Exempt signs.
Riverside Municipal Code § 19.620.040
in effect19.620.040 - Exempt signs.
A. Signs exempt from permitting and standards. In addition to specific provisions elsewhere in this chapter that exempt certain signs from a permit requirement, the following signs do not require a permit and are not subject to standards:
1. Signs of public service and utility companies indicating danger and aides to service and public safety;
2. Signs or other visual communicative devices that are located entirely within a legally established building or other enclosed structure and are not visible from the exterior thereof;
3. Railroad crossing signs;
4. Traffic or municipal signs posted by government agencies;
5. Legal notices posted pursuant to law or court order; and
6. Address signs that are required by and conform with the Building Code; and
7. Public service and civic identification signs promoting City-sponsored activities or community events as authorized by the City Council.
B. Signs exempt from permit requirements. The following signs do not require permits pursuant to Section 19.620.110, Procedures for Sign Approval, of this chapter when they comply with the applicable standards of this chapter:
1. Directional signs. On properties containing public parking areas in any zone, monument directional signs, not exceeding six square feet in area per display face and four feet in overall height, located at each public entrance to or exit from the public parking area. Building mounted directional signs shall also be allowed as necessary to direct persons to specific functions of a business with separate exterior entrances. Such signs shall not exceed six square feet in area and shall be situated directly above or to the side of the entrance being identified.
2. Information signs not displaying general advertising for hire.
a. Building or window signs less than four square feet in area indicating the hours of operation of an establishment and whether such establishment is presently open to the public;
b. Freestanding signs not exceeding one square foot in area and four feet in height providing information for the safety and convenience of the public, such as identifying rest rooms or telephones or areas where parking is not permitted;
3. Hazard signs. Signs warning persons of hazards pertaining to the property provided that individual signs do not exceed one square foot in size and six feet in height and are erected at least 75 feet apart from each other.
4. Flags. Flags not used as general advertising for hire if they comply with the following standards:
a. Complexes of commercial, office and industrial uses. Each complex of commercial, office or industrial uses, consisting of three or more uses on a single parcel or contiguous parcels with common off-street parking and access, may display not more than three flags, subject to: maximum area of 60 square feet (area includes one side only) on not more than three maximum 35 foot high poles. If separate poles are used, the distance from one pole to another may not exceed 20 feet. Any illumination shall be oriented and shielded not to glare into adjacent properties. Bunting shall be securely attached to at least two ends of a rigid frame attached to a pole or projecting from a building in compliance with standards for projecting signs.
b. All other nonresidential uses. Each occupied parcel containing a nonresidential use, other than described in sub-section a. may display not more than three flags, subject to: maximum area of 60 square feet (area includes one side only) on not more than three maximum 35 foot high poles. If separate poles are used, the distance from one pole to another may not exceed ten feet.
c. Residential subdivisions and condominiums. Each residential subdivision or condominium with new, previously unoccupied dwelling units for sale may display one flag, maximum 25 square foot on a pole not higher than 20 feet, per model home in a model home complex. Such poles must be situated not closer than ten feet from the public right-of-way and within 20 feet of the model complex or sales office. If separate poles are used, the distance from one pole to another may not exceed ten feet. A residential subdivision or condominium is considered to be all lots under a parent tract number including all phases.
d. Apartments and mobile homes. Complexes of four or more apartments or mobile homes sharing common private access and/or parking may display not more than three flags, subject to: maximum area of 25 square feet (area includes one side only) on not more than three maximum 20 foot high poles. If separate poles are used, the distance from one to another may not exceed ten feet.
e. All other residential uses. Each occupied parcel containing a residential use other than described in sub-sections c. and d. may display one flag, subject to a maximum area of 25 square feet (area includes one side only) on one maximum 20-foot high pole.
5. Non-illuminated identification signs up to four square feet in area on residential multi-unit buildings and complexes;
6. Construction site signs. In all zones, unlighted freestanding or wall signs may be displayed on the lot or parcel on which the construction is occurring. Such signs and support structures and fasteners shall be totally removed prior to release for occupancy. Such signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area (area includes one side only).
C. Nonconforming signs. Signs that were legal when first installed, and which have not been modified so as to become illegal, may be continued even though they do not comply with the standards and requirements of this chapter as provided for in Section 19.620.130. No such sign shall be moved, altered, or enlarged unless required by law or unless the moving, alteration or enlargement conforms to the applicable requirements of this chapter and will result in the elimination or substantial reduction of the sign's nonconforming features.
(Ord. 7331 §96, 2016; Ord. 7300 §2, 2015; Ord. 6966 §1, 2007)
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_TIT19ZO_ARTVIIISIPLGEDEPR_CH19.620GESIPR_19.620.040EXSIFetched: 11/1/2026