Safety, Wellness, and Youth Committee
February 18, 2026

2/6/2026
1 RPDonline.org
TYPE OF MEETINGMONTH __, 20__
PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLES 1, 5, 6 AND 9 OF RIVERSIDE MUNICIPAL CODE TO INCLUDE STANDARDIZED BACKGROUND INVESTIGATON FOR PERMITTED BUSINESSESSAFETY, WELLNESS, & YOUTH COMMITTEEFebruary 18, 2026 RPDonline.orgBACKGROUNDRPD is responsible for conducting background checks and issuing business permits for 11 types of businesses in the City of Riverside. 1. Poolrooms 2. Vehicles for Hire, Taxicabs and Animal-Drawn Vehicles 3. Massage Parlors 4. Cannabis Dispensaries 5. Entertainment6. Junk Dealers & Scrap MetalRecyclers7. Pawn Shops & Secondhand Dealers8. Firearm Dealers9. Tobacco Retail Establishments10.Adult-Oriented Businesses11.Fortunetelling & Occult Art 2/6/2026
2 RPDonline.orgBACKGROUNDThe Riverside Municipal Code (RMC) currently provides several different requirements for conducting background investigations into business owners and their employees, depending on the business type.When reviewing the background investigation requirements RPD found:
•Inconsistent background check requirements•Codes written at different times with varying standards RPDonline.orgPROPOSED SOLUTIONAdd Section 1.17.122 to RMC for standard background investigation procedureApplies to all businesses requiring RPD reviewRetains additional requirements for specific business types 2/6/2026
3 RPDonline.org•Section 1.17.122 would provide:– A consistent process for all background checks across all business types– Clarity for applicants and staff– Improved compliance and enforcementBENEFITS OF UNIFORM PROCEDURE RPDonline.orgThat the Safety, Wellness, and Youth Committee:1. Receive and discuss the proposed ordinance amending Titles 1, 5, 6 and 9 of the Riverside Municipal Code to include a standardized background investigation procedure for businesses that require a background as part of the business permit process, in addition to any specific changes for specific business types covered under their respective titles within the RMC; and2. Forward their recommendation to the City Council for consideration.RECOMMENDATIONS