Development, operational and location standards.
Riverside Municipal Code § 19.740.050
in effect19.740.050 - Development, operational and location standards.
A. Any use which is prohibited by state or federal law is also strictly prohibited.
B. All events must comply with Title 7 of the Riverside Municipal Code (Noise).
C. Temporary uses listed in Table 19.740.020 above shall comply with the following development standards:
1. Car show
a. The parking of vehicles shall occur on improved surfaces only (i.e. asphalt or concrete).
b. The event shall not occupy more than 30 percent of a required parking area and shall not substantially alter the existing circulation pattern of the site.
c. The event shall provide and maintain all state and federal disabled access requirements including, but not limited to parking, path of travel, sanitation facilities, etc.
d. The event shall not block or modify any fire lane or fire hydrant.
e. No stage shall be permitted.
f. No tents, canopies or other temporary structures with an individual area of 120 square feet shall be permitted.
2. Caretaker living quarters—Temporary during construction. For development standards for caretaker living quarters used during construction review Article XII Chapter 19.465.
3. Christmas tree and pumpkin sales (seasonal). Christmas tree and pumpkin sales lots are subject to compliance with the following criteria as set forth below:
a. Christmas tree or pumpkin sales within an existing retail center or business may not occupy more than ten percent of a required parking area and may not substantially alter the existing traffic circulation pattern of the site. The temporary sales area shall not obstruct any existing handicap accessible parking space. Sidewalks shall be maintained at a minimum width of four feet to provide for handicap access. A site plan shall be submitted for approval by the Community & Economic Development Director or their designee;
b. Christmas tree and pumpkin sales lots located on vacant property shall provide adequate on-site parking spaces and access. A site plan shall be submitted for approval by the Community & Economic Development Director or their designee. Upon approval, the sales lot shall be clearly marked in accordance with the approved site plan;
c. Hours of operation, including the use of generators and lot lighting, excluding security lighting, shall be limited to 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., unless other hours are specified by written approval issued by the Community & Economic Development Director or their designee. Security lighting shall be shielded to prevent light spillage onto adjacent properties;
d. Incidental sales of Christmas tree lights, tree decorations and stands may be permitted in conjunction with a Christmas tree sales lot, but sales of gift items are excluded; and
e. Other conditions to mitigate potential land use impacts and public safety can be required on a case-by-case basis as deemed necessary and appropriate by the Community & Economic Development Director or their designee.
4. Circus or carnival (with or without tent).
a. A circus or carnival within an existing retail center or business may not occupy more than ten percent of a required parking area and may not substantially alter the existing traffic circulation pattern of the site.
b. The event shall not obstruct any existing handicap accessible parking space. Sidewalks shall be maintained at a minimum width of four feet to provide for handicap access. A site plan shall be submitted for approval by the Community & Economic Development Director or their designee;
c. A circus or carnival located on vacant property shall provide adequate vehicular access. A site plan shall be submitted for approval by the Community & Economic Development Director or their designee. Upon approval, the sales lot shall be clearly marked in accordance with the approved site plan;
d. Hours of operation, including the use of generators and lot lighting, excluding security lighting, shall be limited to 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., unless other hours are specified by written approval issued by the Community & Economic Development Director or his/her designee. Security lighting shall be shielded to prevent light spillage onto adjacent properties;
e. The circus or carnival shall be located a minimum of 100 feet from any residentially zoned or utilized property unless otherwise specified by written approval issued by the Community & Economic Development Director or their designee.
f. Other conditions to mitigate potential land use impacts and public safety can be required on a case-by-case basis as deemed necessary and appropriate by the Community & Economic Development Director or their designee.
5. Dwelling Unit (Motor Home, RV, camper, etc.).
a. A dwelling unit may only be permitted on a residentially used parcel.
b. The vehicle may not be parked within the public right-of-way, overhang into the public right-of-way, block any sidewalk or path of travel and may be no closer than five feet from any interior property line.
c. The vehicle must be parked on a concrete pad or driveway.
d. Generators may only be permitted between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. as permitted by Title 7 of the Riverside Municipal Code.
6. Fair, concert, exhibit or similar uses.
a. A fair, concert, exhibit or similar use within an existing retail center or business may not occupy more than ten percent of a required parking area and may not substantially alter the existing traffic circulation pattern of the site.
b. The event shall not obstruct any existing handicap accessible parking space. Sidewalks shall be maintained at a minimum width of four feet to provide for handicap access. A site plan shall be submitted for approval by the Community & Economic Development Director or their designee;
c. A fair, concert, exhibit or similar use located on vacant property shall provide adequate vehicular access. A site plan shall be submitted for approval by the Community & Economic Development Director or their designee. Upon approval, the sales lot shall be clearly marked in accordance with the approved site plan;
d. Hours of operation, including the use of generators and lot lighting, excluding security lighting, shall be limited to 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., unless other hours are specified by written approval issued by the Community & Economic Development Director or their designee. Security lighting shall be shielded to prevent light spillage onto adjacent properties;
e. The fair, concert, exhibit or similar use shall be located a minimum of 100 feet from any residentially zoned or utilized property unless otherwise specified by written approval issued by the Community & Economic Development Director or their designee.
f. Other conditions to mitigate potential land use impacts and public safety can be required on a case-by-case basis as deemed necessary and appropriate by the Community & Economic Development Director or their designee.
7. Mobile medical units for humans.
a. Mobile medical units shall not be located within any required front or street side yard. An interior side or rear yard where off-street parking is allowed may be occupied by a mobile medical unit.
b. Mobile medical units shall not be placed within, disrupt or displace any required accessible path of travel or fire lane.
8. Non-commercial tent meeting.
a. A non-commercial tent meeting within an existing retail or industrial center or business may not occupy more than ten percent of a required parking area and may not substantially alter the existing traffic circulation pattern of the site.
b. The event shall not obstruct any existing handicap accessible parking space. Sidewalks shall be maintained at a minimum width of four feet to provide for handicap access. A site plan shall be submitted for approval by the Community & Economic Development Director or their designee;
c. A non-commercial tent meeting located on vacant property shall provide adequate vehicular access. A site plan shall be submitted for approval by the Community & Economic Development Director or their designee. Upon approval, the sales lot shall be clearly marked in accordance with the approved site plan;
d. Hours of operation, including the use of generators and lot lighting, excluding security lighting, shall be limited to 9:00 a.m.to 10:00 p.m., unless other hours are specified by written approval issued by the Community & Economic Development Director or their designee. Security lighting shall be shielded to prevent light spillage onto adjacent properties;
e. The non-commercial tent meeting shall be located a minimum of 100 feet from any residentially zoned or utilized property unless otherwise specified by written approval issued by the Community & Economic Development Director or their designee.
f. Other conditions to mitigate potential land use impacts and public safety can be required on a case-by-case basis as deemed necessary and appropriate by the Community & Economic Development Director or their designee.
9. Outdoor preparation of food (temporary).
a. The requirements for the outdoor preparation of food apply only when in conjunction with a permanent indoor restaurant and does not pertain to the outdoor preparation of food in association with legally established school or assemblies of people—non-entertainment, street fairs, carnivals or push carts that are regulated separately.
b. For development standards for the temporary outdoor preparation of food the standards for outdoor dining and food preparation (permanent) shall apply, Chapter 19.495.
c. No tents, canopies or other temporary structures with an individual area of 120 square feet shall be permitted.
d. Other conditions to mitigate potential land use impacts and public safety can be required on a case-by-case basis as deemed necessary and appropriate by the Community & Economic Development Director or their designee.
10. Outdoor sales event in conjunction with a permanent land use.
a. An outdoor sales event in conjunction with a permanent land use within an existing retail center or business may not occupy more than ten percent of a required parking area and may not substantially alter the existing traffic circulation pattern of the site.
b. The event shall not obstruct any existing handicap accessible parking space. Sidewalks shall be maintained at a minimum width of four feet to provide for handicap access. A site plan shall be submitted for approval by the Community & Economic Development Director or their designee;
c. An outdoor sales event must be in conjunction with, and clearly incidental to, an existing permanent use on site. Outdoor sales on vacant lots is not permitted (see outdoor sales event not in conjunction with a permanent land use below).
d. The applicant shall provide and maintain all state and federal disabled access requirements including, but not limited to parking, path of travel, sanitation facilities, etc.
e. The event shall not block or modify any fire lane or fire hydrant.
f. No stage shall be permitted.
11. Outdoor sales event not in conjunction with a permanent land use.
a. An outdoor sales event not in conjunction with a permanent land use within an existing retail center or business may not occupy more than ten percent of a required parking area and may not substantially alter the existing traffic circulation pattern of the site.
b. The event shall not obstruct any existing handicap accessible parking space. Sidewalks shall be maintained at a minimum width of four feet to provide for handicap access. A site plan shall be submitted for approval by the Community & Economic Development Director or their designee;
c. An outdoor sales event not in conjunction with a permanent land use located on vacant property shall provide adequate on-site parking spaces and access. A site plan shall be submitted for approval by the Community & Economic Development Director or their designee. Upon approval, the sales lot shall be clearly marked in accordance with the approved site plan;
d. The applicant shall provide an maintain all state and federal disabled access requirements including, but not limited to parking, path of travel, sanitation facilities, etc.
e. The event shall not block or modify any fire lane or fire hydrant.
f. No stage shall be permitted.
g. Hours of operation, including the use of generators and lot lighting, excluding security lighting, shall be limited to 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., unless other hours are specified by written approval issued by the Community & Economic Development Director or their designee. Security lighting shall be shielded to prevent light spillage onto adjacent properties;
h. the Outdoor sales area and Parking Lot shall be located a minimum of 100 feet from any residentially zoned or utilized property unless otherwise specified by written approval issued by the Community & Economic Development Director or their designee.
i. Other conditions to mitigate potential land use impacts and public safety can be required on a case-by-case basis as deemed necessary and appropriate by the Community & Economic Development Director or their designee.
12. Subdivision sales trailer or office during construction.
a. The temporary unit shall be located on-site and in the rear half of the lot, unless otherwise approved by the Community & Economic Development Director or their designee. In no instance shall the temporary unit be located within public right-of-way.
b. The temporary unit shall be located at least five feet from all property lines. For side and rear property lines adjoining an existing residential use, the setback of the underlying zone shall apply.
c. The temporary unit shall be connected to water and electric utilities. Where required by the Public Works Department, the unit shall be connected to the sewer system.
d. The unit shall be allowed to remain on the site for an initial period of no more than six months, except that individual extensions of up to three months each with a maximum of one year from the date of the initial siting may be granted by the Community & Economic Development Director or their designee. There shall be no fee for these time extensions. In considering whether to grant a time extension, the Community & Economic Development Director or their designee may consider evidence of any land use compatibility related complaints from surrounding residents and property owners.
e. No later than seven days following the issuance of a certificate of occupancy for the permanent building, the temporary unit shall be removed from the site.
f. An active building permit shall be in effect prior to locating the temporary unit on-site and at all times that the unit remains on-site. The unit is to be removed within seven days of expiration of the building permit.
13. Temporary emergency shelter with assemblies of people-non-entertainment.
a. A temporary emergency shelter may be permitted in conjunction with an assemblies of people-non-entertainment use.
b. A written management and security plan shall be provided for review and approval by the Community & Economic Development Director or their designee.
c. A site maintenance and operations plan for ongoing property cleaning, noise control, and odor, dust, and litter control shall be submitted for review and approval of the Community & Economic Development Director or their designee prior to commencement of operations.
d. The placement of beds are temporary and limited to the maximum number of days identified in Table 19.740.020.
e. Temporary emergency shelters shall be consistent with applicable airport land use compatibility plans. See Chapter 19.149 - Airport Land Use Compatibility.
14. Temporary holiday storage containers.
a. A maximum of four temporary holiday storage containers may be permitted for retail outlets with 15,000 square feet or more of gross floor area for overstock of products and goods.
b. A maximum of two temporary holiday storage containers may be permitted for retail outlets with 10,000 to 15,000 square feet of gross floor area for overstock of products and goods.
c. A maximum of one temporary holiday storage containers may be permitted for retail outlets with 5,000 to 10,000 square feet or more of gross floor area for overstock of products and goods.
d. The containers shall be located behind the building to minimize the visual impact from public view.
e. The containers shall not be located within any building setback area.
f. The containers shall maintain the minimum building setback from all property lines as determined by the California Building Code or 10 feet whichever is greater.
g. The containers shall not be located within a fire lane nor block any fire hydrant.
15. Vapor recovery operation. Vapor recovery operations for fuel-contaminated soil are subject to the site location criteria, operation and development standards below:
a. Site location criteria.
(1) All equipment shall be located as far as possible, but not closer than ten feet, to any property with a residential use or other uses designed for overnight human habitation, such as motels, hotels, hospitals or group homes.
(2) The location on the site shall not disrupt the flow of traffic onto and off of the site.
(3) Whenever possible, the facility shall not displace required parking. If this is not possible, the Community & Economic Development Director or his/her designee may grant a temporary displacement of required parking for the time the vapor recovery operation is in operation.
b. Operation and development standards.
(1) All equipment shall be screened with landscaping, block walls or opaque fencing consistent with landscaping and/or physical improvements in the area.
(2). Sound emanating from machinery shall be muffled so as not to exceed 60 dBA at the nearest property line of any nonresidential use and 45 dBA at the nearest property line of a residential use or other uses designed for overnight human habitation, such as motels, hotels, hospitals or group homes.
(3) The Community & Economic Development Director or their designee may limit the hours of operation to between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. where vapor recovery operations are located near residential uses or other uses designed for overnight human habitation, such as motels, hotels, hospitals or group homes.
(4) Approval from all applicable governmental agencies shall be obtained.
(5) At the conclusion of the vapor recovery operation, all machinery and improvements shall be completely removed from the site and the previously existing improvements shall be replaced in accordance with all local standards. The Community & Economic Development Director or their designee may require suitable documentation guaranteeing such removal and repairs.
(Ord. 7660, § 16, 2024; Ord. 7505 § 1(Exh. A), 2020; Ord. 7487 § 23, 11-5-2019; Ord. 7408 §1, 2018; Ord. 7331 §110, 2016; Ord. 7211 §1, 2013; 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_ARTIXLAUSDEPEREPR_CH19.740TEUSPE_19.740.050DEOPLOSTFetched: 11/1/2026