BUILDING HEIGHT MEASUREMENT

Riverside Municipal Code tit. 19, art. VIII, ch. 19.560

in effect

Riverside Municipal Code § 19.560.010 Purpose.

19.560.010 - Purpose. This chapter establishes the method for measuring the height of structures in compliance with the height limits set forth in the Zoning Code, and specifies exceptions to height limits. (Ord. 7331 §92, 2016; Ord. 6966 §1, 2007)

Riverside Municipal Code § 19.560.020 Height measurement.

19.560.020 - Height measurement. A. Except as noted in Figure 19.560.020 B (Structure Height on Split Pad), structure height shall be measured as the vertical distance between the building pad elevation or finished grade and the highest point of the subject building or structure. The highest point shall be the coping of a flat roof, deck line of a mansard roof, or peak of the highest gable of a pitch or hip roof, exclusive of vents, air conditioners, chimneys, and similar objects. [image omitted; see the official code] 19.560.020.A Structure Height B. For sloped lots having a building with a stepped foundation or split levels, the height shall be measured as the vertical distance from the mid point of a line between the highest and lowest points of the building pads or foundation and the top-most point of the roof. [image omitted; see the official code] 19.560.020.B Structure Height on Slope [image omitted; see the official code] 19.560.020.B Structure Height on Split Road (Ord. 7331 §92, 2016; Ord. 6966 §1, 2007)

Riverside Municipal Code § 19.560.030 Exceptions to height limits.

19.560.030 - Exceptions to height limits. The following exceptions to height limits are allowed, provided compliance is achieved with all other applicable requirements and development standards of the Zoning Code. A. Uninhabited architectural design features such as towers, spires, steeples, domes, and cupolas may exceed the specified height limit by a maximum of ten feet, subject to approval by the appropriate Approving or Appeal Authority. B. Roof structures for the housing of elevators, stairways, tanks, ventilating fans or similar equipment required to operate and maintain the building and fire or parapet walls, chimneys, smokestacks, wireless masts or similar structures, but excluding wireless communications equipment, may be erected above the height limits prescribed in the Zoning Code; provided, that the same may be safely erected and maintained at such height in view of the surrounding conditions and circumstances, but no roof structure or any space above the height limit shall be allowed for the purpose of providing additional floor space, subject to approval by the appropriate Approving or Appeal Authority. (Ord. 7331 §92, 2016; 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_CH19.560BUHEMEFetched: 11/1/2026