Riverside's municipal code includes outdoor lighting standards designed to reduce light pollution and protect the night sky. Riverside County Ordinance 915 establishes requirements for shielded fixtures and limits on upward light emission. New development in the city must submit lighting plans showing fully shielded, downward-directed fixtures. The proximity of Mount Palomar Observatory has historically influenced lighting regulations in the region.
Riverside enforces outdoor lighting standards through building codes and zoning regulations. New exterior lighting must use fully shielded (full-cutoff) fixtures that direct light downward. Maximum wattage and lumen limits may apply in residential zones. Motion-sensor lighting encouraged for security. Commercial lighting must not spill onto adjacent residential properties. Parking lot lighting has specific pole height and coverage requirements. Some jurisdictions adopt International Dark-Sky Association recommendations. LED lighting must meet color temperature guidelines, typically 3000K or below to reduce blue light emissions.
Non-compliant fixtures: notice to correct within 30 days. Failure to comply: fines $100 to $500. Commercial violations: permit revocation possible. Repeat offenders: daily fines.
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
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Riverside require permits through the Community & Economic Development Department: a building permit for the structure, a mechan...
Riverside, CA
Riverside has no city-specific ordinance regulating residential backyard smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens at single-family homes. Operation is gov...
Riverside, CA
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 tha...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Riverside County.
See how other cities in Riverside County handle dark sky rules.
See how Riverside's dark sky rules rules stack up against other locations.
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