Development standards for all sign types.
Riverside Municipal Code § 19.620.075
in effect19.620.075 - Development standards for all sign types.
A. Permitted sign locations.
1. Building signs. All building signs, with the exception of blade signs as set forth herein must be located on and directly parallel to a building wall, canopy fascia or mansard roof directly abutting the use or occupancy being identified and directly facing a parking lot, mall, street, driveway, alley or freeway.
2. Window signs. Except for signs painted directly on the exterior surface of the window, all window signs must be located on or within 24 inches of the inner surface of a window directly used by the use or occupancy being identified and be directly facing a parking lot, mall, street, driveway, alley or freeway.
3. Under canopy and shingle signs. All under canopy and shingle signs shall be suspended from the underside of a pedestrian canopy or awning directly adjacent to the business identified on the sign or a support attached to and projecting from the building wall. Such signs shall be oriented perpendicular to the adjacent wall of the business being identified and shall be attached with rigid supports of a type and in a manner acceptable to the Building and Safety Division. A minimum clearance of seven feet shall be maintained between the grade level below the sign and the lowermost portion of the sign except when the sign is projecting over a public right-of-way, in that case the minimum clearance shall be eight feet.
Figure 19.620.075.A-3: Measuring Area of Single-Faced Signs
[image omitted; see the official code]
4. Pylon and monument signs. All pylon and monument signs shall be oriented toward a parking lot, mall, street, driveway or alley. Such signs shall be situated on the lot or parcel on which the use or occupancy identified is located, except in a commercial, office or industrial complex where such a sign may be located on any lot or parcel in the complex where the use or occupancy identified is located.
5. Other projecting signs. Building signs shall not project more than 12 inches from the face of the building on which they are placed with the following exceptions:
a. Signs placed on a mansard roof may project such a distance from the face of the roof as necessary for the sign face to be perpendicular to the floor of the building.
Figure 19.620.075.A-5: Measuring Area of Single-Faced Signs
[image omitted; see the official code]
b. In any Neighborhood Commercial Overlay Zone, a maximum four square foot, double-faced sign, oriented perpendicular to the building wall is permitted in lieu of an under canopy sign. Such perpendicular sign shall not project more than 30 inches from the face of the building wall on which it is placed, shall be attached with rigid supports in a manner acceptable to the Building and Safety Division and shall maintain a minimum clearance of eight feet between the grade level below the sign and the lowermost portion of the sign.
c. A three-dimensional sign that complies with the applicable requirements of this chapter.
6. Projection of permanent signs over public rights-of-way. All signs that project over or into the public right-of-way require approval of an encroachment permit by the Public Works Department under Sections 10.16.040 and Section 13.08.015 of the Riverside Municipal Code.
7. Historic area blade signs. For buildings registered in the National Historic Register; designated a State Historical landmark, a City of Riverside landmark or structure of merit; or located in a City of Riverside historic preservation district or neighborhood conservation area, and that contain a nonresidential use, double-faced signs, oriented perpendicular to the building wall are permitted subject to standards in Section 19.620.120.C.
B. Materials.
1. Permanent signs may not be made of plywood, pressed board, non-exterior grade wood products or any material, such as paper or cardboard, that is subject to rapid deterioration and not weather-resistant.
2. Fabric signs shall be restricted to Public Service and Civic Identity Banners, Awning Signs, and Temporary Signs permitted pursuant to Section 19.620.090.
C. Illumination. Unless specifically restricted by this chapter, signs may be illuminated or non-illuminated. The illumination of signs, from either an internal or external source, shall be designed to avoid negative impacts on surrounding rights-of-way and properties. The following standards shall apply to all illuminated signs:
1. Sign lighting shall not be of an intensity or brightness, or generate glare, that will create a nuisance for residential buildings in a direct line of sight to the sign;
2. External light sources shall be directed, shielded, and filtered to limit direct illumination of any object other than the sign;
3. Exposed incandescent lamps that exceed 40 watts or contain either internal or external metal reflectors are not permitted.
4. Refer to Section 19.620.080.D.4 for additional illumination requirements for electronic message center signs.
5. Electrical raceways, conduits, and similar devices shall be placed so that they are not within public view.
a. Where this is physically impractical or potentially damaging to significant architectural features or materials of the structure upon which the sign is mounted, raceways, conduits, and similar devices shall be as minimal as possible and painted to match surrounding material.
6. Neon signs and architectural lighting. The use of neon tubes for signs or architectural elements shall be allowed in commercial and mixed-use zoning districts subject to the requirements of Section 19.620.050.B.
D. Maintenance and safety.
1. Maintenance. All signs, together with all their supports, braces, guys and anchors, shall be kept in repair and in a proper state of preservation. The display surfaces of all signs shall be kept neatly painted or posted. The Community & Economic Development Director or his/her designee may order the removal of any sign that is not maintained in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and all other applicable laws.
2. Interference with safety passages. No sign or sign structure shall be erected in such a manner that any portion of its surface or supports will interfere in any way with the free use of any fire escape, exit or standpipe. No sign shall obstruct any window to such an extent that any light, ventilation or access is reduced to a point below that required by any law or ordinance.
3. Proximity to electrical facilities. No sign or structure shall be erected in such a manner that any portion of its surface or supports shall be within six feet of overhead electric conductors, which are energized in excess of 750 volts, nor within three feet of conductors energized at zero to 750 volts.
4. Electrical signs. Electrical signs shall bear the label of an approved testing laboratory. Said label shall not exceed four square inches. Said label shall be placed as directed by the Community & Economic Development Director or his/her designee. Electrical signs and appurtenant equipment shall be installed in accordance with the Electrical Code.
5. Engineering design and materials. Signs designed and constructed as building elements or structures shall be in accordance with the provisions of the Building Code.
6. Inspections. It shall be the duty of every person who may erect any sign designated under this chapter to afford ample means and accommodation for the purpose of inspection whenever, in the judgment of the Community & Economic Development Director or his/her designee or the Building Official, such inspection is necessary. The inspectors for the Public Utilities Department and the Fire Department of the City shall also have the right and authority to inspect any such signs during reasonable hours.
7. Liability of owners. This chapter shall not be construed to relieve from or lessen the responsibility of any person owning, maintaining, operating, constructing or installing any sign or other device mentioned in this chapter for damages to life or property caused by any defect therein.
8. City responsibility for sign compliance. Neither the City nor any agent thereof may be held as assuming any liability by reason of the inspection required by this chapter. Nothing in this chapter waives or diminishes any defenses the City may have in any action alleging that the City is responsible, in whole or in part, for damage, loss or injury caused by any sign. By enacting this chapter the City does not waive its immunities under California statutory law, including, but not limited to, the governmental immunities.
(Ord. 7717, § 5(Exh. B), 2025)
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_19.620.075DESTALSITYFetched: 11/1/2026