Riverside adopts the California Fire Code under RMC Title 16. CFC §308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices (charcoal, wood) and propane tanks larger than 2.5 lbs on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction in buildings with three or more dwelling units. Single-family backyard grilling is permitted but subject to SCAQMD Rule 444 No-Burn Day restrictions on wood fuel.
The City of Riverside adopts the California Fire Code (CFC) by reference under RMC Title 16 (Buildings & Construction) and enforces it through the Riverside Fire Department Fire Prevention Division. CFC §308.1.4 — California's amended version of IFC §308.1.4 — prohibits the use of charcoal burners, open-flame cooking devices, and other open-flame appliances on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction in any building containing three or more dwelling units. LP-gas containers with a water capacity greater than 2.5 pounds (approximately a 1 lb propane bottle) are similarly restricted on multi-family balconies. Exceptions apply where the building is fully sprinklered or where listed electric grills are used. For single-family detached homes, backyard charcoal, gas, and propane grilling is permitted. The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 444 applies to Riverside and prohibits residential wood combustion on declared No-Burn Days during the November 1 – February 28 wood-burning season. Outdoor propane and natural-gas grilling are exempt from Rule 444 and may be used on any day. The Riverside Fire Department conducts annual multi-family fire inspections that include balcony BBQ compliance.
CFC §308 violations at multi-family buildings are infractions or misdemeanors under RMC Title 1 with fines starting at $100 and escalating to $1,000+; Fire Prevention can order immediate removal of non-compliant cooking devices and may red-tag a unit for severe violations. SCAQMD Rule 444 No-Burn Day violations carry administrative penalties up to $500 first offense and $1,000+ for repeat offenses. Property owners can be cited for tolerating known violations.
Riverside, CA
Riverside has no city ordinance restricting residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays on private property. California Civil Code §4710 limi...
Riverside, CA
Riverside has no city ordinance specifically regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Inflatables are permitted on private property subject to rig...
Riverside, CA
Riverside has no city ordinance setting installation dates, removal deadlines, or brightness limits for residential holiday lights. Lights are permitted year...
Riverside, CA
Riverside ADUs may only be rented for terms of 30 days or more, per RMC Chapter 19.442 and California Government Code §65852.2(a)(7). Short-term rentals unde...
Riverside, CA
Riverside cannot impose owner-occupancy requirements on standard ADUs permitted after January 1, 2020 because California Government Code §65852.2(a)(6), made...
Riverside, CA
Riverside waives all local impact fees on ADUs under 750 sq ft per California Government Code §65852.2(f)(3). ADUs 750 sq ft or larger pay impact fees propor...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Riverside County.
See how other cities in Riverside County handle bbq & propane rules.
See how Riverside's bbq & propane rules rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.