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RiversideCA.gov
City Council MeetingMay 6, 2025Amendment to Riverside Municipal CodeChapter 5.66 - AmbulancesFire Department RiversideCA.gov2
BACKGROUNDChapter 5.66 of the Riverside Municipal Code governs the regulation of ambulance services within the City. These regulations are essential to ensure the safety, efficiency, and accountability of emergency medical transport services within the City of Riverside.The proposed amendments reflect the need to address evolving operational requirements, incorporate compliance with current state and local EMS standards, and enhance oversight to maintain high-quality ambulance services.1 2 4/23/2025
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DISCUSSIONThe key updates in the proposed amendments include:5.66.020 Franchise / permits:oThe proposed amendment in 5.66.020 introduces a provision allowing unpermitted ambulances to operate upon approval of the Administrator in situations where significant time delays may adversely impact patient care. 5.66.040 Application for a franchise or extension of a franchise:oThe current ordinance requires applicants for ambulance service permits to verify their current accreditation with the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS). oThe amendment allows the Ambulance Administrator to grant a variance for applicants who demonstrate a commitment to achieving accreditation within six months to one year of receiving their permit.
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DISCUSSION5.66.050 Processing of application:oThe proposed change increases the timeframe for the Administrator to prepare the report and present to the Safety, Wellness, and Youth Committee, from (14) to (45) days. The increased timeframe will allow sufficient time to complete the report and to allow for changes in the committee schedule, which has been found to be problematic.5.66.195 Permit for ambulances:oThe revised version would state: "Each permit holder shall annually submit for inspection to the Administrator 50 percent of its fleet of ambulances operating in the City, such that all ambulances of a franchisee operating in the City are inspected on a biennial basis." This change provides clarity, as "biennial" explicitly conveys the intended two-year rotation and avoids misinterpretation that could lead to non-compliance. 3 4 4/23/2025
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DISCUSSION5.66.180 Ambulance ratesoThe proposal to adjust the percent increase limit from 5% to 10% aligns with Riverside County’s policy framework for managing rate changes. This change acknowledges the reality of escalating costs and offers greater flexibility for meeting operational needs while maintaining a structured review process.
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This item contributes to Strategic Priority Number 2: Community Well-Being and Goal 2.6 – Strengthen community preparedness for emergencies to ensure effective response and recovery.Cross-Cutting Threads STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT5
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RECOMMENDATIONSThat the City Council:1. Approve the proposed amendments to the Riverside Municipal Code – Chapter 5.66 – Ambulances.2. Direct the City Attorney Office prepare a resolution to adopt recommended changes to RMC 5.66. 7