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Home Home Improvements and Property Taxes

Home Improvements and Property Taxes



One thing to consider when budgeting for home improvements is the fact that any permit pulled can trigger a property tax re-assessment.

The county tax assessor's office researches each city's permit applications and can look into property values of homes that have had permits pulled. Then county tax assessor's will look at the value of recent sold comparable homes in your area to determine the current value of your home.

If property values have not gone up then the value of your home will only go up as much as the improvement increases the value of your home, or not at all depending on the improvement.

If property values were low when you purchased your home but values have increased then your home will be re-assessed at the higher values if a permit is pulled as it gives the tax assessor reason to re-assess your home.

Any internal remodel projects, such as a kitchen re-model that does not involve any electrical ground fault circuit interrupters, electrical changes, or plumbing changes do not need permits. You can remodel your kitchen extensively with new counter tops, flooring and cupboards, and not require a permit. However, if you wanted to put a bar in or a vegetable sink in your kitchen island you would need a permit for that and that could cause the Riverside County Tax Assessor to re-value your home.

Concrete pouring that is level with the ground and vertical walls under three feet in most cases do not require permits. However, check with the entity that governs permits in your area.

If you are going to install a new air conditioning unit where gas lines need to be moved then a permit is usually required. Each city and county is slightly different permit requirements and specifications and checking with the county department building and safety to determine which projects require a permit is the best thing to do. For example if you live within the Temecula city limits then you would contact the Temecula Department of Building and Safety. If you live in the Temecula Wine Country then you would contact the Riverside County Department of Building and Safety.

The California Contractors State License Board web site can provide information regarding licensed contractors and they can assist you with the permit process.


Here's some other links to find more information:

If you live within the city limits of any of these cities contact these government agencies for information about their permit process.
Temecula Department of Building and Safety


Murrieta Department of Building and Safety


Menifee Department of Building and Safety

If your home is located in the County of Riverside and is not located within any city limits then you live in the unincorporated part of Riverside County and need to contact the Riverside County Planning department.


Riverside County Department of Building and Safety permits by mail

Written by Jane Grant

Jane Grant is a licensed Real Estate Broker in California, DRE 01109492

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Posted Thursday Jan 12