Riverside's Sign Regulations: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles sign regulations a little differently. In Riverside, California, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Political Signs

Riverside permits non-commercial/political signs on private property under temporary sign rules (RMC §19.620.090), but bans all signs in the public street right-of-way under §19.625.030. State law (Cal. Outdoor Advertising Act §5405.3) governs placement near highways.

Key details: Permit required (private property): No. Right-of-way placement: Prohibited (RMC §19.625.030). State election window: 90 days before to 10 days after election (Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §5405.3). Max size (state highway-visible): 32 sq ft. First-offense fine: $100.

Administrative citation for signs illegally placed in the right-of-way: $100 first offense, $200 second offense, $500 for each offense thereafter. Caltrans removes unauthorized political signs along state highways and bills the responsible party named on the Statement of Responsibility.

Garage Sale Signs

Garage sale signs in the City of Riverside are regulated as temporary signs under RMC §19.620.090 and must be on the property where the sale is held. Signs placed on parkways, utility poles, medians or street trees are prohibited under §19.625.030 and subject to $100–$500 administrative fines.

Key details: On-site signs only: Yes — RMC §19.620.090. Right-of-way signs: Prohibited (RMC §19.625.030). Permit for sign: Not required if on-site. First-offense fine: $100. Yard sale rules: RMC Ch. 5.49.

Administrative citation per RMC §19.625.030 enforcement schedule: $100 first offense, $200 second offense, $500 each subsequent offense. Signs in the right-of-way are removed and discarded by Public Works/Code Enforcement without notice. Contact: Code Enforcement (951) 826-5633.

Holiday Displays

Riverside does not impose a stand-alone holiday display ordinance for residential property. Holiday/seasonal lighting is treated under the outdoor lighting standards in RMC Chapter 19.556, and any holiday signage on private property falls under the temporary sign rules of §19.620.090.

Key details: Permit required (residential): No. Curfew on residential lights: None in City code. County 11 p.m. curfew applies?: No — Riverside County Ord. 915 covers unincorporated areas only. Outdoor lighting standard: RMC Ch. 19.556. Holiday signage: Per RMC §19.620.090.

Residential holiday lighting is rarely cited. Nuisance light spillover onto a neighbor's bedroom window can be addressed under RMC Chapter 19.556 outdoor lighting standards via Code Enforcement (951) 826-5633. Temporary holiday signs that violate §19.620.090 size limits or are placed in the right-of-way are subject to the $100/$200/$500 administrative citation schedule under §19.625.030.

The rules around holiday displays in Riverside lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

The Bottom Line

Riverside's sign regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Riverside is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Riverside can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.