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RiversideCA.gov1
URGENCY ORDINANCE:PALLET STORAGE YARD MORATORIUMCity CouncilMay 19, 2026Community & Economic Development Department RiversideCA.gov2
•Zoning Code does not have specific regulations for pallet storage yards•Treated as general outdoor storage (industrial use)•May require Minor CUP, depending on Zone•General standards for screening, lighting, landscaping, other site improvements apply•Storage of combustible materials must comply with Chapter 16.32 (Fire Prevention) and 2025 CA Fire CodeBACKGROUND1 2 2
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RiversideCA.gov3
•California Law authorizes an urgency ordinance to establish a moratoriumon issuance of permits or approvals while permanent regulations are studied•Findings must be made demonstrating an immediate threat to public health, safety and welfare•Initial term of 45 days, may be extended twice for up to two years totalBACKGROUND RiversideCA.gov4
•Improperly operated and unregulated pallet storage yards present specific public health & safety concerns•Fire risk •Stacking hazards•Code compliance issues:•Screening, circulation, landscaping, lighting, property maintenanceDISCUSSION3 4 3
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RiversideCA.gov5
FIRE RISK
February 2026Source: Press-EnterpriseMarch 2026Source: Raincross Gazette RiversideCA.gov6
FIRE RISK
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RiversideCA.gov7
STACKING HAZARDS
RiversideCA.gov8
COMPLIANCE AND COMPATIBILITY
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RiversideCA.gov9
1. The City Council hereby finds wooden pallet storage yards pose a current and immediate threat to the public health, safety and welfare on the citizens of the City and are a use which may be in conflict with a contemplated general plan, specific plan, or zoning proposal that the City Council, Planning Commission or the Planning Division is considering or studying or intends to study within a reasonable time. 2. The City Council further hereby finds that the approval of land use permits, building permits, business licenses, or any other applicable approval or decision for the establishment or expansion of wooden pallet storage yards would result in that threat to public health, safety, or welfare. INTERIM ORDINANCE FINDINGS RiversideCA.gov10
3. These findings are based upon all of the facts recited in this staff report and in the proposed Urgency Ordinance accompanying this report, all matters and information presented to this City Council at its meeting on May 19, 2026. 4. The City Council hereby directs the Planning Division and the City’s Fire Department to work together to consider and study impacts and adoption of zoning and regulatory standards to protect the public health, safety, and welfare and to create new or revised regulations and/or ordinances that address such impacts.INTERIM ORDINANCE FINDINGS9 10 6
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RiversideCA.gov11
That the City Council :1. ADOPT, by a four-fifths affirmative vote, an urgency ordinance establishing a 45-day moratorium on the establishment or expansion of wooden pallet storage yards within the City.RECOMMENDATIONS11