Riverside, CA Sign Regulations: Window Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Transparency minimum
- 75% of window surface must stay transparent
- Opaque/sign cap
- 25% of window area maximum
- Vacant storefront exception
- full coverage allowed until tenant occupies space
- Governing section
- RMC § 19.590.110, adopted by Ord. 7717 (2025)
- Multi-family window signs
- capped at 15% under § 19.620.080.C.2.c
Summary
Riverside caps how much of a storefront window can be covered by signs or opaque material: RMC § 19.590.110 requires at least 75 percent of window surface area to stay transparent, meaning window signs and any opaque backing may not exceed 25 percent of the glass. Retailers separately get up to 25 percent of window area for signage under Chapter 19.620's general sign standards.
B.At least 75 percent of the window surface area shall be transparent.1.Fully opaque treatments or coverings including any allowable window signs, exceeding 25 percent of the window surface area are prohibited.C.Window signs shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 19.620.D.Exceptions.1.Exterior windows in areas for storage or mechanical and/or utility equipment shall not be subject to the provisions of this section.2.Window frosting may exceed 25 percent of the window area.3.Vacant storefronts with no business occupying the tenant space may temporarily apply opaque coverings to the complete window area until the tenant space is occupied.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 33).
Full Breakdown
110, retail storefronts must keep at least 75 percent of their window surface area transparent. That means opaque treatments -- solid vinyl wraps, painted-over glass, dense window film, or window signs -- cannot together exceed 25 percent of a given window's surface. 590) and aims to keep commercial corridors visually active rather than blank-walled. c). Three exceptions apply to the transparency rule: windows serving storage, mechanical, or utility rooms are exempt outright; frosted glass may cover more than 25 percent of a window since it still admits light; and a vacant, unleased storefront may be fully covered with an opaque treatment until a tenant occupies the space.
The Community & Economic Development Director administers sign and storefront-design compliance and can require removal of noncompliant coverings during plan check or a code enforcement inspection. Businesses installing new window graphics, murals, or perforated vinyl advertising should measure total coverage per window face before installation, because permanent signs and non-frosted coverings are measured together against the 25 percent ceiling.
Violations & Fines
A storefront that covers more than 25 percent of its window area with signs or opaque material violates RMC § 1.01.110: an infraction draws a fine up to $250, and a repeat or willful violation can be charged as a misdemeanor punishable by up to $1,000 and six months in County Jail, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense. Code Enforcement issues a correction notice before pursuing an administrative citation under Chapter 1.17.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fully cover my storefront window with a sign or wrap?
Does window frosting count toward the 25 percent limit?
What if my business is in a strip mall, not a standalone storefront?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Riverside
California rules heatmap·Compare Riverside to another location·View the California sign regulations overview
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Window Signs in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Riverside County handle window signs.