Cultural Heritage Board
Memorandum
Community & Economic Development Department Planning Division 3900 Main Street, Riverside, CA 92522 | Phone: (951) 826-5371 | RiversideCA.gov
May 20, 2026
CULTURAL HERITAGE BOARD MEETING DATE: MAY 20 2026
AGENDA ITEM NO.: 4
DISCUSSION ITEM
RECOMMENDATION
That the Cultural Heritage Board recommend that City Council:
1. Determine that Planning Case PC-2026-00408 is exempt from further California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (General Rule), as it can be seen with certainty that approval of the project will not have an effect on the environment;
2. Approve Planning Case PC-2026-00408 (Title 20 Text Amendment) as outlined in the staff report and summarized in the Findings section of this report; and
3. Introduce, and subsequently adopt, an Ordinance amending Title 20 (Cultural Resources) of the RMC.
BACKGROUND
Staff continuously track the applicability and accuracy of the Riverside Municipal Code (RMC) to ensure that the regulations are consistent with state law, provide clear direction, and are not in conflict with other provisions. Staff identifies inaccuracies, ambiguities, and/or conflicts and tracks this information so that periodic amendments can be made. This builds on the “Streamline Riverside” initiative that continually identifies and implements strategic changes to City processes.
Case Numbers PC-2026-00408 (AMD)
Request
To amend Title 20 of the Riverside Municipal Code (RMC) to implement minor, non-substantive clarifications and
corrections.
Project Location Citywide
Ward All
Staff Planner
Clarissa Manges, Assistant Planner
951-826-5264
[email protected]
May 20, 2026
A comprehensive legal review of the RMC was undertaken by the City Clerk’s Office between 2024-2025. The proposed amendment appears throughout Title 20 and focuses on minor, non-substantive changes identified by CivicPlus, the third-party vendor who currently maintains the RMC (Attachment 2). Specifically, this code cleanup focuses on updates to references of RMC titles and state legal codes, removal of Title 1 duplicate text, and other minor clarifications and corrections.
PROPOSAL
The proposed amendment to Titles 20, with footnotes about the changes from the legal reviewer, are included as Exhibit 1. The following describes the proposed changes for each type of amendment in greater detail.
Changes to References/Naming Conventions of RMC Titles
Existing Condition:
Currently, many of the titles that make up the RMC are often known and referred to as the code of the title’s name. Title 20 (Cultural Resources) does not follow this rule; however, some titles that are referenced in it do; for instance, Title 19 (Zoning) is often referred to as the Zoning Code. Since only the RMC is formally a code, using the word “code” to refer to titles can confuse the reader into thinking that titles are separate from the RMC rather than part of it, or that a title reference is a reference to the broader RMC and vice versa.
Proposed Changes:
The proposed change will remove the word code from references to titles in Title
20. Only the RMC will be known as a code, with exceptions where state legal codes are mentioned. Some examples of this change are demonstrated in the table below:
Current Text Proposed Text
Section 20.05.L:
One of the purposes of Title 20 (Cultural
Resources) is “to work in concert with
the City’s Zoning Code.”
Section 20.05.L:
One of the purposes of Title 20 (Cultural
Resources) is “to work in concert with
the City’s zoning regulations.”
Section 20.25.030.B.3:
Maximum size of the [one story
detached garage] shall not exceed
City Zoning Code regulations.
Section 20.25.030.B.3:
Maximum size of the [one story
detached garage] shall not exceed
City zoning regulations.
In addition to changes to remove the word code from references to titles, there are other instances where references to titles or the RMC are modified simply for clarity or to be more concise. Examples of this change are demonstrated below:
Current Text Proposed Text
Section 20.20.080.A: Section 20.20.080.A:
May 20, 2026
Pursuant to Title 19, upon any
designation, the Cultural Resources
Overlay Zone applies to the subject
property or parcel.
Pursuant to Title 19 of this Code, upon
any designation, the Cultural
Resources Overlay Zone applies to the
subject property or parcel.
Section 20.30.010:
Only properties designated as cultural
resources pursuant to the provisions of
Riverside Municipal Code Title 20 shall
be eligible to apply for preservation
incentives.
Section 20.30.010:
Only properties designated as cultural
resources pursuant to the provisions of
this Title shall be eligible to apply for
preservation incentives.
Removal of Title 1 Duplicate Text
Existing Condition:
Several titles of the Riverside Municipal Code, including Title 20, contain duplicate provisions of Title 1 (General Provisions) which define conventions and functions of the RMC and the City. Repeating these provisions outside of Title 1 is redundant and introduces risk of internal inconsistency within the RMC.
Proposed Change:
The key change to Title 20 will be the removal of Section 20.45.030, which duplicates provisions of Title 1 regarding severability (if any part of any title in the RMC is declared invalid, it will not affect the validity of the rest of the title).
Other Minor Clarifications and Corrections
The proposed amendment contains several other minor clarifications and corrections and other changes, such as correcting the casing of words and removing reserved chapters. One noteworthy clarification is in Chapter 20.15 (Approvals), where CivicPlus recommended adding names of the approval types (i.e., Mills Act) to the body of certain sections in Chapter 20.15 for greater clarity and context. For instance, in Section 20.15.060, the phrase “No public hearing is required” would become “No public hearing is required for Mills Act applications.”
PUBLIC OUTREACH AND COMMENT
A Public Hearing Notice was published in the Press Enterprise at least ten days prior to the meeting. As of the writing of this report, no comments were received.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The proposed amendment is exempt from further California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (General Rule), as it can be seen with certainty that approval of the project will not have an effect on the environment.
May 20, 2026
FINDINGS
Cultural Resources Code Amendment findings pursuant to Chapter 20.45.020(D):
1. The proposed amendment is generally consistent with the goals, policies, and objectives of the general plan; and
2. The proposed amendment complies with the purposes of this Title.
APPEAL INFORMATION
Actions by the Cultural Heritage Board, including any environmental finding, may be appealed to the City Council within ten calendar days after the decision.
Appeal filing and processing information may be obtained from the Planning Department Public Information Section, 3rd Floor, City Hall.
EXHIBITS LIST
1. Title 20 Text
2. Legal Review Changes Executive Summary
Prepared by: Clarissa Manges, Assistant Planner
Reviewed by: Scott Watson, Historic Preservation Officer Approved by: Edgardo Caldera, Acting City Planner
CULTURAL HERITAGE BOARD
MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, May 20, 2026, 3:30 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENT IN PERSON/TELEPHONE
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
DRAFT Cultural Heritage Board Minutes – May 20, 2026 1
BOARD MEMBERS
PRESENT: K. Castellanos, C. McDoniel, D. Nelson, G. Ramirez, D. Crohn ABSENT: J. Brown, A. Hudson
STAFF: S. Watson, T. Torres, B. Norton, S. Dougherty, C. Manges, R. Peterson, L. Reimer Chair McDoniel called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE
Dave Stolte, President of the Old Riverside Foundation, address the board about his concern for missing artifacts/objects from the Mission Inn collection. He asserted that action should be taken to take formal inventory of all items and locations. The Board will investigate what jurisdiction they have regarding Mr. Stolte’s request and discuss adding this as a discussion item for a future meeting.
CONSENT CALENDAR
The Consent Calendar was unanimously approved as presented below affirming the actions appropriate to each item.
MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting of April 15, 2026 were approved as presented.
ABSENCE
The absence of Board Member Ramirez from the April 15, 2026 regular meeting of the Cultural Heritage Board was excused.
Motion by Board Member Nelson and Seconded by Board Member Castellano to approve the Consent Calendar as presented.
Motion Carried: Ayes, Noes, Absent, Abstention
AYES: Castellanos, McDoniel, Nelson, Ramirez, Sisson
NOES: x
ABSENT: Hudson, Brown
ABSTENTION: Ramirez
CULTURAL HERITAGE BOARD
MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, May 20, 2026, 3:30 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENT IN PERSON/TELEPHONE
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
DRAFT Cultural Heritage Board Minutes – May 20, 2026 2
PUBLIC HEARINGS
PLANNING CASE PC-2026-00408 – Title 20 Amendment (AMD): Proposal by the City of Riverside to amend Title 20 (Cultural Resources) of the Riverside Municipal Code (RMC) to implement minor, non-substantive clarifications and corrections. The Community & Economic Development Department recommends that the Cultural Heritage Board recommend that the City Council determine that this proposal is exempt from further California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (General Rule), as it can be seen with certainty that approval of the project will not have an effect on the environment. Clarissa Manges, Assistant Planner, presented the staff report. There was no Public Comment. Following discussion, it was moved by Board Member Ramirez and seconded by Board Member Crohn. Chair McDoniel advised of the appeal period.
The Cultural Heritage Board’s decision is final unless appealed to City Council.
A City Council public hearing is required for final approval.
Motion Carried: Ayes, Noes, Absent, Abstention
AYES: Castellanos, McDoniel, Nelson, Ramirez, Crohn
NOES: x
ABSENT: Brown, Hudson
ABSTENTION: x
DISCUSSION CALENDAR
PLANNING CASE – PR-2023-001469 - CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS – Twelve parcels located on the east side of Commerce Street between Mission Inn Avenue and 5th Street, WARD 1
Proposal by Darrin Olson of Iron Lofts, LLC to consider a Certificate of Appropriateness request for infill development within a historic district (Seventh Street East Historic District) and the integration of a Structure of Merit (Barely Mills Building), located at 3596 Commerce Street, into the overall development consisting of the construction of a Mixed-Use development consisting of 291 residential dwelling units and 9 live/work units. The 7.03-acre project site consists of 12 parcels, a 0.63-acre portion of 6th Street, and 0.15-acre portion of an alley and is partially developed with industrial buildings. The project site is located on the east
CULTURAL HERITAGE BOARD
MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, May 20, 2026, 3:30 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENT IN PERSON/TELEPHONE
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
DRAFT Cultural Heritage Board Minutes – May 20, 2026 3
side of Commerce Street between Mission Inn Avenue and 5th Street, in Ward 1. Scott Watson, Historic Preservation Officer, presented the staff report. There was no Public Comment. Following discussion it was moved by Board Member Ramirez and seconded by Board Member Crohn to recommend that the City Council determine that the proposal is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to Sections 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Rule) and 21084.1 (Historical Resource), as it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity will have a significant effect on the environment. Chair McDoniel advised of the appeal period.
The Cultural Heritage Board’s decision is final unless appealed to City Council.
A City Council public hearing required for final approval.
Motion Carried: Ayes, Noes, Absent, Abstention
AYES: Castellanos, McDoniel, Nelson, Ramirez, Sisson
NOES: x
ABSENT: Brown, Hudson
ABSTENTION: x
PLANNING CASE - PC-2026-00458 – CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS - 3356 LEMON STREET, IN WARD 1.
Proposal by Robyn Peterson, Museum of Riverside Director, to consider a Certificate of Appropriateness request for rehabilitation of the Harada House (National Historic Landmark and City Landmark #23), consisting of lifting the house to rebuild the foundations, structural stabilization, leveling of the house, reinstallation of salvaged and stored siding and other original elements, and rehabilitation of all interior and exterior surface. The project site is located at 3356 Lemon Street on the east side of Lemon Street between Fourth and Fifth Streets, in Ward 1. Scott Watson, Historic Preservation Officer, presented the staff report. There was no Public Comment.
Following discussion it was moved by Board Member Crohn and seconded by Board Member Ramirez to recommend that the City Council determine that the proposal is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to Sections 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Rule) and 21084.1 (Historical Resource), as it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity will have a significant effect on the environment. Chair McDoniel advised of the appeal period.
CULTURAL HERITAGE BOARD
MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, May 20, 2026, 3:30 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENT IN PERSON/TELEPHONE
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
DRAFT Cultural Heritage Board Minutes – May 20, 2026 4
The Cultural Heritage Board’s decision is final unless appealed to City Council.
A City Council public hearing required for final approval.
Motion Carried: Ayes, Noes, Absent, Abstention
AYES: Castellanos, McDoniel, Nelson, Ramirez, Sisson
NOES: x
ABSENT: Brown, Hudson
ABSTENTION: x
Update on the status of the architectural design for Harada House, Phase I, and the Harada House Interpretive Center (formerly known as Robinson House) presented by Robyn Peterson, Museum of Riverside Director.
COMMUNICATIONS
ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS AND UPDATE FROM CITY PLANNER AND BOARD MEMBERS Brian Norton, Acting City Planner, briefed the Board on upcoming agenda items including the designation of Lionhead, Havens Residence, and Edie as City Landmarks.
Chair McDoniel thanked Scott Watson for his presentation at the 50th annual California Preservation Conference. Board Member Crohn reiterated his appreciation.
Brian Norton welcomed Laurel Reimer as the new City Planner, Mrs. Reimer introduced herself to the Board and expressed her excitement in this new role and being a part of this city.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 4:57 p.m. to the meeting of June 17, 2026 at 3:30 p.m.