Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in Riverside, CA (2026)
2 verified zoning overlays & bonuses rules for Riverside, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Density Bonus Law
California density bonus law gives Riverside developers extra units, height, and concessions in exchange for affordable, senior, or veteran housing set-asides, applying citywide on top of base zoning and stacking with state ADU and SB 9 rules.
State density bonus law in Riverside projects
Some RestrictionsCal. Gov. Code § 65915 (State Density Bonus Law)
65915. (a) (1) When an applicant seeks a density bonus for a housing development within, or for the donation of land for housing within, the jurisdiction of a city, county, or city and county, that local government shall comply with this section. A city, county, or city and county shall adopt an ordinance that specifies how compliance with this section will be implemented. Except as otherwise p...
Downtown Design Guide
Any new building, structure, sign, or exterior alteration within Riverside's Downtown Specific Plan (DSP) Zone needs design review approval under the adopted plan's guidelines. Section 19.147.010 splits Downtown into nine distinct subdistricts, each carrying its own use and design standards under Chapter 19.147.
Riverside Downtown Specific Plan Design Review
Significant RestrictionsCity of Riverside, CA, Municipal Code Title 19 (Zoning), Sec. 19.147.010 (Purpose) & Sec. 19.147.050 (Design Review)
The Downtown Specific Plan (DSP) Zone is established to create a diverse, vibrant, 24-hour Downtown area where people can work, live, shop, receive education and enjoy recreational facilities and where arts and culture are an integral component of the urban environment. ... Design guidelines for each subdistrict and general design guidelines that apply to all subdistricts are set forth in the a...
Looking for Riverside County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Riverside city rules.
Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in Riverside County →