Emergency sleeping cabins.
Riverside Municipal Code § 16.34.040
in effect16.34.040 - Emergency sleeping cabins.
A. General. Emergency sleeping cabins shall have an interior floor area of not less than 70 square feet (6.5 m 2 ) for one occupant. Where more than one occupies the cabin, the required floor area shall be increased at the rate of 50 square feet (4.65 m 2 ) for each occupant in excess of one. The interior floor area shall not exceed 400 square feet (37 m 2 ), excluding lofts.
B. Live loads. Emergency sleeping cabins shall be designed to resist intrusion of wind, rain, and to support the following live loads:
1. Floor live loads not less than 40 pounds per square foot (1.92 kPa) of floor area.
2. Horizontal live loads not less than 15 pounds per square foot (718 Pa) of vertical wall and roof area.
3. Roof live loads not less than 20 pounds per square foot (958 Pa) of horizontal roof area.
4. In areas where snow loads are greater than 20 pounds per square foot (958 Pa), the roof shall be designed and constructed to resist these additional loads.
C. Minimum ceiling height. Habitable space and hallways in emergency sleeping cabins shall have a ceiling height of not less than 80 inches (2,032 mm). Bathrooms, toilet rooms, and kitchens, if provided, shall have a ceiling height of not less than 76 inches (1,930 mm). Obstructions shall not extend below these minimum ceiling heights including beams, girders, ducts, lighting and other obstructions.
Exception: Ceiling heights in lofts constructed in accordance with Section N108 are permitted to be less than 80 inches (2,032 mm).
D. Means of egress. Emergency sleeping cabins shall be provided with at least two forms of egress placed remotely from each other. One form of egress may be an egress window complying with Section 16.34.040(E). When a loft is provided, one form of egress shall be an egress window complying with Section 16.34.040(E), provided in the loft space.
E. Egress window. The bottom of the clear opening of the egress window shall not be more than 44 inches (1,118 mm) above the floor. The egress window shall have a minimum net clear opening height of 24 inches (610 mm), and a minimum net clear opening width of 20 inches (508 mm). The egress window shall have a minimum net clear opening area of five square feet (0.465 m 2 ).
F. Plumbing and gas service. If an emergency sleeping cabin contains plumbing or gas service, it shall comply with all applicable requirements of the California Plumbing Code and the California Mechanical Code.
G. Electrical. Emergency sleeping cabins shall be provided with all of the following installed in compliance with the California Electrical Code:
1. Continuous source of electricity.
Exception: The source of electricity may be solar power or emergency generator.
2. At least one interior lighting fixture.
3. Electrical heating equipment listed for residential use and a dedicated receptacle outlet for the electrical heating equipment.
Exception: Electrical heating equipment and a dedicated receptacle outlet for said equipment are not required if a nonelectrical source of heat is provided.
4. At least one GFCI-protected receptacle outlet for use by the occupant(s).
H. Ventilation. Emergency sleeping cabins shall be provided with means of ventilation (natural and/or mechanical) allowing for adequate air replacement, as determined by the enforcing agency.
I. Smoke alarms. Emergency sleeping cabins shall be provided with at least one smoke alarm installed in accordance with the California Residential Code, Section R314.
J. Carbon monoxide alarms. If an emergency sleeping cabin contains a fuel-burning appliance(s) or a fireplace(s), a carbon monoxide alarm shall be installed in accordance with the California Residential Code, Section R315.
K. Building materials. All building finish materials and components which encompass the building envelope including walls, floor assemblies and the ceiling/roof assemblies of the emergency sleeping cabin shall meet minimum flame and smoke spread ratings for the intended use in accordance with the adopted California Building Code and shall be durable, weather resistant materials. The Building Official may request compliance through approved testing procedures as required by Section 104.11.2 of the California Building Code.
(Ord. 7612 § 48, 2022; Ord. 7510 § 14, 2020; Ord. 7492 § 21(Exh. A), 2019)
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_TIT16BUCO_CH16.34EMHO_16.34.040EMSLCAFetched: 11/1/2026