing Your Business

If you are considering pursuing a home-based business, you will need to acquire a Roseville Business License. To initiate this process and access further details about business licensing, visit:

City of Roseville Business License

The City uses a third-party contractor (HDL) to process business licenses. For inquiries specifically related to business licenses, please direct your questions to HDL at 916-226-5207 or email here.

Navigating Home-Based Businesses

For comprehensive information about establishing a home-based business, we encourage you to explore our dedicated resource Home Occupation Information Page

Home Occupation Clearance Form

To facilitate the establishment of a home-based business, you can obtain the Home Occupation Clearance Form by visiting this link Home Occupation Clearance Form.pdf (civiclive.com)

Should you have any questions related to home-based businesses or the Home Occupation Clearance Form, please reach out to the Planning Division at 916-774-5276 or email the Planning Division here.

Graffiti

The City of Roseville is committed to keeping our community sparkling clean and beautiful. Our goal is to clean up graffiti as quickly as possible and to identify and prosecute graffiti vandals.

Please use myRSVL to report any graffiti or call 916-774-5501:

https://www.roseville.ca.us/residents/my_r_s_v_l

Graffiti on public or City property

City crews will clean it up or paint over it. Our goal is to remove all graffiti from City property within a day or two.

Graffiti on private or commercial property

Code Enforcement will contact the property owner and request for the graffiti to be cleaned up or painted over within 10 days of initial contact.  

Graffiti or vandalism in the act

If you see someone in the act of committing graffiti vandalism, call 911. If you have information about a graffiti vandal, call Roseville Crime Stoppers at (916)783-7867. Roseville Crime Stoppers pays cash rewards for anonymous tips leading to arrest.  Roseville Police Department finds and cites graffiti vandals. The Court orders the vandals, or their guardians, to pay restitution to the City and other property owners for the damage they have caused.

Mosquito Abatement

To manage the risks effectively and efficiently from vectors and vector-borne diseases and to protect the public health and quality of life in Placer County, the Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District handles vector issues.

Please call Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District at 916-380-5444 with any mosquito issues.

For additional information regarding mosquito abatement, please go to https://placermosquito.org/

If you have additional questions, please call the Code Enforcement complaint line at 916-774-5501 or email here.

Noise Complaints and Other Non-Emergencies

It is unlawful for any person to willfully make, or cause to be made or continued, any loud, unnecessary, excessive, or offensive noise or unusual sound that disrupts the peace and quiet of the neighborhood.

Private construction (e.g., construction, alteration, or repair activities) is permitted during the following hours:

Monday through Friday: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Saturdays, Sundays, State and Federal legal holidays: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

For additional questions regarding Construction noise hours, please go to City of Roseville Noise Ordinance

For information regarding noise complaints for loud parties or music and other non-emergencies, please go to City of Roseville - Police

If you have additional questions, please call the Code Enforcement complaint line at 916-774-5501 or email here.

Public Nuisance Violation

There are two types of nuisances: public nuisances and private nuisances.

Public Nuisances

Under Chapter 10.54.020 of the City of Roseville Municipal Code, the City has the authority to enforce and abate public nuisances. A public nuisance is defined as one that is visible from the public right-of-way on adjacent or nearby real property and which constitutes visual blight, reduces the aesthetic appearance of the neighborhood, is offensive to the senses, or is detrimental to nearby property values.

Private Nuisances

Every nuisance not included within this definition is deemed a private nuisance which is not regulated by this code.  The City does not enforce private nuisances; these are private civil matters.

For information regarding the City of Roseville Municipal Code regarding nuisance abatement, please go to City of Roseville Municipal Code Chapter 10.54 NUISANCE ABATEMENT

For additional information regarding public and private nuisances, please go to Public Nuisance Handout

If you have additional questions, please call the Code Enforcement complaint line at 916-774-5501 or email here.

Short-Term Rentals

Short-term rentals are permitted if operating in compliance with the municipal code rules governing the issuance of permits and the establishment of operational restrictions for short-term rentals of dwellings within the City of Roseville.

Short-term rentals are permitted if operating in compliance with these standards, which include (but are not limited to) parking occurring on or in front of the property, occurring within the property owner's primary residence, consistency with the noise ordinance, and operating no more than half the year.

A homeowner in Roseville is only allowed to use their home as a short-term rental if they occupy the house as their primary residence, and they can only rent out their house for this purpose up to 180 days a year. Additionally, special events, including parties are not allowed, and a maximum of 6 guests at a time can inhabit the rental. They must set designated parking spots for their tenants to use, and all tenants must follow all other City ordinances as well, which includes our noise ordinance.

Our Municipal Code does not require that the property be owner-occupied, it requires that the property be the primary residence of the owner.

City of Roseville Municipal Code Chapter 4.25 SHORT-TERM RENTALS   

City of Roseville – Short-Term Rentals

To check for an active Short Term Rental permit and obtain property owner contact information, please go to Short-Term Rental Permit Search

Sign Violations

A “sign” is any device, structure, fixture, or placard displaying graphics, symbols, and/or written copy for the primary purpose of communicating with the public, when such sign is visible from any right-of-way.

The Sign Ordinance of the City of Roseville is intended to create a comprehensive and balanced system of sign regulations that facilitate communication and simultaneously serve various public interests. These standards have been put in place to provide for equal treatment of sign users and promote commerce, while also preserving and improving the appearance of the City.

For information regarding the City of Roseville Municipal Code regarding signs, please go to City of Roseville Chapter 17.12 PROHIBITED SIGNS AND ENFORCEMENT

For information regarding the sign ordinance, sign permits, exceptions, allowable signs, and enforcement, please go to Sign Brochure

If you have additional questions, please call the Code Enforcement complaint line at 916-774-5501 or email here.

Substandard/Vacant/Dangerous Buildings

Under Chapter 16.35 of the City of Roseville Municipal Code, the City can provide a just, equitable, and practicable method to abate sub-standard buildings. Buildings or structures that from any cause endanger the life, limb, health, morals, property, safety, or welfare of the public or their occupants, or which constitute a public nuisance, may be required to be repaired, vacated, or demolished.

Long-Term Boarded and Vacant Buildings

Under Chapter 16.34 of the City of Roseville Municipal Code, the City can impose a penalty on owners of long-term boarded and vacant buildings that are not under repair or actively offered for sale, lease, or rent. For vacant buildings, the owner shall repair the boarded building to be repaired and rehabilitated for occupancy within 120 days after the building is boarded.

For questions regarding boarded or vacant buildings, please go to City of Roseville Municipal Code 16.34.020 Boarded or Vacant building

Dangerous & Substandard Buildings

Building and housing codes protect the safety of people entering and living in a property. Illegal or non-permitted room additions, garage conversions, and vacant buildings are among the structures of concern to the City.

For questions regarding substandard, or dangerous buildings, please go to City of Roseville Municipal Code 16.35.110 Dangerous building

If you have additional questions, please call the Code Enforcement complaint line at 916-774-5501 or email here.

Unpermitted Work

California Building Code, Section 109.4, states that any person who commences any work before obtaining the necessary permits shall be subject to a fee established by the building official that shall be in addition to the required permit fees.

California Building Code, Section 114.1, states that it shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to erect, construct, alter, extend, repair, move, remove, demolish, or occupy any building, structure, or equipment regulated by this code, or cause same to be done, in conflict with or in violation of any provisions of this code.

For questions regarding work performed without a permit, please go to City of Roseville Municipal Code 16.35.060 Violations.

For questions regarding Permit Applications, please go to City of Roseville Permit Center.

Vehicle - abandoned, stored, or inoperative

Vehicles parked on a public street

Roseville's Municipal Code prohibits storing vehicles--cars, trucks, trailers, or RVs--on the public street for longer than 72 hours without moving them. The process for requesting the removal of an abandoned vehicle may require a few weeks. Volunteers or staff first check and mark the vehicle. They return at least three (3) days later to see if the vehicle has been moved. If it has not been moved, they can post a citation on the vehicle.

Vehicles parked on your private property

If you are a business owner or property manager and you own a parking lot, it is your right and responsibility to have abandoned vehicles removed. However, you must properly post your property with signage advising people that unauthorized vehicles will be towed. For more information and signage requirements, please call the Police Department's Community Service Division at (916)774-5050.

Vehicles parked on someone else's private property

Roseville's Municipal Code prohibits the storing of unsightly vehicles on private property if they can be seen from the public right of way. For example, if the unsightly vehicle can be seen by someone standing on the sidewalk.

Unsightly vehicles are those that have been partially dismantled, have major parts such as the wheels or the engine removed, or are otherwise obviously inoperable.

For more information regarding Abandoned/Stored/Inoperative Vehicles and to report a vehicle, please go to City of Roseville - Police Department

If you have additional questions, please call the Code Enforcement complaint line at 916-774-5501 or email here.

Weed complaints

Weeds around the City of Roseville are handled by different departments based on the location of the weeds that need to be abated. 

Weeds on developed private property

The City of Roseville Code Enforcement handles weed complaints on developed parcels.

Private property that is inadequately maintained, such that it contains overgrown, diseased, dead, decayed, or decaying trees, weeds, or other vegetation that constitute a fire hazard, is likely to harbor rats, vermin, and other nuisances or substantially detract from aesthetic and property values of neighboring properties. This includes weeds or grasses exceeding 12 inches in height. Weed abatement concerns on developed private property can be submitted via myRSVL.

For questions regarding the nuisances described, please go to: City of Roseville Municipal Code 10.54.020 Nuisances described.

Weeds in streets/right of ways

Weeds growing through cracks in asphalt or other street hardscapes are serviced by the City of Roseville Public Works Department. To report these concerns, please call Public Works at 916-746-1300.

Weeds in developed/undeveloped parks or street landscaping

Weed concerns in parks, developed or undeveloped, are handled by the City of Roseville Parks, Recreation & Libraries. This type of concern includes any tall dry grass or dead vegetation on an undeveloped park property that may pose a fire hazard and must be cleared. Weed abatement concerns in parks and/or streetscapes areas can be submitted via myRSVL.

Undeveloped property

The City of Roseville Fire Department handles weed complaints on private undeveloped parcels. Property owners have until May 30th to comply with the Notice to Abate. If the required firebreaks are not provided prior to June 20th, the Fire Department will utilize a City approved contractor to abate the hazard and an invoice will be mailed to the property owner, which will include administrative fees.

For questions regarding Fire Department weed abatement, please go to: Weed Abatement - City of Roseville.

 


Engineering FAQs

Portable storage containers, PODS, and dumpsters

Permit and Guidelines
Welcome to the City of Roseville's knowledge base article on obtaining an Encroachment Permit for placing portable storage containers (PODS) and dumpsters on public streets. This guide provides essential information for residents and property owners who wish to use PODS or dumpsters within the city limits.

Permit Requirements

  • An Encroachment Permit is necessary if you intend to place a POD or dumpster on a public street within Roseville.
  • If you're placing a POD or dumpster on private property or a private street, you do not need an encroachment permit.
  • A single permit can cover multiple PODS or dumpsters at the same location.

Permit Details

  • The cost to obtain the permit is $80.34.
  • Property owners are eligible to apply for the permit.
  • As part of the application, property owners need to self-certify insurance coverage for the POD or dumpster's placement.

Application Process


Planning FAQs

Commercial Signs

The Sign Ordinance of the City of Roseville is intended to create a comprehensive and balanced system of sign regulations that facilitate communication and simultaneously serve various public interests. These standards have been put in place to provide for equal treatment of sign users and promote commerce, while also preserving and improving the appearance of the City of Roseville.

For detailed information on the Sign Ordinance, including information about sign permits, exceptions, and allowable sign types, please go to Signs in Roseville.pdf (civiclive.com)

To apply for a sign permit, please go to City of Roseville OPS Portal

If you have additional questions, please call 916-774-5276 or email the Planning Division here.

Commercial Zoning

The Zoning Ordinance serves as a bridge between the City's General Plan, Specific Plans, and the physical development of the city. It outlines regulations governing land use, building sizes, placements, and spacing, all of which contribute to the overall appearance and functionality of Roseville.

Parcel Zoning Information

The zoning classification of a particular parcel of land, and additional information, may be obtained from the interactive Parcel Viewer via the link 

GIS Map Viewer

Understanding Zoning Definitions and Regulations

For a comprehensive understanding of zoning definitions and regulations in Roseville, you can refer to the official Municipal Code Zoning Definitions and Regulations

Commercial Permitted Uses

To explore the range of commercial activities allowed and the regulations associated with them, visit Commercial Permitted Uses

Industrial and Manufacturing Permitted Uses

For those interested in industrial and manufacturing activities, and about these types of activities and their zoning considerations, visit 

Industrial and Manufacturing Permitted Uses

If you have additional questions, please call 916-774-5276 or email the Planning Division here.

Home Business

A Home Occupation is an accessory, non-residential business activity carried on within a dwelling by its inhabitants, incidental to the residential use of the dwelling, that does not change the character of the surrounding residential area by generating more traffic, noise, or storage of material than would normally be expected in a residential zone. 

Navigating Home-Based Businesses

For comprehensive information about establishing a home-based business, we encourage you to explore our dedicated resource Home Occupation Information Page.

Licensing Your Business

If you are considering pursuing a home-based business, you will need to acquire a Roseville Business License. To initiate this process and access further details about business licensing, visit City of Roseville Business License.

Home Occupation Clearance Form

To facilitate the establishment of a home-based business, you can obtain the Home Occupation Clearance Form by visiting the link below 

Home Occupation Clearance Form.pdf (civiclive.com).

Should you have any questions related to home-based businesses or the Home Occupation Clearance Form, please reach out to the Planning Division at 916-774-5276 or email the Planning Division here.

The City uses a third-party contractor (HDL) to process business licenses. For inquiries specifically related to business licenses, please direct your questions to HDL at 916-226-5207 or email here.

Projects of interest

The Planning Division frequently receives questions about private projects located within the City of Roseville. Additional information on these projects is provided here. 

Projects of Interest

The “Projects of Interest” page is for those projects that have broader public interest than the typical Planning permit. For information regarding Planning’s active and approved projects of interest, please go to Projects of Interest - City of Roseville.

Projects Under Review

For a list of all Planning projects currently under review, please go to Current Projects Detail.

Projects Recently Submitted

For a list of Planning projects submitted within the last week, please go to New Submitted Projects.

If you have additional questions, please call 916-774-5276 or email the Planning Division here.

Residential zoning

Zoning regulations play a crucial role in shaping the aesthetics, functionality, and overall development of our city. The Zoning Ordinance also introduces various permits, issued through the Planning Division, to ensure that development aligns with zoning regulations. These permits are necessary for specific changes, projects, or additions.

Residential Zoning Standards

For information about the standards that apply to residential zones, including details about setbacks, building heights, and other property features, please visit Residential Zone General Development Standards.

Residential Fences and Walls

If you're planning to install fences or walls on your property, it's important to follow the guidelines set by the city. These guidelines contribute to the aesthetic and safety aspects of our neighborhoods. Learn more about these regulations here Residential Fences and Walls. 

Accessory Structures (Decks, Patio Covers, Sheds etc.)

Whether you're considering building a deck, patio cover, or other accessory structures, understanding the rules is essential. These structures can enhance your property but must adhere to specific guidelines. Find out more about these regulations here Accessory Structures Guidelines.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

ADUs are additional living spaces on a property, and they're subject to certain rules to maintain the harmony of the neighborhood. If you're interested in constructing an ADU, make sure to review the guidelines provided here Accessory Dwelling Unit Requirements.

SB9 - Two Primary Units on a Single Family Lot or Ministerial Two-Lot Map

SB9 introduces the concept of having two primary dwelling units on a single-family lot and/or dividing an existing lot into two parcels. To understand the requirements and implications of SB9, please review the information available here SB9 Requirements

If you have additional questions, please call 916-774-5276 or email the Planning Division here.

 

Tree Preservation Ordinance

The Tree Preservation Ordinance controls the removal of and preservation of trees within the City. The ordinance applies to native oak trees; any tree of the genus Quercus and species lobata (valley oak), douglasii (blue oak), wislizenii (interior live oak) or hybrids thereof.

For detailed information on the Tree Preservation Ordinance, including information about types of permits and exemptions, please visit the link below

Tree Preservation Ordinance

If you have additional questions, please call 916-774-5276 or email the Planning Division here.