TLMA provides information and services pertaining to land use. Departments that function separately but are under the umbrella of TLMA include Building and Safety, Environmental Programs Department, Planning, Code Enforcement, and Transportation.
Services provided by TLMA include:
- Counter Services: A one-stop spot for obtaining permits and information related to land development.
- Information Resources: Provides computer and network support for all departments of TLMA and for other users of major systems and applications such as Land Management System (LMS) and the Geographic Information System (GIS).
- Riverside County Geographic Information System (GIS): TLMA functions as the lead agency for this project and manages the system, in which a common mapping base is being created, which will reduce duplication of labor in all County departments.
- Land Management System (LMS): One of the primary computer systems within TLMA. LMS supports all departments within TLMA as well as other County departments.
The Planning Department is responsible for Riverside County’s General Plan, a comprehensive long-range plan intended to guide the growth and development of unincorporated areas within the County. This department formulates growth management plans and zoning for the County. Staff approve proposals for land development for open space, agricultural preserves, housing characteristics, local government boundaries, environmental features, air and water quality, energy, earthquake potential, and hazardous waste. The Planning Department strives to provide timely, responsive and helpful service to the public and to promote innovative development that efficiently accommodates a balance of housing, employment, and service opportunities.
The Transportation Department is responsible for the planning, engineering, construction, maintenance, and operation of the County’s 2,600 miles of maintained roads. The Department’s priorities include improving safety, maintaining the existing road system, and expanding it to accommodate growth and promote economic development in Riverside County. The Department is organized into the following divisions: Administration (including Accounting and Budget, Fleet Accounting, Transportation Billings, Personnel, Information Technology, and Facilities Management); Highway Operations (including the District Road Maintenance Offices, Signing and Striping, Pavement Management System, Warehouse, and Signal Shop); Engineering and Planning (including Traffic Engineering, Project Development, Transportation Improvement Program [TIP], Permits, Plan Check, Environmental, Landscape Maintenance Districts, Construction Inspection, and Materials Lab); Surveyor (including Survey Office and Field); Fleet Operations; and Crossing Guard. Transportation is also responsible for conducting in-depth traffic studies and recommending alternate modes and routes of public transportation.
The Environmental Programs Department (EPD) staff collaborates with members of the community to ensure compliance with the County’s conservation policies. They also work closely with County departments as well as local, state, and federal entities to develop and implement regional environmental procedures for programs. EPD responsibilities include the Western Riverside County Multiple-Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP), which covers a 1.25 million acre plan area. EPD staff is responsible for MSHCP implementation training and outreach for affected County staff, local constituency groups, and other land use consultants. The MSHCP conserves habitat for sensitive plants and animals. It protects 146 species and creates a system of reserves covering over 500,000 acres in Western Riverside County. Setting aside habitat today will enable the County to efficiently plan for future roads, houses, schools, and parks while simultaneously protecting our natural environment.
The Building and Safety Department issues building permits that allow property owners to construct new buildings or structures, or alter existing ones. The department has three divisions:
- Plan Review: Performs residential, industrial and commercial plan checks before building permits are issued in order to provide approved construction documents for use by Building Inspectors and the public. This division checks the submitted building plans for compliance with life-safety, structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and other pertinent County and State regulations.
- Grading: Involved with all facets of grading plan checks and permit issuance of single family, commercial, and industrial grading plans, and site grading field inspections. The Grading Division staff develops and directs programs necessary to enforce Federal and State statutes, model codes, and County Ordinances specific to grading, location area drainage, surface mines and landscaping for the purpose of mitigating the adverse effects of erosion.
- Inspection: Responsible for processing and routing applications and plan revisions, maintaining permits, and answering technical inquiries from the public. This division also inspects structures during construction to ensure compliance with State and County codes.
Code Enforcement Department: Created in Fall 2006 as a separate department in the Transportation and Land Management Agency, the Code Enforcement Department is responsible for protecting the health, safety and welfare of residents in the unincorporated areas of Riverside County. Code Enforcement staff responds to complaints concerning land use, grading, and building code violations related to public nuisances, zoning violations, and other issues that negatively impact the quality of life in our communities. The Code Enforcement Department also operates a Community Improvement Program designed to develop community-building partnerships. Additionally, this department works with other agencies and local residents to foster community spirit and enhance the appearance and character of our communities.