CANNABIS BUSINESS ACTIVITIES
Riverside Municipal Code tit. 5, ch. 5.77
in effectRiverside Municipal Code § 5.77.020 Purpose and intent.
5.77.020 - Purpose and intent.
It is the purpose and intent of this chapter to implement the provisions of the Medicinal and Adult Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act ("MAUCRSA") to accommodate the needs of medically ill persons in need of cannabis for medicinal purposes as recommended by their health care provider(s), and to provide access to same. It is also the purpose and intent of this chapter to provide access to adult-use cannabis for persons aged 21 and over as authorized by the MAUCRSA, while imposing sensible regulations on the use of land to protect the City's residents, neighborhoods, and businesses from disproportionately negative impacts. It is the purpose and intent of this chapter to regulate the commercial sale, delivery and testing of cannabis and cannabis products in a responsible manner to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the City and to enforce rules and regulations consistent with state law.
(Ord. 7628 § 1(Exh. A), 2023)
Riverside Municipal Code § 5.77.030 Legal authority.
5.77.030 - Legal authority.
This chapter is adopted pursuant to the authority granted to the City by Section 7 of Article XI of the California Constitution, Sections 50022.1-50022.8 and 50022.10 of the California Government Code, Title 4, Division 19 of the California Code of Regulations, and the provisions of the MAUCRSA.
(Ord. 7628 § 1(Exh. A), 2023)
Riverside Municipal Code § 5.77.040 Commercial cannabis activities prohibited unless specifically authorized by this chapter.
5.77.040 - Commercial cannabis activities prohibited unless specifically authorized by this chapter.
Except as specifically authorized by this chapter, microbusinesses, commercial cultivation, manufacture, processing, storing, laboratory testing, labeling, sale, delivery, distribution, or transportation, of cannabis or cannabis products is expressly prohibited in the City.
(Ord. 7628 § 1(Exh. A), 2023)
Riverside Municipal Code § 5.77.050 Compliance with state and local laws and regulations.
5.77.050 - Compliance with state and local laws and regulations.
It is the responsibility of the owners and/or operators of any commercial cannabis business within the City limits to ensure that they operate in a manner compliant with this chapter, all applicable state and local laws, and any regulations promulgated thereunder, including but not limited to the MAUCRSA.
(Ord. 7628 § 1(Exh. A), 2023)
Riverside Municipal Code § 5.77.060 Definitions.
5.77.060 - Definitions.
A. "Applicant" means a person or entity that submits an application for a cannabis business permit under this chapter.
B. "Cannabis" shall have the same meaning as that appearing in Business and Professions Code Section 26001(f).
C. "Cannabis products" shall have the same meaning as that appearing in Business and Professions Code Section 26001(h).
D. "Commercial cannabis business" or "cannabis business" means any business or operation which engages in medicinal or adult-use commercial cannabis activity authorized by this chapter.
E. "Cannabis business permit" means a regulatory permit issued by the City pursuant to this chapter, to a commercial cannabis business and is required before any commercial cannabis activity may be conducted in the City. The initial permit and annual renewal of a permit is made expressly contingent upon the business' ongoing compliance with all of the requirements of this chapter and any regulations adopted by the City governing the commercial cannabis activity at issue.
F. "Cannabis business permittee" or "permittee" means a person or entity that has received a cannabis business permit from the City as authorized under this chapter.
G "Community center" means a publicly operated facility where group activities, social support and public gatherings occur for educational or recreational purposes.
H. "Cultivation" means the planting, growing harvesting, drying, trimming, clipping or processing of any kind, number, or size of cannabis plants or any part thereof. Cannabis shall be synonymous with marijuana, hemp, and any other cannabis derivatives.
I. "Delivery" shall have the same meaning as that appearing in Business and Professions Code Section 26001(o).
J. "Dispensing" means any activity involving the retail sale of cannabis or cannabis products from a retailer.
K. "Distributor" shall have the same meaning as that appearing in Business and Professions Code Section 26001(s), as may be amended or renumbered from time to time.
L. "Limited-access area" means an area in which cannabis is stored or held and is only accessible to a permittee and authorized personnel.
M. "Local agency" means county, city, or city and county.
N. "Medicinal cannabis" or "medicinal cannabis product" shall have the same meaning as that appearing in Business and Professions Code Section 26001(ai).
O. "Microbusiness" shall have the same meaning as that appearing in Business and Professions Code Section 26070(a)3.
P. "Non-storefront retailer" means a business that is closed to the public and provides product to customers solely by means of a delivery service which the retailer owns and controls.
Q. "Owner" means any of the following:
1. A person with an aggregate ownership interest of 20 percent or more in the commercial cannabis business, unless the interest is solely a security, lien or encumbrance. For purposes of this section, "aggregate" means the total ownership interest held by a single person through any combination of individually held ownership interests in a commercial cannabis business and ownership interests in an entity that has an ownership interest in the same commercial cannabis business. For example, a person who owns ten percent of the stock in a commercial cannabis business as an individual shareholder and 100 percent of the stock in an entity that owns ten percent of the stock in the same commercial cannabis business has a 20 percent aggregate ownership interest in the commercial cannabis business.
2. An individual who manages, directs, or controls the operations of the commercial cannabis business, including but not limited to:
a. A member of the board of directors of a nonprofit.
b. A general partner of a commercial cannabis business that is organized as a partnership.
c. A non-member manager or manager of a commercial cannabis business that is organized as a limited liability company.
d. The trustee(s) and all persons who have control of the trust and/or the commercial cannabis business that is held in trust.
e. An individual with the authority to provide strategic direction and oversight for the overall operations of the commercial cannabis business, such as the chief executive officer, president or their equivalent, or an officer, director, vice president, general manager or their equivalent.
f. When an entity is an owner in a commercial cannabis business, all entities and individuals with a financial interest in the entity shall be disclosed to the City and may be considered owners of the commercial cannabis business. For example, this includes all entities in a multi- layer business structure, as well as the chief executive officer, members of the board of directors, partners, trustees and all persons who have control of a trust and managing members or non-member managers of the entity. Each entity disclosed as having a financial interest must disclose the identities of persons holding financial interests until only individuals remain.
R. "Package" means any container or receptacle used for holding cannabis or cannabis products.
S. "Physician's recommendation" shall have the same meaning as that appearing in Business and Professions Code Section 26001(ap).
T. "Premises" all have the same meaning as that appearing in Business and Professions Code Section 26001(aq).
U. "Retailer" or "storefront retailer" shall have the same meaning as that contained in Section 26070(a)(1) of the California Business and Professions Code.
V. "State agency" includes every state office, officer, department, division, bureau, board and commission.
W. "State license" means a permit or license issued by the State of California, or one of its departments or divisions, under the MAUCRSA and any subsequent related State of California legislation, to engage in cannabis activity. A state license alone will not authorize the holder to operate a cannabis business, as state law also requires a license or other authorization issued by a local jurisdiction.
X. "Testing laboratory" means a laboratory, facility or entity in the State that offers or performs tests of cannabis or cannabis products and that is both of the following: (1) accredited by an accrediting body that is independent from all other persons involved in commercial cannabis activity in the state; and (2) licensed by the State Department of Cannabis Control.
Y. "Youth center" means any public or private facility that is primarily used to host recreation or social activities for minors, including, but not limited to:
1. Private youth membership organizations or clubs,
2. Social service teenage club facilities,
3. Video arcades where ten or more video games or game machines or devices are operated, and where minors are legally permitted to conduct business, or
4. Similar amusement park facilities.
(Ord. 7757, § 133, 2026; Ord. 7628 § 1(Exh. A), 2023)
Riverside Municipal Code § 5.77.070 Cannabis business permit required to engage in cannabis business activity.
5.77.070 - Cannabis business permit required to engage in cannabis business activity.
A. No person may engage in any cannabis business within the City, including cultivation, manufacture, processing, laboratory testing, distributing, dispensing, or sale of cannabis or a cannabis product, unless the person meets all of the following requirements:
1. Possess a valid cannabis business permit from the City;
2. Possess a valid business tax certificate from the City;
3. Possess a valid State of California seller's permit; and
4. Is currently in compliance with all applicable state and local laws and regulations pertaining to the cannabis business and the cannabis activities, including the duty to obtain any required state licenses.
B. It shall not be a violation of this Code for an agent of a state agency, as defined in Section 1100 of the Government Code, or a local agency, as defined in Section 50001 of the Government Code, to possess, transport, or obtain cannabis or cannabis products as necessary to conduct activities reasonably related to the duties of the state or local agency.
(Ord. 7628 § 1(Exh. A), 2023)
Riverside Municipal Code § 5.77.080 Cannabis owners and employee criminal background.
5.77.080 - Cannabis owners and employee criminal background.
A. Any person who is an owner, employee or who otherwise works within a cannabis business must be legally authorized to do so under applicable state law.
B. Cannabis business owners shall be required to:
1. Submit to a criminal background check for themselves and all persons in their employment.
2. Complete a criminal background check prior to issuance or transfer of a cannabis business permit.
C. Employees shall submit to a criminal background check within one month of being hired.
D. The City shall conduct criminal background checks which must, at a minimum, identify the following:
1. Offenses listed in Section 1.17.122 of this Code;
2. Whether the owner or employee has ever been convicted of a violent felony as defined by California Penal Code 667.5 or equivalent offense in other states;
3. Whether the owner or employee has ever been convicted of a serious felony, as defined by California Penal Code 1192.7 or equivalent offense in other states;
4. Whether the owner or employee has ever been convicted of a felony for hiring, employing, or using a minor in transporting, carrying, selling, giving away, preparing for sale, or peddling, any controlled substance to a minor; or selling, offering to sell, furnishing, offering to furnish, administering, or giving any controlled substance to a minor;
5. Whether the owner or employee has ever been convicted of a felony for drug trafficking with enhancements pursuant to Section 11370.4 or 11379.8 of the Health and Safety Code.
E. In addition to the offenses listed in Section 1.17.122 of this Code, evidence of a conviction or final judgment/order for any the offenses enumerated in Section 5.77.080(D) of this Code shall be grounds for denial or revocation of a cannabis business permit, and/or employment with a cannabis business permittee in the City of Riverside.
(Ord. No. 7762, § 6, 2026; Ord. 7628 § 1(Exh. A), 2023)
Riverside Municipal Code § 5.77.090 Persons prohibited from holding a permit or from employment with a cannabis business permittee.
5.77.090 - Persons prohibited from holding a permit or from employment with a cannabis business permittee.
Any person is prohibited from holding or maintaining a cannabis business permit, or from being employed at a cannabis business, if any of the following apply:
A. The applicant has been denied a cannabis license or permit, or has had a cannabis license or permit suspended or revoked by any city, county, city and county or any other state cannabis licensing authority;
B. The applicant was notified by the state, county, or city that it was conducting cannabis activity in violation of state law or City ordinances, codes, and requirements, and failed to cure the violation in a timely manner; or
C. Evidence that the applicant is delinquent in payment of federal, state, or local taxes and/or fees, and took no steps to cure the delinquency when notified by the appropriate agencies.
D. Subsection A of this Section shall not apply to an approved applicant that is not awarded a permit resulting from a city, county, city and county or any other state cannabis licensing authority not selecting them in an application process with a finite number of available permits.
(Ord. 7628 § 1(Exh. A), 2023)
Riverside Municipal Code § 5.77.100 Maximum number and type of authorized cannabis businesses permitted.
5.77.100 - Maximum number and type of authorized cannabis businesses permitted.
This section is intended to create a maximum number and types of cannabis businesses that may be issued permits to operate in the City.
A. The following cannabis license types are authorized to operate in the City of Riverside.
1. Cannabis storefront retail.
2. Cannabis manufacturing/distribution.
3. Cannabis testing laboratory.
B. Cannabis license types not identified in Section 5.77.100 (A) are prohibited from obtaining a cannabis business permit in the City of Riverside.
C. The maximum number of cannabis storefront retail uses that shall be permitted to operate in the City shall be no more than 14 permittees. A maximum of one permit per ward.
D. The maximum number of cannabis manufacturing/distribution and testing laboratories shall not be limited.
E. Modifications to the number of permits.
1. Each year following the City's initial award of permits, if any, or at any time in the City Council's discretion, the City Council may reassess the number of cannabis business permits which are authorized for issuance and make any changes by resolution.
2. The City Council, at its sole discretion, may determine that the number and/or types of cannabis business permits should remain the same or be modified.
(Ord. 7730, § 1, 2025; Ord. 7628 § 1(Exh. A), 2023)
Riverside Municipal Code § 5.77.110 Community benefits.
5.77.110 - Community benefits.
A. The application procedure guidelines and review criteria, set forth in Section 5.77.130 of this chapter, shall include a component on community benefits.
B. Any community benefits that a cannabis business agrees to provide shall be incorporated into the terms and conditions under which the cannabis business will operate with the City's approval, if and when a cannabis business permit is issued. Such terms and conditions shall be in addition to the requirements of this chapter.
(Ord. 7628 § 1(Exh. A), 2023)
Riverside Municipal Code § 5.77.120 City's reservation of rights.
5.77.120 - City's reservation of rights.
The City reserves the right to reject any or all applications for a cannabis business permit. Prior to permit issuance, the City may modify, postpone, or cancel any request for applications, at any time without liability, obligation, or commitment to any party, firm, or organization, to the extent permitted under California law. Persons submitting applications assume the risk that all or any part of the cannabis business permit program, or any particular category of permit potentially authorized under this chapter, may be cancelled at any time prior to permit issuance. The City further reserves the right to request and obtain additional information from any candidate submitting an application. In addition to a failure to comply with other requirements in this chapter, an application may be rejected for any of the following reasons:
A. The application was received after the designated time and date of the deadline.
B. The application did not contain the required elements, exhibits, or was not organized in the required format.
C. The application was considered not fully responsive to the request for a permit application, i.e., was substantially incomplete.
(Ord. 7628 § 1(Exh. A), 2023)
Riverside Municipal Code § 5.77.130 Procedure guidelines and review criteria to evaluate cannabis business permit applications.
5.77.130 - Procedure guidelines and review criteria to evaluate cannabis business permit applications.
A. By resolution, the City Council shall adopt procedure guidelines and review criteria for the City's evaluation of cannabis business permit applications and subsequent issuance.
B. The procedure guidelines shall provide the process for soliciting applications including time frames, limitations, requirements, forms, and rules for completing applications.
C. The review criteria shall include detailed instructions on the methodology to be used to evaluate applications on a point, or other system, tied to particular sets of criteria.
D. The review criteria shall be used to determine which candidates will be eligible to proceed to the final selection process as determined by City Council resolution.
E. The City Manager shall be authorized to prepare any necessary forms and adopt any necessary rules to implement the procedure guidelines and review criteria.
F. At the time of filing, each applicant shall pay an application fee established by resolution of the City Council to cover all costs incurred by the City in the application process.
G. For applicants with five or more employees, the applicant shall attest that the applicant will enter into a labor peace agreement as defined in Business and Professions Code Section 26001(y) with a Bona Fide Labor Organization as defined by 29 U.S.C 402(i) and will abide by the terms of the agreement, and the applicant shall provide a copy thereof to the City. For applicants that have not yet entered into a labor peace agreement, the applicant shall provide a notarized statement indicating that within 30 days of cannabis permit from the City, the applicant will enter into and abide by the labor peace agreement.
(Ord. 7628 § 1(Exh. A), 2023)
Riverside Municipal Code § 5.77.140 Exercise of a Cannabis Business Permit.
5.77.140 - Exercise of a Cannabis Business Permit.
A. A Cannabis Business Permit shall be exercised within 12 months of the final selection process, as defined by the procedure guideline and review criteria. A Cannabis Business Permit shall be considered exercised shall be when all of the following occur:
1. A certificate of occupancy has been issued,
2. The permitted use(s) has commenced on the site, and
3. A city building permit or grading permit is secured, and construction lawfully commenced.
B. Failure to exercise a cannabis business permit within the timeframe established in Section 5.77.140 (A) shall result in denial of the application.
C. The City Manager, in his/her sole discretion, may extend the timeframe established in Section 5.77.140 (A) for up to a maximum of six months, if he/she determines that the applicant has made a good faith effort to exercise the cannabis business permit within the defined timeframe.
(Ord. 7730, § 2, 2025; Ord. 7628 § 1(Exh. A), 2023)
Riverside Municipal Code § 5.77.150 Abandonment of permit.
5.77.150 - Abandonment of permit.
If the cannabis business has not been in regular and continuous operation in the preceding four months at the permitted location, the cannabis business permit shall be considered abandoned, unless mitigating circumstance occur which was beyond the control of the permittee and an extension has been authorized by the City Manager.
(Ord. 7628 § 1(Exh. A), 2023)
Riverside Municipal Code § 5.77.160 Reapplying for a cannabis business permit.
5.77.160 - Reapplying for a cannabis business permit.
If an applicant is denied a permit due to a disqualifying factor including, but not limited to, failing a background check or not complying with any state, or local jurisdictions regulatory requirements in which legal or administrative action has been taken, a new application may not be filed by the applicant for one year from the date of the denial. This section shall not apply to an approved applicant that is not awarded a permit resulting from the City not selecting them in an application process with a finite number of available permits.
(Ord. 7628 § 1(Exh. A), 2023)
Riverside Municipal Code § 5.77.170 Term of a cannabis business permit.
5.77.170 - Term of a cannabis business permit.
All permits issued under the provisions of this chapter shall be effective for a period not to exceed one year from the date of issuance. The City Manager may renew a permit through the procedures identified in Section 5.77.180 of this Code.
(Ord. 7628 § 1(Exh. A), 2023)
Riverside Municipal Code § 5.77.180 Renewal of cannabis business permits.
5.77.180 - Renewal of cannabis business permits.
A. An application for renewal of a cannabis business permit shall be filed by the cannabis business permittee at least 60 calendar days prior to the expiration date of the current permit.
B. The City Manager, in his/her sole discretion, may extend the renewal period for up to a maximum of 60 days, if the permittee was operating in good standing as of the renewal deadline specified in Section 5.77.180 (B).
C. The renewal application shall contain all the information required for new applications.
D. The applicant shall pay a fee in an amount to be set by the City Council to cover the costs of processing the renewal permit application, together with any costs incurred by the City to administer the program created under this chapter.
E. An application for renewal of a cannabis business permit may be rejected if any of the following exists:
1. The application is filed less than 60 days before its expiration or a shorter time period which shall be at the discretion of the City Manager.
2. The cannabis business permit is suspended or revoked at the time of the application.
3. The cannabis business has not been in regular and continuous operation in the four months prior to the renewal application or the approved extension of the deadline from the City Manager.
4. The cannabis business has failed to conform to the requirements of the cannabis business permit or this chapter or any regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter.
5. The permittee fails or is unable to renew its State of California license.
6. If the state has determined, based on substantial evidence, that the permittee or applicant is in violation of the requirements of the state rules and regulations and the state has determined that the violation is grounds for termination or revocation of the cannabis business permit.
7. Violation of Section 5.77.080 of this Code.
F. Renewal.
1. The City Manager is authorized to make all decisions concerning the issuance of a renewal permit. In making the decision, the City Manager is authorized to impose additional conditions to a renewal permit, if it is determined to be necessary to ensure compliance with state or local laws and regulations or to preserve the public health, safety, or welfare.
2. Appeals from the decision of the City Manager shall be handled pursuant to this chapter.
G. If a renewal application is denied, a person may file a new application pursuant to this chapter not sooner than one year from the date of the denial.
(Ord. 7628 § 1(Exh. A), 2023)
Riverside Municipal Code § 5.77.190 Suspension, revocation or modification of permits.
5.77.190 - Suspension, revocation or modification of permits.
A. Cannabis business permits may be suspended, revoked or modified for any violation of this chapter, any state or local laws, rules, and/or any standards, policies, procedures, or regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter relating to cannabis businesses.
B. When there is determined to be an imminent threat to public health, safety or welfare, the City Manager may take immediate action to temporarily suspend a cannabis permit issued by the City.
C. A decision of the City to suspend, revoke or modify a Cannabis Permit is appealable as set forth in this chapter.
(Ord. 7628 § 1(Exh. A), 2023)
Riverside Municipal Code § 5.77.200 Effect of state license suspension.
5.77.200 - Effect of state license suspension.
A. Suspension of a license issued by the State of California, or by any of its departments or divisions, shall immediately suspend the cannabis business permit of the cannabis business.
B. If the State of California or its respective department or division reinstates or reissues the state license, the cannabis business may seek reinstatement of its cannabis business permit if the business can demonstrate that the grounds for revocation of the license by the state no longer exist or that the underlying deficiency has otherwise been cured.
C. Any cannabis business permittee shall inform the City of any suspension of a state license.
(Ord. 7628 § 1(Exh. A), 2023)
Riverside Municipal Code § 5.77.210 Effect of state license revocation or termination.
5.77.210 - Effect of state license revocation or termination.
A. Revocation or termination of a license issued by the State of California, or by any of its departments or divisions, shall immediately revoke or terminate the cannabis business permit of the cannabis business.
B. Any cannabis business permittee shall inform the City of any revocation or termination of a state license.
C. A cannabis business permittee may appeal the immediate revocation or termination of the cannabis business permit pursuant to Section 5.77.220 but may not operate pending the decision of the appeal.
(Ord. 7628 § 1(Exh. A), 2023)
Riverside Municipal Code § 5.77.220 Appeals.
5.77.220 - Appeals.
Appeals relating to denial of an application; to revoke, suspend or modify a permit; to deny renewal of an application for a permit; or to add conditions to a permit shall be conducted as prescribed in this chapter.
(Ord. 7628 § 1(Exh. A), 2023)
Riverside Municipal Code § 5.77.230 Contents of appeal.
5.77.230 - Contents of appeal.
A. Within ten calendar days after service of the notice of the decision of the City:
1. To deny advancement to the final selection process; or
2. To revoke, suspend or modify a permit; or
3. To deny a renewed application for a permit; or
4. To add conditions to a permit.
B. An applicant or permittee may appeal such action by filing a written appeal with the City Clerk setting forth the reason why the decision was not proper.
C. For appeals of a denial of an application prior to the final decision process, reasons shall be stated with specificity and shall address the issues outlined in Section 5.77.240 (A).
D. The date of service shall mean the date when a notice or written decision was personally delivered to the applicant or permittee or the date when the notice was caused to be delivered by certified, first-class mail.
E. In cases in which the city can verify delivery of a notice to an applicant or in which an applicant is documented as refusing delivery, lack of receipt of the notice cannot form the basis for an appeal.
F. Notice of appeal. The notice of appeal shall be in writing and signed by the person making the appeal ("appellant"), or their legal representative, and shall contain the following:
1. Name, address, and telephone number of the appellant.
2. Specify the decisions, actions, or a particular part thereof, made that are the subject of the appeal.
3. Include a true and correct copy of the notice issued by the City Manager for which the appellant is appealing.
4. State with specificity the reasons and grounds for making the appeal, including, but not limited to, a statement of facts upon which the appeal is based in sufficient detail to enable the appointed hearing officer to understand the nature of the controversy, the basis of the appeal, and the relief requested.
5. All documents or other evidence pertinent to the appeal that the appellant requests the appointed hearing officer to consider at the hearing.
6. An appeal fee as established by Resolution of the City Council.
G. Failure of the City Clerk to receive a timely appeal constitutes a waiver of the right to appeal the notice issued by the City Manager. In this event, the City Manager's notice of revocation, nonrenewal, or suspension shall be final.
H. In the event a written notice of appeal is timely filed, the nonrenewal, suspension, or revocation shall not become effective until a final decision has been rendered and issued by the appointed hearing officer. Notices of appeal not served in a timely manner or served by non-operational business shall not serve to allow such business to operate pending appeal.
I. If no appeal is timely filed in the event of a decision of nonrenewal, the cannabis businesses permit shall expire at the conclusion of the term of the permit. If no appeal is timely filed in the event of a decision supporting suspension or revocation, the suspension or revocation shall become effective upon the expiration of the period for filing a written notice of appeal.
(Ord. 7628 § 1(Exh. A), 2023)
Riverside Municipal Code § 5.77.240 Appointment and scope of appointed hearing officer.
5.77.240 - Appointment and scope of appointed hearing officer.
A. Denial of application prior to final decision process. An appointed hearing officer, as set forth by City Council resolution, will hear appeals that address the following issues:
1. Any deviation from the City's published procedure guidelines and review criteria that adversely affected the applicant by altering the outcome of the City's decision on the application. Examples of appealable deviations include, but are not limited to:
a. Failure on the part of the City to provide appropriate notification regarding changes to the application process via website postings and/or email to the applicant prior to the time the application was submitted;
b. Failure on the part of the City to provide an applicant an equal opportunity to modify an application where that opportunity was provided to other applicants; or
c. Failure on the part of the City to correctly apply the review criteria, as established by City Council resolution, in reviewing the application.
2. Any appeal based upon this section must be supported by a preponderance of the evidence that the applicant presented the relevant information with completeness and in the appropriate section of the application. Information presented in the application that is incomplete in nature or that is relevant to a question posed by the City on the application form but appears in the incorrect section, even if complete, may be grounds for the dismissal of the appeal.
B. All other appeals. An appointed hearing officer, as set forth by City Council Resolution shall hear appeals relating the denial of a renewed application, revocation, suspension or modification a permit, or addition of conditions to a permit.
C. Notwithstanding Section 5.77.240 (A) (1), an applicant that is eligible to participate in the final selection process, as set forth in the procedure guidelines and review criteria, but is not selected during the final selection process, shall not be eligible to appeal the outcome if the final selection was made by the City Council.
(Ord. 7628 § 1(Exh. A), 2023)
Riverside Municipal Code § 5.77.250 Appeal hearing process and proceedings.
5.77.250 - Appeal hearing process and proceedings.
A. Review by city council or appointed hearing officer.
1. Appellants who file a timely written notice of appeal will be entitled to an administrative hearing before the appointed hearing officer as set forth by the City Council by resolution.
2. Upon receipt by the City Clerk of a timely-filed notice of appeal, the City Clerk shall schedule a hearing within 30 days. In the event such hearing cannot be heard within that time period or a mutually agreed upon time with the appellant, then the City Clerk shall schedule the appeal to be heard within 45 days or as reasonably possible.
3. The appellant(s) listed on the written notice of appeal shall be notified in writing of the date, time, and location of the hearing at least ten days before the date of the hearing ("notice of appeal hearing").
4. A request by an appellant or by the City to continue a hearing must be submitted to the City Clerk in writing no later than three business days before the date scheduled for the hearing. The appointed hearing officer may continue a hearing for good cause or on its own motion; however, in no event may the hearing be continued for more than 30 calendar days, unless there is a stipulation by all parties to do so.
B. At the date, time and location set forth in the notice of appeal hearing, the appointed hearing officer shall hear and consider the testimony of the appellant(s), City staff, and/or their witnesses, as well as any documentary evidence properly submitted for consideration.
C. The following rules shall apply at the appeal hearing:
1. Appeal hearings are informal, and formal rules of evidence and discovery do not apply. However, rules of privilege shall be applicable to the extent they are permitted by law, and irrelevant, collateral, undue, and repetitious testimony may be excluded.
2. The City bears the burden of proof to establish the grounds for nonrenewal, suspension, revocation, modification of the permit, or adding conditions to the permit by a preponderance of evidence. Appellant(s) bear the burden of proof regarding denial of an application or denial of advancement to the final selection process established by the City Council.
3. The issuance of the City's notice constitutes prima facie evidence of grounds for the denial, nonrenewal, suspension or revocation.
4. The appointed hearing officer may accept and consider late evidence not submitted initially with the notice of appeal upon a showing by the appellant of good cause. The appointed hearing officer shall determine whether a particular fact or set of facts amount to good cause on a case-by-case basis.
5. The appellant may bring a language interpreter to the hearing at their sole expense.
6. The City may, at its discretion, record the hearing by stenographer or court reporter, audio recording, or video recording. If the appellant requests from the City that a court reporter, stenographer, or videographer be used, appellant shall bear the costs of same and shall deposit such fees prior to commencement of the administrative hearing.
D. If the appellant, or their legal representative, fails to appear at the appeal hearing, the appointed hearing officer, may cancel the appeal hearing and send a notice thereof to the appellant by certified, first-class mail to the address(es) stated on the notice of appeal. A cancellation of a hearing due to non-appearance of the appellant shall constitute the appellant's waiver of the right to appeal and a failure to exhaust all administrative remedies. In such instances, the City's notice of decision is final and binding.
E. Final decision. Following the conclusion of the hearing, the appointed hearing officer shall issue a written decision within 20 days which (i) determines if the action appealed from is affirmed or overturned and (ii) specifies the reasons for the decision.
F. The written decision of the appointed hearing officer shall provide that it is final and conclusive and is subject to the time limits set forth in California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1094.6 for judicial review.
G. A copy of the written decision shall be served by certified, first-class mail on the appellant. If the appellant is not the owner of the real property in which the cannabis business is located, or proposed to be located, a copy of the final decision may also be served on the property owner by first class mail to the address shown on the last equalized assessment roll. Failure of a person to receive a properly addressed final decision shall not invalidate any action or proceeding by the City pursuant to this chapter.
(Ord. 7628 § 1(Exh. A), 2023)
Riverside Municipal Code § 5.77.260 Change in location; updated application form.
5.77.260 - Change in location; updated application form.
A. Any time the business location specified in the regulatory permit is changed, the permittee shall submit an updated application form to the City Manager for approval prior to the change in location.
B. The applicant shall pay a fee in an amount to be set by the City Council to cover the costs of processing the updated application form.
C. Within 15 calendar days of any other change in the information provided in the updated application form or any change in status of compliance with the provisions of this chapter, including any change in the cannabis business ownership or management members, the applicant shall file an updated application form with the City Manager for review along with an application amendment fee.
(Ord. 7628 § 1(Exh. A), 2023)
Riverside Municipal Code § 5.77.270 Transfer of Cannabis Business Permit.
5.77.270 - Transfer of Cannabis Business Permit.
A. The owner of a Cannabis Business Permit ("transferor") shall not transfer ownership or control of the permit to another person or entity ("transferee") unless and until the transferee obtains an amendment to the permit from the City Council stating that the transferee is now the permittee.
1. Such an amendment may be obtained only if the transferee files an application with the City Manager in accordance with the provisions of this chapter (as though the transferee were applying for an original Cannabis Business Permit).
2. The transferee's application must demonstrate that the transferor has exercised its Cannabis Business Permit as provided in Section 5.77.140 and been in continuous operation with the full ownership team/structure as identified in the transferor's Cannabis Business Permit application for a minimum of one year before the transfer application was submitted.
3. The proposed transferee's application shall be accompanied by a transfer fee in an amount set by resolution of the City Council (or if not set, shall be the same amount as the application fee).
4. The transferee's application will be treated as a new application and will be evaluated according to procedures adopted by the City Manager, pursuant to Section 5.77.450, and must result in a score equal to or greater than the score received by the transferor.
B. Cannabis Business Permits issued through the grant of a transfer by the City Council shall be valid for a period of one year beginning on the day the City Council approves the transfer of the permit.
C. Before the transferee's permit expires, the transferee shall apply for a renewal permit and pay the appropriate fee in the manner required by this chapter.
D. A Cannabis business permit shall not be transferred when the City has notified the permittee in writing that the permit has been or may be suspended or revoked.
E. Any attempt to transfer a cannabis business permit either directly or indirectly in violation of this section is hereby declared a violation of the permit and this chapter. Such a purported transfer shall be deemed a ground for revocation of the permit.
(Ord. 7730, § 3, 2025; Ord. 7628 § 1(Exh. A), 2023)
Riverside Municipal Code § 5.77.280 City business tax certificate.
5.77.280 - City business tax certificate.
Prior to commencing operations, a cannabis business shall obtain a City of Riverside business tax certificate.
(Ord. 7628 § 1(Exh. A), 2023)
Riverside Municipal Code § 5.77.290 Building permits and inspection.
5.77.290 - Building permits and inspection.
Prior to commencing operations, a cannabis business permittee shall be subject to a mandatory building inspection and must obtain all required permits and approvals which would otherwise be required for any business of the same size and intensity operating in that zone. This includes but is not limited to obtaining any required building permit(s), Fire Department approvals, Police Department approval, Code Enforcement, Planning, and County Health Department approvals, and any other applicable zoning and land use permit(s) and approvals.
(Ord. 7628 § 1(Exh. A), 2023)
Riverside Municipal Code § 5.77.300 Authorization from the Community and Economic Development Director.
5.77.300 - Authorization from the Community and Economic Development Director.
Prior to commencing operations, a cannabis business must obtain authorization from the Community and Economic Development Director certifying that the business is located on a site that meets all of the requirements of Sections 5.77.290, 5.77.310 and 5.77.320 of this Code.
(Ord. 7628 § 1(Exh. A), 2023)
Riverside Municipal Code § 5.77.310 Right to occupy and to use property.
5.77.310 - Right to occupy and to use property.
Prior to the city's issuance of a cannabis business permit pursuant to this chapter, any person intending to open and to operate a cannabis business shall first provide sufficient evidence of the legal right to occupy and to use the proposed location.
If the proposed location will be leased from the property owner, the applicant shall be required to provide a signed and notarized statement from the owner of the property, acknowledging that the property owner has read this chapter and consents to the operation of the cannabis business on the owner's property.
(Ord. 7628 § 1(Exh. A), 2023)
Riverside Municipal Code § 5.77.320 Location and design of cannabis businesses.
5.77.320 - Location and design of cannabis businesses.
A. A cannabis business must meet land use and building standards pursuant to Title 16, Title 17, Title 18, and Title 19 of this Code, including:
1. Conform with the City's general plan, any applicable specific plan, master plan, and design requirements.
2. Comply with all applicable zoning and related development standards.
3. Be constructed in a manner that minimizes odors to surrounding uses.
4. A Storefront Retail Cannabis Business shall not be located on a parcel that is within 1,000 feet of another parcel containing a Storefront Retail Cannabis Business, measured in a straight line from the closest property line of the proposed location to the closest property line of the parcel containing the other Storefront Retail Cannabis Business. In addition, no Storefront Retail Cannabis Business shall be located within 1,000 feet on another Storefront Retail Cannabis Business, measured from entrance to entrance, even if located on the same parcel.
5. The located and design of a Storefront Retail Cannabis Business shall be compatible with a business operating under the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) rules and regulations rendering an existing ABC business non-compliant.
6. A Storefront Retail Cannabis Business is prohibited from operating within the boundaries of the Downtown and Midtown areas as identified on the following figures.
Figure 5.77.320.A.6-1
[image omitted; see the official code]
Figure 5.77.320.A.6-2
[image omitted; see the official code]
B. A Storefront Retail Cannabis Business must meet the following rules relating to proximity to sensitive uses:
1. The use shall be no closer than 600 or 1,000 feet from any parcel in the City designated as a sensitive use under this section that is in existence at the time the permit is issued.
2. The distance shall be determined by the horizontal distance measured in a straight line from the closest property line of the sensitive use to the closest property line of the lot on which the cannabis business is to be located, without regard to intervening structures.
3. Sensitive uses and corresponding minimum separation distances include:
a. A school providing instruction in kindergarten or any grades 1 through 12, (whether public, private, or charter, including pre-school, transitional kindergarten, and K-12) (1,000 feet).
b. A commercial daycare center licensed by the State, County or City (600 feet).
c. A community center (600 feet).
d. A park (1,000 feet).
4. Exceptions.
a. Pursuant to its authority under California Business and Professions Code Section 26054, the City hereby establishes a zero-foot radius buffer for youth centers for cannabis businesses permitted under this chapter.
b. By establishing a zero-foot buffer, the City has effectively removed the buffer distance requirement for youth centers for cannabis businesses permitted within the City.
c. During the annual Cannabis Business Permit renewal process, a permitted Cannabis Business shall not be deemed non-compliant as a result of sensitive uses that came into existence after the issuance of the Cannabis Business Permit that is being renewed.
C. Exemptions.
1. Commercial Cannabis Businesses other than Storefront Retail shall be required to meet State of California distance requirements of California Business and Professions Code Section 26054, as may be amended from time to time.
(Ord. 7731, § 1(Exh. A), 2025; Ord. 7730, § 4, 2025; Ord. 7628 § 1(Exh. A), 2023)
Riverside Municipal Code § 5.77.330 Limitations on City's liability.
5.77.330 - Limitations on City's liability.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, the City of Riverside shall not assume any liability whatsoever with respect to having issued a cannabis business permit pursuant to this chapter or otherwise approving the operation of any cannabis business. As a condition to the approval of any cannabis business permit, the applicant shall be required to meet all of the following conditions prior to receiving the cannabis business permit:
A. Execute an agreement, in a form approved by the City Attorney, agreeing to indemnify, defend (at applicant's sole cost and expense), and hold the City of Riverside, and its officers, officials, employees, representatives, and agents, harmless, from any and all claims, losses, damages, injuries, liabilities or losses which arise out of, or which are in any way related to, the City's issuance of the cannabis business permit, the City's decision to approve the operation of the cannabis business or activity, the process used by the City in making its decision, or the alleged violation of any federal, state or local laws by the cannabis business or any of its officers, employees or agents.
B. Maintain insurance at coverage limits, and with conditions thereon determined necessary and appropriate by the City's Risk Manager.
C. Reimburse the City for all costs and expenses, including but not limited to legal fees and court costs, which the City may be required to pay as a result of any legal challenge related to the City's approval of the applicant's cannabis business permit or related to the City's approval of a cannabis activity. The City, at its sole discretion, may participate at its own expense in the defense of any such action, but such participation shall not relieve the applicant of any of the obligations imposed hereunder.
(Ord. 7628 § 1(Exh. A), 2023)
Riverside Municipal Code § 5.77.340 Records and recordkeeping.
5.77.340 - Records and recordkeeping.
A. Each owner and operator of a cannabis business shall maintain accurate books and records in an electronic format, detailing all of the revenues and expenses of the business, and all of its assets and liabilities for a period not less than seven years.
B. On no less than an annual basis (at or before the time of the renewal of a cannabis business permit issued pursuant to this chapter), or at any time upon reasonable request of the City, each cannabis business shall file a sworn statement detailing the number and amount of sales by the cannabis business during the previous 12-month period (or shorter period based upon the timing of the request), provided on a per-month basis. The statement shall also include gross sales for each month, and all applicable taxes and/or fees paid or due to be paid.
C. On an annual basis, each owner and operator shall submit to the City a financial audit of the business's operations conducted by an independent certified public accountant. Each permittee shall be subject to a regulatory compliance review and a gross receipts financial audit, where applicable, as determined by the City.
D. Each owner and operator of a cannabis business shall maintain a current register of the names and the contact information (including the name, address, and telephone number) of anyone owning or holding an interest in the cannabis business, and separately of all the officers, managers, employees, agents, and volunteers currently employed or otherwise engaged by the cannabis business. The register required by this paragraph shall be provided to the City Manager for review on April 15 and December 15 of each year.
E. All cannabis businesses shall maintain an inventory control and reporting system that accurately documents the present location, amounts, and descriptions of all cannabis and cannabis products for all stages of the production process until purchased as set forth in the MAUCRSA.
(Ord. 7730, § 5, 2025; Ord. 7628 § 1(Exh. A), 2023)
Riverside Municipal Code § 5.77.350 Security measures.
5.77.350 - Security measures.
A. A cannabis business permittee shall implement sufficient security measures to deter and prevent the unauthorized entrance into areas containing cannabis or cannabis products and to deter and prevent the theft of cannabis or cannabis products at the cannabis business. Except as may otherwise be determined by the City Manager, these security measures shall include, but shall not be limited to, all of the following:
1. Exterior lighting systems (including motion sensors) for after-hours security as approved by the Chief of Police and/or the Community and Economic Development Director where applicable.
2. Preventing individuals from remaining on the premises of the cannabis business if they are not engaging in an activity directly related to the permitted operations of the cannabis business. In cases in which the individual will not voluntarily leave the premises, the cannabis employee shall contact the Police Department.
3. Establishing limited access areas accessible only to authorized cannabis business personnel.
4. Installation of cameras that meet the following:
a. 24-hour security surveillance cameras of at least high-definition (HD) quality to monitor all entrances and exits to and from the premises, all interior spaces within the cannabis business which are open and accessible to the public, all interior spaces where cannabis, cash, or currency, is being stored for any period of time on a regular basis and all interior spaces where diversion of cannabis could reasonably occur. All cameras shall record in color.
b. All exterior cameras shall be in weather-proof enclosures, shall be located so as to minimize the possibility of vandalism, and shall have the capability to automatically switch to black and white in low light conditions. Video recordings shall be maintained for a minimum of 90 days and shall be made available to the Chief of Police upon request.
c. Video shall be of sufficient quality for effective prosecution of any crime found to have occurred on the site of the cannabis business and shall be capable of enlargement via projection or other means.
d. Internet Protocol address information shall be provided to the Police Department by the cannabis business, to facilitate remote monitoring of security cameras by the Department or its designee.
e. Each business shall have network security protocols that are certified by Underwriters Laboratories.
5. Sensors shall be installed to detect entry and exit from all secure areas and shall be monitored in real time by a security company licensed by the State of California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services.
6. Panic buttons shall be installed in all cannabis businesses with direct notification to the Police Department dispatch and shall be configured to immediately alert dispatch for the Police Department.
7. A professionally installed, maintained, and monitored real-time alarm system by a security company licensed by the State of California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services is required. The permittee shall be required to obtain an alarm permit from the Police Department.
8. Any security measures, such as bars, installed on the windows or the doors of the cannabis business shall be installed only on the interior of the building.
9. Security personnel shall be on-site 24 hours a day or alternative security as authorized by the City Manager and must have a security patrol when closed. Security personnel must be licensed by the State of California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services personnel and shall be subject to the prior review and approval of the City Manager, with such approval not to be unreasonably withheld.
10. Each cannabis business shall have the capability to remain secure during a power outage and shall ensure that all access doors are not solely controlled by an electronic access panel to ensure that locks are not released during a power outage.
11. Each cannabis business shall have an accounting software system in place to provide point of sale data as well as audit trails of both product and cash, where applicable.
12. Each cannabis business shall demonstrate to the Chief of Police, City Manager or their designees, compliance with the state's track and trace system for cannabis and cannabis products.
13. Each cannabis business shall have a professionally installed video surveillance system, access control and intrusion alarm systems designed to protect the inventory, facility, and employees. Each business shall have network security protocols that are certified by Underwriters Laboratories.
14. Exterior vegetation shall be planted, altered and maintained in a fashion that precludes its use as a hiding place for persons on the premises.
15. Emergency access and emergency evacuation plans that are in compliance with state and local fire safety standards.
B. Security representative/liaison.
1. Each cannabis business shall identify a designated security representative/liaison to the City, who shall be reasonably available to meet with the City Manager regarding any security related measures and/or operational issues.
2. The security representative/liaison shall be capable of operating the cannabis business security surveillance system and providing video recordings to the Police Department upon request, pursuant to Section 5.77.350(A)(4) of this Code.
3. The designated security representative/liaison shall, on behalf of the cannabis business, annually maintain a copy of the current security plan on the premises of the business, to present to the City Manager upon request that meets the following requirements:
a. Confirms that a designated manager will be on duty during business hours and will be responsible for monitoring the behavior of employees.
b. Identifies all managers of the cannabis business and their contact phone numbers.
c. Confirms that first aid supplies and operational fire extinguishers are located in the service areas and the manager's office.
d. Confirms that burglar, fire, and panic alarms are operational and monitored by a licensed security company 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and provides contact information for each licensed security company.
e. Identifies a sufficient number of licensed, interior, and exterior security personnel who will monitor individuals inside and outside the cannabis business, the parking lot, any adjacent property under the business' control, and ensure that the parking lot is cleared of employees and their vehicles one-half hour after closing.
C. As part of the application and licensing process each cannabis business shall have a storage and transportation plan, which describes in detail the procedures for safely and securely storing and transporting all cannabis, cannabis products, any hazardous materials that may be used by the business, and any currency.
D. The cannabis business shall cooperate with the City whenever the City Manager makes a request, with or without prior notice, to inspect or audit the effectiveness of any security plan or of any other requirement of this chapter.
E. A cannabis business shall notify the City Manager within 24 hours after discovering any of the following:
1. Significant discrepancies identified during inventory. The level of significance shall be determined by the regulations promulgated by the City Manager.
2. Diversion, theft, loss, or any criminal activity involving the cannabis business or any agent or employee of the cannabis business.
a. The loss or unauthorized alteration of records related to cannabis, customers or employees or agents of the cannabis business.
b. Any other breach of security.
F. Compliance with the foregoing requirements shall be verified by the City Manager prior to commencing business operations. The City Manager may supplement these security requirements once operations begin, subject to review by the City Manager if requested by the business owner.
(Ord. 7628 § 1(Exh. A), 2023)
Riverside Municipal Code § 5.77.360 Fees and charges.
5.77.360 - Fees and charges.
A. No person may commence or continue any cannabis activity in the City, without timely paying in full all fees and charges required for the operation of a cannabis business. Fees and charges associated with the operation of a cannabis activity shall be established by resolution of the City Council which may be amended from time to time.
B. All cannabis businesses authorized to operate under this chapter shall pay all sales, use, business and other applicable taxes, and all license, permit, registration, and other fees required under federal, state, and local law. Each cannabis business shall cooperate with the City with respect to any request to audit the cannabis business' books and records for the purpose of verifying compliance with this section, including but not limited to a verification of the amount of taxes or fees required to be paid during any period.
C. Prior to operating in the City and as a condition of issuance of a permit, the operator of each cannabis facility shall enter into an operational and/or community benefit agreement with the City setting forth the terms and conditions under which the cannabis facility will operate that are in addition to the requirements of this chapter, including, but not limited to, public outreach and education, community service, payment of fees and other charges as mutually agreed, and such other terms and conditions that will protect and promote the public health, safety and welfare.
(Ord. 7628 § 1(Exh. A), 2023)
Riverside Municipal Code § 5.77.370 General operating requirements.
5.77.370 - General operating requirements.
A. Cannabis businesses shall operate in compliance with Division 10 of the Business and Professions Code, as may be amended under state law.
B. Cannabis businesses may operate only during the hours specified in the cannabis business permit issued by the City.
C. Restriction on sales and consumption. Cannabis shall not be consumed by any person on the premises of any cannabis business. No person shall cause or permit the sale, dispensing, or consumption of alcoholic beverages or tobacco on or about the premises of the cannabis business.
D. No cannabis or cannabis products or graphics depicting cannabis or cannabis products shall be visible from the exterior of any property issued a cannabis business permit, or on any of the vehicles owned or used as part of the cannabis business. No outdoor storage of cannabis or cannabis products is permitted at any time.
E. Reporting and tracking of product and of gross sales. Each cannabis business shall have in place a point-of-sale or management inventory tracking system to track and report on all aspects of the cannabis business including, but not limited to, such matters as cannabis tracking, inventory data, gross sales (by weight and by sale) and other information which may be deemed necessary by the City. The cannabis business shall provide this information to the City upon request, in the format defined by the City. In addition, the system must have the capability to produce historical transactional data for review.
F. All cannabis and cannabis products sold, distributed, or held shall be cultivated, manufactured, and transported by state licensed facilities that maintain operations in full conformance with the state and local regulations.
G. Emergency contact. Each cannabis business shall provide the City Manager with the name, telephone number (both land line and mobile, if available) of an on-site employee or owner to whom emergency notice can be provided at any hour of the day.
H. Signage and notices.
1. In addition to the requirements otherwise set forth in this section, business identification signage for a cannabis business shall conform to the requirements of Chapter 19.620 General Sign Provisions and are required to obtain all sign permits as required.
2. Each entrance to a cannabis business shall be visibly posted with a clear and legible notice indicating that smoking, ingesting, or otherwise consuming cannabis on the premises or in the areas adjacent to the cannabis business is prohibited.
I. Minors.
1. Persons under the age of 21 years shall not be allowed on the premises of a cannabis business and shall not be allowed to serve as a driver for a mobile delivery service. It shall be unlawful and a violation of this chapter for any person to employ any person at a cannabis business who is not at least 21 years of age.
2. The entrance to the cannabis business shall be clearly and legibly posted with a notice that no person under the age of 21 years of age is permitted to enter upon the premises of the cannabis business.
3. Notwithstanding Section 5.77.370(h)(1), persons aged 18 to 20 years shall be allowed on the premises of a cannabis business if they can produce a physician's recommendation. In that event, such persons can lawfully purchase cannabis for the sole purpose of addressing the medical need that is the subject of the physician's recommendation.
J. Odor control.
1. Odor control devices and techniques shall be incorporated in all cannabis businesses to ensure that odors from cannabis are not detectable off-site.
a. Cannabis businesses shall provide a sufficient odor absorbing ventilation and exhaust system so that odor generated inside the cannabis business that is distinctive to its operation is not detected outside of the facility, anywhere on adjacent property or public rights-of-way, on or about the exterior or interior common area walkways, hallways, breezeways, foyers, lobby areas, or any other areas available for use by common tenants or the visiting public, or within any other unit located inside the same building as the cannabis business.
b. Cannabis businesses must install and maintain the following equipment, or any other equipment which the Community & Economic Development Director or his/her designee(s) determine is a more effective method or technology:
i. An exhaust air filtration system with odor control that prevents internal odors from being emitted externally;
ii. An air system that creates negative air pressure between the cannabis business's interior and exterior, so that the odors generated inside the cannabis business are not detectable on the outside of the cannabis business.
K. Display of permit and city business tax certificate. The original copy of the cannabis business permit issued by the City pursuant to this chapter and the City issued business tax certificate shall be posted inside the cannabis business in a location readily visible to the public.
L. Background check.
1. Pursuant to California Penal Code Sections 11105(b)(11) and 13300(b)(11), which authorizes City authorities to access state and local summary criminal history information for cannabis employment, licensing, or certification purposes and authorizes access to federal level criminal history information by transmitting fingerprint images and related information to the Department of Justice to be transmitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, every person listed as an owner or employee must submit fingerprints and other information deemed necessary by the Chief of Police or his/her designee(s) for a background check by the City of Riverside Police Department.
2. Pursuant to California Penal Sections 11105(b)(11) and 13300(b)(11), which requires that there be a requirement or exclusion from cannabis employment, licensing or certification based on specific criminal conduct on the part of the subject of the record, no person shall be issued a permit to operate a cannabis business or be allowed to work in a cannabis business unless they have first cleared the background check, as determined by the Chief of Police or his/her designee(s), as required by this section.
3. A fee for the cost of the background investigation, which shall be the actual cost to the City of Riverside to conduct the background investigation as it deems necessary and appropriate, shall be paid at the time the application for a cannabis business permit is submitted.
4. Evidence of a conviction of any of the offenses enumerated in Business and Professions Code Section 26057(b)(4), absent a certificate of rehabilitation, shall be grounds for immediate disqualification of the applicant.
M. Loitering.
1. The owner and/or operator of a cannabis business shall prohibit loitering by persons outside the facility both on the premises and within 50 feet of the premises.
2. The cannabis business shall notify the Police Department if anyone continues to loiter around the building or premises after all reasonable action has been taken to remove the individual(s) and the action has failed to do so in a timely manner.
N. Permits and other approvals. Prior to the establishment of any cannabis business or the operation of any such business, the person intending to establish a cannabis business must first obtain all applicable planning entitlements, building permits, and other applicable permits from the relevant governmental agency which may be applicable to the zoning district in which such cannabis business intends to establish and to operate pursuant to Section 5.77.320 and all applicable requirements in this chapter.
O. Each cannabis operator shall establish minimum training standards for all employees. The City Manager shall have the discretion to require other training for the business operations should the City identify deficiencies or non-compliance issues with City or state requirements.
(Ord. 7628 § 1(Exh. A), 2023)
Riverside Municipal Code § 5.77.380 Operating requirements for store front retail facilities.
5.77.380 - Operating requirements for store front retail facilities.
A. No more than the number of cannabis retailers adopted by Council resolution may operate within the City at any one time and shall be issued a permit by the City.
B. Retailers shall verify the age and all necessary documentation of each individual to ensure the customer is not under the age of 18 years. If the potential customer is 18 to 20 years old, retailer shall confirm the customer's possession of a valid doctor's recommendation and/or Health and Safety Code Section 11362.71 identification card (Medical Marijuana Card). For adult-use purchases, retailers shall verify that all customers are 21 years of age or older for the purchase of cannabis or cannabis products.
C. Individuals must show their government-issued identification, their physician's recommendation, or a cannabis card issued pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 11362.71 in order to gain access into the retailer. The government-issued identification and, if applicable, doctor's recommendation or cannabis card must also be shown at the point-of-sale station at the time of purchase. Doctor recommendations are not to be obtained or provided at the retail location.
D. Uniformed licensed security personnel shall be employed to monitor site activity, control loitering and site access, and to serve as a visual deterrent to unlawful activities. Security personnel may be allowed to carry firearms if authorized by the Chief of Police.
E. Retailers may have only that quantity of cannabis and cannabis products to meet the daily demand readily available for sale on-site in the retail sales area of the retailer. Additional product may be stored in a secured, locked area to which customers, vendors, and visitors shall not have access.
F. All restroom facilities shall remain locked and under the control of management.
G. Permitted store front retailers are authorized to conduct cannabis sales by delivery, pursuant to the requirements set forth in Section 5.77.400.
H. Retailers authorized to conduct retail activities shall only serve customers who are within the permitted premises, or at a delivery address that meets the requirements of this division.
1. The sale and delivery of cannabis goods shall not occur through a pass-through window or a slide-out tray to the exterior of the premises.
2. Retailers shall not operate as or with a drive-in or drive-through at which cannabis goods are sold to persons within or about a motor vehicle.
3. No cannabis goods shall be sold and/or delivered by any means or method to any person within a motor vehicle.
4. All cannabis goods sold by a retail business shall be contained in child-resistant packaging.
5. Retailers shall record point-of-sale areas and areas where cannabis goods are displayed for sale on the video surveillance system. At each point-of-sale location, camera placement must allow for the recording of the facial features of any person purchasing or selling cannabis goods, or any person in the retail area, with sufficient clarity to determine identity.
6. A retail permittee who is engaged in retail sale shall hire or contract for security personnel who are at least 21 years of age to provide security services for the permitted retail premises. All security personnel hired or contracted for by the permittee shall be licensed by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services and shall comply with Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code.
I. Access to retailer premises.
1. Access to the premises of a retail permittee shall be limited to individuals who are at least 21 years of age.
2. Notwithstanding Section 5.77.370 (h)(1), individuals who are at least 18 years of age and in possession of a valid physician's recommendation shall be granted access to the premises of a retail permittee for the sole purpose of purchasing medicinal cannabis consistent with the physician's recommendation.
J. Authorized sales.
1. A retailer shall only sell adult-use cannabis and adult-use cannabis products to individuals who are at least 21 years of age.
2. A retailer shall only sell medicinal cannabis or medicinal cannabis products to individuals who are at least 18 years of age, but not yet 21, if those individuals are in possession of a valid physician's recommendation.
3. Medicinal cannabis sales to individuals 21 years of age and older are unrestricted.
K. Limited access areas.
1. A retailer shall establish limited-access areas and permit only authorized individuals to enter the limited-access areas.
2. Authorized individuals include individuals employed by the retailer as well as any outside vendors, contractors, or other individuals conducting business that requires access to the limited access area.
3. All individuals granted access to the limited access area shall be at least 21 years of age, and if not employed by the retailer, shall be escorted at all times by an employee of the permittee.
4. A retailer shall maintain a log of all individuals who are not employees who are granted access to the limited access area. These logs shall be made available to the City Manager, Chief of Police, or their designees upon request.
L. Operating hours of the store front retailer permit shall be limited to the hours of 9:00 a.m. through 9:00 p.m., seven days a week.
M. Store front/retail security requirements. All provisions incorporated within Section 5.77.350 of this Code (Security Measures), are directly applicable to and binding on all cannabis businesses, including all store front/retail businesses.
N. Upon issuance of a permit, retailers shall prominently display the cannabis business permit on the licensed premises where it can be viewed by the public and City staff.
(Ord. 7628 § 1(Exh. A), 2023)
Riverside Municipal Code § 5.77.400 Store front retail delivery requirements.
5.77.400 - Store front retail delivery requirements.
A. Prior to providing cannabis goods to a delivery customer, operators are required to verify the age and the necessary documentation of each customer. They must ensure that medical customers are at least 18 years of age and verify that the customer has a valid doctor's recommendation. In the case of adult-use customers, they must verify that the customer is at least 21 years of age. Sales shall only be made to persons matching these criteria.
B. Retail delivery services shall be limited to the hours of 9:00 a.m. through 9:00 p.m., seven days a week.
C. Prior to commencing delivery operations, a cannabis retailer shall provide the following information to the City:
1. Proof of ownership of the vehicle or a valid lease for any and all vehicles that will be used to deliver cannabis or cannabis products.
2. The year, make, model, color, license plate number, and numerical Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for any and all vehicles that will be used to deliver cannabis goods.
3. Proof of insurance as required in Section 5.77.330(b) for any and all vehicles being used to deliver cannabis goods.
4. The permittee shall provide the City with the information required by this section in writing for any new vehicle that will be used to deliver cannabis goods prior to using the vehicle to deliver cannabis goods.
5. The permittee shall provide the City with any changes to the information required by this section in writing within 30 calendar days.
(Ord. 7628 § 1(Exh. A), 2023)
Riverside Municipal Code § 5.77.410 Operating requirements for out-of-City delivery services.
5.77.410 - Operating requirements for out-of-City delivery services.
A. All cannabis businesses which conduct deliveries into or within the City of Riverside shall be required to obtain a permit from the City of Riverside in order to conduct retail sales regardless of whether they are located in the City or another local jurisdiction.
B. Prior to commencing operations, a cannabis out-of-City delivery service shall comply with the following requirements:
1. Obtain from the City a permit authorizing the delivery of cannabis and cannabis products within the City limits. A copy of this permit shall be retained by all drivers.
2. The retail business operating the delivery service shall provide the City Manager with evidence of a valid state and local license for a cannabis business on whose authorization the delivery service is performing the delivery function.
3. The retail business operating the delivery service shall furnish to the City Manager the year, make, model, license plate number, and numerical Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for any and all vehicles that will be used to deliver cannabis goods.
C. Operating hours of the out-of-City delivery service shall be limited to the hours of 9:00 a.m. through 9:00 p.m., seven days a week.
(Ord. 7628 § 1(Exh. A), 2023)
Riverside Municipal Code § 5.77.420 Permissible delivery locations and customers.
5.77.420 - Permissible delivery locations and customers.
Cannabis delivery businesses permitted to engage in delivery of cannabis and cannabis products inside the City of Riverside are subject to the following requirements:
A. A permitted cannabis business shall not deliver cannabis goods to an address located on publicly owned land or any address on land or in a building leased by a public agency.
B. A permitted cannabis business shall comply with all requirements of state and local law pertaining to the cannabis business permit and all subsequent policies, procedures and regulations which may be amended by the City Manager from time to in order to enforce this chapter.
C. Any kiosk, i-Pad, tablet, smartphone, fixed location or technology platform, whether manned or unmanned, other than a retail location permitted by the city, that facilitates, directs, or assists the retail sale or delivery of cannabis or cannabis products is prohibited and shall be a violation of this Chapter.
(Ord. 7628 § 1(Exh. A), 2023)
Riverside Municipal Code § 5.77.430 Operating requirements for distribution.
5.77.430 - Operating requirements for distribution.
A. Vehicle for distribution.
1. Cannabis goods shall only be transported inside of a vehicle or trailer and shall not be visible or identifiable from outside of the vehicle or trailer.
2. Transportation by means of aircraft, watercraft, drone, rail, human powered vehicle, or unmanned vehicle is prohibited.
B. Cannabis goods shall be locked in a fully enclosed box, container, or cage that is secured to the inside of the vehicle or trailer. No portion of the enclosed box, container, or cage shall be comprised of any part of the body of the vehicle or trailer. For the purposes of this section, the inside of the vehicle includes the trunk.
C. While left unattended, vehicles and trailers shall be locked and secured.
D. A licensed distributor shall not leave a vehicle or trailer containing cannabis goods unattended in a residential area or parked overnight in a residential area.
E. At a minimum, a licensed distributor shall have a vehicle alarm system on all transport vehicles and trailers. Motion detectors, pressure switches, duress, panic, and hold-up alarms may also be used.
F. Packages or containers holding cannabis goods shall not be tampered with, or opened, during transport.
G. A licensed distributor transporting cannabis goods shall only travel between licensees shipping or receiving cannabis goods and its own licensed premises when engaged in the transportation of cannabis goods. The licensed distributor may transport multiple shipments of cannabis goods at once in accordance with applicable laws. A licensed distributor shall not deviate from the travel requirements described in this section, except for necessary rest, fuel, or vehicle repair stops.
H. Under no circumstances may non-cannabis goods, except for cannabis accessories and licensees' branded merchandise or promotional materials, be transported with cannabis goods.
I. Vehicles and trailers transporting cannabis goods are subject to inspection by the City at any licensed premises or during transport at any time.
J. Notwithstanding subsections (A) through (C) of this section, if it is not operationally feasible to transport cannabis goods inside of a vehicle or trailer because the licensed premises that the cannabis goods will be transported from and the licensed premises that will be receiving the cannabis goods are located within the same building or on the same parcel of land, the cannabis goods may be transported by foot, hand truck, forklift, or other similar means.
(Ord. 7628 § 1(Exh. A), 2023)
Riverside Municipal Code § 5.77.440 Operating requirements for testing laboratories.
5.77.440 - Operating requirements for testing laboratories.
A. Testing laboratories shall be required to conduct all testing in a manner pursuant to Business and Professions Code Section 26100 et seq. and shall be subject to all relevant state and local law. Each testing laboratory may be subject to additional regulations as determined from time to time as more regulations are developed under this chapter and any subsequent State of California legislation regarding the same.
B. Testing laboratories shall conduct all testing in a manner consistent with general requirements for the competence of testing and calibrations activities, including sampling using verified methods.
C. Every laboratory shall hold a valid certificate of ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, issued by an accreditation body that attests to the laboratory's competence to perform testing of the cannabis goods for compounds and contaminants, in compliance with state laws and regulations for cannabis testing. The certificate of accreditation shall be kept at the premises.
D. Every laboratory shall ensure samples are transferred, transported, and securely stored in a manner that prevents degradation, contamination, and tampering, and in compliance with labeling on the cannabis product pursuant to a specified chain of custody protocol.
E. Laboratories that use and generate hazardous materials or hazardous waste shall comply with all applicable hazardous material regulations for hazardous waste generators, and hazardous materials handling requirements and shall maintain any applicable permits for these programs.
F. A laboratory shall ensure the transport, handling, storage, and destruction of samples are accurately documented. All documentation and the results of all testing shall be maintained as a part of the required records of the laboratory.
(Ord. 7628 § 1(Exh. A), 2023)
Riverside Municipal Code § 5.77.450 Promulgation of regulations, standards and other legal duties.
5.77.450 - Promulgation of regulations, standards and other legal duties.
A. In addition to any regulations adopted by the City Council, the City Manager is authorized to establish administratively any additional rules, regulations and standards governing the issuance, denial or renewal of cannabis business permits, the ongoing operation of cannabis businesses and the City's oversight, or concerning any other subject determined to be necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
B. Regulations shall be published on the City's website.
C. Regulations promulgated by the City Manager shall become effective upon date of publication. Cannabis businesses shall be required to comply with all state and local laws and regulations, including but not limited to any rules, regulations or standards adopted by the City Manager.
(Ord. 7628 § 1(Exh. A), 2023)
Riverside Municipal Code § 5.77.460 Community relations.
5.77.460 - Community relations.
A. Each cannabis business shall provide the name, telephone number, and email address of a community relations contact to whom notice of problems associated with the cannabis business can be provided. Each cannabis business shall also provide the above information to all businesses and residences located within 100 feet of the cannabis business.
B. During the first year of operation pursuant to this chapter, the owner, manager, and community relations representative from each cannabis business holding a permit issued pursuant to this chapter shall attend meetings with the City Manager, and other interested parties as deemed appropriate by the City Manager, to discuss costs, benefits, and other community issues arising as a result of implementation of this chapter.
C. After the first year of operation, the owner, manager, and community relations representative from each such cannabis business shall meet with the City Manager when and as requested by the City Manager.
(Ord. 7628 § 1(Exh. A), 2023)
Riverside Municipal Code § 5.77.470 Fees deemed debt to the City.
5.77.470 - Fees deemed debt to the City.
The amount of any fee, cost or charge imposed pursuant to this chapter shall be deemed a debt to the City that is recoverable via an authorized administrative process as set forth in the City ordinance or in any court of competent jurisdiction.
(Ord. 7628 § 1(Exh. A), 2023)
Riverside Municipal Code § 5.77.480 Permit holder responsible for violations.
5.77.480 - Permit holder responsible for violations.
The person to whom a permit is issued pursuant to this chapter shall be responsible for all violations of the laws of the State of California or of the regulations and/or the ordinances of the City, whether committed by the permittee or any employee or agent of the permittee, which violations occur in or about the premises of the cannabis business whether or not said violations occur within the permit holder's presence.
(Ord. 7628 § 1(Exh. A), 2023)
Riverside Municipal Code § 5.77.490 Inspection and enforcement.
5.77.490 - Inspection and enforcement.
A. The City Manager who is charged with enforcing the provisions of the City of Riverside Municipal Code, or any provision thereof, may enter the location of a cannabis business at any time, without notice, and inspect the location of any cannabis business as well as any recordings and records which may include access to point-of-sale and/or METRC data required to be maintained pursuant to this chapter or under applicable provisions of state law.
B. It is unlawful for any person having responsibility over the operation of a cannabis business, to impede, obstruct, interfere with, or otherwise not to allow the City to conduct an inspection, review or copy records, recordings or other documents required to be maintained by a cannabis business under this chapter or under state or local law. It is also unlawful for a person to conceal, destroy, deface, damage, or falsify any records, recordings or other documents required to be maintained by a cannabis business under this chapter or under state or local law.
C. The City Manager, who is charged with enforcing the provisions of this chapter may enter the location of a cannabis business at any time during the hours of operation and without notice to obtain samples of the cannabis to test for public safety purposes. Any samples obtained by the City of Riverside shall be logged, recorded, and maintained in accordance with established procedures by the City of Riverside's City Manager or these regulations.
(Ord. 7628 § 1(Exh. A), 2023)
Riverside Municipal Code § 5.77.500 Violations declared a public nuisance.
5.77.500 - Violations declared a public nuisance.
Each and every violation of the provisions of this chapter constitutes a misdemeanor and is hereby deemed unlawful and a public nuisance. The City reserves the right to pursue any available legal remedy to address violations of this chapter.
(Ord. 7628 § 1(Exh. A), 2023)
Riverside Municipal Code § 5.77.510 No vested rights.
5.77.510 - No vested rights.
No person(s) (including any applicant, owner, and/or permittee) shall have any vested rights to any permit, right, and/or interest under this chapter, regardless of whether such person(s) sold, distributed, and/or otherwise engaged in acts related to the use of cannabis prior to the adoption of the ordinance codified in this chapter.
(Ord. 7628 § 1(Exh. A), 2023)
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_TIT5BU_CH5.77CABUACFetched: 11/1/2026