Applicability and permit requirements.
Riverside Municipal Code § 19.530.030
in effect19.530.030 - Applicability and permit requirements.
Wireless telecommunication facilities and related support structures, as defined herein, are permitted as set forth in Article V, Base Zones and Related Use and Development Provisions, subject to the requirements contained in this chapter.
A. Following are the use and permit requirements for wireless telecommunication facilities on private properties.
1. Prohibited facilities.
a. All wireless telecommunication facilities in the RA-5—Residential Agricultural and RC—Residential Conservation Zones and any other property in the City developed with a residential use.
2. Conditional Use Permit (CUP).
a. New wireless telecommunication facilities which do not comply with the applicable site location, operation and development standards contained in this chapter.
b. Modifications to an existing eligible wireless telecommunication facility support structure that involve a substantial change (as defined herein) to the existing facility and do not comply with the applicable site location, operation and development standards contained in this chapter.
3. Administrative Design Review (DR).
a. New stealth wireless telecommunications facilities that comply with the applicable site location, operation and development standards contained in this chapter.
b. Modifications to an existing eligible wireless telecommunications facility ("Eligible Facilities Request" as defined herein) that do not involve a substantial change to the existing facility.
c. Carrier on wheels or cell on wheels (COWs) as defined herein in zones where wireless telecommunications facilities are normally permitted, for a period in excess of those time frames for exempt facilities as stipulated in Section 19.530.030.A.4 (d—f) below.
d. Small cell networks (SASs) and Distributed antenna systems (DASs) as defined herein and other similar networks in zones where wireless telecommunications facilities are normally permitted.
4. Exempt facilities.
a. Wireless telecommunications facilities on public properties, as well as within the public right-of-way or within easements.
b. Modifications to an existing eligible wireless telecommunications facility that involve only a like-for-like exchange of existing equipment or appurtenances or which involve only the addition of equipment within an existing, completely enclosed or fully screened base station.
c. Antennas used by residential households solely for broadcast radio and television reception.
d. Antennas and satellites used solely for non-commercial purposes.
e. COWs placed for a period of not more than 21 days for temporary uses related to special events.
f. COWs placed for a period of not more than 120 days for temporary use when associated with the replacement of permanent facilities.
g. COWs placed for a period of not more than 120 days for temporary use after a declaration of an emergency or a disaster by the governor.
B. At the time of submittal for a conditional use permit or administrative design review, the application shall include all of the information related to the proposed wireless telecommunications facility, including, but not limited to, site plans detailing proposed improvements pursuant to the requirements contained in Chapter 19.710 (Design Review).
C. For an eligible facilities request, the applicant must specify in writing whether the applicant believes the application is for an eligible facility request subject to the Spectrum Act, and if so, provide a detailed written explanation as to why the applicant believes that the application qualifies as an eligible facilities request.
D. Any other information to satisfy other requirements, which may be amended from time to time, as required by the Community & Economic Development Department Director, or his/her designee, as publicly stated in the application checklist.
(Ord. 7552 §21, 2021; Ord. 7331 §86, 2016; Ord. 7158 §14, 2012; Ord. 7105 §4, 2010; 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_ARTVIISPLAUSPR_CH19.530WITEFA_19.530.030APPEREFetched: 11/1/2026