Restaurants.
Riverside Municipal Code § 14.12.275
in effect14.12.275 - Restaurants.
A. No person who owns, operates, or maintains a restaurant (restaurant user) shall discharge wastewater from such restaurant to the POTW without first receiving a written determination from Director, and complying with such determination, of the POTW interceptor requirements. Restaurant users shall complete and submit a Wastewater Discharge Survey Form and conditional waiver to the Director for review of interceptor requirements. Within ten business days of receipt of the Wastewater Discharge Survey Form, Director shall notify such restaurant user of Director's determination whether an interceptor is required prior to discharge into the POTW. It is unlawful for any restaurant user notified by the Director as needing an interceptor to discharge restaurant wastewater into the POTW without use of a grease interceptor.
B. The Director shall calculate the size of the interceptor in accordance with the Uniform Plumbing Code, as adopted by the City, provided that any restaurant determined to require an interceptor of more than 100 gallons and less than 750 gallons shall install a minimum 750-gallon interceptor. The Director's determination shall consider the type of restaurant, the condition of the collection system serving the restaurant, and the possible adverse effects caused by the restaurant's wastewater discharge. An under the sink grease trap is not allowed in the City unless the site is considered a zero-lot line business located in the downtown area of the City, meets certain requirements and also gets approved by the County.
C. Any restaurant user required to install an interceptor shall direct all wastewater and waste from floor drains, floor sinks, sinks, waste container wash racks, dishwashers, mop sinks, utility sinks and garbage grinders through an approved interceptor complying with this chapter. The user shall keep all domestic wastewater from restrooms, showers, drinking fountains, condensate (i.e., ice melt, air conditioning condensate), soda machines and bar sinks separate from the restaurant wastewater until the restaurant wastewater has passed through all interceptors, pretreatment equipment, or sampling stations.
D. All restaurant users shall separate, to the maximum extent practicable, all fats, oils, and greases from the restaurant wastewater for off-site disposal. Each restaurant user shall store these separated wastes in accordance with all applicable laws, rules, policies and regulations, including the Riverside County Department of Environmental Health and this chapter. If grease is stored outside in drum or bin the container should be secured from tipping over using a chain or other material and have a secure lid or cover on top. If grease is located in the trash enclosure the restaurant user shall clean-up any spills on the ground. The trash bin must remain closed.
E. All floor sinks and floor drains shall be equipped with screens or devices that exclude all particles larger than three-eighths inch in any dimension.
F. Any restaurant user required to install an interceptor shall maintain the interceptor in accordance with this chapter.
G. If requested, the restaurant (new or with tenant improvements) shall install a stub-out line to interceptor or future interceptor. A new strip mall shall install interceptor(s) sized for future use as determined by the Director.
(Ord. 7551 §12, 2021; Ord. 7362 §6, 2017; Ord. 7099 §3, 2010; Ord. 7032 §2, 2009; Ord. 6637 §2 (part), 2002; Ord. 6232 §2 (part), 1995)
Source: City of Riverside, California, Municipal Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/ca/riverside/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_TIT14PUUT_CH14.12DIWAINPUSEPOINSTDRSY_DIVIIGEPR_14.12.275REFetched: 11/1/2026