Sidewalk cafes on public sidewalks in unincorporated Riverside County require an encroachment permit from the Transportation Department plus a business license and Environmental Health permit. Operators must maintain 48-inch ADA clearance and carry liability insurance naming the county.
Outdoor dining on public right-of-way in unincorporated Riverside County is authorized by encroachment permit under Ordinance No. 499 (Encroachments) and must comply with multiple codes. The restaurant must first hold a valid Riverside County Department of Environmental Health food facility permit and county business license. The sidewalk portion is permitted separately through the Transportation Department: applicants submit a site plan showing minimum 48-inch ADA-compliant pedestrian clearance (60 inches preferred at passing zones), dimensions, furniture layout, barriers/planters, and any heaters or shade structures. Liability insurance ($1-$2 million general liability) must name Riverside County as additional insured. Alcohol service on the sidewalk requires ABC license amendment and physical barrier delineation. Permits are typically annual with fees of $200-$500 plus per-square-foot public space rent in commercial corridors. Post-COVID 'parklet' extensions (dining in parking spaces) may be allowed under separate pilot programs, with additional traffic-engineering review. Operators must clean the sidewalk daily and are liable for damage/accidents.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Riverside County code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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