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3750 UNIVERSITY AVE, SUITE 250
RIVERSIDE, CA 92501
(951) 826-5567
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING TITLE 16 OF THE RIVERSIDE MUNICIPAL CODE, AMENDING CHAPTERS
16.04, 16.06, 16.07, 16.08, 16.10, 16.11, 16.12, 16.13, 16.14, 16.16, 16.20, 16.23,
16.24, 16.48, 16.64, 16.68, AND 16.80; ADDING CHAPTER 16.17; AND DELETING CHAPTER 16.36 TO ADOPT THE 2025 EDITIONS OF THE
CALIFORNIA BUILDING, RESIDENTIAL, EXISTING BUILDING, ENERGY,
GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS, MECHANICAL, PLUMBING, AND
ELECTRICAL CODES WITH LOCAL AMENDMENTS THERETO
WHEREAS, Health and Safety Code Section 18941.5, with reference to Section 17958.7, allows for more restrictive local amendments to the current California Building Standards Code (“Building Codes”) that are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Riverside expressly d eclares that these proposed amendments to the Building Codes are r easonably necessary because of local climatic, topographical, and geological conditions, and hereby adopts the find ings of reasonable necessity as set forth in the currently adopted Resolution no. _____ incorporated herein by this reference.
The City Council of the City of Riverside does ordain as follows:
Section 1: Section 16.04.020 of the Riversid e Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“Section 16.04.020 Scope.
The provisions of Chap ters 16.04 throu gh 16.34 of this Code shal l apply to the erection, construction, enlargem ent, alteration, inst allation, reconstructi on, repair, movement, improvement, connection, conv ersion, demolition, and use of any building, structure or premises, or portion thereof, and grading within the City. The provisions of this Code shall not apply to work located primarily in a public wa y other than pedestrian protection structures required by Chapter 33, the California Building Code; public utility towers and poles; equipment not specifically re gulated in this Code; hydr aulic flood control structures; work exempted by Section 105.2, the Ca lifornia Building Code; or minor work of negl igible hazard to life specifically exempted by the buil ding official. Additions, alterati ons, repairs and changes of use or occupancy in all buildings an d structures shall comply with the provisions fo r new buildings
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and structures except as otherwise provided. Existing buildings shall comply with the provisions of in Title 24 Part 10, the California Existing Building Code (Title 24, Part 10) unless otherwise amended by the City .
Where, in any specific case, different sections of this Code specify different materials, methods of construction or other requiremen ts, the most restrictive shall govern. Where there is a conflict between a general requirement and conflicts with a specific requirementone, the specific requirement shall be applicableapply .”
Section 2: Section 16.04.110 of the Riversid e Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“Section 16.04.110 Building official.
The Building Official is authoriz ed to enforce all prov isions of this Code and may interpret and adopt administrative procedures that clarify its application.
Interpretations shall not waive any code re quirement explicitly ma ndated by Title 24.
Whenever the terms "Building Official," "buildin g inspector," "plumbing inspector," "electrical inspector," "mechanical inspector," "administrat ive authority," "plan reviewer" or "electrical safety engineer" are used in Chapters 16.04 through 16.34 or any other ordi nance of the City, including this Code, each means the Bu ilding Official, or his/her designee.” Section 3: Section 16.04.300 of the Riversid e Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“Section 16.04.300 License requirements of contractors and subcontractors.
A. No person shall be issued a permit to perform work requiring a permit under this Code, unless they are:
. . .
B. A person applying for a permit under this cCode to perform work on a project consisting of 20 or more newly constructed residential dwelling units or 20,000 or more square feet of newly constructed or improved commer cial or industrial developmen t with a valuation exceeding $50,000, shall submit the following information at the time of permit issuance and prior to commencement of work:
1. A list of all subcontractors and provide verification of each subcontractor's workers'
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(951) 826-5567
compensation insurance, state contractor license and license category, city business license and federal tax identification number. No person shall contract or subcontract construction work without a valid contractor's licen se pursuant to applicable provi sions of the state business and professions code.
. . .”
Section 4: Section 16.04.310 of the Riversid e Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“Section 16.04.310 Expiration of permits.
Except as otherwise specified, ev ery permit issued by the buildi ng official under the provisions of Chapters 16.04 through 16.34 shall expire by limitation and become null and void if the work authorized by such permit is no t commenced within one year from the date of permit issuance, or if the work authoriz ed by such permit is su spended, abandoned, or wi thout progress at any time after the work is commenced for a period of one year. For the purposes of this section, “progress” shall mean obtaining one or more successful inspections that demonstrate completion of work representing adva ncement to the next sequential stage of construction in accordance with the approved plans and Section 110 of the California Buil ding Code. Inspections requested solely for the purpose of extending the life of a permit, without corre sponding and verifiable advancement toward project comp letion, shall not cons titute progress. Progres s shall further be defined as obtaining one or more successful insp ections required in accordance with Section 110 of this Code. Prior to a permit's expira tion and upon a showing of good justifiable cause by the permit holder or property owner in writing, the Building Offi cial may issue one or more extensions for peri ods not to exceed 180 calendar days.
. . .
If a permit was issued to bring an un-permitted building, structure or other unlawful, substandard, or hazardous condition in to compliance with any applicable law, ordinance or regulation, the Building Official is authorized to establish predetermined time frames upon which the permit shall expire by limitation and become null and void. With good justifiable cause, the Building Official
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may extend the validity of such permit one time for a period not exceeding 180 days beyond the initial limit upon written request by the applicant filed with the Bu ilding Official prior to the expiration date of the original permit.
Before any work may recommenc e following the expiration of a permit, a "reactivation" permit shall be An expired permit may be reactivated, and work may recommence, upon written request by the applicant showing that circumstances beyond the control of the applicant have prevented action from being taken; provided however, the applicant must pay a permit extension fee first. obtained. The fee shall be one-half the amount required for a new permit for such work, provided no changes have been or will be made to the original plans and sp ecifications for such work; provided further, that such suspension or abandonment has not extended beyond the adoption of a new code cycle; and that only one such permit "reactivation" permit may be issued at one-half fee for such work granted , or as otherwise determined by the building official. Upon the issuance obtaining of a "reactivation," permit, the Building Official may allow the applicant to commence or recommence such work from the last successful inspection of re cord under the original permit. Except as specifically provid ed for herein, to reco mmence work on a permit after expiration thereof, the permit holder shall obtain a new permit and pay the full fee therefor.” Section 5: Section 16.04.335 of the Riversid e Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“Section 16.04.335 Expiration of plan review applications .
An application for plan review for which no permit is issued within one year following the date of such paid application sh all expire as of the 365th day a nd plans and other data submitted for review may thereafter be returned to the applicant or destroyed by the Building Official if said plans and data cannot be reason ably retained. The Building Offi cial may issue one or more extensions of time for periods not to exceed 180 days upon written request by the applicant showing that circumstances beyond the control of the applicant have prevented action from being taken; provided, however, the applicant must pay a plan review extension fee of one-half the original plan review fee, or as otherwise determined by the Building Official.
No permit application shall be extended beyon d 720 days after the or iginal plan review
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(951) 826-5567
submittal date. To renew action on an applicati on after expiration, the a pplicant shall resubmit plans and pay a new plan review fee.
A. Expiration of Plan Review Applications.
An application for plan review shall expire one (1) year (365 calendar days) from the date of submittal unless a building permit has been i ssued within that time. Upon expiration, the application shall be deemed inactive, and all related review activities shall cease.
B. Disposition of Submitted Documents.
Upon expiration of a plan review application, the Building Official may return the submitted plans and other related documents to th e applicant. If the applicant cannot be reasonably contacted or the materials cannot be reasonably retained, such documents may be disposed of in accordance with the City’s records retention policy.
C. Extension of Plan Review Applications.
Prior to expiration of a plan review applica tion and upon a showing of justifiable cause by the permit holder or property owner in writing, the Building Official may issue one or more extensions for periods not to exceed 180 calendar days.
An expired plan review application may be r eactivated, upon written re quest by the applicant showing that circumstances beyond the control of the applicant have prevented action from being taken; provided however, the app licant must pay a plan review extension f ee of one-half the original plan review fee. The Building Official may issue one or more ex tensions of time for periods not to exceed 180 days.
No permit application shall be extended beyond 720 days after the original plan review submittal date, or as otherwise determined by the Building Official.” Section 6: Section 16.04.365 of the Riversid e Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“Section 16.04.365 Afterhours pl an review and inspections.
At the discretion of the Building Official, the Building & Safety Division may perform inspections or complete plan reviews during other than normal working hours upon the request of an applicant. The charge for afterhours plan re view or inspection servic es shall be two and one-
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half times the hourly wage rate of the plan reviewer or inspector providing the service, or as otherwise set by resolution of the City Council. Such service for each hour or any portion thereof, shall be in addition to any other fees that may have been paid or are due. Afterhours inspection or plan review requests require a minimum two hourtwo-hour service charge.” Section 7: Section 16.04.380 of the Riversid e Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“Section 16.04.380 Plan review fee refund.
Plan review fees may be refunded by the bBuilding oOfficial provided the application has not expired and the checking of plans has not commenced. In such cases, a portion equal to 80 percent of the plan review fee may be refunded. The fe e for processing such refunds shall be as established by resolution of the City Council. This fee shal l be deducted from any moneys being refunded. No refund shall be made without first receiving a request in writing therefor from the person paying the fee, together with authorization in writing from the property owner. of the project.”
Section 8: Section 16.04.390 of the Riversid e Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“Section 16.04.390 Permit fees refund.
Permit fees may be refunded by the bBuilding oOfficial provided the permit has not expired and no inspections have been made in connection therewith. In such cases, a portion equal to 80 percent of the permit fee may be refunded. The fee for processing such refund shall be as established by resolution of the City Council. The fee shall be deducted from any moneys being refunded. No refund shall be made without first receiving a request therefor in writing from the person paying the fee, together with authorization in writing from the property owner. of the project.”
Section 9: Section 16.04.400 of the Riversid e Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“Section 16.04.400 Other refunds.
Fees for Services. At the discretion of the bBuilding oOfficial, fees imposed by this title for inspections or other services, except for those specifically listed elsewhere in this chapter, may be refundable provided the inspection or service in connection therewith has not been performed.
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The fee for processing such refund shall be the same as that established pursuant to Section
16.04.390 above. No refund shall be made without first receiving a request therefor in writing from the person paying the fee. Such request for refund shall be received not more than 180 days from the date of payment of the fee.”
Section 10: Section 16.04.461 of the Riverside Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“Section 16.04.461 Continued use of unpermitte d and/or noncomplying conditions.
A. Notwithstanding Section 16.04.460, when deemed appropriate by the bBuilding oOfficial, a certificate of continued use of unpermitted and/or noncomplying condition(s) may be issued to the owner of a single-family residential property. The certificate shall not be issued until documentation, satisfactory to the bBuilding oOfficial, has been provided indicating that 1) the unpermitted and/or noncomplying condition(s) were not created by the current owner, and 2) that the current owner had no knowledge that the co nditions were unpermitted and/or noncomplying at the time of purchase. The unpermitted and/or noncomplying condition(s) must be at least 20 years old as determined by the bBuilding oOfficial based on the date an application is submitted by the property owner.
. . .
An inspection shall then be made by the bBuilding oOfficial. Where necessary, the owner shall apply for and the City may issue permits to correct any conditions deemed to pose a potential threat to life, limb, or property. Once the inspection(s) have been made; all necessary permits have been obtained, inspected and approved; and all obvi ous potential threats to life, limb or property have been corrected, the bBuilding oOfficial may approve the a pplication fo r unpermitted construction and or noncomplying condition(s). When approved by the bBuilding oOfficial, conditions deemed not to pose a potential threat to life, limb, or proper ty may be allowed to remain.”
Section 11: Section 16.04.470 of the Riverside Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“Section 16.04.470 Board of Building Appeals.
A. General. To hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions or determin ations made by the
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(951) 826-5567
Building Official relative to the application and interpretation of this Code, there is hereby created a Board of Building Appeals. The Board of Building Appeals shall be the Mobility and Infrastructure Committee of the City Council. Depending on the subject of the appeal, specialized expertise may be solicited for the purpose of providing input to the Appeals Board. The Building Official shall be an ex officio member of said Board but shall not have a vote on any matter before the Board. The Board shall establish policies and procedures to carry out its business. . . .
B. Limitations on authority. An application for appeal shall be based on a claim that the true intent of this Code or the rules lega lly adopted thereunder have been incorrectly interpreted, or the provisions of this Code do not fu lly apply or an equally good or better form of construction is proposed. The Board shall not have authority to waive requirements of this Code.
Meetings are scheduled when an appeal is filed or when the Building Official requests advisory comments, such as the potential adoption of new codes, proposed code changes, or alternate methods and materials of construction. The Building Official or Assistant Building Official shall be the principal City staff liaison to the Board.
. . .
D. Administration. The Community & Economic Developm ent Director shal l administer the Board of Building Appeals and appoint members through an application process. Appointed board members shall be volunteers who will serve without compensation, serve four year terms with no maximum tenure and may be reappo inted. Should there be an insuff icient number of applicants for the board of building appeals, the Direct or of Community & Economic Development is authorized to appoint qualified members. Meetings are scheduled when an appeal is filed or when the building official requests advisory comments , such as the potential adoption of new codes, proposed code changes, or alternate me thods and materials of construction. The bBuilding oOfficial shall be the principal city staff liaison to the board.
Appeals shall be in writing and within ten days of any final order or de termination made by the bBuilding oOfficial stating the grounds for the appeal and shall be accompanied by a fee in the
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amount set by resolution of the City Council. Failure to request an appeal to the board in a timely manner constitutes a waiver of the right to a hear ing before the board and a failure to exhaust administrative remedies.
. . .
The board shall render a final decision with a tw o-thirds majority vote and the decision of the board of building appeals shall be final. Final de terminations shall be in writing to the appellant and bBuilding Oofficial who shall take immediate action in accordance with the decision of the board.”
Section 12: Section 16.04.490 of the Riverside Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“Section 16.04.490 Temporary use of utilities.
A. The Building Official may permit, at his disc retion, the temporary use of gas or electrical energy, before final approval of the building, structure or wo rk being performed, whenever unnecessary hardship woul d otherwise result, and inspection can effectively be made after the commencement of the temporary use.
B. The Building Official shall place those restrictions upon temporary use as necessary to ensure safety, to facilitate inspection and to secure compliance with all provisions of Chapter
16.04 through 16.34 and of any other chapter of the City, including all provisions of this Code.
C. No temporary use of gas or electrical energy sh all be permitted in any case where a hazard to life or property would be created.
D. The temporary use of gas or electrical en ergy may be ordered discontinued and the supply ordered disconnected upon written notice.
E. Nothing contained in this section shall be co nsidered to permit or au thorize the occupancy or use of any building or structure prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
A. The Building Official may, at their sole di scretion, authorize the te mporary use of gas or electrical energy for a period not to exceed 180 days prior to th e final approval of any building, structure, or work, provided that such authori zation is necessary to prevent undue hardship, and that all required inspections can be adequately performed subsequent to the commencement of
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such temporary use.
One extension of the temporary use, not to ex ceed an additional 180 da ys, may be granted upon written request and a determination by the Buildi ng Official that continued temporary use is justified and all safety requirements are satisfied.
B. The Building Official shall impose such restrictions upon the temporary use of gas or electrical energy as deemed necessary to ensure safety, facilitate inspection, and secure compliance with the provisions of Chapters 16.04 through 16.34, any other applicable chapter of the City Code, and all other relevant provisions of this Code.
C. Temporary use of gas or electrical energy shall not be permitted in any instance where such use would create a hazard to life or property.
D. The temporary use of gas or electrical ener gy may be ordered discontinued, and the energy supply disconnected, upon issuance of written notice by the Building Official.
E. Nothing in this section shall be construed to permit or authorize the occupancy or use of any building or structure prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, as required by this Code.” Section 13: Section 16.04.510 of the Riverside Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“Section 16.04.510 Violations.
It is unlawful for any person to erect, construct, enla rge, alter, repair, move, use, occupy or maintain any building, structure, equipment, or portion thereof in the City or cause the same to be done contrary to or in violation of any provision of this title and its chapters, or any provisions of the building code, existing building code, energy code, residential code, green code, housing code, mechanical code, plumbing code, electrical code, dangerous buildi ngs abatement code, and fire code (hereinafter referred to as the "adopted codes" or "this Code" ), as such codes have been adopted in this title or as they may be duly amended, or any other applicable law or ordinance.
Section 14: Section 16.06.020 of the Riverside Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“Section 16.06.020 California Residential Code adopted – Filed with Building Official.
The California Residential Code, 202 25 Edition, Part 2.5 of T itle 24 of the California Code of Regulations, including appendices and any related erra ta, and any amen dments thereto
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by the State of California in the 202 25 Edition of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, promulgated by the International Code Council, which regulates the constr uction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replac ement, repair, equipment, use, and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of ev ery detached one- and two-family dwelling, townhouse not more than three stories above grad e plane in height with a separate means of egress and structures accessory ther eto, is adopted and by this refe rence is made a part of this Code with the force and effect as though set out here in in full, with the exception of those parts expressly excepted and deleted or as amended by this chapter. One copy of the California Residential Code with the amendments thereto by the State of California, which has been certified as a true copy, is on file and open to public inspection in the office of the bBuilding oOfficial.”
Section 15: Section 16.06.030 of the Riverside Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“Section 16.06.030 Sections deleted and not adopted.
The chapters, sections, paragraphs, and parts of the California Residential Code which are excepted, deleted, a nd not adopted are:
1. Chapter 1, Division II Sections R105.3.2, R10 5.5, R108, R110. 3, R111, R112;
2. Appendix AA, AB, AC , AD, AE, AF, AG ;
3. Appendix AI, AJ, AL, AM, AN, AP, AR, AS, AT, AU, AV, AY and AZ BA, BB, BC, BD, BE, BI, BJ, BK, BL, BN, BO.;
4. Appendix CA, CB, CC, CD, CE, CF, CG, CH, CJ, CK;
5. Appendix NA, NB, NC, ND, NE, NF, NG, NH, NI.
Section 16: Section 16.06.040 of the Riverside Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“Section 16.06.040 Swimming p ool barrier requirement.
Every person in possession of la nd within the City, ei ther as owner, purchaser under contract, lessee, tenant or licensee, upon which is situat ed a swimming pool, spa or similar facility, which whether above or be low grade exceeds in depth the limit ations hereinafter se t forth, sh all meet the following requirements:
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A. CRC appendix AXCI, Section 100, Subsection 115922 is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
. . .
B. Before the issu ance of a final approval for the completion of pe rmitted constr uction or remodeling work, the loca l building code official shall insp ect the drowning safety prevention features required by this sectio n and, if no violations are f ound, shall give final approval. [Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 670, Sec. 4. (SB 442) Effective January 1, 2018.] C. Modification of Existing Barriers and Construction of A dditional Dwelling s Compliance Required.
Any alterations affecting an existing swimming p ool or spa barrier stru cture, access points, materials, or configura tion shall require that th e entire barrier be brough t into compliance with the current standards set forth in Subsection A. This requirem ent does not apply to routine maintenance, like-for-like repairs, or necessary in-kind replacement of ex isting components that do not change the barrie r’s design, layout, or method of operation.
Modifications triggering this requirement incl ude, but are not limited to, changes to gates, fencing, walls forming part of the barrier or any alteration that affects the barrier’s ability to isolate or secure the swimming pool or spa.
This requirement applies regardless of whether the pool or spa itself is being remodeled.
Whenever one or more additional swelling units are constructed, added, or converted within the confines of, or with access to, an existing swimm ing pool or spa, the en tire barrier shall be reviewed and upgraded as necessar y to meet current code standard s set forth in Su bsection A.
Issuance of a building permit for any such modifi cation or construction shall be contingent upon compliance with these re quirements, and final a pproval shall not be gr anted until the Building Official verifies that the sw imming pool or spa ba rrier fully complies with this section.” / /
/ /
/ /
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Section 17: Section 16.07.020 of the Riverside Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“Section 16.07.020 California Green Building Standards Code adopted – Filed with Building Official.
The California Green Building Standards Code, 202 25 Edition, Part 11 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, including any rela ted errata, and any amendments thereto by the State of California in the 202 25 Edition of Title 24 of the Califo rnia Code of Regulations, which regulates the planning, design, operation, use and occupancy of every newly constructed building or structure is adopted and by this reference is made a part of this Code with the force and effect as though set out herein in full, with the exception of those part s expressly excepted and deleted or as amended by this chapter. One copy of th e California Green Buildin g Standards Code with the amendments thereto by the Stat e of California, which has been certified as a true copy, is on file and open to public inspection in the office of the bBuilding oOfficial.” Section 18: Section 16.08.020 of the Riverside Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“Section 16.08.020 California Building Code ad opted--Filed with Building Official.
The California Building Code, 20225 Edition, Part 2 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, consisting of two volumes, including appendices and any related errata, and any amendments thereto by the St ate of California in the 202 25 Edition of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, promulgated by the International Code Council, which regulates the erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, repa ir, moving, removal, conversion, demolition, occupancy, equipment, use, height , area and maintenance of build ings and other structures, is adopted and by this reference is made a part of this Code with the force and effect as though set out herein in full, with the exception of those parts expressly excepted and deleted or as amended by this chapter. One copy of the California Buil ding Code with the amendments thereto by the State of California, which has been certified as a true copy, is on file and open to public inspection in the office of the bBuilding oOfficial.”
/ /
/ /
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Section 19: Section 16.08.030 of the Riverside Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“Section 16.08.030 Sections deleted and not adopted.
The chapters, sections, paragra phs and parts of the Californ ia Building Code which are excepted, deleted and not adopted are:
1. Chapter 1, Division II Sections 105.3.2, 105.5, 109, 112, 113, 116.3, 116.4, 116.5; . . .
5. Appendix K, L, M, N, O, and P and Q.”
Section 20: Section 16.08.135 of the Riverside Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“Section 16.08.135 Section 107.3.1 amended – A pproval of construction documents. 107.3.1 of the California Building Code is hereby amended to read as follows: Section 107.3.1 Approval of construction documents. When the bBuilding oOfficial issues a permit, the construction documents shall be approved for code compliance in writing or by stamp. One set of construction documents so reviewed shall be retained by the bBuilding oOfficial. The other set shall be returned to the applicant, shall be kept at the site of work and shall be open to inspection by the bBuilding oOfficial or a duly authorized representative.” Section 21: Section 16.08.140 of the Riverside Municipal Code is added as follows:
“Section 16.08.140 Section 109.7 Temporary Occupancy Fees.
Section 109 of the California Building Code is amended by adding thereto a new subsection 109.7 to read as follows:
109.7 Temporary Certificate of Occupancy Fees – Upon issuance of a Tem porary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO), the Building & Safety Department shall require the applicant to provide a bond in a form and amount determined by the Building Official, based on the estimated cost of labor and materials necessary to complete the outstan ding work required for pe rmanent occupancy, or ten thousand dollars ($10,000), whichever is greater, to ensure timely completion of all outstanding work required for permanent occupancy.
The purpose of the bond is to guarantee the correct ion or completion of any work necessary to eliminate hazardous or unsafe conditions and to bring the project into full compliance with
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applicable regulations.
In lieu of a surety bond, the applicant may submit a cash depos it, subject to approval by the Building Official, in an amount e quivalent to that which would be required in a surety bond. For purposes of this subsection, “Principal” means the applicant who provided the bond, cash deposit, or letter of credit.
Upon satisfactory completion of all outstanding work required for permanent occupancy, as verified and approved by the Building & Safety Department, the bond, cas h deposit, or other approved financial instrument shall be released.
In the case of a cash deposit, a refund shall be issued to the Principal, less any administrative fees or charges, if applicable.
Failure to complete the outstanding work required for permanent occupancy within the timeframe specified in the TCO may result in the forfeiture of the bond or deposit, and the City may use such funds to complete or remedy the outstanding work as necessary to ensure public health and safety.” Section 22: Section 16.08.175 of the Riverside Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“Section 16.08.175 Exterior nois e insulation standards.
A. The purpose of this section is to establis h uniform minimum noise insulation performance standards to protect persons within new hotels, motels, apartment houses, and all other dwellings including detached single-family dwellings from the effects of excessive exterior noise, including but not limited to hearing loss or impairment and persistent interference with speech and sleep.
B. The following provisions of this section apply to new hotels, motels, apartment houses and all other dwellings including detached single-family dwellings:
1. Location and orientation. Consistent with land use sta ndards, residential structures located in noise critical areas, such as proximity to the select system of County roads and City streets (as specified in Section 186.4 of the State Streets and Highways Code Section 2382 ), railroads, rapid transit lines, airports or industrial areas shall be designed to prevent the intrusion of exterior noises beyond prescribed levels w ith all exterior doors and windows in the closed position. Proper design shall includ e but shall not be limited to orientation of the residential
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structure, setbacks, shielding and sound insulation of the building itself. . . .
C. Exceptions. The following uses are exempt from the requirements of Section 16.08.175 and may submit alternative prescrip tive standards approved by the Bu ilding Official in accordance with established policies and proceduresThe following uses are exempt from the requirements of Subsection B.5 and may instead co mply with a prescriptive standard established by the Building Official pursuant to the established policies and procedures:
1. A nNewly constructed R-3 single family dwelling units located on an individual lots not associated part of with a parcel or tract map developments; and
2. A nNewly constructed, added or converted accessory dwelling unit (ADU) and/or junior accessory dwelling unit (JADU) accessory to an existing primary dwellings unit on single- family zoned property.
Documentation shall be submitted to the Building Official during the plan review process to justify equivalency to minimum standards which shall be included within the permanent records and approved construction documents.
Applicants seeking exemption under this su bsection shall submit documentation during plan review demonstrating equivalency to the minimum standards set forth herein.
Such documentation shall be maintained in the permanent project records and reflected in the approved construction documents.”
Section 23: Section 16.08.185 of the Riverside Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“Section 16.08.185 Geologic investigation required.
As a prerequisite to the issuance of any building permit, a complete geological investigation shall be conducted by an appropriately licensed design professional for any property identified as being subject to the potential of lique faction or within a seismic hazard zone in accordance with this code. The geological investigation shall identify the specific liquefaction potential or other seismic hazard at the subject property and prescribe mitig ating measures to eliminate or substantially reduce the possibility of structur al failure. Said analysis shall be subject to approval by the
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bBuilding oOfficial and all prescribed mitigating measur es shall be incorporated into building plans submitted for permits.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. A compliant geological investigation from an adjacent property within 1,000 feet of the subject property may be used when approved by the building official, if it conforms to all the requirements of this code.
21. The bBuilding oOfficial is authorized to establish a policy exempting structures deemed minor in nature from geological investigations.”
Section 24: Section 16.10.040 of the Riverside Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“Section 16.10.040 Section 201.4 added – Deputies.
201 of the Uniform Code for th e Abatement of Dang erous Buildings is amended by adding thereto a new subs ection 201.4 to r ead as follows:
201.4 Deputies. In accord ance with prescribed procedures and with the approval of the appointing authority, the bBuilding oOfficial may appoint such number of technical officers and inspectors and other employees as sha ll be authorized from time to time. The bBuilding oOfficial may deputize such inspectors or employees as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of the Uniform Code for th e Abatement of Dange rous Buildings.” Section 25: Section 16.10.050 of the Riverside Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“Section 16.10.050 Section 302 amended.
15. Whenever a building or structure, used or intended to be used for dwelling purposes, because of inadequate maintenance, dila pidation, decay, damage, faulty construction or arrangement, inadequate light, air or sanitation facil ities, or otherwise, is de termined by the Community and Economic Development Director, the Building Official or the Code Enforc ement Manager, or their designees, to be unsanitary, unfit for human habitation or in such a condit ion that is likely to cause sickness or disease.”
/ /
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Section 26: Section 16.10.070 of the Riverside Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“Section 16.10.070 Section 501 amended.
Wherever the board of appeals may be mentioned in Sections 501.1, 501.2, and 501.3, such term shall mean refers to an Administrative Hearin g Officer as established in Chapter 1.17 of this code.”
Section 27: Section 16.10.080 of the Riverside Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“Section 16.10.080 Section 601 amended.
Wherever the board of appeals or hearing examiner may be mentioned in Section 601, such terms shall mean refers to an Administrative Hearin g Officer as established in Chapter 1.17 of this code.”
Section 28: Section 16.10.090 of the Riverside Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“Section 16.10.090 Section 602 amended.
Wherever the board of appeals may be mentioned in Sections 501.1, 501.2, and 501.3, such term shall mean refers to an Administrative Hearin g Officer as established in Chapter 1.17 of this code.”
Section 29: Section 16.10.110 of the Riverside Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“Section 16.10.110 Section 604 amended.
Wherever the board of a ppeals may be mentioned in Section 604, such term shall mean refers to an Administrative Hearing Of ficer as established in Ch apter 1.17 of this code.” Section 30: Section 16.10.130 of the Riverside Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“Section 16.10.130 Section 701 amended.
Wherever the board of a ppeals may be mentioned in Section 604, such term shall meanrefers to an Administrative Hearing Of ficer as established in Ch apter 1.17 of this code.” Section 31: Section 16.11.020 of the Riverside Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“Section 16.11.020 California Mechanical Code adopted--Filed with Building Official.
The California Mechanical Code, 20225 Edition, including appendices, Part 4 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, and any related errata, and any amendments thereto by the
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State of California promulgated by the Intern ational Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, which regulates the erection, instal lation, alteration, repair, relocation, replacement, addition to, use or maintenance of any equipmen t as defined herein, is adopted and by this reference is made a part of this Code with the force and effect as though set out herein in full with the exception of those parts expressly excepted and deleted or amended by this chapter. One copy of the California Mechanical Code, which has been certified as a true copy, is on file and open to public inspection in the office of the Building Official.” Section 32: Section 16.12.020 of the Riverside Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“Section 16.12.020 California Plumbing Code adopted--Filed with Building Official.
The California Plumbing Code, 20225 Edition, Part 5 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, including appendices and any related errata, and any amendments thereto by the State of California promulgated by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, which regulates the design, constr uction, installation, quality of materials, location, operation, equipment and maintenance of plumbing systems, is adopted and by this reference is made a part of this Code with the same forc e and effect as though se t out in this chapte r in full, with the exception of those parts expressl y excepted, deleted or as amended by this chapter. One copy of the California Plumbing Code, which has been certified as a true copy is on file and open to public inspection in the office of the Building Official.”
Section 33: Section 16.13.020 of the Riverside Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“Section 16.13.020 California Energy Code adopted— Filed with Building Official.
The California Energy Code, 202 25 Edition, Part 6 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, including appendices and any related errata, and any amendments thereto by the State of California promulgated by the California Energy Commission, which regulates the design, construction, installation, quality of materials, location, operation, equipment and maintenance of energy efficient systems, is adopted and by this reference is made a part of this Code with the same force and effect as though set out in this chapter in full, with the exception of those parts expressly excepted, deleted or as amended by this chapter. One copy of the California Energy Code, which
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has been certified as a true copy is on file and open to public inspection in the office of the Building Official.”
Section 34: Section 16.14.020 of the Riverside Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“Section 16.14.020 California Existing Building Code adopted—Filed with Building Official.
The California Existing Building Code, 20225 Edition, Part 10 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, consisting of Parts 8, 10 and 12, including appendices and any related errata, and any amendments thereto by th e State of California in the 202 25 Edition of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, promulgated by the International Code Council, which regulates the erection, construction, enlargement, alte ration, repair, moving, removal, conversion, demolition, occupancy, equipment, use, height, area and maintenance of buildings and other structures, is adopted and by this reference is made a part of this Code with the force and effect as though set out herein in full, with the exception of those parts e xpressly excepted and deleted or as amended by this chapter. One copy of the California Building Code with the amendments thereto by the State of California, which has been certified as a true copy, is on file and open to public inspection in the office of the Building Official.” Section 35: Section 16.16.020 of the Riverside Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“Section 16.16.020 California Electrical Code adopted--Filed with Building Official.
The California Electrical Code, 20225 Edition, Part 3 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, and any related errata, and any am endments thereto by the State of California, copyrighted by the National Fire Protection Association, which regulates the erection, construction, demolition, equipment, use and maintenance of electrical systems, is adopted and by this reference is made a part of this Code with the same force a nd effect as though set out in this chapter in full, with the exception of those parts expressly excepted, deleted or as amended by this chapter. One copy of the California Electrical Code, which has been certified as a true copy is on file and open to public inspection in the office of the Building Official.” / /
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Section 36: Section 16.16.051 of the Riverside Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“Section 16.16.051 Inspections.
All electrical wiring and equipment for which a permit is required shall be inspected and approved by the bBuilding oOfficial before being concealed, energized or used. All fees required by this Code shall be paid by the applicant prio r to the energizing or use of such wiring or equipment.
. . .
Whenever any work regulated by this chapte r, or any portion thereof, is ready for inspection, the Bbuilding oOfficial shall be notified that same is ready for inspection. The notice shall be given not less than 24 hours before any such inspection is desired.” Section 37: Chapter 16.17 of the Riverside Municipal Code entitled “Wildlife-Urban Interface Code” is added as follows:
“Section 16.17.010 References to Wildland-Urban Interface Code.
This chapter shall be known as the Wildland-Ur ban Interface Code and may be cited as such.
Whenever in this Code, or any ordinance of th e City, the phrases “International Wildland-Urban Interface Code” or “California Wildland-Urban Interface Code” a ppear, such phrases shall be deemed and construed to refer and apply to this chapter in conjunction with Chapter 16.04.
Section 16.17.020 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code adopted—Filed with Building Official.
The California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, 2025 Edition, Part 7 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, including appendices and any related errata, and any amendments thereto by the State of California in the 2025 Edition of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, promulgated by the Internationa l Code Council, which regulat es the erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, removal, conversion, demolition, occupancy, equipment, use, height, area and maintenance of buildings and other structures, is adopted and by this reference is made a part of this Code with the force and effect as though set out he rein in full, with the exception of those parts expressly excepted and deleted or as amended by this chapter. One copy
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of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code with the amendments th ereto by the State of California, which has been certified as a true c opy, is on file and open to public inspection in the office of the Building Official.”
Section 38: Section 16.20.120 of the Riverside Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“Section 16.20.120 Building demo lition permit fee.
The fee for a building demolition shall be based on the valuati on of the building or work and as set forth in Section 107. 2, Permit Fees, of Section 107, Fe es, of the California Building Code (Chapter 16.08).The fee for each permit and for plan review shall be as set by resolution of the City Council.”
Section 39: Section 16.20.230 of the Riverside Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“Section 16.20.230 Bonds and insurance.
In addition to other bonds, depo sits or insurance that may be required, the foll owing shall be deposited with the Building O fficial prior to th e issuance of a bu ilding moving permit:
A. A faithful performance bond pa yable to the City in an amoun t equal to not less than 100 percent of the estimated cost of preparing the moved building for occupancy, including but not limited to all necessary termite control and repair work, or a demolition bond payable to the City in an amount equal to not less than 100 percent of the estimated cost of demolishing and removing all materials from the si te, including but not limited to all footings and other works that may have been installed, when the permit is for moving a building in to or within the City; B. A bond payable to the City in the amount of $2,500.005,000.00 to secure payment of damage to any street, tree, u tility or installation cau sed by such moving; . . .”
Section 40: Section 16.22.030 of the Riverside Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“Section 16.22.030 Definitions.
For the purpose of this chapter, words and terms shall be defined as set forth in this section.
Where terms are not define d in this Code and are defined in other codes, such terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them as in those codes. Where terms are not defined through the
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methods authorized by this section, such term s shall have ordinary accepted meanings such as the context implies.
Electronic submittal means the utilization of the following:
A. Any computer based electronic plan review software program main tained, operated, and utilized by the City.
Kilowatt Thermal shall meanrefers to :
. . .”
Section 41: The title of Chapter 16.23 of the Riverside Municipal Code entitled “Electric Vehicle Charging Station Streamlined Permitting Process” is hereby amended to read as follows:
“Chapter 16.23 - ELECTRIC VE HICLE CHARGING STATION AND HYDROGEN FUELING STATION STREAMLINED PERMITTING PROCESS.” Section 42: Section 16.23.010 of the Riverside Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“Section 16.23.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this ordinance is to create an expedited, streamlined elec tric vehicle charging station and hydrogen fueling station permitting process that compli es with Government Code section 65850.7 to achieve timely a nd cost-effective installations of electric ve hicle charging stations and hydrogen fueling stations .”
Section 43: Section 16.23.020 of the Riverside Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“Section 16.23.020 Applicability.
A. This chapter applies to th e permitting of all electric vehicle chargi ng stations and hydrogen fueling stations in the City.
B. Electric vehicl e charging stations and hydrogen fueling stations legally established or permitted prior to th e effective date of this or dinance are not subject to the requirements of this ordinance unless physical modifications or altera tions are undertaken that materially change the size, type, or co mponents of an electric vehicle charging station and hydrogen fueling station in such a way as to re quire a new permit.”
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Section 44: Section 16.23.030 of the Riverside Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“Section 16.23.030 Definitions.
For the purpose of this chapter, words and terms shall be defined as set forth in this section.
Where terms are not define d in this Code and are defined in other codes, such terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them as in those codes. Where terms are not defined through the methods authorized by this section, such term s shall have ordinary accepted meanings such as the context implies.
Electric vehicle charging station means the following:
. . .
Specific adverse impact means the following:
A. A significant, quantifi able, direct, and unavoidable impact, based on objective, identified, and written public heal th or safety standards, policies or conditions as they existed on the date the application was deemed complete.
Hydrogen fueling station means the following:
A. Equipment used to store and di spense hydrogen fuel to vehicl es according to industry codes and standards that is open to the public.”
Section 45: Section 16.23.040 of the Riverside Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“Section 16.23.040 Requirements.
A. All electric vehicle charging stations and hydrogen fu eling stations shall meet all applicable health and safety standa rds and the requirements imposed by the state and the City, local fire department and utility director.
B. Electric vehicle charging statio ns shall meet all ap plicable safety and performance standards established by the California Electrical Code, the So ciety of Automotive Engineers, the National Electrical Manufacturers Associat ion, and accredited testing labora tories such as Underwriters Laboratories and, where applicable, rules of th e Public Utilities Commi ssion regarding safety and reliability.Electric ve hicle charging stations and hydrogen fueling stations shall be designed, installed, operated, and maintained in accordan ce with all applicable codes, standards, and
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regulations adopted by the State of California a nd the City, including ap plicable national and international safety and perform ance standards, and the requir ements of accredited testing laboratories.”
Section 46: Section 16.23.050 of the Riverside Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“Section 16.23.050 Application and documents.
A. All documents required for th e submission of an expedited el ectric vehicle charging station and hydrogen fueling station application shall be ma de available on the publicly accessible City website.
B. Electronic subm ittal of the requir ed permit application and do cuments through City utilized computer based software shall be made availa ble to all electric vehicle charging station and hydrogen fueling station permit applicants.
. . .
D. The Building and Safety Division shall adop t a checklist of all re quirements with which electric vehicle charging stations and hydrogen fu eling stations shall comply to be eligible for expedited review.
E. The Building and Safety Division may refer to the recommendation contained in the most current version of the Plug-In Electric vehicle Infrastruct ure Permitting Checklist Hydrogen Station Permitting Guidebook and the Zero-Emissio ns Vehicles in Ca lifornia: Community Readiness Guidebook published by the Governor 's Office of Planning and Research, when adopting the electric vehicle charging and hydrogen fueling station permit process and checklist.”
Section 47: Section 16.23.060 of the Riverside Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“Section 16.23.060 Permit review requirements.
A. The Building Official shall im plement an administrati ve review process to expedite approval of electric vehicle charging stations and hydrogen fueling stations. Where the application meets the requirements of the approved checklist an d standards and there are no specific, adverse impacts upon public health or safety, the Bu ilding and Safety Division shall complete the
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building permit approval process, which is nondiscretionary. Re view of the application for electric vehicle charging stations shall be limited to th e Building Official's review of whether the application meets local, state, and federal health and safety requirements. . . .
C. The Building Official may require an applicant to apply for a special use permit if the official finds, based on substant ial evidence, that the Electric Vehicle Charging Station electric vehicle charging station and hydr ogen fueling station could have a specific, adverse impa ct upon the public health and safety. Such d ecisions may be appealed to the City Planning Commission in accordance with the procedures in Chapter 16.680.
. . .”
Section 48: Section 16.24.010 of the Riverside Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“Section 16.24.010 Uniform system adopted.
For the promotion of the safety, convenie nce, comfort, peace, order and the general welfare of the City, a uniform system of building numbers,addressing is hereby adopted and established. in the City.The uniform This system of building addressing isshall be administered by the Building & Safety Division, as building and all address numbers are shall be maintained within the City’s (GIS) Geographic Information System mapping database as the official record of address assignments .”
Section 49: Section 16.24.020 of the Riverside Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“Section 16.24.020 RequiredAddress Identification Required.
Every person owning, cont rolling, occupying or usin g any structure, house, building, store, storeroom or build ingor place of business situated on premises property fronting on any public street, avenue , road, alley or other public way or place in within the City shall procure, place, attach and maintain in a conspicuous place on the street front of every su ch structure, house, store, storeroom or building and on, over or near each and every door or entry thereto facing on any street, avenue or other public wa y or place, the number assigned thereto by this chapter. obtain, post, and maintain address numbers as assi gned pursuant to this chapter. Said
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address numbers shall be affixed in a conspicuou s location on the stre et-facing side of the building, structure, or entrance . Where multiple entrances exis t facing a public right-of-way, numbers shall be posted on, over, or adjacent to each en try door, or as otherw ise directed by the Building Official or Fire Code Official.”
Section 50: Section 16.24.030 of the Riverside Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“Section 16.24.030 Size , Visibility, and Illumination Standards and type.
Addressing shall be illuminate d at night in all new buildi ngs. Address signs shall be internally or externally illuminated. When the luminance or the face of a sign is from an external source, it shall have an intensity of not less th an 5.0 foot-candles. Internally illuminated signs shall provide equivalent luminance.
The minimum size and dimension of the numbers shall be 6 inch es in height with 1-inch stroke width or larger readily visible and legible from the adjacent street. Single Family dwelling shall have a minimum size of 4 inches in he ights with 1-inch stroke width or larger.
Where a building is set back from the street or road fr onting the proper ty and where addresses may not be clearly iden tifiable due to distance from th e street or road way, landscape, vegetation and/or architectural appendages, or other obstructions, ad dress posting shall be required both at the street, road or driveway se rving such building and on the building. Street or roadside address post ing shall be on a weathe r resistant sign, permanently mounted to a post, and highly visible from all directions of traffic flow. Where unusual circumstances exist a direction indicator may be re quired to show specific direction of buildings(s).
A. Minimum Size and Contrast.
For all buildings other than si ngle-family dwelling s including suite/unit identifiers, address numerals shall be a minimu m of six (6) inches in height with a minimum stroke width of one (1) inch, and shall be of a color that contrasts sharply with the background surface. For single-family dwellings, address numerals shall be a minimum of four (4) inches in height with a minimum stroke width of one (1 ) inch, and likewise sh all be contrasting and clearly visible.
B. Illumination Requiremen ts for New Buildings and Ne w Dwelling Units in Existing
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Buildings.
Address numbers for all newly constructed buildin gs, and for any new dwel ling unit(s) created in an existing buil ding, including additions and conver sions, shall be il luminated during nighttime hours to ensure visibility for emergency responde rs and public sa fety personnel.
Illumination shall be provided as follows:
1. Externally illuminated address signs shall be li t with an intensity of not less than five (5) foot-candles, me asured at the face of the sign.
2. Internally illuminat ed signs shall provide equivalent luminance to externally illuminated signs.
C. Setback and Obstruct ion Accommodations.
Where a building is located more than 50 feet from the adjacent public or private street, or where the primary address number(s) are not clearly visible due to landscaping, vegetation, architectural elements, fencing, grade changes, or other obst ructions, supplemental address indentation shall be provided.
A secondary address sign sh all be posted at the entrance of th e driveway, private road, or access point serving the buildi ng or structure. The se condary sign shall:
1. Be constructed of durable, weather-resistant materials, and reflective materials;
2. Be permanently mounted to a freestanding post or other appr oved structure;
3. Be clearly legible from both directions of travel; and
4. Comply with the minimum si ze, contrast, and visibilit y standards described in subsection A.
Where multiple buildings are lo cated on a property or site access may lead to ambiguity, directional indicators, site maps, or additional signage may be required to identify the location of individual buildings or units.
D. Maintenance.
All address identification signage shall be maintained in a legible, illuminated, and unobstructed condition at all times. The Buildi ng Official or Fire Code O fficial may requ ire the repair,
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replacement, relocation, or upgrade of address numbers or signage found to be in noncompliance with this Chapter.”
Section 51: Chapter 16.36 entitled “Public-Safety Radi o Amplification System” is deleted in its entirety as follows:
Section 16.36.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this section is to require minimum standards to ensure a reasonable degree of reliability for radio communications of the City's Public Safety Emergency Services from within certain buildings and structures within the City.
Section 16.36.020 Applicability.
This article applies to construction permits issued after the effective date of this article.
Section 16.36.030 Scope.
The provisions of this section shall apply to:
A. New buildings in accordance with California Fire Code Section 510 Emergency Responder Communications Coverage, and NFPA 1221, Edition 2019.
B. Existing buildings when modifications or repa irs exceed 50 percent of the usable floor area; and
C. All basements regardless of the oc cupancy type, or parking structures.
Section 16.36.035 Definitions.
City Certified persons means a person skilled and factory trained on in-building RF distribution systems and approved by the City of Riverside. Typically, these will be person possessing a current FCC or a current technician certification issued by the Associated Public-Safety Communications Officials International (APCO).
Downlink means radio frequencies travel ing FROM outside the structur e to inside the structure.
Typically, the signals transmitted from a distant repeater to a portable radio inside a building.
Radiating cable system means a system that feeds a series of amplifiers and radiating cable antennas spread through the building using special radiating (leaky) coaxial cable.
Radio frequency (RF) distribution system means any system designed to receive radio signals
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outside of the building and radiate it throughout the building and conversely, receive a radio signal generated within the building and re-radiate a signal outside of the building.
Signal booster means a specialized radio frequency amplifier, also known as a "Bi-Directional Amplifier" or "BDA," that receives specific radio frequency signals from an antenna and amplifies and retransmits these signals.
Uplink means radio frequencies traveling from inside the structure to outside the structure.
Voter-receiver system means receivers installed at multiple tower sites which feed audio to a comparator or voter at a central site. The comparat or selects the receiver with the best signal and sends that audio to the dispatcher.
Section 16.36.040 Radio coverage.
A. No person shall erect, constr uct, modify, or repair any build ing or structure or any part thereof, or cause the same to be done which rest ricts or blocks adequate radio coverage for the City of Riverside radio communications system, including but not limited to firefighters and police officers.
B. For the purpose of this sect ion, adequate radio c overage shall constitute a successful communications test between the equipment in the building and the communications center where signal strength measurements in 95 percent of all ar eas and 99 percent of areas designated as critical areas by the fire code of ficial on each floor of the building meet the signal strength and shall include all of the following:
1. A minimum signal strength of -95 dBm available in 90 percent of the area of each floor of the building when transmitted from the Public-Safety Communications Center; and
2. A minimum average signal st rength of -107 dBm for anal og and -95 dBm for digital systems as received by the City's Public-Safet y Communications Center when transmitted from 90 percent of the floor area of the building.
C. As used in this section, 90 percent coverage or reliability means the radio will transmit and receive communications 90 percent of the time at the field strength and levels as defined in this article.
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Section 16.36.050 FCC authorization.
If amplification is used in the system, all F CC regulated equipment sh all have a current FCC Certification. The FCC certification numbers mu st be provided in writing to the Riverside Telecommunications Department.
If required, additional FCC authorizations must be obtained prior to use of the system. A copy of these authorizations shall be provided to the City of Riverside's Frequency Coordinator.
Section 16.36.060 Enhanced amplifications systems.
A. Where buildings and structures are required to provide amenities to achieve adequate signal strength, they shall be equipped with any of th e following to achieve the required adequate radio coverage for public safety channels; radiating cable system(s), internal multiple antenna system(s) with amplification system(s) as needed, voting r eceiver system(s) as needed, or any other City approved system(s).
B. If any part of the installed system or system s contains an electrically powered component, the system shall be capable of operating on an in dependent battery and/or generator system for a period of at least eight hours without external power input. The battery system shall automatically charge in the presence of external power.
C. Amplification equipment must have adequate environmental controls to meet the heating, ventilation, cooling, and humidity requirements of the equipment that will be utilized to meet the requirements of this Code. The area where the amplification equipment is located also must be free of hazardous materials. The
location of the amplification equipment must be in an area that has 24 hour, seven day a week access for the City's authorized communications personnel without prior notice. All communications equipment including amplification systems, cable, and antenna systems shall be grounded with a single point ground system of five ohms or less. The ground system must include an internal tie point within three feet of the amplification equipment. System transient suppression for the telephone circuits, ac power, radio fre quency (RF) cabling and grounding protection are required as needed.
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D. The use of signal Boosters operating on appr opriate Riverside frequencies for the purpose of this article approved when required and are subject to the following conditions:
1. The signal booster must have a current F CC certification for the City of Riverside frequencies it will amplify and no others.
2. FCC Class B (broadband) amplifiers will use filters specifically tuned to City of Riverside frequencies and reject adjacent frequencies in the direction of the signals going into the structure one MHz or more from the closest City frequency by at least 35 dB. The City shall provide a list of current operating frequencies.
3. Signal boosters must have the capability of changing frequencies or adding frequencies as may be required in the future by the frequencies the FCC authorizes the City to use.
4. Signal boosters shall have the optional capability to send failure alarms to numeric City pagers or via a TCP/IP connection. The requirement of this option will be determined by the City based on a variety of factors including the nature of the occupancy and types of materials stored.
5. Unless otherwise approved by the City, signa l boosters, associated filters, and options (except battery back-ups) shall be enclosed with a single NEMA 12 or better cable. The cabinets shall not have openings.
E. The following information shall be provided to the City representative by the building owner:
1. A blueprint showing the loca tion of the amplification equi pment and associated antenna systems, including a view showing building access to the equipment; and
2. Schematic drawings of the electrical, backup power, and antenna system.
Section 16.36.070 Testing procedures—Method to conduct tests.
A. Tests shall be made by a City certified pe rson(s) using test frequencies within the same band. If testing is done on the actual frequencies, then this testing must be coordinated within the City's Public-Safety Communications Center. All testing must be done on frequencies authorized by the FCC. A valid FCC license will be required if testing is done on frequencies different from the police, fire, or emergency medical frequencies.
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B. Measurements shall be made us ing the following guidelines:
1. With a service monitor using a unity gain antenna on a small ground plane;
2. Measurements shall be made wi th the antenna held in a verti cal position as three to four feet above the floor;
3. A calibrated service monitor (with a factor calibration dated within 24 months) may be used to do the test;
4. A Public-Safety Communications representative for the City may also make simultaneous measurements to verify that the equipment is making accurate measurements. A variance of three dB between the instruments will be allowed; and
5. If measurements in one locati on are varying, then average measurements may be used.
Section 16.36.075 Initial tests.
A. A copy of such certification(s) shall be pr ovided to the City's fre quency coordinator. All compliance testing shall be the responsibility of the building or structure owner and shall be done at no expense to the City.
B. Signal strength, both downlink (inbound) a nd uplink (outbound), shall be measure on each and every floor above and below ground including stairwells, basements, penthouse facilities, and parking areas of the structure. The structure shall be divided into 50 foot grids and the measurements shall be taken at the center of each grid. In poli ce substations and fire command posts, the grids shall be subdivided into four 25 foot grids in place of each 50 foot grid.
Section 16.36.080 Annual tests.
When an in-building system is installed, all ac tive components must be tested by City certified person(s) a minimum of once every 12 months. If communications appear to have degraded or if the tests fail to demonstrate adequate system pe rformance, the owner of the building or structure is required to remedy the problem and restore the system in a manner consistent with the original approval criteria. The re-testing will be done at no e xpense to the City as required in the original testing procedures. Annual tests results shall be sent to the City's frequency coordinator.
City staff may, at any time dur ing routine business hour s, conduct independent testing of the in-
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building system to verify proper operation.
Section 16.36.090 Enforcement.
The provisions of this chapter may be enforced by procedures set forth in Chapter 1.17, by criminal prosecution, by civil injunction, or any other remedy provided by law.” Section 52: Section 16.48.020 of the Riverside Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“Section 16.48.020 Definitions.
As used in this chapter the following terms shall have the following meanings:
Building permit for new development means a building permit issued pursuant to Chapter 16.08 of the Riverside Municipal Code for a structure or a portion of a structure which is not a replacement for a structure or a portion of a structure which existed on the same site on January 1, 1991.
Alessandro Heights area shall mean that refers to the area of the City of Riverside generally located adjacent to the Alessandro Arroyo and as described by resolution of the City Council.” Section 53: Section 16.68.030 of the Riverside Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“Section 16.68.030 Definitions.
For the purpose of this chapter, the following wo rds, terms and phrases shall have the following meanings:
A. Accessory dwelling units and second units according to the State of California legal definition as following: 1) The second unit is not intended for sale and may be rented; 2) The lot is zoned for single-family dwellings; 3) The lot contains an existing single-family dwelling; 4) The second unit is either attached to the existing dwelling and located within the living area of the existing dwelling or detached from the existing dwelling and located on the same lot as the existing dwelling; and 5) Are ministerially amended by each jurisdiction's local codes. . . .
J. Long-term lease as used in the TUMF Program, a "long-term lease" shall mean refers to a lease with a term of no less than 20 years.
. . .”
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Section 54: Section 16.80.020 of the Riverside Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“Section 16.80.020 Definitions.
As used in this chapter, the following words and phrases have the meanings set forth below:
"CEQA" means the California Environmental Quality Act and the accompanying guidelines. . . .
"Vehicle Miles Traveled Mitigation Fee" shall meanrefers to the cost charged to an applicant by the City to implement the TDMs as calculated per VMT unit.” Section 55: The City Council has reviewed the matter and, based upon the facts and information contained in the staf f reports, administrative record, and written and oral testimony, hereby finds that this ordinanc e is not subject to CEQA pursu ant to Sections 15060(c)(2), 15060(c)(3) and/or 15061(b)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, Cali fornia Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, in that it will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment nor have a significant impact on the environment.
Section 56: The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this ordinance and cause publication once in a newspaper of general circ ulation in accordance with Section 414 of the Charter of the City of Riverside. This ordinance shall become effective on the 30th day after the date of its adoption.
ADOPTED by the City Council this _____ day of _______________, 2025.
______________________________
PATRICIA LOCK DAWSON
Mayor of the City of Riverside
Attest:
______________________________
DONESIA GAUSE
City Clerk of the City of Riverside
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I, Donesia Gause, City Clerk of the City of Riverside, California, hereby certify that the foregoing ordinance was duly and regularly intro duced at a meeting of the City Council on the _____ day of _______________, 2025, and that thereafter the said ordinance was duly and regularly adopted at a meeting of th e City Council on the _____ day of _______________, 2025 by the following vote, to wit:
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City of Riverside, California, this _____ day of _______________, 2025.
_________________________________
DONESIA GAUSE
City Clerk of the City of Riverside
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