City Council Memorandum
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DATE: APRIL 7, 2026 FROM: CITY MANAGER - AIRPORT WARD: 3 SUBJECT: INTRODUCE AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 12 OF THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE MUNICIPAL CODE – AIRPORT RULES AND REGULATIONS TO ADDRESS ANIMALS WITHIN THE AIR OPERATIONS AREA (AOA), INCURSIONS INTO AIRCRAFT MOVEMENT AREAS, TENANT SPECIAL EVENTS, AND REGULATION OF OFF-AIRPORT COMMERCIAL VENDORS.
ISSUE:
Introduce an Ordinance amending Title 12 of the City of Riverside Municipal Code – Airport Rules and Regulations to address animals within the Air Operations Area (AOA), incursions into Aircraft Movement Areas, tenant special events, and regulation of off-airport commercial vendors.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council introduce and subsequently adopt an Ordinance, amending Title 12 of the City of Riverside Municipal Code – Airport Rules and Regulations, to:
Add Title 12, Section 12.04.055 Animals;
Amend Title 12, Section 12.04.060 Commercial and business activities require permits and licenses; and Amend Title 12, Section 12.14.025 Incursions into aircraft movement areas, subsection B BACKGROUND:
Title 12 of Riverside Municipal Code, Airport Rules and Regulations, requires periodic updating. Several revisions to Title 12 are proposed to address animals within the Air Operations Area (AOA), incursions into Aircraft Movement Areas, tenant special events, and regulation of off-airport commercial vendors.
DISCUSSION:
Staff recommends several updates to the Airport Code to enhance safety, regulatory clarity, and operational consistency. The proposed addition of Section 12.04.055 establishes a requirement that all animals on airport property be leashed or otherwise securely restrained. Unrestrained animals can create various safety concerns, including potential conflicts with other animals, distractions to airport users, and unexpected movements that could interfere with airport operations. This addition provides clearer expectations for the public and supports a safer environment throughout the airport.
Staff also proposes amendments to Section 12.04.060 to more clearly state that all commercial and business activities conducted on airport property require the appropriate Cityissued permits and licenses. Without proper authorization, business activities may result in inconsistent operational practices, inadequate insurance coverage, or noncompliance with safety and zoning requirements. The updated language strengthens enforceability and promotes uniform adherence to City regulations among all airport tenants and operators.
Finally, staff recommends updating Section 12.14.025, subsection B, relating to unauthorized access to aircraft movement areas. Maintaining controlled access to runways and taxiways is essential to preventing safety hazards such as unintended vehicle or pedestrian entry, interference with aircraft operations, and reduced situational awareness for pilots and ground personnel. The amendments reinforce the importance of protecting these controlled areas in alignment with industry standards and federal aviation safety expectations.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with the proposed update to Title 12 of the City of Riverside Municipal Code – Airport Rules and Regulations.
Prepared by: Daniel Prather, Airport Manager
Approved by: Daniel Prather, Airport Manager
Certified as to
availability of funds: Julie Nemes, Interim Finance Director Approved by: Gilbert Hernandez, Interim Assistant City Manager Approved as to form: Rebecca McKee-Reimbold, Interim City Attorney Attachment: Revised Ordinance Amending Title 12 of the Riverside Municipal Code ● Ordinance Amending Title 12 - Page 2